Subcompact Supercar: Road Race Motorsports Fiat 500 M1 Turbo Tallini Competizione

Is this the most wicked Fiat 500 yet? It certainly may be. Built by Road Race Motorsports, the 500 M1 Turbo Tallini Competizione makes 247 horsepower, 250 ft/lbs. of torque, and will do 0-60 in under six seconds—and still displaces 1.4 liters.

Other goodies include a carbon fiber body kit, limited slip differential, improved brakes, tuned suspension, carbon-kevlar clutch, and host of other upgrades, such as stiffer bushings, upgraded sway bar, Bilstein shocks, and 16x9 wheels with 225/40/16 Toyo Proxes tires. Curb weight is down 120 lbs from stock, too.

Of course, in stock form the Abarth is a kick in the pants. This? This would be flat-out ridiculous in a totally awesome way. This amazing creation, which bears the last name of the company's owner, Rob Tallini, is limited to 50 units, with prices going all the way up to $100,000 for a fully built, customized model. This is one bad-ass subcompact supercar.

You can read the full press release about the car below after the jump.

Hyabusa-powered Smart Car = Smokey Donuts

The Hyabusa-powered Smart ForTwo is the stuff of Internet legend. Videos of this vehicle have been on YouTube for years, and they just keep coming. I'd sure like a ride in this thing. I'd sure love to drive it. Now this is a ForTwo I can really get behind.

FYI, I believe this vehicle resides in Austria.

Unobtanium: Seven Hot Hatchbacks that Should Exist

I love the fact that there are some sporty, scrappy subcompacts on the North American market these days. The Fiat 500 Abarth, the Ford Fiesta ST, Nissan Juke Nismo and the MINI Cooper S are all examples. However, here are a few that I wish existed. Most should be pretty feasible to offer by swapping an engine, stiffening up the suspension, offering a limited-slip diff, and adding some aero parts. Or we could just put it this way:

Dear automakers, please build these.

Love,

Andy

Mitsubishi Mirage EVO (pictured above)
Ok, I know the likelihood of this is nearly zero, but I had to throw it in. Take the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage and throw in a tiny turbocharged engine, or perhaps the 2.0-liter engine from the Outlander Sport. You could go with the trademark EVO front end, offer it in AWD, and have a truly interesting Mitsubishi, just like in the days of yore (aka the 1980s and early 1990s). OK, so an EVO version of the newest Mirage is truly just a dream, maybe a Ralliart version with a few more ponies and some suspension goodies could actually happen.

Of course someone has already thought about a customized Mirage, and even rendered it. I found the image from a Thai site at AutoCarNano.com.

MAZDAZPEED2
We've seen the MAZDASPEED3, so a MAZADSPEED2 should fit right in. If this vehicle existed, it could be powered by a small turbocharged powerplant, or perhaps by the existing 2.0-liter SKYACTIVE engine found in other Mazda vehicles. It'd have a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip diff. Knowing how Mazda likes to formulate its lineup, I could see this making anywhere between 130 and 170 hp. This car would be a blast, thanks to its already very good chassis and driving dynamics. Mazda: Make it happen for 2015!

FYI, the car above was a SEMA vehicle from a few years ago that was showcased in the Mazda booth.

Chevrolet Spark RS
Take the tiny Chevrolet Spark and throw in the 1.4-turbo engine out of the Sonic. Boom: instant A-sement hot hatch. While the Sonic with the 1.4-liter turbo already makes 138 hp and 148 lbs/ft of torque and is fun to drive, a Spark with the same engine would be a damn riot. Add a stiff rear sway bar, lower it a few millimeters, liven up the steering ratio, and you've got a super-fun A-segment brawler. Chevy—are you listening?

The car above has been customized by German tuner, KBR Motorsports.

Mugen Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a world-class subcompact that can be a really fun vehicle to drive thanks to a great chassis, a outstanding five-speed manual transmission, and quick reflexes. So how about a little more power? I know what you're thinking: K24 swap, right? That would be awesome, but highly unlikely from the factory. However, maybe the 143 hp 1.8-liter out of the Civic would be OKed by Honda top brass to create a Mugen Fit for North America? Or perhaps a Fit Si? That 1.8 liter engine likely weighs less (correct me if I'm wrong Hondaphiles of the world). Of course, you'd lower it, put stickier tires on it, and have some great-looking bodywork. People have been asking for this one since the Fit appeared in the U.S. I'd love to see it.

The vehicle pictured above is actually 2014 Mugen Fit for the JDM market. No word as to what's under the hood, but it does feature the body work, LEDs, projector headlamps, and cool wheels that could really up the fun factor on the Fit.

Toyota Yaris XRS
Toyota does offer a sporty trim level for the Yaris, which is the SE package. While it offers bigger wheels, quicker steering, a more tuned suspension, and some different bumpers, it still has the 106 hp 1NZ-FE engine. The easiest fix to this would to put the 128 hp 1.8-liter engine from the Scion xD under the hood (this was the Yaris T-Sport in the last body style). Alternatively, perhaps the new Corolla's 132 hp 1.8-liter powerplant could be shoehorned in. Let's face it: The xD isn't getting any younger, but the Yaris was redesigned not too long ago. Let's add some more juice to the already lightweight Yaris, Toyota!

Above is the Toyota Vitz RS "G's" model. This does exist in Japan, but is powered by the same 1.5-liter the U.S. gets.

Fiat 500L Abarth

Here's another no-brainer for me. Take Fiat's 500L and tune the 1.4-liter turbo to Abarth specs to make one fast four-door Italian. 

I found this image via Google Images, but the watermark goes to AutosBlog.com.ar. Gotta give credit where it's due. Regardless, this little car needs to happen.

Nissan Versa Note NISMO
The latest subcompact from Nissan, the Versa Note, is very practical and offers a good value. And while most NISMO-equipped Nissans get small bumps in power along with other goodies, I'd love to see a Note powered by the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine from the Juke. Plus, it wouldn't look as polarizing as the strangely shaped crossover. Oh yes. This would be awesome.

The car pictured above is actually from Japanese tuner IMPUL, and gives you an idea of the Versa Note's potential. Now with 180 hp, this thing would really scoot.

Where Are The Sporty Korean Compacts?

Our posting of the 2014 Kia Soul is a great example of how the Korean automakers are truly coming out with appealing cars, and that they know how to cater to American tastes. They had a great first effort, and are following it up by an even better second shot.

I was over at Autoblog this morning and read their quick spin of the new Ford Fiesta ST. From their notes, it sounds like it's going to be a total kick in the pants to drive. It's not news that compact performance cars are a ton of fun. They're not that expensive and offer up a ton of fun factor. Fiat's got the 500 Abarth, Ford's got the Focus ST and the above-mentioned Fiesta ST, Chevy offers its turbo Sonic RS, Honda's got the Civic Si; there's the Nissan Juke, the MAZDASPEED3, and of course, the Subaru WRX, and the granddaddy of the hot hatch movement, the Volkswagen GTI. There are others out there, not to mention older models. (The Colt GT, Suzuki Swift GT, and Chevrolet Sprint Turbo are still on my short list.)

However, other than the 2013+ Veloster Turbo, neither Hyundai or Kia offer a performance version of their compacts. I suppose you could count the Genesis Coupe, which is a lot of fun, but it's more along the lines of a true sports car versus a scrappy, high-strung performance compact. Where's the turbo version of the Accent? Where's the Kia Rio with a 1.6-liter turbo engine and a six-speed? How about a hopped-up Kia Soul to compete against the Juke?

There are more and more enthusiasts souping up their Hyundais and Kias, such as the great-looking Forte above. But it's all aftermarket stuff. Short of the Veloster Turbo, the Koreans aren't offering a good platform for compact car tuners and enthusiasts to build off of. Heck, you can't even get a new Forte or Rio with a manual transmission unless you get the base LX model.

Seeing how well both Kia and Hyundai are doing in the U.S., it wouldn't surprise me if at some point (and some point soon) we start seeing more performance-oriented compacts and subcompacts from the Koreans. Remember: competition is good, and frankly, I'm all for more sporty compact/subcompact cars.

Gazoo Racing's Vitz GRMN Turbo

Our friend Thomas in Thailand sent me a link to this little hot hatch being put together by Toyota tuner Gazoo. This is the Vitz GRMN Turbo—a turbocharged version of the Toyota Yaris sold in North America and other parts of the world. Making 152 horsepower and 152 ft/lbs of torque, this hot hatch will exponentially increase the car's fun factor. In addition to its turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, the car also gets vented disc brakes, a stiffened body, custom seats and interior bits, and BBS wheels in addition to the GRMN-tuned suspension. I love the front fascia, which looks very similar to the Yaris Hybrid from Europe. By the way, there will only be 200 of these puppies made, and they're only available in white or black.

I'm sure there's no chance we'll see this hopped-up Toyota on this side of the pond, but regardless, it looks darn good. Check out the video for the Vitz GRMN Turbo in action.



Thank's again to Thomas for the tip. Got a tip? Contact us!

SOURCE
Gazoo.com (Japanese)

Subcompact Showcase: TE72 Toyota Corolla Wagon With A Turbo Pontiac Powerplant

My buddy Justin has had this TE72 Corolla Wagon since 2008. It's lowered on Ground Control coilovers, has some good looking XXR wheels, and he's done quite a bit of work to it. A few months ago I get a text from him saying he's thinking about doing an engine swap, as the Rolla wasn't very peppy in stock form. I ask him what he's swapping in, thinking it'd be a warmed over 4AGE or maybe a built 3TC. He says he's looking for a turbo engine out of a Pontiac Solstice GXP. Wait, what?

Road Race Motorsports' Urban Warrior Abarth 220 is one sexy Italian

The Fiat 500 Abarth is one fun little pocket rocket. Road Race Motorsports is a tuner on the forefront of Fiat stuff. Combine the two and you're bound to get something very cool. This is Road Race Motorsports' Urban Warrior Abarth 220.

RRM says each part of the car's name means something. Urban talks to the fact the car is streetable. Warrior means it'll go toe-to-toe with cars like the MAZDASPEED3 or even a Subaru STI. And 220 stands for the crank horsepower. It's got a bunch of goodies including power add-ons, carbon fiber bits, Bilstein suspension, and some great aero work. Of particular note, the ultra sexy rear splitter.

For more pics, check out the Road Race Motorsports website.

SEMA Show 2012: Assessing the small car quotient

It's only seven days until the SEMA Show—the world's largest bastion of customized automobiles in the world. It's the who's who of the automotive aftermarket. This will be my seventh consecutive year at the show, and just as excited as I ever was.

Subcompact Supercar: Nissan Juke-R to go into limited production

Want to buy a Nissan Juke-R?  You know, the Nissan GT-R-powered, 545 horsepower subcompact crossover. Well you can for a measly $590,000. Hell, I'll take two. Okay, maybe not, but Nissan has found two buyers in Dubai already. Nissan has said it'll build more Juke-Rs upon request. You could also buy about six GT-Rs, but they're sooo played out, right? And, of course, the Juke-R can haul way more cargo. One thing's for sure: The Juke-R is likely the fastest odd-looking new car you can buy.

Gareth Dunsmore, Marketing Product Manager for the Juke, said: "The Juke-R was originally intended as a one-off concept to marry two of Nissan's most innovative models. But the reaction we had to the car in Dubai was amazing—people were making offers for the original on the street!"

According to Nissan, anyone wishing to register an interest in purchasing Nissan's most innovative Crossover yet should contact Juke-R@Nissan.co.uk.

Nissan is showing off the subcompact supercar in this video where it's being pitted against some world-class sports cars

On a side note, I'd love to see one available in Gran Turismo 5.

Chevy puts the Sonic front and center at the 2011 SEMA Show

Although I knew Chevrolet was going to have a bunch of its new Sonic models at the SEMA Show, I didn't realize they were going to have nearly a dozen of them. I'll also say I had no idea they could make these cars look this good. Case in point, the brown metal-flake Sonic on the gold wheels above. Pictures don't do this justice. It is gorgeous. But this was only one of many ...

Road Race Motorsports tunes the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Road Race Motorsports has been turning out some unique tuner vehicles lately. The most recent creation is the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Turbo. Coincidentally, I happen to be in the midst of writing a review on the stock 2011 Outlander Sport, so that makes this announcement even more timely.

RRM has given this compact crossover some added stopping, going, and cornering abilities. The power boost comes from the addition of a Mitsubishi turbocharger, Tial wastegate, intercooler, and custom engine management on the existing 4B11 Mitsubishi engine. RRM is able to crank out an additional 100 horsepower and 83 ft./lbs. of torque. For comparison, the stock Outlander Sport makes 148 horsepower and 145 ft./lbs. or torque. FYI, this is the front-wheel drive model equipped with a manual transmission.

Handling and braking are both improved thanks to Eibach springs and StopTech four-piston, full-floating brake system. Other handling goodies include 19" wheels wrapped in Yokohama tires.
RRM says, "We call it the Juke Killer! It has everything that category of car has and more. Performance will well eclipse that of the Juke in every category. We hope to see the reaction of press and the public."
This car was built in partnership with Mitsubishi Motors North America, and will be ready for media to test drive in the near future.

Will there be a Mugen Honda Fit?

So, according to Autocar, in-house Honda tuner, Mugen, wants to build a hot version of the Honda Fit. And no, I'm not talking about the semi tarted-up Mugen version Honda displayed at the 2009 SEMA show (see above). This would reportedly be as much as 197 hp using a supercharged version the Honda CR-Z's hybrid powerplant. Not only would this likey make the Honda Fit a quick hot hatch, it'd likely make it the world's most expensive Honda Fit, especially if it's wearing a Mugen badge (example: The Mugen Civic Si was $30,000 here in the U.S.). It should be noted it was Mugen Euro that wants to build this, you can all just calm down. I'm sure we'll never see it in the U.S. How's that for the power of positive thinking?

SOURCE
Autocar

Road Race Motorsports nabs fifth Fiat 500, plans special editions

Rob Tallini, the owner of Road Race Motorsports, managed to nab the fifth Fiat 500 sold in the U.S. yesterday. "The first official bath of salable cars came yesterday and we are planning to jump on it with our own special edition," says Tallini.

Tallini says the Road Race Motorsports version will be called the CLUB /// SPORTIVO. Fiat dealers will be able to buy it and the first one will go to Motor Village L.A.

The car will be a track-day-ready vehicle with upgraded suspension, brakes, four-point harnesses, a CLUB /// SPORTIVO graphics package, powdercoated wheels, and minor engine upgrades like intake and exhaust.

There are just a couple of quick renderings of what the CLUB /// SPORTIVO Fiat 500 will look like. It's great to see aftermarket companies getting in on the 500 bandmodwagon so soon. Can't wait to see the real deal!

The CorkSport Mazda2

CorkSport is not only a renowned tuner of Mazda vehicles, but it's also a local company (based in Vancouver, WA). The company now offers a host of parts for the Mazda2, including an air intake, exhaust system, strut tower braces, a rear torsion bar, and a host of other upgrades, such as suspension components, from other companies.

The CorkSport Mazda2 was at the Portland International Autoshow, which is where I snapped a photo of their hot hatch.You can read all about the company's tuned 2 on the CorkSport blog.

LINK
CorkSport Mazda2 Performance Parts 

TEIN spices up a not-so-spicy new Toyota

The 2012 Vitz/Yaris isn't exactly the most exciting redesign in my opinion. However, Japanese suspension manufacturer, TEIN, has added a bit of spice to the somewhat vanilla '12 Vitz. As with most cars, it does look better lowered. The next Yaris/Vitz still doesn't do anything for me.

Tokyo Auto Salon: Toyota GRMN iQ

The Tokyo Auto Salon is going on, and this little guy is one of several cars Toyota is showcasing. The GRMN (Gazoo Racing tuned by MN) iQ features a host of custom parts including bodywork, suspension, and wheel/tire upgrades. I believe it's got a supercharger on it, too. Although I'm not terribly taken with the front end (I don't dislike it), I do like the rear. It reminds me a bit of a video game racer or something. Like.

SEMA: Two Custom Cubes

Two custom Cubes from the show. Of course, the black one is the the Logan built cube. The blue one, however, is also hotness.

SEMA: Three Fiestas from the Ford booth

There are more than three Fiestas in the Ford booth, however, there were three of my favs. My top pic: This sexy silver five door. Me likey.

SEMA: Chevrolet Spark Z-Spec Concept

Here's the Chevy Spark Z-Spec Concept from the Chevrolet booth. It is definitely small. Bigger than a Smart car, but certainly smaller than the Aveo. This custom version wears orange paint, white 17" BBS wheels, a custom grille surround, and custom interior bits. I love the look. Chevy is saying the Spark will be in the U.S. in 2012. I like.

SEMA 2010: Honda CR-Zs

One of the more popular cars this year is the Honda CR-Z. The "sports hybrid" is getting the tuner treatment: Turbos, engine work, suspension, etc. It'll be interesting to hear how some of these vehicles perform. Until then, here are some pics of the custom CR-Zs from the show (mostly the Honda booth).