Author: Lidia Todorova

G-Power BMW M3 Gains More Horses

G-Power specialists are mostly known for their exceptional BMW tunings and it is not a secret that they prefer to work on the M series. But who wouldn’t? The buzz around them is that they have revised their supercharger program for the V8-powered M3 model, thus making it gain 20 horses. But there is more to that. This new program also counts those who have already added a supercharger system. The benefits for them are the biggest, since they can enhance the power output of their BMW to 630 hp.

The additional power is delivered via new software for the electronic engine control. As a matter of fact, the tuners developed it from the beginning and created an entirely new set of maps for the fuelling, ignition, variable-valve-timing and boost control. Due to the new configurations they also had to mind the fuel efficiency and emissions.

The complete development process for the software took about one year to be completed. But this did not include only in-house testing, but also many kilometers on the racetrack in real driving.

The result is a powerful and dynamic engine, which puts emphasis on supreme performance. Precisely, we must take into account that the standard M3 produces only 420 horsepower (309 kW) and 400 Nm of torque. The G-Power conversion system makes the 630 horses (463 kW) and the 590 Nm of torque a reality, as well as the spectacular 4.0 seconds 0-100 km/h sprint. The top speed is up to 330 km/h.

The new 20 hp can not go without new alloys. More power just needs new wheels to run on. In this case, the BMW is fitted with Diamond-Cut double spoke Hurricane RR forged alloys that are 20 inches of size. They are shod with 245/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20 Michelins at the front and rear, respectively.

Every BMW fan would agree that if there is so much horsepower, there should be appropriate ride height modifications. The case here is no different and we have received an M3 which is 30 mm lower to the ground. The ceramic brake system is responsible for the stopping power of the car. It has 396 mm vented discs with six-pot calipers on the front axle, and 380 mm vented discs with four-pot calipers brake at the rear. Good job guys!

Source: G-Power

Is 2016 Range Rover Evoque a Disappointment?

It is totally British, it is beautiful, it is 2016 model year and it is here! If you have read the last publication, then you’ll already know that I am talking about the brand new 2016 Range Rover Evoque. This amazing vehicle is going to have its official premiere at the Geneva Motor Show and is set to have a market launch in the US this fall. The car has kept its distinctive appeal, powerful on road presence and captivating design, which in my opinion expresses true beauty.

Well, let’s see what’s new in the Evoque. Land Rover said that it has further refined the exterior in order to give it even more unique presence. In addition, absolutely new are the headlamps featuring LED adaptive technology. Other revisions include upgrades on the front bumper, grille, bigger alloys and more.

The new LEDs and wider tow-eye cover is a significant update to the design of the front and so are the two versions of the grille. The standard one is characterized by two horizontal bars and a new pattern. The second design includes hexagonal shape and more impressive mesh.

Only the five-door HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims get the new hood vents. At the back, we see refined tailgate spoiler which adds wider, but at the same time slimmer LED rear brake lights.

Changes can be also seen inside and they include new seats and door casings, the infotainment system is fitted with the eight-inch touchscreen and there are some changes to the materials used for the interior elements. As a standard the vehicles will come with leather Ebony seats, while the top-of-the-range trim will feature massage function for the front seats.

Unfortunately, the 2016 Evoque will be offered with only one gazoline unit, which produces 240 horsepower (176 kW).

The engine can accelerate the car from 0 to 62mph (0-100km/h) in 7.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 135mph (217km/h). If you wonder about the fuel economy – it is 30mpg/highway.

Going next to the technology additions, the new Evoque features eight-inch InControl Touch touchscreen infotainment system, eight-speaker stereo system and optional rear-seat entertainment system coming with two eight-inch video screens and wireless digital headphones. Convenience is further enhanced by the Gesture Tailgate function, which allows owners to automatically manage the tailgate by pointing a foot beneath the rear bumper.

The new SUV will be offered in four trim levels including the SE, HSE, HSE Dynamic and the flagship Autobiography. We are not sure about the precise release price of the vehicle but it is said to be announced near launch and to be comparable with the model currently on sale.

So in other words there aren’t big changes to the model, despite my expectations and wishes. This is rather a facelift than a true new dramatic design. Just remember how the Civic hatch was changed in 2006 and you’ll know what I am talking about. Land Rover is obviously playing it safe and keeping what’s trendy. I love how the Evoque looks, but next time the ultimate British brand must do something that would really impress us!

Source: Land Rover

Kahn Releases Barolo Black Land Rover Defender XS 110

The beginning of the week starts with two exceptional news about the Land Rover family of vehicles. The first one, which we will review below, is on A. Kahn Design’s latest project involving the Defender XS 110, and the second one we will keep in secret for the next hour. Ok, ok, it is about one of the most impressive cars in the segment, frequently adored by women and recently announced as a symbol of Britain. Have you guessed it?

But, going back to the topic, the team of specialists at Kahn sent us several photos of a Defender XS 110, with some detailed information which reveals what they have changed. Firstly, we must mention that some of the upgrades included are delivered Chelsea Truck Company’s.

Thus, we have a very contemporary looking seven seater, dressed in Barolo Black “coat”. Starting with the front of the vehicle, it now features brand new X-Lander grille and challenging bumper in which are integrated LED Diamond bright headlights. There are also visible front and rear wide wing arches and bumper sump guard mesh hood vents that basically help to minimize the temperature of the engine.

Another prominent asset of the updated exterior is the new shoes. They are called Mondial wheels and are painted in Piano Black. On all four corners they come in the size of 9×20 inches and are coupled with 275x55x20 tyres. Beneath them we can also see painted brake callipers. At the back, we can not pass without mentioning the twin crosshair exhaust system and hard-wearing mud flaps.

Opening the door, one immediately feels the luxury imbedded inside this SUV. Almost every single element, ranging from the centre glove box to the roof headlining and sun visors is upholstered in seats in quilted and perforated leather. Of course, the same has happened to the three rows of seats.

Those inside will also enjoy the new interior look, due to the addition of Churchill time clock & rev counter fascia, door, new Alcantara sun visors, the vented machined aluminium foot pedals and tuning company’s billet steering wheel. Great project, isn’t it?

Source: A. Kahn Design

“Black Out” is Chevy Silverado’s Latest Special Edition

We all admire those huge beautiful American trucks that have powerful stance and muscular appearance. But what we really like is when we see such truck made even more special through tuning, or even better – via limited edition series. This is the case with Chevrolet’s new Black Out series created specifically for the regular- and double-cab 2015 Silverado 1500 Work Trucks (WT) models. Once you look at it, you are immediately in awe.

The secret lies in the equipment included in this special package. First that grabs the attention are the five-spoke wheels, which come in huge size of 20 inches and are of course painted in black. The alloys are shod with all-season blackwall tires in the dimension of P275/55R2, placed on all four corners.

Those inside will sit behind a deep tinted glass for enhanced privacy and for added on-road stance. The last “black’ feature in the package is the black bowtie. Chevy is also giving the opportunity to customers to choose any color for this package “as long as it is black” (winking).

Just as any Silverado model, the Black Out is powered as a standard with the 4.3-Liter EcoTec3 V6 engine. It produces 285 horsepower (210 kW) and 413 Nm (305 lb-ft) of maximum torque. This enables the truck to tow of up to 7,200 pounds. The optional engine is the V8 5.3L Ecotec3 unit boasting 355 horsepower (261 kW) and 519 Nm (383 lb-ft) of torque.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado Black Out Special Edition has a starting price tag of $28,895 USD.

Source: Chevrolet

Fastest Skoda Octavia Ever Produced to Debut in Geneva

Skoda Octavia RS 230 is showing revolution in company’s design language and it will be debuting at the Geneva Motor Show this March. The top of the range model will be an example not only of roominess combined with comfort, safety and efficiency, but most importantly of sports-oriented driving experience. And we are almost sure that we won’t be disappointed when we see the car in its full glory in the Swiss city.

The new special edition is inspired by the racing legacy of Skoda and this is visible not only through its sports-related exterior design elements, but also though it’s interior. Of course, the most substantial feature of this car is its turbocharged powerplant.

As the name suggests, Octavia RS 230 will produce no less than 230 horsepower. In fact, this is the first ever model created by Skoda, which will be equipped as a standard with an electronically controlled differential front axle lock. It will play an important role in dynamic cornering.

The 230 horses (or 169 kW) come directly from the two-liter gasoline engine, which is also responsible for the breath-taking acceleration time. Precisely, the car needs only 6.7 seconds for the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed stands at 250 km/h.

These numbers make the model the fastest Octavia ever produced in company’s history. After the Geneva debut, Skoda has decided to introduce the vehicle on the market. In other words this means that we will see its launch in the dealership in June this year.

Source: Skoda

Petty’s Garage Mustang GT is the Perfect Rock ‘n’ Roll Muscle Car

Do you remember the exuberating light blue Mustang GT from the SEMA Show? Precisely, we are talking about Petty’s Garage project which stunned the public with its new characteristics and key modifications. Now, the muscle car is heading to Ford’s dealerships, where exactly 143 units of it will be sold. Depending on the Stage program, they will come in two “forms”. The Stage 1 version will be narrowed to 100 examples and the rest 43 units will be reserved for the Stage 2 Mustang.

Every single Petty’s Garage modified Mustang GT will come equipped with Ford Racing/Roush supercharger, which acts in means of enhancing the power output of the car. There are also one-of-a-kind styling enhancements like Richard Petty’s signature featured on the dashboard.

The first version of the car, meaning Stage 1 Petty’s Garage Mustang GT, will boast remodeled rear fascia that now has center-exit exhaust as well as racing-inspired spoiler. The exterior will also benefit from one-off 20-inch Petty’s Garage HRE FlowForm wheels coupled with Continental rubbers.

Stage 2 version features in-house made Wilwood big brake and will give the muscle beast two-tone exterior paint finish like the car we have seen at SEMA. The wheels here are HRE three-piece forged-aluminum ones. Both Stages sport minor interior design changes like embroidered head restraints and floor mats, an the mentioned signature on the dashboard.

Under the hood, one can find the updated 5.0-liter engine. The enhancements in the horsepower resulting in 627 hp (461 kW) are due to the addition of Ford Racing/Roush supercharger, cold air intake and MagnaFlow exhaust system as well as the custom engine calibration.

Do you know who has already ordered the first Petty’s Garage Stage 2 Mustang GT? We’ll give you a hint: he is a real rock ’n’ roll legend! He is AC/DC’s Brian Johnson who made the first purchase, meaning that there are only 42 Stage 2 cars left. So if you are interested in buying one you’d better hurry and prepare $92,210 USD for the Stage 2 version. If you are interested in buying the other one, then you’ll need $62,210 USD.

Source: Ford

Take First Look at the Mercedes-AMG GT3!

Mercedes-AMG GT3 has been finally revealed! Although the company has uploaded only one image of the awaited car on its social network, we think that it is enough to soothe the emotions ahead of the “full debut”. Next to the picture, Mercedes announced that the new AMG Customer Sport race car complies with every single FIA GT3 race regulation. For the design and creation of this extreme vehicle, the technicians and designers have used the road-going AMG GT. This is the perfect basis for a superb racetrack performance machine, isn’t it?

As we already know, the GT3 car will make its world premiere in eleven days at the Geneva Auto Saloon. As a matter of fact, at the event the model will be introduced as a replacement of the SLS AMG GT3 that was stopped from production last year.

We can clearly see from the darkened photograph that the model has extremely purposeful and wide body. The front end of the car definitely looks modified and if you are a fan of Mercedes, then you will notice that it features larger radiator grille, redesigned bumper with new gills as well as lower mesh grille.

What we also received as information about this “beasty” car is that it will undergo extensive testing accompanied by a development period after its debut in Geneva. At last, we had hopes to see the car in action sooner, but it is already official that it will hit track next year, participating in the FIA GT3 Championship season.

Source: Mercedes-Benz via Facebook

Meet the Final Edition of Carlsson C25 Super GT Series!

Geneva, V8, carbon, exclusivity – these four words perfectly describe what we are about to see from Carlsson at the Swiss auto show. The famous tuners have released the first two images of their Mercedes-Benz based Final Edition C25 Super GT. The unique car series debuted exactly five years ago and since then they have created a world wide furor. This is not only because of cars exclusivity but also because of their exceptional design and excellent “Carlsson values”.

Carbon fiber is the main material utilized for the body of this machine. The benefit is that it saves around 160kg of its weight. Being based on the SL model, the C25 Super GT is some what different.

What needs to be mentioned are the absolutely new front and rear lights as well as the rear side windows and the rear window itself. They are completely one-of-a-kind and no other SL can actually show-off with such.

There are two options for the engine, which will power the Final Edition. The first and standard one is the V8 unit, which produces 450 hp (331 kW). The second optional powerplant is the Carlsson V12 generating more than 753 hp (554 kW).

Although there are many standard features included in the tuning of this Mercedes, there are also features to add as an option. Take for instance the carbon-ceramic composite brakes or the special iPhone app remote control for the C-Tronic suspension. As availability Carlsson is also offering the stainless steel sports exhaust which is fitted with large billet aluminum tailpipe outlets.

The bodyshell of the car was hand-built as well as all the changes made throughout the interior. In fact, it takes the tuners around 11 months to build the vehicle when an order is taken. Carlsson allows only one car to be sold in each country. This guarantees the owners the highest possible uniqueness and individuality.

Source: Carlsson

Mansory Unleashes 838 HP Lamborghini Huracan

The tuners at Mansory have surprised us with a very special project. As they say, they have refined the Huracán to the highest level. Shortly before the official debut of the car in Geneva, the specialists gave us the first glimpse of the refining program for the Lambo model. The pictures clearly show that the vehicle has been widened and now has more purposeful stance.

The bodywork program differs significantly from the standard series vehicle. There are design elements such as the exclusive daytime driving lights and carbon wing mirrors. The new front, rear bumper and side skirts have all been shaped and cured under high pressure and high temperatures in an autoclave using high-tech carbon materials.

This method provides better acceleration, stopping distances and fuel consumption. Furthermore, in combination with the diffuser, the wing profile design delivers more downforce on the rear axle.

Moreover, Mansory has also implemented a power program for this Lamborghini. The upgrades include a high-performance exhaust manifold and muffler, a single Turbo, a new fuel pressure control, new intake manifold fuel injectors and optimised electronic engine and transmission management.

The result is impressive: the total output is now 838 hp (625 kW) at 8,200 rpm compared to the production 602 hp (449 kW) at 8,250 rpm.

The torque has become also bigger, growing from 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) at 6,500 to 780 Nm (576 lb-ft) at 5,300 rpm. The maximum speed has been also modified and it is now 330 km/h. This power kit allows the Huracán to sprint from zero to 100 in just 2.9 seconds.

Distinctive alloy wheels are the next thing to be said about this project. The front wheel tire size combination 9×20 inches and 245/30ZR20, while the rear – 12,5×21 inches and 325/25ZR21.

The interior is adorned by new leather seats and dashboard. For the perfect design they have been finished with contrasting stitching. Newly designed airbag sports steering wheel, pedals made of aluminium and carbon fiber elements complete this tuning project.

Source: Mansory

nanoFLOWCELL Debuts Second Concept in Geneva

nanoFLOWCELL has just announced that there will be another debuting concept car on their stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Next to the 1090 hp Quant F the company will introduce the QUANTiNO Concept. We have received two pictures that show what the model would look like. In addition, nanoFlowcell claimed that the car will be a sensation and one of the absolute highlights of the show.

To go into details, the QUANTiNO is the smaller sibling of the Quant E and Quant F. It is an innovative electric vehicle with contemporary appeal that features sporty, dynamic and low-voltage drive system.

The car is 3.91 metres long and sports 2+2-seater design. It runs on 22-inch wheels. Both front and rear demonstrate the connection with the nanoFlowcell family.

With a rated voltage of only 48 V the company has achieved four times 25 kW, corresponding to around 136 hp, through a combination of nanoFlowcell, buffer system and electric motors. The result is a top speed of more than 200 km/h in electric mode and range of over 1,000 kilometres.

This is only possible because of the implementation of the low-voltage systems. They have enabled the company to generate levels of drive power that previously appeared impossible.

With its two 175-litre tanks, the QUANTiNO is able to carry 350 litres of ionic liquid in total. The first tanks carries a positive charge while the second – negative charge. The refueling process is similar to this of the diesel and gasoline cars, with the sole difference that the two tanks will be filled simultaneously, each with a different fluid.

QUANTiNO will make its official world debut on 3^rd of March at the Geneva Auto Saloon.

Source: nanoFlowcell AG

Porsche Exclusive Shows an Impulsive Macan Turbo

Then next car in Porsche Exclusive’s range of vehicles is the Macan Turbo. It is so charming that we immediately fell in love with it. The first reason for this is its intense colour, called Impulse Red Metallic. In addition, company’s sub-department has treated the Macan with various cosmetic tweaks. There is literally no official information released by the company, nevertheless pictures are speaking for themselves.

The same hue, Impulse Red Metallic, which adorns the body of the car, can be seen also throughout the interior on the dials and seatbelts. Other benefits inside are the dark brown leather upholstery and carbon fiber accents visible on the dashboard.

We can see that the crossover rides on huge rubbers. They come in the dimension of 21-inches and are finished in black high gloss. The Sport Classic alloy wheels are accompanied by the yellow brake calipers. On the exterior we also see blackened bi-xenon headlights, SportDesign exterior mirrors and glossy black side skirts, roof rails and rear diffuser.

Porsche Macan Turbo is driven by a twin-turbocharged 3.6 liter V6 engine. It produces 400 horsepower (294 kW) and can accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. And if the car is equipped with Sport Chrono package, then this time decreases with 0.2 seconds. The tops speed is limited at 266 km/h (165 mph).

Despite this impressive performance, the Macan Turbo is still capable of showing good enough fuel consumption which ranges from 8.9 to 9.2 liters per 100 km (30.7 mpg UK or 25.6 mpg US) as well as CO2 emissions of 208-216 g/km.

Source: Porsche Exclusive