Auto car sports

Hopefully, most of our readers will agree that a Smart Fortwo is a far more suitable candidate for a 'Hello Kitty' makeover than a Ferrari 360 Modena [weep here]. Furthermore, unlike the custom Modena, the Fortwo Hello Kitty is an officially licensed product as Smart's US distributor, Penske Automotive and Sanrio, the owner of the 'Hello Kitty' brand, signed an agreement to add a series of car wrap designs featuring the popular feline to the carmaker's vehicle customization program. "This is the first time that Sanrio will offer a Hello Kitty car in the United States," said Janet Hsu, president of Sanrio Inc. "The modern, environmentally-friendly features of the smart fortwo combined with supercute Hello Kitty designs deliver an exciting offering that responds to the demands of our fans for special edition lifestyle products." The Smart Expressions program will offer buyers in the States a choice of three different full-body Hello Kitty desig...

Following their world premieres at the Paris motor show, Renault has released UK pricing and specification for the updated Laguna 2011 Hatch and Sport Tourer models ahead showroom launch in November. Despite the facelift, Renault claims that both models offer savings of up to £1,855 available compared to the previous range. The facelift includes some minor exterior tweaks such as the reworked fascia with new headlamps and a restyled bumper incorporating a more prominent grille, plus equipment improvements and a series of engine enhancements that result in reduced emissions and greater fuel economy across the range. For the 2011 model year, the engine line-up includes fully Euro 5-compliant engines, plus ten 'eco 2 ' branded versions with sub-140 grams CO2. The least emitting engine in the Laguna range is the 1.5-litre dCi 110HP with 120 grams and a combined fuel economy of 60.1 mpg UK. The Laguna is offered in three core trim levels, Expression, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line Tom...

For anyone secretly hoping that the Ford Focus ST Paris Show car would look better in motion, we're sorry to say it does not. Somehow this video makes that 'gaping mouth' grille look even worse, and all the odd creases and curves stand out even more. That 'Tangerine Scream' paintwork isn't doing it any favors either. Admittedly, the Paris Show Car makes the old, pre-facelift ST look boring and understated by comparison, but is it really better to be garishly ugly than conservatively dull? At least things are better under the bonnet. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder good for 250 hp should make the new ST a real corker when it launches in 2012, as will the rumored dual-clutch Powershift 'box. Here's hoping Ford reconsiders the styling before then. Oh well, at least if you're driving it, you can't see that hideous gaping grille. By Tristan Hankins _______________________________ VIDEO _______________________________

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist RENNtech is back again, this time with a C63 AMG saloon wide bodykit that is said to enhance the car's aerodynamics, although we reckon most owners will buy it for the show. Claimed to be inspired by Stuttgart's DTM racing cars, the full C74 aero package includes a carbon fiber rear deck lid spoiler, a rear diffuser package with distinctive exhaust tips, front and rear fender flares and wide body conversion kit that increases the overall rear track width to 74'' and allows the use of 11-inch wide wheels with 315-series tires. The complete package costs $15,450, but RENNtech also offers C63 AMG owners the option of buying the components individually. More details on pricing and specs in the release below. Press Release C74 Full Package $15,450 Full high quality carbon fiber exterior aero package includes Rear Decklid Spoiler, Rear Diffuser, Rear Widebody Kit, Front Wide Body Kit and Front Splitter OE quality and perfect fitment All product...