Fiat to Build Combo for Opel

Based on a new agreement between Fiat Group Automobiles SpA and Adam Opel GmbH, the successor to the Opel/Vauxhall Combo model will be based on the Fiat Doblo, and will also be built by the Italian manufacturer. Fiat will supply vehicles comprising several variants to Opel/Vauxhall commencing December 2011. They will produce these cars at their Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey.

According to Fiat, the Tofas-built vehicles will be badged as Opel and Vauxhall and sold from 2012 onwards on the markets in Europe and several others outside of NAFTA. The models built by Fiat for Opel will continue to wear the Combo designation and will be available in several body variants, including Cargo Vans, Combi, Passenger Vehicles and chassis Cabs.

Fiat said in a statement Monday that the vehicles based on the Fiat Doblo platform will replace the Opel Combo Light Commercial Vehicle. They will be produced at the Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey, where the Doblo is made.


It will be sold in Europe and other markets except those in North America.
Deliveries in 2011 were put at 6,000 rising to at least 250,000 in time while Tofas will make 1.3 million of the vehicles.

via:carscoop




Press Release

• Supply of derivatives of Fiat’s Doblo model
• Successor to the Opel/Vauxhall Combo model
• Produced at Tofas in Turkey
• Production of more than 250,000 units to start in 2011

Turin/Russelsheim. The Automobile Sector of the Fiat Group (Fiat Group Automobiles SpA, Turin, Italy) and Adam Opel GmbH (R?sselsheim, Germany) have signed a contract agreement whereby Fiat will supply vehicles comprising of several variants to Opel commencing December 2011.

The model will replace the Opel Combo light commercial vehicle, which reaches the end of its lifecycle in the fourth quarter 2011. The new vehicles, based on the same platform as the Fiat Doblo models, will be produced at the Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey where the Doblo is manufactured. They will be sold by Vauxhall and Opel dealers in Europe and other markets outside of North America starting in January 2012.

Opel and Vauxhall will retain the Combo name for this vehicle range which will include a number of derivatives, including cargo vans, passenger vehicles and chassis cabs. The Opel/Vauxhall design team in R?sselsheim, Germany is actively involved in the development of the new models and works in cooperation with the Fiat Group Automobiles’ Engineering and Design Group in Turin, Italy.

The project calls for an initial supply of up to 6,000 vehicles in 2011. The program is planned to cover the supply of at least 250,000 units. This will extend the total lifetime production of this vehicle platform in the Tofas plant to 1.3 million units. Tofas is a joint venture between Fiat Group Automobile and Koc Holding of Turkey and was established in 1968.

Wimmer Ariel Atom

German tuner Wimmer RS has added a few extra horses to the Ariel Atom 3 that go a long way on this very lightweight car.

The vehicle has been targeted by Wimmer RS, receiving a power boost in order to deliver a top experience. The aftermarket developer has played with the turbo, fuel pump, air intake, has installed a new exhaust system that uses Rennkat components and has remapped the ECU. The vehicle’s powerplant now allows the driver to play with 340 hp and 282 Nm (208 lb-ft).

With a total weight of 469 kilos and a two-liter four-cylinder Honda engine with 300 ponies kicking under the hood, the Atom was bound to get some sort of power boost eventually. Winner RS has done that with an engine optimization software, a modified supercharger, fuel pump conversion, and sport exhaust system done together with Rennkat.

The Wimmer RS Ariel Atom is able to get from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. The Wimmer RS Ariel Atom features unique internal shock absorbers, a push-rods operated suspension system, and damper struts. The Wimmer RS Ariel Atom price has not been announced.




Press Release

Extra power - high performance sports car Ariel Atom 3 300 by Wimmer RS
Wimmer RS has tuned the Atom 3 300 up to 340 hp

The Ariel Atom is one of the fastest street cars, maybe the strongest sprint 4-cylinder series car in the world. The standard Atom 3 300 is driven by a turbocharged up to 300 hp two-liter four-cylinder Honda engine. With a weight of only 469 kg, it can easily keep up not only with super sports cars - after the power increase at Wimmer RS it can put some of them in the shade.

A vehicle like a rocket: only 469 kg weight, no doors, no luxury. The Atom is equipped with the unique internal shock absorbers. The suspension is operated via push-rods - the damper struts are at the top. The tube frame replaces the body. This provides rigidity, low weight and maximum safety for corner speeds.

The power increase at Wimmer RS includes the following reconstruction measures: Wimmer engine optimization software, compressor overhaul, fuel pump conversion and sport exhaust system together with Rennkat. Whopping 340 hp and 282 Nm are the result. With such powerful Japanese engine in the rear, this 469-kg rocket accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds - Atom achieved 200 km/h in just 7.1 seconds

Direct air suction sounds like a hissing, and by this modification, exhaust system with optimized back pressure from Wimmer RS allows to hide the entire power behind the seat, so you will hear a wonderful sound.

Photos by: Jordi Miranda

For more information please contact:

Wimmer Rennsporttechnik Solingen GmbH
Löhdorferstr. 231
42699 Solingen
Tel.: 0212 - 264 3000
Fax: 0212 - 264 3488
www.wimmer-rst.de
info@wimmer-rst.de

Piecha Design Mercedes SLK RS Final Edition

The Mercedes-Benz SLK has just received a new modification pack from Piecha Design. One of those tuners is Piecha Design who have prepared the “Final Performance RS EDITION,” in order to say good bye to a pretty cool car.

Available in Fire Opal Red or Diamond White semi-matte, the RS features a revised front fascia, aggressive side skirts, and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. Other goodies include black anodized accents, LED daytime driving lights, H&R lowering springs, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The PIECHA Mercedes SLK RS has been equipped with a quadruple-flow sport exhaust system. The PIECHA Mercedes SLK RS program also includes sports leather seats, the Vario roof comfort package and H&R lowering springs. The PIECHA Mercedes SLK RS sits on 8.5x19 wheels and with 225/35R 19 tires at the front and 9.5x20 inch wheels and 265/25R20 tires at the rear.




Press Release

PIECHA Design Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 Final Performance RS Edition

The best saved for last: The final performance RS edition by Piecha Design

While the production of the highly successful SLK series R171 was just suspended, the new edition of the small Mercedes-Benz roadster should be completed in about half a year - after all, only masked prototypes are currently completing their laps. In order to cover the truth, the Mercedes-Benz operator PIECHA Design - in cooperation with the Swiss general importer of the company, the Auto Trachsler AG from Wetzikon - produces a unique final edition series.

One takes a brand-new and fully equipped SLR R171, garnished it with the best design programmes from PIECHA and painted the car in one colour, which was not available during the entire SLK R171time. Thus, the recipe for the PIECHA Design calls for "Final Performance RS EDITION," which is selectively available in fire opal red semi-matt with black top or diamond white metallic semi-matt. The interior is equipped with matching black nappa leather and red resp. white seams.

Externally, the "Final Performance RS Edition" is recognisable by the distinctive front-spoiler bumpers with integrated LED daytime running lights, the wedge-shaped side skirts with air intakes, as well as the
rear bumpers with a wide grid core and diffuser vane and the rear spoiler lip that reaches the angle of the trunk. In order to keep up acoustically with the visual appearance, the standard exhaust system
is being replaced with a quadruple-flow sport exhaust system - also from PIECHA - that gives the SLK a pithy and voluminous voice.

Every "Final Performance RS Edition" is equipped with the legendary PIECHA power converter, which gives the entire engine performance immediately into the vehicle - without needing a second to realise what is happening and without noticeable inertia of the series-production model - so that the performance can meet the demands of the visual and acoustic presence.

The spontaneous and agile power performance pushes the driver vehemently into the sports leather seat. As "must have" product, the Vario roof comfort package must not be missed of course. It enables to open and close the Vario roof of the roadster via a vehicle key from a distance of up to 50 metres or alternatively while driving with just one click (up to 60km/h) - without the hassle of holding the roof button.

For optimal road contact, lowering springs from H&R are used in PIECHA Design "Final Performance RS Edition," which perfectly stage the elegant PIECHA dp2 Phantom rims in the extravagant tyre/wheel combination 8.5x19 inches with 225/ 35R 19 tire in the front as well as 9.5x20 inches with 265/25R20 Pneus tyres and an incredible 100 mm rim base at the rear wheel.

Perfectly shaped, black anodised aluminium aerowings embellish the ventilation grilles of the bonnet. A special wind deflector with the signed "Final Performance RS Edition" logo and black perforated plate sidepiece end piece shows elegantly that this is about a subtle edition with a stunning design.

PIECHA Design and Auto Trachsler offer this "Final Performance RS Edition" transition to this perfectly custom-made vehicle to every customer who already has a SLK R171. In this case, it does not play a role whether this relates to a pre-facelift model, AMG styling, a SLK 55 or a facelift model. The spoilers are custom-made, have headlight cleaning flaps as well as PDC (if available) and can be individually painted and assembled in the standard colours of the model.

Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth

Italian Tuner Novitec released an upgrade package for new Fiat 500 Abarth

The Novitec Abart 500 features the 3,016 Euro NT4-Corse power kit which increases power by 77hp. It's got a new turbocharger, new intake with sport air-filter cartrige, high performance exhaust, new injectors, and a Novitec Powerjet engine tuning module. Add the NT4-Corse tuning kit and engine output from the 1.4-liter inline-four climbs to a perfectly reasonable for a tiny car, 212 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.

Extra power from Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth comes from a special turbocharger, an optimized intake, clean air box with sport air filter cartridge. The Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth is also equipped with high-performance exhaust system, larger injection nozzles and fuel pressure control system specially. With the additional power under a small tent, which Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth able to get from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 223 km / h. To handle the “fun” Additionally, Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth comes with a sport springs lower center of gravity by 35 mm, and height adjustable, stainless steel, sport suspension.

Novitec also ups the sport with lowered suspension, one piece Novitec N10 alloy wheels available in either 17 or 18 inch sizes (with 215/35R18 tires) and Novitec carbon front lip spoiler and black side turn signals.

Pricing for the Novitec Abarth 500 power kit is 3,016 Euro.




Press Release

Brand-new from NOVITEC: 212 HP and Sporty Accessories for the Abarth 500

Engine tuning with up to 212 hp / 156 kW and an extensive range of sporty accessories for the Abarth 500 are now available from NOVITEC, the worldwide leader in customizing the cars from Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Stainless steel sport exhaust systems,

17- and 18-inch tire/wheel combinations and matching suspension modifications are also part of the program.

The NOVITEC engine specialists developed various performance kits for the 135 hp / 99 kW Abarth 500 which boost power in different stages between 164 hp / 121 kW to 212 hp / 156 kW. They unleash the true power of the 1.4-liter T-Jet four-cylinder engine without compromising durability.

The NOVITEC NT4-CORSE power kit costs 3,016 Euros and delivers an increase in power output of 77 hp / 57 kW. It consists of a special turbocharger, a more efficient fresh air supply, an optimized air-cleaner box with sport air-filter cartridge, the NOVITEC CORSE high performance exhaust system, larger injection nozzles and a special fuel pressure control. In addition the engine electronics is upgraded with the NOVITEC POWERJET 2 auxiliary control unit.

The NOVITEC NT4-CORSE tuning kit boosts power of the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine to 212 hp / 156 kW. Maximum torque grows from standard 206 to 325 Nm at 3,400 rpm. Thus equipped the tuned Abarth 500 will accelerate in just 6.8 seconds from rest to 100 km/h and will reach a top speed of 223 km/h.

With or without engine tuning: the NOVITEC stainless-steel sport mufflers and high performance exhaust systems, available with one or two tailpipes in various shapes, lend the Abarth 500 a more exciting rear appearance, a more powerful engine sound and optimized performance.

NOVITEC also adds even more sporty character to the suspension of the turbocharged model: Abarth 500 customers can choose between NOVITEC sport springs, which lower the ride height by some 35 millimeters, and the height-adjustable NOVITEC sport suspension made from stainless steel. The latter includes somewhat stiffer gas-pressure shocks and gives the top-of-the-line model of the 500 range even more agile handling characteristics.

Perfectly matched to the sportier suspension settings are custom-tailored one-piece NOVITEC N10 light alloy wheels with 17- or 18-inch diameters. The 7.5Jx17 wheels can be fitted with low-profile
tires in sizes 215/40 R 17 in front and rear. The wheels are optionally available as silver polished or matte black painted versions. A NOVITEC set of wheels with tires is available starting from 1,106 Euros.

Especially extravagant requests can be fulfilled with NOVITEC N10 8Jx18 wheels and 215/35 R 18 tires which make full use of the available space in the wheel wells. The rim design with eight double spokes is available in different colors or polished versions.

The Abarth 500 will soon look even more sporty with the NOVITEC front spoiler lip made from Carbon which attaches to the underside of the standard front fascia. In addition to the more pronounced passing image the front spoiler also offers aerodynamic advantages: The refined shape reduces lift on the front axle and improves directional stability at high speeds.

Black-tinted lateral turn signals complete the sporty look of the Abarth.

Further NOVITEC tuning options for the Abarth 500 are in preparation. NOVITEC also offers an extensive customizing program for all Fiat 500 versions.

Brabus Mercedes SLS Widestar to debut at Essen Motorshow

Tuner BRABUS has released the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Widestar edition at the Essen Motor Show.

The red AMG sports car is outfitted with the exterior carbon fiber body kit, lowering module, Brabus exhaust system and a set of Matt Dark Grey rims sizing 9.5Jx20 in front and 11Jx21 on the rear axle. The setup of the red car is a great example of a superb tuning style. The mixture between the rims, the carbon fiber parts and the red body color gives the SLS AMG a more exclusive muscular look.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Widestar offer the driver can adjust the suspension’s height with the touch of a button to make the car sportier or more comfortable than the stock SLS. Stiffer sway bars are also on the menu. It is because the ride height was lowered by 30 mm and a new, height-adjustable suspension was developed in collaboration with Bilstein.

A proper set of wheels strongly define the Brabus brand and in the case of the Widestar SLS, the customers are offered custom tailored ultra-light 20- and 21-inch front and rear Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels, which appear wrapped around in 275/30 ZR20 and 295/25 ZR21 Yokohama rubber. The weight is also reduced by bigger and lighter new rims, which offer an improved handling, according to the tuner’s official reports. The power will be provided by the same 6.2-liter V8 engine, which received a lighter and high-performance titanium exhaust system with sound management, adding 10 hp. Premium upholstery, made from fine leather and Alcantara is offered by Brabus for the interior.




Press Release

Lending an exclusive automobile an even more dominant presence is the domain of BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com). The new BRABUS WIDESTAR wide version represents a custom-tailored designer suit for the Mercedes SLS AMG. In addition to the extravagant high-tech carbon-fiber body program for the gullwing the tuner also offers ultralight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable Ride Control smooth-ride suspension, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronically controlled sound management and custom BRABUS interiors.

To give the SLS an even more muscular appearance the BRABUS designers have developed custom-tailored BRABUS WIDESTAR components for the rear axle. Like all other body components they are made from extremely light yet very strong carbon fibers identical to the ones used in Formula 1 racing. The add-on parts for the rear fenders and the rear fascia create an even more spectacular look and make room for special wheels that widen the rear track by 20 millimeters for even further improved driving dynamics.

The suspension engineers developed custom-tailored versions of the ultralight BRABUS Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels in sizes 9.5Jx20 in front and 11Jx21 on the rear axle for the wide version of the SLS. These wheels are available with a brushed-design or ceramics-polished surface and can also be painted in any desired color. The staggered wheels with 20- and 21-inch diameters on front and rear axles further emphasize the wedge-shaped look of the sports car.

Despite the wheels’ bigger size they deliver a weight reduction of up to 12 percent compared to the SLS production wheels. The reduced unsprung weight further results in even more agile handling. BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA supply the optimal high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21.

The wide version is rounded out by aerodynamic-enhancement components developed in the wind tunnel. All BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components are made from carbon fibers and are available with a matte or glossy clear-coated finish for a true racing look. Optionally these components can be painted in body or contrasting color.

To further reduce lift on front and rear axle BRABUS equips the SLS with a front spoiler for the production front fascia, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. Together these components create an even better aerodynamic balance. Two BRABUS covers for the upper air dams of the bumper and side air outlets for the rear fascia are further visual details of the BRABUS WIDESTAR version.

The work of the BRABUS designers also gives the sides of the gullwing more profile and further improved aerodynamic efficiency. The rocker panels were sculpted to optimize the airflow between front and rear axle and to create a perfect transition to the WIDESTAR components on the rear axle. Integrated entrance lights ensure safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS air outlets for the front fenders add more of sporty touches. At night they draw attention with their integrated blue-illuminated BRABUS logos that are activated via the keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle.

The ride-height lowering by up to 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) also plays an important role in the striking appearance of the BRABUS-modified SLS. The BRABUS suspension is height-adjustable and was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. At the push of a button its integrated Ride Control function also offers a smoother ride than the production car. From the cockpit the driver can at any time – even while driving – switch between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or a sportier ride than the production car.

For sporty-minded SLS owners BRABUS offers stiffer sway bars for front and rear axle that reduce body roll for even more precise handling.

The BRABUS high-performance exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips with diameters of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) is somewhat atypical for traditional tuning. Its sound management, controlled by the driver and activated by a pneumatic flap, includes a ‘coming home’ setting that is quieter than the production exhaust. In ‘sport’ mode the 6.3-liter eight-cylinder engine produces an even more powerful exhaust note than with the production exhaust. The BRABUS exhaust system is manufactured from extremely lightweight titanium and weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust. Another welcome by-product of this exhaust is an increase in power output by 10 hp / 7.4 kW.

BRABUS offers a multitude of exclusive custom interior options for the two-seater car as well. Carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and matte anodized aluminum pedals and foot rest add sporty highlights.

The ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is made from a combination of leather and Alcantara and provides especially good grip for further improved road feedback. The speedometer with 400-km/h scale (250 mph) already hints at the car’s future performance with BRABUS engine tuning.

The BRABUS upholstery shop offers a sheer endless multitude of colors and designs for the masterfully crafted SLS interiors made from the finest leathers and Alcantara. These interiors can be custom-tailored to suit each SLS owner’s personal taste down to the last detail.