Fiat 500 TwinAir models

Fiat has decided to make the 500 TwinAir a model in its own right. The eponymous award winning two-cylinder engine continues to be available in other versions of the 500, but this latest move should help to raise the profile of this technologically advanced powertrain.



Although the TwinAir motor only has a capacity of 875 cc, MultiAir valve gear plus a turbocharger result in a power output of 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS). That’s good enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 108 mph (173 km/h).



Very respectable performance, but the TwinAir’s real forte is efficiency. Combined fuel consumption is an impressive 68.9 mpg (4.1 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are just 95 g/km.

The new 500 TwinAir model is distinguished by matt black 15” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, sports seats, a chrome exhaust and a burnished metal finish for the dashboard. Its price in the UK has been confirmed at £11,600 on the road.



Alternatively, for an extra £1,100, Fiat is offering the TwinAir Plus. Its additional specification comprises an increase in wheel size to 16”, the Blue&Me system (which includes Bluetooth, USB connectivity and an aux-in socket), body-coloured door mirror housings, automatic climate control, dark tinted windows and a leather-covered gear knob and sports steering wheel.



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New Husqvarna Nuda 900R

Husqvarna has released the first images of its new naked street bike, which has been named the Nuda 900R.



And it’s not a bad looking thing, with its angular quasi-supermoto styling and minimal bodywork. That seat looks very tall though, and not particularly comfortable.

Husqvarna Nuda 900R. Scroll down for more images.

Only a few technical specs have been revealed, but Husqvarna is saying that the 900’s engine - which is derived from the 798 cc parallel twin-cylinder unit used by parent company BMW in its F 800 range of bikes - will develop over 100 horsepower (around 74 kW) and more than 100 Nm (73 lb/ft) of torque.



By comparison, the BMW F 800 models have outputs of 85 bhp (64 kW / 87 PS) and 86 Nm (63 lb/ft), so the increases seen in the Nuda 900R are in line with its extra capacity.



With a dry weight of less than 175 kg (385 lbs) being promised the Husqvarna will also be slightly lighter, whereas the similarly naked BMW F 800 R tips the scales at 177 kg (390 lbs).



The 900R’s suspension will feature an Öhlins fully adjustable shock at the rear, while up front there’s a 48 mm Sachs fork that’ll be adjustable for spring pre-load and compression / rebound damping. Front wheel braking is to be taken care of by a Brembo radially-mounted caliper with four pistons.



Pricing and launch dates for the Husqvarna Nuda 900R have yet to be confirmed.

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Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition

To celebrate its recent victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours race, Audi has created the R8 V8 Limited Edition.



Based on the Coupé, just 100 will be produced and all are coming to the UK. Prices start at £93,935 for the manual transmission version, which is exactly £6,000 more than the standard model.

So, is the Limited Edition worth the extra? Well, it gets a lot of extra kit as standard, but the answer is still a ‘maybe’.



That additional specification includes 19” titanium finish alloy wheels, Bluetooth telephone preparation with seat-belt microphones, a premium Bang and Olufsen audio system, the Audi Music Interface, satellite navigation, an interior light package and the Audi Magnetic Ride adaptive suspension system.



Plus, buyers will be able to choose from any of the normally optional metallic or pearl effect paint colours at no extra charge. Alternatively, they could go for a Titanium Metallic finish which is unique to the Limited Edition, although somewhat bizarrely it will cost more. The interior is upholstered in Black Fine Nappa Leather, with crimson red panels and red stitching.



Put all of that lot on a normal R8 V8 and the options bill would add up to at least £8,500. That makes the Limited Edition seem like good value - but only if all of its extra equipment was actually wanted in the first place.



Orders for the R8 V8 Limited Edition can be placed from July, and it will be available with either manual or R tronic automated manual transmissions. Deliveries are then expected to begin in October.



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