Short News: Alfa Romeo 4C testing in Detroit and crashed in Italy [Video]

Would you look at this, the Alfa Romeo 4C was caught testing in Detroit, USA (picture), meaning a presentation may happen soon, especially if we take into account the teaser revealed before Christmas by the Italian company promising a big surprise in 2013.

Source: Golden by Design

Yet we still do not know anything, and can only speculate about the mechanical characteristics of the 4C. Rumors point to a 4 cylinder, 1750cc engine with around 250hp and should weigh less than 1000kg (2200lb). The maximum speed should be limited to 250km/h (155mph) and will take less than 5 seconds to reach 100km/h (62mph). So far nothing extraordinary, but what will make the car stand out is the intense use of composite materials such as carbon fiber for the structure of the car. Production should start this Spring.

The 4C was also caught testing in Italy. As you can see in the video below the car left the road and got stuck in a ditch. But right in the end of the video we see another disguised car, does anyone have any idea what car is that? The Giulietta has the rear door handles "hidden", while the mystery vehicle has them in sight. Can it be the future Giulia? Or the Giulietta based SUV? What do you think?

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Short News: Ferrari California spied, will probably get a turbocharged engine

Autocar obtained photographs of the future generation of the Ferrari California and according to those who heard the car said it sounded like it had a turbocharged engine, possibly a version of the new V8 family which was premiered in the Maserati Quattroporte and had 3.8liters.

From the pictures we still can not get a good idea of the aspect of the California's future generation since this test mule has the bodywork of the current model and is only testing the mechanical part. But the raised bonnet indicates it needs more room in the engine bay possibly for a turbocharger.

Don't be afraid of the crazy exhaust, that is there to lower the sound coming from the engine because it is a test-car requirement in the Fiorano test circuit, in order to calm local residents.

Rumors point to a presentation in 2014, with sales to begin in the following year.

Source: autocar

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Two new votes!

As you can see on your right there are two new polls. One for what you think is the best multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and another for the best hatchback. Vote now!

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Audi A2 canceled [Video]

It seems that Audi is not very interested in electric cars and decided not to continue with the development of the A2, which had production scheduled to start in 2015. This comes after the development of the R8 was also canceled, meaning that Audi gave up trying to produce an electric vehicle.

Yet they say "lessons learnt from the new A2 project" will be included in future projects., we just have to wait and see what projects. But in the end this means that BMW will not have a direct competitor for the i3.

The now canceled A2 would have a "sandwich" style floor where the lithium-ion battery would be stored, and would be able to provide a range of approximately 200km (125miles) after a four-hour recharge. An electric motor with 114hp would drive the front wheels.

But that is not truly unexpected, the market for pure electric vehicles is much smaller than expected, meaning that fewer companies are focusing on this type of vehicle. The Nissan Leaf and GM Volt / Ampera are not selling what they had expected, Renault is afraid that the same happens with Zoe, and Toyota with the Rav4 and iQ. The future does not look good for electric cars.

Source: autocar

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Renault leaves the Smart ForTwo partnership with Daimler

Smart Forvision Concept

According to CarMagazine, Renault withdrew the development, together with Daimler, of the Smart ForTwo's twin brother codenamed Project Edison, in order to save money and manpower, meaning the Germans will have to continue the development alone.

Renault has several reasons for not wanting to continue to participate in this project. Apart from wanting to save resources, the objectives of the car are not being met since it is over budget and overweight.

Another relevant point to this decision may have been the choice of a gasoline engine instead of a diesel like the current generation, leading to an increase in CO2 emissions of 86g/km to 99g/km. The motors will all have 3 cylinders, with the weakest having an 0,9liter engine with 65hp, while the others will have 85 and 105hp.

The gearbox will also be changed from a sequential transmission to a manual with six-speeds. but if you want you can pay €2000 and get a new seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox.

On the outside the new Smart will be a little bit longer (2700mm to 2730mm) and a lot wider (1750 to 1870mm), making it more stable, but less urban-friendly.

A few months later a cabriolet and an electric version will be presented to the public.

Source: CarMagazine

Smart Forvision Concept

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