BMW i8 2015

BMW i8 Concept was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show and now the official production version, 2015 BMW i8, is coming to the US market in the spring of 2014, with a price tag of $136k approximately.

Mazda 2 2015

Mazda revealed the all-new 2015 Mazda2 today as the unconventional car maker launched production of its next-generation supermini at its Hofu plant south-east of Hiroshima. The fourth member of Mazda's current model generation features the full range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV Technology underneath a stunning KODO - Soul of Motion design that is bursting with energy.

2013 Mercedes-Benz Citan

Mercedes-Benz car maker has announced new car with called 2013 Mercedes-Benz Citan Review. 2013 Mercedes Citan is impressive quality and driving dynamics, exemplary safety and economy, and high level of versatility and robustness, the new Mercedes-Benz Citan is a truly professional urban delivery van.There will also be a variable, five-seater Citan Mixto vehicle with folding rear seat bench, wire mesh partition separating the load compartment, and two sliding doors. This mixed-use vehicle is based on the extra-long variant. The third basic design is the Citan crewbus, which is also a five-seater vehicle with folding rear seat bench and optional sliding doors on each side, but this time with a long wheelbase. Depending on the model, there are also three different weights ranging up to a maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of 2200 kilograms.

2013 Mercedes-Benz Citan is instantly recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz thanks to the vehicle's characteristic brand look. Providing the brand signature, the chromed star is self-assuredly set against the prominent, robust radiator grille with three sporty perforated louvres.The new Citan is a compelling urban delivery van with a unique appearance and fits seamlessly into the portfolio alongside the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito vans.

The new 2013 Mercedes-Benz Citan is turning out to be a true transport professional in every detail. Special superstructures made by bodybuilders can be adapted to the vehicle technology with the help of a special interface and a parameterisable special module.Attractive, tailor-made financing and service offerings are being prepared for the new Mercedes-Benz Citan. These aspects are very important to customers so the new Mercedes-Benz Citan scores highly thanks to the integrated expertise of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

More Pictures of 2013 Mercedes-Benz Citan

The Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar has confirmed that their new sports car will be called the F-TYPE, which naturally follows on from the iconic C-TYPE, D-TYPE and E-TYPE line-up.

The Jaguar F-TYPE is based on the C-X16 concept car shown to the public in September 2011 and will enter production later this year - with the first cars being delivered in mid 2013.

It will be built at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant, where the engineering prototypes have been built and are undergoing finial road-testing and evaluation.

The all-aluminium Jaguar F-TYPE will be launched as a convertible, and a strict two-seater with the focus uncompromisingly on delivering driver reward. A range of petrol engines will be available - including a new engine line-up.

We will of course bring you a full assessment of the Jaguar F-TYPE which we expected to have a price of around 50,000, when we know more details later in the year - Jaguar's future looks very promising especially with the introduction the XF Sportbrake.

This car is one of our first views of the F-type V8, equipped with the same 5.0-litre lump you'll find in an XF, XJ or XK. Note the quad pipes, a pair of exhausts nestling on either side of the rear valance with a deep recessed diffuser effect gap in the middle.

The twin-exhaust F-types, as revealed publicly by Jaguar in their own 'studio spyshots', with a centre-exit layout is the new 3.0-litre V6.

The F-type roadster arrives first in spring/summer 2013, followed by an F-type coupe roughly a year later.

It's a new kind of Jaguar sports car to slot between the Porsche Cayman/Boxster duo and the 911, according to Jaguar. Cue a 55,000 estimated price point and the choice of a new 3.0-litre V6 in 340 or 375bhp tune, or a 5.0-litre V8 (no power outputs have been announced yet).

More Pictures of Jaguar F-Type

2013 Chevrolet Trax first official picture

Chevrolet will make a breakthrough at the Paris Motor Show to introduce their new vehicle, 2013 Chevrolet Trax.

The machine has not officially announced, but under the hood of the 2013 Chevrolet Trax planned to be powered by a 1.6-liter petrol is capable of producing power output of 113 HP, a turbocharged 1.4-liter petrol is capable of producing power output of 138 HP and 1.7-liter CDTI diesel that can generate power output of 128 HP.

Although only revealed in patent filings, Chevrolet Trax has an appearance not unlike Encore Buick and Opel / Vauxhall Mokka. That means the Chevy Trax has a familiar style but adopted changes to the front fascia with a draw with new headlights and a prominent grille.

2013 Chevrolet Trax to be released later this year and offered more than 140 countries. However, Chevy has no plans to offer the model in the United States.

The Trax is bound to share componentry and industrial underpinnings of the Vauxhall Mokka - putting it somewhere between the Nissan Juke and Qashqai in footprint - and is due in showrooms in spring 2013.

That would point to similar engines; the Mokka uses a 1.4 and 1.6 petrol, with the choice of a 1.7 turbodiesel. Most models in Europe would be front-wheel drive, but GM's platform can serve up four-wheel drive to territories demanding better traction for slippery roads.

More Pictures of 2013 Chevrolet Trax

2012 Audi TT RS Roadster review

Audi's TT RS apportions 360 horsepower to all four corners while the Carrera 4 shares 345 horsepower among its four.

The RS version of Audi's TT Coupe is an amazing machine that's unlike any TT I've previously experienced; this is a racecar parading itself as an upscale sports car.

One could also refer to the most powerful TT ever as the modest man's R8, but that would be an injustice to the TT RS. You see, it's faster to 100 km/h than the V8-powered Audi R8 4.2.

Whatever the label, the TT RS will live up to it, and then some.

The heart and soul of this car is its turbocharged 2.5L TFSI 5-cycliner 20-valve engine. Along with 360 hp @ 5,500 rpm, this renegade cranks out 343 lb-ft of torque from just 1,650 rpm, maintaining the full juice through to 5,400 rpm.

While I have bemoaned 5-cylinder engines in the past, Audi's version leaves me breathless. Never would I have expected such outrageous performance from a mill with an odd number of cylinders whose total displacement is only 2.5 litres.

This powerplant is a significant accomplishment in the world of stock production engines. And it likes to boast about its credentials through an exhaust note that would send shivers down the spine of Lambo owners.

Hard to believe that the howl produced by TT RS at full throttle doesn't belong to something from Italy with twice as many cylinders.

And to make the experience just that much more visceral, there's a button next to the shifter with an "S" on it.

The TT RS is a wild beast with a gentle streak; that is, until you hit the "S" button. Activating the Sport Mode revises throttle mapping, steering response, suspension calibration, and exhaust channeling.

Suddenly, any sense of benevolence is lost. The car sounds angrier, rides harder and reacts with the immediacy of a racecar. Simply feathering the throttle produces astounding performance accompanied by an intensified auditory experience.

Deactivating Sport Mode returns the TT RS to a slightly more civilized machine cloaked in a thin veil of normalcy. This is actually a car that one could live with day to day. While its ride quality remains on the taut side and it's not the quietest of sports cars, it is tolerable.

2012 Audi TT RS was equipped with Audi's 6-speed manual gearbox, which made me ecstatic. While the S tronic dual-clutch automatic-shifting transmission is an amazing piece of F1-inspired technology, I relish the occasional opportunity to mix my own gears. Besides, the automated gearbox isn't offered in the Canadian-spec RS.

More Pictures of 2012 Audi TT RS

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione gets tuned

Alfa Romeo planned the 8C Competizione model to make forays in the upmarket automobile section. The car was designed to provide an exotic design to consumers alongside the beautiful designs of Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

The car has a beautiful design and the body is constructed from carbon fibre on steel spaceframe chassis. The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione review indicates that the car comes with a powerful 4.7 litre V8 petrol engine. This engine can deliver power of 441 bhp at 7000 rpm along with peak torque of 480 Nm at 4750 rpm.

The length of the car is 4381mm and its width is 1894mm while its height is 1341mm. The car can seat 2 individuals. The car enjoys perfect weight distribution as the gearbox and the differential are mounted at the rear of the vehicle. The car has double wishbone all round suspension and Brembo disk brakes. The car also comes with a 6-speed manual transmission system.

The car has top speed of 292 km/hr and can reach 0 to 100 km/hr in just 4.30 seconds. The brake system of the car is extremely responsive and this ensures that the car slows down easily even as it is cruising at high speeds.

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione review indicates that the car has extremely stylish interiors and the cabin employs top class materials used for the interiors. The steering wheel of the car feels slightly heavy. The interiors of the car are tastefully done. The car has comfortable carbon fiber seats that are ergonomically designed. The car has automatic climate control feature and the driver's seat can be electrically adjusted. The car also has top class audio system.

The safety features in the car include airbags, fog lamp and parking sensors. The car also has traction control, antilock brake system, electronic brake force distribution feature and electronic stability program.

More Pictures of Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Renault Alpine Leaked

No, Renault won't officially unveil its long-awaited conceptual tribute to the fabled Alpine-Renault A110 until later this week - but a Web site in Europe claims it has the first leaked photo of the Alpine reincarnate.

French publication MotorSport Magazine, which first broke the images, says what you're looking at is the real concept deal, much, as does fabled BBC publication Top Gear. If true, it looks quite a bit like Renault's 2010 DeZir concept - which, ironically, we noted bore a vague resemblance to vintage Alpine-Renault sports coupes. This new image appears much like a DeZir, albeit one cranked to eleven. Dramatic wheel flares, preposterously large wings, and gaping air intakes trigger flashbacks to Group 4-prepped A110s. Incroyable.

What lurks beneath the skin of la nouvelle Alpine, however, is allegedly wildly different from the original concept. Don't look for the DeZir's fancy electric powertrain; according to TopGear, the Alpine concept is built atop the mechanicals of the wild Renaultsport Megane Trophy race car. As such, a 3.5-liter V-6, placed aft of the cabin in keeping with Alpine tradition, could provide about 450 hp to the rear wheels.

We're anxious to learn more about the concept itself - but we're even more interested in learning exactly what plans Renault has in store for its Alpine brand, which has essentially laid dormant since the discontinuation of the A610 in 1995. Over the past several months, we've heard Renault officials insist they're serious about resurrecting the brand. Rumor has it they're certainly planning on launching a new sports coupe - perhaps atop a platform shared with Nissan and Daimler - that, could pack a 300-hp punch. Executives have also mulled selling the vehicle in both China and North America to amortize costs. If so, and if it continues to wear the Alpine name, it would be the first Alpine-Renault to be officially sold in North America, since plans to sell the GTA in our market in the late 1980s were ultimately scrapped.

For now, it's a wait-and-see process. The first step, we're told, is to wait until Friday, when more images and details are expected to emerge from Renault.

More Pictures of Renault Alpine

2013 Subaru Outback Review

Subaru automobile corporation is long acknowledge among the big name in car producer and also has long historical background of producing a top quality car that has Subaru characteristic, that's why many feels that their brand new line of 2013 Subaru Outback might also be as wonderful as it old collections. The mixture of brand new range of modern technology formulate by Subaru and their expertise and deep working experience from their designers make this 2013 Subaru Outback become a tough competitor to other brand new auto in the same classification from other auto challengers.

This 2013 Subaru Outback is a fresh new car which will become obtainable on wide-range of diverse trims; that are the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i, the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium and the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited; all having four cylinder engine. The subsequent version should be the 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R, the 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium, and the 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited; all having six cylinder engine. In this case, the Premium and Limited version would be the utmost expensive mainly because it will provide freight coverage, leather wrapper steering wheel, rear end privacy glass together with power drivers seat.

Currently the Subaru has already made the decision to placed their personalized CVT auto transmission platform as the selectable for the 2013 Subaru Outback, where the basic transmitting designed for the 2013 Subaru Outback will be the six speeds manual transmitting platform. With regards to the engine, there would be basically two type offered, the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine for the 2.5i editions; producing for as much as 170 hp and 170 pound feet of torque, while the second engine would be the 3.6 liter 6 cylinder engine designed for the 3.6R versions; having 256 horsepower as well as around 247 ft of torque.

The price for all the 2013 Subaru Outback would be the following; the Standard 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i will likely be listed for around $24,55K intended for manual transmitting and $25,35K for the CVT auto transmitting, while the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium will be posted for about $25,85K in manual transmission in addition to $26,85K for the CVT automated transmitting plus the last 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited is going to be listed at $$29,85K. Moreover, the particular 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R is going to be quoted for around $29,35K designed for the Standard version, $30,6K to the Premium version along with the last is going to be $32,95K for Limited type.

Today's tough opposition among auto makers across the world where brand-new vehicles brought directly into public day after day bring a very good condition for the consumer as they now enjoy a handful of options to pick out but in counter it will be a giant mission for Subaru as well as their brand new 2013 Subaru Outback to steal the attention and awareness from their clients and then win the race. As a retrofit variant different from the previous type, the 2013 Subaru Outback expected to deliver a new and different riding atmosphere that's turned into reality by adding new additional features and functions to overpass the outdated edition. Subaru definitely optimist for the success of their fresh new 2013 Subaru Outback prior to implementing loads of brand new facilities and stuffs as per customers desire.

More Pictures of 2013 Subaru Outback

Mercedes-Benz May Be Planning C300 and E300 with 248-hp V-6

If you're shopping for an E Class Mercedes sedan in the U.S., your least expensive option is the E350, which carries a starting price of $51,365 before you check off a single option box.

If you've got your mind made up to buy a new Mercedes, the price is what the price is. If you're cross-shopping rival German brands, there are variants of the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6 that offer similar amenities for thousands of dollars less.

In other words, Mercedes-Benz is potentially giving up sales to rival German automakers. Now comes word from Car and Driver that Mercedes may launch a new E300 sedan, priced noticeably below the current E350.

The E300 would be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, likely the same engine used to power the Canadian E300 4Matic launched in February. It's also the same powerplant used in the current E350, but de-tuned to produce 248 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque instead of the E350's 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

Launching an E300 would also allow Mercedes-Benz to increase the standard content on the existing E350, taking it further up the luxury ladder with a price increase to match.

Documents filed with the NHTSA show that Mercedes may introduce the E300 in both rear drive and in all-wheel-drive 4Matic form, and may even launch a revised C300 4Matic with the same engine.

We say may, because filing vehicle listings with the NHTSA doesn't always mean a model will come to market. It's a necessary first step, and the launch of the E300 in Canada makes expansion to the U.S. likely, but Mercedes-Benz doesn't comment on future models.

More Pictures of Mercedes-Benz E300

2012 Peugeot 408 Launched

Peugeot may have described the 408 with words like harmony, elegance and dynamism. But it does not take a keen eye to notice the slightly awkward proportions resulting from thick C-pillars. That said, the 308-based 408 sedan has a more flowing profile compared with the 206-based 207 Sedan. Measuring 4680 mm in length, 1815 mm in width and 1525 mm in height, the 408 is about the largest C-segment sedan there is, boasting the longest wheelbase of 2710 mm and the largest boot space of 562 litres, which can be expanded by 40/60 split-fold rear seatbacks if the 33 litres of cabin storage space proves insufficient.

Sharing a dash layout with the 308 hatchback, the 408 is a mode of clarity inside and comes well-appointed with premium leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an instrument panel LCD, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, four one-touch power windows with anti-pinch function, automatic dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, and a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 playback capability coupled with USB/Bluetooth connectivity.

Needless to say, the equipment list is much lengthier than the above-mentioned. Both variants are fitted with sensor-activated headlights and wipers, "Follow Me Home" headlight function, cruise control with speed limiter, and automatic retractable side mirrors. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard fare, but with notable differences: the 408 2.0 wears five-spoke Rinjani alloys and 215/50 tyres; while the 408 Turbo wears eight-spoke Melbourne rims wrapped in wider 225/45 tyres. A choice of six colours is offered: Alpine White, Velvet Silver, Metropolis Bronze, Aster Grey, Bourrasque Blue and Premium Black.

The list goes on, covering the crucial safety aspect. Features available for both 408 variants are dual front airbags, the full suite of braking controls (ABS, EBD & BA), front seatbelt pretensioners, and two Isofix locations. The 408 Turbo is set apart with additional items including two side and two curtain airbags, anti-skid regulation (ASR) and dynamic stability control (DSC). What's more, the 408 Turbo's suspension is tuned with a bias for sportiness, so expect a firmer ride.

The 408 2.0 is driven by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, capable of generating a maximum of 147 HP at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4000 rpm. Fitted with a rather dated four-speed auto adaptive gearbox with Tiptronic and a sport mode, the 408 2.0 expectedly does the 0-100 km/h sprint in a leisurely 12.5 seconds, and tops out at 195 km/h. That is a good deal slower than the 408 Turbo, which completes the same sprint in 9.2 seconds and hits 215 km/h.

More Pictures of 2012 Peugeot 408

Subaru Tribeca Moving Towards the Dead End

Say farewell to the Subaru Tribeca. According to MotorTrend's Japanese correspondent, a source close to the automaker says that the Tribeca will end production at the end of this year.

When asked to make an on-the-record-comment about the Tribeca, a Subaru spokesman said "No, Tribeca is not dead, and will be on sale for the 2013 model year." However, beyond the 2013 model year, the spokesman had no comment.

We're guessing the new Subaru XV Crosstreck will end up taking the Tribeca's place when all is said and done.

Power for the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek comes from a 2.0 liter Boxer engine making 148-hp. The engine is mated to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, a 5-speed manual transmission - a second-generation Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (automatic transmission) is available as an option. Estimated fuel-economy comes in at 25/33 mpg (city/highway) and 28 mpg combined.

More Pictures of Subaru Tribeca

2014 Infiniti Q50S by K3 Projekt

ABT transforms cute VW Beetle into a Bavarian barbarian

No flowers on the dash, no pansy eyelashes - it's time for the VW Beetle to man-up and German tuning specialist, ABT Sportsline are just the team for the job! The stunning white paintwork is well-matched to the Aero-Kit with its front spoiler, head and tail light covers, rear panel and rear skirt set. It...

Ford Australia teases final Falcon XR8 [video]

Goes on sale December 1

Ford Australia has released a teaser video for what will be the last ever Falcon XR8.

In the last couple of weeks Ford's Australian division published a couple of teaser images with the 2014 Falcon and now they are providing a sneak preview of the more potent XR8 variant. The facelift will bring modest front & rear changes which will include XR-badged headlights, an updated front grille, sport exhaust system along with a revised hood scoop while stopping power will be provided by beefy cross-drilled discs hiding behind black alloys.

As expected, the 2014 Ford Falcon XR8 will be offered exclusively with a rear-wheel drive layout, with power probably coming from the same V8 5.0-liter supercharged engine inside the limited-run FPV GT F where it generates 477 PS (351 kW).

An official reveal is expected in the coming weeks, with sales confirmed to commence on December 1^st.

Vettel blamed for turning off Hockenheim crowd

Sebastian Vettel (GER), 20.07.2014, German Grand Prix, Hockenheim / XPB

World champion Sebastian Vettel is copping some of the blame for the small crowd at Hockenheim last weekend.

After buzzing atmospheres and big crowds in Canada, Austria and Silverstone, the empty seats for the German grand prix were conspicuous.

"Maybe they are all hung over from the world cup," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

Or maybe the German fans listened to their reigning world champion.

Early this year, as F1 mulled the controversial switch from screaming V8s to quiet V6 engines, Red Bull driver and German Vettel said the sport now sounds "sh*t".

"That doesn't help, no," said Mercedes' Toto Wolff.

"We talked the sport down at the beginning of the year, and many of us are to blame."

The smaller crowd in 2014 is likely to push Hockenheim - having managed to just break even with 10,000 more spectators two years ago - back into the red.

"It certainly didn't really help that Sebastian in his frustration about the new F1 and his car gave loads of interviews about how bad formula one is now and that it's not worth going there," said Katja Heim, a circuit advisor.

"As a four times world champion from Germany, people believe him more than they would the sales people," she told Reuters.

But Heim admitted there are many other factors at play, even if she advised formula one to work hard to be "cooler".

Georg Seiler, the Hockenheim boss, agrees with that.

"When you are missing 10,000 fans, the reasons are not all formula one," he is quoted by Die Welt newspaper.

Germany's other F1 circuit, the Nurburgring, insists it is not worried.

"Last year we had a total of 110,500 fans," new circuit owner Capricorn's Carsten Schumacher told SID news agency.

"So I wouldn't speak about a 'German problem'.

"I think there is nothing wrong with the interest of motor sport fans in Germany and other European countries.

"But maybe we need to think about making the programme on the race weekends more interesting," he added.

It seems that work has already begun. With immediate and noticeable effect, the FIA and race stewards are being much more lenient when it comes to penalising drivers for on-track misdemeanours.

"We want to see real sport again," F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport, "and not interference with each little incident."

F1 legend Niki Lauda said recently he would like to see every major rule change of the past decade revisited.

Another 'purist', Gerhard Berger, agrees that innovations like DRS and double points are "Nonsense".

"Everything that is artificial is not accepted by the fans," he told Rheinische Post.

"Formula one is overregulated and soft," Berger charged.

He compared a MotoGP rider, who breaks his shoulder but is back on the saddle the next day "with us, where you get a drive through penalty if you drive closer than 10 centimetres to another car".

Kelleners Sport tunes the BMW X5 to 527 PS

BMW X5 by Kelleners Sport

Company offers a variety of styling and performance upgrades

Kelleners Sport has introduced their new tuning program for the BMW X5.

Starting with the exterior, the crossover has been equipped with a widebody kit that includes a new front spoiler, extended wheel arches and a wider rear skirt. The model can also be equipped with a stainless-steel sports exhaust system, a coilover suspension, sport springs (which reduce the ride height by up to 30mm) and 22-inch alloy wheels.

Interior pictures were not released but the company says the model can be equipped with everything from premium leather upholstery to carbon fiber or wood trim.

Under the hood, xDrive30d can be tuned to produce 302 PS (222 kW) and 655 Nm (483 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 44 PS (32 kW) and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft).

Likewise, the xDrive35i can be equipped with a KS Power 35 module that enables the engine to produce 358 PS (263 kW) and 468 Nm (345 lb-ft) of torque instead of the standard 306 PS (225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

Last but not least, the xDrive50i can crank out 527 PS (386 kW) and 761 Nm (561 lb-ft) of torque thanks to the KS Power 50 module.

Volkswagen Eos Final Edition announced, will be dropped after this year

2015 Volkswagen Eos

Routan is also killed off

Volkswagen has announced a series of changes to their 2015 lineup in the United States.

While we've already reported on several of them - such as the new diesel engines and the facelifted Jetta and Touareg - the release is notable as it confirms the death of two models.

First up, the Eos is entering its final year of production. To commemorate this fact, Volkswagen will offer an Eos Final Edition which is essentially an Eos Sport that has been equipped with two-tone leather seats, "silver net" interior trim, additional standard equipment and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Routan is also going the way of the dodo as Volkswagen has confirmed it "will no longer be offered" for the 2015 model year.

Check out the press release for additional model year changes and launch dates

Abarth 695 Maserati Edition Price And Specs

Remember the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, the hyper-expensive hot hatch fettled with some help from Maranello? Well now Fiat has tuned up its baby 500C convertible pocket rocket with assistance from Maserati.

The new limited-edition Abarth 695 Maserati Edition will carry a similarly eye-watering price tag - just 499 of the convertible hot hatch will be built and it tops a heady 32,000.

Like the Ferrari version launched three years ago, the Maser 500 uses a 180bhp 1.4 engine breathed upon by a Garrett turbocharger to liberate 184lb ft at 3000rpm when Sport mode is selected.

Abarth's Competizione transmission is standard, its five speeds slotting up and down via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts. A sports exhaust is claimed to improve the acoustics above 3000rpm.

Brembo monobloc brake callipers are fitted to stop this minuscule missile effectively, while Koni shock absorbers give a sportier, lower ride. Not too sporty, we hope; the Tributo Ferrari was a pogoing mess on British country roads.

Fiat swears its sporting brand has had input - and if you look hard enough, you can spot the influences. The 17in alloys have a Maserati-inspired Neptune design, apparently, and the paint is straight from the Maser colour charts - Pontevecchio Bordeaux. The foldback canvas roof is contrasting grey.

It all starts to get a bit more confusing inside, where Jaeger helped design the instrument pack, but there's the usual smattering of carbonfibre (kickplates), leather (wheel and seats) and a rather more surprising UV treatment on the door panels whose surface is described as 'flocking'.

UK sales of the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition start in late 2012. And if you're fretting over that sky-high price for a tarted-up Fiat 500, remember some of the extras thrown in 'for free'. There's a set of Tramontano leather luggage, xenon headlamps, climate control, sat-nav, a JBL hi-fi and limited-edition plaque numbering each edition from 1 to 499.

It's easy to scoff at absurdities such as the Maser 500, but dealers report that these cars do sell - sometimes to customers coming out of supercars or Merc SLs, who want something smaller and more discrete but without losing the exclusivity they crave.

The 695 Maserati Edition certainly has lower running costs than most supercars, with its 151g/km CO2 rating and 46.3mpg average economy figure. Yet Abarth claims a top speed in excess of 140mph and a 0-62mph time nudging just the right side of seven seconds.

More Pictures of Abarth 695 Maserati Edition