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Autodelta has created bespoke versions of two existing Alphas Romeo models – the 159 and Brera to go on display at the Prestige and Performance car show. The bespoke model that is based on the 159 is called the Autodelta J4 3.2 C and has had a number of upgrades in terms of style and performance.  The 3.2-litre V6 engine has been tweaked to produce 347bhp, although it hasn’t released new performance figures. For the Brera, Autodelta’s changes are based on weight loss and power upgrade package getting rid of 100kg from the chubby Brera.  Prices and sale dates are not yet revealed but watch this space.

As October’s new car registration figures hit their highest mark this year – 31.6% – and positive headlines finally start to overtake the doom and gloom of the last couple of years, David Raistrik, UK Manufacturing Leader at Deloitte has remarked “while the industry celebrates this good news, there is a ‘perfect storm’ on the horizon where the automotive sector will be affected by a combination of factors that could come into play in Q1 next year.” Raistrick cites these factors as the end of the scrappage scheme, the return of the VAT to its old figure of 17.5% and the potential show room tax of £950 per vehicle which could be implemented in March. There’s also the possibility of a further increase in interest rates. He also commented that the low value of sterling and the cost of imported cars and parts may lead to car manufacturers having to increase their prices.

The legend that is the Porsche Boxter Spyder is to make a comeback next year with a new lightweight version, inspired by the 1954 550 Spyder which was only three feet high and 550kg heavy. The new car is driver-focused with a low-slung body and lightweight low-lying soft-top and windows. The car will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Motorshow in December and when it is released will be the lightest Porsche model currently on sale. The Spyder has the 3.4 litre ‘boxer’ engine, updated to put out 320bhp and with a revised suspension set up and lower centre of gravity the new spyder will be even more agile. The car will go on sale in February 2010 and will be price at £44,643.

It seems that with winter now upon us, it is the season of the special edition.  With Kia having produced their own range of special editions to combat the winter blues it looks like Ford are about to do the same with a special edition model being added to the Fiesta range. The new ‘Fiesta Titanium Individual’ is being pitched at a level of ‘premium luxury’, which they claim is rarely found in small cars of the same genre as the Ford Fiesta.  The special edition model is being made available in six colours with a unique red interior and boasts 16in, seven-spoke alloy wheels, Bluetooth with USB and leather seats in red and silver.

With the eco-revolution apparently fully under way and carmakers left right and centre pulling out ‘green’ concepts, there might be something of an underlying spanner in the works.  It seems that hybrids, electric cars and those powered by fuel cells have yet to win over the general public who remain unconvinced about the cars in terms of range and price.  The main gripes related to drivers being reluctant to pay a ‘green premium’ unless the price was right and the car could really deliver and a lack of trust in the performance of the eco cars – a tiny 17% of drivers said they’d accept a vehicle with a range of less than 125 miles which at the moment is further than the current electronic cars can travel.

The distinctive shape of the Smart Car is obviously becoming something of an iconic design.  The company is now introducing a model that is intended to take the practical little car and make it a bit more high end.  The Edition Highstyle, the latest addition to the smart fortwo range and comes in a trendy chocolate brown metallic finish and a luxurious interior with heated leather metallic silver seats.  In keeping with the ‘highstyle’ nature of the car, it will also have 12-spoke, 15″ alloy wheels, a silver tridion safety cell and unique, aluminium-look ‘highstyle’ logos.  The new version will be priced at £10,900 on the road so its true credit crunch chic.

It seems that Nelson Piquet, the Formula 1 driver who agreed to crash his car during last year’s Singapore Grand Prix is to end up the biggest loser after his whistleblowing, according to him at least.  Opinion within the sport has turned against the Brazilian who was controversially granted immunity from prosecution by the FIA, the governing body, in return for his evidence against Renault on the crash-fixing.  It seems that the principle gripe from those within the sport is that Piquet should not have waited until he was fired by Flavio Briatore, then the Renault team principal, to come forward.  Many see the move to spill the beans as a way of getting revenge on Briatore and you can kind of see their point..

Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman is currently facing police questions following allegations that she was involved in an accident in her car in Dulwich whilst talking on the phone.  As we all know this is a huge no no and for a public figure rather a silly thing to get caught doing.  Not only that but apparently following the accident, instead of handing over her details and insurance information, Harman stopped briefly and then drove off!  According to one witness, her words were “I’m Harriet Harman — you know where you can get hold of me.”  Who does she think she is – Madonna?!

Ever wanted to get close to the handling skills of footballer Ronaldo, plonk yourself down in the same seat in which ex Big Brother starlet Channelle Hayes has rested her derriere or roll along in the same mighty beast that once contained ‘Siralun’ Sugar?  Well a quick glimpse of Autotrader reveals that now you can as a number of these celebs automobiles are or have been on sale.  Right now, if you get in there quick you can get your hands on Flavio Briatore’s Bentley Turbo R, Emile Heskey’s Mitsubishi GTO or Wayne Rooney’s Aston Martin Vanquish S.  It’s also quite interesting to flick through and see who owns what as they do say that your choice of car reflects your personality…

A joint venture project between big names Citroen, Peugeot and Toyota has produced what some are describing as top of the pops for city cars.  The survey run by the Channel 4 Car website takes as its criteria that the car must be cheap to buy, insure and maintain and the top ‘car’ (I say car but its actually 3) is Citroen C1/Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo.  Being the product of the joint venture, the three are incredibly similar other than the bumpers and lights and have been praised for their ride and handling.  The cars are available in three and five door varieties and, with the Citroen and the Toyota version, with a diesel engine.