Monday, February 28, 2011

Mercedes-Benz CLS by Carlsson


German tuner Carlsson has introduced its own edition of the Mercedes-Benz CLS ahead of its Geneva debut tomorrow.

Carlsson's chief designer Rolf Schlepp has created a new aerodynamic kit that accentuates the CLS's coupe styling. That includes a front spoiler, an RS front spoiler lip (also available in carbon), stainless-steel grille inserts, rear spoiler and a rear apron with integrated diffuser.

For the performance tuning, Carlsson offers power boosting kits for several CLS engine variants, including a boost on the twin-turbo V8 of the CLS 63 AMG that dials output from the series' 557 PS ( 410 kW / 550 bhp) up to 600 PS (441 kW / 592 bhp).

On the diesel-powered CLS 350 CDI, the Carlsson C-Tronic control unit boosts the power rating by 20 percent to a total of 320 PS (235 kW / 316 bhp) and 780 Nm of torque (575 lb-ft) from the series' 265 PS (195 kW / 261 bhp) 650 Nm (479 lb-ft). The 0 to 100 km/h sprint time is improved by 0.3 seconds over the standard 350 CDI to 5.9 seconds.

For the exhaust, there's a stainless steel rear silencer and double-oval tailpipes, with Carlsson offering stainless-steel tailpipes as an extra option.

Alloy wheels in 1/10 design (five simple and five double spokes) can be had in sizes up to 20 inches.

The C-Tronic SUSPENSION kit is adaptable to the AIRMATIC suspension from Mercedes and can lower the car 30 mm.

Things remain as elaborate, and then some, on the inside. Carlsson uses top-notch materials for the cabin finish in leather and Alcantara with carbon and wood trims (wood inlays with a piano black varnish). The seats and door panels are upholstered in Carlsson Nappa leather with contrasting stitching. There's also an Alcantara sports steering wheel, brushed aluminum pedals and foot rests, and floor and boot mats with the Carlsson logo. Carlsson even informs us that drinking-quality water is used in the tanning of the leather. That's how refined this tuning package is.

2011 Hyundai Elantra - Los Angeles Auto Show

Hyundai Elantra front siver


Hyundai today introduced another exciting model, its all-new 2011 Elantra at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This marks the world debut of the latest version of the popular compact sedan. The 2011 Hyundai Elantra encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions including "Fluidic Sculpture" design, advanced safety and fuel efficiency. In the very competitive compact car segment the Elantra continues to be on a fast four year lifecycle.



HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 ELANTRA



* All-new fifth generation Hyundai Elantra compact sedan



* "Fluidic Sculpture" design



* Launches with new 1.8-liter "Nu" engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission



* 40 mpg highway on all models with A/T or M/T



* Best-in-class standard fuel economy



* Improved fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent over its predecessor



* More fuel efficient than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla



* Production began at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in November with shipments to dealers before year-end



* "Class-above" mid-size car interior volume



* Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD



* Touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod®/USB inputs



* Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition



* Segment first: Heated rear seats





2011 Hyundai Elantra is the fourth vehicle in Hyundai's 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months), following on the heels of the all-new Tucson, Sonata and Equus.



The 2011 Elantra represents a modern approach to the traditional compact sedan segment, using emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai's strong value proposition. The Hyundai Elantra poses some intriguing questions:



* Why can't a compact car have modern, sleek, sophisticated style?



* Why pay luxury car prices to get advanced safety features?



* • Why buy a mid-size sedan when you can get exceptional room in a compact car?



* Why can't a compact car get subcompact car fuel economy?





HYUNDAI "FLUIDIC SCULPTURE" DESIGN



2011 Elantra exemplifies Hyundai's emotional "Fluidic Sculpture" design principles. "Fluidic Sculpture" considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion. Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata.



Successful sedans in the U.S. market all have a distinct silhouette and Day Light Opening (DLO - a designer's term for the side glass) and Elantra is no different. Along Elantra's sides are Sonata's flowing lines, with the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the front door. These lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a memorable and spacious package. Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the Chevrolet Volt (0.29).



Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a compact athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and athletic proportions. Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct design. Elantra was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.





40 MPG - AN 18 PERCENT IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL ECONOMY



2011 Elantra's fuel economy is 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Elantra a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles.



40 MPG POWERTRAIN



Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV). The Nu engine was developed to replace the 2.0-liter Beta engine from the previous generation Elantra. The Nu is smaller in size, weighs 74 pounds less and helps achieve an 18-percent improvement in highway fuel economy, when compared with its predecessor. Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles. The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these "green" states, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).



Key Engine Components



* Aluminum block and head



* Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)



* Variable Induction System (VIS)



* Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)



* Electronic throttle control



* Offset crankshaft



The Nu engine features an aluminum block with a cast iron cylinder liner, cylinder head and crank. This unique configuration results in a block that is 30 percent lighter than an iron block, shedding more than 74 pounds off the entire engine weight, while still providing comparable strength.



The 1.8-liter Nu also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using D-CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft. They include a two percent improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency), two percent improvement in fuel economy (reduced pumping loss) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve driven friction to improve fuel economy one percent compared with direct valve driving. The Nu engine also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).



The application of a plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS), enables switching between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in an across-the-board performance increase. These result in a four percent improvement in performance, a 15 percent reduction in cost and 30 percent reduction in weight, when compared with aluminum.



Another tool Hyundai engineers have incorporated into the next generation Elantra is an electronic throttle control. The electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage found in the previous generation Elantra with fast responding electronics. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.



Hyundai's first application of double-pipe plumbing (internal heat exchanger) is found in Elantra. Double-pipe plumbing improves cabin cooling performance, while minimizing the capacity of the compressor, which further reduces fuel consumption. An external controlled variable compressor is also used to improve fuel efficiency versus an internal variable compressor.



The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall for a one percent improvement in fuel economy.



SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS



The 2011 Elantra can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC manual control. The 2011 Elantra is the first small car in the Hyundai lineup to receive a six-speed automatic. Hyundai now has its own six-speed automatic transmissions in its small, medium and large FWD cars. Hyundai is also only one of four global car manufacturers building their own unique six-speed automatic transmissions.



The all-new six-speed automatic is 11 pounds lighter than Hyundai's global five-speed and 17 pounds lighter than the five-speed automatic found in Honda Civic. It is considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost. It also features a super flat torque converter that shortens the unit's overall length by 0.43 inches, while being 2.6 pounds lighter.



This transmission mated to the 1.8-liter Nu engine helps Elantra deliver improved fuel efficiency - 11 percent more than its closest competitors and a four percent gain in fuel economy.



The 2011 Elantra's six-speed manual transmission is also all-new and provides crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance. These crisp shifts are courtesy of triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears.



OVERALL DIMENSIONS



The all-new Elantra rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, just two-inches longer than the previous generation. Its overall length has increased by 0.9 inches to 178.3 inches, with the 69.9-inch width remaining the same. The height has been lowered by 1.8 inches to 56.5 inches, without affecting headroom. Consequently, Elantra maintains its "class above" status when it comes to interior room, in comparison to Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. In fact, the Elantra is so roomy the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact car like Civic and Corolla.



2011 Elantra's total interior volume of 110.4 cubic feet beats the 2011 Honda Civic sedan, 2011 Nissan Sentra, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2011 Ford Focus and 2011 Toyota Corolla. Surprisingly, it even surpasses the Acura TSX (107.1 cu. ft.), Nissan Maxima (110.0 cu. ft), and VW Passat CC (109.3 cu. ft.) in total interior volume. Ultimately, the long wheelbase allows for compact car efficiency with mid-size car comfort. An example of this is found in the long seat track, delivering best-in-class front seat legroom. Hyundai Elantra's trunk volume at 14.8 cubic feet also beats Civic and Corolla.



2011 ELANTRA ARCHITECTURE



The all-new Elantra is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.



All Elantras have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Elantra's turning diameter of 34.8 feet is better than Corolla's at 35.6 feet.

World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the Hyundai Elantra engineering team. In fact, the 2011 Elantra leads all of its competitors in weight efficiency. Hyundai engineers also targeted leadership in power-to-weight ratio. Having these targets paid huge dividends in both performance and fuel economy.



The Elantra's widespread use of high-strength steel provides a 37 percent increase in body stiffness at a lower body weight. High-strength steel allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,701 pounds, the automatic transmission Elantra GLS is lighter than its competitors, while offering more interior room than Focus, Cruze, Civic and Corolla, with body-bending rigidity 50 percent higher than the Corolla. This weight efficient unibody architecture allows for Elantra to achieve an estimated 40 mpg EPA highway rating, without the need for a special eco model.



MODERN, SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR



Inside the Elantra, customers will find Hyundai's expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the clarity of the instruments and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The seats help fuel economy and the environment, being made of lightweight, environmentally friendly foam. Heated seats are available in the front and the rear, a segment first. Not only does Elantra have multiple storage areas, but it delivers useable storage capacity.



The 2011 Elantra GLS has a two-tone interior. Gray and beige are the two GLS interior color choices. The Limited trim adds a monotone black interior. All Elantras have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel.



Elantra is available with two audio systems. Standard is a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A 360-watt system with external amplifier is optional.



Touch-screen navigation is available on GLS and Limited trims and includes a high-resolution 7.0-inch screen and voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The sound system plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system also integrates a rear-view camera, which cannot be found on the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB rather than a CD to be displayed on the system's home screen.



Elantra owners can also get premium features, such as a proximity key with push button start and immobilizer, power sunroof, one touch driver's window and leather seating surfaces.



This modern, sophisticated interior is also whisper quiet. Engineers worked hard on reducing noise and vibrations inside the cabin.



NVH COMPARISONS



The all-new Elantra is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.



ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT



Elantra was one of the first compact sedans with ESC when it launched in July of 2007. The 2011 Elantra now takes compact car safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).



VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides 8 Newton meters of counter steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. ESC is still not standard on the 2011 model year Civic.



Elantra features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbag.



The Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes (Civic, Jetta and Corolla still feature rear drum brakes) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions. This package delivers shorter braking distances from 60 miles per hour than Civic, Corolla and Mazda 3.



Elantra engineers even looked at something as simple as the parking brake, having introduced Hyundai's first integrated rear parking brake caliper for weight reduction.



In terms of passive safety, the Elantra has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones and the rear doors have internal dual beams unlike some of its competitors.



2011 ELANTRA PRICING



The all-new Elantra offers modern design, loads of comfort and convenience features, and is an outstanding weapon against gas prices all with a low starting price of $14,830.

HAMANN HAWK based on Mercedes SLS AMG

Based on the Mercedes SLS AMG the Hamann Hawk will be making its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The bird of prey with its open wing doors has an Everose Gold exterior finish and features a wind tunnel tested body kit. Starting at the front there is a new front bumper fascia with LED lights and enlarged air inlets. Carbon fiber hood allows hot air to escape while the fender flairs provide an extra 60mm on each front side and 70mm on each rear side. Side skirts, rear bumper fascia with diffuser and carbon fiber wing round out the body kit.

Performance of the already potent 6.2-liter V8 engine is enhanced with high-performance titanium exhaust manifolds and sports catalysts while a sports air filter is used on the intake side. In concert with a remapped engine control unit, power output is raised to 636 PS (628 bhp / 468 kW) from the standard 571 PS (420 kW / 563 hp) for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

The coilover kit with four height-adjustable dampers and four progressively wound springs lower the center of gravity by up to 30 millimeters. Wheels are Hamann's own lightweight forged wheels in 9Jx21 with tires measuring 245/30 ZR 21 at the front and 12.5Jx21 with tires measuring 345/25 ZR 21 at the rear.

HPE700 Camaro Convertible by Hennessey


Hennessey Performance has unveiled the first details about the 2011 HPE700 Camaro Convertible.

Like the previous HPE700 coupe, the convertible features a 'CarbonAero' body kit (which includes a front splitter, a rear diffuser and revised side skirts), a painted hockey stick side strip, and 20-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires.

Power comes from a Corvette ZR1-sourced LS9 engine which has been outfitted with cold air induction system, upgraded pulleys, and high-flow fuel injectors. Thanks to these modifications, the 6.2-liter V8 produces 755 hp (563 kW / 765 PS) and 763 lb-ft (1,033 Nm) of torque - an increase of 117 hp (87 kW / 119 PS) and 159 lb-ft (215 Nm). This enables the coupe (convertible figures are still pending) to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and run the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds at 130 mph.

To ensure the chassis can handle the added power, engineers installed an adjustable coil-over suspension, upgraded sway bars and a Brembo braking system with 15-inch rotors.

Available as a coupe or convertible, HPE700 production will be limited to 24 units.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

The Sunday Movie

.





.

Corvette Z06 by Romeo Ferraris


The Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris is at it again. This time they're taking on the Corvette Z06.

Romeo Ferraris takes the American import and drops its own compressor onto the LS7 7.0 liter V8 engine. The Vortech kit used includes a centrifugal compressor, an air-to-air aluminum intercooler and high-flow injectors. Total output goes from the standard Z06's 512 PS (377 kW) and 637 Nm of torque to 677 PS (498 kW) and 823 Nm.

Those new power ratings also come as a benefit of a new sport exhaust system and the Z06-RF is held in check by larger performance disk-brakes featuring 380 mm, 6-piston calipers for the front and 345 mm, 4-piston calipers at the back.

Front and rear wheels also differ in dimensions, with Romeo Ferraris fitting this Z06-RF with 19-inch rims at the front and 20-inch at the back.

Performance numbers include a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 3.3 seconds and if you keep going you'll reach 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 10 seconds. Top speed is 340 km/h (211 mph).

Romeo Ferraris also provides a new interior finish to add a European touch to this American muscle car. That includes an in-house "Commando" sport steering wheel by Romeo Ferraris, Recaro Sportster seats and leather touches to replace outgoing plastic moldings.



Audi R8 V10 by Wheelsandmore


German tuner Wheelsandmore is offering a performance upgrade on the Audi R8 V10 model which is powered by the 5.2 liter TFSI engine.

Wheelsandmore handcrafted its own stainless-steel exhaust system with valve control and with the help of an ECU re-mapping gets the R8's 5.2 liter V10 TFSI engine up to 600 PS (441 kW) and 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) of torque. That's a boost of 75 PS and 60 Nm of torque over the standard configuration - which is 525 PS (386 kW) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft).

For the suspension, there's KW race coilovers with adjustable rebound and compression rates. The new hydraulic suspension can move 4.5 cm (1.77 inches) up or down to adjust the ride height.

The tuner has also crafted its own 3-piece wheels for the R8, which come in 9 x 20 dimensions at the front and 11 x 20 for the rear and in various color combinations. The rims come wrapped in Continental Sport Contact III tires sized 235/30/20 and 295/25/20 front/back, respectively.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Opel Corsa OPC by Dbilas Dynamic


German tuner Dbilas Dynamic has a tuning kit for the Opel Corsa OPC that adds more than few extra ponies to the hot little hatch.

The Opel Corsa OPC comes standard with 192 PS on its 1.6 liter turbo engine which Dbilas Dynamic offers to dial upward by more than 50 percent. After the tuning job is complete, the Opel OPC will have 320 PS (235 kW) and 400 Nm of torque at its disposal.

The Rödermark-based tuner achieves that figure with a very comprehensive engine overhaul which includes fitting the tuner's own steel connecting rods, forged pistons and turbocharger as well as adding a sport exhaust system. The tuning also involves ECU-mapping, new sport air filter and new air induction system.

320 PS on the 1,100 kg Corsa OPC makes for a pretty zippy 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 5.1 seconds and provides the car with a weight to power ratio of 3.44 kg per PS. Top speed is a German autobahn-appropriate 264 km/h (164 mph).

The Corsa OPC also gets an Eibach suspension kit that lowers the car by 20 mm. Als

o helping to improve traction are 19-inch rims wrapped in 215/35ZR19 85Y Hankook tires.

Ferrari 599 GTO by Novitec Rosso

The Ferrari aficionados at Novitec Rosso have unveiled a new tuning program for the 599 GTO.

While the car certainly wasn't lacking in performance, the tuner outfitted the 6.0-liter V12 with twin superchargers, a new intake manifold, enlarged fuel injectors, high-flow air filters, a massive intercooler, and stainless-steel sport exhaust system with 90mm tailpipes. Thanks to these tweaks, output climbs to 888 PS (653 kW / 876 hp) and 862 Nm (636 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 218 PS (160 kW / 215 hp) and 242 Nm (178 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0- 200 km/h in 9.1 seconds, and onto a top speed in excess of 340 km/h (211 mph).

On the styling front, the car features a silver and yellow paint scheme which is reminiscent of the Ferrari 250 GTO that won the 1964 Tour de France. Additionally, Novitec Rosso installed lowering springs, a front-axle lift up system, and lightweight wheels (which measure 21-inches front and 22-inches rear) with Pirelli PZero tires.

Friday, February 25, 2011

The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG by Wheelsandmore

German tuner Wheelsandmore has a performance package for the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG that is modest enough to sound like a reasonable option against the SL 65 AMG Black Series.

For the power ugrade, Wheelsandmore does some ECU-remapping and adds a handmade exhaust system to bump the 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 engine up to 697 PS (513 kW) and 1,150 Nm of torque from the production model's 612 PS (450 kW) and 1,000 Nm. The SL 65 AMG Black Series comes with 670 PS (493 kW) but with an electronically-limited torque of 1,000 Nm (a feature Wheelsandmore removes for its tuning of the standard SL 65 AMG).

Also on hand are, of course, Wheelsandmore's 3-piece forged rims (6Sportz) in 10 x 20-inch and 12 x 20-inch dimensions for the front and rear, respectively, wrapped in 255/30/20 (front) and 305/25/20 (back) Dunlop tires.

A suspension kit is also part of the package - Wheelsandmore´s "LowMaXX" electronic lowering module that maintains serial settings and raises the car at around the 72 km/h (45 mph) mark to provide a more comfortable ride.

Hyundai Equus by Rhys Millen Racing


Hyundai and Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) have teamed up once again to create a specially-modified Equus for the SEMA Motor Show early next month.

While details are limited, the car will feature a two-tone appearance (Red Bull Racing blue and a carbon fiber wrap), carbon fiber mirrors, a front lip spoiler, and 21-inch HRE wheels.

Inside, the cabin boasts ostrich hide leather seats, suede accents, and embroidered headrests.

Power is provided by a 4.6-liter V8 which has been outfitted with a RMR air intake and a stainless steel sport exhaust system. Thanks to these modifications, the engine produces 415 hp (309 kW / 421 PS) instead of 385 hp (287 kW / 390 PS).

Mercedes SLS AMG by FAB Design


FAB Design has unveiled their new tuning program for the Mercedes SLS AMG.

On the outside, the Swiss firm installs an aggressive body kit that consists of a revised front fascia, a front spoiler lip, and a new rear apron with an integrated diffuser. Other goodies include carbon fiber side skirts, LED daytime driving lights and 20-inch Evoline wheels.

In the performance department, the 6.3-liter V8 engine has been equipped with a stainless steel sport exhaust system which helps to increase output from 571 PS (420 kW / 563 hp) to 611 PS (449 kW / 603 hp). Additionally, a sport suspension has been fitted to ensure the SLS handles like a proper supercar.

MR 600 GT based on BMW 6-Series by CLP Automotive


CLP Automotive tunes the BMW 6-Series into a new creation its calls the MR 600 GT.

The main feature of the tuning job is the aerodynamic kit by CLP which reduces lift and helps develop air flow for cooling the high-performance brakes. The kit consists of two front wings, a wide front bumper, a couple of fender flares for the back, side skirts and a rear apron. The aerodynamic kits costs €5,990.

For an extra €399 CLP offers a tailgate spoiler too.

For the ride, CLP fits a KW Variant 3 coil-over suspension kit. CLP also offers a set of 3-part alloy wheels with stainless-steel rings - 9.5 x 22-inches and 11.5 x 22-inches front and back fitted with 255/30/22 and 285/25/22 performance tires, respectively. Cost is €8,960.

Engine tuning is not to be left out, though, and CLP offers an ECU-remapping on the 645i up to 379 PS (279 kW) and 490 Nm of torque for €1,290.

For €1,599 a CLP stainless-steel quad exhaust is available too.

Maserati Quattroporte Black Bison by Wald International


Wald International has unveiled their new Black Bison styling package for the Maserati Quattroporte.

Up front, the tuner installs a new bumper, a carbon fiber splitter, and LED daytime running lights. Out back, there's a revised rear bumper, a roof-mounted spoiler, a trunk-mounted spoiler, and a chrome-plated sport exhaust system. Elsewhere, the car is outfitted with aerodynamic side skirts and massive wheels.

The Black Bison package, minus the wheels, is priced from ¥870,000 (€7,735 / $10,650) but the components are also available individually.

Opel Astra by EDS Motorsport


EDS Motorsport has unveiled a new tuning package for the redesigned Opel Astra (J).

Designed to blow away the competition, the 1.6-liter turbo has been outfitted with a high-performance needle valve (€980), higher-quality connecting rods (€550), larger fuel injectors (€500), and an HG Motorsport turbo manifold (€1,200). Furthermore, the company installs a Garret GT28 turbocharger (€1,000), a custom intercooler (€600), a 100mm air-flow meter (€300), a 7mm downpipe (€800), and a stainless steel sport exhaust system (€800).

Thanks to all these tweaks, the engine produces 360 PS (265 kW / 355 hp) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 180 PS (132 kW / 178 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).

To help keep things in check, the car has also been equipped with a sport clutch (€1,100), a Quaife locking differential (€900) and a high-performance braking system with 356mm discs being clamped by eight-piston calipers (€2,000).

Last but not least, the Astra rides on 20-inch Schmidt Revolution wheels with Pirelli P.Zero tires (€3,200).

How A '62 El Camino Might Have Looked

.

By Jerry Slattery
Photography by Jerry Slattery


Depending on how well you know the GM product line, back in the '60s, Chevrolet stopped producing El Caminos from 1961-63. El Caminos started again in 1964. This '62 Chevy originally was a two-door Biscayne sedan. However, some unknown builder did a terrific job bringing the big back window forward and forming the B-pillar angle over the door to meet the original sheetmetal that surrounded the back window.


 The top angle and rear-door angle look very close to a '71 El Camino door profile. The seamless tailgate is also another nice feature on this Biscayne/El Camino. If GM had built a '62 El Camino, it would probably have looked very close to this fine custom example.


For the current owner and trucker, John Davis of Forest Grove, Oregon, this was one cool car he couldn't live without. John likes cars and trucks that are well-built and unique, and this one really rattled his chimes. John thought it was tastefully done, remarkably straight, and looked like it could have been on the Chevy showroom floor.


 One of the first things he did was add new matching gray and black tweed upholstery and matching carpet to the bed, and he added a rear-facing bench seat so friends could ride while cruising the fairgrounds during car shows. A black vinyl tonneau snaps over the pickup bed for town and freeway driving... Read more


.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Mercedes C74 Konzept by RENNtech


RENNtech has unveiled the C74 Konzept.

Based on the Mercedes C63 AMG, the C74 features various carbon fiber accessories (a widebody kit, rear spoiler, front splitter, and rear diffuser) and three-piece forged aluminum wheels with Nitto INVO performance tires.

Under the hood, the 6.2-liter V8 engine has been outfitted with a revised ECU, a modified air intake (with high-flow air filters), an upgraded camshaft, and new cylinder heads. Thanks to these changes, the V8 produces 605 hp (451 kW / 613 PS) and 555 lb-ft (752 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to run the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds, at 126 mph (203 km/h), and hit a top speed of 204 mph (328 km/h).

To ensure the car remains planted, the tuner installed an adjustable sports suspension, a limited slip rear differential, high performance brakes, and carbon fiber stabilizer bars.

Priced from $11,950 (€8,580), the package is currently available for order.


Range Rover Sport by Mansory

To celebrate Range Rover's 40th anniversary, Swiss tuner Mansory has a new program for the Range Rover Sport.

Mansory begins things with a modest boost in power for all engine variants, both diesels and petrols, on the Sport - up to 30 PS (22 kW) and 40 Nm of torque. Power is uprated by means of a new sport air filter, ECU-optimization and a new sport exhaust system.

Then Mansory adds the more impressive aerodynamic kit made of PU-RIM plastic components. The front face of the Range Rover Sport includes a new front spoiler with vertical LED daytimers and large air intakes. There's a new bonnet using the carbon prepreg method with a large power dome on it to channel more cool air to the engine too.

The new wings and side skirts also widen the SUV by 60 mm at the front and 80 mm at the back. For the rear is a new apron and diffuser with a carbon insert and a carbon fiber rear roof spoiler. The D-pillars can also be fitted with carbon applications.

Mansory provides an air suspension module that can lower the Range Rover Sport up to 30 mm and fits it with 23-inch light-metal wheels wrapped in 315/25/R23 high-performance tires.

For the cabin is a new sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals and a leather finish that can be mated to a choice of either wood touches or carbon fittings. To top things off, carbon-embroidered MANSORY Switzerland badges adorn the seats and floor mats.

Lamborghini LP640 by JB Car Design


JB Car Design has unveiled their new tuning program for the Lamborghini LP 640.

Dubbed the Bat, the car features a Carbon Aero Kit (€28,500) which consists of new bumpers, a front lip spoiler, revised side skirts, and an aggressive rear diffuser. Additional options include a carbon fiber rear spoiler (€2,800) and three-piece 20-inch wheels (€8,700).

Inside, customers can order leather or Alcantara upholstery (€9,700), a sport steering wheel (€1,970), and a premium audio system.

For an additional €28,500, the 6.5-liter V12 engine can be tuned to produce 750 PS (552 kW / 740 hp). If that sounds a little steep, there's also a 710 PS (522 kW / 700 hp) package which costs €19,500.

2011 Ford Mustang Kompressor by GeigerCars


German tuner Geiger Cars has created its own compressor-laden edition of the 2011 Ford Mustang.

By adding a twin-screw supercharger of 2.3 liters in volume to the standard 5.0 liter V8, Geiger Cars dials the Mustang's power ratings up to 497 PS (366 kW) and 634 Nm (468 lb-ft) from the series 412 (303 kW) and 529 Nm (390 lb-ft) of torque.

The German tuner also courteously removes the electronic speed limiter and lets the Mustang rage to a maximum speed of 274 km/h (170 mph).

Before any work is done, base price for the 2011 Mustang is €42,900. The price tag on the performance tuning is €12,990.

For an improved ride, a sports chassis (€1,899) is also offered as well as lightweight OZ Ultraleggera metal rims sized 8.5 x 20-inch (front) and 10 x 20-inch (rear) wrapped in high performance tires in 245/35R20 and 285/30R20 dimensions, front and back, respectively. The wheel set can be had for €5,190.

Mercedes SLS AMG widebody by FAB Design

Fab Design first showed us their Mercedes SLS AMG body styling kit back in October. Now some fans have tipped us off to an example sitting in the Al-ain Class Motors showroom in Dubai. But this SLS kit isn't the same as the first design. This one is a wide body version.

The fenders have been completely resculpted and the sides skirts and quarter panels are one seemless panel that fit over the existing panels. At the rear, the redesigned bumper fascia meets up precisely with the widened quarter panels giving the tailamps a sunken look.

We've received no details on any performance modifications under the hood, but we do know that Fab offers a sport exhaust system which helps increase output from 571 PS (420 kW / 563 hp) to 611 PS (449 kW / 603 hp). Additionally, a sport suspension can be fitted.

There's no denying that Fab designs aren't for everyone, but one thing for certain is that they provoke a strong response, and just for that reason alone they get our nod of approval.

Mercedes CLS Coupe by BRABUS

Top dog tuner of all things Daimler, BRABUS has revealed its exclusive tuning program for the second generation Mercedes CLS-Class.

Making its world debut in Geneva next week, the four-door coupe is outfitted modestly for a sporty-elegant flavor. The wind tunnel tested kit features a front spoiler mounted to the OE front bumper, restyled air vent inserts with fitted LED daytime running, sport fenders with side gills, side skirts, rear spoiler and a custom fitted lower rear bumper apron to accommodate the four tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system. The rear appearance is rounded out with a centrally mounted reflector.

Suspension tuning is available is seveal levels from a simple ride-height lowering by some 30 millimeters via sport springs or a complete suspension upgrade with adjustable dampers all around. CLS models equipped with the semi-active AIRMATIC air suspension system can be lowered by some 35 millimeters (1.4 in.) with the BRABUS suspension module. BRABUS Monoblock wheels in sizes ranging from 8.5Jx17 to 10.5Jx20 are available as one-piece and three piece wheels in six different designs.

Performance tuning also remains somewhat sedated in these early stages. The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model equipped with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D4 performance kit delivers an additional 31 PS (31 bhp / 22.8 kW) and peak torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft). For the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY BRABUS offers the ECO PowerXtra D6S plug-and-play auxiliary control unit which can be installed in less than 45 minutes. In 'Eco' mode only peak torque is increased from 620 Nm to 690 Nm (457 to 509 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. Maximum power output remains unchanged. In 'Sport' mode both peak torque and power output are increased. Maximum power output jumps from 265 PS (261 bhp / 195 kW) to 313 PS (309 bhp / 230 kW) at a low 3,600 rpm. Using this setting, the tuned turbodiesel model sprints from 0 – 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Harley Davidson Sprint

.

Via : Bike Exif




It’s almost impossible to quantify the proportions of a motorcycle. Sure, there are relationships between wheel sizes, fuel tank and seat unit, and of course the engine and frame. But some machines have that indefinable ‘something’, a quirk of aesthetics that catches your eye. For me, this is one of them. It’s a bike that just begs to be ridden down the nearest dirt road. Technically, it’s a 1964 Harley-Davidson Sprint (Model H), but in reality the original 250cc single was a rebadged Italian Aermacchi... Read more


.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Design Blog, Make Online Money