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Monsoon Grey Audi Q5 Wide Track by A. Kahn Design

Monsoon Grey Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro Wide Track by A. Kahn Design is the latest creation of the British tuners, which ultimately shows their capacity of customization and expertise. Although they are more famous with projects involving vehicles from the brand Land Rover, this Q5 confirms that there are literally no limitations for them. The mid-size SUV is the perfect car for urban driving. It is a dynamic vehicle, which not only offers plenty of legroom, but also has style and powerful stance.

The first striking thing about Kahn’s Audi Q5 Wide Track is the exterior color, which is adorned with a Monsoon Grey paint finish. At the front we also see a replacement of the bumper. This provides a potent look to the front fascia and fits in nicely with the extensive muscular front and rear wheel arches.

Then, the specialists installed a new set of sports lowering springs as well as a new diffuser replacement with integrated stainless steel quad exhaust sits stacked on either side. With this step they have lowered the vehicle, which goes perfectly with its bold wheel arches.

The wheel arches on the other hand were further highlighted by a set of 9.5 x 22 Kahn RS600 wheels in Matt Gun Metal. Behind them we see painted brake callipers. The interior of this Audi also got some fresh makeover. Both the front and rear seats now feature a soft quilted and perforated red leather with contrasting stitching.

Source: A. Kahn Design

August 1, 2014

Eibach Volkswagen Polo R WRC Offers Everyday Rally Experience

Eibach decided to make some changes to one of Volkswagen’s small and high-performance cars, the Polo R WRC. The model is one of the best VW has ever produced and it draws upon company’s successful rally experience. This derivative is the fastest Polo ever created and this is due to the Golf’s GTI’s 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine. The unit generates 220 horsepower (162 kW) and 348 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

The power is sent to front wheels with the help of a short-shift six-speed manual transmission. The performance figures are the following: Polo R WRC can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.4 seconds under its way reaching a top speed of 243 km/h (151 mph); it can return 31.6 mpg (7.4 liters/100 km) and emit 174 g/km CO2.

By adding Eibach suspension components, the motorsport heritage of the vehicle has been further improved. This however does not affect the day to day character of the car. To be more precise, the tuners have added a Pro-Kit Performance Springs, which reduce the Polo‘s centre of gravity. This means that by doing so, the car now has a sportier stance with a more agile handling.

Next, the customization specialists included here Eibach Anti-Roll-Kit Performance Sway Bars. They come do minimize body roll and also enhance cornering stability. At last, the perfect look and assertive appearance of the model is ensured by the Pro-Spacer Wheel Spacers made of aluminum.

Source: Eibach

August 1, 2014

MR Racing Restyles Audi A7 3.0 TDI Sportback

MR Racing Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI is also called the Blue Wonder. The tuners at MR Racing decided that it is time to make a project involving the A7 Sportback and make it even more elegant and extrovert. For a sportier look, they have added aggressive front apron, which we have seen on the RS7 model. Then, the initial exterior color of this Audi was covered with full foil application in matte blue metallic. To highlight further the foil, the experts added matte black and golden accents on it.

To harmonize the exterior additionally, MR Racing have chosen 10×20-inch Emotion Wheels Concave rims in matte gold. The elegant single-piece units were then fitted with Pirelli P Zero Silver tyres in the dimension of 265/30R20.

An electronic KW DLC-kit was added, which permits varying and programming the driving and standing height of the factory-side air-suspended chassis via iPhone-app. Behind the wheels, the tuners added 400/370 mm brake disc of the ceramic brake system.

Next, the power of the 3.0 TDI engine was optimized viasoftware. The result is an increased output from 204 hp (150 kW) to 299 hp (220 kW) and torque from 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) to 612 Newton metres (452 lb-ft).

This Audi was also added a sound generator, which was adjusted to the A7 3.0 TDI exhaust system. It is a special construction with an adaptation module, which gives the common rail self-ignitor the sound range of the large V8 models.

MR Racing did not left the interior untouched. For instance, the tuners added a multifunctional sports steering wheel with a flattened bottom in combination with in-house aluminium switching rockers. There is also a 15-inch ceiling screen in the rear area and a module for watching DVD and TV. The final element that completed this customization are the soft foot mats with the MR Racing logo.

Source: MR Racing

August 1, 2014

Carlex Design BMW Z4 E89 – Awesome!

Carlex Design has published several nice pictures of a heavily modified BMW Z4 E89. The stylish roadster received a unique look – exterior and interior by the tuning company. The new vision is truly impressive and even hardcore BMW fans (like me) like it, a lot.

The inspiration for the project is taken from a sub-genre of science fiction. The tuning specialists from Poland created a stunning combination of brass and Alcantara with different types of dark leather. The roll bars behind the seats as well as the door handles, transmission tunnel and some sections of the dashboard received brass treatment, while the seats and the steering wheel are finished in fine dark leather with contrasting stitches.

The exterior boasts a complete matte black foiling combined with a copper finish for the roof and the new enormous alloy wheels.

No words about performance modifications, but the heavily tuned Z4 by Carlex is enough impressive even without hundreds of horsepower under the long front hood. Still, the small roadster is pretty quick even in its least powerful version – sDrive18i powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine – 156HP (115 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (138 mph).

Enjoy the pictures!

Source: Carlex Design

July 31, 2014

2014 Chevrolet SS Receives Standard Automatic Parking Assist [VIDEO]

2014 Chevrolet SS is the first vehicle from the brand which is to receive an Automatic Parking Assist as a standard. The feature delivers hands-free parking help and utilizes an ultrasonic sensing system which detects the width and depth of either parallel or reverse right-angle parking spaces. The sensors are positioned on the front and rear bumpers. Chevrolet disclosed that Automatic Parking Assist was designed to help alleviate the anxiety in parking situations where more experience is needed.

Furthermore, this system can also find obstacles and measure with great precision the size of a parking space. It can also assess the distance to the curb and calculate optimum steering angles for each parking space.

The person behind the steering wheel only follows the instructions on the Driver Information Center. In this way he or she controls the accelerator and brake while the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering. Signals sent from the sensors in the bumpers to the electric power steering rack allow the vehicle to steer itself into the space.

On the other hand, when parallel parking is required, then the driver pulls alongside a parking space until the car’s rear bumper passes the rear wheel of the car parked in front of the open space. The next step is that the driver is required to shifts into reverse, and straight afterward the car steers itself into the space.

Chevrolet has added also to the SS a backup camera, which provides a visual indication of how close the SS is to surrounding cars. At last, in the case of reverse perpendicular parking process, the driver presses the Automatic Park Assist button twice and follows instructions in the Driver Information Center.

2014 Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8 engine, which produces 415 horsepower (310 kW) and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (563 Nm). It is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds. This makes it one of the quickest sedans on the market. And to ensure it turns and stops as well as it accelerates, Chevrolet featured in the SS a sport-tuned chassis, which includes MacPherson strut front and multi-link independent rear suspension geometry, electronic power steering system that was optimized for sport driving, Brembo front brakes with ventilated 14-inch (355-mm) two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers as well as forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires.

httpv://youtu.be/3zh_5QGA1zw

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Chevrolet

July 31, 2014

Alpha-N Performance And EVOX Have Performance Boost For BMW M3 And M4

Alpha-N Performance has gathered together with EVOX Chip-tuning to create some super tweaks for the BMW four-door M3 limousine and M4 two-door coupe. The source of power of these two beautiful and at the same time potent cars is the new S55B30 serial six cylinder engine. It draws good 431 horsepower (317 kW) and a maximum torque of 550 Newton meter (406 lb-ft) from its three-liter cylinder capacity thanks to the forced respiration by two turbo-chargers.

However, these numbers weren’t enough for the specialists from both companies. In fact, they have detected an enormous potential in the bi-turbo serial six cylinder. EVOX Systems boosted the performance of the drive mechanism of the S55B30 to 520 horsepower (382 kW) and 680 Nm (502 kW). This happened due to the addition of EVOX box which was fitted with the 5-channel technology via simultaneous calculation and optimization of several engine parameters.

The chip-tuning box has also some protective functions. On the one hand, all factory-fitted engine-protection functions are kept. On the other hand, the EVOX box has a cold-start switch-off system for keeping intact the hardware. The box takes up its functions only after the engine is at an optimal operating temperature. Furthermore, the box winds back the performance to standard level after 20 seconds.

Alpha-N Performance is also preparing additional power upgrades for the models. There stages 2 and 3 which are to include an exhaust systems delivered by “Lightweight” company. At the current moment, the tuning company is also working with the experts of Öhlins on a high-end sports-chassis for M3 and M4. There are also under preparation some carbon fiber parts. For instance, such are the adjustable front and rear spoiler, and a heck diffuser.

Source: Alpha-N Performance

July 31, 2014

2015 Toyota TRD Pro Series Range US Pricing Announced

2015 Toyota TRD Pro Series Range is coming very soon because the Japanese company has announced the US pricing of the models. Toyota also discloses that these are the most extreme off-road vehicles it has ever created. The TRD Pro Series family comprises of three models: Tacoma TRD Pro Series which will be available at dealerships in early August, 4Runner TRD Pro, arriving one month later in early September, and the Tundra TRD Pro, that is scheduled to arrive this fall.

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development; the experts there took care for each part by carefully engineering it, testing it and tuning it. Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner TRD Pro Series are packed with authentic off-road capability and are available on 4X4 models.

They come equipped with the following: TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs in the rear for enhance oil capacity and suspension travel, TRD-tuned front springs, unique front grille with “TOYOTA” badging, TRD floor mats, TRD shift knobs and black alloy wheels. There is also a new exterior color offered, called Inferno, which joins the Attitude Black Metallic and Super White finishes.

Next, each vehicle will also get specific equipment. The Tacoma TRD Pro beefs up its off-road spirit with 16-inch black beadlock-style TRD alloy wheels fittef with BFGoodrich LT265/70R16 A/T tires, TRD-tuned springs with 1.75-inch lift for the front, decreased spring rate, TRD Exhaust as well as Black “TRD PRO” external hard badge.

The 4Runner TRD PRO will be equipped with 17-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler P265/70R17 A/T tires, TRD-tuned front springs for increased front height, ¼-inch thick aluminum front skid plate with “TRD” stamped in large font.

For this model, Toyota is also offering convenience features such as Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite, Black SofTex-trimmed seats with red stitching, heated and power adjustable front seats, homelink universal transceiver, auto-dimming rearview mirror and auto on/off headlights.

2015 Toyota TRD Pro Series Range US Pricing:

MODEL#	MODEL	GRADE	MSRP
8674	4Runner	TRD Pro 4×4 V6 5AT	$41,110
7555	Tacoma	TRD Pro 4×4 Access Cab V6 6MT	$35,525
7556	Tacoma	TRD Pro 4×4 Access Cab V6 5AT	$36,505
7597	Tacoma	TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab V6 6MT	$36,435
7598	Tacoma	TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab V6 5AT	$37,415

2015 Toyota TRD Pro Series Range Specifications:

	Tundra TRD Pro	Tacoma TRD Pro	4Runner TRD Pro
Wheels	18” black alloy w/ TRD logo	16” black beadlock style TRD alloy	New 17” black TRD alloy
Tires	Michelin ORP	BFGoodrich All Terrain KO	Nitto Terra Grappler
Shocks	TRD-tuned Bilstein High Performance -Bilstein front and rear digressive piston and valve design -Bilstein ZoneControl 3-stage, positive sensitive valve design is sensitive to suspension input speed -Increased oil capacity for heat management and increased control of cavitation FRONT: – 2” of additional wheel travel – 60mm pistons > 46mm OE – 18mm shafts > 12mm OE -“Piggy back” remote reservoir REAR: – 1.25” of additional wheel travel – 60mm pistons > 46mm OE -“Piggy back” remote reservoir	TRD-tuned Bilstein High Performance – Bilstein front and rear digressive piston and valve design FRONT: – 1.75” of additional wheel travel – 60mm pistons > 36/32mm OE – 18mm shafts > 12mm OE REAR: – 1.5” of additional wheel travel – 46mm pistons > 36/30mm OE – Remote reservoir	TRD-tuned Bilstein High Performance – Bilstein front and rear digressive piston and valve design FRONT: – 1” of additional wheel travel – 60mm pistons > 32mm OE – 18mm shafts > 12mm OE REAR: – 1” of additional wheel travel – 46mm pistons > 32mm OE – Remote reservoir
Springs	Unique TRD-Tuned Front Springs – 2” lift for the front of the vehicle – Decreased spring rate to improve ride quality over harsh terrain	Unique TRD-Tuned Front Springs – 2” lift for the front of the vehicle – Decreased spring rate to improve ride quality over harsh terrain	Unique TRD-Tuned Front Springs – 1” lift for the front of the vehicle
Exhaust	TRD Dual Exhaust – Stainless steel system – Polished steel dual wall tips – Reduced back pressure – Throaty rumble sound	TRD Cat Back Exhaust – Stainless steel system – Polished steel dual wall tips – Reduced back pressure – Throaty rumble sound	No Change from OE
Skid Plate	New TRD Front Skid Plate – 1/4” thick aluminum with oil pan access panel	– Black OE front skid plate	TRD Stamped Front Skid Plate – 1/4” thick aluminum with venting for front differential
Exterior	– Unique “TOYOTA” front grille – “TRD Pro” quarter bed panel stamping – Matte and Satin Black “TUNDRA” and iForce 5.7L V8 badging on doors Multi-reflector halogen headlights with black sport bezels and manual level control	– Unique “TOYOTA” front grille – Black “TRD PRO” external hard badge – Black “TACOMA” badging on doors	– Unique “TOYOTA” front grille – Black “TRD PRO” external hard badges – Black front and rear lower bumper accent
Exterior Colors	Attitude Black Metallic, Super White, and Inferno (all-new exclusive color)
Interior	– TRD Shift Knob – TRD Floor Mats – Unique seat color with red stitching – Unique IP ornament insert	– TRD Shift Knob – TRD Floor Mats	– TRD Shift Knob – TRD Floor Mats

Source: Toyota

July 31, 2014

Manhart Racing BMW X4 F26 – 375HP and 740Nm

Manhart Racing has unveiled their tuning package for the all-new BMW X4 xDrive35d. The compact SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) comes with a significant power boost and improved stance.

The 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel originally produces – 313HP (230 kW) and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque. The performance package boosts the engine to 375HP (276 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque, which is exactly the same torque like the three-turbocharged 3.0 liter diesel found in M50d models.

2014 BMW X4 xDrive35d does 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, so the new time will be around 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). However, Manhart didn’t release any official performance data.

The ride height is lowered thanks to a set of sport springs and the stance is further improved by huge Concave One 21“ wheels finished in silver or black.

BMW has recently announced the new X4, which is available only with diesel engines – xDrive20d; xDrive30d and xDrive35d. The entry-level model is available from £36,590 OTR. The all-new 2014 X4 combines all unique features of the BMW X family with the stylish elegance of a classical coupe. For now the only rival of the model is the recently unveiled Porsche Macan.

Source: Manhart Racing

July 31, 2014

McChip-DKR mc8xx Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

McChip-DKR has unveiled their latest tuning project based on Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG. The name of the project is mc8xx and it includes styling and performance upgrades as well.

The 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 originally develops 457HP ((336 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft). It is mated to a 7-speed SpeedShift MCT transmission. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is a bit faster than BMW M3 and the fuel consumption is 12.0 L/100 km. After a complete supercharger system, the engine produces whopping 830HP (610 kW) and over 900Nm (667 lb-ft) of torque. The result is thanks to a big oil cooler, XXL water cooler and a bigger water pump for the charge air system.

The exterior boasts a complete wide body kit of the corresponding special model of Black Series. It includes aggressive front and rear bumpers, a new front hood, a pair of side skirts and several wings. All parts are manufactured from carbon fiber including flaps, side mirrors, front splitters and the rear diffusor. Other highlights include front and rear lamps from the W204-Facelift model.

The sports car is fitted with OZ-Racing Superleggera rims – 10J x 19“ at the front and 11J x 19“ at the rear fitted with adequate performance tires. A KW Clubsport chassis is also present as well as high performance brake discs and stopping pads. Last, but not least is an LSD (limited slip differential) by Drexler.

The mc8xx package comes with MOT-certificate and is now available to order.

Source: McChip-DKR

July 31, 2014

K.MAN Audi R8 V8 Bi-Turbo GTK, GTK S and GTK RS

Chiptrick has unveiled their latest project based on Audi R8 4.2 liter V8. The name of the project is K.MAN and it is available in three powerful versions – GTK, GTK S and GTK RS. There are also some styling improvements as well.

Stage I – GTK – boosts the engine to 590HP (434 kW), which is an increase of 170HP compared to factory’s power. The GTK weighs just 1,680 kg (3,704 lbs), so it has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.85 kg/HP.

Stage II – GTK S – offers 640HP (471 kW), a power boost of 220HP. The power-to-weight ratio is 2.64 kg/HP.

Stage III – GTK RS – has whopping 750HP (551 kW), an increase of 330HP. The power-to-weight ratio is impressive 2.27 kg/HP.

No words about acceleration 0-100 km/h, but it is around 3.0 seconds. Still, Chiptrick revealed information for 0-200 km/h times – GTK 11.9 seconds; GTK S 11.4 seconds and GTK RS 10.6 seconds.

Other highlights include Club sport chassis frame and a reinforced brake system for the top-of-range GTK RS. There is also a manual gearbox for all performance stages.

Optionally, K.MAN also has a wide range of carbon and GFK parts for those who prefer a little extravagance, and this allows K.MAN to offer individual identities from “cautiously different” up until the radical “DTM looks”.

Source: K.MAN

July 31, 2014

Kia Cadenza Premium And Limited Enhanced For MY2015

2015 Kia Cadenza is company’s premium sedan which now is even more refined, adding style, more equipment features and amenities. There have been also added advanced technology and safety features, thus contributing to Cadenza’s exclusivity. The enhancements are designed to offer more luxury, technology and convenience for the new 2015 model year. The car will be offered in two trim levels: Premium and Limited.

They will use as a basis the MY2014 Cadenza and will build on its success. In fact, the car was named the “International Car of the Year” by Road and Travel Magazine. For 2015 this Kia will continue offering responsive and engaging driving dynamics.

To go further into details, the Limited trim level gets number of features as well as some design enhancements. For instance, new is the grille and fender garnish. The interior of the model includes a driver-oriented cockpit. As a standard, Limited receives features such as: Flex Steer, Surround View Monitor which offers 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle for easier maneuvering and parking, LED lighting elements, analogue clock design and additional chrome trim pieces.

Both trim levels will also get as a standard an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat to augment the available 12-way driver’s seat. Furthermore, the Technology package also comes improved for the new model year.

In details, it features Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers of cross traffic when in reverse, and also adds 19-inch alloy wheels, radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise Control System, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System, electronic parking brake, and water-repelling Hydrophobic front side windows for better visibility during inclement weather. All of these features come also as a standard on 2015 Kia Cadenza Limited.

Source: Kia

July 31, 2014

Toyota GT86 sets Guiness World Drift Record – 144.1 km [video]

Harald Müller managed to set a new Guinness World Record for longest vehicle drift in a Toyota GT 86. The previous holder was Johan Schwartz – BMW Performance Center Instructor, who managed to drift the new M5 F10 for 82.520 km (51.278 miles). Harald Müller has achieved whopping 144.126 km (89.55 miles).

The record attempt was made in Samsun, Turkey on July 15^th at an event organized by local board of Youth and Sports. The course measured 235.5 meters, where Müller did 612 laps in 2 hours, 25 minutes and 18 seconds with a 2012 Toyota GT 86.

The lightweight RWD car is powered 2.0 liter boxer engine delivering 200HP (147 kW) and 205Nm (152 lb-ft) of torque. It also features a rear spoiler, 17” light alloy wheels, chrome-finished dual exhaust tailpipes and a signature “T”-mesh grille. That T motif is repeated in the shape of the rear fog light, set centrally between the tailpipes.

At the video below you can see, that the GT 86 didn’t go all the time with a proper drift (sideways). Instead, the vehicle was going straight several times and stopped for a turn. We believe that the record should be a continuous drift without any stops or huge corrections. Still, Guinness admits the record, so it is official.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrHDUkQZry4

Source: Toyota

July 31, 2014

Category: Auto News