Real Car Tips

Followup: Brazil contemplates safety exemption for VW Kombi as it goes out of production today [w/poll]

Brazil: the country of carnivals, indescribable beauty adjacent to abject poverty, Ayrton Senna and old Volkswagen models. Only they're not old â€" they're new, they're just based on old designs. The original Beetle continued production there long after it had been phased out elsewhere, but the original Kombi van has lasted much longer. That ends today, however, with the iconic VW Microbus ambling out of production on the last day of 2013.

VW kept making the van in Brazil with the original air-cooled 1.2-liter boxer four until 2005, after which the original design was updated with a 1.4-liter water-cooled engine. Today, however, it ultimately falls prey to safety regulations that mandate that all vehicles â€" no matter how old their design â€" need to have airbags and ABS, forcing Volkswagen do Brasil to cease production of the Microbus after a 56-year production run. But the latest word is that the Kombi (as it's presently known) could get a stay of execution â€" or at least a resurrection in short order.

According to reports, the Brazilian government is looking into granting the Type 2 Microbus an exemption from said safety regulations, reasoning that the van was designed long before the advent of airbags and ABS. If the measure goes through, the Kombi Last Edition (pictured above) could prove not to be the last at all. So what do you think, should the Microbus get an exemption from Brazilian safety regulations for nostalgia's sake? Vote in our poll below, then have your say in Comments.

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Report: Is the $1.4M LaFerrari sold out?

If you look at the stratospheric sticker prices on the latest generation of hypercars and wonder how an automaker could possibly justify it, bear in mind a few factoids. For one thing, even when the sticker prices start lower, they quickly balloon past the million-dollar mark. For another, automakers charge that much because they can, and don't seem to have much trouble selling them all.

Case in point: the new LaFerrari. While presenting the state-of-the-art supercar on CNBC, Ferrari North America CEO Marco Mattiacci revealed that all 499 examples that will be made of the hybrid hypercar â€" including those 120 earmarked for North America â€" have already been spoken for. This despite the $1.4 million asking price that makes it the most expensive Ferrari ever made.

Or the most expensive new Ferrari, we should say, because prices for the most collectable machines ever to roll out the gates at Maranello continue to rise. Figure you'll save a little and get LaFerrari's predecessor? Trading hands these days at prices approaching $2 million (around three times its original $660k MSRP), the Enzo is even more expensive. And that's just the scarlet tip of the iceberg.

A classic 250 LM recently sold at auction for $14 million, a 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder for $27.5 million and the most recent 250 GTO to have changed hands sold for a reputed $52 million. Heck, even a wrecked Dino 308 GT4 sold for a quarter million, which suddenly makes LaFerrari seem like a bargain. Shame they're all spoken for...

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ETC: DMC.Concept takes DeLorean back to the future [w/video]

The DeLorean DMC-12 was, for a brief but shining moment, the dream of the 1980s motorist. Eventually failed in the cold, hard, reality of bad business deals and sketchy engineering, the gullwing DeLorean has nevertheless refused to go away. The injection of stardom from Back to the Future and the motoring media's near sycophantic obsession with the wild life of John Z. DeLorean have given the brand legs that wouldn't have been believed in the darkest days of 1983.

The iconic bodyshell of the DMC-12 has played host to powertrains ranging from high-output mills to electric motors; toys based on the car still crop on the regular; the model makes occasional appearances on screens of all kinds.

It's not shocking then, that the DeLorean is still inspiring young designers, as well. We ran across this rather interesting new take on the DMC brand recently, a DMC.Concept that imagines a car positioned as a luxury coupe in the 2014 marketplace. Designer Alex Graszk may not have anything like a path to production for his evocative machine, but we still like the cut of his cloth. The concept does not so much ape the DMC-12 styling that we're all so fond of, but it does strike us as a realistic, modern interpretation of the values that guided the first car.

Tell us how the fanciful DMC.Concept strikes you in Comments after scrolling below for a brief video.

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Martini Racing officially returns to F1 with Williams

As a car culture, we throw the word "iconic" too much, but if there's anything it has ever applied to â€" when it comes to racing liveries especially â€" surely it's the legendary stripes of Martini Racing. The Italian vermouth brand has sponsored everything from Porsche endurance racers to Lancia rally cars. It's followed Ford into the WRC and Alfa Romeo into DTM. It's even sponsored offshore racing powerboats. But when it comes to Formula One, it's come and gone over the years.

Martini Racing started out sponsoring the unsuccessful Italian squad Tecno in 1972, then switched to the World-Champion Brabham racing team run by Bernie Ecclestone. It sponsored Lotus in 1979, then disappeared from the scene for decades until its logo showed up on the Ferrari 248 F1 in 2006, only to vanish again into the history books. But now it's back.

As promised, Martini has penned a new deal with the Williams F1 team to see its stripes adorn the Mercedes-powered FW36 which Felipe Massa and Finnish newcomer Valtteri Bottas will be driving in the 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship. The rechristened Williams Martini Racing has just revealed its car in full race livery â€" complete with those red, navy and light blue stripes draped over white bodywork â€" ahead of the Australian Grand Prix that will open the season in Melbourne next weekend.

The partnership gives Williams the best-looking livery and highest-profile sponsor since Rothmans in the 1990s, and gives us one more reason to pull for the plucky underdogs that have been outshining the frontrunners in pre-season testing.

WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING PUTS THE STRIPES BACK ON THE GRID
Iconic MARTINIÂ® Brand Returns to Formula Oneâ„¢ Racing as Title Partner of the Legendary Williamsâ„¢ Team

LONDON, March 6, 2014- MARTINIÂ®, the world's leading vermouth and best-selling Italian sparkling wine, in partnership with Williams, today announced a multi-year agreement that unites two of the most iconic brands in Formula Oneâ„¢ racing, creating WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING. The announcement was made during an event held here, as part of the 2014 team launch.

"We are thrilled to welcome MARTINI to the Williams family and officially launch WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING," said Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal, Williams. "Williams and MARTINI share a rich history in the world of motorsport, and the values of our two brands and our shared passion for racing make this partnership a natural fit. It will be great to see the distinctive stripes of MARTINI Racingâ„¢ return to Formula Oneâ„¢ once again in unison with Williams."

"The decision to partner with Williams was a natural one for us as it provides an unparalleled opportunity for the MARTINI brand to connect with consumers through one of their lifestyle passions, Formula Oneâ„¢ racing," said Andy Gibson, Chief Marketing Officer of Bacardi and President of Bacardi Global Brands, who oversees marketing for MARTINI other premium brands in the Bacardi portfolio. "MARTINI will give consumers a taste of life in the fast lane, bringing a renewed sense of Italian style and glamour to the track and beyond. WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING provides a powerful, integrated marketing platform and delivers dynamic opportunities that will strengthen the MARTINI brand."

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The Fiat 500 Cult celebrates the little car's success with a new top model

The Fiat 500 Cult Edition at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, front three-quarter view

The Fiat 500 has proved to be a huge success since first being introduced in 2007. In that time, Fiat claims that it has sold over 1.2 million units worldwide. For the 2014 model, the Italians are celebrating with a new top-spec version called the 500 Cult at the Geneva Motor Show, but it likely will be limited to the European market.

The Cult is available as both a hatchback and convertible and each receive their own, unique color. The coupe is available in a light mint green called Lattementa Green that recalls the 500s from the 1960s, and the convertible is offered in Three-layer White. Both models get gloss black trim around the taillights, and the bumperettes and tailgate handles are finished in chrome. Buyers can choose between black or chrome trim for the door mirrors, both presenting a very retro look.

Inside, the Cult gets standard leather and a dashboard painted the same color as the body. A new 7-inch TFT display sits in the middle of the instrument cluster, which manages the media player, telephone, trip computer and displays warning messages. Automatic climate control and rear parking sensors are standard, and coupes get a sunroof.

These top 500s are available with a full range of engines, including a 95 horsepower 1.3-liter MultiJet II turbodiesel, a 69 hp 1.2-liter petrol engine and 85 hp or 105 hp tunes of the 900cc TwinAir Turbo.

Geneva sees the dÃ©but of the Fiat 500 MY 14 and its ultimate expression: the exclusive Cult version

Star of the Swiss Motor Show's 84th edition, the Model Year 2014 of the iconic Fiat 500 introduces important new product features in terms of style and technological content

3 new body colours - Lattementa Green, Three-layer White and Italia Blue, the latter exclusive to the S trim level - 3 new alloy wheels, 15" or 16", as standard depending on the trim level

New interiors in fabric or leather, with specific combinations for each version

The dÃ©but of the innovative instrument panel with 7" TFT display developed with Magneti Marelli
5 engine versions: 105HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, 95HP 1.3 MultiJet II, 69HP 1.2, 85HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, the last two also with Dualogic robotized gearbox, and the 69 HP 1.2 dual-fuel (petrol/LPG)

The new 105HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo shows off the 'metropolitan' vocation of the 500 MY to best effect, recording top speed of 188km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 10 seconds, together with low consumption (4.2litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (99g/km) in the combined cycle

MY 2014 innovations include the new top-of-the-range Cult version, in saloon and cabrio configurations, which offers an exclusive level of style, technological content and performance

New Lattementa green body colour and, on the cabrio version, also the brand-new Three-layer White

New chrome treatment for front 'whiskers', luggage compartment handle and mirror covers

New 16" alloy wheels and new leather-upholstered seats

Exclusive MoparÂ® accessories available, as well as all the quality of the assistance services, warranties and maintenance plans offered by the Mopar Vehicle Protection range

The entire Fiat 500 MY 2014 range will be in showrooms starting from the second quarter of 2014

All the new features of the Model Year 2014 will consolidate the success of the 500 model: from 2007 to date, more than 1,200,000 units sold, 75% of which registered abroad, and heading up the sales ranking in Europe in 2013

The 2014 Geneva Motor Show sees the dÃ©but of the new Fiat 500 Model Year 2014, which introduces important new product features in terms of style and technological content. Starting with the three new body colours - Lattementa Green, Three-layer White and Italia Blue, the latter exclusive to the S trim level - and the three new alloy wheels, 15" or 16", as standard depending on the trim level. What's more, the renewal of the range sees the dÃ©but of new interiors, in fabric or leather, with specific combinations for every trim level.

The passenger compartment has also been updated in terms of equipment, as demonstrated by the new and innovative instrument panel with 7'' TFT display, developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli, the international group which operates in the area of designing and manufacturing high-tech systems and components for vehicles. Specifically, the device provides the driver with all the information needed and demonstrates, once more, the "trend-setting" spirit of this model, an icon that's always one step ahead.

One of the many new features ushered in by Model Year 2014 is the brand-new Fiat 500 Cult, the top-of-the-range 'collector's' version which encapsulates the best of 2014's new features, offering an exclusive level of style, technological content - such as the Blue&Me hands-free system with Bluetooth and automatic climate control as standard - and performance to the most demanding and scrupulous customers of the Fiat 500 MY 2014.

The Model Year 2014 of the iconic Fiat 500 will certainly play its part in consolidating the global success of the Fiat model-icon. There is a genuine '500 effect', which has spread not only through the automotive sector, but has also become a source of inspiration in other areas: from the cinema to art and from fashion to design. The Fiat 500 has earned a place in the collective imagination as a powerful, unmistakable symbol, not merely a means of transport but a 'vehicle' for authentic emotion and unique experiences. To the extent that in some places, the Fiat 500 has become almost a 'cult' item for collectors and admirers. It's up to the Fiat brand to fuel '500ism' constantly with new products, ever more up-to-date and contemporary, just like the exclusive Fiat 500 Cult version, which assumes its rightful place in the manifesto of '500ism'.

The Fiat 500 is also the icon of Italian manufacturing par excellence, which establishes itself throughout the world thanks to Italian style, continuous innovation, respect for the environment and premium quality. Suffice it to say, it's the Fiat model with the highest level of sales outside of Italy: more than 1,200,000 units sold from 2007 to date, 75% of which have been registered abroad.

Made since 2007 in Poland and since 2010 also in Toluca (Mexico), the Fiat 500 is marketed in over one hundred countries worldwide and has marked the return of the Fiat brand to the USA. A global model, which in 2013 alone repeated its record share (13.9%) of 2008 in Europe, its first full year on sale. And that's not all. For the first time in its history, last month saw it reach another important landmark, becoming Europe's best-selling A-segment car. A total of nearly 163 thousand were registered in the EMEA area in 2013, an increase of approximately 9% compared to 2012.

Among the secrets of its global success is without a doubt its capacity to evolve continuously with new interpretations - from the 500 Abarth (2008) to the latest arrival, the 500 GQ (2013) - but also to explore new territory, generating a family of fun, accessible cars that ensure the utmost choice and versatility: the 500L (2012), 500L Trekking and 500L Living (2013) are the result.

The new 500 Model Year 2014

The new Fiat 500 Model Year 2014 will be on display in European showrooms from the second quarter of 2014, revealing important new product features both in terms of style and technological content.

Starting with the three new body colours - Lattementa Green, Three-layer White and Italia Blue, the latter exclusive to the S trim level - and the three new alloy wheels, 15" or 16", as standard depending on the trim level. What's more, the 2014 range sees the dÃ©but of new interiors, in fabric or leather and with specific combinations for each trim level. But one of the most significant new features of the Fiat 500 Model Year 2014 is undoubtedly the innovative digital instrument panel, developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli.

New 7" TFT display

For the first time in the segment, the Fiat 500 Model Year 2014 offers a 7" TFT digital display which brings together all the information required for driving and controlling the car. An ideal marriage of retro aesthetics and technological modernity, the new instrument panel is standard on the S and Cult trim levels, on request on Lounge.

In detail, the driver can always monitor the data from the speedometer, rev counter and trip computer, all of which can be consulted immediately and simultaneously. Moreover, the central section of the display - displaying an image of the car - can be configured according to the driver's wishes, by choosing from the various data provided by the trip computer, such as distance travelled, instant fuel consumption, range, etc.

An interesting feature is the integration with the tried and tested Blue&Me TomTom 2 LIVE navigation system for viewing navigation information on the 7" TFT display of the Fiat 500 Cult and managing the media player, telephone and trip computer functions on the same screen. The real time traffic and speed camera information make travelling fast and safe.

There's also high visibility for the warning messages - such as doors open, temperature, etc. and the "GSI" (Gear Shift Indicator) system indicator, which advises the driver to change gear by switching on a specific symbol.

Finally, if the vehicle is equipped with the TomTom satellite device, the 7" TFT display also shows the navigation information. Additionally, the LCD screen shows the Sport button activation signal on the 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine version.

Engine versions

Fiat 500 MY 2014 is also synonymous with personality and fun behind the wheel, as demonstrated by a wide range of engine versions comprising the 69 HP 1.2 and 85 HP TwinAir Turbo petrol engines (both also available with Dualogic robotized gearbox) and the new 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo. Customers can also choose to fit their car out with the outstanding 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II turbodiesel or the 69 HP 1.2 dual-fuel (LPG/petrol) engine.

In particular, among the engines that show off the car's 'metropolitan' vocation to best effect is without a doubt the new 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir, the new power unit from the TwinAir family that combines the concept of downsizing - displacement and weight reduction - with sophisticated technologies, like supercharging with high-efficiency turbocharger, integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head and the totally new MultiAir 2 intake valve control system.

Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, the new 0.9 TwinAir engine delivers 105 HP at 5,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 145 Nm at 2,000 rpm. This is the source of the Fiat 500 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir's performance: 188 km/h top speed and 0 to 100 km/h in just 10 seconds. All in light of consumption and emissions among the lowest in the segment: in the combined type-approval cycle, 4.2 l of petrol every 100 km and 99 g/km of CO2 , respectively.

As on the previous Turbo TwinAir applications, ECO mode when starting is also available for the new Fiat 500: in this condition the maximum torque delivered is limited to 120 Nm and the power to 98 HP, allowing the power unit to function in the operating range which permits maximum efficiency and thus minimum emissions. Furthermore, the model comes with Start&Stop system as standard.

Finally, it should be remembered that the TwinAir engine has won the appreciation of the general public and the most important international juries in a very short time. Suffice it to say that as early as its dÃ©but, it triumphed at the 'International Engine of the Year Awards 2011', winning 4 awards: the one for its displacement category (under 1,000 cm3), 'Best New Engine 2011', 'Best Green Engine 2011' and the 'International Engine of the Year 2011' award, the top award in the competition.

Last year this series of awards was enriched with the "Best Green Engine of the Year 2013" title, awarded to the methane-fuelled 0.9 TwinAir Turbo dual-fuel. Not to mention that the Fiat 500 with 85 HP TwinAir engine, Start&Stop system and Dualogic gearbox was recognised as the petrol-fuelled car with the lowest carbon dioxide emissions last year as well: just 90 g/km of CO2 (source: "Guida al Risparmio di carburante 2013" (Guide to Saving Fuel) produced by the Ministries for the Environment, for Infrastructure and Transport and for Economic Development).

Fiat 500 Cult, the new top-of-the-range version

The Fiat 500 Cult is the new top-of-the-range version offering an exclusive level of style, technological content and performance to the most demanding and scrupulous customers of the iconic Fiat. In particular, available in saloon or cabrio configurations, the new and exclusive trim level represents the perfect synthesis of distinctive look and innovation which, once again, highlights the Fiat 500's 'trend-setting' spirit.

Fiat 500 Cult can come in one of the range's body colours, including the new Lattementa Green, all teamed with the elegant roof: one part fixed glass and the other glossy black paintwork. The end result is a refined colour combination that confirms, once more, that for the iconic Fiat colour is not merely a question of aesthetics, but an integral part of a product philosophy founded on character, style and maximum scope for personalisation. Additionally, the new Three-layer White will be available on the cabrio version.

Customers can choose door mirror covers which are either chrome or glossy black: whatever the choice, the final effect is a contemporary, fashionable combination together with the body colour. All this is enhanced with elegant chrome for the characteristic front 'whiskers' and tailgate handle, in addition to the glossy black surround for the rear light clusters and the new 16" alloy wheels.

The same style is found inside, where the new leather seats stand out - a choice of black leather (ivory or red inserts), tobacco leather or red leather (both with ivory inserts) - an attractive match with the dashboard painted the same colour as the body. The new upholstery was designed to offer the best possible ergonomics, guaranteeing comfort and character in a single solution.

The new 500 Cult is available with the 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II turbodiesel, the 69 HP 1.2 and 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo petrol engines (both also available with Dualogic robotized gearbox) and the new 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo.

The Cult version of the Fiat 500 ensures high-value equipment, as demonstrated by some important content as standard: instrument panel with 7" TFT display, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, fixed glass roof with sun blind, leather seats, leather steering wheel with Blue&MeTM controls and Dualdrive electric power steering.

Again as standard are the split (50/50) rear seat with height-adjustable head restraint, CD/MP3 radio and Blue&MeTM hands-free system with Bluetooth technology (voice recognition, steering wheel controls, digital audio file player with USB port).

The Fiat 500 Cult brooks no rivals in the field of safety either. This is demonstrated by ABS+ESD, driver and passenger airbag with dual stage system, side bags, window bags, knee bags, Isofix attachments, daytime running lights (DRL) and ESP system complete with ASR/MSR, HBA and Hill Holder.

Lastly, customers can count on an extensive collection of exclusive accessories created by MoparÂ®, the aftersales division responsible for Parts & Service and Customer Care activities in the EMEA region. These also include products designed especially for the new Fiat 500 Cult, such as the elegant 'chrome kit' for the exterior, comprising droplet-shaped bonnet trim, A-bar on the front bumper, door mirror covers and valve cover caps for the tyres. What's more, 'Mopar Vehicle Protection' is available for the 500 family as well. This exclusive service offer is designed to take care of the vehicle throughout its entire useful life, guaranteeing that all maintenance operations are carried out at authorised dealerships and workshops within Europe by highly qualified and specialised technicians, using original parts.

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