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Archive for the ‘Tuning’ Category

Audi R8 GT3-R by MTM: the beast has been released

April 8th, 2010

Shteph

MTM drops the “quattro” and goes RWD! Dropping a supercharged 4.2 FSI engine putting out 560hp in the rears and you have a 0-100 in 4sec. They’ve also dropped the rear pipes and throttle valves on the exhaust system. If you’re already driving around in an R8 but have now grown bored, MTM offers this to current owners.

The questions are legitimate and short: A Street-legal Audi R8 with rear wheel drive? And with a 560 HP supercharged engine? The answer is also short. Yes it exists! At MTM! The snow is hardly gone from Germany’s streets that the noble tuner from Wettstetten is announcing their latest project: the MTM R8 GT3-2, with the last digit standing for the number of powered wheels. The car that has 560 supercharged HP, accelerates from 0 to 100 under 4 seconds and goes easily beyond the 300 km/h barrier is no “Quattro” but a modified R8 with rear wheel drive from the Audi refiner MTM. This new concept promises a complete new driving experience behind the Audi steering wheel and pure driving pleasure, which comes up with a lot of technical details and finesse and creates a perfect and exceptional sportscar. (more…)

Posted in Audi, Tuning

Tags: Audi quattro, MTM Audi R8 GT3R, RWD Audi

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New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Pimped by Brabus

March 31st, 2010

Shteph

Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus didn’t waste any time in releasing its tuning program for the all-new 2011 E-Class Convertible that was launched in Europe this week. As with all other Mercedes models, Brabus offers a variety of performance and styling kits for Stuttgart’s four-seater soft-top.

Starting with the engine upgrades, the most powerful option is for the E500 (E550 in the U.S.A.) Convertible. The stock 388HP 5.5-liter V8 unit is bored out to 6.1-liters, while the conversion also includes new cylinder heads and camshafts, a custom exhaust system and catalyst as well as a recalibrated ECU.

The result is an overall output of 462HP and 615Nm (453-lb-ft) of peak torque, for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). (more…)

Posted in Mercedes, Tuning

Tags: Brabus, E-Class convertible, Mercedes, Tuning

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Hennessey’s V700 Cadillac is just crazy!

March 27th, 2010

Shteph

Driving a Cadillac supercharged CTS-V will let nobody unimpressed! The thrill of 556 horsepower paired with 551 pound-feet of torque make it a monster. Then comes Hennessey and extract the most of the CTS-V. John’s calling it the Hennessey V700 and, as you might have ascertained, it’s a Cadillac CTS-V pumped up on the best auto-steroids available in the Houston area. One crank of the fake key and your ears quickly explain that the gnashing, metal-on-metal-on-lava sounds leaking out from beneath the floor pan don’t come from some run-of-the-mill super-Cadillac. No, something special is going on under that thar tortured hood. Viciously special. (more…)

Posted in Cadillac, Super cars, Tuning

Tags: hennessey cadillac cts-v700

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Audi R8 Spyder becomes even wilder in the hands of Abt Sportsline

March 16th, 2010

Shteph

Whenever Audi introduces a new model, chances are that the folks at Abt Sportsline are going to get their hands on one. The German company has been tuning Volkswagens and Audis since the 1970s and has enjoyed success racing the Audi A4 in DTM and more recently the new R8 LMS. Needless to say, Abt knows how to properly modify cars bearing the four rings.

Abt’s latest project is the droptop version of the Audi R8. Visually the car gets a new front grille, front fascia with carbon fiber spoiler, side sills, rear fascia, rear spoiler and lightweight five-spoke wheels. Even more importantly, the 5.2-liter V10 has been massaged to provide 600 horsepower, good for 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. Finally, Abt provides a sport suspension system for improved handling. (more…)

Posted in Audi, Super cars, Tuning

Tags: Abt Sportsline, Audi R8 Spyder, Tuning

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Unknown tuner VÄTH’s job on roadster Merc results in crazy VÄTH V58

March 12th, 2010

Shteph

Have you heard of VÄTH before? I haven’t, but you’ll definately hear its latest creation when it zooms by. As if the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG’s 355 bhp and 510 Nm isn’t enough for such a small roadster, the Hösbach based tuner has enlarged the capacity of the V8 to 5.8-litres (hence the V58 name) and plonked in a supercharger! The end result is an insane 565 bhp and 770 Nm of torque.

Upgrades include sports pistons, sports distribution shafts, exhaust manifolds, high-grade steel catalysts, sports exhaust silencers, polished cylinder heads, a sports air filter and a long-stroke crankshaft. Together with ECU tuning, the V58’s new top speed is 310 km/h. At 30,785 euros, it’s not cheap though. A locking differential a “home-produced and patented” fuel cooler is optional. (more…)

Posted in Mercedes, Tuning

Tags: SLK55 AMG, tuned Mercedes, Vath tuner

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2011 Nissan GT-R Premium with minor tweaks but peppery price

March 12th, 2010

Shteph

Undoubtadly that the GT-R is a desirable beast, but what Nissan is doing with it for next year is pure stolidity. Godzilla will receives a few minor tweaks for 2011, including some minor suspension tuning, a double clear coat on its front and rear fascias, new rear cooling ducts and – wait for it – slightly darker wheel center caps than on the 2010 model that is pictured. Additionally, the 2011 GT-R – henceforth only available in Premium trim – gets more standard features, including auto on/off headlamps, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, Bluetooth, a USB iPod interface and XM NavWeather and NavTraffic. All of this can be yours for (more…)

Posted in Nissan, Tuning

Tags: limited edition GT-R, Nissan GT-R Premium, tweaked GT-R

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Have your very own race car! 2010 BMW Z4 GT3

March 7th, 2010

Shteph

If you want to own a race car and on top of that to be a BMW and if you have 298,000 Euros to spare, then your dream is about to become true, cause now you can have your very own BMW Z4 GT3 race car. This dream car is powering by the M3’s 4.0-liter V8, which is managed by a different ECU and is mated to an uprated six-speed sequential gearbox.

This enables the engine to be capable of producing 480bhp. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes and race wheels. Air conditioning is offered as an option. The BMW Z4 GT3 race car is eligible for international and national championships that run in accordance with GT3 regulations, including the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open and the ADAC GT Masters. It is also eligible for a variety of 24-hour endurance races.

Posted in BMW, Tuning

Tags: BMW race car, BMW Z4 GT3, tuned BMW

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G-Power Storm, the overpriced tuned BMW 760i

February 24th, 2010

Shteph

The BMW 760i and its long-wheelbase sibling, the 760iL received a tuning kit by G-Power, simply called the Storm. G-Power’s latest achievement will be produced in a limited run of just 10 units worldwide and it promises to bring the rain on other tuning proposals like the 500HP Alpina B7.

Starting with the engine, G-Power’s technicians fiddled around with the 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbochargers increasing maximum boost pressure from 0.5 bar to 0.9 bar. They also recalibrated the ECU, added larger injection valves and created an entirely new exhaust system. The result is a maximum output of 725 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 1,000Nm or 738 lb-ft from 2,000 rpm, up from the stock engine’s 544HP and 750Nm or 553 lb-ft. (more…)

Posted in BMW, Super cars, Tuning

Tags: BMW 760i, G-Power tuning, Storm, tuned BMW

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Rolls Royce Ghost tuned by Mansory

February 23rd, 2010

Shteph

Could the ultimate representative of luxury miss from an auto show? Of course not! So, here’s Rolls Royce with an additional tuning package by Mansory. Not that the Ghost would need any tuning, but still. Many times I’ve been impressed by tuning kits and many times they actually look good on cars, but it seems the Rolls is just not tuning material. Wald International also showed a tuning programme for it and that didn’t look good, either. Which confirms my opinion that this luxury sedan doesn’t lend to tuning.

For the engine Mansory used enlarged bi-turbo chargers, an ECU optimization, sports manifold and the sports catalysers and they obtained an impressive 720 hp and 780 NM of torque. As a result the sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in 4,4 seconds and top speed goes up to an impressive 192 mph.

The exterior is painted in a combination of Gold and Blue, a new front skirt, a modified radiator grill insert and 22″ wheels. The interior combines delicate leather with diamond-quilted ornaments.

Again, looking at the pics, I find it kitschy. All that gold and the oversized grille and front skirt….Mneaaaah!

If you’re still interested, you can find all the details in the press release after the jump.

(more…)

Posted in Auto Shows, Rolls Royce, Tuning

Tags: Geneva Motor Show, Mansory, Rolls Royce Ghost, Tuning

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Hamann’s 670 horsepower Tycoon Evo M to debut in Geneva

February 22nd, 2010

Shteph

Thinking of last year’s 360 HP on the X6-based Tycoon, this year, Hamann came up with some jaw-dropping figures for the twin-turbo inline-six. Under 2010’s Tycoon Evo M prepared for Geneva Motor Show is the X6 M’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that only needs a high-flow exhaust system and a reprogrammed ECU to reach 670 horsepower and 576 pound-feet of torque. Hamann claims that the extra horsepower is good for a 4.2 second sprint to 62 mph and a top speed of 186 mph.

Along with the additional power, Hamann has also developed a revised widebody kit to fit the BMW X6 M. The fenders have been widened 60mm, and LED running lights are now featured prominently on the front fascia. Additional upgrades include lightweight 23-inch forged wheels and aluminum and carbon fiber interior accessories.

My opinion? I don’t like it. The X6 was already a chunky pig. It needn’t all the additional body kit. But hey! Who am I to judge?…

Until full details from Geneva, have a look at the photos and the press release.

(more…)

Posted in Auto Shows, BMW, Tuning

Tags: BMW X6, Hamann, Tuning

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BMW performance kits for X6

February 20th, 2010

Shteph

It’s time for big brother X6 to receive a performance kit, which will upgrade its aestetichs and engine performance. Simply called BMW Performance Aerodynamics Kit, it features a new front bumper, side sill, and an insert for the rear bumper. Optional are a rear spoiler, rear fins finished in matte black and a front grid finished in high-gloss black. The side view is enhanced by huge 21 inch BMW Performance light-alloy wheels with a Y-spoke design done in a twin-tone finish – a glossy outside surface and Ferric Grey paintwork between the rims. (more…)

Posted in BMW, SUV, Tuning

Tags: BMW, performance kit, X6

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BMW X1 tuning by AC Schnitzer

February 18th, 2010

Shteph

Geneva will get some tuned superchargers, and who else could add its name on the list if not BMW. X1 got itself tweaked by the popular German tuner AC Schnitez and the result in pretty good.

AC’s X1 gets a front spoiler, rear skirt extension and rear roof spoiler, which join forces to “improve downforce and ensure additional ground adhesion”. Other visual tricks include bonnet vents and chromed centre webs. Of course we need some flashy rims, and AC’s new Type VIII 19-inch wheels with double spokes in “BiColor” finish is an evolution of the popular Type VI wheel. The looks are backed by a spring kit and an aluminium strut brace for “the perfect balance between sporting performance and driving comfort”. (more…)

Posted in BMW, Tuning

Tags: AC Schnitzer, BMW, Tuning, X1

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Man builds Mustang out of a Lamborghini

February 9th, 2010

Shteph

Yes, you read well! It’s not like in the case of the young Kazakh who built himself a Rolls Royce out an old Mertz. This guy here transformed a gorgeous Lamborghini into a ‘Stang. Not that this Mustang is not gorgeous, especially after all the work he’s done with it, but many don’t get the point. If he had built a Mustang out of a tiny Smart for 2, things would have been clear. Would they?!

It took him one Mustang shell, one Mustang parts car, one Lamborghini Gallardo parts car, and uncounted hours of labor to build the muscle car, including the transmission and the all-wheel-drive system. And I have to admit that he’s got skills!

I am a VERY big fan of Mustangs and honestly I would take one for the Lamborghini, so I kinda understand this guy, or maybe he just wanted to show off his talent. And if I were to be mean…usually you transform an old rusty car into a shiny home-made piece of jewelery. Touche, Lamborghini!

Posted in Ford, Lamborghini, Muscle Cars, Special, Super cars, Tuning, Wacky, mustang

Tags: Lamborghini, mustang, Tuning

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Nissan GT-R by Varis

February 2nd, 2010

Shteph

We presented about a couple of weeks ago the GT-R tuned by Tommy Kaira. Now it’s time for another Japanese tuner to present its tuning kit for Nissan. Varis has revealed details on the first stage of carbon fiber upgrades for the Nissan GT-R, which will be available in Varis Semi Dry Carbon (VSDC) versions as well as wet carbon.

The kit includes a Varis Front Diffuser priced at $2,740, a Varis Aero Hood priced at $4620 in VSDC or $2845 in wet carbon, a rear diffuser in wet carbon priced at $1,250, side skirts in VSDC priced at $1,250 and a Varis Rear Wing and Trunk Spoiler available in full VSDC or in VSDC with a FRP trunk spoiler priced at $3,350.

I come to think which tuner will be next to prepare a tuning kit for the GT-R.

Posted in Nissan, Tuning

Tags: Japanese tuners, Nissan GT-R tuning by Varis, Varis Semi Dry Carbon

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Special Cruze for Singapore

February 1st, 2010

Shteph

I have good news for Singaporean costumers that want a C-segment car and appreciate the Cruze: Chevrolet prepared them “Cruze SS”, which is basically the same good-looking sedan, with additional bodykit, including a front, rear and side skirts, a rear spoiler, 17 inch alloy wheels with Falken tyres, and illuminated skuff plates.

Connoisseurs will immediately recognize the resamblance with Bumblebee given by the yellow stripes, which is not a bad thing if you come to think about it: both cars are Chevys. Although the stripes look better and more appropriate on the Transformers’ Camaro.

Posted in Chevrolet, Tuning

Tags: chevrolet cruze ss singapore, Cruze bodykit, special cruze, Transformers camaro

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