RIEGER Tuning has unveiled new styling packages for the popular Opel Astra H and Opel Corsa D.

The Astra H is outfitted with a new front bumper, optional LED daytime running lights, aggressive side skirts, and a new rear bumper that boasts a sporty rear diffuser. Other styling tweaks include headlight masks, a sport exhaust system with four tailpipes, H&R lowering springs (which reduce ride height 30mm), and 19-inch Brock B21 alloy wheels.

While the Astra only looks “so-so”, the RIEGER Corsa D has far greater appeal thanks to its stylish front spoiler lip extensions and attractive side skirts. Out back, there is a modified rear bumper, a new rear diffuser, and a sport exhaust system with dual oval tailpipes. RIEGER also equipped the car with a KW coilover suspension kit and 19-inch Brock 17 RC white-polished alloy wheels.

Both styling kits are constructed from high-quality ABS plastic and are TÜV approved.

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Because no serious tuner can accept that a factory car will be more powerful than their tuned version of the same car, these power-loving companies are always trying to outgun the standard car by a mile if they can. G-POWER’s reputation is one of gung-ho power that seems to know no boundaries.

As recently as in March this year the tuner released the X5 G-POWER TYPHOON with 386kW (525hp). Since then BMW has confirmed the power figure of the standard X5 M to be 408kW (555hp). Not to be upset by the OEM the tuner now brings out the X5 G-POWER TYPHOON RS which forks out a phenomenal 460kW (625hp) and maximum torque of 700Nm from a completely re-engineered 4.8-litre V8.

The engine has been force-fed using the G-POWER SK III RS supercharger. The boost pressure is 1.0 bar. The core of the supercharger is the ASA supercharger system which is also used in the Alpina B5S, B6S and B7 models, as well as the B6 GT3 racer. It makes the X5 go from 0 – 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, 0 – 200km/h (124mph) in 16 seconds to eventually reach a top speed of 285km/h (177mph). Gears are selected using a 6-speed automatic transmission while grip and go come from the xDrive AWD system.

Kit used includes a steel high-performance exhaust system, racing catalysts and rear mufflers, and a large-volume aluminium charge air cooling system at the front.

Inside G-POWER fitted accessories like a TYPHOON design speedometer, a sports steering wheel and aluminium bits. Customers can pretty much spec the car do their own personal desires. Each X5 G-POWER TYPHOON RS can be ordered directly or can be created from an existing customer X5 (E70).

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IND has unveiled their new Silverstone II BMW M3 convertible.

Designed to be “clean and subtle”, the package features a discrete polyurethane front lip extension and the complete removal of all stock OEM reflectors. Other changes include a new “challenge” rear diffuser and 20-inch BBS LM chrome wheels outfitted with Nitto Invo tires.

In the coming months, IND will outfit the car with an Eisenmann Sport exhaust system, a Rogue short shift kit, and a performance shift knob and boot.

Although official information wasn’t released, power likely comes from the standard 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 414 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Created for an unnamed client of IND’s Portfolio styling service, the Silverstone II isn’t “a mass produced modified car, but rather a car that is uniquely our client’s.”

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MEC Design has unveiled a new bodykit for the Mercedes CL W216.

Dubbed the 2FACE, the kit features an aggressive front end with a revised grille and modified front bumper. Out back, the car boasts a three-piece rear spoiler, a choice of two rear diffusers (“elegant” or “extreme sports”), and a sports exhaust system with four massive tailpipes.

Other styling tweaks include bold side skirts with available LED lighting and a choice of flat black or chrome MEC I three-piece wheels that measure 10.5×22 front and 11.5×22 rear.

Pricing information wasn’t released, but expect the package to carry a healthy premium.

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Gemballa has unveiled their new Mirage GT Gold Edition.

Based on the Porsche Carrera GT, the Gold Edition follows in the footsteps of Gemballa’s previously revealed Mirage GT, Mirage GT Carbon Edition, and Mirage GT Matt Edition.

As the name suggests, the Gold Edition features various gilded accents on the wheels, mirrors, air intakes, side skirts, and wing. Inside, the theme continues with gold touches on the instrument cluster, center console, door handles, shifter, and steering wheel. In a nod to practicality, Gemballa offers a HLS suspension which raises the car 45mm (1.8″) so the Mirage can tackle speed bumps and parking garages.

Power comes from a massive V10 engine that produces 650 horsepower and 630 Nm of toque. This enables the Gold Edition to run from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) in 9.7 seconds, and top out at over 335 km/h (208 mph).

Although nothing is official, expect the Gold Edition to cost more than €300,000 ($431,700 USD).

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U.S. Tuner Elite has come up with a Bond car (as in James Bond in a LeMans racer) inspired by the Ferrari Scuderia and Ferrari Stradale as well as the Lamborghini Superleggera. They call it the 2010 Aston Martin LMV/R (Le Mans Vantage Racer).

Elite claims the car will be lighter than the production model through extensive use of carbon fiber parts. And one has to assume that performance is, at least, marginally improved by way of the weight reduction as well the aerodynamic/body kit, a sport exhaust system and lowering springs. A big brake kit hints at increased performance too but Elite does not provide any info on that front.

Also included in the package is a an Alcantara interior along with carbon fiber paneling in the cabin and 20-inch wheels to fit the wide body kit. But this package really seems to be about that carbon fiber body paneling which, along with the usual skirts, wings and rear diffuser, also comes with rear quarter panel extensions that are 2-inches (5 cm) wider.

Only 30 of these Aston Martin LMV/R’s will be made. They will be distributed through Aston Martin dealers in the United States. The price is a tad…no, it’s an outright million miles beyond reasonable at 173,000 U.S. dollars, not including the original Aston Martin Vantage. But it does include transport to Elite for the installation job and back to the dealer purchase point where one buys the car.

Well, that makes it worth it then.

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As Europeans await the official arrival of the Chevrolet Camaro on the continent, the smaller family-sized Cruze is taking its shine. Tuning and design firm Irmscher has transformed the Cruze into a Transformers 2 centrepiece, basing the look and feel on the Camaro Bumblebee. The basis for the car is a 1.8 LT automatic model.

The Irmscher model features orange colour 18-inch wheels with the Turbo Star design and 225mm-wide tyres. These are unique to the Cruze Bumblebee. Irmscher has lowered the body by some 30mm and fitted an orange rear diffuser to match the wheels. Orange is carried through as a double-stripe hanging over the black body as well as on the side mirrors. The tuner is confident that interest will be so deep in Cruze Bumblebee that a series might come out of it.

Prices will be available on request to people wishing for the kit. For the rest who want a test drive of the standard car and not the Bumblebee version, their nearest dealership could arrange one. Alternatively the Frankfurt Motor Show will have factory units available for the public to drive.

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Hummer tuning specialist GeigerCars.de has unveiled their new “Latte Macciatto” H2.

Named after its unique brown/beige paint scheme, the Latte Macciatto features a bold exterior with massive 30-inch chrome wheels outfitted with 315/30R30 tires. Inside, the sport-ute boasts luxurious brown and beige leather, Alcantara upholstery, and piano lacquer trim.

Power comes from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 547 PS and 763 Nm of torque. Thanks to the addition of forced induction, the H2 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph).

Other performance upgrades include Brembo brakes, additional chassis stabilizers, and beefier rear axle struts. The company also added adjustable sport shock absorbers, a lowering kit, and a quad stainless steel exhaust system.

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The Royal Family of Abu Dhabi is receiving this special A.R.T.-tuned SUV which is based on the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG. This unit is the only one being produced, making it a once-off project. Called the AS55K YAAS EDITION, the vehicle has received a power upgrade to 456kW (620hp) and some comprehensive aerodynamic enhancements. High-performance brakes are needed for such a combination of power and vehicle type so A.R.T. saw it fit to utilise perforated 380 size brake disks and 8-piston brake calipers up front and perforated 345 size brake disks as well as 4-piston brake calipers at the rear.

The aero kit includes carbonised surfaces such as the bonnet, the exterior side mirrors, the door handles and the spare wheel cover. Even the interior surfaces and multi-function steering wheel are covered in carbon fiber; the latter is coloured in gold. It is all just as the Royal Family had asked.

Stainless steel also played a role as it was included on the polished rear bumper, the air vents and other body elements. The tailpipes are chrome-plated and supposedly give out a sound that is hard to ignore. Chrome was again applied as the window tint colour which makes sure outsiders don’t see much of the interior.

A.R.T. has provided what can only be described as enough lighting power to make a night game at the stadium seem like an afternoon game. There are bi-xenon dual headlights, four xenon upper-beam headlights and four foglights added in a package seemingly designed not to leave the driver in the dark at any point in time.

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Tym Switzer’s tuning crew is at it again. After bringing the 588kW (800hp) Porsche GT2-based P800 to the world the brand came under pressure from customers of the AWD 911 Turbo (997TT) who wanted the same amount of power and performance from their cars.

Switzer was not about to let them head off elsewhere so the crew set about making the necessary changes to increase power from the standard 353kW (480hp) to the demanded 588kW (800hp). The car is now said to be capable of a sub-3 second 0 – 60mph time and a consistent 10.5 second quarter mile.

“The P800 kit for the GT2 evolved from the SLEDGEHAMMER project car that ran in the 9s last year,” said Tym, “that was a race-gas package, but as the program developed, we were able to move to a more streetable package and keep the factory DME, unlike the SLEDGEHAMMER, which used a stand-alone system. Other than that, everything that made the SLEDGEHAMMER so special is still right there in the P800 GT2, and it’s still right there in this 997.”

The package includes custom GT30 turbos that come with custom billet compressor wheels on ball-bearing center sections in lightweight stainless housings, custom intercoolers, ECU software, competition-style exhaust and headers, an upgraded carbon clutch package and an electronic boost control. All Switzer Performance dealers now have the package available for sale.

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