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Showing results for tags 'performance kit'.
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AC Schnitzer upgrades the BMW M5 F10 - 612bhp and an ugly GT Wing
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The new F10 BMW M5 is a 4 door super car. This basically sums up the newly launched M Division BMW 5 series in one sentence. It has 552bhp in its standard form and it already looks DaBomb, if one were to use a little street talk, in its stock form. It already has its full colours shown with its aggressive bodykit, wheels and fat taippipes. But this actually does not stop tuners from having a go at it and AC Schnitzer has basically done so with the AC Schnitzer ACS5 BMW M5 F10. What comes out of this is some 'aero' tuning and a power upgrade package. In terms of power or performance, the ACS5 M5 gets a 60bhp upgrade bringing the power up to 612bhp from 552bhp. Torque is bumped up from 750Nm to 790Nm. Another upgrade is that the stock speed limited it upped from about 260km/h to around 305km/h. The ACS5 looks promsing. Until I saw the photo of it with a boy-racer GT wing. Why may I ask is it doing on a car like this? I somehow wonder why would anyone run a GT wing on a car that isn't an actual race car and one that is actually too big to actually go racing. If you've ever sat in the F10 5 series you'd know that it it actually as large as the interior of a F01 BMW 7series. This is because the F10's chassis is based on the F01's chassis. Hence the luxury of space inside one. The only race that the car could enter safely and not look like a sore thumb or like Lady Gaga at an awards ceremony is at the Australia V8 supersaloon races. Anyway, the car is a grown man's sports saloon and it should not have goalposts sticking out of it. Also note that AC Schnitzer has not really gone overboard with the exception of the rear GT wing. And they have also shown the car san wing, making it look very much like the stock car with the exception of the larger wheels ans tyres and that ridiculous stickers at the sides of the car. It shows that the standard BMW M5 looks pretty good as it is and does not need any extra help in the styling department. I however do dig that funky engine cover that could be an option for a customer to purchase. -
2013 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW) to be previewed at Geneva
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The Mini Countryman is basically a 5 door hatchback that unlike its namesake is actually popular with urban motoring instead of acutally being used in the countryside. Its tall and largish profile (especially for a Mini) means that it has been embraced as a lifestyle vehicle and as a good vehicle for soccer mums and the sort. But whatever the reason people have for buying the Countryman, they can now buy the Countryman in the uprated John Cooper Works variant. This 2013 model is set for its official preview at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and it is due to be on sale by fall/winter of this year. This performance variant brings it closer in terms of spirit to the WRC Mini Countryman. Or so I'd like to think. Because if I didn't think so I'd just think that the 2012 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works edition is a tarted up, slightly obese vehicle that thinks that it is a mini-sized vehicle. So like any John Cooper Works (JCW) Mini, it will have all the go-fast bits that you'd expect. Exernally it gets a more aggressive bodykit, JCW badging, sports suspension and larger 18inch alloy wheels. Brakes, exhaust sytem and the 1.6liter engine gets the usual upgrading too. The turbocharged engine now makes 215hp and 280Nm torque with 300Nm available on overboost for short periods of time. Performance figures for the 2013 Countryman JCW are 0-100km/h in 7seconds and a top speed of 225km/h. As it has a reasonably small 1.6liter engine, the Countryman JCW consume 7.2ltr/100km in manual and 8.0ltr/100km in automatic. The Mini Countryman is basically an effort for BMW Mini to bring the Mini concept to those who have families and need the extra space -
Peugeot has released the full details of its brand new 208 GTI concept ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show come 6th March. The concept will be very close to the production model that will follow in less than a year's time. The power source of the concept is the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine inherited from the RCZ THP 200. It churns out 197 bhp with 275 Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The century sprint is estimated to be completed under 7 seconds. To distinguish itself from its lesser brethren, the exterior gets a new body kit, larger 5-spoke alloy rims, brushed aluminium GTi Concept logo on the grille and quarter panels, which is a nice design element that I hope to see in the production model. However, the overall design still lacks the aggression that is expected of a car sporting a
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[extract] The newly launched F30 BMW 3series is bound to be a hit among most young (and not so young) urban professional. A lot equate the 3series as a symbol of success, good taste (subjective) and a sign that they are motoring enthusiasts. Those that buy the basic BMW 3series like the 320i or the 320d are usually those that also dream of owning an M3, or even if they do not actually want a M3, want their BMW 3 series to look much faster than what it usually is. This usually means a body kit by the usual suspects
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German aftermarket specialist, ABT Sportsline, has launched its latest tuning program for the facelifted Audi A4. The German tuning firm has termed its latest project as the AS4 and it is packed with substantial power and cosmetic upgrades. For a sportier appearance with improved aerodynamics, customers can order a front spoiler, side skirts, fender inserts, rear bumper insert, a sports exhaust system and a rear spoiler. The footwear can be ordered with either 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels. Under the hood, the 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder can be tuned to produce 271 hp as compared to the standard 208 hp in the stock version. The most powerful engine in the A4 line up, the 3.0-liter TFSI V6, can be upgraded to develop 429 hp - an increase of 101 hp. This enables the S4 model to sprint from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 282 km/h. For the diesel-powered 3.0-liter TDI, the performance package boosted the output to 278 hp and 560 Nm of torque. Hans-Jürgen, CEO of the tuning firm, described the new tuning package as state-of-the art, combining with sportiness and assertiveness. For reader’s information, the ABT Singapore showroom is located at 1 Commonwealth Lane, #01-02 One Commonwealth Building.
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[extract] The all-new Dodge Dart was revealed at the recent Detroit Motorshow and according to Motor Trend, the SRT team is preparing a hot SRT4 performance variant. The model will feature an aggressive body kit, a sport-tuned suspension, larger alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. Based on the Alfa Giulietta platform, the SRT4 is expected to be equipped with the upgraded version of the Giulietta Cloverleaf's six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Engine options remain unclear at the moment. Since its main rival, the upcoming Ford Focus ST will be churning out at least 247 hp and 250lb-ft or torque, we can expect the Dart SRT4 to do more than that. Although the new 300 hp 1.8L direct-injected 4-cylinder for the upcoming Alfa Romeo 4C is an ideal choice, it could be a tad expensive according to Motor Trend. A force-fed version of the existing 2.0L
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[extract] For the first time, BMW has launched four diesel-powered M models. They are the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, the BMW M550d xDrive Touring, the BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d. All these new cars make use of BMW's latest inline six cylinder diesel engine with triple turbochargers and common rail direct injection. The new 3.0-liter engine will churn out 381 PS and a maximum torque of 740 Nm, making it more
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[extract] Although the all new Lexus GS has not arrived at our shore yet, potential buyers can get some ideas from Toyota Racing Developments (TRD) on how they can dress up their new ride. Although the F Sport package for the new GS already includes an aerodynamic kit with modified rear and front bumpers, a mesh front grille, side skirts, rear spoiler, 19 inch alloys and a tuned suspension, the TRD kit looks to add on to that. For instance, the side skirts receive additional parts; the rear gets a larger boot lid spoiler as well as quad tailpipes with blue trimmings at the tips. The bottom of the front bumper gets a pair of slats for that added aggressive looks
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The new BMW 1-Series gains a fresh batch of engines. These new variants, presented in Europe, are the diesel-powered 125d and 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, and the petrol 125i. Of more interest to the Singapore market would be the gasoline-powered 125i. It has a 2.0L petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo Technology. It produces 215 hp and 310 Nm of torque, enabling the 8-speed automatic version to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than its close rival, the Golf GTI E35. The 125i has a top speed of 245km/h. It is rather environmentally friendly and returns a fuel efficiency of 6.6 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 154 g/km. Up next is the 125d powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel producing 218 bhp at 4,400rpm and 450Nm of peak torque. It sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds when paired with either the 6-speed manual gearbox or the 8-speed automatic transmission before hitting a top speed of 240km/h. It averages 4.9 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km. The 116d has a 1.6L four-cylinder diesel engine with 114 hp and 260 Nm of torque. It is connected to a six-speed manual transmission which allows the car to run from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 195 km/h. Thanks to an aerodynamic body kit and low rolling resistance tires, the 116d returns an impressive fuel economy of 3.8 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km. The BMW 1 series M Sport package will include an aggressive body kit, a sports suspension with 10mm reduced height and either 17 or 18-inch alloys. On the inside, the driver/occupants will be pampered with fabric/Alcantara sports seats. Other highlights include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum door sill plates and lots of
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At the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota Motor Corporation is displaying a total of 15 vehicles and one of them is the GRMN iQ Supercharger Concept. Toyota has surprised everyone there with the announcement of the production of the abovementioned concept car. The iQ Supercharger was first showcased at the same show in 2011. Toyota jointly developed the car with Gazoo Racing and will feature a force induced 1.3 litre engine. Toyota hopes to spark an interest among people who enjoy owning, driving and discussing automobiles developed through GAZOO Racing activities. A second generation of GRMN
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On 18 November 2011, BMW opened its second dedicated BMW M dealership in St. Petersburg, Russia. The first dedicated BMW M Showroom was launched in Singapore in August 2010. St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia after Moscow with a population of 4.8 million residents, and the sixth largest market for M automobiles. Called the Park M, the latest M dealership is responsible for the sales and maintenance of BMW M models. Alexander Bystrov, Park M Managing Director has the following comments: "Our dealership is located in a new business district of St. Petersburg where young, modern business people leave and work. For them, speed, power and prestige are important in a car. You will find all this and more in the unique products of BMW M." The most widely sold M automobile in Russia is the BMW X6 M. Park M displays the entire BMW M model range on a surface area of 300 square metres. BMW M, also known as M-Technik, was initially created to facilitate BMW
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[extract] If you think that the 185bhp twincharged Audi A1 is the fastest production version, you have not heard of the A1 Quattro. As its name would imply, the A1 Quattro comes equipped with the automaker's legendary all-wheel-drive system. The A1 Quattro will be a limited production model which will only find 333 owners. The latest A1 is powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injected four cylinder power plant used in the S3. It puts out 252bhp at 6000 rpm and 258lb-ft of torque from 2500 to 4500 rpm. Audi claims that AWD A1 will match the S3
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In the past few months we have been teased and enticed with fleeting images, preparation videos and the eventual unveiling of the Nissan Juke-R. And Nissan is most probably not going to build the Juke-R in masses. That piece of news might have disappointed some people. But if you really like the Juke-R, there is another alternative. Initially built only as a concept, the Nissan Juke Nismo garnered a lot of positive attention during the recent 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and this has encouraged Nissan to build it for real. The car will be based on the concept which was showcased recently at the Tokyo Motor Show. Nissan
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Wimmer RS Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG - South East Asia needs more Mercs like these
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
One problem Mercedes Benz has in South East Asia is that a lot of people here think that Mercedes Benz is for 'Towkays', old people and uncles. I, for one do not think for one second that this is true. It is actually the opposite actually. If you've driven the latest crop of Mercedes, you'd be amazed on the performance (even from the smallest 1.6-litre BlueEfficiency C-Class), the steering feel and the handling of their latest cars. Then if you're actually lucky enough to play around with their V8 powered cars, even the 'Ronin' special 1970s Mercedes Benz 450SEL 6.9 (which I had the chance to actually hitch a ride in one quite recently) to the latest C 63 AMG you would almost be instantaneously converted into a Benzophile (if there is such a word). Of course, you could look at this Wimmer RS tuned Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG and then tell me whether this car is an 'uncle' car or not. This Wimmer RS C 63 AMG is something that you could drive up to Katy Perry and ask her out on a date. It is also something that you could drive to a Lady Gaga or a Niki Minaj concert and not feel ashamed at all. You'd be partying with the stars if you had one of these in your driveway. Of course, if you're a motorhead, you'd be more interested to know that Wimmer RS had tuned this car based on the upgraded C 63 AMG with the Performance Pack. This means that the car makes 593bhp from 480bhp and 720Nm torque from a 'paltry' 720Nm. This must be courtesy of some forced induction I presume. German based Wimmer RS also adds a custom tuned KW coilover suspension, 19-inch wheels and a MOV'IT-ceramic brake system so that it also slows down after going fast. Now this very youthful and non 'uncle' looking C 63 gets a matte vinyl wrap. This means that the fancy colour blue-green scheme was actually derived from stickers. I believe there is a vacuum for truly outrageously tuned and styled Mercedes Benz cars over here in this region. Could someone fill it please? -
DP Motorsport's update of a 1973 Porsche 911 - a step too far?
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] I recently read that German tuners DP Motorsport had taken an original 1973 Porsche 911 and decided to -
Kahn Design's R172 Mercedes Benz SLK200 gets AMG for styling and Brabus for power
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
According to Afzal Kahn, founder of Kahn Design/Project Kahn, 'the road is my catwalk'. According to yours truly, this chap takes any car, in this case a Mercedes Benz SLK 200 and rearranges it to his whims and fancies. But customers lap it up as he does the 'bling' and 'in-your-face' concept quite well. The latest release from the UK based tuning house is the R172 Mercedes Benz SLK200 BlueEfficiency Brabus powered AMG Sport Pack. That folks is the official name for the car. Long isn't it? This latest release from Kahn Design consists of a R172 Mercedes SLK200 BlueEfficiency with the full AMG sport pack - including front and rear bumpers, side skirts, Kahn exhaust, lowered suspension, matt black and carbon finished grille, carbon front splitters, red calipers, matt black side vents, remote control roof, roll bars in brushed aluminum. While the body parts are AMG, Kahn has added his own matte black touches to it, making it look a tad bit different. MattE black 20" RS600 Kahn alloy wheels complete the exterior. Don't actually bother asking about interior mods, its a fully customizable SLK200. Whatever type of interior trim that floats your boat could be installed as the choice is purely up to the customer. High end tuners usually have this ultimate option choice actually. If you want the seats the same shade as the colour of your girlfriend's apartment's curtains and the dashboard in the same colour as her derriere, it could actually be possible. With the looks and styling done, Kahn Design then enlists Mercedes tuner Brabus who then tunes the supercharged (surprisingly not turbocharged) four-cylinder 1.8-litre Mercedes Benz engine to make about 30bhp more than stock or about 210bhp. If one were to connect an optional Brabus piggy-back ECU, the car will make another 26bhp. The power made will be transmitted to the rear wheels via Mercedes' 7G-tronic automatic transmission. One should also note that the engine mods are indeed Mercedes Benz approved. This particular model pictured is priced at -
Fancy a 710bhp BMW M3? If you do then I suggest that you head over to the nearest G-Power dealer and ask for the G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS. For about 35,000Euros G-Power will give you 710bhp and 700Nm of torque for you to play around with or you just simply need those figures to show off to your friends at the local bistro. I also wonder if the price includes the orange and black paintjob. It should as it costs nearly as much as a brand new 330i. In one of the slickest power upgrades this side of a supercharged E60 M5, this E92 BMW M3 gets a supercharger system that is called the SKIII
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This is the Suzuki Swift Sport, which has been revealed at the Frankfurt motor show with an expected on-sale date early next year. It is powered by a 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, producing 134bhp at 4400rpm and 118lb-ft of torque. This is slightly more powerful than the existing 125 bhp 1.6L unit. Not only is the new model more powerful, it is greener as well. On the combined cycle, Suzuki claims the new Swift Sport will achieve 44.1mpg, whilst emitting 147g/km of CO2. These figures are better the previous car's 39.8mpg and 165g/km of CO2, helped by the extra forward gear. The new Swift Sport is 3890mm long, 1695mm wide and 1510mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2430mm. It is 40mm longer than the standard Swift, but of the same width and height as the standard car. Suzuki revealed in a statement that the sportiest version of the Swift offers superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling, thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design. Suzuki added that increased spring rates for the front and rear coil springs, and added rebound springs in the front struts significantly contribute to stability by providing greater roll stiffness. On the exterior, styling changes include a larger front grille and more aggressive bodywork as well as 17-inch alloys, which are 1kg lighter than those found on its predecessor.
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BMW 1 Series Performance Accessories concept car is something I'd avoid
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] BMW has brought out the new BMW 1 Series Performance Accessories concept car for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It basically has the usual bells and whistles that you would find in any tuning kit. This means a different front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, bits of carbon fiber here and there, sports suspension to get that lowered tuned look, the larger wheel and tire combo, interior retrim, M sport steering wheel and lastly, a BBK -
Ford Australia will put the GT Black Concept that it showcased at the Melbourne Motor Show into limited production, after the positive response the showcar garnered. To be called the FPV (Ford Performance Vehicles) GT Black, the menacing looking sedan will be limited to just 125 units, and will retail for AU$74,290. Which is still cheaper than a lot of lesser cars over here. I was lucky enough to have seen the concept in the flesh in Melbourne, and I can attest to its popularity. The Aussies were simply loving the car as they crowded around the Ford stand. It's a brooding, menacing, muscle car, with its matte black paintwork and aggressive styling details. And just look at that bonnet bulge! It hides a 5.0-litre supercharged Boss V8 with 449bhp and 570Nm of torque. Those lucky Aussies. Enjoy the pics. Because this might be the closest you could get to this beast.
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Mercedes Benz GL Grand Edition based Carlsson CGL45 needs a less ostentatious logo
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] Mercedes Benz tuner Carlsson has decided to preview their Mercedes Benz GL Grand Edition based Carlsson CGL45 before the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is basically one of those wide bodied body-kitted conversions that every other tuner seems to be interested in putting out. It has all the usual addendas -
The most outrageous Audi A1 ever - MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition hits 324km/h
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Totally insane. This is what I think the MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition is if I sum in up in just two words. Every year European tuners flock to the Nardo high speed test track for a round of high speed showdowns and for a showcase of their latest performance products. You get big names like G-power, Ruf, 9ff, and so on showcasing their latest test cars and show cars. But MTM has decided to attend with Audi's latest supermini. Albeit one with 500ps and can hit 201mph (324km/h). Imagine a car the size of the new Suzuki Swift pumping out that much power.....through its front wheels. Insane isn't it? What MTM have done is plonk in Audi's 2.5liter 5 cylinder that one usually finds located in the Audi TT-RS and used all of its magic to bring the power up to 500ps from 340ps and a whopping 600Nm of torque but kept it front-wheel drive. It must be as it is gravity defying in that the tiny (still) front-drive Audi A1 can accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.5seconds and go on to 324km/h. In such a small car doing anything above 300km/h must be like riding a bicycle downhill at breakneck speed without any safety gear or even any clothes on. Imagine this tiny tot thundering (I wonder if thunder can be this small) around the Nardo high speed ring surrounded by 9ff Porsches as well as tuned Mercedes SLRs. It must be David slaying many Goliaths at one go. This is the only Audi A1 which I truly fancy. The MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition. Enough said. -
2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe means business!
ElDiablo posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Not too long ago a spy photo of Mercedes-Benz's brand new C-Class Coupe appeared all over the web undisguised - showing off it's tighter proportions and much more attractive overall package. Then to keep with past traditions, not only do they have an AMG kit optioned for it, they now have prepped a 'Black Series' version for sale. Black Series doesn't sound so tough? Consider these features. A big M156 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 managing to wring out 510 horsepower and an earth-moving 457 pound-feet of torque. This in a car that weights 44 pounds less than the coupe on which it is based. Then you've got the wider track dimension that pushes the wheels further outwards to give the car a wider and more powerful stance that coincidentally helps it along with it's handling performance on the track. No less it'll have 19-inch forged alloys specially made by the boys at AMG slapped on it. Steering has been tightened even when compared to the 'ordinary' AMG models and shift rate has been quickened as well. Turns out there Bahnstormers tend to get really hot on track days and since limping home half-way through a lap wouldn't make for the happiest of customers, the German's have gone and stuck in an oil cooler with a 50% larger surface area, similar to the one on the SLS AMG supercar. Internal components come reinforced as in the SLS. For the US market, prices for the Black Series is expected to get a 35% bump up from the less hardcore AMG version. If you still think this is an exercise for Mercedes-Benz to stroke egos and fool rich folks into buying something like this to make themselves feel younger, there's an optional track pack and aerodynamics package. -
The ABT 'Speedie' - ABT starts tuning the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The totally new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has barely hit most markets around the world but as usual, the tuning houses have gotten their hands on it. ABT, known for tuning VW Group cars have their pimped out Beetle ready and wants us to call it the 'Speedie'. A bodykit, alloy wheels and 'go-faster' stripes and it deserves to be called 'Speedie'? I doubt it if you went out and bought the base 105bhp 1.2-litre TSI version. Even with ABT's ECU tweaks for that engine. But do continue reading anyway. Anyway, the ABT Volkswagen Beetle Speedie (which I think is what it's called in full) is basically ABT's first step in tuning the all new, new Beetle (I just had to say it in this way as this IS the revamp of the first new Beetle). ABT have not finalized details of the engine mods and have just stated that the Speedie will have tweaks for its looks. It has a complete bodykit
