2008 Mitsubishi Concept-RA Concept

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme. Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment.DesignDeveloped as a technological showcase for Mitsubishi Motors, the Concept-RA displays athletic sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that provide a powerful and compelling showpiece for the car's advanced, high technology features. Broad, muscular wheel arches house 21-inch wheels and lend graphic expression to the high degree of road control and tenacious grip afforded by the next generation...

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Lotus Exige S by 'Union Jack'

The Lotus Exige must be one of the most curvy car designs pounding our roads at present. So when Discovery Channel’s popular series ‘How Do They Do It?’ needed a donor car to show how a professional team wraps vehicles in all manner of advertisements and murals, they chose a difficult specimen in the Exige.A team of four expert technicians took 10 hours to completely wrap the Exige in its new red, white and blue livery and the Lotus is said to be a real crowd pleaser on the track.Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus commented, “At Lotus we pride ourselves in spearheading the development of technology in the vehicle market and working on this project was a truly unique opportunity. Lotus Design captured a very special element of our heritage with...

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2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Roadster

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a fourth member of its iconic SL sports car family – the SL63 AMG. Perhaps the sportiest SL roadster ever, the new SL63 AMG is powered by a 6.2-liter, 518-hp, all-AMG V8 engine that’s coupled to a newly developed MCT transmission. Featuring an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter, the seven-speed MCT (for multi-clutch technology) transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car. Topping off the SL chassis is an even more agile AMG sports suspension based on the Mercedes-Benz ABC active suspension. MCT Transmission – The Best of Both Worlds Providing the direct feedback of a manual...

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WALD Black Bison Edition Sports Line

WALD has developed a hot-looking Mercedes-Benz S-Class-based WALD special, developed for W221. Called the Black Bison Edition Sports Line, the car is said to be for serious status seekers, all in black. WALD is known as one of the leading tuners in Japan specialising in German marques.Black forged wheels make the main statement, along with different looking side skirts, front grille, side gills and rear air diffuser. No official word on power or stats yet, these will become available as they get released by WALD. Even if it is stock standard 386 kW/525 hp high-tech engine that accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, we don’t mind. You will agree though that aggression seemed...

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BMW AC Schnitzer ACS3 Sport

When beads of perspiration form on the brow of experienced sports car drivers, it's not necessarily down to a faulty air conditioning system. With the 420 bhp V8 of the BMW M3, the ACS3 Sport catapults even its keenest challengers into the rear view mirror. The sporting coupe is ideal for anyone seeking to gain advantage on twisting tracks. A normal M3 would be a tough competitor here, because in comparison with the "civilized" 3-series Coupe it has a totally different axle construction. With racing suspension developed on the legendary Nürburgring, AC Schnitzer has succeeded in refining the handling potential of the chassis even further. And fitted with the Short Shift from Aachen, the ACS3 Sport becomes the automotive hero of the day: No-one...

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Reworked Golf R32 by Abt

German tuner Abt Sportsline have gone to town on Volkswagen's fastest Golf model. The Abt R32 is the ultimate expression in performance for the everyday. Compact Golf dimensions and the R32's renowned sporting setup, the model is an 'ideal basis' for the tuner. "Whoever wants such a Golf wants an extremely fast compact car," says Hans-Juergen Abt. And it's evident the clientele won't go disappointed. Horsepower raises from a leisurely 250 hp in production form to a rather more Abt 370 hp, the 120 hp hike achieved via a modified motor management system and the introduction of an Abt compressor kit with supercharger and air cooling system. The upgrades power a hike in top speed to over 270 kph (or 168 mph), while acceleration to 100 kph or 62...

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2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR

Shelby GT500KR is such a hit that more examples are to find their way into enthusiasts’ garages in the next year or so. This after the demand began to outstrip supply to dangerous levels, such that Ford and partner on the project Shelby Automobiles decided to produce an additional 746 units for the 2009 model. US buyers will receive 571 units for their top dollar. Production of the car began the day Carroll Shelby celebrated 85 years of his own birth back on January 11, 2008.GT500KR fits a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 on its bones to make a hefty 540 bhp, working with a short-throw shifter and racing suspension tuning. “This car is really special to me and demonstrates that when Shelby Automobiles gets together with Ford SVT and Ford Racing, we...

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Saleen Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang

Dan Gurney said that he only had one request before agreeing to endorse a special-edition Saleen Mustang designed in his honor: it had to be "faster than Parnelli's." Saleen was happy to comply, and the Dan Gurney Signature Edition was born. Like the Parnelli Jones Signature limited edition, the Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang features graphics inspired by classic Trans Am race series cars, an extremely limited production run and of course some serious performance parts. The Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is set apart by a special body kit, duckbill rear spoiler and a "stinger"style hood scoop. Inside, a signature plate is personally signed by Gurney, and the two-tone seats have blue or red Alcantara inserts that are color-matched...

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Dodge Challenger 725 hp by Hennessey

Hennessey is apparently not happy with what Dodge has provided for its new millennium Challenger, among other cars, and has set out to rectify things the Hennessey way. Therefore what you are about to read is a true account of how things stand as far as a vehicle called the SRT700 Turbo is concerned.Starting off with a 426 ci motor that strokes forged aluminum pistons, forged steel connecting rods, a 426 stroker crankshaft, polished intake manifold and a balanced rotating assembly, Hennessey then built upon this mighty house that’s clearly not founded on sandy land.Added is a single 67mm turbo that works alongside a stainless steel turbo Y pipe, a single 44mm wastegate and a front-mounted intercooler. You know at some point, probably soon after...

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2008 Venom 700NM

Upscale luxury goods retailer Neiman Marcus Direct has teamed up with John Hennessey’s Hennessey Performance Engineering to bring us a stampede of 700 horses through their spring Neiman Marcus Men's Catalog. And boy do them horses look healthy and sound in that jet black!"The Venom 700NM offers world-class power,” says John Hennessey, “performance and looks in typical Hennessey style. We are very excited about our new partnership with Neiman Marcus."Persuaded by the thunderous Dodge Viper SRT-10 engine, the VENOM 700NM musters up a whole 700 bhp/ 522kW and 645lb-ft of massive torque. Figures suggest a 0 – 60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, 0 – 100 mph in 7 seconds and a top end of 214 mph.A number of special kits are added to the Venom 700NM, including...

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Mercedes G-Class by ART

Surely the GL-Class offers more practicality, but the Mercedes G-Class has been refined through and through over its now 29 year long life span. Last year Mercedes gave their cult car a minor facelift while staying true to the all-road classic. A.R.T. Tuning has a few more features up their sleeves for the G-Class, like a 104 hp boost to 580 bhp on their top-of-the-range G 55 K model and sports exhaust system with four 80mm tailpipes (older models will have to do with a dual exhaust). But besides extra power, ART has also developed a new body kit, consisting of a new front spoiler with fog lights and dual-integrated xenon headlights, underride protection guard, fender flares with illuminated running boards and optional extras like protective...

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Avro’s 720 Mirage Ford GT

The Ford GT may be in the process of passing into supercar history, but that hasn't stopped Avro Motor Cars from taking one last spin at making the beast faster. The Brooklands-based tuner recently announced a 10-car run of modified GTs called 720 Mirage. Avro partnered with Roush Technologies to push the GT's power output to 720 horses. The company previously teamed up with Roush to produce the 600RE edition of the GT.The additional urge comes courtesy of a larger Whipple supercharger and Accufab throttle body, inlet sleeve and X pipe exhaust, among other minor modifications. Specific output is 720bhp at 6950 rpm and 815Nm (627 pound-feet) torque at 4800 rpm. Unleash that power and the 720 Mirage will run to an un-governed top speed somewhere...

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BMW 1 Series Coupe by Hartge

Hartge has released its new body kit programme for the BMW 1 Series coupe and convertible. As no pricing has yet been announced, all there is to go on for now are specs on what to expect. Bodywise Hartge has provided a set of carbon casings for the exterior mirrors, adjustable sports suspension for E82 and E88 and sports suspension for 120D, 123D and 135i. The latter will run 25mm lower.Interior promises even more with goodies like a series of 3-spoke sports steering wheel to choose from, aluminium handbrake, aluminium pedals and Hartge speedos reading up to 300km/h. Not sure if it will do this type of speed but it may certainly try.Hartge gives customers a choice between Continental or Pirelli tyres, although run flats are available on request....

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Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 By Imsa

German tuning shop imsa released a set of technological enhancements and design improvements for the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 late last year. They recently sent us a new stack of photos to pass along to our faithful readership. As if the stock version of the 640hp supercar wasn't advanced enough, Imsa has created a set of features designed to perfect engine tuning and reduce drag.A follow-up to their GTV Supercar, the imsa LP640 uses the same central locking sports wheels, individually tuned chassis, and engine mods as the GTV. Purchasers of the freshened-up Murcielago will get an Autoklav-moulded carbon fibre design package that can keep the material's original look or be custom painted.New exterior pieces include wider wheel arches,...

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Roush P-51A Mustang

The extremely limited run of 151 Roush P-51A Mustangs sold out within 24 hours of its introduction, but you've got one last chance to pick up the most powerful ponycar that Roush has ever produced. Roush Performance plans to auction car number 151, the last of the 2008 production run, at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in West Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday, March 29. The auction will take place live on the SPEED Channel, and proceeds will go to the Salute to Education Scholarship charity.In case you missed it the first time, the P-51A is a monster modified Mustang that takes its inspiration in part from the World War II P-51 fighter plane. Major modifications to the completely rebuilt 4.6 liter V8 include a forged eight-bolt crank,...

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Artega GT Intro 2008 Model at Geneva Motor Show

Artega‘s GT Intro 2008 has come out in Geneva with a few special enhancements over its normal GT model these fittings are quite a number on the list, so we’ll touch on just a few. These include two distinct colours of Vanilla Yellow and Deep Sea Blue, the latter seen in these fine pictures.Artega has chosen to go classical with the Intro 2008 models, especially inside where things may appear basic, but are beneath the surface quite sophisticated.Forged lightweight wheels roll in Michelin tyres measuring 8“ x 19“ by the front side with 235/35 ZR 19 tyres and 10.5“ x 19“ at the back with 305/30 ZR 19 tyres.Driver assistance is standard with ABS, however, the traction control system will only kick in in the spring of 2009. Artega GT works with...

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Porsche 911-based by Sportec

Sportec revealed its latest high-performance, no-expense-spared modified 911 in Geneva. The SP600 Convertible may look more or less like a run-of-the-mill Porsche 911, but revised turbochargers, a sport exhaust and a revised intake boost the engine's output to 600 hp and 765 Nm torque. A sport clutch, 20-inch Sportec SPR forged wheels and a "discreet but effective" body kit are also part of the package. The aesthetic modifications include a new front spoiler and side skirts. Carbon fiber is used in the rear apron and larger rear spoiler.Sportec claims serious performance from the SP600. 0-100km/h takes 3.3 seconds, with 200 km/h arriving in 10.6. Keep your foot in it, and the SP600 is good for 338 km/h. Sportec also offers SP530 and...

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2008 BMW M5 by G-Power

One of the world's fastest and most powerful street-legal BMW is made by G-Power. The 211-mph G-Power Hurricane is based on the latest BMW M5. At the heart of the high-performance sedan is a five-liter V10 engine with G-Power EVO II supercharging system that delivers 730 bhp.To achieve the desired increase in power output of 230 bhp for the fast-revving engine that normally produces 500 bhp, G-Power, in cooperation with ASA Automotive, has developed a high-tech supercharging system. The system uses one belt-driven ASA T1-12 compressor for each cylinder bank. Contrary to conventional mechanical chargers that waste a large portion of the additional power on being driven themselves, the ASA compressor has an efficiency rate of up to 80 percent....

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