2008 Mazda6 Promotional Video

It’s bigger; it’s sexier; it looks more upscale and it’s lighter than the current Mazda6. If the Japanese firm has managed to retain that “zoom-zoom” character in the 6’s driving dynamics, what more could you possibly want from a mid-size sedan? Sales start in Europe from mid-October with the option of three petrol engines (1.8L, 2.0L & 2.5L) and a 2.0 turbodiesel. US buyers will have to wait until next summer were it will be introduced as a 2009 model. See our Frankfurt report on the all-new Mazda6 by clicking here.

2008 Grande Punto Abarth "esseesse": Official Details

The Grande Punto Abarth “esseesse” kit or SS for short, was officially revealed at the IAA 2007 last week. Available exclusively from authorized Abarth dealers in early 2008, the sport kit includes a number of visual and mechanical enchantments. With the “esseesse” kit, the Abarth’s 1.4-litre turbocharged engine delivers 180 hp @ 5,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 272 Nm (201-lbs/ft) compared to the standard model’s 155 Hp and 206 Nm (152-lbs/ft) of torque. Combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the enhanced engine raises the Abarth’s top speed from 208 km/h (129 mph) 215 km/h (134 mph) while acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) drops from 8.2 sec to 7.7 sec. -Click “Read More…” below

Other mechanical modifications include the special suspension set up (both the front and rear suspension has been lowered by a further 20 mm compared to the Grande Punto Abarth), and the enhanced braking system (the front discs are perforated and fitted with high-performance pads).

Since being faster isn’t enough for most people, the “esseesse” pack also includes a very aggressive bodykit that adds new bumpers, side sills, large twin-exhaust pipes, a roof spoiler, plenty of stickers and 18-inch alloy wheels. For the moment at least, Abarth hasn't announced any accesories for the interior so we added the photos of the standard Grande Punto Abarth's cabin.

According to Fiat, the “esseesse” kit is reserved especially for the Grande Punto Abarth, and can only be installed at official Abarth dealers. The car can be converted at the time of sale, up to 1 year after purchase, or after 20,000 km on the road. Once the work has been done, the tuner will deal with the administration required to have the vehicle approved.

2008 Porsche Cayenne: Techart Aerodynamic Kit I

Alongside the Cayenne based Magnum, Techart also introduced a more subtle variation of the Porsche SUV at the Frankfurt Show last week. Dubbed “Aerodynamic Kit I”, the sport package consists of a front spoiler, sill panels and a rear diffuser. In terms of tyres and rims, Techart offers a wide variety of options ranging from Formula I rims in 10x20 ET 55 with 295/40 ZR 20 or 10x22 ET 55 with 295/30 ZR 22 on front and rear axles through to Formula II light metal rims in the dimensions 10.5Jx22. Techart also provides the option of lowering the Cayenne’s chassis by 30mm 1.2-inches.The entire adjustment range from the load level to the special terrain level is roughly 110mm or 4.3-inches. -Continued after the jump

If you’re willing to put your hands deep down in your pocket the Cayenne Turbo can be ordered with a performance upgrade of up to 620 hp which. In this case, a carbon cover and individually modified painting of various engine parts round off the engine optic package

If you continue digging a bit deeper in your pocket, Techart will also equip the interior of your Cayenne with a range of exclusive accessories that include ergonomically formed sports steering wheels, art multimedia systems, carbon applications for the cockpit in various colour optionsand full leather fittings in all conceivable colours and upholstery designs.

TECHNICAL DATA

TECHART SUV on the basis of the Cayenne from mod. 2008

Aerodynamics:

TECHART SUV aerodynamic kit I (front spoiler, sill panel, rear diffuser) in first fit quality, made of PUR-RIM plastic.

Continuation of the dynamic line of the Cayenne Facelift

Tyres:

Formula I rims in 10x22 ET 55 with 295/30 ZR22 on front and rear axle or, as maximum version, TECHART Formula II light metal rims in the dimensions 10.5Jx22.

As optimum tyres for the Formula II rims, ContiCrossContact UHP

tyres in the sizes 295/30 ZR 22 were selected, certified on the Cayenne up to a maximum speed of 300 km/h. This means that the SUV is also prepared for engine tuning for the Cayenne Turbo, which in its strongest version is developed for up to 620 hp / 456 KW.

Chassis:

Fitting of the air suspension with the TECHART Sport Module means that the chassis is lowered by an entire 30 millimetres; accordingly, there is no hindrance to use in sporting on-road situations. The entire setting range from the lowest level (load level) up to the highest level (special terrain level) covers around 110 millimetres.

Engine tuning/enhancement:

Performance kits up to 456 KW / 620 hp

Engine optics package (carbon panelling and various engine parts painted)
Sport exhaust systems

Interior:

From the sports steering wheel through to complete leather fittings by de Sede

State of the art multimedia-systems

Frankfurt Review: Hamann Porsche Cayenne "Cyclone"

We’re in the process of wrapping up our Frankfurt Show coverage with the presentation of a few models that we haven’t shown you yet and the Hamann Porsche Cayenne Cyclone belongs to this category. A picture is worth a thousand words and the Cyclone definitely speaks for itself with its vulgar looks. There are no mechanical changes as the Cyclone sport pack consists only of a full, wide body aerodynamic kit and optional 22 and 23-inch alloy wheels. If you follow the jump, you can check out our high-res image gallery along with the official press release and additionally, if you’re interested, the price list which we snapped with our camera at the Frankfurt Show. -Click “Read More…” below

The HAMANN Porsche Cayenne “Cyclone”

• · Extensive wide body aerodynamic component kit “Cyclone” designed by HAMANN
• · HAMANN-Daytime running lights for better safety
• · 22“ and 23“ alloy wheels ANNIVERSARY II and EDITION RACE available

The Porsche Cayenne enjoys great popularity with the customers. No wonder, since the noble SUV combines power and design. HAMANN MOTORSPORT in Laupheim offers various modifications for Porsche Cayenne to refine it and to make it more individual. The most obvious alteration is the shapely and mighty envelopment. Fitted with the HAMANN wide body-kit the Cayenne becomes the “Cyclone”!

A true HAMANN without aerodynamical conversion is inconceivable. Even more so, when the vehicle in question is a Power SUV like the Cayenne. Brandnew is the HAMANN wide body-kit, which make the Cayenne appear even more imposing. Fitted with this kit, the Cayenne may call itself „Cyclone“ .

The front view presents itself in an unmistakable optical characteristic. The specialists in Laupheim designed a front spoiler with two integrated LED-daytime running lights and fog lamps each. By offering the LED daytime running lights HAMANN makes a valuable safety contribution. Three high performance-LEDs and 250 reflectors lead to a better signal aspect. Their lucent white signal light is highly visible even at daytime and warns oncoming traffic fast and efficiently, which in case of emergency leads to better reaction time. Further advantage: LEDs beat normal H7-bulbs in terms of durability because they can be used 30 times longer. Additionally, they lead to less fuel consumption which is a result of their better energy-efficiency.

But even with switched off LED´s the „Cyclone“ is a flashily-dressed giant. The front and rear extended wheel arches give the Cayenne an absolutely powerful. The back also demonstrates individual power: roof spoiler and rear-facing panel with integrated diffuser and cut-out for the HAMANN 4-pipe sports competition silencer. The tail lights with four individual light fixtures are real eye-catchers.

Corresponding to the performance and in order to provide suitable optical characteristics, HAMANN offers a lowering system for all vehicles with pneumatic shock absorption. The vehicle is thus lowered in front and rear by approx. 35 millimetres. Of course, the vehicle thus reacts distinctly more accurately to the steering system and offers pure driving pleasure.

The specifically developed HAMANN brake system for the front axle with slotted and ventilated brake discs sized 380 x 34 millimetres, aluminium disc chamber, sports brake linings and steelflex brake pipes. The eight-piston fixed calliper disc brakes in silver complete the system and apply a powerful grip. At the rear axle an four-piston brake system with slotted and ventilated brake discs sized 380x28mm plus the same hardware as above support the system working at the front.

Optimal contact with the road is guaranteed by the HAMANN light-alloy wheels ANNIVERSARY II for 22 inch tyres. The multi-part aluminium wheel in multi-spoke design is available in the dimensions 10.5 J x 22 inches for front and rear axle. If you prefer it a size larger, you can also have the size 11.5 J x 22 inches for the rear axle, but then only in combination with the flared wheel arches. The silver ANNIVERSARY II with high gloss polished rim flange is fitted with tyres in 295/30 ZR 22 (front) and 315/30 ZR 22 (rear).

The appearance of the three-piece, ultra light forged wheels EDITION RACE in crossing spoke design and black wheel spider is identified through its nine main spokes double-attached, branching and continually double-crossing towards the outside rim. Its stirring design becomes particularly noticeable through Titan studs. The high-polished flange is icing on the cake to complete this luxurious look. The wheel EDITION RACE comes in an impressive 11x23” with tyres 315/25 R23.

HAMANN equips the “Cyclone” with high performance tires from technology partners HANKOOK.

Sound tuning – with some additional horse power produced at the same time – is accomplished by HAMANN with its sports exhaust systems. Sports headers and sports metal catalytic converters including connecting pipes for the HAMANN 4-pipe-sports rear silencer made from stainless steel, evoke thoughts of a raging cyclone closing in!

As in all HAMANN models, there are no limits to the customer’s requirements in respect of the passenger compartment. Can’t be done? – that’s not true! An absolute must is the pedal set including aluminium foot rest. Of course, the exclusive pearl velours floor mats with the silver, embroidered HAMANN logo are also indispensable. A three spoke airbag-equipped sports steering wheel connects the driver even better to his vehicle. Additional motorsports atmosphere provides the 36-piece carbon coated interior-set. Passengers preferably never want to get out of the „Cyclon“, when HAMANN fits out the passenger compartment with its „Twotone Snake“ full leather equipment. There really isn´t much room left for more precious interior! As always, HAMANN applies the rule „nothing is impossible“. Every Cayenne is customized according to each customer’s specific requests, for example with extensive multimedia conversions.

Frankfurt Show Bits & Pieces: BMW’s Giga Traffic Light

In order to promote their newly developed Start/Stop system that’s standard in most models, BMW set up a giga traffic light on its hall at the Frankfurt Show. However, instead of having the usual green, orange and red lights, BMW’s traffic light consisted only of green lights to show that with the Start/Stop system, when you come to a halt, the engine automatically turns off, thus saving fuel and producing less CO2 emissions. Need any more proof that Frankfurt was as green as it gets this year? -More images after the jump

Frankfurt Review: Kia’s 3.9L/100 Km - 60 MPG Eco_Cee’d

Along with the 3door pro_cee’d, Kia also staged the world-premiere of the eco_cee’d concept car at the Frankfurt Show. Based on the sexy 3door pro_cee’d (it looks even better in person), the eco_cee’d secures better fuel consumption and fewer emissions via minor, but significant modifications. Using the standard Euro-5 compliant, 115 Hp, 1.6-litre diesel engine, Kia’s engineers improved the pro_cee’d’s aerodynamics down to Cd 0.29 (check out the flat floor pan). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Additionally, in order to maximize the value of the aerodynamic and powertrain improvements, the eco_cee’d was also fitted with Kia’s new Idle Stop&Go and Regenerative Braking systems. The end result is an avg. fuel consumption of 3.9 liters/100km (which translates to 60 mpg) while CO2 emissions are reduced to just 104 g/km. Comparatively, the standard pro_cee’d 1.6 Diesel (High) sips an avg. of 4,7 liters of diesel for every 100km (or 50 mpg) and while emitting 119 grams of CO2 per km.

’07 Frankfurt Show Babes: Part II

We finally got around emptying our camera’s memory card, singling out the rest of the Frankfurt Babes pictures. So without any more delays, here’s the second part of our “fraulein” coverage. In case you missed out on the first part, just click here but remember kids, either keep both hands firmly set on top of the desk or shut the door... -Continued: Click "Read More..." below