Irish Car+Travel Oct. 2013 | Page 34

Autumn 2013 FERRARI Nobody draws crowds at a motor show like Ferrari, and the 458 Speciale is the most powerful prancing horse yet let loose. The 597hp motor that makes up most of the car's significantly lightened weight can sprint to 100km/h in three seconds flat. The aerodynamics have been improved by a special 'active' system that opens or closes flaps at the front and rear of the car as it passes through 150km/h. FIAT Fiat had no really new models on its stand, part of a strategy of pulling back on new cars until there's a pickup in car sales across Europe. So the 500L Living MPW (multipurpose wagon) and the Trekking were the only current metal on display, the former a 7seat version. For the speed enthusiasts, there was a limited edition Abarth 595 Anniversary, commemorating the launch of the original 595 50 years ago. One of those much more diminutive originals sat side by side with it. The 'new' one will have just 299 copies for sale, powered by a 1.4 petrol four. 34