Porsche 914 914-6 Dash Air Vent Hose on 2040-parts.com

Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider 1750 TBi and 2.0 JTDM (2010): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 17 May 2010 07:00 Alfa Romeo has fitted its new 200bhp 1750 TBi engine to the 2010 Brera coupé and Spider convertible ranges – alongside the 170bhp 2.0 JTDM diesel. We'd already seen both engines in the 159 compact executive model in 2009, but the new pair should broaden the appeal of Alfa's distinctive sports duo.Alfa's 1750 TBi: the tech lowdownThe TBi engine is a very zeitgeisty 1742cc four-cylinder, equipped with twin overhead cams running 16 valves, direct injection and turbocharging. This full book of tech is enough to liberate 200bhp and 236lb ft from just 1400rpm – not bad specific outputs for a 1.7.The new TBI engine will appeal to business drivers in particular, who will benefit from CO2 emissions of 189g/km in the Brera and 192g/km in the Spider.

KoenigSaab coming soon?

Koenigsegg are in the running to take over Saab Saab were given Swedish Government protection recently (similar to Chapter 11) to try and find a suitor or funding to operate independently. Of course they can’t do that completely, at least not in the short term, as they are so tied in to GM’s platforms on their current and soon to be released cars. But Saab has a strong – if quirky – history and, with the right backing, could stand alone as a niche maker of aesthetically individual cars.

Spy photos: BMW's 3-series GT

The BMW 5-series GT has been a sales success for the German automaker, even though the AutoWeek staff is sharply divided over its looks. There's a redesigned 3-series coming for 2012, and a GT version is joining in the lineup. These spy photos give an early look at the 3-series GT ahead of its expected debut this September at the Frankfurt motor show.