La Dolce Veloce

The Solstice was just recently released, but a turbocharged version was already sighted testing at the Nürburgring. The Car Connection reports that the car will have around 240-250hp and very minor styling differences (rear spoiler lip, for example). In my opinion, the Solstice is the first serious competition the Mazda Miata has faced since being introduced in 1990.

Owners of many hybrid vehicles (such as the Toyota Prius) have been surprised to find that their real-world mileage is not nearly as good as what the window sticker advertises. The car manufacturers aren’t to blame here; at fault are EPA test procedures that do not accurately test hybrid vehicles. Responding to this criticism, the EPA has announced plans to change their testing to better reflect real world conditions (such as higher speeds, colder weather, and greater use of accessories like air conditioning).

Chris Bangle, lead designer at BMW, has received a lot of criticism in recent times for the new look he’s been applying to BMW cars since the new seven series a few years ago (‘flame styling’, I think they call it). Well, AC Schmitzer has made Bangle’s designs like like the sort of conservative vehicle your grandparents would buy. AC took a BMW M6 and performed the full gamut of modifications – more power, lower suspension, interior mods, new wheels/tires, larger brakes, funky paint, etc. The car also includes a rear diffuser with interchangeable parts for track or street use (a nice idea, though I’m not sure to what extent that BMW will benefit from a diffuser without other aerodynamic mods to the underbody and front airdam). Like Bangle’s designs, I think you’ll either love or hate this car. See the rest of this post for more pictures (the source of the picture is here).
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VDO showed off an unusual new braking system in Frankfurt, one that is actually almost ready for production (expected by the end of this decade). Instead of hydraulic fluid pressing a cylinder against the brake pad, electric motors move a wedge to provide that some compressive force. The benefits are a simpler design, with less maintenance. Since it’s an electronic system, it also makes it easier for a computer to step in and adjust your braking for you (like ABS, traction control, etc). Most importantly, it brings us one step closer to the day when cars are able to drive themselves – for better or worse. More info here.

Apparently there are people out there who feel the Ferrari F430 is just, well, just not FAST enough (see this article at Pistonheads about what two aftermarket tuners are doing about the problem). Well, Ferrari is doing what it’s done for the past two model generations (F355 and F360) and introducing a track version of the F430, the Challenge. The focus is on reduced weight (down to 1225kg through the use of a lexan windscreen and lots of carbon fiber elsewhere), and – rejoice, purists – the REMOVAL of electronic drivers aids such as the electronic differential, electronic brake distribution, and stability and traction control. The quick-release steering wheel has buttons for a car to pit radio, pit lane speed limiter, and instrument panel interface! Not surprisingly, the car also has a new exhaust and improved engine bay cooling. It’s the F430 Ferrari SHOULD have made from the start if you ask me! Bravo, Ferrari, bravo… (source)

Auto Motor & Sport has a nice photo gallery of the Gallardo Spyder. Bella Macchina!

Days after unveiling the new XK coupe, Jaguar has unveiled the convertible version, as shown in these pictures. The car will be available in early 2006, with pricing announced closer to launch date. More info at Pistonheads, see the rest of this post for more pics. Read more about the design of the XK in this article over at AutoWeek.
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