Click above for a high-res gallery of the JE Design Scirocco Volkswagen's new Scirocco seems to be the hottest new platform for Euro tuners, with Abt and MTM already coming out with tuning packages. JE Design has developed their own line of parts and accessories, starting with a subtle three piece aero kit that includes a new front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear spoiler extension. A performance kit boosts the turbocharged 2.0L inline-four to 244 bhp and 258 lb-ft torque, while an upgraded exhaust system adds another 11 more horsepower. Also available are lowering springs and multispoke wheels in a variety of finishes. Now if we could only get Volkswagen to once again reconsider its decision to not bring the Scirocco stateside.
[Via: www.je-design.de ]
[Tag: JE Design, JE Design Scirocco, JeDesign, JeDesignScirocco, Scirocco, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Scirocco, VolkswagenScirocco, VW, VW Scirocco, VwScirocco ]
JE Design throws its Scirocco into the mix
PPI unleashes Razor GTR in Essen
The GT3-spec LMS racecar wasn't the only Audi R8 to grace the show floor in Essen. PPI Design brought their latest version of the Audi supercar dubbed the Razor GTR. The standard version of the Razor made its debut at the show last year, featuring an additional 40 horsepower, 19-inch wheels, custom leather interior, and a full carbon fiber aero kit. The GTR takes the R8 to yet another level, with more power, reduced weight, and improved aerodynamics. PPI has fitted a supercharger to the 4.2L V8 which now puts out 580 horsepower and 443 lb-ft torque, good for a 3.7-second sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of 206 mph. The widebody kit is constructed completely of carbon fiber and feeds cool air to the brakes and radiators, while the engine cover, also constructed of the lightweight material, includes integrated ram air inlets. The wider body also allows for wider rims and tires -- lightweight MAG11 forged wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rubber. Other performance upgrades include a KW coilover suspension, and larger brakes: 15-inch discs with six-piston calipers in the front, and 14-inch discs in the rear. Carbon fiber also coats the interior, alongside custom leather seats and a PPI steering wheel.
[Via: MotorAuthority.com ]
[Tag: Audi, Audi R8, AudiR8, PPI, PPI Audi R8, PPI R8, PPI Razor, PPI Razor GTR, PpiAudiR8, PpiR8, PpiRazor, PpiRazorGtr ]
G-Power builds twin-supercharged M6 Hurricane drop-top
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.
[Via: Tags: BMW ] [Tag: BMW,G-Power,Hurricane,M6 ]Väth V63RS latest tuning option for AMG fans
There's no shortage of Mercedes-Benz tuners, and we're used to having news tips in our email box regarding BRABUS, Kleemann, Lorinser, Carlsson, etc. That's why we were curious when we received a tip about a company taht we'd never heard of called Vath. The German aftermarket company has products for the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup, the latest of which is the V63RS Clubsport based on the C63 AMG that you see here. Vath essentially leaves the exterior untouched and focuses on the performance including an upgrade of the V8 to 585 bhp and 509 lb-ft torque that will power the car to a top speed of 202 mph. Other upgrades available include a sport suspension, high performance brakes, 19-inch wheels, and sport seats. Complete cars are available at a hefty 125,000 Euros, although components can be purchased individually, as well. Just like the BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow we showed yesterday, black seems to be the color of choice.
[Via: eMercedesBenz.com ] [Tag: AMG,C63,C63 AMG,C63Amg,Mercedes-Benz,Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG,Mercedes-benzC63Amg,Vath,Vath V63RS,VathV63rs ]SEMA Preview: 600 hp, twin-turbo Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F
The 2009 Lexus IS-F is slated to get some serious attention at SEMA, and Fox Marketing and Artisan are out to prove that show and go aren't mutually exclusive.
The plan is to create an IS-F that has the power to match its presence, and to that end, Artisan developed a twin-turbo setup that huffs compressed oxygen into a 5.0-liter V8 equipped with JE pistons and Crower rods. With a Mishimoto radiator, an Artisan exhaust, a healthy amount of boost and a thorough tune, Artisan is estimating over 600 hp at the rear wheels.
Aesthetically, the team sought to compliment the stock IS-F's styling, so they've fitted a bespoke body kit consisting of custom front and rear bumpers, and a set of side-skirts that cleanly integrate into the blistered rear fenders. iForged rollers fill the wheel wells, sized 20x9.5-inches in front and 20x11.5-inches in the rear, and wrapped in Toyo T1R tires (255/35R20 front and 305/30R20 rear). The Glasurit Sunset Orange hue is courtesy of BASF, and according to Brian Fox, they'll be blacking out the headlamps, grille and emblems to tie everything together.
Artisan plans to have its IS-F exhaust on sale next month, and when we check out the Lexus booth this November, we'll be able to see Fox/Artisan's efforts in person, along with a handful of other tuned and tweaked IS-Fs. [Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ] [Tag: 2009,artisan,fox marketing,fox marketing artisan lexus is-f,fox marketing artisanlexus is-f,FoxMarketing,FoxMarketingArtisanlexusIs-f,is f,is-f,isf,lexus,sema ]
VIDEO: WebridesTV pits the BMW M3 against the Dinan 335i
This is a head-to-head battle we've been waiting to see: BMW's new M3 versus a Dinan-tuned 335i coupe. But we're only going to talk numbers and let the video tell the tale.
The BMW 335i has proven itself as a credible player in the sports coupe segment, particularly with a tweaked ECU to extract maximum output from its twin-turbo'd 3.0-liter inline-six. Dinan announced its Stage 3 package a few months back, which includes a fully-adjustable suspension and a handful of engine mods that bring output up to 406 hp and a kidney-punishing 460 lb.-ft. of torque (at 4,300 RPM). But it doesn't come cheap. All the necessary Dinan kit to get it up to Stage 3 spec (and get that nifty badge on the boot) costs around $14,000. But compared to the
[Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ]
[Tag: bmw,bmw 335i,bmw m3,bmw m3 335i,Bmw335i,BmwM3,BmwM3335i,comparision,dinan,dinan stage 3 bmw 335i,DinanStage3Bmw335i,m3,shoot out,ShootOut,stage 3,Stage3 ]
PPI tunes the new Audi TT
We loved what PPI did with the Audi R8, so we expected nothing less when they got their hands on the new Audi TT. This package for the second generation Audi coupe, dubbed the PS, features a wide range of upgrades to the body, suspension, engine and exhaust. Starting with the exterior, PPI developed new pieces with aerodynamics in mind. The new front fascia, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler all improve the air flow around the car, and carbon fiber trim pieces are also available. The 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 has been massaged to 245 bhp at 5,100 rpm and an impressive 270 lb-ft torque that is complimented by a new exhaust system with quad tailpipes. Other mods available include sport springs, PPI Formula wheels, sport steering wheel, and a big brake kit that is currently under development. While not as over-the-top as Abt's TT-R, we appreciate the PS TT's subtle OEM look, too.
[Via: Tags: Audi ]
[Tag: Audi,PPI,PPI Audi TT,PpiAudiTt,TT ]
MTM supercharges the Audi S5
The Audi S5 is no slouch at 354 horsepower, but German tuner MTM isn't satisfied and has given the 4.2-liter V8 a serious kick in the pants with an intercooled supercharger package that boosts horsepower to 505 and torque to 403. That's good enough to hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph. MTM is also offering a high-flow exhaust system, coilover suspension system, 15-inch brake system, and unique 21-inch wheels. Hmmm... an MTM supercharged S5 or an R8? Decision, decisions.
[Via: www.MTM-online.de ]
[Tag: Audi,Audi S5,AudiS5,MTM,MTM Audi S5,MtmAudiS5,S5 ]
Edo Competition revisits the Maserati MC12
There is no shortage in the automotive world of tuners endeavoring to squeeze extra performance out of already devastatingly fast cars. But Edo Competition is a breed apart. For those still unfamiliar, check out our previous posts on Edo's customized Lamborghini LP640, Ferrari 599 and Porsche Carrera GT, which demonstrate that, in Edo's blue eyes, perfection is relative and can always be improved upon. Their latest venture was to crank up the Ferrari Enzo, and have once again turned their attention to its sister supercar, the Maserati MC12.
This, of course, isn't the first time the German tuning house has taken their hammers to the uber-Trident, having cranked out the MC12 XX and cranked up the MC12 Corsa. A bit more subdued than its predecessors, the latest MC12 package aims to improve the super-exotic's power-to-weight ratio, which came as stock a bit lower than that of the Enzo due to more bodywork. Edo has managed to trim 220 lbs of extra weight from the Maserati, while increasing power by 70 cavalli to 700hp. Edo has also fitted a host of modified components from the variable exhaust and adjustable rear wing to the retuned suspension and new wheel package. Visual changes were kept to a minimum, but customers can always specify their own exterior and interior mods. Check out the stats after the jump and the images in the gallery below.
[Via: Edo Competition ]
[Tag: edo,edo competition,edo competition maserati mc12,edo maserati mc12,edo mc12,EdoCompetition,EdoCompetitionMaseratiMc12,EdoMaseratiMc12,EdoMc12,maserati,maserati mc12,MaseratiMc12 ]
EDO Competition tweaks Ferrari Enzo to 700 hp
Edo Competition has no qualms about taking positively perfect exotic machinery and tweaking it to suit customer's tastes. And when it comes to the paragon of rolling automotive masterworks, the Ferrari Enzo is arguably King of the Hill.
While the Enzo isn't lacking in either the power or appearance department, that hasn't stopped Edo from making some subtle changes to the Enzo's exterior and powertrain. Edo began by replacing the intake with a revised ram-air system and a set of high-flow air filters, then worked its magic downstream with a set of headers similar to those in the FXX, along with a duo of high-flowing cats and a new exhaust system with remote-controlled, butterfly valves that allow the sound levels to be adjusted on the fly. All those bits are tuned through a modified ECU to produce 700 hp and 527 lb.-ft. of torque, which is sent through a heavy-duty clutch and on down to a retuned stock transmission that replicates the shift times of the FXX.
The Enzo's factory rolling stock has been replaced with 19x10-inch wheels in front and 20x13-inch wheels in the rear, wrapped in Michelin tires sized 265/35 R19 and 335/30 R20, respectively. The wheels can be custom painted to the customer's specs and a new suspension package, with adjustable compression and rebound, has been developed to mimic the setup found on the FIA GT MC12.
Edo claims that the sprint from 0 to 62 mph is estimated at 3.5-seconds and that the run from rest to 186 mph is dropped to 22 seconds flat.
[Via: WCF ]
[Tag: edo competition,edo competition ferrari enzo,EdoCompetition,EdoCompetitionFerrariEnzo,ferrari,Ferrari Enzo,FerrariEnzo ]
Kahn and Cosworth to dominate aftermarket tuning together
Project Kahn has had its hands into all kinds of high-dollar, high-horsepower machinery over the last few years. Afzal Kahn has made unobtainable exotics even more incredible with kits for the McMerc SLR and the Aston Martin DB9S, along with providing parts for more subdued offerings, like the LR2 and Audi A8, not to mention the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Now, Kahn is teaming up with Cosworth to blend its extreme aero mods with the legendary engine tuner to create the ultimate in road-going rockets. Fortunately or unfortunately, their first joint endeavor will be a tuned version of the Range Rover Sport, dubbed the Cosworth 300. They've only provided a teaser image (right), but expect all the details to be released later this year.[Via: Project Kahn ]
[Tag: cosworth,kahn cosworth,KahnCosworth,project kahn,project kahn cosworth,ProjectKahn,ProjectKahnCosworth ]
Stillen Nissan/Infiniti open house 2008
Steve Millen is very appreciative of his racing successes as a factory driver for Nissan. Since retiring from competition, he hasn't let the automaker forget his gratitude. He does so through his aftermarket parts company and tuning shop, Stillen. Stillen's core market consists of the Nissan/Infiniti enthusiast, while Ford fans round a close second. For the past 12 years the Costa Mesa, CA facility has hosted an annual customer appreciation open house aimed at giving a little something back to those who keep things running. During the event, Nissan and Infiniti owners crowd the streets with their rides for a car show, the shop performs installations under the gaze of spectators and the dyno was available for those that wish to show off more than their vehicle's exterior.
This year's open house event even saw Nissan chipping in with some eye candy as well. A handful of knowledgeable and passionate employees were on hand to show off a pair of 2009 Nissan GT-Rs. One of the cars was the very same GT-R track tested by Mr. Millen for a Road & Track feature. Also taking up space in the parking lot was a 2009 Infiniti FX and a 2009 Nissan Maxima, brought along in order to gauge reception from the crowd. The GT-Rs and Maxima were greatly poked and prodded upon, but the FX received little attention. The lack of interest in the FX did not necessarily speak ill of the redesign, but more so of the crowd's nature. A few trucks and SUVs were in attendance, but the majority of vehicles lining the street were of the 350Z, G35, Sentra and 240SX variety.
[Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ]
[Tag: 350z,gt-r,nissan,steve millen,SteveMillen,stillen,stillen open house,StillenOpenHouse ]
Never enough: Gemballa Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO
We've already sampled the mind-blowing power of the 997 Porsche GT2, but for Gemballa, it's never enough. The German tuning firm is offering a new kit for both the GT2 and its all-wheel-drive sibling, the Porsche Turbo, in the form of the Avalanche 600 EVO. As it's name would imply, Gemballa has coaxed 600 hp (not to mention 619 lb.-ft. of torque) from Porsche's turbocharged flat-six through the use of a new intercooler, race exhaust and a retuned ECU. The dash to 62 mph is dispatched in 3.5 seconds and the top speed has been increased to 199 mph.
To compliment the 911's newfound power, Gemball has fitted its Avalanche body kit, which includes a new hood, front spoiler and bumper, EVO wing and a host of air inlets and outlets. The stock suspension has been pulled in favor of a coilover setup hidden behind 405 mm front and 380 mm rear discs and Gemballa "Racing Black Edition" wheels sized 20x9-inches in front and 20x11.5-inches out back. Aluminum pedals and door plates are available to spruce up the interior, along with leather, carbon and alacantara trim, new carpet and a 340 mm steering wheel with optional "F1" paddle shifters.
[Via: WCF ]
[Tag: 997,avalanche,gemballa,Gemballa Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO,GemballaAvalanche600Gt2Evo,gt2,porsche,turbo ]
Abarth launches new Grande Punto tuning kits
Fiat's tuning workshop Abarth has released details for two new performance kits for the Grande Punto Abarth: the Assetto and esseesse (read: SS, for Super Sport) kits.
Starting with the standard 155-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged Grande Punto Abarth, both kits can be ordered after the fact and installed by specialized Abarth centers being established in markets around the world. The Assetto package includes an upgraded brake kit with cross-drilled discs front and rear and beefier brake pads, plus high-performance coil springs that drop the suspension an additional 15+ mm and special 18" white alloys with 215/40-ZR18 Pirelli PZero rubber. Customers who opt for the esseesse kit also get a bigger Garrett turbocharger, a BMC Carbon Dynamic induction kit, twin exhaust with chrome-tipped tail pipes, and a remapped ECU, boosting power up to 180 hp.
The kits are hitting the market in Italy this weekend for €2,500 and €4,500 respectively, and coincide with a concerted new Abarth marketing campaign and the opening of the Abarth performance driving school.
[Via: Italiaspeed ]
[Tag: abarth,fiat abarth,fiat grande punto abarth,FiatAbarth,FiatGrandePuntoAbarth,grande punto abarth assetto,grande punto abarth esseesse,grande punto abarth ss,GrandePuntoAbarthAssetto,GrandePuntoAbarthEsseesse,GrandePuntoAbarthSs,pricing abarth,PricingAbarth ]
Ingolstadt's version of the HUMMER limo
Proving that money and taste don't always occupy common ground, we've stumbled upon this 14-seat Audi Q7 limousine (don't worry, it's not a factory conversion). With colorful purple Disco lighting adorning both the floor and ceiling, and heated alligator/snake upholstery covering the bench seats, the faux fish tank above the simulated flames doesn't seem so out of place. While twin 17-inch flat screens are nothing to brag about, the "jet door" mounted on the side will surely get you the looks you crave. Located in New York, we should mention it comes from the same company who also offers a 14-passenger Range Rover, and a 14-passenger Infiniti QX56. And you thought HUMMERS got all the fun...
[Via: Royal Luxury ]
[Tag: Audi Limo,AudiLimo,limo,limousine,limousines,New York,NewYork,Q7 ]
Cool cat: Arden releases official details on Jaguar XF AJ 21
Last month, we got a sneak peak at Arden's interpretation of the Jaguar XF, with its aggressive front fascia, LED running lights and rear brake cooling ducts integrated into the side skirts. Now, we've got the official details on the AJ 21 and as is almost always the case, the mods are hardly skin-deep.
The top of the line, supercharged V8 engine has been stroked out from 4.2- to 4.5-liters, with output cresting the 500 hp mark. To make better use of those additional ponies, Arden developed a sports suspension to keeps things planted at speed, while 21-inch "Sportline" wheels are up to the task of combining a bit of style with a dose of functionality. Arden is developing packages for the entire range of XFs, but if we had to choose one, this is it.
[Via: WCF ]
[Tag: arden jaguar xf,arden jaguar xf aj 21,ArdenJaguarXf,ArdenJaguarXfAj21,jaguar,xf ]
Amuse breaks 600 hp, tranny woes at MCR
However, tuners are beginning to question how the stock gearbox will hold up under the strain of additional output. MCR, which brought out its GT-R for filming of Hot Version 93, has been exacting its own brand of punishment on its tuned GT-R and is worried how long the transmission will last. It's not clear if the tranny woes are due to the clutch plates or something else, but it's been all but confirmed that dual-clutch gearboxes have an issue with additional torque since the friction surface is much smaller than on a stock (read: single plate) clutch. MCR's best guesstimate is that the stock 'box might only be able to hold up to the additional power for 12 months before problems begin arise. Now, we're particularly interested in how Nissan is beefing up the tranny on the V-Spec to handle its rumored 600 hp.
[Via: Autoblog ]
[Tag: amuse,amuse GT-R,amuse gtr,AmuseGt-r,AmuseGtr,gt-r,gtr,mcr,mcr gt-r,mcr gtr,McrGt-r,McrGtr,nissan,nissan gt-r,nissan gtr,NissanGt-r,NissanGtr,tuning ]
Hennessey preparing first production Dodge Viper ACR for One Lap
Gearheads across the country are crossing off days on the calendar until May 2 when One Lap of America returns. The annual event, for those unfamiliar, takes participants across the country on a Cannonball-style rally competing on racetracks and road courses scattered along the way. Dodge always makes a strong showing at One Lap, and the team at the company's SRT workshop planned on entering two vehicles this year: a Challenger and a Viper. Time and resources being limited however, Dodge SRT turned to noted Viper tuner John Hennessey to help prepare a brand spankin' new Viper ACR – unveiled just this past November in LA – for the event. To that end, Dodge sent the first Viper ACR off the assembly line to Hennessey, who is now undertaking the task of preparing the car for the race next week. With SRT chief Erich Heuschle driving the Challenger, multiple SCCA national champion and SRT engineer Chris Winkler will be piloting the Viper. Considering that, as John H. points out, Hennessey Vipers came in second place the past two years running, the new ACR promises to put up a good snake fight for the honors this time around.
[Via: Viper Alley ]
[Tag: dodge srt one lap,dodge viper acr,DodgeSrtOneLap,DodgeViperAcr,hennessey,hennessey one lap,HennesseyOneLap,one lap of america,OneLapOfAmerica,viper acr hennessey,ViperAcrHennessey ]
Sharp gets sharper with D3 Cadillac CTS
Push comes to shove, the Cadillac CTS is one of the sharpest-looking sports sedans on the market. But that doesn't mean that room for improvement is missing... subjective though that may be. D3 Cadillac definitely sees it that way, and to that end has come out with a full aero kit for the crisp Caddy.
D3's kit places a heavy emphasis on downforce, fitting a front splitter, roof spoiler, deck spoiler and diffuser to be extra sure that the CTS stays planted on the boulevard. The kit also includes a new front end with bigger vents for keeping the engine and front brakes cool, plus side skirts, a shiny new grille and, of course, big ol' rims to cap it all off. A 'Vette-powered CTS-V she ain't, but the D3 kit enhances the CTS' lines and improves airflow for those wanting a sharper Caddy than the ones down at the country club. Check out the info in the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below for all the angles. We've already asked the models in the shots to move so we could see the car better, but they aren't budging.
[Via: D3 Cadillac ]
[Tag: ]
Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy of Road Race Motorsports
Road Race fitted a Mitsubishi 16G GT3 turbocharger onto the 2.0-liter four-pot, which delivers seven pounds of boost and increases output to 221 hp and 208 lb.-ft. of torque, a substantial bump over the stock mill's 143 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Suzuki, that should drop 0-60 times to under seven seconds when equipped with the five-speed manual.
More impressive, however, is that Suzuki is giving Road Race its blessing and that could mean that the turbo upgrade, along with plenty of other go-fast bits, could be available from your local Suzuki dealership. The cost of the turbo kit, with all the necessary plumbing, will come in at relatively steep $5,400 when it goes on sale this June. Suzuki estimates that the installation would run between $1,100 and $1,200 at the dealership, but wouldn't say if fitting the kit would affect the seven-year/100,000 factory warranty on the powertrain. While dropping close to $10-grand on an SX4 for wheels, brakes and engine mods might be a tough pill to swallow, it will have to suffice for Suzuki enthusiasts hoping that the automaker would release a rally-inspired SX4.
[Via: Autoblog ]
[Tag: road race engineering,road race motorsports,road race motorsports sx4t,RoadRaceEngineering,RoadRaceMotorsports,RoadRaceMotorsportsSx4t,suzuki,suzuki sx4t,SuzukiSx4t,sx4,sx4t ]