The VÄTH V58 is no ordinary sports car. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG but with pockets more punch. Besides the engine, which we will talk about shortly, VÄTH also added its breakneck styling and aerodynamic package for visual delight.

The kit includes black carbon fibre front lips and a rear diffuser with large fins. A quartet of 19-inch wheels wearing 235/35 tyres at the front and 275/30 types at the rear can be ordered in silver, black or a different colour. A six-piston brake system with 378-millimeter brake disks is installed up front.

Power comes from the 5.5-litre V8 upgraded to a 5.8-litre displacement and strapped with a compressor. It takes maximum thrust from the factory 265 kW (355 bhp / 360 PS) and 510Nm up to a huge 416 kW (557 bhp / 565 PS) and 770Nm (568 lb-ft) of torque. The 0 – 100km/h sprint was not quoted but a top speed of 310km/h (193 mph) is envisaged.

Other technical upgrades include a performance chassis, an optional differential lock, high-grade steel catalysts, sports pistons, polished cylinder heads, a sports air filter, a long-stroke crankshaft and exhaust manifolds.

The interior package lists things like a sports steering wheel with leather, carbon or fine wood trimming, depending on the customer’s tastes.

VÄTH is charging €30,785 (US$42,037) for the engine upgrade alone. The other components can be ordered separately at various prices.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

The new Vorsteiner line of aero products for the BMW 7 Series short wheelbase and long wheelbase (codenamed F01 and F02 respectively) has been announced. Called the BMW VR-7 Sportiv Aero Package, it covers aerodynamic components that enhance the car’s looks to give it a more aggressive yet elegant appearance.

The front end consists of a VR-7 carbon fibre add-on front spoiler, a carbon fibre add-on rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. The front spoiler gives more downforce and stability in handling. The suspension was also lowered by 48mm (1.9 inches).

Featured in these pictures is a 750i model bearing 21″ x 9″ front and 21″ x 10.5″ rear wheels shod with 255/30-21 front and 285/30-21 rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres. The wheels are available in finishes that include brushed aluminium, silver, black, gunmetal and chrome. Customers can also specify their preferred custom finishes as well.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Swiss tuners BF Performance have completed work on a new tuning kit for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.  Called the GT600, their package can be used on either the coupe or the Spyder.

The company says their inspiration was driven by their perception that “the Gallardo is too innocent and neither dynamic nor individual enough.”  To that end, they designed a set of aerodynamics that gives the car an even more aggressive look, while cutting down on weight.

New body parts are made entirely of carbon fiber, and include new side skirts, rear diffuser, and a rear wing.  A set of wing doors is also a part of the package.

BF Performance claims that they have tuned the engine of the Gallardo, though they provide no specifications.  They do say that, between the mods and the 43 kg reduced weight, their GT600 has better acceleration than the LP640-4 SV.  Carbon-ceramic brakes were used to better control speed.

Inside, the company installed five-point belts and sport seats.  Carbon was used on the handles, vents, switch casings, and steering wheel to further reduce weight.  A rollover cage was also fitted to better protect passengers.

The BF Performance GT600 is now available for order.  The company says they can reconfigure the car from a four-wheel drive to a rear-wheel drive, if desired.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Cargraphic has revealed a tuning package for the Porsche Panamera Turbo that takes this five-door GT from a standard 368 kW (500 PS / 493 bhp) up to 405kW (550 PS / 542 bhp). Extra power was attained through a DME control unit and two sport air filters that allow more air for the turbo to use.

The tuner has kept Porsche’s 7-speed PDK transmission and it places this power well on the road through the AWD system. Cargraphic says the car will go from 0 – 100km/h in under four seconds. We can’t help but wonder if a possible official Panamera Turbo S would offer similar figures.

Personalisation options include the wheels which start with the 19-inch IS-ONE type and go up to 22-inch forged wheels. They can even let buyers choose what colour these rims can be.

The kit is priced at €1,495 (US$2,045) including VAT.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

The Weilheim-based CarFilmComponents (CFC) is offering a tuned-out version of the Hummer H2, done over in a not-so-subtle “burning chrome” lamination. Yes, the car is actually coated with an adhesive film.

The bonnet is covered in a black carbon film while the side and rear windows are draped with CutLine ThermoTec, one of the many registered trademark materials from CFC, that make them look an awful lot like conventional tinted windows.

The 480 hp (353 kW) H2 comes with massive 28-inch light alloy wheels wrapped in Kumho tires of 325/35 R28 dimensions. There are also the interestingly-named LSD wing doors and a FOX performance exhaust system.

There’s a couch done in a mix of leather and Alcantara and a mini-bar too. From which one can enjoy the massive multi-media system which includes a digital TV, DVD player, and XETEC amplifiers and subwoofers.

There are cameras at the front and back (images displayed on a dashboard screen) for parking assistance. But one may opt to keep this Hummer still and use it solely as a funked-out basement living room.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Edo Competition has unveiled their tuning program for the Aston Martin DBS.

To beef up the sexy beast, Edo installed revised ECU software, a new exhaust system, special catalytic converters, and high flow air filters. Thanks to these changes, the DBS produces 550 PS (542 hp / 405 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 33 PS (32 hp / 25 kW) and 30 Nm (22 lb-ft). This enables the car to rocket from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

Underneath, the company added a high performance brake system, 21-inch wheels, and an adjustable sports suspension (which can vary the ride height, spring compression and rebound damping).

Inside, customers can order carbon fiber trim or exclusive leather upholstery in a color of their choice.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

German tuners Hofele have released details about their new package of mods for the Audi A8 (D4).  The kits release coincides with Audi’s reveal of the new version of their flagship four-door.

A press release claims that the car realizes faster acceleration times of 5.2- and 5.3-seconds to 100 km/h depending on petrol or diesel engine.  The petrol 4.2-liter FSI V8 has been improved to 400 PS (294 kW / 395 bhp) and up to 475 Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque, while the TDI is boosted to 395 hp (290 kW / 390 bhp) and up to 880 Nm (649 lb-ft).  Fuel consumption remains at 9.5- (29.7 mpg imp) and 7.6-liters (37.1 mpg imp) of fuel per 100 kilometers, for the petrol and diesel, respectively.

Extra power brings the need for extra brake power, which is provided by larger, ventilated steel disc brakes that can be swapped for ceramic discs.  Six-piston brakes were also added.  The car’s suspension is lowered by between 40 and 80 millimeters, though it returns back to its original factory setting when traveling at 80 mph (129 km/h) and over.  New alloy wheels measure 9.5×20″ front and 10×22″ in back, which look like a tight squeeze thanks to the lower wheel wells.

Other mods include a new front end with larger air inlets and front fender outlets, redesigned side sills, and a remodeled rear bumper with diffuser and quad exhaust.  A decklid spoiler has also been added.  Inside, quilted two-tone leather, Alcantara, and a new steering wheel can all be found.

Pricing for the Hofele Audi A8 kit was not released.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

GeigerCars has given a significant power increase to the Mustang Shelby GT500.  The car’s output was pumped up from 540 PS (397 kW / 533 bhp) to an impressive 810 PS (596 kW / 799 bhp).

Top speed on the car is now 354 km/h (220 mph).  Sprint times were not revealed in the press release.

Torque on the 5.4-liter V8 engine was increased up to 945 Nm (697 lb-ft).  The power improvements are in part due to a 3.3-liter compressor which puts out 1.6 bar pressure.  Other performance enhancers include better air flow, new cylinder heads, more coolers, bigger throttle valves, and upgraded fuel injection.

The car’s transmission was modified to be able to take the extra power, and a three-disc carbon clutch was also used.  Large 380 mm drilled brake discs were added, along with six-piston calipers.

Other changes made to the car included a new racing chassis.  OZ alloys were added, measuring 8.5×20″ at the front and 10×20″ in back.  Wheels are wrapped in high performance Michelin tires.

Pricing on the GeigerCars version of the Shelby GT500 Mustang has not been disclosed.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Hamann has decked out a new kit plus performance hikes for the Range Rover Sport. Called the Hamann CONQUEROR II, the new car features a new front bumper with four integrated LED daytime running lights, a light carbon fibre bonnet and four wide extensions constructed from light materials as a start.

More kit includes a roof spoiler, a rear apron and a wide variety of wheel types and sizes. Hamann recommends a wheel/tyre combination for the front- and back of 11×23 inch wheels with tyres measuring 315/25 R23. A sports exhaust system with a stainless steel muffler was included.

The two engines have some extra boost. The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 was bumped up from 375kW (510hp) to 412kW (560hp) at 6,500rpm. Maximum torque was also increased to 685Nm (505 lb-ft) between 2,000rpm and 5,500rpm. The smaller 3.6 TDV6 motor was upped to 206kW (280hp) and 660Nm (487 lb-ft).

The interior comes with accessories like black-anodised aluminium with carbon applications and sports foot pedals.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

RUF has unveiled the next generation RGT, the RGT-8.

Based on the current 997 Porsche 911, the RGT-8 “is powered by a completely new RUF designed V8 engine with a 180° crankshaft flatcrank.” It features “four valves arranged spherically together with multipoint fuel injection [which] ensure optimal mixture conditions while the dry-sump system supplies the necessary lubrication.” Boasting a capacity of 4.5-liters, the V8 produces 404 kW (542 hp / 549 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.

To ensure maximum sportiness, RUF made the RGT-8 as light as possible. It comes with aluminum doors, an aluminum hood, a carbon fiber engine cover, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. Other performance goodies include ceramic brakes, an integrated roll-cage, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.

In terms of styling, the RGT-8 remains pretty faithful to the standard 911. However, if you want a more exclusive appearance, RUF offers a Frère package. Inspired by the 550 Coupe, that Paul Frère drove to victory in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Frère package consists of redesigned front fenders, a unique front end, and special interior trim.

RUF is planning to launch the RGT-8 in 2011, so look for more information to be released later this year.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »