Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In gear

Lisa Curtiss takes a look at the latest sporty offerings on sale soon, and gets behind the wheel of the new Fiat

Harnessing true horse power

The 458 Italia comes with input from an F1 master

Ferrari has just unveiled the latest model to join the illustrious Prancing Horse stable – the 458 Italia. The beautiful two-seater mid-rear engined berlinetta was designed by Pininfarina with input by former Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher.

While the Ferrari California was created for those requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia has been designed for people whose priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that’s useable for every driving, like all Ferrari’s recent models.

Powered by a new 4499cc V8, the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted, the 458 Italia boasts 570 CV at 9,000rpm with maximum torque of 540Nm at 6,000rpm, over 80% of which is available from 3,250rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is a blistering 3.4 seconds and its maximum speed is in excess of 325km/h.

The 458 Italia demonstrates a major leap forward for Ferrari in terms of emissions. Despite the engine being more powerful than previous V8s, it produces just 320g/km of CO2.

Premium performance

Get in line for the latest sophisticated off ering from Saab

Saab’s new flagship model, which is due to reach showrooms by the new year, is the most technologically advanced Saab ever.

The 9-5 saloon features an array of hightech features, including a head-up information display, adaptive cruise control, a DriveSense adaptive chassis, keyless entry and ignition, and dual-zone climate control.

The powertrain line-up is the broadest ever offered by Saab, carrying forward its rightsizing engine strategy focusing on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient four-cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – petrol, diesel and E85 bio-ethanol. With diesel power it offers CO2 emissions as low as 139g/km.

In the news…

Formula One hot seats up for grabs

Gossip around the Formula One paddock has focused in recent weeks on which drivers will move to which teams at the end of the season. Most of the talk has centred around Fernando Alonso and whether he’ll take up a seat at Ferrari. Apparently, the double world champion has been having fun teasing reporters by refusing to confirm or deny such stories.

Robert Kubica and Nico Rosberg are also expected to move – Kubica to replace Alonso at Renault as BMW exits F1, and Rosberg to switch from Williams to McLaren.

The next generation

Porsche is back with the 911 GT3 RS

Lovers of hard-core, pure performance cars rejoice – the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is almost here. With increased engine power, lower weight, shorter transmission ratios and a sharper chassis, this model is guaranteed to provide pure driving pleasure. Prices are expected to be around the €100,000 mark when it goes on sale in the new year.

OCTOBER DIARY DATES

2-4 World Rally Championship, Rallye de España, Salou, Spain;
4 Formula One, Suzuka, Japan;
18 Formula One, Sao Paulo, Brazil;
23-25 World Rally Championship, Rally GB, Cardiff, UK;
24 (until 4 November) 41st Tokyo Motor Show, Japan

Little charmer

The new Fiat 500C combines a classic look with all the latest mod-cons

Hitting showrooms across Europe now is the most delightful of tiny drop-top darlings, Fiat’s new 500C. Launched in time to make the most of any late-autumn sun, it’s proof some of the best things really do come in small packages. Cute, curvy, fun and flirty, the 500C is perfect for cool city cruising, urban errands, trips to the beach and, as I can testify, ferrying friends to festivals.

Priced at less than €15,000, it’s cheaper than the new Mini convertible and is a car you’ll cherish for years as its classic design won’t date.

Some readers may remember the original 500 convertible, launched to hugely popular acclaim with everyone from movie stars to teenagers back in 1957. The 500C’s superstar appeal continues today. Among the celebrities who’ve reportedly succumbed to the new version’s copious charms is supermodel and entrepreneur Elle Macpherson, who has regularly been spotted driving hers though the trendiest parts of London. “I love the Fiat 500C,” she says. “It has that sexy, cool Italian thing going on.”

Compared with the original, it retains the same shape and rag roof. Get inside and it’s truly a work of art.

The cabins are fun and funky, with bold colours and retro buttons and dials. There’s a long list of features, from automatic climate control to an innovative Interscope hi-fisystem, Blue&Me Map portable navigation unit, smart wind-stop and a new collection of customisable options.

The 500C is surprisingly spacious and with the roof down is far quieter than you’d expect – even at top speeds. The boot is big for a car of this size and the roof can be deployed cleverly if you’re caught travelling in a sudden autumn downpour.

The new Fiat is also a hugely enjoyable drive. It’s agile and effortless to manoeuvre, and manages even high speeds with reasonable ease. It’s most perfectly adapted for urban cruising, however, and can park in the tightest of spaces.

All engines are frugal and Euro 5 compliant. Of all I’ve tested, I’d opt for the willing 1.3 MultiJet turbodiesel for an extra feeling of torque. It’s the most charming of convertibles.

Spec

Displacement 1,248cc
Max power output 55.9kW (75bhp)
Max torque 145Nm
Top speed 165km/h
0-100km/h acceleration 12.5 secs
Fuel consumption 5.1l/100km

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