Author: Victor Ivanov

  • Tuned Hyundai Velosters at 2011 SEMA

    Hyundai has announced their line-up for 2011 SEMA Motor Show. It includes Performance ARK Hyundai Veloster, PM Lifestyle Hyundai Veloster, Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC, RMR RM500 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, REMIX Hyundai Veloster Gaming, REMIX Hyundai Veloster Music and REMIX Hyundai Veloster Tech.

    All vehicles are unique and the number of upgrades is endless. Adding even more Velosters to Hyundai’s modified pack, RIDES magazine, in association with Lux Motorwerks, also built three custom Velosters centered around the passion points of music, technology and gaming. Each of the three Velosters boasts its own style, top-of-the-line modifications and the most current gear available.

    “Each year we bring our newest, most exciting cars to SEMA through a partnership with aftermarket specialists to create even more powerful options for Hyundai owners,” commented Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

    “This year, we chose to bring back the tuner-friendly Genesis Coupe as well as debut modifications to our new and innovative three-door coupe, the 2012 Veloster.”, he finished.

    ARK Performance Veloster

    To showcase the performance capabilities and aftermarket potential of its three-door coupe, Hyundai teamed up with ARK Performance to transform Veloster into a sleek rally car. The ARK Performance Veloster will be unveiled with a custom twin-scroll turbocharger increasing its horsepower to 210-horsepower and a bright green and flat gray paint scheme to give enthusiasts a glimpse at Veloster’s potential. The Veloster will showcase mechanical, interior and exterior modifications including an open wheel concept with aggressive fenders and Nitto tires. ARK will also develop Veloster specific parts to showcase the tunability of the engine and vehicle exterior.

    PM Lifestyle Veloster

    Hyundai partnered with PM Lifestyle, a leader in creative innovation and digital media distribution in the automotive industry, and the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) to develop a powerful and interactive custom Veloster for this year’s SEMA Show. The bold, blue Veloster with a carbon-fiber hood, Konig Deception wheels and custom leather interior will make its debut on the SEMA Show floor and then take off on a three-year show tour with UTI, making appearances at over 120 autocross, supercross and school demonstration events. With an anticipated performance of 163-horsepower, PM Lifestyle’s custom Veloster will showcase many special modifications, making it a guaranteed highlight at this year’s SEMA Show.

    Genesis Hurricane SC

    Showcasing the extreme power of Hyundai’s most popular performance car, Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) teamed up with Magnuson Products, Rhys Millen Racing, Harman International and Torvec Inc. to develop and build a special edition prototype Genesis Coupe, the Genesis Hurricane SC. The Genesis Hurricane SC represents a two year development effort by HATCI, Hyundai’s design, technology and engineering branch, as its engineers worked to enhance all aspects of the vehicle including power, traction, braking, exterior and interior design and audio system. Highlighting the performance modifications, HATCI teamed up with Magnuson Products to supercharge Genesis Coupe’s 3.8L V-6 engine with a liquid to air intercooler, producing more than 450-horsepower.

    In addition to the supercharged V-6, the Hurricane features an IsoTorque differential from Torvec Inc., exterior enhancements from Rhys Millen Racing and a Harman International high level Lexicon audio system.

    Rhys Millen Racing RM500 Genesis Coupe

    Making auto enthusiasts’ wishes come true at this year’s SEMA Show, RMR’s modified Genesis Coupe will showcase Hyundai’s most powerful engine under its hood – the award-winning 5.0-liter Tau V8. The RM500 Genesis Coupe is a 450-horsepower machine with a distinct, production-ready look. This marks the fourth year of the partnership between RMR and Hyundai creating show-stopping vehicles for tuners and consumers alike. In addition to the Tau V8, the all-black Genesis Coupe receives a custom RMR stainless exhaust with GReddy rear section muffler and titanium tips, oil cooler and rear differential cooler. These mechanical enhancements give Hyundai’s most powerful engine an extra 20 horsepower boost.

    Rhys Millen Racing 2WD Global Rally Cross Veloster

    Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) will also showcase his Two-Wheel Drive Veloster Rally Car. This production-based two-wheel drive racer has custom lightweight RMR body panels, improved aerodynamics, and rally-inspired suspension tuning for the rally enthusiast. The car features Hyundai’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and delivers 300-horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

    REMIX Hyundai Veloster Gaming
    REMIX Hyundai Veloster Gaming
    REMIX Hyundai Veloster Tech
    REMIX Hyundai Veloster Tech
    REMIX Hyundai Veloster Music
    REMIX Hyundai Veloster Music


    – REMIX Hyundai Veloster Music

    Source: Hyundai

  • Novitec Rosso Ferrari SA Aperta

    Novitec Rosso has announced their tuning program for Ferrari 599 Fiorano. The project name is SA Aperta, which means open and you can see why.

    Novitec Ferrari 599 SA Aperta is powered by a twin-supercharged 6.0 liter V12 with whopping 888PS (653 kW) and 862Nm (636 lb-ft) of torque, which is 218PS (160 kW) more than the original power of the naturally aspirated engine.

    The performance is outstanding – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, to 200 km/h in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of staggering 340 km/h (211 mph). Nice!

    599 SA Aperta received enormous 10J x 21” rims fitted with 295/25 ZR 21 Pirelli PZero tires up front and 12J x 22” with 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear. The car is lowered with 25mm by a spring set from NOVITEC. Unique car with unique stance.

    There is also a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with 90 mm black-coated tailpipes with deep sound from the mighty V12.

    The production will be limited to just 80 units, but nothing is mentioned about pricing.

    Novitec Rosso Ferrari SA Aperta
    Novitec Rosso Ferrari SA Aperta

    Source: Novitec Rosso

  • Anderson Ferrari 458 Italia

    Anderson Germany has revealed their tuned Ferrari 458 Italia. The car was presented two years ago, in September 2009, at the International Automobile Exhibition in Frankfurt and until now, it has a lot of tuning packages.

    The aerodynamics kit includes sporty front lip spoiler, front bumper flaps, wider side skirts, a modest rear lip spoiler, engine air outlets, window air intake grille and front bumper ventilation grid. The roof, the hood, the mirrors and the door handles, the trunk lid with the diffuser, as well as tail light trims were manually coated with carbon fiber.

    The mighty naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 now delivers 623PS (458 kW). 0-100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds a top speed of over 325 km/h. The new power is thanks to an ECU re-map, sport exhaust system with racing catalyst, heat protection, and special tailpipe.

    The “carbon fiber” Italia stands on enormous 9J x 21” rims with 255/30 ZR21 up front and 12J x 22” with 335/25 ZR22 for the rear. The drop-center rims are obviously carbon-coated in body color.

    The car is lowered for perfect stance and handling.

    No words about pricing.

    Anderson Ferrari 458 Italia
    Anderson Ferrari 458 Italia

    Source: Anderson Germany

  • Renown Lamborghini Gallardo R70

    Lamborghini Gallardo R70 will be exhibited at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The tuning package is created by Renown Auto Style.

    The Renown R70 package includes a new front bumper featuring a lower carbon fiber section, carbon fiber side skirts, a rear bumper with a carbon fiber diffuser that houses dual exhaust tips, and a carbon fiber low drag wing that features a gurney flap. There are also a line up of wheels and is currently developing a new exhaust system.

    The R70 package suits only to the 04-08 Gallardo. All the carbon fiber parts are hand crafted and finished to optimize the unique weave pattern for each piece.

    “Renown as a company is very young, but we bring 30 years of combined experience in the automotive world, we have the knowledge to work around issues. This is why we do all of our development and aero production in-house. We are very proud of the fact that everything we offer is designed, developed and produced in the US.”, finished Ray Fong the company president.

    Renown Lamborghini Gallardo R70
    Renown Lamborghini Gallardo R70

    Source: Renown Auto Style

  • 2012 Peugeot 208

    Peugeot will launch all-new 208 model in two distinct body styles; 3- and 5-door. It is set to arrive in mainland Europe in the spring and for the UK in the summer of 2012. Peugeot 206/207 are ones of the best-selling cars is in the ‘B’ (Supermini) segment, so the manufacturer expect huge success of the new 208.

    2012 Peugeot 208 is completely different vehicle than the predecessor 207. It is lighter – 173kg with a range which starts at 975kg, more aerodynamic – Cd of 0.29, CdA of 0.61 and smaller – 70mm shorter and 10mm lower. These benefits are accentuated by noticeably increased occupant space, with more room in the rear seats (+5cm at the knees) and a more generous boot (+15 dm3 in volume), proof of optimised architectural performance.

    “The strength of the 208 lies in its style: it is a real ball of energy. It has the potential to please everyone, like a popular piece of music that touches the human soul regardless of culture.”, commented Gilles Vidal, Style Director, Automobiles Peugeot.

    Its latest generation engine technology and the use of the e-HDi micro-hybrid system on virtually all versions add to the vehicle’s improvements in terms of weight reduction and aerodynamics.

    The 208 introduces a new range of 3-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0- and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient. They return up to 65.7mpg with emissions of just 99g/km of CO2 .

    The 208 renews the driving experience, a key factor in the DNA of every Peugeot:

    • Due to the small steering wheel which provides new ergonomics, the driver experiences a completely new driving agility,
    • Due to a new level of engineering between comfort and road holding, the result of the historical expertise of the Marque in terms of suspension and the benefits from the compactness and reduced weight of the vehicle.
    2012 Peugeot 208
    2012 Peugeot 208

    Source: Peugeot

  • 6th Gear Experience – £75 gift to remember – Audi R8

    The UK’s leading provider of supercar driving experience days, 6th Gear Experience has announced an amazing collection of over 30 cars to choose from, five great circuits around the country, and a range of gift vouchers from only £75.

    With such opportunity, you can turn someone’s dream into reality with a 6th Gear driving experience. And with on-course and in-car video and photography, 6th Gear will help ensure that everyone enjoys a highly memorable day.

    The list of supercars is amazing – Murcielago LP640, Gallardo Spider, 458 Italia, 360 Challenge Stradale, Audi R8, 997 Turbo and the brutal supercharged Ariel Atom, which accelerates to 100 km/h in 3 seconds. You’ll be also able to choose from the mighty Nissan GT-R and Ford Focus RS.

    There will be a choice of five great circuits – in the south at Longcross Proving Ground near Chertsey, Surrey, in the Midlands at Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire and Prodrive near Kenilworth, in the east at Blyton Park’s new circuit in Lincolnshire, and in the north from Elvington, York.

    All customers are accompanied by a fully trained race instructor and every supercar is equipped with dual brake pedals.  Before driving their chosen car, everyone is given an instructor driven demonstration lap and in-car briefing.

    You can get supercar driving gift vouchers through most major high street retail stores or to order online at www.6thgearexperience.com. Vouchers are valid for 10 months and redeemable at any of the company’s five UK venues.

    Gift packages are priced from £75 to £795.

    Be hurry and make a perfect present for you petrol head relatives and friends. A gift present for just £75 includes: An instructor driven demonstration/familiarisation lap; 3 – 4 laps (depending on location) driving one of the following supercars : Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Ferrari 360 Modena, Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8, Porsche 911 Turbo or supercharged Ariel Atom; A certificate of supercar driving.

    Selection of Supercars
    Selection of Supercars
    Longcross Proving Ground, Surrey
    Longcross Proving Ground, Surrey
    Lamborghini Gallardo
    Lamborghini Gallardo
    Ferrari 458 Italia
    Ferrari 458 Italia
    Aston Martin DBS
    Aston Martin DBS
    6th Gear Truck
    6th Gear Truck

    Source: 6th Gear Experience

  • BBR Mazda 3 MPS Phase 2

    BBR has announced the specially tuned Mazda 3 Phase 2. It is based on the powerfull Mazda 3 MPS with 2.3 DSI engine.

    A lot of modifications has been made for boosting Mazda 3 MPS to 320PS. Firstly, the MPS’s standard, airflow restrictive turbo inlet hoses are replaced with high flow, cast aluminium/silicon versions specifically designed to withstand higher boost levels without deformation. To optimise inlet flow and provide superior filtration BBR replaces the stock paper airbox element with a high flow performance filter.

    The exhaust has been modified, too. Mazda MPS turbo downpipe, pre-catalyst and main catalytic converter are replaced with a BBR 3 inch stainless steel downpipe including a sports catalyst.

    In conjunction with the BBR Phase 2’s mechanical modifications a custom mapped BBR Star Chip is installed to extract the maximum safe power from the original Mazda MPS turbo charger.

    The end results are 320PS (235 kW) at 6200RPM and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) at 3800RPM.

    Priced at £1645, with a fitting charge of £395, customers should allow six to eight hours for installation. A 3 inch diameter cat back stainless steel exhaust system is available for a further £495.

    BBR also offers Mazda 3 MPS Performance Spring set for £165. You can also order a full Specification Koni adjustable dampers for £795.

    BBR Mazda 3 MPS Phase 2
    BBR Mazda 3 MPS Phase 2

    BBR’s Phase Two Conversion includes:

    A BBR spec High flow fuel pump – the standard Mazda 2.3 DSI high pressure fuel pump is removed, disassembled and cleaned, the standard unit is reassembled with the addition of BBR’s high flow internals and unit reinstalled – retaining the standard visual appearance but with much higher performance.

    A BBR High Flow inlet hose set – a complete set of high flow replacement hoses are included, removing Mazda’s inherent flow restrictions and allowing greater flow to the turbocharger.

    A BBR high flow exhaust downpipe with sports cat – a complete downpipe section including sports catalyst, produced from highest quality aircraft grade stainless steel ensuring a perfect fit and consistent high flow.

    A high flow filter – BBR specifies a ‘drop in’ performance air filter, which improves inlet airflow, increases throttle response and comes with a million mile warranty.

    BBR MPS Phase Two Power 318 bhp @ 6580 RPM
    BBR MPS Phase Two Torque 370 ft/lbs @ 3900-4300 RPM

    Source: BBR

  • Audi RS5 Coupe vs tuned Audi S5 Sportback

    Another hard choice – Audi RS5 Coupe or tuned Audi S5 Sportback. Although the second car has two more doors, it is not less sporty, at all.

    Firstly, Audi RS5 has a brutal 4.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 450PS (331 kW) at 6000RPM and 430Nm (317 lb-ft) at 4000RPM. The redline of the engine is all the way up to 8250RPM. It is mated to a 7-speed S-tronic gearbox, which sends the power to Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

    The performance – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) with speed governor and 278 km/h (173 mph) with optional package.

    The car stands on enormous 19” forged aluminum wheels with 265/35-series tires as standard. Customers can also upgrade to 20” wheels with 275/30-series tires as an option. Behind them, there are humongous ventilated wave brake discs – 365 millimeters up front with 8-piston calipers. However, you can order carbon fiber-ceramic discs up front as an option.

    Audi RS5 also comes with complete aerodynamics package including sporty front bumper, a new rear bumper with diffuser and a pair of modified side skirts. There is also an interior sport package including leather seats, steering wheel and some elements and logos all over.

    Audi RS5 Coupe is priced at €77 700, which is a lot, but it worth every single cent.

    On the other hand, we have a nice S5 Sportback with a tuning package from Senner.

    It is powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6  with 333PS (245 kW) at 5500RPM and 440Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque at just 2900RPM. After some small modifications like air filter, sport exhaust system including an additional muffler and X-Pipe of stainless steel with the enlarged pipe diameter to 63.5 mm and 4 exhaust pipes of 90×70 mm, and of course an ECU re-map. The power has been increased to a hefty – 445PS (327 kW) and 530Nm (393 lb-ft).

    Senner S5 Sportback also comes with Elegant TS-7 wheels in sizes 9.5J x 20” up front and 11J x 20” at the rear fitted with Conti Sport Contact 5P tires in dimensions 255/30 R20 and 295/25 R20, respectively.

    The car is finished in black mettalic paint with bright borders, as well as moldings and racks for windows, including a fog-light frame in the same color.

    The suspension received adjustable screw thread B16 PSS10 from Bilstein with the possibility of height, pull rate and pressure adjustment in “Senner-tuning”, which is responsible for the low suspension: about 40 mm on the front axle and 35 mm on the rear axle.

    The total cost of the upgrades is €15 000 and the original S5 Sportback costs €57 900, so the combined price is “just” €72 900, which is almost 5 thousand less than RS5.

    Again, it is very difficult to choose, whether you’ll have the brutal RS5 with its mighty V8 or the more “normal” tuned S5.

    Senner Audi S5 Sportback
    Senner Audi S5 Sportback
    2011 Audi RS5
    2011 Audi RS5
  • Mopar 8.4 liter V10 with 800HP at 2011 SEMA

    Mopar has created a monstrous entirely new 8.4 liter V10 engine, which was introduced at 2011 SEMA Show.

    “SEMA is the perfect platform to introduce some of Mopar’s newest high performance and restoration parts and products,” commented Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar. “If you’re looking for horsepower that can be dropped in or bolted on, the Mopar exhibit area has a full range of small- and big-block products for the enthusiast.

    “Mopar has been in the performance business for decades. In fact, the brand really came to life at the track,” he added.

    “We are committed to supporting performance enthusiasts. We have an extremely rich product plan that will not only support the more than 5 million HEMI engines in market today and the 30 million Chrysler Group vehicles on the roads across the country, but will also support the products of tomorrow. The engines we are launching are the first of many exciting products to come for both on and off-road needs. We have an amazing track record of fueling enthusiasts and are committed to continuing this legacy.”, Mr. Gorlier finished.

    The new 8.4 liter performance V10 produces 811PS (597 kW) and 941Nm (695 lb-ft) of torque. These results are thanks to a number of modifications – a forged steel crankshaft with forged steel connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons with a compression ratio of 12.5:1. All rotating components have been balanced for maximum performance at the track. The mighty engine revs up to 7000RPM.

    Mopar 8.4 liter V10
    Mopar 8.4 liter V10

    Source: Dodge

  • Toyota Yaris B-Spec Club Racer

    Toyota Yaris B-Spec Club Racer will be exhibited at the 2011 SEMA Show. It is the first race car built for competition in the U.S. from the next-generation 2012 Yaris SE.

    The Yaris Club racer will compete in the SCCA B-spec class race category in 2012 with Action Sports Star and BMX legend Jamie Bestwick behind the wheel aiming to qualify for and compete in the 2012 SCCA National Championship Runoffs, held at the famed Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wis. The seven-time X Games champion and former Dew Tour Athlete of the year will be on hand to talk about the Yaris B-Spec Club Racer at a Toyota press conference.

    The Yaris B-Spec Club Racer was built by SportsCar Magazine utilizing an all-new second-generation Yaris SE three-door hatchback. It demonstrates how the all-new Yaris offers a cost friendly avenue for amateur racers eager to gain experience in SCCA wheel-to-wheel racing. The Yaris B-Spec Club Racer’s livery also pays homage to Toyota’s 1998 LeMans pole-winning GT-One race car, as Toyota celebrates it return to the famed racing series next year.

    With the right size for drivers who need an agile and functional vehicle, the all-new 2012 Toyota Yaris Liftback features sporty styling, outstanding safety features and improved fuel economy.

    The all-new Yaris features a remarkable attention to detail in the design and engineering of the vehicle. From its smart, interior design and quiet, refined passenger cabin to its responsive driving dynamics, the 2012 Yaris answers car-shoppers’ demands for a no-compromise vehicle.

    Toyota Yaris B-Spec Club Racer
    Toyota Yaris B-Spec Club Racer

    Toyota Yaris B-Spec Club Racer

    EXTERIOR
    – Toyota Le Mans GT-One inspired graphics
    – OMP tow hooks

    INTERIOR
    – Autopower Industries 8-point SCCA-spec roll cage
    – Autopower window net
    – OMP AFFF 2.8L fire system
    – OMP HTE FIA race seat
    – OMP 805 6-point FIA harness
    – OMP WRC steering wheel
    – RLC Racing Track Commander data acquisition system

    TIRES/WHEELS
    – Hoosier Racing Tire A6 P205/50ZR15
    – Enkei RPF1 15×7

    SUSPENSION
    – Cusco Zero-3 Series Suspension kit
    – Cusco Center Lock Pillowball Upper Mounts

    BRAKES
    – Pagid RS29 brake pads

    POWERTRAIN
    – Toyota 1NZ-FE 1.5 liter with VVT-i
    – AEM Performance Electronics EMS Series 2
    – Beta Motorsports cat-back exhaust
    – Church Automotive Testing custom tune
    – Joe Gibbs Driven XP1 Racing Oil
    – Joe Gibbs Driven Super Speedway Gear oil
    – K&N air filter
    – K&N oil filter

  • Volkswagen GT Up! Concept

    Volkswagen has announced their plans to creat GT Up!. Until then, you’ll be able to see GT Up! Concept car. The GT Up! Concept promises to distil the driving pleasure of the seminal hot hatch, the GTI, into a powerful yet petite package.

    It comes with sporty style – wide-mouthed honeycomb grille, broad bumper including ducts to provide cooling airflow to the front brakes, these ducts also containing the wing-shaped LED daytime running lights. The sporting theme continues along the flanks, which feature extended sills and black gloss-painted door mirrors.  The wheels are arch-filling 17-inch alloys with wide 195-section tyres.  At the rear, a deep roof spoiler helps reduce lift over the rear axle, while a black diffuser at the bottom is framed by an exhaust pipe on either side.

    VW GT Up! will be powered by a small turbocharged petrol engine with around 100PS.

    The interior boasts a black roof lining, anthracite-coloured seats offset by central panels with a blue chequered pattern that has more than a hint of GTI about it.  The gloss-black dashboard and upper door trim panels are similarly offset by blue rings around the air vent nozzles, while the driver gets to grip a chunky leather-bound three-spoke wheel.

    Volkswagen GT Up! Concept will be exhibited at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show.

    Volkswagen GT Up! Concept
    Volkswagen GT Up! Concept

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Subaru BRZ Concept

    Subaru will exhibit BRZ STI concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It will be held between November  18th and 27th, this year.

    Built around Subaru’s core technologies, the BRZ will use a new 2.0 litre Subaru Boxer engine developed specifically for the model and with the latest direct injection technology to improve combustion and efficiency. It will deliver around 200PS (147 kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque.

    The new compact coupe has been developed as part of an on-going joint project with Toyota Motor Corporation. All cars will be built at Subaru’s Gunma plant in Japan when production starts in spring 2012.

    The car is practically the same as the production model. It features a sports front bumper with nice grille and LED daytime running lights. There is also a huge rear wing and a sports four-tailpipe exhaust system.

    Subaru BRZ Concept
    Subaru BRZ Concept
    Subaru BRZ Concept
    Subaru BRZ Concept
    Subaru BRZ Concept
    Subaru BRZ Concept

    Source: Subaru