New Special Edition Audi Introduces Two and a 143PS Diesel to the A1's UK Range

Audi is adding two new models, the Black Edition and the Contrast Edition, plus a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that complements the existing 1.6-litre TDI unit to the British lineup of its A1 premium supermini.

The first new specification is the A1 Black Edition that is offered exclusively with 185PS 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine or the newly introduced 143PS 2.0-litre TDI.

Priced at £1,100 over the respective S line models upon which it is based, the bespoke package adds a number of features including a black styling treatment for the grille surround and number plate holder, dark tinted rear windows, 18-inch alloys and Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime-running lights.

Inside, the package enhances the A1's standard equipment with a full electronic climate control and the Audi Sound System speaker upgrade with 180 watts of output.

The Contrast Edition is available with all engines in the A1 range sans the 1.4 TFSI 185PS, and costs £1,350 more than an equivalent A1 Sport model. Highlights include a contrasting color for the roof line and the new aero package, plus larger 17-inch alloy wheels. As an option, Audi also offers a double-blade roof spoiler, also in a contrasting shade.

Audi's new 2.0-liter TDI engine produces 143PS and a peak torque of 320 Nm between 1750 and 2500 rpm. It is matched to a standard six-speed manual gearbox and propels the A1 from zero to 62mph (100km/h) in 8.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 135mph (217 km/h).

According to the automaker, the A1 2.0 TDI returns a combined fuel economy of 68.9mpg UK (57.4 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 108g/km.

On-the-road prices for the A1 2.0L TDI start from £17,945.

Aston Martin Launches New Cygnet in Hong Kong and Japan

Perhaps the most controversial Aston Martin model ever made - or to be more precise, re-made, the new Cygnet luxury city car has arrived in two more markets outside of Europe, in Hong Kong and Japan.

Essentially a heavily luxed-up version of the Toyota / Scion iQ, the Cygnet is available to order now in Hong Kong and Japan from the Aston Martin dealership network with deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2012.

And how about pricing, we hear some of you ask? Well, in Hong Kong, the Cygnet starts from $603,578 HKD (US$77,600 / €56,300) and in Japan, from ¥4,750,000 YEN (US$62,000 / €44,900).

As was the case with Europe, the Cygnet makes its way into Hong Kong and Japan in two flavors, the Launch Edition White and Black of which only fifty examples will be produced.

The Cygnet Launch Edition White is finished in Snow White paint with mix of silver mesh, chrome trim and diamond turned alloy wheels, while the interior features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome.

Those that prefer darker shades can opt for the Cygnet Launch Edition Black featuring a Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome trim, while inside, the seats and dashboard are finished in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern, along with satin chrome accents.

Both models are offered with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, especially designed for the Cygnet.

Alfa Romeo SZ 1990

The Alfa Romeo 75 is remembered as the last rear-wheel drive sedan to be produced by the Milanese brand. Yet, its claim to glory is much bigger than that as the 75 underpinned one the most bizarre Alfa Romeos to date: the SZ.

Initially presented as a Zagato concept at the 1987 Geneva Motor Show, the ES30 (Experimental Sports 3.0-liter), as was its internal designation, debuted in production form at the same show two years later as the SZ, which stands for Sports Zagato.

And it caused quite a commotion, thanks to its angular styling and angry looks. Some 25 years later, the SZ's exterior styling is still divisive, but nevertheless, it does stand out from the crowd…

It was available in one trim level in a red color with a dark-grey roof and tan leather interior – save for one example finished in black that was built exclusively for Andrea Zagato himself.

Hiding under its bonnet is a 3.0-liter, 210HP V6 that transfers power to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. According to Alfa, the SZ accelerated from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.9 seconds, reached a top speed of 153 mph (246 km/h) and recorded a 1.01 g lateral acceleration figure on the skidpad - quite impressive figures at the time.

In 1992, Alfa introduced an open-top variant named the RZ, which remained in production until 1993 when both models were axed after approximately 1,000 units were built.

One low-mileage example of the SZ coupe was sold on Wednesday, October 26, by RM Auctions in London for £20,720 (US$33,413). It's a 1990 model first registered in 1996 with only three previous owners, the second one being a Middle Eastern man who kept it in Knightsbridge, England from 1998 until 2007.

The next owner covered a mere 4,000 miles with the odometer now reading just 22,400 miles (36,020 km). Prior to its sale, the SZ was restored to restored to as-new with all mechanical work done by WAD Wolverhampton.

2012 Civic Type R And Honda CEO Confirms New NSX

Last April, we told you about Honda CEO Takanobu Ito's plans for a successor to the much-missed NSX supercar. Ito had then hinted that the “new NSX” would be more environmentally friendly, possibly using a hybrid powertrain like the Japanese firm's new small coupe, the CR-Z.

On the sidelines of this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, Ito-San reaffirmed the company's commitment to build an NSX successor.

“I spent part of my early career at Honda developing the NSX, and specifically the aluminium body," Ito told reporters from UK's Autocar. "I really enjoyed the experience and learned much, so my wish is that Honda engineers have the experience of developing a sportscar like the NSX in the future. Within Honda, our engineers are already looking at developing such a car,” he added.

Ito was not willing to give away any information other than that the new model would be quite different compared to the old NSX.

“The original NSX was about high power but also about good driving experience. Today power-to-weight is what we have to focus on. The NSX was known for its aluminium body, so when we develop our new sportcar we don’t want to copy Ferrari for power, but to also chase efficiency as well," Ito said.

This is the second coming of the NSX successor: in 2003, Honda displayed the HSC concept pictured here at the Tokyo Motor Show, hinting at a production model. Indeed the company was scheduling a 2010 launch, but the plan was cancelled by then-Honda CEO Takeo Fukui in the middle of the economic crisis.

The high-tech supercar isn’t the only performance model that Honda is developing at the moment. The 2012 Civic's chief engineer, Mitsuru Kariya said that a hot version is also under development.

It seems like Honda’s management changed its mind because it initially denied planning such a version as it didn’t fit in its new, “green” image.

“The performance version is already under discussion”, said Kariya. “We know the Type R was a big success, and we are looking for a car developed in that direction. Whether it will be called Type R is not certain though.”

It’s OK, Mr. Kariya, as long as you stay true to the hardcore character of the original. After all, a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.

2012 Subaru Forester

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