Fiat Abarth 131 Rally '1975-81

"Stradale"

Pure RWD action! Source: 131mirafiori.com

11.000 visitors! Thank you! This milestone deserves something seriously cool. How about supercharged Fiat from the 70's with Bertone styling and Abarth race spec?

This very special thing basis on not so special Fiat 131, predecessor of Fiat 124, maybe better known as Lada. Well, basic dull car can turn something beautiful when racing department takes over. Abarth founded 131 suitable for their next rally weapon, because the large engine room, rear wheel drive, and roots in 124 that was familiar from earlier rallies. Development started somewhere in 1974 and deadline was set to 1976 season. Many prototypes was developed, were wildest one is 131 SE031 Abarth equipped with tweaked Ferrari Dino's V6 engine producing 270hp@6800rpm! After several prototypes best engine combination was chosen to be 2 litre twin cam with supercharger that was suitable for group 4 in world rally championships. Luckily, homologation for the group reguired 400 road legal units to be produced.

Boxy style beats organic lines every time. Source: 131abarth.com

Boxy aerodynamics are designed by Bertone and are able to swallow even 12 inch wide rims for tarmac use. Works car had 12/10 inch rotors with twin calibers, hydraulic hand brake, three different body strength options, and ZF's five speed gearbox with limited slip differential. The KugelFischer mechanically injected 1995cc engine produced around 220hp@8000rpm and rev limiter was set all the way up to 8500rpm! Cool figures for car weighting just 973kg.

Back in the days works and civil model didn't have much a difference... Source: 131mirafiori.com

Winning formula took rally world championship in 1977, 78, and 80! Road going versions were sold in quite customizable way and customers were able to choose from many options from works cars, especially latter models were basically build from "leftover" parts from the Abarth garage.

Check out here one happy guy driving it and introducing all the details (in Spanish?).

Road spec in details (works figures):

 

Engine
- R4, 1995cc, twin cam, belt driven, 16 valve, DOCH "138 AR1.000" (Abarth type 236b)
- Compression ratio: 10,1:1 (10,7:1)
- Aluminum cylinder head
- Weber 34 DMTR carbs (KugelFischer mechanical injection)
- Works model has Abarth: pistons, valve springs, head gasket, spark plugs, and larger valves
- Rotary pump sump lubrication, cap 4.1kg /cap 6.6kg)
- 4-1 exhaust

Numbers
- 140hp/6400rpm (approx. 215hp/7000rpm, max 8600rpm)
- 176Nm/3800rpm (approx. 225Nm/3800rpm)
- 0-100Km/h: 8,2s (6,6s)
- 0-400M: 15,3s (14,6s)
- Top speed 200Km/h (185Km/h)
- 980kg
- Weight distribution in works model 50/50%

Transmission
- 5 speed manual, RWD (ZF's 5 speed dog manual with limited splip)
- Final drive ratio 14/50 (between 7/43 and 11/40)
- single dry plate clutch

Chassis
- Independent McPherson front and independent wishbones rear (fully independent rear suspension) 
- Disks front (single pistons) and rear drums (12/10inch ventilated discs with dual pistons)
- Cromadora 14x7" alloys and 185/60HR Pirelli tires (15x7" alloys with 185/70 or 285/35 tires!)

Exterior
- Fiberglass exterior, except roof, doors and area between rear lights are steel
- Bumpers removed
- Rear wing
- Rear window wing
- Extended fenders
- Rain drop style mirrors
- Air intakes for rear brakes
- Bonnet scoop

Interior
- Bucket seats
- Sport steering wheel
- Rolling gage
- Extra set of gauges

Other
- 75% of parts are identical with standard models
- Approx. 400 was ever made
- Approx. 350 was sold by Italian dealers and 50 were given for Abarth for rally use
- Body parts made and fit by Bertone

VW Beetle RSi Cabrio '2003

'Ladybird'

Source: cyberbeetle.de

Ladybird -comes to my mind when thinking about 1st generation new beetle, it's maybe the most playful car ever made, especially the cabrio. Design is caricature of rounded car, were the another option would be boxy Volvo 700 from the eighties. Shape doesn't respect the original, but it's easily discovered as Beetle, because there's no another design that comes even close to Beetles characteristics. But there's nothing playful of driving the car, except the smiley faces of people questioning your libido and sense of style. Yes, it's just another Golf with fulsome retro styling and safe, but not thrilling driving experience. Luckily, Dub guys saved some mushrooms when drawing the lines and decided create the RSi -version to boost the sales and make New Beetle behave according to cartoon appear.

Source: beetle.cabriolets.online.fr

Formula is familiar among Wolf Cars. Take the basic chassis, install powerful lump (from the Golf R32 and originally from TT), ensure safety with four-wheel drive, tweak exterior and interior and vòla wolf car it is! With this limited edition of 250 units the exterior and interior styling is exceptionally successful with the wide body, huge wing, and tasty orange leather interior with carbon detailing. I have never driven RSi, but according to press added aggressive didn't help and RSi don't drive like it should, even there's rumours that Porsche was involved in chassis design. Introduced RSi cabrio is ultimate version of the RSi and only couple "design studies" was ever made and unluckily without the tasty orange interior.

Super cool interior of the coupe model. Source: cyberbeetle.de

In details:

Engine
- VR6, 3189cc, 24-valve (BFH/BML)
- Compression ratio: 10,8:1

Numbers
- 224hp/6200rpm (red line 6500rpm)
- 320Nm/3200rpm
- 0-100Km/h: 6,4s
- 0-400M: 14,8s
- 1Km: 24,7s
- Top speed 225Km/h
- 1515kg
- Drag coefficient: 0,4

Transmission
- 6 speed manual, 4WD (Haldex)
- Limited slip differential 

Chassis
- Independent McPherson front and semi-independent rear suspension
- Ventilated disks front and rear (334/26mm)
- O.Z Racing "Superturismo"18x9" alloys and 235/40ZR18 tires

Exterior
- Wider bumbers
- Rear wing
- Rear window wing
- 80mm wider fenders
- Double exhaust outlet

Interior
- Bucket seats in orange leather (color coded back)
- Speedo with LED shift lights
- Extra set of gauges
- Carbon trim
- Carbon door panels
- Alloy detailing
- Alloy pedals and feed rests (for both front passengers)
- Production number plate

Other
- Limited 250 unit production of "coupe" (in between 10/2000 - 3/2003) and couple cabrio prototypes
- All painted in reflex silber

BMW 320si (E90) '2006

'Hidded Pearl'

Some race heritage here. Source: bmwblog.com.

Bimmer's 3-series has been always great. From the very beginning journalists has been praising the excellent balance between performance and practicality, as well as the styling. Styling is very very Bimmer: outstanding stance, notable character line, short front crossing, and engine placed behind the front wheels. But, 3-series is also the most selling model line, so BMW is very gentle with the styling of new models and 3-series never gets the coolest lines. Same happened with the E90 in 2005 when it was announced, even it was the great era of Bangle, design is kind of BMW boring. I mean Bimmer's are never boring, but if you compare E90 to difference that E36 made to E30, there's nothing so spectacular, and E90 lacks the greatness of E60, E63, or E85.

Source: bmwheaven.com

Source: netcarshow.com

Anyway, BMW uses 3-series in WTCC/BTCC and they made a road going special model to compete with the E90. The heart of this unfamiliar special model is hand built 2 liter, 4 cylinder engine, producing 175hp (in race spec 100hp more!) at 7000rpm! Basically BMW motorsport engineers (then building Sauber F1-engines) have taken everything out of bi-Vanos and greated fast-high revving master piece, covered with carbonfibre cylinder head. Power upgrades are not massive, but check the specs to find out how race spec this beauty is. Other tweaks this road racer has are limited to new gearing, better brakes, extra-large wheel mounts, and M-bodykit. By the way, it blasts the Ring under 9-minutes -not bad for naturally aspirated 2 liter middle sized saloon!

In details:

Engine
- R4, ca. 2000cc, 24-valve, Valvetronic, bi-Vanos
- Compression ratio: 11.0:1
- Larger bore by 1mm to 85mm (to regular 2L engine)
- Stroke reduced with 2mm to 88mm
- Special aluminum-alloy liners
- Stiffer crank and connecting rods
- Larger valves
- Special spark blugs
- Valvetronic removed to reduce moving parts
- Radiator from 6-cylinder model
- Carbonfibre cylinder cover (-10kg)

Numbers
- 175hp/7000rpm (limiter in 7300rpm)
- 210Nm
- 0-100Km/h: 8,1s
- 80-120Km/h: 7.7s (4th gear)
- Top speed limited to 225Km/h
- 1350kg

Transmission
- 6 speed manual, RWD
- Shorter final drive (4.10)
 
Chassis
- M-sport suspension
- Ventilated disks front and rear (16 inch)

Exterior
- M-sport aerodynamic package with slightly modified bumpers and side skirts
- '216' alloys with BMW motorsport logo in 18x8/8.5" and 225/40ZR18, 255/35ZR18 tires

Interior
- M-sport seats, steering wheel, and foot rest
- Special rev counter, red zone from 7300rpm up to 8000rpm

Other
- Limited 2600 unit production
- All sport sedans in exclusive Carbon Black Metallic -color

Bad ass! Race model is just little wider and meaner. Andy Priaulx won two WTCC championships with E90. Source: bmwarchiv.de

Saab 9-3 Turbo X '2008

'Darth Vader'

Evil eye. Source: jdpower.com

On the other day I got bored with my Volkswagen's polished functionality and design that's lame enough not to disturb anybody. I'm driving my 6th VW and have owned only one Toyota and Ford in between that makes me a real VAG whore. So, as car change became current I decided ones again look something different, something that has emphasized features, something that makes the car hated or loved, something that makes it stand out. Task seemed to be easy, world is full of different cars, but when affording only one car it has to comply many things and satisfy certain level of practicability and reliability. It's somewhat lame to claim that Dub's design and quality is sophisticated, they drive well enough for daily driver, usually are one of the most affordable cars to insurance and service, usually are reliable enough that no one makes a big noise about it, and have suitable image for every situation, but sometimes these are features that I find people driving with other brands arguing in newer-ending discussions about best cars.

Turbo X SportCombi. Source: saabvereld.net

After browsing several car advertisements Saab started to stand out: it fascinating brand drawing from aeroplanes, represents Scandinavian functionality and it's rare enough that you always found your timelessly designed vehicle from parking lot. Even GM tried to eliminate features that Saab is known and transform it to be premium Opel, it survived to keep odd features like night panel and ignition switch between seats. Additionally there's a rumor that GM bosses ones game to Saab factory to see how it's possible that Saab 9-3 is so much more expencive to manufacture than almost equivalent Opel Vectra and people at Saab told GM guys to break the cars in parts for comparison and GM newer returned to the topic, because Saab was so well built. 

Turbo X SportSedan. Source: pcwalls.net

When writing for Wolf Car blog the standard is always the fastest and rarest model available and in case of 9-3 it's Turbo X that was manufactured in very limited numbers in 2008 in both SportSedan and SportCombi versions. It's the fastest Saab ever and perhaps the meanest with dark colour scheme with black exterior and interior available with matte dark grey detailing. Actually there was about to be even faster Saab in the eighties when Saab's R&D was designing to V8 to be installed into classic 900, sadly this newer happened. Turbo X's celebrate Saab's 30 year history of charging engines in production cars. Actually, I'm still not sure which of the first Turbo cars produced in series is the first: BMW 2002 Turbo, Porsche 930 Turbo or Saab 99 Turbo? Special editions are equipped with the state of the art technology: engine is nominated to Ward's one of the world's 10 best engines in world and all-wheel-drive and electronic slip-differential lock technology was one of the most advanced of that time and Swedish. Usually facelifts are not succesfull, but in 9-3 the year 2008's make-over totally transformed the car from something odd to a classic, even so seen clear tail lights started look cool in Saab. 

Dark interior and unique propeller styled alloy. Source: motivemag.net

So this could be one solution for my need of unique, yet functional family car that can thrill the driver, but how to find myself 9-3 Turbo X SportCombi's, there's none in sale!

In details:

Engine
- V6, 2792cc, 24-valve, Twin-scroll turbo (LP9)
- Compression ratio: 9.5:1
- Intercooler
Numbers
- 280hp/5500rpm (limiter in 6400rpm)
- 400Nm/2150-4500rpm
- 0-100Km/h: 5,7s
- Top speed limited to 250Km/h

Transmission
- 6 speed manual or automatic gearbox, AWD
- Haldex -XWD cross wheel (4WD) drive system, system can deliver minimum of 4% on the rear wheels or much as 85% for the single wheel if needed
- Electronic slip differential lock (eLSD) in rear axle
Chassis
- MacPherson struts, gas shocks, anti-roll bar, and hydroformed sub-frame at front
- Independent 4-link, coil springs, self-leveling shocks, anti-roll bar, sub-frame, and rear-wheel steering system
- Lowered -10mm from Aero model
- Ventilated disks front and rear (345x30mm & 292x20mm)
- Steering ratio: 16.0:1
- Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.97

Exterior
- Re-profiled front bumper and deep front lip spoiler in matte grey titanium
- Re-profiled rear bumper with integrated diffusor in matte grey titanium
- Rear spoiler in both sedan and SportCombi
- Unique 'Turbo X' alloys in 18x7,5" in matte grey titanium and 235/45R18 tires (19" optional alloys) 
- All in 'Metallic Jet Black' colour

Interior
- Black leather interior
- Carbon fibre detailing in fascia, door inserts, glove box, and centre console
- The 'Batwing' multifunctional steeringwheel
- 'Ready to take-off' or driver's name appearing on the display when switching on the ignition

Other
- 2000 units produced
- 600 units sold in U.S and 500 in UK

Volkswagen Polo R '2013

'Street warrior'

New more aggressive front. Source:carsnew.blockspot.fi

Since Golf GTI has become size of a whale Polo has been replacing it as a thrilling pocket rocket of the Volkswagen fleet. The design of the current Polo is really successful when thinking the size of a car -small cars are somewhat more challenging to make look cool. Soon deputing WRC version has such a muscles that makes it one of the greatest rally car design ever! Hope all the best for it, so I can finally have a new hero replacing the old farts like Delta Integrale and Escort Cosworth.

Quite carefull design here at back. Source: carsnew.blockspot.fi

Anyway VW decided to take everything out of its WRC adventure, so this spring they are introducing Polo R. The teaser was already introduced in Wörthersee's VW enthusiastic show and now its confirmed that they gonna build some. Polo R extends the saga of special Polo's that was started with G40 and followed by GTI Cup. Of course VW wants to be the king of the hill so hope they do things as properly as it sounds in paper and Polo's wolf version doesn't remain just a make up. Not so many details are leaked, but here's some that I was able to find...

Polo WRC -evil as it comes! Source: bimmerboost.com

In details

Engine

R4, 1984cc, 16-valve, TSI, Turbo (EA888?)

BorgWarner 'K03' water-cooled turbocharger

Intercooler

Numbers

220hp

320Nm

0-100Km/h: 6,4s

Top speed 243Km/h

Transmission

6-speed manual, FWD

Chassis

18" Cagliari alloys with 215/35R18 tires

Exterior

Aggressive front bumper

Side skirts

Black mirrors

Rear spoiler in black

Rear diffusor

Blue brake calibers

Some stupid graphics

Interior

Alcantara steering wheel with 'Aaltonen's stripe'

Racing seats

WRC specific trim

Blue stitches

R-style blue dials

Alloy pedals

Other
2500 cars are planned to be produced

Citroen CX 25 GTI Turbo ´1984-1989

'Big cat'

There's a small place in my heart for the big Citroen's. The Kamm tail 5-door design adds a pinch of drama for the scene when appearing and very few other car have reached similar feline essence. CX (meaning 'Cd' drag coefficient in French) was introduced in 1974 to replace the avant gardist automobile of them all -DS. Around 1,2 million CX's were produced during the long producing period until 1991. The Turbo models came into the picture in 1984. CX Turbo is not the brettiest of big cats or not even the fastest, but matches the Wolf car values with its slight hooligan attitude and as well it was even compared to M535i in time.

Source: Flickr/Rich007

Bimmer is almost overshadowed by the feline lines. Source: Flickr/azu250

Technically CX was a state of the art combining hydro-pneumatic integral self-leveling suspension, speed adjustable power steering and originally designed even for the rotary engine! Praised and astonished suspension that moderates bumpy roads, offers adventurous driving experience and enables car to sit on its belly has peen licensed for the Rolls-Royce. 

Daddy of the low riders! Source: motor-classic.de

Series 1 and 2 are easily recognized by the more aggressive plastic bumpers of the series 2. Basically Turbo models are similar to basic GTI models (138hp) and only notable difference is the added turbocharger without intercooler. GTI turbo stands for more high speed cruising than cornering that is supported with a comfortable and spacious interior. Some say that CX is the last real Citroen before Peugeot spoiled the thrilling brand :)

In details (1989 model):

Engine

Straight 4, 2500cc, 8-valve, Bosch LE/LU2-Jetronic fuel injection
compression ratio 7,75:1

Garrett ‘T03’ turbo
Numbers
168hp/5000rpm
294Nm/3250rpm
Top speed: 223km/h

0-100km/h: 7,8s

0-400m: 15,7s

0-1000m: 29s
1370kg
Transmission
5 speed manual, FWD
Chassis

Front: equal length wishbones, hydro-pneumatic self-leveling

Rear: trailing arms, hydro-pneumatic self-leveling

Ventilated disks/disks (260/224mm)

Aero 5,5x15” alloys with 210/50VR39TRX tires
Exterior
One piece front bumper with fog lights

Streamlined mirrors

Composite rear wheel aerodynamic covers

Rubber rear spoiler
Twin tip exhaust
Interior

Analogue dials (check above the grazy ones they had before!)

Special GTI/Turbo trim
 

Crazy dials of the first series. Source: Flickr/CitroenAZU

 

BMW Alpina B7 Turbo/1 '1984-1987

Shark nose as its best. Source: forums.mwerks.com

Merry Christmas! As a present here comes the BMW's finest. E28 is already a cool thing with it's perfect shark nose, elegant lines, perfect proportion, and center exit exhaust. In addition it's the backbone of the first M5 -mother of all Wolf cars. First M5 might be the fastest production saloon of it's time, but in the wolf car world of "not always so production cars" Alpina B7 Turbo ate its lunch.

Actually B7 Turbo (based on 535i) was born before M5 already in 1979 and holded the world fastest sedan title with a top speed of 163.9mph (263.8Km/h) until 1984. Alpina modifications include lighter Mahle pistons, a modifeid cylinder head, 264 degree cam, and KKK -turbo with intercooler with adjustable boost control from the cockpit! Besides the massive power increase the Alpina's are built to handle too with upgraded chassis which was not always the case with modified E28's of the era. Check out this über B7 Turbo project.

 

In details:

 

Treasure from Sweden. Source: unknown

Engine
In-line 6, 3430cc, 20-valve, Bosch Motronic (M106)
compression ratio 9.00:1

KKK “K27” turbo (0,7 bar)
air-to-air intercooler

Alpina modified cylinder-head

Mahle pistons

Alpina camshafts (264)

Alpina exhaust manifold

The boost knob. Source: davintosh.com

Alpina engine bay plaque
Numbers (depends on year, best figures listed here)
320hp/5800rpm
509Nm/3000rpm
Top speed: 260+km/h

0-100km/h: 4,8s!!!

0-160km/h: 12,8s

0-200km/h: approx. 17s

0-400m: 13,4s (168km/h)

0-1km: 24,4s
1410kg

Cd 0,39
Transmission
Getrag ‘265’ 5 speed manual, RWD
Strenghtened differential with pump-driven oil cooler
Chassis

Alpina-Bilstein suspension with progressive springs and gas-pressure dambers

Alpina sway bars

Girling Ventilated disks/disks, 4/1 piston calibers

Alpina 7 and 8x16” alloys with 205/45VR16 (f), 225/50VR16 (r) tires
Exterior
Alpina front spoiler

Alpina rear spoiler

Alpina contour line decoration

Alpina front grill and trunk badges
Interior

Recaro sport seats with Alpina upholstery

Alpina leather 3-spoke steering wheel 360mm

Alpina gear knob

Alpina instruments ->300km/h

Alpina digital boost gauge

Alpina dashboard plaque
Turbo boost selector in center console
Other
Total of 236-278 E28 Alpina B7 Turbo’s was built between 04/1984-12/1987