Ski-doo Bumber Bar on 2040-parts.com

Alfa Romeo 159 (2009): new engines and trims

By Tim Swietochowski First Official Pictures 28 August 2009 10:52 Alfa Romeo has announced two new additions to the Alfa Romeo 159 engine range, which will also find their way into the Alfa Brera and Spider later in 2009. New trim options for the 159 have also been revealed.The first new powerplant is a 16-valve, turbocharged 1.7-litre petrol, which features variable valve timing and direct injection, developing 200bhp and 236lb ft of torque. The new 1750 TBi, which takes its name from the Alfa 1750 Berlina, propels the 159 to 62mph from rest in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 147mph.Joining the petrol motor is a new common-rail 2.0-litre diesel, the JTDM, which produces 170bhp and 265lb ft of torque to give the derv 159 a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.Are these new Alfa Romeo engines economical?The new petrol motor produces CO2 emissions of 189g/km (lowering the 159’s UK company car benefit-in-kind tax by six bands in comparison with the old 2.2-litre JTS engine) with the diesel pumping out 142g/km.

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (2012) first pics

These are the first official shots of the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, which goes on sale in March 2012.  The convertible top still looks as if it was made of soft fabric, but it actually consists of three semi-rigid lightweight panels coated with a novel furry material, which conceals the cutlines. A fabric top layer finishes things off, and is claimed to be very soundproof, while the rear glass screen is heated and scratchproof. So the new Porsche 911 Cabriolet is a bit of a porker?

RCA Citroen/Exa Double Challenge project

Second year students at the Royal College of Art in London revealed a series of projects at their interim degree show last week. Developed in collaboration with French automaker Citroen and the Exa Corporation, a leading supplier of aerodynamic software, the Double Challenge project asked students to design an ultra-compact model that could establish a unique Citroën e-vehicle aesthetic for the future, all while adhering to certain aerodynamic criteria that would not only reduce energy consumption and ensure stability at speed, but also visually communicate efficiency through its design. The project, which kicked off in October last year, was closely followed by representatives from Citroen and Exa, who examined each of the projects and chose a winner, Heikki Juvonen, at the event last week.