VW Scirocco gets Entry-Level 122HP 1.4 TSI Engine and New Styling Pack in the UK

Starting from January 2010, buyers in Britain will be able to order VW's new entry-level version of the Scirocco coupe that's powered by a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine producing 122-horsepower and 147 lbs ft of torque, channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Volkswagen says that the Scirocco 1.4 TSI 122HP accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) in 9.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 124 mph or 200km/h while returning a combined fuel economy figure of 44.1 mpg UK (36.7mpg US or 6.4lt/100km) and CO2 emissions of 146 g/km

Prices for the new base Scirocco start at £18,860 RRP on the road, or £800 less than the 1.4 TSI 160HP model. Standard equipment includes a six-CD changer with iPod preparation, rain and dusk sensors, a multifunction computer, air conditioning and 17-inch alloy wheels as well as a host of safety features including ABS, ESP and six airbags.

In addition to the new entry-level model, VW's UK division also announced a new optional styling pack for the 2010 Scirocco GT. Dubbed "Lugano Black", the new package costs £950 and includes 19-inch 'Lugano' alloy wheels finished in gloss black and Piano Black decorative inserts throughout the cabin.

GM Reportedly Unveiled Several New Models at Pre-Show Event Including 2011 Buick Regal GS and 2011 Chevy Malibu Facelift and Orlando Crossover

A news report from the CanadianDriver claims General Motors gave the members of the press a sneak peak of all the new models that the company is planning to reveal at next month's 2010 Detroit motorshow. Needless to say, no pictures or videos were allowed at the pre-show event that is said to have taken place in downtown Detroit last Wednesday, but here are the cars that were allegedly revealed to the media.

Starting with Buick, the reports says that GM showed a high performance version of the recently revealed 2011 Regal sedan based on the Opel Insignia OPC. If true, we're assuming that the Audi S4-rivalling sports sedan will be called the Buick Regal GS and that it will carry over the OPC's 325HP turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive system.

Moving on to Chevrolet, GM's bestselling brand is said to have unveiled an array of new models for 2010 including the production version of the Camaro Convertible that gets a retractable softop, the redesigned Aveo subcompact, the new Spark mini, the Orlando crossover which was shown in concept form at last year's Paris motor show and surprise, surprise, a heavily facelifted Malibu.

The news report says that the Orlando seven-seater compact crossover, which uses a modified version of the Cruze's platform, has remained close to the concept while the 2011 Malibu sedan is claimed to feature a more sculptured body work, crisper edges and pronounced wheel arches.

Finally, GM is said to have taken the wraps off GMC's version of the Chevrolet Orlando called the Granite - though it is not clear if this is a production or a concept model.

Since General Motors has not made any official announcements, there's no way we can corroborate the report, but with the Detroit show just around the corner, we gather that it won't be long before we get the official word.

Via: Canadiandriver

BMW Motorsport Ushers in New Z4 GT3 Racer with M3-Sourced 480HP V8

Finally, a Z4 with the M3's V8 engine? Well, yes and no. See, while the Z4 GT3 does indeed get a tweaked version of the M3's V8, it isn't a street-legal model like the M3 GTS but a thoroughbred racing car that has been developed for private teams by the Bavarian firm's Motorsport division. Now that we've cleared that up, let's see what the Z4 GT3 is all about.

While we don't have any photos of the Z4 racer yet (the standard Z4 sDrive35i is pictured here), BMW Motorsport has revealed numerous details of the car on its dedicated website.

The Z4 GT3 has been designed to compete in international and national championships in accordance with GT3 regulations including the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open and the ADAC GT Masters as well as in 24-hour endurance races.

The hardtop roadster is powered by a specially-prepped version of the M3's 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 480-horsepower which is channeled to the rear wheels through a specific sequential, six-speed gearbox.

Other upgrades include are said to include special alloy wheels with locking and safety clips, as well as a racing ABS system.

BMW Motorsport stated that the Z4 GT3 racer will go on sale for private teams fron the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of €298,000 or about US$430,000, not including taxes.

Via: Worldcarfans , Source: BMW Motorsport

Photos: BMW Z4 sDrive35i at the 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix