500 firebreather ready for the off

500 firebreather ready for the off

Here’s a Fiat 500 with a sting in its tail! Tuning arm Abarth has

created the Assetto Corse for a pan-European one-make race series due

to begin in 2009. Only 49 of the pocket rockets will be built, and each

features a gaping, low-slung bumper, 17-inch lightweight alloys and a

small rear wing. The stripped-out interior gets racing seats and a roll

cage, saving 180kg. Under the bonnet, the 1.4-litre engine is

turbocharged to give 197bhp and 300Nm of torque. Drivers also get a

special Abarth-branded leather bag, comprising overalls, helmet, gloves

and shoes.

Cops shopped by speed cam

Here"s a case of non-PC behaviour! A Sheffield policeman has been snapped giving speed cameras the thumbs-up... while he was on an emergency 999 call! The stunt meant PC David Mayes had to take both hands off the wheel, and landed him with a чЈ400 fine and a six-month ban from driving. But he’s not the only copper who’s been behaving badly. A firearms officer in Cornwall invented a high-speed chase to escape a speeding ticket. PC Richard Holding was fined чЈ950, but managed to hold on to his licence after claiming he was suffering from post-traumatic stress after serving in Iraq.

Updated Volvos join kit parade

Fresh looks and more kit – that’s what Volvo is offering with its 2009 model line-up. Changes to the C30, S40, V50 and C70 include a larger logo on the tailgate, plus a чЈ200 optional automatic Bluetooth system. The XC70 estate is offered with an updated rear-seat entertainment system and digital TV receiver costing чЈ400 more. Also, the luxury S80 can be fitted with the 2.5T FlexiFuel engine, capable of running on E85 bioethanol. All models can be ordered now for July delivery.