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.

•MTM R8 GT3-2 undertakes a new driving experience behind the Audi steering wheel
•560 HP (412 kW), 580 Nm, 3.9 seconds, Vmax 317 km/h
•Technical finesse and details for an exceptional sportscar
The most exciting fact about the MTM R8 GT3-2 is definitely the rear wheel drive concept. It was developed by the technical specialists around Roland Mayer. With differential lock and new adjustments, the GT3-2 floats presently with its driving concept as the only one RWD Street-legal Audi, in the footsteps of the Audi high powered cars that are challenging the DTM or the GT Series. Those who are searching for an “Ingolstädter” with four rings and rear wheel drive have to look back more than four decades ago.

MTM from Wettstetten/Ingolstadt would not be one of the leading Audi-refiners in the world if they didn’t care for technical details in order to provide maximum driving dynamics. The first thing to be mentioned is the supercharged 4.2 FSI engine, producing 560 HP (412 kW) at 7.750 RPM and a torque of 580 Nm at 5.500 RPM. Enough power to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and take the speedometer needle up to 317 km/h. The sound goes together with the power, thanks to a special exhaust system in export version – without rear pipes and without throttle valves. Unmistakable.

So much power needs a MTM suspension kit, which has several settings options, also in the built-in condition, and which is well adjusted with the lightweight and solid MTM forged wheels on Dunlop Sport Maxx GT / Michelin Cup Sport tyres. The 20” rims in the size 9×20 ET 42 (front axle) and 12,5×20 ET 60 (rear axle) shelter the 380 x 34 mm – punched, ventilated – MTM brake system.

With the R8 GT3-2, MTM has also worked on the exterior appearance, which is very particular for the technical specialists from Wettstetten, who usually only make slight optical changes on their sports cars. In this case, the carbon fibre front spoiler, side skirt and rear wing ensure a better air flow.

This MTM offer not only refers to new cars – also people who already own a R8 have the possibility to convert it into a R8 GT3-2. For more information, please contact MTM in Wettstetten.

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).

With the German firm’s tuning kit, the E250 CGI gets a jump from 204HP to 230HP, while the E350 CGI from 292HP to 310HP.

For the diesel range, Brabus offerings include a power kit for the E250 CDI and E350 CDI that bump output from 204HP to 232HP, and from 231HP to 272HP, respectively.

A four-pipe exhaust system, a sport suspension with height-adjustable coil-over suspensions and variable damper rates and a variety of high-performance braking systems complete the list of performance upgrades.

The tuner’s body kit bundles a new front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights, a rear diffuser and a discreet boot lid spoiler. There’s also a variety of alloy wheel options ranging in size from 17- to 19-inches, with 20-inch rims to follow in the near future.

Brabus also offers a range of interior options, including a unique sport steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates with an illuminated logo and genuine carbon-fiber decorative trim.

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.

First, a little background on the V700. As the muscular 6.2-liter LSA engine is already supercharged, Hennessey found it didn’t have to do much to extract plenty of additional power. Official numbers are 707 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 717 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm. Die hard CTS-V fans will have already noticed that Hennessey raised the redline. The stock CTS-V hits the limiter at 6,200 rpm; the V-700 keeps going to 6,600 rpm. It should also be pointed out that while those are the official numbers, peak power is actually closer to 735 hp. That’s right, we’re talking around 650 hp to the wheels. On lame-old California-grade 91 octane, too. This particular V700 is a six-speed manual, but if slushboxes are your thing, Hennessey will convert an automatic CTS-V into a V700 if you wish.

So how’d Hennessey and his engineering boffins crank up the output? They increased the cold air intake diameter to four inches and attached a smaller blower pulley and a larger crank pulley, which ups the boost from the factory’s 10 to 13.5 psi. The front-mounted heat exchanger has been swapped out, upping the intercooler’s capacity by one gallon. Then they ported and polished the heads, upgraded the valves, valve springs and injectors. There’s a new cam, too, as well as 1 7/8-inch stainless exhaust headers feeding into high-flow catalytic converters then into larger three-inch pipes. Finally, they remapped the ECU. The results are… total lunacy.

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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.

I come to wonder WHY all tuners are getting their hands on already fast, wild, hot looking foxies instead of showing off their skills on a classy, family car, for instance.

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.

This SLK sits on a user adjustable sports suspension which lowers the car from 20 mm to 65 mm, while the brake upgrade kit brings six-piston calipers with 378 mm discs. 19-inch wheels with 235/35 front tyres and 275/30 rears complete the package.

The exterior mods don’t look too over the top, although the removal of the big three pointed star leaves an empty round hole, and the LED strips sit uncomfortably near to the foglamps, looking very much like an afterthought. The V58’s lower body gets carbon add ons including a rear diffuser. Unsurprisingly, more carbon appears in the cabin.

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 $85,060 (*including $1000 destination charge), which represents an increase of $1,020 over the 2010 GT-R Premium. Curiously, spokesperson Darryll Harrison said that the automaker can’t confirm a limited production volume.

We’ve seen before cases of very limited, exclusive, tweaked-but-not-tweaked cars with little additional features that added big money to the price but this GT-R is testing your hand. 1000 bucks for darker wheel center caps?

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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.

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.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a modified version of the 760i’s eight-speed automatic transmission. G-Power claims that the Storm is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.2 seconds, to 200km/h (124mph) in 11.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 345 km/h or 215 mph.

The engine modifications are accompanied by a new sports suspension that lowers the limo’s ride height by 30 mm or 1.2-inches. The Storm also features a full body kit that includes a new bonnet made of Kevlar with air vents, unique front and rear bumpers and carbon fiber side skirts, boot lid spoiler and rear diffuser.

The four tail pipes and the new 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels shod in Michelin rubber size 265/30 at the front and 295/25 at the rear, complete the exterior changes. G-Power only released a couple of renderings of the exterior, but the tuning firm said that it has refined the interior of the 760i with a new “ergonomically shaped” sports steering wheel, a different speedometer and carbon fiber trim for the door panels, central console and dashboard.

The fully converted Storm 760i is priced at a rude €365,000, while the long wheelbase 760il Storm, from €375,000.

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.

Press release

A large programme for the “little“ Rolls Royce. Automobile refiner Kourosh Mansory offers a breathtaking individualisation for the Rolls Royce Ghost. The specialist for luxury cars combines most precious materials with elaborate performance, individual appearance and stylish interior refinements. This creates a unique overall concept with a self-confident character.

The most striking part of the metamorphosis is an individually varnish in Gold and Blue. The self-assured colouring does not only reflect the exclusive status of the car, but also emphasises the newly developed exterior shape.

The golden varnish accentuates the delicate cross-beam in the new front skirt as well as the vertical gill between the headlights and the front wheel houses. Also the modified radiator grill insert duly profits from the varnish.

The evidence for the increased performance of the MANSORY Ghost can be found in the side skirts, the stainless steel sheeting, the unobtrusive rear spoiler and the rear skirt with the indicated diffuser and the two-pass end pipes of the double sport exhaust system.

The sportiness imbued by the exterior package is confirmed by the content under the bonnet. Enlarged bi-turbo chargers, the map optimisation of the control electronics as well as the sports manifold and the sports catalysers significantly increase the performance of the Rolls Royce. Instead of serial 570 hp (420 kW), the Ghost refined by MANSORY now renders phenomenal 720 hp (530 kW) at 5,850 r.p.m. The engineers from the Bavarian town Brand near Bayreuth catapult the maximum torque from 780 to astonishing 1,020 Newton metres. Therefore, the engine accelerates the 2,360 kg of the car from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.4 seconds and is thereby half a second faster than the serial version. Thanks to the removed top speed limitation, the acceleration does not stop at 250, but only at 310 km/h.

With these performance values, also the wheels are growing. Especially for the Rolls Royce Ghost, MANSORY developed a new design whose innovative look perfectly matches with the new appearance of the car.

The monoblock rims measure enormous 22 inches and their surface is refined with the same golden varnish as the exterior. At the front axle, 9 inch wide wheels carry the high-performance tyres Dunlop SP SportMaxx in the dimension 265/35, whereas the rear 10.5 inch wide wheels are fitted with tyres in the dimension 295/30.

The interior presents itself as an oasis for luxury and perfectly goes with the exquisite outer refinement. Large parts of the interior are covered with the most delicate leather with diamond-quilted ornaments and are completed by an ultra-suede lining from the roof line to the dashboard. Special wide carbon and a sports steering wheel in combination with light bamboo wood inlays render and atmosphere which can not be surpassed in terms of exclusiveness. Moreover, there are illuminated door sills and the implemented ambience light effects: seats, door casings and dashboard are equipped with LEDs which supply a pleasantly soft light throughout the passenger cabin.

Once again, company founder Kourosh Mansory has understood to lift a top luxury class automobile into even higher levels. After the refinement, the Rolls Royce Ghost presents itself with a self-confident character. There is a perfect synergy between technology and luxury which further confirms the individual design.

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.

PRESS RELEASE:

HAMANN-Motorsport, the renowned specialist for exquisite refinements of BMW-automobiles shows its latest developments on the 80th Geneva Motor Show. The masculine show-piece on the HAMANN exhibition stand with 200 square metres is the world premiere of the 670 hp/493kW strong and 300 km/h fast TYCOON EVO M based on the BMW X6 M.

The TYCOON EVO M – powerful appearance with striking design

Already the shape of the TYCOON EVO M with its impressive broad built gives a good hint of what is to be discovered. Mainly responsible for that are the front and the rear wing extensions made of light composite materials. These let the body expand by impressive 60 millimetres. Additionally, the HAMANN designers enhanced the sides with the newly designed side skirts. The distinctive hallmark of the front is the apron with the four striking LED daytime running lights. But the body set does not only emphasise the appearance, enlarged air inlets in the front and the carbon bonnet allow an optimised air ventilation of the engine compartment. At the X6 M rear, HAMANN also replaces the original skirt with an own development. This makes room for the earthy sounding sports exhaust system with the centrally positioned double end pipes. The rear view of the TYCOON EVO M is perfected with beautifully designed rear- and roof spoilers. All of those components produce a low-swirling airflow over the vehicle silhouette and render additional downthrust.

Rich performance enhancement thanks to optimised exhaust gas flow

In addition to the spectacular shape of the TYCOON EVO M the HAMANN engine department added a powerful performance enhancement for the serial engine. The most significant component for the performance enhancement and responsible for the dynamic and earthy sound of the TYCOON EVO M is the stainless steel high performance exhaust system with metal catalysers. A newly programmed map for the serial motronic completes the upgrade and suspending the speed limit of 250 km/h allows unrestrained driving pleasures.

As a result of the modifications, the X6 M now offers 670 hp / 493 kW at 6,000 r.p.m. and 780 Nm torque at 1,500 – 5,650 r.p.m. This is a surplus of 115 hp and 100 Nm compared to the serial version. Therefore, the all-wheel accelerated from 0 to 100 in only 4,2 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 300 km/h.

Varying rim designs and sizes

Specially adjusted to the increased requirements of the TYCOON EVO M, the refining specialist presents varying wheel designs and sizes. A highlight concerning styling and technology is the rim model UNIQUE FORGED ANODIZED produced in most modern forged technology. The dynamic shape of the delicate, anodised cross spokes does not only lead to a dynamic and striking look, but also results in an even weight distribution and therefore guarantees higher bearing loads. HAMANN offers the 23-inch wheel in the dimensions 11.0 x 23 at the front- and 12.0 x 23 at the rear axle, combined with wheels measuring 315/25 R 23.
The light alloy wheels are especially emphasised with the HAMANN lowering kit. Progressively coiled springs at the front axle and a modification kit for the rear axle thereby lower the centre of gravity of the Sports Utility Vehicle by approx. 40 millimetres.

Most noble interior applications underline the motor sports atmosphere

In addition to the existing factory-provided interior, HAMANN offers accessories made of black-anodised aluminium in combination with carbon applications. Pedals and foot rest render motor sports air and perfectly match the 12-part HAMANN decoration set made of carbon fibre. An three-spoke sports steering wheel additionally render the TYCOON EVO M a dynamic overall appearance. For the luggage compartment in the back of the X6 M, HAMANN offers an elegant and practical boot mat with diamond-shaped decorations and an embroidered logo.