ABT LaunchesTuning Package for VW Scirocco

*Updated with New Photos

ABT is one of the first tuners to get its hands on the new Volkswagen Scirocco which has just began arriving at the firm's European dealerships. The Kempten-based VW Group specialist has prepared an aggressive bodykit for the sport coupe that includes a new front bumper with a lip spoiler, side skirts with air inlets, a larger roof spooler, a rear skirt that incorporates a diagonally attached set of four tail pipes and a boot wing. The exterior package is complemented by new alloy wheels available in sizes 18 to 20’’.

To improve the coupe's handling, ABT has developed a new sport suspension that brings the Scirocco 30 mm closer to the ground. This particular package (combined with 19-inch alloys) will be available in Germany from January 2009 at a price of €5,990 or $8,300 US. Furthermore, the German tuner also offers a sport brake system.

Last but not least, ABT has developed power refinements for all the engines that are offered on the Scirocco. With the power kit, the 1.4-liter TSI’s output rises from 160 to 200HP, the 2.0 TSI’s from 200 to 240HP and the 2.0 TDI’s from 140 to 170HP.

Honda: No Flashy Press Events at Detroit Show

Even though Honda is planning to debut the all-so-important Insight Hybrid vehicle at the 2009 Detroit motorshow in January, the Japanese automaker has decided not to stage any of the traditional flashy press events because of the depressed business conditions. "Normally we have a great TV moment with special effects to reveal a new model," said Honda's U.S. spokesman Chris Martin. "That's a very expensive prospect. Given the economic times, we just didn't see that as appropriate this year."

Honda decision to cancel its press conferences and events comes after a series of automakers including Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Land Rover, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce pulled out of the 2009 Detroit show altogether.

Via: Automotive News (Sub. Req.)

Porsche Panamera Sedan: New Promotional Films

Saying that the new Porsche Panamera's design hasn't been well received is probably an understatement. Porsche of course has a totally different outlook as the Germans believe that with the Panamera they have redefined the "four-door, four-seat sports sedan theme". Whether you agree or disagree with Porsche, fact is that the Panamera is the talk of the (auto) town these days. Following the official details, the running footage and our new image gallery with 28 photos, we've now added two new promotional films to the mix that you can watch right after the jump.

PORSCHE PANAMERA DEVELOPMENT

PORSCHE PANAMERA SHORT PROMO FILM