Alfa Romeo Mito TCT (2011) comes to the UK

Alfa Romeo's first twin-cluch gearbox is launching in the Mito - and the Mito TCT is now available in the UK. The MultiAir 1.4 is the launch engine for the TCT twin dry clutch transmission. Typically for Alfa, it's technically interesting: Alfa claims it enhances performance and comfort, gives a sportier feel and more importantly in the current climate, reduces CO2 emissions.

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS and revised Croma

By Ben Pulman Motor Shows 05 December 2007 17:00 I love a bit of white on white, makes me feel like a chav… Fiat used the Italian Motor Show to pull the wraps of the production version of the Grande Punto Abarth SS. And we’re still going to call it a Fiat first, and an Abarth second. The SS comes as a kit and will boost the Punto up to 178bhp and 199lb ft.

Volkswagen shows off new 1.8-liter engine for Jetta, Passat, and Beetle

Volkswagen is rolling out a new 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI engine which will debut in the Jetta, Beetle, and Passat later this year. This thrifty new engine will replace the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine now available in those models. But the 1.8-liter is no slouch: it produces the same 170 hp as the outgoing five-cylinder engine, while adding 7 lb-ft torque for a total of 184.