The famous Ford name...
The famous Ford name is set to return to the BTCC in 2009 after an absence of nearly a decade. Independent team Arena Motorsport has revealed that it will field a squad of Focus STs in next yearò€™s championship. Although not a factory-backed effort, it will mean tin-top fans get to see the seriesò€™ most successful manufacturer back in action. Since 1959, the blue oval has won 10 championships and a total of 219 races.
An inside source at...
An inside source at the Italian firm has confirmed that the drop-top will make its world debut at the Frankfurt expo in September. As the Brera was designed from the outset to be a convertible and a coup탩, the Spider has a flat rear deck to house the fabric hood, yet retains its seductive styling.
Wide wheelarches and virtually flush bumpers contribute to the sleek lines, while the bold grille and triple headlamps complete the look. Even with the roof raised, it stays faithful to the Alfa Romeo style. Underneath sits a platform shared with the new 157, but smaller overhangs mean the Spider is shorter than the saloon. Both two and four-wheel-drive layouts are possible, with the most powerful versions getting the latter option for maximum grip.
As with the coup탩, the Spider comes with a choice of powerful engines. The range-topping 3.2-litre V6 develops 260bhp, while a four-cylinder 2.2-litre JTS unit provides a healthy 185bhp. It"s also likely that Alfa will be one of the few manufacturers to produce a diesel convertible, as the excellent 2.4-litre JTD oil-burner has the strength and refinement to suit top-down motoring.
The Spider is expected to hit British dealers in early 2006, within months of the coup탩 variant going on sale.