Volkswagen Golf GTI “Edition 30” – Happy birthday GTI!

Its been 30 years since the first Golf GTI rolled off VW’s production line, so the Germans decided to make a birthday gift to the car that christened a whole new category: the Golf GTI Edition 30 concept.

As you can see from the pictures, the special edition GTI has a few cosmetic modifications –painted bumpers, 18’’ black alloy wheels, darkened rear lights, red stitched sterring wheel, gear knob with the classic Golf Ball Design and special "edition 30" signatures.

The most interesting part though is the pumped up 2.0 TFSI engine that now produces 230 hp, 30 more than the normal version –one hp for every year that the car was in production.

Although officially there is no word for a production version, Volkswagen is known for its limited series production models such as the Golf 20th or the Golf Pink Floyd which means we might very well see the Golf GTI Edition 30 come to life.

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Debut of the new “Fiat by T-Logic” digital appliances range

The first range of Fiat brand digital appliances is being launched onto the Italian market. A limited edition collection, it represents a consummate blend of advanced technology and fashion appeal.

In detail, the new high tech products are produced and distributed by Life Tool Technologies S.p.A., an Ancona-based company belonging to the Merloni Group, with the brand name “Fiat by T-Logic”. The products - Mp3 players, digital cameras and alcohol testers, all multi-function appliances - are called Genio, Album, Tribù, Cinema, Istante and Amico.

Produced in the official colours of the brand, the digital collection features the big vintage Fiat logo in pride of place, with the original pay-off “Fabbrica Italiana Alta Tecnologia”, inspired by and reworking the real acronym, “Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino”.

Targeting a young, modern market, Fiat electronic products boast a simple, original design. Reflecting this, the container has been designed to be reused: not just packaging to throw away, but a collectable object that can be reused constantly and displayed.

“The Fiat by T-Logic range is one of the Fiat products produced under licence by highly specialised, qualified partner companies”, explains Massimo Franzosi, licensing manager for Fiat Auto. “Just like the sweatshirts, biker jackets, sneakers and pens manufactured by Rites, Dainese, Sabelt and Mazzuoli respectively, the “Fiat by T-Logic” consumer electronics products will increase the appeal of the Fiat brand, and give existing and potential fans more scope for using the brand, both in and out of the dealerships”.

Prices: Prices go from around 300 euros for Genio, the mp3 player with a 20 GB hard disk, to 160 euros for Tribù, a Macintosh-compatible mp3 player with speakers, an FM radio and an internal memory of 1 GB, to 40 euros for Amico, the alcohol tester with gas sensor technology.

Distributed by selected qualified outlets, predominantly specialised shops and chains, the range also comes with a technical assistance service which offers free home delivery.

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Porsche Cayman: New basic version with 245 Hp

Following the market launch of the Cayman S in autumn 2005, Porsche is introducing the Cayman, a new basic version of the mid-engine sports coupé.

Engine: Based on the Boxster series, the two-seater is powered by a six-cylinder boxer engine with an engine-capacity of 2.7 liters and developing an output of 245 bhp (180 kW). Thanks to the Porsche VarioCam Plus system the Cayman affords a torque of 273 Newton meters available between 4,600 and 6,000 revs. Power is transmitted via a five-speed manual transmission with short, precise shifting travel. A six-speed manual transmission in conjunction with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is also available on request. As a third variant, Porsche offers its customers the well-known Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission, which has rocker switches in the steering-wheel spokes for sporty gear shifting.

Performance: It has a top speed of 258 kilometers per hour. This sports car with manual transmission accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The Cayman is convincing proof of the fact that outstanding performance statistics do not necessarily mean high fuel consumption. According to European standards, it consumes on average only 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers.

Chassis: The Cayman coasts along on 17-inch light-alloy wheels boasting a unique design with five double spokes. 205/55 tires are fitted as standard onto 6.5-inch wide wheel rims at the front; the combination at the rear is 235/50 tires on 8-inch rims. With the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system fitted as standard, the chassis makes an impressive impact in terms of driving dynamics and active safety.

The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is available as an optional extra. The system is capable of lowering the body by ten millimeters, and automatically adapts the shock-absorber system to each particular driving situation. The driver can choose between the “normal” and “sport” programs by pressing a button on the center console.

Design: Other special features of the Cayman are black brake calipers, black front-spoiler lips, a titanium-colored logo at the rear and also a trapezoidal tailpipe. The impressive interior boasts a comprehensive range of standard features including an air-conditioning system, a radio/CD player, seat covers in luxurious Alcantara leather, black-faced instrument dials and door entry trims with the Cayman logo. Because of the mid-engine concept, it boasts two trunk compartments with a combined volume of 410 liters, just like its big brother, the Cayman S. Along with many other storage features, this design highlights the sports coupé’s supreme practicality.

Safety: In additional to two full-size airbags to guarantee the necessary level of safety protection in the event of head-on collisions, the ingenious Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP), which features a chest and head airbag on each side of the vehicle, also provides excellent protection in side-on collisions.

Price: The basic price in euros for the Cayman is 40,900 euros. In Germany, the vehicle costs 47,647 euros including sales tax and country-specific requirements. The Cayman will be on sale in the USA for 49,400 dollars (not including tax). The market launch in Europe and the USA will take place on July 29, 2006.

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