When the Ford Focus first appeared in 2000, it was Ford’s modern attempt at a real “world car” (the mid-90s Contour/Mystique wasn’t built for the world, it was an attempt at getting the U.S. to buy the second generation Mondeo.) The Focus was a vast improvement over the Escort, but the problem was that since it was built for multiple continents, it had multiple compromises.
The original Focus needed to be both a full hatchback for Europe and a full sedan for North America. While the resulting car was successful, the look was somewhat odd. Now that Ford makes two separate Focus lines (one for U.S. and Canada as well as a separate one for the rest of the world,) Ford can now focus on a traditional shape for the sedan and for the first time offer a true coupe.
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One year ago, Lorinser unveiled the new customization program for the second generation of the Smart ForTwo. Well, today the waiting is over because Lorinser is bringing the series version of the ForTwo on the streets. The new body kit of the vehicle consists in a front lip spoiler and a rear bumper with integrated air diffuser as well as a new 4-pipe exhaust system.
Under the hood, the three-cylinder petrol engine was boosted to an impressive 101 hp making the sprint from 0 to 60 mph possible in less than 10 seconds while the top speed has been limited to 100 mph. Also a new set of 17 inch wheels were added for better stability fitted with 225/35R17 tires.
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After a long row of tuners (Brabus, Lorinser, Konigseder) have developed various kits for the littlest product from Mercedes-Benz, the newest member of the club is Carlsson. It has been tuning the second generation ForTwo model series since last year.
The new aerodynamics kit features a front spoiler fitted to the stock bumper, an electro polished stainless steel grill insert, fog lights with chrome case, a rear skirt with diffuser and rear muffler. As an option you can choose for the lowering springs signed Carlsson 1/11 Evo BE in 16 and 17 inch wheels, pedal overlays and an aluminum handbrake handle. This is just a new way to make eco-friendly driving look a little cooler.
It’s hard enough to get your hands on a Fiat 500 outside of Europe, but if you are one of the lucky few, then here’s how to get a little more power out of the little car. JCR Racing LTD, a British tuning house specializing in Fiat and Alfa Romeo vehicles, unveiled their latest conversion kit for the Fiat 500. The new kit includes a supercharger, a new intercooler system, custom designed hood scoop or bulge, depending on the customer’s choice painted to match the color of the car and some ECU modifications.
According to the manufacturer, the supercharger boosts the power of the engine to 150 bhp (50 more hp) without affecting the fuel economy. Price of the kit: 2,800 pounds (currently about $5,100.)
You can watch a video of the engine revving here.
Because the Smart ForTwo is way too common (there are only about 14,000 on U.S. roads), the German manufacturer launched today a new limited edition of small cars. The new project includes a limited number of just 100 units and the tattoo legend Ed Hardy together with all kinds of custom components for the interior and the exterior of the car.
In fact, the manufacturer could call the project "Pimp my Smart”. The new program includes for the interior a seven-layered Ed Hardy tattoo inspired satin paint scheme, premium leather seats with Ed Hardy tattoo embroidered suede inserts, premium leather and suede upholstered lower dash, red contrasting stitching throughout the interior, interior accents finished in piano black glass, a Kenwood premium audio system with a JL Audio 8” subwoofer.
The outside gets custom satin black multi spoke wheels with Ed Hardy ”Tiger” center cap, a chrome dual tip exhaust system by Doug Thorley Headers providing an increase of 6 hp and 14 ft lbs. torque. Also, each car includes a plate with the number of the car from 1-100 which is personally signed by Christian Audigier.
