German firm SpeedArt have released their latest tuner job of the Porsche 997 Turbo.  The SpeedArt BTR-II 650 EVO features a horsepower boost of 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp), and torque increase of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

This brings output to 650 PS (478 kW / 641 hp) and up to 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque.  If the overboost function is still available, that could potentially raise torque to a maximum 699Nm.  These power figures were achieved by changing the engine’s computer, and using larger VTG turbochargers.  New headers, catalytic converters and tailpipes are part of the sport exhaust.  A new air filter and bigger intercoolers were also used.

The result is a 0-100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, and a new top speed of over 330 km/h (205 mph).

Needless to say, these speeds mean the brakes might run a bit hotter when used.  For that, the company designed a front bumper that provides more air to the brakes.  Also attached is a new front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, and adjustable rear wing.

Engineers installed an adjustable sport suspension.  To reduce weight, the company used Light Spoke Competition (LSC) forged twin-spoke wheels.  The wheels measure 8.5×20″ front and 12×20″ rear, and are available in several different colors.

Other available options include a new steering wheel with paddle shifters to control the PDK transmission.  Carbon fiber sport seats are availble in fabric, leather, and Alcatara, with the textiles available for other parts of the interior.  Carbon fiber trim is also used.

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Japanese tuners Wald are now taking orders for their new kit for the 2010 Lexus LS460 facelift.  The car with the styling mods debuted in January at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010.

Engineers designed a sportier package for the facelifted model than their previous kit.  It includes a blacked-out grille ringed in chrome, an aggressive front bumper, and new sidesills.  A new diffuser surrounds the dual tailpipes, like the previous Wald kit, but this package has a more squared-off bumper.

The company does not plan to stop here.  An e-mail sent to us from the tuner says they are working on a package capable of fitting the LS Hybrid.

Delivery of the Wald Lexus LS460 package will begin in mid-March.  The package is also available through select Lexus Japan dealers.

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German tuners Abt Sportsline have created a tuning package for the facelifted Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel, the first diesel SUV to comply with the Euro 6 emission standard.  Abt engineers developed a package of performance and aerodynamic modifications that increases power without increasing emissions.

Front-and-center is the 16% increase in raw power, bringing the engine up to 278 hp, from 240 hp.  Torque was boosted by 5% to 580 Nm, from 550 Nm.  Still, the tuning outfit claims that, “The Clean Diesel still remains as economic as before its power upgrade in Bavaria.”

Aerodynamic upgrades include exhaust covers, rear skirt, side skirts, and wing extensions.  20- or 22-inch diamond-cut wheels are available in silver or matte black.  The company has several other options on offer, including a quad-pipe exhaust, 30mm lowered suspension, and sport brakes.

The set of upgrades is already up on Abt Sportsline’s website.  Pricing was not detailed.

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HEICO SPORTIV has a new tuning package for the facelift Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe. The tuner believes a strong base is already in place from the stock car which has eco-friendly technologies like stop/start with a brake-energy recovery system and a fuel consumption of 3.9 litres per 100km.

“This is our basic starting point for proving that ecologically friendly action and the pleasure of driving don’t need to be mutually exclusive,” said HEICO SPORTIV general manager Holger Hedtke. “In doing so, aerodynamically optimised components such as the radiator grille or under-floor intentionally remain untouched.”

Power and torque increase from 80kW (109 bhp) and 240Nm to 92kW (125 bhp) and 280Nm respectively. The 0 – 100km/h sprint time is quoted as 9.2 seconds. HEICO SPORTIV says theirs is 2.1 seconds quicker than the factory car. It also has a 200km/h top speed.

The car’s exterior features a HEICO SPORTIV front spoiler, sport rims in 18 and 19-inch size in three colours, and a stainless steel double and quad pipe exhaust system. Other performance enhancers include a differential lock and a sports suspension lowered by 30mm.

Interior accessories include aluminium or leather-covered handbrake, door pin set and gear lever grip.

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As Porsche models evolve, so do the the tuners who enhance them.  TechArt has added a new performance kit for the newly facelifted and uprated 997 S and 997 4S all-wheel drive model.

Identified as Power kit TA 097/S1, components include the “Racing” flap-controlled exhaust system as well as new ECU software for a slight boost in power output up to 35 hp in the upper rpm range for a new total of 420 hp.

The exhaust system includes two stainless steel racing headers with sports catalytic converters, rear muffler with exhaust flap, an exhaust flap control unit and twin oval tailpipes in high-gloss or black chrome.  The exhaust flap control unit allows for standard noise volume or unrestricted race car sound from the exhaust system.

As previously seen, TechArt offers the TÜV-certified Aerokit I for the 997.  Wind tunnel tested, the kit provides increased downforce over the axels via a front spoiler, side skirts, roof spoiler and adjustable rear wing.  Decorative trimmings include side mirrors, headlamp surrounds and rear diffuser.

The Power kit TA 097/S1 is available with immediate effect.

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ABT has released a tuning kit for the facelift Audi A3. The tuner calls it AS3 and it’s more than just a cosmetic surgery. Getting into the exterior detail first we see that ABT has modified a few components such as the front grille, the bonnet, the fenders and the front bumpers. Even the front LED lights have changed shape form the standard bulbs.

The rest of the bodywork is made up of new side skirts, a front spoiler insert, fender inserts and a rear apron. ABT’s recognisable four tailpipe unit gives the cars more presence. ABT AR or BR alloy wheels measuring 18 or 19-inch are recommended for the AS3. The suspension has been lowered by 35mm to improve handling and agility.

For power ABT extracted even more juice out of the standard units in order to match looks with performance. So the baseline 1.4 TSI which normally comes in at 92kW (125hp) has been increased to 118kW (160hp). Audi produces a standard 118kW (160hp) 1.4 TSI as well but that has been bumped up to 154kW (210hp). The 2.0-litre petrol gets the most boost from what is comparatively a pedestrian 147kW (200hp) to 177kW (240hp).

On the diesel side the 2.0 TDI is puffed up to either 125kW (170hp) or 140kW (190hp) depending on where in the power band it starts in its normal life. ABT says fuel consumption and engine reliability have not been affected by these power increases.

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For some drivers, it’s not enough to arrive in a 600-horsepower luxury sedan, they’ve got to make sure that everyone knows it’s a 600-horsepower luxury sedan. For these buyers, the facelifted 2010 Mercedes S63 AMG and S65 AMG are good news. As the flagship sedan has gotten updated for the new year, so has the high-performance version. Details have been leaked by Mercedes’ German online configuration website, which has images of the S63 AMG and S65 AMG ahead of the car’s official Shanghai Auto Show reveal.

The new S-Class AMG models are more distinguished from the standard S-Class, with a larger front air intake below the bumper. The round foglights have been replaced by strips of LED lighting. There are LED taillights as well. The S63 AMG and S65 AMG get individual grilles to distinguish them–though, if you’re good, you’ll be able to tell them apart by the size of the quad exhaust outlets.

Power remains impressive, with the S63 AMG’s 6.2 liter V8 putting out 518 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. AMG’s seven-speed automatic transmission is used. The S65 AMG is the “Big Daddy” of the Mercedes sedan family, with a twin-turbo 6.0 V12 that’s got 604 horses on tap. The S65’s 738 lb-ft. torque rating requires a five-speed automatic to handle the torque, and offers more grunt than the competition from BMW. Mercedes’ ESP stability control does its best to keep these super-sedans docile, though sometimes it’s a losing battle.

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Feel like giving your A3 a facelift of your own? Well, Caractere has just the right goodies for you.

Caractere, which means ‘character’, is a Belgian tuner which offers what they have termed “design programs” for the VW, Audi and Porsche brands. They have just released their design offerings for the facelifted A3.

Available in the styling kit is a 2-piece front spoiler which, unfortunately, is not compatible with an S-Line package. There’s a set of side skirts and two different roof spoilers, with a special one for the A3 Sportback. A rear spoiler with exhaust is also included with L & R tips. For the QUATTRO version only the spoiler without exhaust is a fit.

Caractere guarantees all parts with a 5-year warranty (2 for exhausts) and components are TÜV compliant in Germany. Parts are made with PU Rim, a special form of plastic that provides greater elasticity which is optimal for spoilers and skirts.

Also included in the program are Caractere designed 18 and 19-inch wheels.

Visit http://www.caractere.com/ for more details.

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The Porsche Cayenne remains one of the most sought-after tuner subjects and LUMMA Design has joined the fray with the facelifted GTS based CLR 550 R.

The SUV has a body kit that is 5cm wider on each side with 315/25-23 Michelins front and rear. Add the sport lowering suspension kit and the CLR 550 R sits 40mm lower making its wheels look even bigger. The look is heightened by a front spoiler bumper with a double daylight/fog lamp pair, side skirts, fender extensions, a rear bumper, tailgate apron, and a bonnet in Carbon/Kevlar which flows into those “evil eye” eyelids.

The ECU has received some reprogramming to jam out more power from the GTS V8, and something called LUMMA GPM added. GPM or gas pedal power module, gives a quick response on the gas pedal. From the rear an exhaust system with flap technology and stainless steel construction provides positive feedback.

A feeling of comfortable motorsports resonates inside where carbon fiber and leather/ alcantara dominate in addition to aluminium foot pedals. There’s a bit of ICE as well courtesy of a multimedia system with 7.5-inch, headrest-mounted screens. Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Following the teaser image from earlier this month, well known German tuner, Lorinser, have finally pulled the sheet off their new facelifted SL-Class. Designed in characteristic Lorinser form, the SL-Class program includes front bumper fascia, wide flare fenders with grille vents, side skirts also with grille vents and diffuser look rear bumper fascia which accommodates four pipe exhaust system. Also available for the package are the Lorinser RS9 wheels and lowered suspension. Lorinser states in their press release below performance engine upgrades are currently in development.
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