TechArt Releases New Panamera Photos

TechArt Releases New Panamera Photos

TechArt has released new pictures of their individualization program for the Porsche Panamera.
Recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the TechArt Panamera features a subtle body kit (dubbed Aerokit I) with revised fascias, a new front spoiler, a rear diffuser, and a stainless steel four tailpipe exhaust system. Elsewhere, the company adds a fixed rear wing, aggressive side sills, and 21-inch Formula (or 22-inch Formula II) light-alloy wheels.
For the interior, TechArt offers a wide variety of customization options such as two-tone leather upholstery, decorative stitching, and alcantara headliners. Other items include a sport steering wheel, exotic wood trim, and body-color interior accents.
If you missed seeing it in Frankfurt, the TechArt Panamera will also be shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Modification BMW X5 (E70)

Modification BMW X5 (E70)

G-Power has unveiled the limited edition Typhoon Black Pearl.

Based on the previously seen X5 Typhoon, the Black Pearl features a monotone black paint job and an aggressive body kit with revised fascias, a new hood (with improved ventilation), and wider fender flares. Other styling tweaks for the BMW X5 include a rear diffuser, a roof-mounted spoiler, aerodynamic side skirts, and 23-inch Silverstone aluminum wheels wrapped in high performance Michelin tires.

Under the hood, G-Power outfitted the 4.8-liter V8 engine with a SK III RS supercharger, a carbon fiber air intake, a large-volume aluminum charge air cooling system, a SpeedFlow high-performance exhaust system (with racing headers, racing catalysts and racing end mufflers), forged MAHLE pistons, new fuel injectors (with a larger fuel mass capacity), and revised engine electronics.

Thanks to these modifications, the engine produces 625 hp (460 kW) and 700 Nm of torque. This enables the Black Pearl to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 16 seconds, and top out at more than 300 km/h (186 mph).

Priced from €295,000 ($415,225 USD).

Modification Mercedes E-Class E63 AMG

Modification Mercedes E-Class E63 AMG

VÄTH Automobiltechnik has unveiled their new tuning program for the Mercedes E 63 AMG.

Dubbed the VÄTH V63RS, the car features a sinister exterior with a starless grille (€797), a boot spoiler (€333), a carbon fiber diffuser (€1,773), and a carbon fiber front lip spoiler (€1,416). Other styling tweaks include a suspension lowering module, which reduces the ride height by 30 mm, (€821) and 20-inch forged three-piece alloy wheels wrapped in high performance rubber (€8,211).

Inside, the V63RS has carbon trim (€2,737) and velour floor mats with an embroidered VÄTH logo (€226).

Under the hood, VÄTH enlarged the cylinder head channels, installed new engine management software, and added new pistons, valves, sport cam shafts, a larger intake, and bigger exhaust valves (all for a whopping €19,635). Thanks to these modifications, the engine produces 605 hp and 690 Nm of torque (an increase of 87 hp and 60 Nm of torque). This allows the V63RS to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, before topping out at 340 km/h (211 mph). When it’s time to stop, massive 390mm brake discs (with 8 pistons fixed calipers up front) bring you to a halt (€5,355).

Modification Loder1899 Ford Focus RS

Modification Loder1899 Ford Focus RS

One could argue that the Ford Focus RS already has too much horsepower going through the front axle but Loder1899 thinks it may need a little more.
The Ford Focus RS is already the most powerful hot-hatch in its class, with its 2.5 liter, turbocharged 5-cylinder engine doling out a remarkable 300 bhp. But now German tuner Loder1899 has added an extra 45 horses for the front wheels to grind away with.
The specialized Ford tuner also provides a new stainless-steel exhaust system, in a Y-pipe form and fitted with a silencer, that deepen the sound of the already rumbling production RS. According to Loder1899, the new exhaust system alone adds 20 horses to the RS’s performance. A new air filter and other fidgeting account for the rest.
A suspension-lowering of 35 mm is also part of the tuning package. Loder1899’s own 20-inch “Vertigo Viginti” wheels are included too.

Modification Lexus IS 350C

Modification Lexus IS 350C

In 2008 Fox Marketing showed a 600hp-plus Lexus IS-F at the SEMA show. This year the tuner has gone for a topless IS350C and gave it a whole new personality. The 3.5-litre V6 was fitted with a ProCharger supercharger system pushing 6 PSI, a Yonaka Intercooler, 2.5 inch stainless intercooler piping, couplers and silicone hoses. The exhaust is from partner F-Sport. Power thus increased from a standard 225kW (306hp) to 298kW (405hp) which is not far off a factory IS-F’s 310kW (421hp).
Fox fitted iForged wheels sized 20×9 inches up front and 20×11.5 inches at the rear, cloaked in 245/30/20 and 305/30/20 Toyo T1R tyres. The suspension features Yonaka SPECII 36-way adjustable coilovers and a rear brace from TunedParts. Brakes utilised are 14-inch discs with 6 piston calipers.
Exterior work includes BASF R-M Foxy Green paint, a lip molded front spoiler, black headlight housings, 3-prong LED indicators, IS-F side fenders and side skirts, a carbon fibre rear wing and black grille inserts. The interior is coloured cream and features some black painted parts and a Classic Design Concepts light bar.

Modification Lexus IS 350C

Modification Rhys Millen Racing RM460

Modification Rhys Millen Racing RM460

California-based tuning outfit Rhys Millen Racing will be bringing their adapted mid-engined V8 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to Las Vegas next month for the SEMA Show. The company built their RM460 Genesis Coupe with the Genesis sedan’s 4.6-liter Tau V8 engine modified to produce 500 horsepower.
“We’ve enhanced the original performance features and created a rear hatch for complete engine access and viewing pleasure,” wrote company head Rhys Millen in a press release. “Placing the Tau V8 in the middle of the Genesis Coupe’s architecture will improve vehicle handling, acceleration and braking and enhance the already dynamic driving experience.”



Engineers stripped out the rear seating, opting to place the V8 in its place. The engine has a new management system, as well as upgraded pistons and throttle bodies. With the engine compression ratio at 11.0:1, the tuners then mounted a five-speed sequential transmission from Mendeola. Top speed is rated at 182 mph, but the driver can rein that power in with the StopTech performance brakes.
The RM460 comes with 20-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo T1R tires. Carbon fiber was also used on the spoiler and rear hatch, which incorporates glass for viewing the engine. Inside, the car features carbon fiber panels, and Alcantara and Chrono sports seats from Sparco.

Modification BRABUS Ultimate R

Modification BRABUS Ultimate R

Brabus shows what happens when performance tuners tackle underpowered urban cars. The Brabus Ultimate R is a turbocharged, 112 horsepower version of the Smart ForTwo.

The three-cylinder OEM engine that comes on the car is also tuned to push out up to 150 Nm of torque, which helps the car reach a new 0-100 km/h in a more respectable 9.5 seconds. Top speed is now limited to 170 km/h (106 mph), but the thought of driving a Smart Car at that speed is frightening, to say the least. Other performance upgrades include a new sport suspension, which lowers the car by 30 mm, and more rigid shocks.

Making the Smart look more, well, smart, Brabus added carbon fiber elements inside and out, while giving the vehicle a gun metal gray paint job. Blacked-out double-spoke wheels are wider in back than in the front, and wrapped in high performance tires. An aluminum-tipped stainless-steel dual-exhaust from Brabus is also included. Alcantara-lined sport seats are an interesting addition to a car that is supposed to be for the budget conscious.

Currently on display in Frankfurt, the Brabus Ultimate R has an automatic transmission that also allows a degree of input through the paddle shifters mounted to the new racing wheel. Sitting inside, you will also find a navigation system, radio, and climate control.

Modification GT Gold Edition 2011

Modification GT Gold Edition 2011

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).