Ralliart announces it is closing its doors… so what does that mean for Mitsubishi?

March 10th, 2010 at 11:02pm Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

In a letter issued to its customers, Ralliart, a Japanese high-performance subsidiary of Mitsubishi, has announced that it is closing its doors. The company’s business case has apparently faded, a victim of the wilting domestic aftermarket scene as well as its lack of continued motorsports involvement.

Naturally, we wondered if and how the closure of the company responsible for its high-performance parts and related merchandise would impact the development, production and marketing of Mitsubishi vehicles sold here in the States - more specifically, the Lancer Ralliart and Sportback Ralliart models. To answer that question, we spoke with Mitsu spokesman Maurice Durand, and he informs us that the closure of Ralliart will not, in fact, have any affect on the availability or continued marketing of these models (or any future branded offerings), as Mitsubishi owns the rights to the name, logo, and so on. Furthermore, all licensing agreements in foreign countries remain intact.

So, while you may not be able to get a genuine JDM Ralliart strut-tower brace or shift knob, you can breath easy that the SportBack that you’ve been saving your lunch money for will still be at your local dealer by the time you’ve got enough scratch. Official press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ralliart announces it is closing its doors… so what does that mean for Mitsubishi?

Ralliart announces it is closing its doors… so what does that mean for Mitsubishi? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video]

March 10th, 2010 at 08:31pm Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

A couple of days ago, we wrote about the specs for the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and most commenters weren’t all that impressed. Spoon then let a little bit slip about what it was doing to make the hybrid coupe a little more engaging, but those were merely words. Now we have what is said to be track footage of Japanese tuner Noblesse in one of their tuned CR-Zs at Suzuka, and it might put people in a mind to at least reserve judgment.

It’s all in-car video, and yes, Noblesse is primarily known for their bodykit work, not for actual performance parts. All which makes this footage a little tough to gauge, but there were moments when we did find ourselves thinking, “Hey, this could be something.” And yes, we will only accept fully blacked-out CR-Zs from now on. Follow the jump for some Suzuka lapping, and have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below. Thanks for the tip and images, Chris!

[Source: Six Sylinder]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video]

Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z

March 10th, 2010 at 07:57am Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

With Honda’s in-house parts department in the game and Mugen developing it’s own line of kit for the CR-Z, the tuner trifecta is almost complete with the release of Spoon’s performance parts for Honda’s hybrid hatch.

While we thought bright blue wheels went out of vogue (even in the U.S.) in 2008, Spoon has coated its CR93 rollers in the company’s signature hue, along with upgraded calipers clamping onto 15-inch slotted discs. A ride height lowered by 50mm comes courtesy of front coilovers and a spring and shock combo in the rear, while the body has been subtly altered with the addition of a carbon fiber hood, mirrors and front lip spoiler.

More importantly, a new N1 exhaust has been fitted and Spoon is fiddling with the ECU to churn out a few extra (and much-needed) ponies. There’s no word on what the rejiggered computer and exhaust is good for power-wise or how Spoon is manipulating the hybrid drive system to boost performance, but considering the company’s past endeavors, we’re expecting good things.

[Source: Spoon via 7Tune]

Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form

March 8th, 2010 at 09:31pm Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

It’s been several days since we left the Geneva Motor Show and we’re still finding cars that we somehow missed out on the floor. We especially don’t know how we managed to skip this bad boy in the Brabus booth, as it should have been nearly impossible to miss. It’s called the E V12 Coupe, and it’s got 800 horsepower. Enough said.

There’s nothing new about Brabus stuffing a V12 into an E-Class. They’ve been doing it since 1996, and have been making twin-turbo models since 2003. The latest version is based off of the new E Coupe, and it’s a much prettier car than the awkward looking E V12 Black Baron that we saw in Frankfurt. Fortunately it does share the same engine - a 6.3-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 800 horsepower and 1047 lb-ft torque. Brabus quotes a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 230 mph, and judging from the performance of their previous cars we are inclined to believe them.

Besides the engine, the E V12 Coupe also comes with larger brakes, a Brabus-spec coilover suspension system, 19-inch wheels and more carbon fiber than you can shake a stick at. The front spoiler, grille, front and rear fenders, rear diffuser, intake system, interior trim and seats are all made from the lightweight material. What is all of this going to cost you? 478,000 Euros - approximately $650,000 using today’s exchange rate, or more than 13 E-Class Coupes.

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form

Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport

March 6th, 2010 at 10:33pm Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover, Luxury

There were so many debuts at the Geneva Motor Show this year that a few new cars were bound to slip through the cracks. We happened to miss this custom Range Rover Sport from Hamann, probably because the 670 horsepower Tycoon Evo M was sharing the same stand. Named the Conqueror II, it follows up on Hamann’s first take of the Range Rover Sport that debuted a few years ago.

Benefiting from the RR Sport Supercharged’s new 5.0-liter V8, the Conqueror II packs 560 horsepower and 506 lb-ft torque thanks to a revised engine management system and a sport exhaust. The exterior gets the full Hamann treatment, with a full body kit, carbon fiber hood, LED running lights and forged 23-inch wheels. Interior modifications are relatively subtle (the snakeskin seats in Conqueror I are thankfully absent) and include the usual stuff like embriodered mats, plus aluminum and carbon fiber accents. Hit the jump for full details, and high-res photos can be found in the gallery below.

[Source: Hamann]

Continue reading Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport

Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geiger Cars takes on the 2010 Shelby GT500 with impressive results

March 6th, 2010 at 07:55am Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

We don’t know why Karl Geiger is fascinated with American performance cars, but we’re sure glad he is. The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the latest muscle car to go under the German tuner’s knife, and the results are nothing less than impressive. Thanks to a larger Whipple supercharger, larger throttle valves, upgraded fuel injection system and ported cylinder heads, the 5.4-liter V8 produces an incredible 799 horsepower and 697 pound-feet torque. Geiger claims a top speed of 220 miles per hour, but with the Mustang’s aerodynamics we would peg that number as more theoretical than anything.

To cope with extra horsepower, Gieger has also fitted the GT500 with a three-disc carbon clutch and reinforced the six-speed transmission. Handling improvements have been made through a “racing chassis” (we’re not sure what that means), a panhard rod with polyurethane bushings and adjustable lower control arms. Finally massive 15-inch, six-piston front brakes help haul the Shelby down from inevitable high speed runs. You can see the full press release after the jump, and high-res images courtesy of Gieger can be found in the gallery below.

[Source: GeigerCars.de]

Continue reading Geiger Cars takes on the 2010 Shelby GT500 with impressive results

Geiger Cars takes on the 2010 Shelby GT500 with impressive results originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Hamann Tycoon EVO M more powerful than mightiest Lamborghini

March 4th, 2010 at 11:59pm Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, BMW

We’ll come clean. Collectively, we spend an unexpected amount time repeating the following sentence, “As much as I know I shouldn’t, I love the BMW X6. I know it’s wrong, I know. But it’s just a great car.” But you know what makes less sense than the X6? The X6 M. That car’s stone cold crazy. Therefore we like it even more than the regular flavor SAC (Sports Activity Coupe). Have you met our friend Hamann?

For the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Hamann brought along its new Tycoon EVO M. And… it’s quite bonkers.The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 has been pumped up to the tune of 670 horsepower and 576 pound-feet of torque. For comparison’s sake, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce’s mighty 6.5-liter V12 produces 670 hp - exactly the same amount as the Hamann Tycoon EVO M. Crazy, no? Oh, also, the mightiest ever Lambo makes 89 lb-ft of torque less than this mental patient Hamann.

Then there’s the little matter of the carbon fiber. Look, we’re all for saving precious pounds but keep it real for a minute. Before Hamann got their filthy mitts all over it, the X6 M weighed in at 5,324 pounds. Lord (and Hamann) only knows what it weighs now. And since we’re keeping it real, shaving a few pounds off the front end of an over-powered beast like the Tycoon is killing a mouse with the 101st Airborne. In other words, the carbon fiber hood and splitter is nothing but blingy, look-at-me bunting. And since we’re ragging on conspicuous displays of too much wealth, Tycoon? Really? That said, we’ve never seen 23-inch wheels look so perfectly at home.

Geneva 2010: Hamann Tycoon EVO M more powerful than mightiest Lamborghini originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Techart debuts trifecta of tuned Porsches

March 4th, 2010 at 11:59pm Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche

There were dozens of tuners exhibiting at the Geneva Motor Show, but Porsche specialist Techart had one of the more impressive displays. Three of their cars made world debuts this week including a customized 911 Turbo, their latest version of the GTStreet R and a concept based on the Panamera.

The Panamera, named the Concept One, is undoubtedly the most interesting of the bunch. The exterior features a new body kit that’s on the reserved side compared to some of the others we’ve seen, although the new front end and the vented hood give it a fairly aggressive look. The interior really caught our attention, however, with its cocoa and white colors combined with green stitching and cerbero leather trim. It looks pretty cool, but realistically we guess it would be pretty tough to keep clean. Check out each of the cars live from the show floor in the high-res gallery below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Geneva 2010: Techart debuts trifecta of tuned Porsches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror

March 4th, 2010 at 07:58pm Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

We have to admit that we were a little disappointed when we saw the Carlsson C25 in person. The finished product doesn’t seem to quite have the ultra-aggressive look of the original concept sketches. It could also be that we’re not huge fans of the silver, black and orange paint scheme, nor of the brown and orange interior. In Carlsson’s defense, the color combination was chosen by their customer, and we’d like to see another version in a solid color and a better choice of interior hues before we declare a verdict.

Even so, the C25 is an impressive beast. Under the hood is a Carlsson-built 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 753 horsepower and 974 lb-ft of torque, good for a conservatively listed 3.7 second sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of just under 220 mph. To also appeal to potential clients, Carlsson has made exclusivity a top priority, limiting production to just 25 units and selling only one example in each country where they’re available. As is proven by the car you see here, customers can choose from a near-limitless range of exterior and interior color combinations. Hit the jump for more details on the Carlsson C25 or browse through the gallery of live photos below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror

Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Mansory Limited Edition G-Couture is anything but

March 4th, 2010 at 07:55am Under Cars

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

If there’s one thing we can say about Mansory, it’s that they sure aren’t afraid to try new things. A pink Bentley? Sure. A blue and gold Rolls-Royce Ghost? Why not? Then there’s this highly modified G55 AMG built in cooperation with fashion designer Philipp Plein named the G-Couture. With a production run of just seven examples, this heavily modified Benz will only be available to a limited few. Truthfully, it’s probably better that way.

While we aren’t necessarily against fully cladding a G55 in carbon fiber, our hesitation with the G-Couture is less about the concept and more about the execution. The front end particularly looks overly-styled, and the unpainted fibers seem more appropriate on a sports car. We can, however, appreciate the upgrades done underneath the hood. Mansory has boosted the supercharged V8 to 700 horsepower and 649 lb-ft torque. Necessary? Of course not, but impressive nonetheless. Hit the jump for more details about the G-Couture, or check it out in all its carbon fiber glory in the gallery below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Mansory Limited Edition G-Couture is anything but

Geneva 2010: Mansory Limited Edition G-Couture is anything but originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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