Author: Lidia Todorova

  • ABT Sportsline Unveils a 210HP Audi Q3 2.0 TDI

    ABT has been trending in our site lately so we decided to show you their latest project. Again, the car under the spotlight is Audi, but this time it is the Q3. It has received complete treatment, meaning that the changes are almost in every aspect. I should also mention that this particular car is powered by the 2.0 TDI engine, which is famous for its efficiency credentials … well, maybe not anymore. And if this speaks anything to you, then you should already figured it out that this conversion features power uprating.

    Engine & Suspension

    What has been done to the powerplant and how? The performance tuning has been achieved with ABT POWER New Generation kit. The result is great. The standard 184 hp (135 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of the unit has been enhanced to 210 hp (154 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft).

    SEE ALSO: How About 400HP Golf and a TT at Wörthersee? This Time both from ABT Sportsline

    In terms of suspension, ABT ensured that the Q3 gets new in-house made suspension springs with front axle lowered by 25 mm, and rear axle – by 35 mm; and height adjustable suspension kit that lowers the front axle by 30–60 mm, and the rear axle by 40–70 mm.

    Exterior Tuning

    From the outside the vehicle looks amazing and for this is contributing the fact that the tuner has given this Audi some substantial updates. Therefore the Q3 can now show-off with front skirt add-ons including a front spoiler, mirror caps, door strip attachments and a rear spoiler. At the back, an integral part of the ABT rear skirt is the muffler system with its four tailpipes.

    What is more, we should also mention the wheels, which come in the dimension between 18- and 21-inches and are fitted with high-performance sports tires.

    Interior Tuning

    The modifications inside aren’t that much, but they definitely add to the charm of the Q3. They include ABT door entrance lights with company’s logo and floor mats, as well as a trunk mat for the luggage.

    Source: ABT

  • Krumm-Performance Uprates MINI John Cooper Works [VIDEO]

    To be honest, Krumm-Performance is another German tuning company which I hear of for the first time. However, it has been present on the automotive market for ten years now and it specializes in customizing MINIs only. Performance uprating and chassis engineering is the field of work of the tuner. Under the spotlight today is a MINI John Cooper Works conversion.

    The car received a Stage III kit, which boasted the engine power to 300 hp (213 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The kit comprises of Hybrid Turbo, diverse heat protection shields, Akrapovic downpipe, racing intercooler with E-certification mark, Pipercross air filter element and more.

    SEE ALSO: MINI Introduces the More Powerful John Cooper Works

    In addition to Stage III the engine of the MINI JCW received diverse intercooler air tubes without resonators as well as a custom exhaust system and intake. Furthermore, the gear box is delivered by Drexler LSD and has Krumm-Performance setup, while the racing clutch is from Sachs and features sinter pads and single mass flywheel.

    The brake system is delivered by AP-Racing and comprises of 4-piston calipers, 330×32 mm floating wave brake discs with optimized sharp airing, PFC 01 brake pads and steel flex tubes. This MINI is running on 17-inch ATS-GTR rims which have been coupled with Dunlop Direzza 03G tires.

    Left to mention are the Challenge front lip, the rear diffusor and the special wrapping by Camshaft. Oh, and let’s not forget to say something about the interior. It has been supplied with Recaro SPG XL seats, CAE-Ultra shifter, OMP Ultraleggero steering wheel, Schroth Profi 3FE 6-point belts and Wiechers Clubsport rollover bar.

    Of course, don’t forget to check out the special short film about this exciting project:

    httpv://youtu.be/Kr8qZsNgF8o

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Krumm-Performance

  • Porsche Releases Boxster and 911 Carrera Black Editions

    Two special cars are part of Black Edition series by Porsche: the 911 Carrera and the Boxter models. What do they feature? First to mention is the combination of black exterior and interior. The goal of the company is to highlight the timeless but straightforward elegance of the iconic cars. Both Black Editions share many things in common, but worthy of mentioning are the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation module, automatically dimming rear-view mirrors, rain sensor, cruise control and Sport Design steering wheel, which come as a standard.

    Porsche 911 Carrera Black Edition

    As a basis for this one is used the basic model in a coupe or cabrio variant. It is propelled by a 3.4 liter flat unit, which is capable of producing 350 hp (257 kW). Available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, this special edition runs on 20-inch 911 Turbo wheels. Other special features include the LED headlights combined with the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+).

    SEE ALSO: Exclusive: Gemballa Porsche 980 Carrera Mirage GT Black Edition

    Inside, the standard equipment throughout the black interior include heated sports seats for the driver and passenger, Bose Surround Sound System, telephone module and front and rear Park Assist with reversing camera.

    Posche Boxster Black Edition

    This one is as attractive as its sibling, although it is powered by less potent 2.7 litre flat engine that produces 265 hp (195 kW). Unlike the 911 Carrera, the Boxter is offered only in a cabrio variant. And when it comes to soft top and rollover protection bar, the colour concept remains consistent.

    What’s exclusive for this special edition? It features wind deflector, which helps in avoiding undesirable turbulence, 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels and the bi-xenon headlights plus PDLS. Inside, the driver and passenger enjoy a two-zone air conditioning and heated seats, and a Sound Package Plus.

    The Black Edition series are available for the Boxter Cabrio, 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera 4 both in coupe and convertible forms. All five are currently on sale.

    Source: Porsche 

  • See How this Mercedes C63 AMG is Boosted to 590HP [VIDEO]

    Let me introduce you to this more powerful C63 AMG. You might think that it is enough for a Mercedes to carry the AMG designation, but many are on a different opinion. It seems that for the tuners at DTE-Systems, a new German customization studio, car’s stock 476 hp aren’t enough, because these are the horses that the new variant of the vehicle produces.

    The main goal of the modification specialists was to prepare the car in the battle for supremacy against rivals like the BMW M3 and Audi RS4. Hence, they have created a special performance enhancement package for the C63 AMG, called DTE FSR14.

    SEE ALSO: Mercedes-AMG Collaborate with MV Agusta for the DTM Race Car

    The in-house made chip-tuning have boosted the power and torque of the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine of the emblematic model with 116 hp and 166 Nm. Therefore the horses have grown from 476 hp (350 kW) to 590 hp (434 kW), while the torque from 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) to 816 Nm (602 lb-ft). Now, that’s a thing, isn’t it?

    In addition, the development engineers also reshaped the power and torque delivery characteristics, thus ensuring optimum everyday driveability. And in order to ensure maximum performance accompanied by minimum load, DTE-Systems have utilized multi-map technology that offers a choice of driving behavior.

    At last, you can also check out the video, which shows the performance enhancement done for this Mercedes-Benz:

    httpv://youtu.be/95ttRg_BvPI

    Video Source: YouTube 

    Source: DTE Systems 

  • Have You Heard About the Gen Six Camaro?

    Finally, the sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro from the 2016 model year is here! It was introduced two days ago at a special event at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. From what we can see, this car undoubtedly carries the spirit of Chevy’s most popular car, but it is also lighter, more potent and features wide array of features. This basically means faster driving experience.

    But, what’s new here? Well, the new Camaro is leaner, it is built over a stiffer platform and features slightly smaller dimensions. Its size is accentuated by a sculpted exterior, tuned in the wind tunnel. The result is more aero-dynamism combined with better handling and efficiency.

    As a matter of fact, there are only two things that have been kept from the previous generation: the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge. To achieve this unique result, the Gen Six Camaro, Chevrolet has focused on three main points: performance, technology and design.

    Exterior Design

    The tighter and leaner stance of the Camaro has been created via the new light-weight architecture. It also makes the car more athletic and aerodynamic, because of its wider and lower look. Some of the new features of the exterior design are the LEDs, the ten exterior color choices (complemented by five interior color trims) and a lot of accessories.

    In addition, the design was aerodynamically optimized after 350 hours of wind tunnel testing. The aim was to optimally minimize the drag on the LT models and enhance downforce on SS.

    SEE ALSO: Chevy Releases Two More Images of the Sixth Generation Camaro

    At the front the Camaro features cross-car grille/headlamp aperture, while at the back it adds expressive taillamps. Unlike other models, the SS have unique rear spoiler, but all models do share the more pronounced, sculpted roof panel. The last feature improves the rigidity of the roof.

    Interior Design

    As mentioned, the additional exterior color choices will be complemented by five interior color combinations. Furthermore, the cabin also benefits from the shifter-focused center console, the intuitive controls all over the place as well as the flat-bottom steering wheel.

    All of the materials used for the upholstery of the interior are of the highest quality. Other cool features are the control rings around the air vents which are utilized for temperature and fan speed adjustments.

    Technology

    Nowadays cars are stuffed with technologies that make everything easier. There are three technology features exclusive to the Gen Six Camaro. The first one is the new Drive Mode Selector, which has the capability of tailoring up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes. The modes are as follows: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and Track. The last one comes only for the SS models.

    The second feature is the Interior Spectrum Lighting, which can make the experience of the passengers amusing, because it offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console. At last, the third feature is the high-definition configurable color display. There is also an additional screen but it comes on additional price.

    Performance & Engines

    The first thing regarding the performance that the engineers had to do is to make vehicle’s body mass lighter. Hence, the new Camaro has shed more than 200 pounds of weight, thus achieving better driving experience and more responsiveness.

    Next on the list were the engines. The range here features six different powertrain combinations. Common among them is that they are designed to show improved performance and efficiency.

    In details, Camaro LT comes as a standard powered by 2.0L Turbo unit, which produces 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The 0-60 mph acceleration happens in less than six seconds, while the fuel consumption is more than 30 mpg on the highway. This means that this is the most fuel-efficient Camaro ever built.

    The LT grade can be also equipped with the 3.6L V6. If this is the case, this means that we should expect 335 horsepower (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm). Both engines can be mated to either the six-speed manual transmission or the Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

    At last, the most powerful Camaro is the SS and it is powered by the 6.2L LT1 V8 engine. We know this unit from the Corvette Stingray, but for the Camaro 20 percent of the components were changed and made specific for its architecture. The output of this engine is rated at 455 horses (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm). This one can be connected to six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

    Other vital performance features are the Magnetic Ride Control active suspension and the improved handling. Well, all Camaro models will have Brembo brakes, and will ride on Goodyear tires coupled with either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.

    2016 Chevrolet Camaro will go on sale later this year. It will be made available only in two grades: LT and SS.

    Source: Chevrolet 

  • Here is How GeigerCars.de Customized the Ford Mustang GT

    The German tuners at GeigerCars.de have just sent us an e-mail with this special project involving a Fort Mustang GT. Along with the stunning pictures they have also said some specifics about the in-house tuned car. Just to tease you a bit: not only design updates were implemented, but also a major engine boost.

    Engine

    The most prominent modification here is on the engine. After the treatment, the 5.0-liter V8 unit sends significantly more power to the rear wheels. This is due to a supercharger installation. As a result the powerplant now produces 709 hp (521 kW) and 706 Nm (521 lb-ft) of torque.

    SEE ALSO: Dodge Challenger Hellcat Arrives in Europe

    These numbers are transmitted onto the road via six-speed manual transmission. And if you wonder about the 0-100 km/h acceleration time, well it happens in just 3.9 seconds. The top speed has been also extended and it is now of 305 km/h.

    At the back, the superpowers of the V8 are complemented by the new stainless steel sports exhaust with valve control. It also features NASCAR grade roar of the supercharged engine.

    GT Performance Package

    In addition to the updated engine and the six-speed manual, the tuners are also offering a special pack which will make the Mustang even better. It consists of an uprated cooling system and springs for the front suspension, a 3.73:1 final drive ratio with Torsen limited slip differential, stability control system and Brembo high performance brake system.

    With this pack, the customers will also get some cabin extras like the Recaro sports seats, additional instruments, parking aid, Shaker Pro-audio system, HD radio, memory function for the driver’s seat and mirrors, and a blind-spot warning system.

    Other performance parts which aren’t featured here but can be easily purchased are the 30 mm lowering springs and front and rear anti-roll bars.

    Wheels & Tires

    At last, we should say that this car runs on special wheels. They are in-house made as well, come in black and have Y-spokes. The sizes for the front and the rear are 8.5 and 10×20-inch, respecitvely, and they are mated to a 255 /35R20 and 295/30R20 tires.

    Source: Geigercars.de

  • The WINNER Turns Blue: Meet the New Face of Larte Design’s Range Rover Sport

    Larte Design is back and this time with a rather familiar project. The tuners have unleashed their second version of the WINNER. If you remember well the first one, it is a bi-tone Range Rover which garbed our hearts with its stunning design and enhanced power. Now, the specialists are obviously releasing the next one out of the cage. Another good news is that if you happen to be in Monaco, you can see the car rolling on the streets.

    Engine

    The fist and foremost feature of this unique vehicle is its enhanced power. The engineers at Larte Design managed to push the standard 339 hp (250 kW) output of the SDV8 engine to 400 hp (294 kW).

    Exterior

    The outer stance is definitely eye-catching and has the same bi-color design philosophy as its sibling. Here we have distinctive blue and silver combination, which also gives the Range Rover this exclusive look.

    SEE ALSO: Larte Range Rover Sport Winner Turns Blue

    There are also some significant changes made throughout the body. The designers decided that the additional horses should be accompanied by more aggressive appearance. Hence, the new grill was born, which is distinguished by three frames taking the form of inverted trapezoids.

    In addition, the front apron seems like it is made of various polygons. Combined with the air inlets and lightsteps, this makes the bumper appear almost biological. More dynamism and athleticism has been added via the black central part with its large air grid, which divides the monolithic front. At last, the front can show-off with additional LED DRLs.

    At the back, car’s exterior has been also changed. As a matter of fact, this version of the WINNER looks dramatic but very elegant. There are small spoiler fins and fine air inlets, lateral grids stretching down to the fenders and some irregular polygons.

    We can’t skip the exhaust, which is in-house made and features black chrome-plated tailpipes. Finally, what is left unsaid is the central LED brake light. Good job, Larte Design!

    Source: Larte Design 

  • 518HP Oettinger Volkswagen Golf R500 Unveiled at Wörthersee Meeting

    This Oettinger Volkswagen Golf R500 has of course debuted at Wörthersee, where the biggest GTI meeting is currently happening. The car has a power to weight ratio of 2.83 kilograms per hp and incredible acceleration time. It can print from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of more than 300 km/h. This is because of the intervention of the tuner that has literally given the Golf superpowers.

    And these superpowers are rated at 518 hp (381 kW) coming from the modified five-cylinder engine that drives all four wheels. The car is nothing but a limited edition and rumors say that it will have an enormous price of around 150,000 euros. There will be soon other versions of the model, pumping out 600, 650 and 750 hp.

    Exterior

    First that has to be mentioned is that the car is based on the Golf R7 model and it is equipped with Oettinger’s 500R Racing Design Package, thus growing with 100 millimeters. Precisely, the pack comprises of widened front apron with large air inlets and a carbon fiber splitter.

    The front grille features a double-sided upper air-opening. On the hood we spot a vent for the engine compartment. The front fenders, the wheel arch ventilation, the carbon-flaps on the side skirts again are all eye-catching.

    SEE ALSO: How About 400HP Golf and a TT at Wörthersee? This Time both from ABT Sportsline

    At the back, the rear wheel arch gives the Golf a distinctive character. The same effect is achieved via the widened apron with her real-carbon diffuser, the central exhaust tailpipe and the powerful rear wing with aero-flaps.

    Engine

    The 2.5 liter TFSI five-cylinder in-line engine received a turbocharger. There is also new water intercooling and revisions in the exhaust – the tuner added downpipe with sports catalysts and a double-flow cat-running racing exhaust system. Differential lock and clutch have been also adapted.

    As a result the output has grown to 518 hp (381 kW), while the torque to 680 Nm (500 lb-ft). The engine is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission that is linked to the four wheels.

    Wheels, Tires & Brakes

    This unique car runs on 20-inch ATS forged wheels fitted with Dunlop Sport Maxx 275/25 R20 tires. In terms of suspension the Golf got three-way KW clubsport one with racing technology. Behind the alloys we see six-piston high-performance brake calipers and two-piece, perforated and internally ventilated brake discs with sports brake pads and steel flex brake pipes.

    Interior

    If you find the exterior extravagant, then you definitely have to take a look inside. It is sporty, individual and some might even say that it is strange. The cabin is upholstered in exclusive leather combined with black Alcantara on the center seat panels.

    The decorative elements have been made more personal via contrasting orange color. The seats are of course racing bucket and feature integrated head restraints and harness slots. At last, wheel has been also changed with three-spoke sports leather one and the same material has been used for the door panels, rear seat and trunk cover.

    Source: Oettinger 

  • Valentino and Aston Martin Release Vanquish Volante Special Edition

    Valentino and Aston Martin have teamed up for a special project, which will support the “Cash & Rocket Tour”. Valentino will be the main sponsor of the event for the third consecutive year. The fourth edition has started yesterday and will continue until 19th of May. If you hear for the first time about the “Cash & Rocket”, this is a fundraising event that supports three humanitarian organizations: Shine on Sierra Leone, OAfrica and Sumbandila, which help African children and their families.

    Next to many fundraising items, among them is an extremely special Aston Martin Vanquish Volante. Valentino had the mission to create a special edition of this model, which had to be entirely customized.

    SEE ALSO: “The Vulcan” Erupts at the New York Auto Show

    What we see here is the Valentino Camouflage pattern and Maison’s iconic studs. There is a lot of carbon fiber inside and out, as well as special leather treatment for the interior of the open-top vehicle.

    There aren’t any other details here, although Valentino has said that the car is “completely customized”. So we will have to satisfy with what’s before our eyes.

    Presumably this also means that this Vanquish Volante sports the same standard 6.0-liter V12 engine, which produces 573 hp (421 kW) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) of maximum torque. The V12 under the hood drives the car from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 294 km/h (183 mph).

    Left unmentioned is that the proceeds from this special edition, sold during an auction, will be entirely donated to the three organizations mentioned above.

    Source: Valentino

  • Kahn Reveals the Defender Based Flying Huntsman Pick Up

    Last month we told you about a very strange but at the same time captivating vehicle – Kahn’s Flying Huntsman Defender Pick Up. Now, we have the first official pictures of the car, after it has officially debuted at the Great British Land Rover Show. The coach-built pick up is actually only in prototype form, so this means that it has to be further updated.

    Exterior

    The most striking in it design is that its 90-inch wheelbase has been extended with 15 additional inches. What is more, the front end of the car appears to be longer. This is because it has been also lengthened by 400mm, while the width by 150mm.

    At the front of this modified Defender 90 pick up we can also spot the front bumper replacement with new bumper lights, front wide wings with vents and bolt apertures, stainless steel sump guard, shadow chrome headlamps and X-Lander front grille.

    SEE ALSO: Flying Huntsman Family adds Defender Pick Up

    The sides are adorned by the extended wheel arches, side vents with mesh stainless steel, side steps and 8″ x 18″ Defend 1945 Retro Wheels in Matt Black with gold stripe. At last, the back shows-off with rear wide wings and CTC semi-rigid wheel cover.

    Interior

    Inside, one steps in a kingdom of leather. The GTB Sports seats for example are in Artico, while literally everything else is upholstered in leather: starting from the roof headlining and ending with the sun visors.

    Furthermore, the front is adorned by new Churchill clock, new rev counter facia and the exclusive three-spoke Kahn billet steering wheel. Below it are the vented machined aluminium foot pedals and rubber mud flaps.

    Although there aren’t significant changes regarding the performance, the tuner says that it has completely overhauled the suspension and brakes. And with the introduction of a six-speed automatic gearbox and cubby box in leather, it has also succeeded to achieve better driving experience and improvements in performance.

    Source: Kahn Design 

  • Hennessey Venom GT is on Sale. It Can be Yours for $1.4 Million USD [VIDEO]

    Hennessey Venom GT is one of the most famous cars. The coolest thing about it is that it can beat up the Bugatti Veyron with a blink of an eye. On Valentine’s Day 2014 this car set a new world speed record for 2-seater by achieving a top speed of 270.49 mph (435.31 km/h). The record was performed at the John F. Kennedy Space Center on the 3.2-mile Space Shuttle landing runway.

    The Director of Miller Motorsports Park, Brian Smith, made the achievement because he was behind. What is left unmentioned is that the car can actually produce 1244 hp from its carbon 7.0-liter twin-turbo aluminum-block V-8 engine.

    SEE ALSO: Hennessey Builds World’s Fastest Venom GT Edition

    The aluminum body also helps for the record as well as the massive 345/30R-20 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires mated to forged monoblock aluminum wheels. Entirely hand built this vehicle also sports Penske double-adjustable coilovers, double A-arm suspension all around and Brembo 6-piston aluminum calipers clamping 15-inch carbon-ceramic rotors.

    What makes the Venom GT so strong? The answer is the composite materials and aerospace-quality construction techniques used in its building. In addition, vehicle’s hybrid aluminum monocoque and tubular structure features chrome-moly steel roll-over hoops. This results in fantastic car weight of 2743 lb.

    Now this future collectable is going on sale. The initial price is $1.4 million USD, which is absolutely worth it, given that it is faster than the Bugatti. If you are interested in buying it, you can order it now and expect it with a June delivery. And here’s a video of the world record:

    httpv://youtu.be/gWAavCjVQvM

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Hennessey 

  • Seat Leon ST CUPRA 280 Sets Nürburgring Lap Record [VIDEO]

    Seat is also making an appearance at GTI Wörthersee Treffen. As a matter of fact there it debuts the SEAT Leon ST CUPRA 280, which is a very special vehicle. The car has actually made a record-breaking time of 7:58.12 minutes at the Nürburgring. Seat is also displaying a total of five impressive variants from the Leon range at the meeting in Austria.

    The record was made with a standard front-wheel-drive production estate with manual transmission, but equipped with Performance Pack. The person behind the wheel was company’s brand ambassador Jordi Gene, who praised the vehicle.

    SEE ALSO: Skoda Reveals Fabia R5 Combi at Wörthersee

    One of the best things about this car is that it benefits from a Limited Front Slip Differential and a six-speed manual gearbox. This ensures a secure grip on various types of roads. The Cupra is currently showed painted in Blanco Nevada and equipped with the “Black” Performance Pack.

    Eye-catching are the entry sills at the front, rear side spoilers and the 19-inch alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black. Running on those alloys the model is also fitted with Brembo high-performance braking system and body-colour side skirts.

    This perfectly complements the sporty character of the engine, which pumps out 280 hp! The car can be also optionally equipped with Seat’s highly innovative assistance systems.

    And don’t forget to check out the video below. You’ll see how Cupra is setting the new Nürburgring record.

    httpv://youtu.be/97-xmcrW0xo

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Seat