Posted on Aug 22nd, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: Dodge, Tuning
Hennessey announced that it’s currently working on an upgrade package for the new Dodge Challenger SRT8. There will be two power upgrade levels, first one up to 620 hp at 5,200 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the other one increases the engine’s power output to 650 hp at 4,800 rpm and 680 lb-ft. of torque. The extra power comes from several new features that include new cold air induction system, high flow cylinder heads with polished combustion chambers and lowered compression ratio, Garrett 67 mm Ball-Bearing turbocharger and new exhaust system. According to Hennessey, the Challenger SRT600 will go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, the 620 hp version, and in 3.6 seconds, the 650 hp version. Also, the SRT600 does the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds at 121 mph.
Check out more photos and a video of the Dodge Challenger SRT600 after the jump. Read More: “650 hp Dodge Challenger by Hennessey”
Posted on Aug 22nd, 2008 by Razvan
No Comments Category: Ford, Tuning
A while ago we told you about the 5-stars safety rating that Ford Flex received. Today we have some news for the ones that like it old style. There’s a company selling a body kit that will make your car look like a Woodie from the 60s. It costs $899, but you will have to install it yourself. No need to worry though, the guys say that an 80-year old grandma already did it. For those of you that are technically challenged, the people at Auto Tech Plastics can also install it for you. So for some old school styling, call the guys at Auto Tech Plastics today. I know I would!
Read More: “Want a wooden 2009 Ford Flex?”
Posted on Aug 21st, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: Audi, Tuning
Audi hasn’t even started delivering the new Audi Q5 and the German tuner ABT already came up with a tuning program for the latest crossover from Ingolstadt. The package features a bodykit including fender extensions and more aggressive front skirt and grille, restyled side skirts, roof spoiler and rear skirt incorporating a 4-pipe-rear muffler, plus new 20 inch alloys. Handing upgrades include ABT Level Control (electronic lowering for the CDC air suspension), new sport springs that decrease the car’s ride height and a new set of 380mm diameter brake discs.
Power upgrade kits are available for all the engines: the 2.0 TFSI’s power output has been increased to 240hp/177kW (211hp/155kW on the factory version), the 2.0 TDI to 190hp/140kW (170hp/125kW) and for the 3.0 TDI there are two levels of power upgrades, the ABT Power, which increases the power output from 240 hp (177kW) to 282 hp (207kW) and the ABT Power S, which takes the engine up to 310hp (228kW).
Check out one more photo after the jump. Read More: “ABT tuning program for the new Audi Q5”
Posted on Aug 21st, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: Toyota, Tuning
To be honest, I was so amazed when I stumbled upon this news, that I didn’t even know how to start the post. This thing you see in this photo and in the video below is the work of Claes Gustafson and the crew at Classe’s Garage and it was created for a Swedish TV show.
Because no body kit is available for the Toyota Prius, the crew modified a Volvo XC90. The back doors were removed and a pair of custom made knife doors were used for the front, the back window was removed, the side ones were reshaped, a carbon fiber wind splitter was placed under the front bumper and under the door sills and the rear end got a carbon fiber venturi. The car rides on an air suspension and 20-inch wheels brought to a halt with over-sized front brakes. The interior is also crazy, with a custom dashboard and a center console, racing seats and a 4,400-watt stereo system (five subwoofers and eight speakers) plus 15 LCD screens and a tablet PC with wireless internet access. All these equipment is powered by four batteries keep it all going.
“The goal … was to give the viewer a great show and, second, to show that a Toyota isn’t a boring and anonymous car,” Claes Gustafson told Wired. According to him, the whole idea was “to show that every car can be styled.”
And if the car’s look don’t leave you wordless, then you must know how much this cost. Exactly $184,275! Was it worth it? Well, we don’t really know whether to hate or love the car, but it definitely is one of a kind. And it also won some awards at the Bilsport Custom and Performance Show, where it took top honors in the eco-car division and also won the John D’Agsostino Kustom Kars of California Special Award.
You really need to see the video, after the jump. Read More: “Toyota Prius extreme tuning”
Posted on Aug 20th, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: Ford, Tuning
Based on the Ford Focus, the RC2 Concept was created by sports car manufacturer Saleen in order to attract customers without without the financial power to buy an S7, for example. Planned to be sold at somewhere around $20,000, the RC2 features a body kit with custom front fascia, mesh grille, aggressive side skirts and small rear spoiler for added stability. Under the hood, it’s powered by Ford’s 2.0 liter four-cylinder Duratech engine, which has been received a minor upgrade and now develops around 158 hp (117 kW). Upgrades include dual-tipped exhaust, hood scoop and an updated suspension package (stiffer springs and larger sway bars). We were used with more important upgrades from Saleen, but they explained that the upgrades are not that impressive because the RC2 is designed to be sold as a ’starting point’ for tuners to build on.
Check out one more photo after the jump. Read More: “Saleen RC2 Concept based on the Ford Focus”
Posted on Aug 18th, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: Ford, Tuning
This is one of the first tuning programs for the new Ford Kuga and, to be honest, I’m a little surprised, because the car looks very good and I was expecting more tuners turning their attention to Ford’s crossover. Anyways, the program from Wolf include a power upgrade from 136 hp and 320 Nm to 158 hp and 375 Nm (795 Euros), a set of 20 inch Wolf Race alloy wheels (2,850 Euros), Wolf sport springs kit that lowers the car by 40 mm (199 Euros). The complete Wolf styling programme can be directly ordered from Wolf Racing, Neuenstein or from your local Ford dealer.
Check out more photos after the jump. Read More: “Wolf tuning program for the new Ford Kuga”
Posted on Aug 18th, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: Audi, Tuning
It seems that tuning companies really love the Audi RS6 Avant. After we saw 702 hp tuning package from MTM, this time we have a more powerful upgrade, from German tuner B&B. Fitted with a special race exhaust system, high performance racing catalyst, remapped ECU, high-flow intake and uprated cooling system, the 5.0 liter V10 engine develops an amazing 715hp (533kW), which mean that the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).
B&B offers severatl levels of performance, 650hp (485kW), 670hp (500kW) and 700hp (522kW) respectively and of course, the top specs 715 hp. All versions come with stiffer sport springs that lowers the car by up to 25mm and a set of 21 inch forged alloy wheels.
Posted on Aug 14th, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: Audi, Tuning
The only thing that crossed my mind after seeing this video was “Wow!”. This Audi R8, codenamed “Blackbird”, is definitely one of a kind. First of all, it looks great, with those black wheels but if you imagine this car only has looks, oh, you’re so wrong. Because it’s more stuffed with gadgets than the KITT: four GPS units, two radar detectors, police scanner, CB radio, kill switch for all rear lights, high-speed broadband Internet with Wi-Fi running on a tablet PC, power ports, takedown lights, remote-controlled exhaust bypass valve and a…liquid-cooled infrasonic wave pulse generator. But enough said, just enjoy the video!
Read More: “Wow! The Audi R8 “Blackbird””
Posted on Aug 14th, 2008 by Andrey
No Comments Category: BMW, Tuning
BMW’s M3 is quite a good looking car, and the Cabrio version is even better. That being said, tuners can’t really do quite a lot to that car, BMW doing a great job on the exterior styling of the car. But AC Schnitzer decided to have a go at the sporty convertible and here’s the result: the ACS3 Sport Cabriolet.
The german tuners have stayed away from the 420 bhp V8 engine, and instead opted to fit the model with a new sport suspension, and for a cooler noise, fitted the powerdome of the engine with two AC Schnitzer Vents to give a more gruntled sound. The exterior was slightly remodelled, the front end gaining a new carbon fiber lip, modular side skirts to attract attention to the 20 inch wheels and the new AC Schnitzer high performance braking system. The rear was fitted with a carbon fiber rear diffuser and a silencer with chromed tailpipes.
More quality pictures of the car after the jump. Read More: “BMW M3 Cabrio tuning by AC Schnitzer”
Posted on Aug 12th, 2008 by Vlad Balan
3 Comments Category: BMW, Tuning
German tuner Inside Performance announced a new tuning package for the BMW 3 Series, sedan and touring models. The package includes carbon fiber accessories, like carbon mirror housings, rear spoiler lips, air intakes and a complete carbon interior, M6-themed alloy wheels and sport exhaust system. The exhaust costs €1,150 and can be combined with carbon fiber rear diffuser for an extra €650.
Photo Gallery: BMW 3 Series tuning by Inside Performance
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Read More: “BMW 3 Series package by Inside Performance”
Posted on Aug 11th, 2008 by Andrey
No Comments Category: News, Subaru, Tuning
The Fast & Furious films have been one of the most successful films about car racing and the tuning scene. Cars which have been listed in their exclusive roster include Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mitsubishi EVO IX or Ford Mustang. For the fourth installment of the film one of the cars will be the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI, having been seen at a Motor Press Guild meeting in Los Angeles. The design a interesting to say the least, featuring a two tone color and several red stripes, black rims and a full body kit complete the import tuner look. F&F4 is set to be launched in June 2009, Vin Diesel is set a comeback after staring in the first film and having a short cameo in Tokyo Drift. Here are a few pictures:
Read More: “Fast & Furious 4 to feature the Impreza WRX STI”
Posted on Aug 7th, 2008 by Andrey
No Comments Category: Lamborghini, Tuning
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a great car, but has always been in the shadow of it’s bigger brother, the Murcielago, performance-wise, getting a limited edition 540 bhp edition while the Murc got a 640 one. Although this power was enough for most people, Florida-based tuner Heffner decided to push the limits of the Gallardo’s engine and try to obtain the maximum power with any modification necessary. The result ? An astonishing 930 bhp (694 kW).
This of course was the result of the heavy modded 5 litre V10 engine, steel cylinder liners, new pistons, polished crankshaft journals, a new twin-turbo system fitted to a custon exhaust and intake systems, twin wastegates and blow-off valves, a twin-stage electronic boost controller and the most important, a heavy duty clutch to help put all that power down. To contain the power, upgraded fuel and water pumps were also installed, as were fuel injector and a water-cooled intercooler system. Exterior changes consist of a carbon fiber rear decklid and a Superleggera inspired rear difuser and spoiler.
All these mods led to a peak torque of 1032Nm (762lb-ft ), an incredible amount for a street car, that’s why Heffner also put a two stage boost controller to help maintain a steady stream of power through 1st and 2nd gear. No word about the AWD system being disabled in this car, as was with previous versions, but for this kind of power, it would definetely be needed.
Read More: “Lamborghini Gallardo pushed to 930 bhp by Heffner”
Posted on Aug 6th, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: BMW, Tuning
The German tuner AC Schnitzer, specialized in developing tuning packages for BMW, came up with a new one, this time for the new BMW X5. The package, called Falcon, includes a wide bodykit and an upgraded 3.0 diesel engine, which now develops 310hp (228kW), 24 hp more than the production version, which produces 286hp (210 kW).
The bodykit includes front spolier, rear skirt, front and rear wheel arch flairs (that’s where the Falcon name came from), two triangular metal-rimmed air intakes and 22 inch wheels. Mechanical modifications include an AC Schnitzer lowering spring kit and sport exhaust system.
Check out more photos after the jump.
Read More: “AC Schnitzer Falcon tuning package for the BMW X5”
Posted on Aug 5th, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: Chevrolet, General Motors, Tuning
Michigan based Specter Werkes/Sports announced the release of the GTR package for all C6 Corvette models, including the base coupe and convertible, the Z06 and ZR1. The package includes the Matrix II engine package for the LS3 engine, that has an increased displacement, from 6.2 to 6.9 litres and which develops 525 hp. The GTR bodykit include front fascia, carbon fiber splitter, extractor hood, front fenders, doors, rocker panels, rear fenders, rear fascia, carbon fiber rear diffuser, carbon fiber and mirror caps.
Besides that, the car comes with custom GTR headlamp bezels, unique tail lamps and center high-mounted stop lamp, Forgeline or HRE wheels (19-inch in the front and 20-inch in the rear), carbon fiber fuel rail covers and carbon fiber, low-restriction air box, GTR-embroidered seats and serial-numbered dash plaque and CORSA/Specter stainless steel performance exhaust system.
Orders are being placed and the base price for the package is $34,995, with a variety of high-performance powertrain options available for additional cost. Custom paint treatment is also available. Each vehicle is hand-built, numbered and fully documented for the customer.
Check out more details in the press release, after the jump.
Read More: “C6 Corvette GTR by Specter Werkes/Sports”
Posted on Aug 1st, 2008 by Vlad Balan
No Comments Category: Lamborghini, Tuning
Last time German tuner Edo Competition messed up with the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, they managed to squeeze 23 hp more from the engine and, with a total of 663 hp, the car clocked 345.7 km/h (214.8 mph) on the test track in Nardo, Italy, which is the highest speed a Lamborghini ever reached. Despite all that, the guys over at Edo weren’t satisifed and decided to give it another upgrade. This time, they managed to increase the power output by 47 hp more, which means that the LP640 by Edo develops an impressive 710 hp and 700 Nm (516 ft-lb).
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is done in 3.2 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in under seconds and the estimated top speed is 360 km/h (224 mph). The extra performance was possible through new exhaust headers, new high flow catalytic converters, new mufflers, a new exhaust tip, new performance camshafts, modified cylinder heads and new high flow air filters plus reprogrammed engine controls, plus.
Check out more photos after the jump.
Read More: “Edo Competition pushes the Lamborghini LP640 to 710 hp”
