There doesn’t appear to be a sports compact car that’s been the subject of more tuning programs than the lovable Fiat 500. Now, Chrysler’s in-house tuning arm, Mopar, is joining in the fun with the 500 "Stinger."
Built as one of Mopar’s 75th anniversary models, the Fiat 500 Stinger comes to the party packed with a two-stage Mopar program that combines a unique styling upheaval with a bold, high-performance engine modification.
The Stage 1 program deals with plenty of exterior and interior enhancements. For the former, Mopar gave the 500 Stinger a more aggressive appearance, highlighted by a special "Giallo" exterior paint with a matching "whiskers and logo" face and circular Black Chrome projector headlamps. In addition, the head and tail lamps have been tinted while the bodyside was wrapped in vinyl with complimenting black checker roof graphics. Finishing off the exterior details are a new set of 17" Abarth Hyper Black aluminum wheels wrapped in wider 205/40 R 17 performance tires.
As for the latter, the interior of the 500 Stinger continues the Giallo-and-black two-tone treatment of the exterior with Katzkin leather seats. Speaking of the seats, Mopar also added Alcantara seat centers with Giallo black leather bolsters and Giallo accent stitching. A carbon-fiber instrument panel decal has also been added, as was a Mopar shifter ball finished in Gloss Black, completing an interior look that’s a far departure from the usually mild-mannered 500.
While no specific numbers were given on the 500 Stinger’s performance boost, we know that Mopar’s Stage 2 kit ensures all that and more. Included in this program kit are a cold-air intake and free-flowing cat-back exhaust and performance brakes with cross-drilled rotors, allowing the 500 Stinger to deliver even more power and torque, as well as serious track-ready brake performance.
Just like the rest of Mopar’s 75th Anniversary models, the 500 Stinger will be proudly displayed at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show this coming February.
Of all the models in Jeep’s line-up, the one that doesn’t get a whole lot of love is the Compass. We know all about the Grand Cherokee, the Wrangler, and the Liberty, but the Compass isn’t given the same amount of attention.
Whatever reasons that may have, the new Mopar-tuned Compass "True North" model is giving the Compass some well deserved love and affection.
The enhancements done on the Compass are prevalently cosmetic, albeit a comprehensive one. On the outside, Mopar added plenty of modifications, including a new matte black-finished roof, wider wheel flares, black-headlamp and fog-lamp surrounds, rear fog lights, a new lower fascia, a new black grille with body color inserts, custom front and rear brush bars and custom rock rails, and a new set of 16" matte black alloy wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich All Terrain tires to go with a 2" lift kit from Rocky Road Suspensions.
Inside, the Mopar went to great lengths to give the Compass’ interior space with plenty of fine-tweaking. The most notable is a tie-up with renowned audio component manufacturer Kicker. For the ’True North’ model, the latter added a completely new audio system that includes front and rear speakers, an amplifier, a sub-woofer, and lift gate speakers. Outside of the audio system set-up, Mopar also added a custom center stack gauge pod that carries the pitch and roll inclinometer gauges. There’s also a new Mopar bright pedal kit, door-sill guards, a rear-cargo tray, a new shift knob and neoprene seats, all of which adds some serious flair and attitude to the Compass’ interior.
Availability for the Compass "True North" model has not yet been announced, although we expect to hear more about the details at the Chicago Auto Show this coming February.
This news may come as a surprise considering that, before this, we have never heard about an updated version of the 370Z nor have we seen spy shots to indicate its existence. However, it has now been reported that Nissan will be bringing an updated version of the 370Z, both coupe and roadster models, to next week’s Chicago Auto Show.
With an announcement like this, no other information was necessary to create a buzz, so no other details were provided. But since the updated sports car has kept its "370Z" nomenclature, don’t expect any major changes under the hood. We expect it to keep its usual 3.7-liter V6 engine with an output of 332 HP at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. However, we do expect changes in terms of fuel economy because it’s what many, if not all, automakers are focusing on.
Changes will also be made to both the exterior and interior, but considering the model was just launched in 2009, nothing major is expected.
More details will be revealed next week at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, so stay tuned!
January’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show brought with it the production version of the long rumored Veloster, but Hyundai is using the Chicago Auto Show to display a rally version of the car.
The Veloster Rally Car is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission. Making giant leaps across the rally road will be made easy with the engine’s 500hp and all of that power comes with an estimated 40mpg.
This particular version of the Veloster will make its rally debut at the 2011 U.S. Rallycross Championship Series. In fact, three Velosters will be racing during the Rallycross; one will be driven by Rhys Millen, the second will be piloted by rally champion Marcus Dodd and world record freestyle motorbike rider Robbie Maddison, and the third will be driven by to-be-announced celebrity drivers.
Update 02/07/2011: Hyundai has revealed the Rally version of the Veloster coupe today at the Chicago Auto Show.
UPDATE 01/25/2012: Hyundai has unveiled a new commercial for the Veloster Rally Car that shows Join Rhys Millen and crew as they play around with the Veloster Rally Car on the golf course. Enjoy!
Hit the jump to read more about the Hyundai Veloster Rally Car.
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Leaving the other debuts of the Chicago Auto Show in the dust is the brand-spanking new Camaro ZL1 - the most powerful Camaro ever. This beautiful beast is powered by a LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that provides enough juice to get our hearts racing and our fingers twitching to grab the wheel.
"Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "It’s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history."
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be distinguished by a new front fascia, hood with air extractors, and a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber rendered in satin black finish. Completing the look is a set of 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips with ZL1 badge on the grille, hood, and brake calipers.
UPDATE 10/05/11: Word has it that the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, considered the most powerful Camaro in the world, has posted a 7:14.27 lap time at the Nurburgring. In a tweet posted by Jason Laird, GM’s Executive Director for Product and Technology Communications, said: "Mark Reuss just confirmed ZL1 Camaro lapped Nurburgring in 7.41.27." This tweet was followed with a confirmation by GM the very next day.
UPDATE 01/18/12: Chevrolet has dropped a fresh batch of official photos of the Camaro ZL1 on our laps. Check out the new pictures in the gallery!
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
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