It seems like just yesterday we were drooling over the offerings from Frankfurt, but suddenly they’re going on sale. SEAT’s León Cupra R is nothing less than the single hottest car EVER to come from the great Spanish marque, 265hp of hatchy Gallic hotness!

The power is courtesy of a TSI direct-injection 2.0-liter turbo. Top speed is a limited–limited–155 MPH, 0-62 (100 KPH) is a nice round 6.2 and because it’s a European car, it gets 29 MPG doing it.

Maybe you’re still saying, “Meh, it’s a hotrod Cupra.” To your “meh,” I says “feh.” This puppy runs on 19-inch wheels, behind which lurk 13.6-inch anchors (front).  If you’re  some sort of pussy who can’t do your own driving, it’s got the XDS, ABS, ESP stability control and TCS traction control + EBA emergency braking to save your pansy ass. Find the whole thing after the jump–if you dare.

NEW SEAT LEÓN CUPRA R

Pure power and sporting excitement

• 265 hp 2.0 TSI engine, the most potent production powerplant in SEAT’s history

• Impressive looks with the styling of a thoroughbred competition vehicle

• Excellent dynamic performance via the electronic self-blocking XDS mechanism

Following a very successful debut at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, the new León CUPRA R is about to go on sale. Equipped with a new 265 hp engine, it instantly becomes  the brand’s most powerful production car to date, earning a special chapter in SEAT’s history in the process.

Boasting a thoroughbred sporty engine, the new León CUPRA R features exclusive interior and exterior styling touches which reflect its unique character. The León CUPRA R is, simply, an attention-grabber. Its feisty exterior design is mirrored on the inside, too, with a motorsport-inspired look and feel that lets you know this is not just another car.

The extensive, generous equipment list features SEAT’s impressive new electronic self-blocking XDS system for excellent handling, as well as a broad array of standard features  that provide both top notch safety and exceptional on-board comfort.

SEAT’s most powerful car

Undeniably, the focal point of the new León CUPRA R is its 265 hp direct injection 2.0 TSI engine. Its main characteristics are its tremendous power, easy torque transmission and fabulous flexibility.

The SEAT Technical Centre poured significant effort into modifying the engine’s electronic management system and increasing the maximum turbo pressure. The result is an added 25 hp compared to the tried and tested 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine found in today’s León CUPRA.

The intercooler fitted to the new engine delivers its superior performance through greater turbo pressure. As on the 240 hp version, the engine set-up includes a new, high-pressure fuel injection pump to satisfy its greater performance demands, and the ratios on the six-speed gearbox have been specifically adapted.

The new León CUPRA R delivers a top speed of 250 km/h (self-limited) and a blistering 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of barely 6.2 seconds. It also covers a standing kilometre in only 25.7 seconds. These competition-class figures are achieved with exceptional fuel efficiency of only 8.1 litres on average to cover 100 km, making it the most efficient vehicle with the lowest level of emissions in its performance category, while fully complying with EU-5 emissions standards.

Imposing design

The new León CUPRA R is based on the spectacular design of the existing CUPRA, with subtle additions both inside and out.

The exclusive nature of SEAT’s new model is most easily identified via the distinctive letter ‘R’ that’s subtly placed on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch, the right instrument dial and the remote control key. The exclusive CUPRA logo graces the front bumper on the lower left, the centre of the hatch, the steering wheel and the seat backrests.

Further distinctive detailing on the CUPRA R that underlines its racing spirit, besides the spectacular 19 inch wheels are the trademark glossy black door mirrors. The wheel assembly also enables a set of exceptionally generous 345 x 30 mm front disc brakes with 286 x 12 mm at the rear; vital given the need for greater braking capacity in a car that harnesses 265 hp.

The interior features eye-catching competition styled bucket seats in a combination of grey cloth and alcantara upholstery, white LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather multi-functional steering wheel and aluminium-clad pedals. Black prevails in the sporty passenger compartment, and the view from the driver’s seat is designed to minimise distractions with the roof lining, sun visors, door handles and ‘A’ pillars all clad exclusively in black.

Excellent dynamic performance

The addition of the electronic self-blocking XDS system to the standard equipment on the new CUPRA R means this SEAT offers much greater driving comfort and safety. The clever new electronic system works together with ESP and functions as a self-blocking mechanism. It improves the car’s performance when traction is lost by applying braking power to the wheel that loses grip.

This system provides a similar feeling as driving a car with a conventional self-blocking mechanism, and considerably improves the ability to transmit power to the driven front wheels. Proving its worth, in particular, through bends, XDS stops the inside wheel from slipping and reduces understeer, providing the León CUPRA R with unbeatable handling.

The XDS system is the perfect complement to SEAT’s efficient Agile Chassis, which has been modified on this version to make it one of the most dynamically impressive cars in its segment.

Top-notch equipment

The SEAT León CUPRA R offers a particularly generous line-up of standard equipment. Naturally, of course, there are the usual electronic safety devices, such as XDS, ABS, ESP stability control and TCS traction control + EBA emergency braking.

Other standard-fit safety features on the León CUPRA R are front airbags, two side airbags, two head airbags, passenger airbag disconnection, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points and low tyre pressure warning, as well as automatic lights on, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, cornering fog lights, dual zone climate control and CD radio + MP3 + eight speakers + MDI, among others.

DESIGN

Pure sporting intent

• A more sporty, seductive design
• Imposing race car looks
• Passenger compartment with cockpit styling

The new León CUPRA R is easily recognisable on the road. The new ‘R’ version builds on the essentially sporty lines of today’s León CUPRA with a number of distinctive features that round off its upgraded image with a yet more ‘racy’ look.

The front end grabs your attention. An exclusive honeycomb mesh central grille with a black surround and the letter ‘R’ on the right are the car’s most obvious trademarks. As on the CUPRA versions, too, the sophisticated air vents beneath the grille enhance its sporty appeal.

Another tell-tale CUPRA feature seldom found on other cars are the pronounced shoulders that house the headlights. A black character stripe runs the length of the front bumper and the word ‘CUPRA’ stands out on the left. Finally, there is a larger trapezoid-shaped cooling grille, with cornering fog lights built in at the sides.

From the side, the car’s exclusive 19-inch Cosmos Silver ‘Potenza’ wheel rims (optionally available in white) are shod with ultra-low profile 235/35 tyres, and the five double-spoke rims reveal enormous red brake callipers. The disc sizes and four-pot callipers provide the immediate braking response obviously required by a car in this class.

The side view includes gloss black door mirrors, which lend the car a personal touch and echoes the mirror treatment of the entire SEAT CUPRA range.

The rear of the car also clearly identifies the SEAT León CUPRA R. As at the front, a more blunt bumper with a prominent black moulding enhances the car’s racy looks. A polished steel oval exhaust pipe, the model name in the centre of the hatch and the letter ‘R’ at the lower right of the hatch (also seen on the key control and engine block) complete the check-list.

Sporty interior

Inside this extreme new SEAT, great pains have been taken to ensure that the passenger compartment detailing reflects the car’s sporty exterior.

Extensive use of black and grey helps conjure up the sporty atmosphere of a race car  cockpit.

The first thing you see when opening the doors of the new León CUPRA R are the competition-styled bucket seats  with a combination of grey cloth and alcantara upholstery, integrated headrests and the CUPRA logo on the backrests. These comfortable seats provide great lateral support in tight bends and, as on the CUPRA version, an attractive new option is available: black leather upholstery with white cross-stitching, highly reminiscent of ‘70s competition cars.

There is a three-spoke multi-functional leather steering wheel with aluminium colour inserts and the CUPRA logo at the bottom,  plus a matching gearknob with a newly designed gear diagram. The competition-style wheel is flattened at the bottom, with ergonomic grips at either side.

The instrument panel is lit with self-regulating white LEDs, and the letter ‘R’ can be found at the bottom right of the left-hand speedometer dial.

The centre console houses the warning switches, in black, the ESP disconnection and a new row of buttons which includes the parking sensor disconnection. Design modifications have also been made to the climate control and the new satellite navigation system, which blend in perfectly on the León CUPRA R.

Finally, no self-respecting CUPRA R vehicle would be complete without a set of racing aluminium pedals and footrest to round off a comfortable driving position.

ENGINE

The most powerful in SEAT history

• Turbo-charged 265 hp 2.0 TSI engine
• Magnificent performance levels worthy of the WTCC
• High on excitement, low on emissions

The new CUPRA R is equipped with a turbo-charged 265 hp (195 kW) 2.0 TSI engine, making this car the most potent production SEAT to date.

The engine settings have been carefully calculated to deliver its 265 hp output, brilliant performance, moderate fuel consumption and EU-5 emissions compliance.

The most powerful in the range

The new engine on the CUPRA R is a development of the familiar 2.0 TSI. Its 265 hp comes from a different engine management set-up, as well as greater turbo pressure compared to the 240 hp engine: 1.9 bar at maximum output and 2.2 bar at maximum torque compared to the 1.8 bar of the 240 hp 2.0 TSI.

On both the 240 and 265 hp versions, the 2.0 TSI engine features a new, high-pressure fuel-injection pump and modified catalyst in order to comply with EU-5 emissions standards; the intercooler connection pipe is also different on both models – the 265 hp version including a higher-performance intercooler.

As a result, the 265 hp engine helps the CUPRA R to a top speed of 250 km/h (self-limited), 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in only 6.2 seconds and 0 to 1,000 metre acceleration in only 25.7 seconds. 350 Nm of torque is generated between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm, guaranteeing brilliant in-gear acceleration – 5.7 seconds from 80 to 120 km/h in 5th and 7.1 seconds in 6th.

The León CUPRA R’s TSI technology also means a much lower fuel consumption than might be expected of a 265 hp high performance hatch; only 8.1 litres on average for every 100 km.

The CUPRA R also features usefully lower emissions levels than many of its rivals, as its 190 g/km on average make it the most efficient car in its segment with this power output.

Custom gearbox

The six-speed manual gearbox fitted in the CUPRA R has also been modified compared to the 240 hp version.

Reinforced to withstand the car’s 265 hp and 350 Nm output, the 5th gear has been designed with fewer teeth, giving it greater transmission resistance while maintaining virtually the same gear ratio.

Other modifications carried out by the Martorell Technical Centre include reinforcing the synchronising rings on 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gears, while 3rd and 5th gears feature an extra rectification after the tightening process.

The gear lever movement is also now 6 mm shorter than before for even faster gear changes.

The 265 hp 2.0 TSI on the León CUPRA R warrants a new exhaust system and the tail section has a new silencer to adapt to the demands of the new engine.

Efficient cooling system

The León CUPRA versions feature an engine cooling system that responds faithfully in any situation.

The larger radiator with welded tube technology provides better cooling to deliver greater performance.

In order to enhance the radiator’s heat exchange function, both the León CUPRA and the León CUPRA R are equipped with a tandem electro-ventilator arrangement made up of a twin 300 and 200 W ventilator.

The front intercooler is cooled by channelling air to the exterior through optimised deflectors that maximise the airflow-pressure ratio. In order to achieve this, it was necessary to adjust airflow to the maximum in relation to the exterior design of the bumper.

Finally, part of the pleasure derived from driving the León CUPRA R comes from the spectacular engine roar developed by SEAT engine acoustics engineers. The effect on SEAT’s most powerful car can immediately be felt, and heard, by the driver and front passenger.

CHASSIS

Excellent dynamic performance

• Electronic self-blocking XDS for maximum control

• New steering parameters

• 19-inch wheels make their debut on this platform

SEAT’s Agile Chassis is responsible for transmitting the 265 hp output delivered by the new León CUPRA R’s engine to the road surface. On this version, the chassis has been enhanced to make it one of the sportiest, most effective in its segment.

SEAT technicians worked to find the most appropriate settings to maximise traction capacity and performance; thereby delivering an agile car capable of effectively dealing with any combination of road surface and layout.

Electronic self-blocking XDS as standard

The new XDS system on the León CUPRA R is key to helping transmit it’s the car’s prodigious horsepower to the road, in the process guaranteeing the highest levels of safety, precision and control.

In combination with ESP and TCS, this system acts as a self-blocking differential without the need for any additional mechanicals. It anticipates wheel traction loss and limits power to the wheel that is potentially losing grip.

This system provides a similar feeling through the steering wheel to that of a car with a conventional self-blocking mechanism, and considerably improves the capacity to transmit power from the driven front wheels to the ground. Especially through tight twists and turns, this prevents the inside wheel from slipping and reduces understeer. The result is a car with unbeatable handling and sporty driving pleasure. The system also combines perfectly with ESP for enhanced active safety.

The SEAT León CUPRA R’s trademark sports performance, agility and quick response provides driver and passengers alike with added driving comfort.

Modifications have been made to the front and rear shock absorbers, too, to create a smooth, precise ride on winding roads and motorways, and the front and rear silentblocks have been lengthened by 1.5 and 17 mm, both compared to the FR and CUPRA versions.

Further modifications include stiffer front and rear springs, 35% and 30% stiffer than on the CUPRA version, and a 17 mm lower ground clearance than on the basic Leon. The anti-roll bar, meanwhile, maintains the same diameter.

As on the CUPRA version, the brakes have been reworked to do justice to the new SEAT’s  power output. The CUPRA R sports larger ventilated disc brakes than on the rest of the range, featuring a 345 x 30 mm arrangement at the front and 286 x 12 mm at the rear.

New steering parameters

The León CUPRA R is the first Volkswagen Group model to use 19-inch wheels on this platform, guaranteeing a more immediate steering response with a much lower slip angle.

The SEAT Technical Centre adapted the software parameters of the power assisted steering  to the specific requirements of the CUPRA R, resulting in a greater level of assistance at lower parking speeds and less assistance at medium speed. These modifications have increased the steering wheel’s sensitivity to torque variations, maintaining the habitual linear torque progression with steering wheel angle, while it remains the same at high speeds to ensure agile lane changes.

The spectacular 19-inch ‘Potenza’ wheels are shod with 235/35 tyres and are available in white or Cosmos Silver; their five double-spoke structure revealing flashy red brake callipers.

Every imaginable driving aid

The SEAT León CUPRA R is fitted with all available driving aids such as ESP, ABS + TCS + EBA + EBV.

Hill Hold Assist is another electronic driving aid found on the new SEAT León CUPRA R. It helps by keeping the vehicle stationary on a slope for two seconds when the brake pedal is released prior to accelerating. This prevents the car from rolling forward or back, and makes city driving and manoeuvring more comfortable.

EQUIPMENT

Exclusivity, inside and out

•   Complete electronic driving aid line-up: ESP, ABS, TCS + EBA

•   Electronic self-blocking XDS as standard

•   Radio CD + MP3 + eight speakers + MDI

The SEAT León CUPRA R is equipped to the highest levels. Its full electronic equipment line-up includes countless active and passive safety and comfort features, as well as items that enhance the model’s sporty nature.

Driver and passenger safety are paramount, with the possibility of protection from up to eight airbags – two at the front, two front side airbags, and a head airbag at the front and rear. These six airbags come as standard, with the option of rear side airbags. The rear window seats are also equipped with Isofix anchoring points for child seats.

As well as the XDS system, other standard active safety measures include ABS, TCS, ESP and EBA emergency breaking that activates the hazard lights when engaged. The car’s anti-theft device is a standard, volumetric motion sensing alarm. Furthermore, the León CUPRA R is equipped with other electronic driving aids such as cruise control and a driver-defined maximum speed warning system.

The standard sports seats are highly distinctive on the CUPRA R, featuring a combination of grey cloth and alcantara upholstery, integrated headrests and the CUPRA logo on the backrests, with the optional possibility of ordering the car with black leather upholstery and white cross-stitching.

The lighting system includes new headlights and tail lights, optional bi-xenon lights with the AFS system that now features daytime driving lights ahead of the 2011 deadline for obligatory installation. It also comes with standard cornering fog lights that greatly improve visibility.

Fingertip navigation

The satellite navigation system is completely new. It combines audio equipment and navigation system with a touch screen and SD memory card slot. The screen displays information related to navigation, audio, telephone and climate control. The Integral Parking Pilot has front and rear sensors, and the Optical Park System displays the proximity to obstacles surrounding the vehicle on its screen, as a visual back-up to the warning beeps.

Another new system is the MDI Multi Device Interface, which provides USB or Aux-in connectivity to external audio sources through a discreetly located twin-lidded slot. The car is also equipped with an upgraded version of the terminal that regulates the telephone, with even more Bluetooth functions.

The instrument panel also features new displays such as a digital instant speed indicator and recommended gear function. There’s also a new menu selection concept, new languages, a multi-function indicator and vehicle condition display.

Many of these functions can be controlled via the buttons located on the new multi-functional steering wheel. The clusters on the left side operate the audio/telephone, with the menu control functions on the right.

Finally, the new SEAT León CUPRA R is available in nine body colours – Candy White, Emoción Red, Crono Yellow, Mágico Black, Citrus, Speed Blue and the Lumina Orange, Kiwi Green and Furia Grey Custom Colors.

The León CUPRA R comes with the following standard equipment on the Spanish market:

SAFETY

- ABS + TCS

- ESP + EBA

- XDS system

- Front airbags

- Two side airbags

- Two head airbags

- Passenger airbag disconnection

- Rear window side Isofix anchoring points

- Height adjustable seatbelts with fastening warning (driver side)

- Low tyre pressure warning

- Cruise control

- Volumetric alarm with back-up battery

- Anti-theft roof aerial

EXTERIOR

- Double headlights

- Cornering fog lights

- Coming Home function

- Dark tinted glass

- Gloss black door mirrors

- Body colour bumpers with integrated mouldings

- Specific suspension ratings

- 19” ‘Potenza’ silver alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres

INTERIOR

- Dual zone climate control

- Height and reach adjustable specific multi-functional 3-spoke leather steering wheel with CUPRA logo

- Specific leather gearknob with CUPRA logo

- Sport seats with specific upholstery and CUPRA logo

- Height adjustable driver and passenger seats

- Storage drawer beneath driver seat

- Aluminium pedals

- Glove compartment light

- Boot light

ELECTRICAL DEVICES

- Front power anti-trap one-touch windows

- Remote control central locking

- CD radio + MP3 + eight speakers + MDI

- Combined USB + Aux-in docking port

- Electric heated folding door mirrors

- Trip computer

- Recommended gear indicator

- Automatic lights on

- Rain sensing wipers

- Rear parking sensors

- Power rear windows

- Headlight beam adjustment from the inside

Furthermore, the complete standard equipment line-up found on the new SEAT León CUPRA R can be complemented with the Technology Plus package, including Bi-xenon headlights + AFS, daytime driving lights, SEAT Media System satellite navigation system, Bluetooth and front parking sensors + Optical Park System.

The list of optional equipment includes:

- Bluetooth telephone installation

- SEAT Media System satellite navigation system + Bluetooth + additional Aux-in

- Hill Hold Assist

- Front and rear parking sensors (Integral Parking Pilot)

- Front and rear parking sensors + Optical Park System (requires the SEAT Media System navigator)

- Bi-xenon headlights + AFS + daytime driving lights

- 19” ‘Potenza’ alloy wheels in white

- Rear side thorax airbags

- Leather sport seats

- Heated washer nozzles + headlight washers

- Electrically operated slide/tilt glass sunroof

- Metallic paint

- Emoción red paint

- Custom colour paint

By now, you know all there is to know about the not-for-public-consumption, Camaro-engined cop Caprice. Wannadrive wouldn’t normally be concerned with a V-8 American sedan, except this one isn’t. It’s the technological successor to the superb, dead Pontiac G8, and Australian masterpiece, and America doesn’t have another GM V-8 sedan that isn’t a Cadillac.

So Wannadrive went out and scored this exclusive video of it in action–forget worrying about the headlights in your mirror. If you hear this thing roar, just drop to the ground. You haven’t got a chance. Full press release after the jump.

DENVER – An all-new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will join the ranks of law enforcement departments across North America in 2011. It’s a modern, full-size, rear-drive sedan that will offer both V-8 and V-6 engines, as well as a host of specialized equipment and features.

Chevrolet made the announcement at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police convention, in Denver, Colorado. The Caprice PPV will be available for ordering next year and will hit the streets in early 2011.

“The new Chevrolet Caprice police car is the right tool at the right time for law enforcement,” said Jim Campbell, general manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “We asked for a lot of feedback from our police customers, which helped us develop a vehicle that is superior to the Crown Victoria in key areas.”

Vice President, Global Chevrolet Brand Brent Dewar added, “Along with Impala and Tahoe, the Caprice PPV gives agencies a greater range of choices for police and special service vehicles that are all available from Chevrolet.”

Unlike other police cars on the market, the Caprice PPV is not based on existing “civilian” passenger-car model sold in North America. It has been developed in key areas specifically for police duty, containing modern equipment and features:

• Powerful 6.0L V-8 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability delivers expected best-in-class 0-60 acceleration (sub six seconds) and top speed; a V-6 engine will also be offered, beginning in the 2012 model year
• Optional front-seat-only side curtain air bags allows a full-width rear-seat barrier for greater officer safety
• Two trunk-mounted batteries, with one of them dedicated to powering various police equipment
• Designed for five-passenger seating, meaning the upper-center section of the dashboard can be used for equipment mounting without the concern of air bag deployment interference
• Compatibility with in-dash touch-screen computer technology
• Special front seats designed for the long-term comfort of officers whose car is their effective office, including space that accommodates the bulk of a typical equipment belt

The front seats are sculpted to “pocket” the equipment belt, which greatly increases the comfort for a great range of police officer sizes. The foam density of the seatback and cushion insert surfaces are designed to conform to the shape of an equipment belt’s various items, too, allowing the officer’s back to rest properly on the seatback surface.

“The Chevrolet Caprice PPV’s seats represent a revolution in comfort and utility for officers who spend long hours in their car,” said Bob Demick, lead seat design manager. “The shape also enhances entry and egress, making it easier for officers to exit the vehicle quickly. The seatback bolsters, for example, have been purposefully contoured to help pocket the equipment on the belt, which includes the gun, Taser and handcuffs, which rest comfortably in the sculpted lower bolsters. That also increases the longevity of the trim cover surface.”

Along with comfort, the materials used in the seats were also carefully selected. High-wear materials were chosen to stand up to long hours of everyday use, while breathability, long-term durability and ease of cleaning were also important criteria.

Engineers worked on several iterations of the seat, testing a couple of versions in the field to get real-world feedback from police officers, who used prototype seats in their cruisers for a month. Their input helped determine the final design.

Class-leading space

The Caprice PPV is based on GM’s global rear-drive family of vehicles that also underpins the Chevy Camaro. It uses the longest wheelbase of the architecture – 118.5 inches (3,010 mm) – along with a four-wheel independent suspension that delivers responsive high-performance driving characteristics that are crucial in some police scenarios.

Caprice PPV’s long wheelbase also contributes to exceptional spaciousness. Compared to the primary competition, its advantages include:

• A larger interior volume – 112 cubic feet / 3,172 liters – than the Ford Crown Victoria, including nearly 4 inches (101 mm) more rear legroom
• The barrier between the front seat and rear seat is positioned farther rearward, allowing for full front-seat travel and greater recline for officer comfort
• At 18 cubic feet (535 liters) free space (beyond battery located in trunk), the Caprice’s trunk volume is large enough to accommodate a full-size spare tire under a flat load surface in the trunk storage area.

The Caprice’s 6.0-liter V-8 is rated at an estimated 355 horsepower (265 kW) with an estimated 384 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission that is performance-calibrated for police duty. Additional, police car-specific powertrain and vehicle system features include:

• High-output alternator
• Engine oil, transmission and power steering coolers
• Standard 18-inch steel wheels with bolt-on center caps
• Large, four-wheel disc brakes with heavy-duty brake pads
• Heavy-duty suspension components
• Police-calibrated stability control system
• Driver information center in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature.

A host of complementary features are also offered, including special equipment packages such as spotlights; lockouts for the power windows and locks; and an “undercover” street-appearance package (9C3).

To enable more room for interior equipment, the standard radio can be relocated to the trunk, allowing for an in-dash, touch-screen computer to be used.

Caprice on patrol: A brief history

Chevrolet’s history with law enforcement is almost as old as the brand itself. Police departments have used Chevy sedans as police cars for decades, ordering them with basic equipment and powerful V-8 engines – including some special engines that weren’t available in regular-production models, such as the 1959 Biscayne that was offered with up to 315 horsepower.

The full-size Chevrolets joined the force in 1976. All Caprice police cars – including the new, 2011 model – have carried the 9C1 order code. Here’s a quick look back at Chevys on patrol:

1959 – Chevy Biscayne police model capable of 135 mph with specially tuned, police-only version of the 348-cubic-inch V-8 engine

1965 – The new “big-block” 396 engine is offered in Biscayne and Bel Air police cars, making them among the most powerful on patrol; a 427 V-8 was added in 1966

1976 – The 9C1 order code is given for the first time to a full-size Chevy police car package. It carries the Impala name.

1977 – The full-size Chevy is downsized. The 9C1 police package is retained, as is the Impala name.

1986 – The Caprice name replaces Impala, as the car is updated for the mid- and late-1980s – including the option of a powerful, 5.7-liter small-block V-8.

1991 – A new-generation Caprice is launched, with the 9C1 police car still on the beat.

1994 – The 260-horsepower (194 Nm) LT1 V-8 engine is offered in the Caprice 9C1, making it one of the fastest full-size police cars ever offered.

1996 – Caprice police car production ends, as GM’s full-size, body-on-frame car architecture is discontinued.

2011 – The Caprice PPV returns to active duty.

Wannadrive doesn’t get hyped up about Renaults every day, but this is a hottie we want to take home from the dance. The only other car we can think of that competes is the home-market Subaru WRX, and that’s a much bigger body.

The Mégane RS makes 250hp from the 2.0 Turbo RS engine, but isn’t all talk and no bite, because there’s 251-lbs.ft. of torque to move you as well.

As with other sporting Renaults, there’s a track-only Cup version, but both can come with R.S. Monitor onboard telemetry. Four-piston Brembos shine though the 19-inch Steev wheels, there are LEDs at the corners…the thing is bitchin.

Check this, bleed: ESP is fully defeatable, leaving only your mediocre skills between heaven and hell. Enjoy Wannadrive’s ROCKING exclusive video and his-res pics, then find the full introduction PR with complete specs and more!

There’s talk about Fiat returning to the US, but with the company in the throes of a corporate reorganization and margins declining, there’s no way they could overcome the currency differential with their small cars. Yes, there have been hints they’re looking at factory sites in America, but that’s a long way away, if ever.

Which means, the little firecracker that is the Abarth-tuned version of the Fiat 500 will remain out of reach. It’s a high performance version of the Fiat 500 city car which went on sale in the UK last month. The 500 Abarth will make its international public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The new car was developed by Fiat Group Automobiles Style Center in the spirit of the legendary Fiat 500 Abarth of the 1960s, and is powered by a “Fire” 1.4 liter Turbo, which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp at 5,500 rpm, and peak torque of 152-lbs.ft at 3,000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode, while in ‘Normal’ mode, torque is reduced to 132-lbs.ft at 2,500 rpm. T

The dramatic styling is not a mere exercise in interpretation, as the 500 Abarth optimizes aerodynamic behavior, reducing drag and increasing high speed stability, while the sideskirts also improve the Cd. Inside, the 500 features special instrumentation, with the addition of an analogue gauge to measure turbo boost. An LED telltale that optimizes gear changes by lighting up at the appropriate moment is also incorporated.

500 ABARTH – BRIEF SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

• 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc
• Power output: 135 bhp at 5,500 rpm
• Peak torque in SPORT mode: 152-lbs.ft at 3,000 rpm
• Drive-by-wire throttle
• IHI variable vane turbo

Transmission

• 5-speed manual
  
• Dual cable external gearbox control

Suspension and steering

• MacPherson layout at front with anti-roll bar
• Torsion beam axle with anti-roll bar
• Dualdrive electric power steering, with SPORT mode

Brakes

• Floating ZPH 4.1.2 front calliper, piston diameter 54 mm
• Ventilated front brake discs, diameter 284 x 22 mm
• Floating CII 34 rear calliper, piston diameter 34 mm
• Solid rear brake discs, diameter 240 x 11 mm

Wheels

• Standard: Aluminum alloy 6.5” x 16” – tires: 195/45 R16
• Optional: Aluminum alloy rim 7” x 17” – tires: 205/40 R17

(NOTE: Wannadrive is having image uploading problems, so we’ve got funky thumbs for the time being. We’ll take this notice down when we’ve figured out the issue. I do have hi-res photos available on request.)

Designed to be used in the Super 2000 category, its based on the second-generation Fabia and, in compliance with FIA regulations, is equipped with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine, a six-speed sequential transmission and a four-wheel drive system.

Dr. Eckhard Scholz, head of Škoda’s Technological Development, said: “We are glad to have started testing the Fabia Super 2000. This year we are planning to optimize and certify the vehicle so that we can use it on both national and international levels. Then we are also planning to offer the vehicle to private teams. Based on a customer service arrangement, further development work on the vehicle will be done in close cooperation with our importers worldwide.”

Head of Corporate Communications, Martin Lauer, added: “Our history of over hundred years of involvement in motorsport is unique, and we are proud to be able to continue the success story with the Fabia Super 2000.”

We say: We’re suckers for a hot hatch–bring on the homolgation version because we Wannadrive!