2009 Alfa Romeo 159

If anything comes out of the Chrysler/Fiat partnership (and we doubt anything will) we're desperately looking forward to a range of Alfa Romeo products in the States. Right behind the Brera on our imaginary wish-list is this: the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the updated 159 boasts two new engines – a 200 hp, 1.8-liter TBi (turbocharged and direct-injected) four-cylinder and a 170 hp, 1.8-liter JTDm diesel – with the gas-powered variant equipped with a "Q2" electronic differential and a choice of either a six-speed manual or auto 'box. Unfortunately, these leaked images and minor details are all we have, so expect all the info to follow in the first week of March.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Ferrari recalls F430 Spider for defective convertible top

Yesterday Ferrari issued a recall for 1,950 of its 2005-2007 F430 Spiders involving the car's automatic convertible top, according to the NHTSA. The problem arose from the hydraulic hoses that operate the top, which could form hairline cracks due to heat from the engine. As a result, the hoses could leak fluid into the engine bay and possibly create smoke or even start a fire. To remedy the situation, Ferrari dealers will install an insulated heat shield that will protect the hoses from heat in the engine bay.

[Source: InsideLine via FerrariChat.com]

Vehicle Make / Model:

Model Year(s):
FERRARI / F430

2005-2007

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
09V048000

Summary:

FERRARI IS RECALLING 1,950 MY 2005-2007 F40 SPIDER VEHICLES. THE DEFECT INVOLVES THE HYDRAULIC HOSES FOR THE CONVERTIBLE TOP THAT ARE LOCATED INSIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HEAT FROM THE ENGINE MAY CAUSE HAIR-LINE CRACKS TO FORM IN THE HOSES WHICH MAY RESULT IN FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE CONVERTIBLE TOP HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.

Consequence:

THIS LEAKAGE IN TURN, WILL CAUSE THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND IF NOT REMEDIED, COULD ULTIMATELY LEAK FLUID INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING SMOKE AND A FIRE, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE HEAT SHIELDS OVER THE CONVERTIBLE TOP HYDRAULIC LINES TO INSULATE THEM FROM THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FERRARI AT 201-816-2600.

Notes:

FERRARI RECALL NO. 49. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Baby McLaren to take on 911

We've been hearing about McLaren's future product onslaught for almost a year, and in addition to the F430-rivaling P11 supercar, the bespoke automaker is planning a 911-fighter to slot in underneath it. AutoExpress tapped a design firm to render the new coupe and although it comes off as a botched attempt to replicate the Audi R8 – right down to the wheels – it could give us a glimpse of what to expect.

McLaren wants to increase its output by several thousand units over the next five years and the new "entry-level" supercar is where it expects to find the sales. In an effort to reduce costs, the mid-engine coupe will be based off the P11's rear-wheel-drive chassis, with motivation provided by AMG's 6.2-liter V8. Keeping size and weight in check are two of McLaren's primarily goals, so expect a footprint smaller than the R8, a composite body and plenty of aluminum. Early speculation says that around 450 hp will be transmitted to a semi-automatic gearbox (controlled with paddle shifters), with a curb weight of around 2,800 pounds. That should allow the new coupe to scoot to 60 in around 4.5 seconds and top out at 195 mph before you have to deploy the standard carbon ceramic brakes. Pricing is expected to be around £80,000 with sales beginning sometime before 2012.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Hyundai HED-6 Concept leaks out

We're still just over a week away from the Geneva Motor Show, but thanks to the folks at Autotelegraaf, we've got the first official images of Hyundai's HED-6 concept. The CG renderings stay true to the sketch released last week, evolving the current Hyundai crossover design language into a more edgy, sculpted and less anonymous package. Motivation comes courtesy of a 175 hp 1.6-liter GDi four-cylinder equipped with a turbo and a direct injection, and the new mill is expected to find its way into Hyundai's future small and mid-size offerings, including the i30.

When the HED-6 makes it to production, the CUV is likely to carry the iX35 moniker and be built along side the Kia Sportage – due for its own facelift in 2010 – at the automaker's facility in Slovakia. The iX35 could find its way to the States as the next Tucson, but we'll know more when we're on the floor in Geneva next month.

[Source: Autotelegraaf via World Car Fans]

Porsche Design releases new P'9522 phone

Say what you will about Porsche's automotive design, its product design is at the cutting edge of style and technology. The company's merchandizing division, Porsche Design, has just upped the ante with its latest release, the P'9522 mobile phone.

Unlike Porsche Design's previous phone, the slick P'9521 clamshell, the P'9522 is designed around a straightforward "candy-bar" form factor, milled from a solid block of aluminum with a scratch-resistant touchscreen glass display. Avoiding getting your fingerprints all over this slick piece of tech would be an exercise in futility, so Porsche Design has incorporated a fingerprint reader to keep unwelcome users out. The P'9522 also features a five-megapixel camera with flash, GPS module, stereo MP3 player, WiFi and quad-band antennas for use around the world (except Japan and Korea). At €600 (approx. $774), it ain't cheap, but it's about half the price of the P'9521 flip-phone.


[Source: Porsche Design]

Renault Megane RS teased

In the run up to next month's Geneva Motor Show, Renault has launched a teaser site counting down the days until the reveal of the Renault Megane RS. We captured the image above from the darkened animation and after a few Photoshop tweaks, we were able to tease out some of the design details of Renault's new hot hatch.

The front fascia pulls a few cues from the Megane Coupe Trophy concept from the Paris Motor Show, including the sculpted lip that bisects the air dam, the contoured hood, bulbous fenders and headlamps, which appear to be toned-down for the production version.

The Renault Megane RS will initially be available in three-door form, with a five-door model following later. Power is likely to be supplied by the Renault Megane R.26's turbocharged 2.0-liter, putting out around 250 hp and returning a 0-60 time of around six seconds when equipped with a manual transmission. Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential and a revised power steering system are all rumored to be included, and sales should begin in Europe sometime this fall.

[Source: Renault]

Hyundai Equus: First official images hit web

We've seen plenty of spy shots and teasers showing Hyundai's new flagship luxury sedan, the Equus. These, however, are the first official images of the big South Korean luxury car that appear to be from an actual brochure. The Equus is about 7 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and has a wheelbase nearly 4.5 inches longer than the Genesis, but will launch in South Korea using the same 3.8L V6 and 4.6L V8 currently used by Hyundai's large sedan in the U.S. A more powerful 5.0L V8 producing upwards of 420 horsepower will also reportedly be offered sometime after launch.

If the Genesis is aimed at the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, then the Equus has its sites set squarely on vehicles like the 7 Series, S-Class and Lexus LS460. It is still not known whether Hyundai will sell the Equus in the U.S., though with a base price of 130,000,000 South Korean won (about $93,471 USD), it would be the automaker's most ambitious U.S. offering by far. Hyundai is no doubt watching sales of the Genesis very closely to see if the brand can hold its own in the image-obsessed luxury segments, and early signs in terms of sales and critical success are positive. Whether or not that means the U.S. is ready for such an expensive Hyundai remains to be seen.

[Source: The Car Blogger]