Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2012 Mercedes ML-Class refined by Hofele Design

    Hofele Design has announced their tuning program for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML. It includes a complete body kit and the name of the project is “Starcruiser GT 550”.

    The 14-piece wide body kit includes a new front bumper featuring large air intakes and LED daylights. There are also new wheel arch extensions, a wide rear apron diffuser and a sports exhaust system with four tailpipes. The body kit fits all W166 models except the AMG version.

    The SAV rolls a new set of REVERSO II alloy wheels in sizes 9J x 20” at the front and 10J x 22” at the rear axle. The ride can be lowered to the ground by 40 mm at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

    Hofele Design offers a performance upgrade for the 350 BlueTec diesel engine, which can be boosted to 312HP (230 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft), which is an increase of 54HP and 80Nm.

    The cabin boasts a bi-color leather interior, which is also on the front and rear arm rests, door panels and on the steering wheel.

    No words for pricing.

    Source: Hofele-Design

  • Aston Martin One-77 Q-Series – €2.4 million [HD video]

    Aston Martin One-77 Q-Series is a special limited edition within a limited-run series model. Because of its exclusivity, it is extremely expensive and that’s why it is selling by one of the most interesting car dealers in the world – Al Ain Class Motors. The auto house is in Dubai as you may suggest and offer this One-77 Q-Series for a whopping €2.4 million.

    The Q-Series was presented at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show by Aston Martin. It features an enhanced interior and exterior styling… and price, of course.

    The One-77 is the most powerful naturally aspirated vehicle in the world – a 7.3 liter V12 with 760HP (559 kW) and 750Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 357 km/h (221 mph).

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_J3lverIVU

    Source: Patrick3331

  • BMW M3 GT2 Art Car at Norwegian cliff [HD video]

    BMW actually brought a real M3 GT2 art car on the cliffs of Preikestolen in Norway. The car was airlifted after two days waiting for weather that would allow them to put the specially painted car by Jeff Koons.

    There is no real reason for this strange photoshoot, but the photographer gathered all the visitors on the cliff around the car and done the pictures.

    BMW M3 GT2 is a high-performance sports car created specially for racing at events like 24 Le Mans. It is powered by naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 with maximum output of 500bhp. The chassis is upgraded as well as the brakes and last, but not least, the whole car is much lighter. The performance is stunning – 0 to 160 kph in 3.4 seconds. For the 24 Le Mans race, the car is going to be labeled with the logos of Castrol, Crowne Plaza, Dunlop, Randstad, Sympatex, LuK, H&R, BBS and NGK for the race on the “Circuit de la Sarthe”.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX7GRfshLw0

    Source: FASTLAPracing via Youtube

  • 2013 Hennessey Cadillac VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe – 1200HP and 1500Nm

    Hennessey has announced their latest creation. It is an insane 2013 Hennessey Cadillac VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe, where “VR1200” stands for the number of the horsepower.

    The 7.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 produces 1226HP (914 kW) at 6400RPM and 1501Nm (1109 lb-ft) at 4000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 389 km/h (242 mph). ¼ mile in 10.2 seconds with 227 km/h (141 mph) terminal speed. The gearbox is manual 6-speed, but with Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Upgrade to handle all that torque.

    Will produce just 12 units, but actually the tuned will offer this VR1200 package for CTS-V sedans and wagons.

    Just imagine a station wagon Cadillac with more than 1200HP under the hood!

    Check out the full specs below!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RTpw4MIdVc

    2013 Hennessey Cadillac VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe Specs:

    Power:

    1,226 bhp @ 6,400 rpm (1,066 Rear Wheel HP)

    1,109 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm (964 Rear Wheel Torque)

    Estimated Performance:

    0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds

    1/4 Mile: 10.2 @ 141 mph

    Top Speed: 242 mph

    VR1200 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes:

    427 CID (7.0L) Aluminum V8 Engine

    Forged Aluminum Pistons

    Forged Steel Connecting Rods

    Forged Steel Crankshaft

    Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly

    ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts

    High Flow Cylinder Heads

    Hennessey VR1200 Camshaft

    Upgraded Fuel Injectors

    Upgraded Fuel System (Includes Lines, Rails, Regulator & Pump)

    Twin Ball Bearing, Billet Wheel Precision Turbochargers

    Dual Wastegates

    Adjustable Boost Controller (800, 1000 & 1226 HP power settings)

    Stainless Steel Turbo Downpipes and Exhaust System

    Air-to-Water Intercooler

    High-Flow Air Induction System

    Professional Installation

    HPE Engine Management Calibration

    Dyno Tuning & Road Testing

    Hennessey Exterior Badging

    Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques

    3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

    Transmission & Drivetrain Upgrades:

    Manual: Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Upgrade

    Automatic: Performance Build & Torque Converter Upgrade (Add $20,000)

    Extreme Duty CV-Shaft Upgrade

    Brembo Brake System Upgrades:

    15.1 inch Carbon Ceramic Rotors (Front & Rear)

    Calipers: 8-Piston (Front); 6-Piston (Rear)

    Wheels & Tire Upgrades:

    Hennessey Wheels: 20×10 inch (Front); 20×13 inch (Rear)

    Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires: 275/30YR-20 (Front); 345/30YR-20 (Rear)

    Suspension Upgrades:

    Lowered 1″ (Front & Rear)

    Upgraded Front and Rear Swaybars

    Factory Magnetic Ride Control Tuned by John Heinricy

    CarbonAero Widebody Body:

    Carbon Fiber Front Splitter

    Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser

    Carbon Fiber Front Fenders

    Carbon Fiber Extractor Hood

    Carbon Fiber Rear Fender Flares

    Interior Upgrades:

    Alcantara Headliner

    Carbon Fiber Door Sills

    Upgraded Leather & Stitching

    Hennessey Embroidered Heardrests

    Hennessey Premium Floormats

    Source: HPEdesign

  • Wide Track Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 Diesel S-Line by Kahn Design

    Kahn Design has announced their tuning program for the new Q7. The project name is Wide Track Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 Diesel S-Line and as you may suggest, it features big wheel arches.

    The body kit includes a new front bumper arches, front and rear wide track arches, front bumper replacement wings with air vents, matte black rear diffuser, rear vented bumper and a rear large upper wing roof.

    The interior boasts three-spoke S-line leather steering wheel, a panoramic glass sunroof, SAT NAV system, rear view camera with parking aid, Bluetooth and automatic climate control. Other upgrades are liquid gold brake calipers, rear LED lights, light and rain sensors, black headlining and S Line plates.

    The final touch is a set of 9.5J x 22” front and 10.5J x 22” rear Kahn RS-R alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

    This particular model in white is priced at £61,875, which is good value for money. After all, you’ll drive a unique vehicle.

    Source: Kahn

    Kahn Design Wide Track Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 Diesel S-Line
  • Mercedes SLS AMG MC700 refined by McChip

    McChip has announced their tuning version of the beautiful SLS 63 AMG. There is hardly any other brand of the sports car category with such a brilliant mastery of transition through different worlds like the SLS 63 AMG feeling at home on the red carpet in very much the same way as on the asphalt of the race track. The name of the project is MC700 and features only performance upgrade.

    The 6.2 liter V8 engine has received a supercharger, a Capristo sport exhaust system and an ECU re-map. The result is sensational – 680HP (500 kW) and 770Nm (568 lb-ft), which is an increase of 109HP and 120Nm of torque. But this is not everything, you can order even a more powerful version with 706HP (519 kW) and 793Nm (585 lb-ft).

    The price of the first “MC700” upgrade stage is €69,900 and the second is €78,999.

    For both “MC700” performance stages, mcchip-dkr requires a conversion period of five to seven working days.

    Source: McChip

  • Lamborghini Gallardo SOHO by DMC Tuning

    DMC has announced their tuning version of Lamborghini Gallardo. The project name is SOHO and it features a new body kit, interior upgrades and performance modifications.

    The body kit includes a redesigned front bumper, perfectly matched side diffusers, a massive rear wing, and a new rear-fascia. A new rear diffuser completes the look and supports the redesigned aerodynamics of the car. All parts are made from carbon fiber.

    The interior boasts a complete make-over using carbon fiber & fine italian leathers. Complete new leather and carbon fiber coatings leave no old look behind, a hand-made art that is performed by only a few masters left in Germany.

    The 5.2 liter V10 is boosted to 560HP and has a new top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).

    The DMC fitted their tuned Lambo with stainless sports rear silencer. There is also a DMC sport metallic catalytic converter that adds 28HP and 50Nm of torque.

    Source: DMC

  • Formula Ford laps Nurburgring in 7:22 minutes [HD video]

    A specially prepared race car by Ford called “Formulla” managed to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 22 seconds. Another spectacular thing about the vehicle is its engine with only 1.0 liter of displacement.

    The one-of a-kind, road-legal version of the latest Formula Ford single-seat racer completed the lap in 7 minutes, 22 seconds to register the 11th fastest time ever on the circuit – a performance that puts it ahead of a host of supercars including the 600+ horsepower Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari Enzo and Pagani Zonda.

    “This little engine has people rubbing their eyes in disbelief,” commented racing driver and course specialist Nick Tandy, 28, who completed the drive.

    “It’s simply astonishing that a 3-cylinder, one-litre engine can deliver that kind of performance.”, he added.

    The 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine produces 205HP (151 kW), which is enough for top speed of over 255 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in less than 4 seconds. The car is fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox and was driven on road-legal tyres.

    The vehicle completed the 20.832 km (12.94 mile) Nordschleife circuit at an average speed of 169 km/h (105 mph).

    In-house testing also showed the 1.0-litre EcoBoost-powered Formula Ford is capable of extremely frugal fuel economy, delivering 2.4 l/100 km (118 mpg) at 56 km/h (35 mph), and 5 l/100 km (57 mpg) at 120 km/h (75 mph).

    Check out the video below!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bexyLla5NAE

    Source: Fordofeurope

  • GT-R EcuTeck vs 911 Proto 1000 and 911 Switzer

    Dragtimesinfo has released a new video with two of the fastest cars in Russia – Porsche 911 Turbo 997 Mk.1 Proto 1000. As you may suggest, the car is boosted to one thousand HP. The second is also a Porsche, but this time a 911 Turbo tuned by Switzer having 950HP.

    The first start is between 911 Proto 1000 and a lot underpowered Nissan GT-R Mk.2 Ecutek Stage 2 with “just” 670HP, which is 330HP less than the German beast. The GT-R didn’t stand a chance and finished the 1 mile race for 27.289 seconds with 300.00 km/h terminal speed, while the 911 stopped the clock at 25.377 seconds with 318.66 km/h.

    The second start was between the same GT-R and 911 Turbo Switzer. Again, the Nissan is a lot underpowered, but the two cars are in same class, so everything is fair. The GT-R finished the 1 mile race in 26.656 seconds with 302.26 km/h, which is great result, but the 911 stopped the clock at 26.113 seconds with 298.44 km/h. Still, both cars are very close despite the 280HP difference.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1StJaXFUGo

    Source: Dragtimesinfo

  • 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier Edition

    The 2013 Chrysler 300 series sedans are designed to reward the determination of these individuals with even more luxury, world-class technology, value, and of course the bravado expected from the Motor City’s luxury sedan.

    Ensuring that all 2013 Chrysler 300 models deliver the segment’s most luxurious sedan with a surprising array of standard amenities, world-class performance, best-in-class fuel economy and a legendary value – the entire Chrysler flagship portfolio was repositioned. The simplified Chrysler 300 lineup now consists of:

    • Chrysler 300 – the brand’s most appointed entry-level flagship ever, starting at $29,845
      • 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission for up to 31 mpg highway
      • Now includes standard leather seating with heated front seats
      • Uconnect 8.4 with voice commands and Bluetooth streaming audio
      • The segment’s most advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with best-in-class city and highway fuel economy (18/27 mpg) now available
    • Chrysler 300S – $32,995 (priced $675 less than 2012, with more than $2,300 of added value)
      • Now includes a 300 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with sport-tuned exhaust, cold-air induction and eight-speed automatic transmission with “Sport Mode”
      • Now includes standard Black or Radar Red leather seats with heated front seats
      • Gloss Black painted roof option for even more athletic style
      • Available 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with 363 horsepower and four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology and performance-tuned suspension and brakes available
      • The segment’s most advanced AWD system is available with both powertrains
    • Chrysler 300C – the flagship’s “letter series” prestige now delivers 31 mpg highway and more affordable $35,995 MSRP (priced $2,675 less than the previous year’s model)
      • Now features the 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with state-of-the-art ZF eight-speed automatic transmission for up to 31 mpg highway
      • Standard Uconnect 8.4N with easy-to-use Garmin navigation with improved navigation features
      • Available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 363 horsepower and four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology
      • The segment’s most advanced AWD system is available with both powertrains
    • Chrysler 300C Luxury Series – the brand’s most fuel-efficient and luxurious sedan ever, starting at $39,995
      • Named “Wards 10 Best Interiors” and features exclusive appointments including ultra-premium Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather wrapped upper door trim, I/P and center console side panes, Nappa Leather wrapped door bolsters, door armrest and center console armrest, hand-sanded matte wood, world-class craftsmanship and refinement
      • Now features the 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with state-of-the-art ZF eight-speed automatic transmission for up to 31 mpg highway
      • Unique platinum exterior accents including front grille, door handles, exterior mirror caps and fascia accents
      • Standard Uconnect 8.4N with easy-to-use Garmin navigation with improved navigation features
      • Available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 363 horsepower and four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology

    The segment’s most advanced AWD system is available with both powertrains

    The new 300 Glacier Edition is based on the 300S model and comes with a black chrome grille and gloss black accents. There’s also a set of 19” aluminum wheels with a satin carbon finish.

    The interior boasts cloth and leather seats, piano black trim and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. There is also a set of embroidered floor mats and “matte carbon hydrographic accents.”

    The 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier will hit the market this fall.

    Source: Chrysler

  • 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – The World’s first Plug-in hybrid SUV

    2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - Front AngleMitsubishi has released more details about the Outlander PHEV, which will make its official debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

    The Outlander PHEV uses MMC’s own Plug-in Hybrid EV System powertrain derived from 100% electric systems used on the i-MiEV and other MMC all-electric vehicles. The Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, and brings together the environmental performance and quietness that distinguish EVs while delivering the utility and on- and off-road performance associated with 4WD sport utility vehicles and the cruising range of a conventional ICE-powered vehicle.

    It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors. The overall range is up to 880 km (547 miles) and 55 km (34 miles) on electricity alone.

    In terms of efficiency, Mitsubishi expects a combined fuel economy rating 1.6 litres per 100km, which is 144 mpg US.

    The Outlander PHEV has Three Drive Modes for Optimal Efficiency.

    EV Drive Mode

    EV Drive Mode is an all-electric mode in which the front and rear motors drive the vehicle using only electricity from the drive battery. With zero on-road gasoline consumption and zero CO2 emissions the driver can enjoy quiet and very eco-friendly performance in this mode.

    Series Hybrid Mode

    In Series Hybrid Mode the gasoline engine operates as a generator supplying electricity to the electric motors. The system switches to this mode when the remaining charge in the battery falls below a predetermined level and when more powerful performance is required, such as accelerating to pass a vehicle or climbing a steep gradient such as a slope.

    Parallel Hybrid Mode

    In Parallel Hybrid Mode the gasoline engine provides most of the motive power, assisted by the electric motors as required. The system switches to this mode for higher-speed driving when the gasoline engine operates at peak efficiency.

    2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - Hybrid Mode

    2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - Side View

    Source: Mitsubishi

  • Entry model from BMW – The 2013 1-Series 114d

    BMW has announced their new entry level of 1-Series hatchback. The 114d model is going to be one of the cheapest BMWs on the market, but still offering sheer driving pleasure.

    The 2013 BMW 1-Series 114d is powered by a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine featuring Twin Power Turbo technology. It produces 95 HP (70 kW) at 4,000 RPM and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) of torque available at 1,500 RPM. 0-100 km/h in 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph).

    Average fuel consumption is between 4.1 and 4.3 litres/100 km, with respective CO2 emissions being between 109 and 112 grams per km (levels as per the EU test cycle, depending on selected tyre format).

    Like all other model variants of the new BMW 1-Series, the new BMW 114d is also equipped as standard with comprehensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology. The package comprises among other things brake energy regeneration, shift point indicator, Auto Start Stop function, electronic power steering, on-demand ancillary components and tyres with reduced rolling resistance.

    Moreover, the new BMW 114d features the ECO PRO mode, which can be activated by means of the Driver Experience Control switch fitted as standard, facilitating both a relaxed and economical driving style.

    Source: BMW