Prior Design M6

The German tuners from Prior Design have released a refined BMW M6 with the project name PD550. Previously tuning a Porsche 997 Turbo, Mini Cooper S, and Jaguar XJR models, the BMW M6 received a new custom made body kit. The kit consists of a new front bumper, rear bumper, side skirts, and front fenders. Equipped with large multi-spoke black wheels measuring 20×9 and 20×10.5, the PD550 BMW M6 really stands out. The wheels are also available in a 21″ model, and both come wrapped with 255/35ZR20 or 21 tires in the front, and 285/30ZR20 or 21 tires in the rear. Giving the car a wider stance, the body kit by Prior Design widens the BMW M6 by 80 mm. Now combine the large wheels, wide-body kit, lowered suspension, and you will have a true monster on the road.

For performance the car received a new custom exhaust system for optimal sound from the large V10. Official information about the BMW M6 horsepower has not been released yet, however guessing from the name PD550, it’s probably 550 hp. This is accomplished by simple engine tuning, adding a full exhaust system, and road tests. All of Prior Design’s vehicles are TUV tested and approved before purchase to ensure they meet all traffic regulations.

BMW May Be Planning X4

BMW has been aggressively expanding its vehicle offerings, and like most other automakers, crossovers make up the majority of additions. Earlier this year, team Bimmer added the X6, and with the X1 concept unveiled in Paris, mild-to-wild CUVs seem to be the focus for the boys in Bavaria. Automotive News is reporting that the SAV love will continue next year when BMW unleashes the X4. Design elements are said to come from the larger X6, which is to say that it'll probably look like a really tall hatchback. The X1 concept and the production X3 are based off of the excellent 3-Series platform, and we're guessing the X4 will also don the sharp-handling underpinnings.

If this is what BMW needs to do in order to remain the world's top-selling luxury automaker, we're not so sure it's worth the trouble. The X1 will probably sell relatively well, but it will do so with underwhelming sheet metal. An X4 based off the X6 sounds like an even worse proposition, but then again, we didn't think the X6 was a bright idea either.

New: Volkswagen Golf GTI

Since the debut of the first and the discontinuation of the fifth generation, more than 1.7 million buyers made the GTI to the world’s bestseller. Now the new GTI is at the ready: at the Paris Motor Show (4th to 19th October 2008) Volkswagen will be demonstrating the design study of the new Golf GTI at its world premiere.

The GTI suspension with a new electronic limited-slip diff (XDS) defines curves and traction in a completely new way. A GTI with a top speed of 240 km/h that with its 155 kW / 210 bhp strong turbocharged engine is even more fun and, on average, only uses 7.5 litres.

The sixth generation Golf GTI will go into series production in the spring of 2009 – as usual with a unique connection between sporty suspension and agile engine. The engine develops already at 1,800 rpm a maximum torque of 280 newton metres. The sprint from 0 to 60mph is achieved in 6.9 seconds. A stand-off between wind resistance and output occurs only just at 240 km/h.

Lowered by 22 millimetres and equipped with a new sports suspension, the springs, shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bars of the design study have been completely reworked. Furthermore, the optional adaptive chassis control DCC feature will also be available for the future GTI.

"We wanted a purposefully clear GTI design. A car that has power but also style," summarises the Volkswagen AG's chief designer Walter de’Silva. The design study of the sixth generation presented in Paris blends in both style elements of the GTI icons. Details like the typical honeycombed radiator grill and the V-shaped bonnet, stretching over the head lights, contribute to the GTI V. The clean and horizontal structure clearly originates from the GTI I. Because of the styling as well as the underlining horizontal graphic of the front section the Golf GTI design study appears visually wider (1.78 meter), lower (1.47 meter) and more dynamic than any other car in its class.

VW Scirocco Tuned By Oettinger

The Volkswagen Scirocco has only been on sale in Europe for only about a month, but that didn’t stop Oettinger from tuning it. The new kit consists of a front lip spoiler, new side skirts and a new rear air diffuser featuring a 4-pipe stainless steel exhaust system and 20 inch Oettinger type RXX alloy wheels.

Because the Scirocco is based on Golf, the engine improvements are easy to make. The 1.4 TSI engine has been boosted from 170 to 200 hp while the 2.0 FSI engine now gives out up to 240 hp. There is also a new kit that is currently under development, which will boost the 2.0 FSI engine to 350 hp. No words about the price though.

VW Golf IV by JMS

Now that the Volkswagen Golf is on it's VI generation, that means that it's prices go down on all previous generations, leaving more room in the budget for performance parts. This may be why JMS revealed today it's new tuning parts for the Golf IV. The new kit includes a front bumper with 3 big cutouts, the customer can choose black or silver vents, new side skirts, a new roof spoiler and a new rear bumper featuring 3 big cutouts with integrated exhaust cutters.

Also, a new coilover system from H&R was installed as well as a new set of Eta Beta 19 inch alloy wheels fitted with 225/35R19 tires. At the customer’s request, the tuner can install 18 inch ASA wheels fitted with 225/40R18 tires. Price of the kit: $6,600.

Audi Q5 by ABT

The Audi Q5 is not yet available in the U.S., and we can already show you the second tuner package for the car. After Digi-Tec, the Audi Q5 received another tuning program from another major German tuner, ABT. The new body kit consists in a new front grille in the ABT style, a completely re-designed front bumper with integrated fog lights, new stylish side sills, a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust system and rear air diffuser and a rear roof spoiler.

Under the hood, the 2.0 TDI engine received a power boost of 20 hp, developing now 190 hp, while the 3.0 TDI engine develops now 310 hp. The 2.0 TFSI engine was also boosted from 211 hp to 240 hp. More details when the official information will be released.

Source: Top Speed

Dinan to boost 2008 Bmw M3 to 628 hp

Since its launch, the 2008 Bmw M3 made quite a buzz, but now Dinan is pushing it to its limits. Dinan, a well-respected BMW tuner known for working miracles on the Bavarian cars, said today that its new version of the M3 will be powered by a 5.7-liter engine capable to develop 628 hp. The “standard” M3 is powered by a V8 engine developing 420 hp and can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. With a boost to 628 hp, the Dinan M3 will beat out its brothers, the M5 and M6. No launch date has been set, but of course we’re going to stay on top of this hot M3.

Source: Top Speed

2009 Audi RS 6 - Twin Turbo V10, AWD, Coming to the United States!

The 2009 Audi RS6 is among the most beautiful luxury sports cars in the world. In the German horsepower war that is now bordering on ridiculous, Audi has positioned the RS6 against mid-size super luxury sport sedans from BMW M-Power and Mercedes-Benz AMG. Audi's RS line falls somewhere between the BMW ideal, that is to say making complete, well-tuned drivers cars with servicable amounts of power, and the AMG model of outputting as much horsepower as possible, and then trying to surround the AMG dream motors with components that can handle that incredible thrust.

Audi's RS6 Sedan, complementing the Avant, a wagon model that has been released in Europe, has been long awaited by Audi fans worldwide. The 2009 RS6 has styling following Audi's new design direction. All of the German luxury automakers are shifting away from the design fad toward shapely -- if perhaps overstyled -- models in favor of a more simple and clean designs. The RS6 does a performance number on the Audi A6 and S6 models, managing to look refreshingly exciting without screaming, "Hey, look at me, I have money and my car is faster than yours!" 2009 RS6 performance numbers are astounding. The mid-size luxury sedan, which can hardly be called a sleeper but will still surprise many a hardcore tuner at a stoplight fight, runs the 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, according to Audi. Real-world tests are not yet available, but as the RS6 has 580 horsepower on tap from a twin-turbocharged V10 (!!) it is possible that the RS6 will run slightly quicker numbers than Audi admits.

Like nearly all German performance cars, the Audi RS6 is electronically limited to 155 mph, but for those speed buffs who want to utilize the whole force of this sweet V10, Audi offers a performance boosting option for the RS6 that will raise the governer to 174 mph. Read on for the official Audi news release, with all the details on the forthcoming RS6 luxury sport sedan.

Engine

Power bhp: 580

Torque lb-ft: 479

Type: Twin Turbo V10

Performance

Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.6 Seconds

Top Speed: 174 mph

2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé Aerokit

Porsche has developed a special Aerokit for the 911 Turbo Coupé. It includes a front spoiler lip and an entirely new engine cover design with fixed aerofoil.

The characteristic front lip and the distinctive rear spoiler lend the typical turbo silhouette an even more dynamic appearance. The Porsche development center engineers in Weissach attached the greatest possible importance to aerodynamic functionality. The most important objective among the components refined in the wind tunnel was to improve the handling characteristics, given an unchanged drag coefficient of 0.31 compared with the production version.

This ensures that the Aerokit’s optimized streamlining blends ideally with the 490 PS high performance Coupé’s harmonious overall design and enabled further reductions of the lift coefficients on the front and rear axles. This ensures an even more stable drive at high speed. The aerodynamically coordinated front and rear components may only be fitted together. Compared with the standard 900 Turbo, the door sill trim and the rear skirt are painted in body color as well as the Aerokit’s add-on parts.

The Aerokit costs 4,500 euros (excluding VAT) when ordered at the same time as purchasing a new vehicle from Porsche Exclusive in Germany. If the parts are retrofitted, they can be purchased from Porsche Tequipment at a cost of 4,100 euros (excluding painting and assembly as well as VAT). The Aerokit is available with immediate effect worldwide.

Source: Tuning News

The Black Ops: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

This is the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series.
MB describes it as the 'exclusive high-performance coupe for the discerning motorist'. By 'discerning' we presume they mean 'totally and utterly crazy in the heed'.
The SL Black - the third Black series car after the SLK and sensational CLK - is based on the latest SL 65.

The 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine has been tweaked by AMG to 670bhp and 1000 Nm of torques - that's 737lb/ft in old money or 152lb/ft more than an SLR...
The standard SL 65 AMG has a measly 612bhp.

The SL Black also gets a chunky wide-arch bodykit, modified intake system, two trapezoidal tail pipes and a carbon roof. The SL's trick vario roof folding hardtop has been junked in favour of an integral roll cage.

Composite brakes are fitted, as are 20-inch alloys and a retractable boot spoiler. The Black is 250kg lighter than the SL 65 AMG.

0-62mph comes up in 3.9seconds and top speed is limited to 199mph - figures near identical to the SLR and all for $90,000 less than the bigger Mercedes.

Which begs the question, why spend the extra?

Audi Q7 - The Je Design

What do you get when JE DESIGN combines its special paintwork “Red Rocket” with its Audi Q7 aerodynamics kit “Street Sport”? JE DESIGN “Street Rocket”! An elegant luxury vehicle with integrated show-effect.

The JE DESIGN “Street Rocket” gets its really sporty look from the body construction set "Street Sport" (€5,719). JE DESIGN unites a new front spoiler, double headlights including headlight shutters, side rocker panels and a new lower back apron extension to create an appearance bursting with dynamic energy. It harmonizes perfectly with the Audi lines making the refined Q7 continue to radiate its typical elegance. The JE DSIGN double trapezoid tail pipes in chromium-plated stainless steel (€988) present a further highlight. The LED door exit lights on the vehicle underside (rocker panels x 5 / lower back aprons x 6) for €1,500, are guaranteed to steal the show, particularly at night.

Thanks to its special paintwork "Red Rocket", with special low gloss effect and superior brilliance which JE DESIGN offers for €15,000 , JE DESIGN’s “Street Rocket” definitely stands out well among the crowd.

2008 Gemballa Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO

Being one of the premier addresses for stylish and refined Porsche tuning, GEMBALLA has earned itself a worldwide reputation over the course of time. Thanks to its outstanding expertise, proven in numerous conversions, each customer acquires a vehicle that represents the absolute pinnacle of what is achievable in terms of design and performance. One further such demonstration of its abilities is GEMBALLA’s Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO. So ready or not here it comes.

Engine
Power bhp: 600
Torque nm: 840

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.5 Seconds
Top Speed: 198 mph

The PPI PS TT Coupe – The Second Generation

The history of PPI Automotive Design is inextricably linked with the Audi TT. The PPI RS TT was the name given to the first generation of Audi TTs tuned by PPI, which became the top seller and foundation for the success of this Audi tuning specialist from Swabia, Germany. With the PPI PS TT, PPI is now following up on this success story, and is presenting the second generation. Equipped with an innovative and sporty design, you might be tempted to think that interior values would only play an inferior role. If so, you would be wrong – the PPI PS TT offers advanced, masterful technology and driving pleasure which will satisfy even the most discerning requirements.

Read Full Article at Tuning News

2008 B&B Audi S5

The new Audi S5, tuned by B&B, reaches in the B&B level 1 modification having 300 hp and impressive 325 hp in level 2, as 3.0 TDI version. The classical Audi S5 4.2 V8 can be optimized in 5 stages up to a maximum of power of 400hp. This allows speedup to 62 mph in under 5 seconds and possible top speed of 175 mph in association with the annulment of the speed limiter.

To stabilize the A5 steering performance B&B uses a special sport chassis which reduces the height of the original chassis by max. 40mm. In combination with the new B12 wheels in
9” x 20” with maximum tyres in 255/30-20 the whole modification allows higher rates of turn and a firmer handling of the car.To meet the risen requirements an adapted aerodynamic program including B&B sport end pipes “RS-Style” is as well available and finishes the aesthetical appearance of the Audi A5.

The 2008 Mercedes Benz C300

Engineered specifically for performance driving, the newly designed C300 Sport Sedan embodies seven years of automotive thinking. Now more aggressive than ever, its dramatic 17-inch 7-twin-spoke wheels and new athletic profile are just the beginning.

Restyling runs the full length and breadth of the vehicle — even to its underside, where superior aerodynamics work hand in hand with the new AGILITY CONTROL sport suspension that automatically senses and adjusts to different road conditions and driving styles.

An AMG front intake seizes air — and attention — as it channels brake-cooling wind to the wheels. The Mercedes-Benz star is positioned front and center.

Inside, dual-zone climate control and an 8-speaker radio/CD/MP3 sound system are models of easy-to-use simplicity. The multimedia interface, comprised of one central controller and a five-inch color display, can be hidden when not in use.

Source: MB USA

Volkswagen Touareg R50 - a Review From Down Under

Volkswagen’s strident motto clearly and eloquently defines their love of the car, though when it comes to the ‘R’ designated models, one must surmise that this is no ordinary love. This is lustful and unadulterated passion.

Having driven the thrilling R32 earlier this year I was impressed at just how well balanced and centred a car it had become above that of the already outstanding Golf. Thanks to some brilliant engineering work the enhanced model is truly something to behold.

Not only had shoe-horning a 3.2 litre V6 in to the small hatch back made it go harder, but every other mechanical feature of the car complimented the package so well as a whole that parting with such splendid company was a very hard process indeed.

Imagine then applying that level of enthusiasm and exhilaration to Volkswagen’s über four wheel drive, the Touareg. Now, that time has come.

Engine

Power bhp: 345

Torque lb-ft: 627

Type: Turbo-Diesel V10

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 6.7 Seconds

Top Speed: 146 mph

Full Review: Car Advice

G-Power M6 Hurricane

We were highly impressed with G-Power's M5 Hurricane. After all, it's twin-supercharged V10 produced nearly 50% more power than stock and it had a top speed of 211 mph, which G-Power claims to be faster than any other street legal Bimmer. With the BMW M6 packing the same 5.0-liter V10, it was only a matter of time before it received the same treatment.

Behold the G-Power M6 Hurricane! While the twin blowers are set for lower boost, only 6 psi compared to the M5's 10 psi, the M6 still produces a healthy 635 bhp @ 7300 rpm and 469 lb-ft torque @ 6300 rpm. This is good for a 4.5 second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of nearly 200 mph. Not one to forget that appearance matters, G-Power also provides a new front and rear fascia, rocker panels, and carbon fiber rear diffuser along with 21-inch wheels that make room for a 15-inch brake system up front. M6 owners can drop off their car at G-Power's German headquarters or can order a fully assembled car starting at a mere 183,000 Euros. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

Engine

Power bhp: 635

Torque lb-ft: 469

Type: 5.0L V10

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.5

Top Speed: 200

Source: G-power

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. The ASA charger is also small, which allows G-Power to install two of them in the tight confines of the M5 engine bay. With a maximum airstream volume of up to 1,200 kg per hour per cylinder bank the compressors are designed for an even higher power output. Boost pressure is limited to 0.5 bars.

The pre-compressed charge air is cooled down in a highly efficient dual-flow water-to-air intercooler system that is mounted above the engine. This measure optimizes power yield and, in combination with a larger water-cooled oil cooler with pressure reservoir, also ensures the engine's thermal health. Specially developed mapping for engine electronics and SMG gearbox controls coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components.
The inner workings of the four-valve ten-cylinder engine are optimized for even higher engine speeds with lightweight, precision-matched high-performance forged pistons from technology partner MAHLE. The supercharged V10 engine produces its maximum power output of 730 bhp between 7,500 and 8,200 rpm. The high efficiency rate of the two superchargers, each spinning at up to 100,000 rpm and more, results in a torque diagram that rises early and at 3,800 rpm already surpasses the production engine's peak torque of 383 lb-ft, delivered at 6,100 rpm. The new peak of 517 lb-ft is reached at 7,200 rpm.

Acceleration performance benefits accordingly. With a sprint time from rest to 60 mph of 4.1 seconds the two-ton sedan bests its production counterpart by a few tenths. With approx. ten seconds to 124 mph the advantage grows to 5.0 seconds. The 186-mph (300 km/h) barrier is shattered in less than 29.5 seconds. Contrary to the production car the G-Power Hurricane is not limited electronically to a top speed of 155 mph. Aided by the specially cooled G-Power anti-slip differential the engine propels the car to a top speed of 211 mph.

The enormous performance places extreme demands on aerodynamics, tires, suspension and brakes.The G-Power front apron, upon request also available made from especially light carbon fiber, replaces the production part in its entirety. Its large air inlets provide optimal supply of cooling air for all radiators and front brakes. At the same time the spoiler minimizes lift on the front axle at high speeds.

The G-Power rocker panels smooth the airflow between the wheel houses and give the M5 and longer, lower and sleeker appearance. Lift on the rear axle is reduced by a spoiler lip attached to the trunk lid and the carbon-fiber rear diffuser for the G-Power rear apron.

Even better driving dynamics and more exclusive looks are the hallmark of the G-Power Silverstone 21-inch light-alloy wheels that fill out the space beneath the wheel arches perfectly. The drop-center rims have brilliant-graphite coated centers while the outer rim wells and spokes are polished. They are mounted in sizes 9.5 J x 21 with size 255/30 ZR21 tires in front and size 10.5 J x 21 wheels with size 295/25 ZR21 tires on the rear axle.

The large wheels make room for the G-Power high-performance brake system with six-piston fixed calipers and 400 x 36 millimeter brake discs on the front axle. G-Power also offers an upgrade package for the standard M5 brakes that consists of high-performance pads and brake fluid.

The M5 handling can be made even sportier by installing the height-adjustable G-Power coil-over suspension RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

For upgrading the cockpit G-Power offers sporty components made from exposed carbon-fiber trim or an ergonomically shaped NARDO EDITION sport steering wheel covered in perforated G-Power Kjerba-Nappa leather that is a pleasure to touch.

The G-Power Hurricane is available as a fully converted car starting at 240,000 Euros. Any existing M5 - sedan and wagon - can also be upgraded with the G-Power twin-compressor system, available for 89,000 Euros. The price includes all necessary modifications to suspension, brakes and wheels. Also available are any items from the extensive G-Power tuning accessories lineup.

Engine

Power bhp: 730

Torque lb-ft: 517

Type: V10 Supercharged

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.1 Seconds
Top Speed: 211 mph

2009 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG

Hot on the heels of its revisions to the uber-brick known as the G-Class for 2009, Mercedes-Benz has released the first batch of pics showing the hotted-up AMG version, the G 55 AMG. Like its lesser brick siblings, the big box on wheels benefits from the same upgrades in convenience, comfort and safety, but also gets a host of styling tweaks. The lipstick on this particular pig is comprised of a new chromed, three-bar grille, the requisite fender flairs, body-color bumpers, chrome trim, stainless steel tube running boards and 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels painted grey. The 5.5L V8 engine has received a modest bump from 500 hp to 507, while torque remains put at 516 pound-feet. All this adds up to an incredible 5.5 second run to 62 MPH for what is perhaps the most unaerodynamic vehicle on sale today. The starting price is 121,618 euro.

Engine

Power bhp: 507

Torque lb-ft: 516

Type: V8

Performance

Acceleration 0-62 mph: 5.5 Seconds

ASI Tetsu GTR: Flower Power

The Bentley ASI Tetsu GTR, is a Japanese-modified Bentley Continental GT, that proves it's not only the Europeans who have bad taste in accesorizing their cars.

I'm not sure what offends me the most about the Tetsu. Is it the awful R8-mimicking rear end with DTM-spec rear wing? Maybe it's the jarring juxt aposition of the carbon-fibre bonnet with flower decals, which is apparently the work of renowned Japanese artist Nakamura Tetsui.

Which doesn't make it any more acceptable.

ASI has fettled an extra 250bhp from the Conti's six-litre W12 engine - bringing overall power to a nice round 800bhp - but doesn't specify how. Alchemy and witchcraft, perhaps. Over all the Tetsu is just one ugly car, that looks like it was designed by a crack head on lsd.