Alfa Romeo Announces Sporty MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with 170HP 1.4-liter Turbo Engine

We were hoping that Alfa Romeo would introduce the production version of the 240hp MiTo GTA concept at the Frankfurt show but the Italians decided to start off with something a little less spicy in the form the sporty Quadrifoglio Verde model. The "four-leaf clover" MiTo is powered by Alfa's revolutionary new 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine that cranks out 170HP or 15 more ponies than the turbo engine of the 1.4L TBi model.

Power is transferred to the front wheels through a newly developed "C635" six-speed gearbox.

Alfa claims a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of a little over 7 seconds with an extra-urban cycle (that means highway) fuel consumption of just 4.8 lt/100 km (49mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

To further improve handling Alfa equipped the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with its Dynamic Suspension system that has been co-developed with Magneti Marelli. The system comprises of four electronically controlled shock absorbers, five accelerometric sensors, a control unit and an interface for the three different settings (Normal, All Weather and Dynamic).

A sporty Alfa wouldn't be complete without the visual upgrades so the Italians fitted the Quadrifoglio Verde with 17-inch alloy wheels finished in satin titanium that is also used for the headlight and tail lamp frames as well as for the wing mirrors.

The hot hatch's interior is further enhanced by the different fabric used to upholster the seats, the dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument panel.

Audi R8 Spider Photos Leak Online Ahead of Frankfurt Show

This is the long anticipated Audi R8 Spider, and these first pictures have made their way online ahead of the supercar's official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Contrary to initial reports, the R8 Spider does not get a removable targa panel, but a traditional folding top that tucks away behind the passenger compartment.

Other cosmetic changes over the coupe model include the redesigned engine cover at the back with twin speedster humps that incorporate newly styled air-vents as well as the elimination of the so-called 'sideblades'.

Mechanical details are still scant but it has been reported that the Spider will be launched initially with the range-topping 5.2-liter V10 engine that makes 525 horsepower and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque.

Ford's Seven-Seater MPV to be Named Grand C-MAX

It appears that Ford's marketing team took a liking to the naming system used by their French colleagues at Renault on the longer versions of the Scenic and Espace MPVs as according to Carscoop sources, the seven-seater version of the all-new C-MAX will employ the 'Grand' moniker. While Ford has already published the first photos of the five-seater C-MAX, we'll have to wait a few more days for the Grand C-MAX that's also planned to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

In addition to being longer than the five-seat model, the Grand C-MAX also makes use of a pair of sliding doors at the rear to provide easier access to the two last rows of seats that can accommodate three and two passengers respectively.

The Grand C-MAX will be available with the same diesel and gasoline engine range with its five-seater sibling including Ford's brand-new 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection EcoBoost unit.

2010 Ford Grand C-MAX Spy Shots

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2010 Ford C-MAX

Lexus LF-Ch Hatchback Concept Fully Revealed, Updated Gallery with High-Res Pics

Lexus has published official images and initial details on its LF-Ch concept car that will eventually give birth to a premium hatchback model aimed at the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. Unfortunately the Japanese firm's lengthy press release is dedicated for the most part to the LF-Ch's exterior and interior styling. In other words, the usual design mumbo-jumbo you hear from most automakers and which we'd rather avoid repeating.

However, what Lexus does reveal is the concept model's exterior dimensions. With an overall length of 4,300mm (169.3-in.), a width of 1,790mm (70.5-in.) and a height of 1,400mm (55.1-in.)with a 2,600 mm (102.4-in.) wheelbase, the LF-Ch is roughly the same size as the Audi A3 Sportback (4,292mm in length, 1,765mm width, 1,423mm height and 2,578mm wheelbase).

The concept model features a full hybrid drivetrain meaning that unlike mild-hybrids, it can be driven in a fully electric EV mode. Lexus did not disclose any other details on the powertrain - or about anything else for that matter.

"The LF-Ch concept reaffirms Lexus's commitment to Europe, combining compact dimensions, stylish five-door, full hybrid technology and low emissions to satisfy the most demanding customer requirements and to appeal to a new, younger generation of customers," the company said in a prepared statement.

European buyers should expect to see a toned-down production version of the LF-Ch available with both conventional and hybrid powertrain options sometime towards the end of 2010.