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Beefy Porsche Cayenne by JE Design

JE Design have come up with a bodykit for the Porsche Cayenne that’s going to set you back 28,038 Euros ($34,338). It’s as if they have skinned an Alfa-Romeo Giulietta in a bit to create an exotic coat.

The kit does not even sound that sophisticated – The front skirt (which comes in two versions, one for the Cayenne Turbo/GTS and one for the Cayenne Diesel/S) utilizes the standard LED daytime running lights. Both skirts however do boast an optimized airflow and some low-mounted fog lights as well as long beam lights next to them. The JE Design hood also showcases some airflow thanks to three air outlets. At the back, 100 millimeter pipes (four of them) surround a diffuser while the C pillars get a pair extension. Also the wheel arches flare more know thanks to the new fenders. In case one feels like towing something with the now even more muscular Cayenne, there’s a cover on the rear bumper that hides the coupling device. The side sills also blend into the standard Cayenne design yet they radiate their own sportishness.

An aggressive stance is achievable through the suspension as well. A JE Design air module can be controlled through an iPhone app and does not hinder Porsche‘s Active Suspension Management damping system. Add to that four 10 x 22-inch alloy rims that have either five double spokes or five single spokes. The 295/30 R22 tires fill in nicely the beefed up wheel arches especially when we consider the 60 mm front and 80 mm back spacers.

It’s not all show and tell though. The Cayenne can seriously start shifting down the road with the JE Design engine management upgrades which are available for both petrol and diesel engines. The end power output may end up at 610 hp – serious stuff.

JE Design Porsche Cayenne Progressor

Source: JE Design

July 30, 2012
Mcchip-Dkr Porsche Panamera Diesel with power upgrade

Another tuning for Panamera today. This time it is delivered by the specialists from Mcchip-Dkr, who have enhanced a Porsche Panamera Diesel model. Tha latter has only 250 horsepower generated from the strong 3.0 litre V6 Common Rail Turbo-Diesel Engine.

Obviously this wasn’t enough for the tuners, who specialize in particular in software optimization and chip tuning. Via targeted manipulations of the engine characteristics, the electronic experts achieved a boost in the performance.

As a result, the diesel engine now generates 285 horsepower, developed at 3,900 rotations per minute. The maximum torque now is 600 Newton meter, achieved at 1,850 rotations per minute.

Mcchip-Dkr Porsche Panamera Diesel

Another important effect of the improvements made is that the Porsche now sprints about half-a-second faster from 0 to 100 km/h than its serial counterpart. Maximum speed is boosted uo to the number of 246 km/h.

Enhancements in the lateral dynamics have been made as well. In order to increase longitudinal dynamics, mcchip-dkr also installed a set of performance springs from H&R. Their purpose is to lower the big Porsche with 30 millimetres.

To round up the spory stance of the Panamera, the three-part cargraphic rims of the sizes 9×22 and 10.5×22 inches were included. In fact, they were soled with the Dunlop Sport Maxx GT high-performance tires of the dimensions 265/30R22 in front and 295/25R22 in the rear.

Source: mcchip-dkr

July 30, 2012
Hamann Porsche Panamera Cyrano

The latest project of the German based tuning company HAMANN-Motorsport is named Hamann Porsche Panamera Cyrano. As we all know the Porsche is coming from the factory with great amount of power and shows significant performance.

However, even more power has been given to this Gran Turismo which is 603 hp/ 443 kW.

The torque has been increased as well and is now up to 870 Nm at 2,250 – 4,500 rpm. Given these numbers, it is no surprise that the ttuned vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

Furthermore, the Panamera can be also equipped with the Sport Chrono Package. With it, the vehicle accelerates even faster. Here we are speaking about 3.7 seconds for the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.

With the increase of the aforementioned data, the top speed increases as well to the impressive 315 km/h and thus it conclusively thumbs its proverbial nose at the series models (Turbo 303 km/h, Turbo S 306 km/h).

In the process of transformation, the HAMANN designers and engineers revamped the front completely. Here now can be seen larger air intakes in connection with perfectly integrated daytime running lights. They give the Porsche more dynamic stance.

Hamann Porsche Panamera Cyrano

The bonnet has been redesigned as well, so now the airflow is optimized. Furthermore, there has been added 60 mm width to the front and rear fenders. The aim of this is to make the GranTurismo look even more imposing.

In order to reduce the up-lift forces at the rear axle, there has been developed a special diffuser rear apron, which encases the striking dual tailpipes of the sports exhaust system.

To enhance even further the powerful and sporty stance of the Cyrano, the German engineers have added new unique forged “Gunmetal” 22-inch rims. The rear is fitted with 11.0Jx22 inch rims and 305/25 ZR 22 tyres.

It is good also to mention that the handling of the car is significantly improved as well. In addition, what grab the eye are the new alu wheels with special suspensions or a lowering module for the air suspension. They lower the Panamera’s center of gravity up to 30 mm.

How about the interior? Although we were not given an image, the tuners say that it has been entirely redesigned as well. The interior is now wrapped with the finest leathers. The HAMANN aluminium pedal system shines in the footwell and complements perfectly the medical applications of the car’s serial production interior.

Source: HAMANN

July 30, 2012

2013 Audi R8 Range – Pricing Announced

The new Audi R8 range is now equipped with faster S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission. In addition, complementing the range is the new lighter and more powerful V10 plus model.

In fact the S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission delivers quicker gear shifts and enhanced sprinting ability. This one replaces the R tronic automated manual option and is offered as an alternative to the acclaimed six-speed manual gearbox with its open stainless steel gate. The twin-clutch S tronic transmission can make its rapid fire shifts via the selector lever or the steering wheel paddles.

Another highlight of the R8 range is the new design detailing and all-LED lighting across the board. Most important update however is the version of the V10 Coupé – which generates the amount of 550 horsepower.

Furthermore, the integration of the new 7-speed S tronic transmission has lowered CO2 emissions by up to 22 grams/km, and in V8 and V10 Coupé and V10 Spyder versions it has also improved the acceleration time from 0 to 62 mph by three-tenths of a second.

In particular, the 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine generates 430 hp (316 kW) at 7,900 rpm, and has a maximum torque of 430 Nm (582 lb-ft) between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. The acceleration here from 0 to 62mph is 4.3 seconds and the top speed – 186mph.

On the other hand the R8 V8 Spyder in manual and S tronic forms takes care of the sprint in 4.5 and 4.8 seconds respectively. The top speed in both cases is 186mph. Next, the V10 engine generates 530 Nm (718 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and peak power of 525 hp (386 kW) available at 8,000 rpm. The acceleration time here is 3.6 seconds and the top speed is 195mph.

Audi-R8-V10-Plus-medium — 2013 Audi R8 V10 Plus

The new Audi R8 V10 plus develops 550 hp (405 kW) and maximum torque of 540 Nm (731 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. This version sprints from 0 to 62mph in 3.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 197mph when linked to S tronic transmission.

Moreover, ll-LED headlights are now standard on all variants of the Audi R8. They go along with new strip-shaped daytime running lights. The latter form a ‘clasp’ around the lens. The light-emitting diodes for the high and low beam headlights have been positioned above and below the daytime running lights and serve as indicators.

Enhancements have been done to the interior as well. A new R8 badge appears on the gearshift or selector lever, in the door sill trims, in the instrument cluster and in the start screen of the on-board monitor, on the flattened rim of the leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel.

The instrument cluster is transformed as well, and at the same time the centre console, the surround for the radio/navigation system and the handbrake lever are also now covered with delicately stitched leather.

As standard equipment here is featured the following: all-LED headlights, new design 19-inch alloy wheels, Audi Music Interface (iPod connection), satellite navigation, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and heating for their Fine Nappa Leather-upholstered sports seats.

2013 Audi R8 Range Specifications and Pricing

Engine	Trim	PS	Trans	CO2	Comb mpg	OTR
4.2 FSI (V8)	Coupe	430	manual	332	19.9	£91,575
4.2 FSI (V8)	Coupe	430	S tronic	289	22.8	£94,475
5.2 FSI (V10)	Coupe	525	manual	346	19.0	£112,675
5.2 FSI (V10)	Coupe	525	S tronic	305	21.6	£115,575
5.2 FSI (V10 plus)	Coupe	550	manual	346	19.0	£124,675
5.2 FSI (V10 plus)	Coupe	550	S tronic	299	21.9	£127,575
4.2 FSI (V8)	Spyder	430	manual	337	19.6	£100,225
4.2 FSI (V8)	Spyder	430	S tronic	294	22.4	£103,125
5.2 FSI (V10)	Spyder	525	manual	349	19.0	£121,325
5.2 FSI (V10)	Spyder	525	S tronic	310	21.9	£124,225

Source: Audi

July 30, 2012

Sourcing Good Value Car Insurance

The internet is full of jokes about women’s inability to drive. It is an actual fact however that statistically, women are the more cautious on the road and are the ones less likely to cause an accident. This is where The Axa womens car insurance in Northern Ireland comes into place.

They offer a special type of insurace that’s specially for women. All of the policies involved are essentially fully beneficial, offering full coverage. One can go for a third-party or a fully comprehensive type of insurance – both of which grant a range of female car insurance producs that are designed to suit any need. If we take a closer look at the fully comprehensive one, we get 75 per cent no claims discount, use of a replacement car for up to seven days while yours is repaired and 31 days of European cover. With the comprehensice package, your car is isnured against damage casued by an accident, fire or theft. Damge to other people or other people’s propery is also covered.

The end product however, is absolutely flexible. There are a number of options which can fit any need. At a (low) price, one can opt for the folowing.

24 hour Breakdown assistance (that includes calling out for punctures)

Personal belongings cover up to £250

Personal accident cover for you or any named drivers.

What’s more, these optional extras are in no way connected to your no claims discount status.

Most importantly however, the people behind AXA Northern Ireland are out there for you, ready to provide maxium support in the event of an accident. It simply is the humane thing to do.

July 30, 2012
Finding a Used Car the Proper Way

So you have a bit of money saved up and now the time has come to get yourself a car. You are in for a ride of your life even before you get in your car. Few things are more stressful looking for a car. Luckily though, there are places in the internet where your browsing pains can be relieved.

Head over there and start looking for your future car. Used car deals have a lot more benefits behind them than one might think. Why go for a brand new Kia Cee’d which is a great car overall, but a bit cold on the inside (figuratively speaking). For the same amount of you can get one of those BMW E60s you have always dreamed of. A quick search through exchangeandmart.co.uk’s engine and we found a perfect specimen from 2008 in an absolutely decent nick (50,000 miles in the clock). The price – £16,500.

How about a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 S Convertible – 10 years of age, 63,000 miles of passionate driving and roughly the same price. You are of the classic types? No problem – a 1991 Porsche Carrera 2 – 100, 000 miles of history, no difference in the price.

These are just shots in the dark really. Dive into the world of second hand cars, and you’ll find your own gem. Here are some tips from us when snooping around

Always look for the service history – keeping everything in check is essential for the car’s longevity

Check to see if the engine has been thoroughly cleaned – if so, pass to the next one. A thorough cleaning is usually an attempt to cover up an oily leak.

Check the upholstery, steering wheel, pedals and gear lever for waring – a car that has suspiciously few miles on the clock, might be clocked.

Make sure to view the car on a well light day, no rain, no fog – this may sound a bit daft, but noticing rust, bumps, cracks and scratches can be done most effectively during a bright day.

July 30, 2012
Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 Expedition Military Green Jeep by Kahn

With the London Olympics right on our front doorstep, many automotive institutions tend to relate by issuing a themed vehicle or at least a clever promotion. The guys at Kahn however would rather accent on athletes and thus release a… Chelsea Truck CJ 300 Expedition Vehicle which is a Jeep Wrangler in military green. Maybe the focus is more on the security organization around the games. (It’s actually for triathlon athletes this Jeep).

No military vehicle however can boast brake calipers dipped in liquid gold. The headlights and the indicators are smoked thus looking sleeker and yet less prominent especially in the presence of LED daytime running lights. Apparently, a lot of work has gone into modifying the front grille – there’s talk about special openings on the valance and the grille area, better airflow to the radiator, intercooler and brakes etc. Some sense of luxury in this otherwise seemingly crude vehicle is brought by the stainless steel sill plates. Then there’s the back with the Kahn enamel tailgate and the branded spare wheel cover. Kahn cross hair exhausts in stainless steel emit style and subtlety. Finally, the wheels round up the look – Smoked black Kahn RSs measuring at 9 x 20 that fit all original center caps.

Kahn CJ 300 Expedition Jeep

Inside, the seats are heated and the pedals are all aluminum with wholes in them – stylish, yet hardcore. Kahn have taken into account that you might be entering in and out of the CJ 300 with muddy boots so everything is easy to clean and non-absorbent. It’s still mainly leather though – quilted and perforated front and rear seats in black with matching stitching while the speedo and rev counter fascia is in red.

Source: Kahn Design

July 27, 2012
Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

The MH1 S BiTurbo is the latest project of Manhart Racing. It is based on BMW 1-Series ///M.

The engine is a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged in-line six with 415HP (305 kW), which means that the small BMW will be faster than the current M3 and Porsche 997 Carrera GTS. The result is thanks to new sports exhaust system including stainless steel mufflers and an ECU re-map.

The new exhaust system not only provides more horsepower, but a nice deeper and aggressive sound.

Manhart Racing also has installed a specially tuned coilover suspension and a Manhart beautiful Concave One set of rims – 9J x 20” at the front and 10.5J x 20” at the rear fitted with 245 and 295 Conntinental Contact5 sports tires.

The exterior gets a new handmade Carbon fiber front splitter, a new rear diffuser also made from carbon fiber. The last touch is a pair of new mirrors.

The interior boats performance front seats in Alcantara finished with red stitching.

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo

Source: Manhart Racing

July 27, 2012
Seat Exeo Ecomotive

Seat welcomes to the family the Exeo Ecomotive – a bundle of clean and economical technologies wrapped up in a car’s body. It’s basically parallels Volkswagen’s Bluemotion line. And it won’t be just the Seat Exeo that gets it. All the current models will be available with that extra dose of sensibility.

The Exeo however is the perfect example of how a green family car should behave. The Ecomotive uses a 2.0-liter TDI engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s power comes in two stages – 120 PS and 143 PS and between them, there seems to be no difference in emissions and consumption: 117 g/km of CO2 and 62.8 mpg. If that turns out to be true, why bother going for the 120 PS one?

The tech that saves you money is not new or ground braking. There’s a start/stop unit somewhere along the lines, an energy recovery system and a set of low-resistance Goodyear tires. For the sake of aerodynamics, the Ecomotive is also lower than usual.

Seat Exeo Ecomotive

Don’t feel that you’d be in short of common equipment as well. The 120 PS Exeo Ecomotive S (which is the basic model) gets 16-inch Morfeo alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, voice-activated Bluetooth and a multimedia steering wheel. All of that for no more than 20, 040 British pounds or 31,488 dollars. The next step is the SE and Sport versions which add clever windscreen wipers, clever headlights parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sports seats, bi-xenon lights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, tinted rear windows and dashboard inserts (those last 6 ones come with the Sport models). On the options list, one can further laden their SE or Sport trim with a Tech pack that throws in a satellite navigation and a BOSE stereo.

On a side note, if one is not a family man but rather a teenager or a college graduate, Seat can offer a Seat Mii Ecomotive. Essentially a 1.0-liter, three cylinder petrol engine that does 68.9 mpg and 96 g/km of CO2 which gets much of the extras and technologies that are similar to the ones in the Exeo – air conditioning, electric windows, electronic stability control and split folding rear seats.

Seat Mii Ecomotive

Source: Seat

July 27, 2012
VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport riding on 24″ Monoblocks

VellanoWheels has announced their project – Range Rover Sport riding on 24” Forged monoblock wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires.

The vehicle is prepared by MC Customs and boasts nice white paint and a complete aerodynamics package including new front and rear bumpers as well as a pair of side skirts. The car also has a new rear diffuser housing sports exhaust system.

The big SUV rolls enormous 10J x 24” Vellano – VM03 wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes ST II – 295/30 ZR24.

The most powerful Range Rover Sport has a supercharged 5.0 liter V8 sourced by Jaguar. It develops 510HP (380 kW) and 625Nm (461 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (140 mph). The average fuel consumption is 14.9 litres per 100 km and 348 g/km of CO2.

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

VellanoWheels Range Rover Sport

Source: VellanoWheels

July 27, 2012
Shark Week with a Volkswagen Beetle [Teaser Video]

I have just stumbled on this video/thing on YouTube. It’s from the Volkswagen channel and it’s supposed to be a teaser. Yes, the Beetle is newish but the focus is not on it per se. In August, Discovery Channel are going to broadcast their annual “Shark Week” and Volkswagen will somehow be involved in it.

Volkswagen Beetle Shark Observation Cage

Why a Beetle then? Well, since the Inglostadt guys don’t have a particular car named after a certain species of shark, why not? Besides, If we got this right, they will be putting together a “Beetle Shark Observation Cage“, which sounds like the most unsettling, comfortable thing ever. Volkswagen have rigid and reliable history but this stunt takes on a whole new meaning.

However, If the cage is to be modeled after a Beetle, it kind of makes sense since it’s the perfect shape – spacious and view friendly. Thus vigilance won’t be an issue when dipping for sharks.

The whole plan will come to light, we guess, on Sunday, the 12th of August when Discovery’s Shark Week will be in motion. Don’t miss out.

httpv://youtu.be/Xs6bWvKqMq4

Video Source: Volkswagen via YouTube

July 27, 2012
A Wide Spectrum of Weitec Suspension Systems

Whenever in need of suspension bits and pieces, two names should…spring to your mind – KW Automotive and Weitec (by KW Automotive). We’ve always felt that someplace desolate hides a great storage house (think Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull type of installment… you know, with the big storage house part that… never mind). So at that place, KW stockpiles springs and shocks and all kinds of coilover kits. A shopping cart can be hooked up with a suspension if it was up to them.

What we have here is not exactly a shopping cart, but it is close. It’s an Opel Zafira Tourer C which has been fitted with some Weitec sports springs and the end result is a low-riding fun wagon (that doesn’t sound right). Obviously, the graffiti paint job and the wheels help boost up the appeal but the main point is that this Zafira is now 30 mm lower than the standard one. Useful? Maybe. Cool? Definitely.

Weitec Opel Zafira Tourer C

What about some lowering springs on an already cool car? Say a Peugeot 208? Sure – 30 mm less ground clearance for that one too. A VW Golf 6 GTI? Bring it on. A Kia Cee’d, an Optima? Just state your preferences.

Weitec Peugeot 208

Source: Weitec

July 27, 2012