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Skodia Fabia and Octavia RS+

Skoda isn’t exactly one of the marquees that you immediately associate to “cool” cars but that doesn’t stop the Czech automaker to attempt to make some.

Check out these hardcore versions of the Fabia and the Octavia which get “cool” sounding RS+ designations. Skoda previously developed souped up version with the vRS badge but the + means these cars pack just a bit more.

The Fabia RS+ is based on the Fabia S2000 that competes in the IRC rally championship. The car gets black tinted headlights, a blacked-out girlle with black spoilers front and back. New air vents also accentuate the hood.

Inside, the Fabia RS+ gets sports seats and a color scheme to match the two-tone grey and lime green exterior. Not too hot on that color combination though.

THe Octavia RS+ boasts the same package as the Fabia.

Ferrari to Selectively Use Carbon Fiber

Ferrari’s not alien to the use of carbon fiber. They’ve used it to most of their higher tier cars like the F50 and the Enzo. However, the company’s not keen on using the material fleet-wide.

This comes as an announcement from Ferrari boss Amedeo Felisa. While rivals McLaren, Mercedes, Lambo, and BMW preparing to use the material extensively, Ferrari’s taking the conservative route.

“We will only use carbonfibre on very special cars which have a very low rate of production and which are not for everyday use, such as the new Enzo,” Felisa said.

According to Felisa, the long-term use of carbon fiber on vehicles has yet to be known. Felisa wants Ferrari to maintain its fleet’s repair-ability by sticking to more conventional materials.

“The fact is that nobody today has a real understanding of what happens if you damage a carbonfibre structure,” says Felisa.

Ferrari Enzo Replacement to Pack Twin-Turbo V8?

Ferrari’s quite busy in developing new cars for the next five years. One of the more eagerly anticipated cars will be the next Ferrari Enzo.

Company boss Amedeo Felisa hinted on a few details in an interview with Autocar. Felisa said that the new Enzo will most likely pack a twin-turbo V8 when it comes out in 2012. Ferrari has been experimenting on turbo-charging, making it their crusade to solve turbo lag.

“There are no plans for a six-cylinder engine today,” Felisa said. “Ferrari will not build a six-cylinder engine until customer attitudes towards smaller engines change.”

Ferrari’s also “forced” to experiment with hybrid technology with increasing legislation for better economy. Felisa claims that their work on hybrids is largely to protect their use of the V12. Hybrids are sought to augment the efficiency of their V8s and V10s.

TechArt Porsche 911 Turbo Tuning Package

TechArt’s not letting up with Porsche tuning packages. They made quite the stunner with the Panamera, now here’s their take on the new 911 Turbo.

TechArt offers two tuning packages for the 911 Turbo.

The first tuning package ups the power to 562 hp thanks to a revised ECu and air filter. That allows the car to zip from 62 mph from standstill in just 3.2 seconds and blow past 200 mph.

The second tuning package increases the total hp to as much as 612 hp thanks to new manifolds, exhaust, and a new ECU. 0-62 mph time is trimmed down to 2.9 seconds and can go all the way up to 207 mph.

Fiat Uno Revealed

No more teaser images this time. Fiat’s finally unveiled the new small car that’s going to be slotted in between the Panda and the Grand Punto.

The Uno will be powered by a choice between two engines. A 1.0L engine that dishes out 73 bhp runs on alcohol and a larger 1.4L engine churns out 88 bhp when running on alcohol and 85 bhp when running on gasoline. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a five-speed manual.

The car’s only 3.77m long and 1.64m wide. The car gets stylings from the Panda but has sleeker lines. The front grille and bumper are also redesigned to make the Uno look unique on its own.

The pictures are of the pseudo-SUV Uno known as the “Way.” The new Uno will be produced at the firm’s plant in Brazil.

Source: Autocar

Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans Teased

I hate teasers but I guess we just all have to live with such things. American car firm Panoz Auto Development has just unveiled their new sports car that will be showcased at the next Le Mans 24 Hours.

The car is powered by a 4.6L Ford V8 tuned to dish out 300 bhp. The engine’s mounted at the front and is built upon an aluminum chassis from Panoz’ own Esperante.

Even with a V8, the car’s sort of green. The body’s made from recycled materials and the special cooling system is expected to make the car run more efficient.

As for the styling, the car is said to be inspired by “a classic era” when racers can compete in Le Mans with the car they drive getting to and going from there.

“We are truly excited about the Panoz Abruzzi – not only about the design and performance of the car, but by the whole concept it represents,” said company boss Don Panoz.