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Filed under: Convertible, Alfa Romeo

Take a good look at the picture (and the high-res image gallery) of the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept by Pininfarina, because the production Spider that will be a joint development with the coming Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t expected to look anything like it. According to a report in Autocar, designers at Fiat’s Centro Stile couldn’t figure out how to translate the concept to a production car.

We’re being told that the new Alfa roadster will be styled to match the modernity of the brand’s lineup, accented by “historic design themes,” and that its exterior is near final approval. Apparently, the traditional Alfa grille will be flanked by “lower intake whiskers” and headlights that are nothing like those on the 4C. To be built alongside the Miata in Japan, it will share certain platform hardpoints like the front bulkhead and engine compartment, but won’t have any body panels in common with the Mazda.

Only one engine is expected to be slotted in that bay: the 1.4-liter MultiAir with 168 horsepower. Those ponies will be charged with moving a roadster said to come in at no more than 2,420 pounds, with shifting performed by a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. If that information is correct, that would give it one more horsepower and 20 or more pounds less weight than the current manual-transmission Miata Sport. Comparing like-for-kind-of-like, it would have 10 more hp and be at least 122 pounds lighter than the current automatic-equipped Miata Sport.

Alfa Romeo Spider said to get modern styling, 168 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jul 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Europe, GM, Opel

Opel Insignia OPC 'Unlimited'

Opel Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’ – Click above for high-res image gallery

In its current form, the 325-horsepower Opel Insignia OPC (you know, the car that the upcoming 255-hp Buick Regal GS was supposed to but sadly won’t replicate) will carry speeds of up to 155 miles per hour before its electronic nannies kick in and prevent your speedometer’s needle to climb any higher. But since European buyers are able to take their cars onto the unrestricted Autobahn, Opel has now created a special version of the OPC – dubbed ‘Unlimited’ – that removes its top-end cut-off.

With its electronic limiter removed, Opel says that the Insignia OPC will reach speeds as high as 168 mph. This new top speed only applies to OPC sedans fitted with the automaker’s six-speed manual transmission.

Unlimited models are visually distinguished by blue Brembo brake logos, as well as a revised tachometer and speedometer. Opel says that a special edition of the Unlimited OPC with a matte black wrap is also in the works. Buyers will also automatically be enrolled in an OPC performance driving training course at the automaker’s proving grounds in Dudenhofen, Germany, where they will learn how to properly manage the driving dynamics of this delicious performance sedan.

If you ask us, 155 mph is plenty fast, especially for a public road like the Autobahn. But if you’re on a closed track with a long straightaway, that added 13 mph will no doubt come in handy. Click past the jump for Opel’s official press release.

Gallery: Opel Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’

Opel Insignia OPC 270-km/h Sedan

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Opel removes governor on Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’, runs to 168 mph

Opel removes governor on Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’, runs to 168 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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