Cars
March 16th, 2010 at 03:58am
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi
Abt Sportline R8 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery
Whenever Audi introduces a new model, chances are that the folks at Abt Sportsline are going to get their hands on one. The German company has been tuning Volkswagens and Audis since the 1970s and has enjoyed success racing the Audi A4 in DTM and more recently the new R8 LMS. Needless to say, Abt knows how to properly modify cars bearing the four rings.
Abt’s latest project is the droptop version of the Audi R8. Visually the car gets a new front grille, front fascia with carbon fiber spoiler, side sills, rear fascia, rear spoiler and lightweight five-spoke wheels. Even more importantly, the 5.2-liter V10 has been massaged to provide 600 horsepower, good for 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. Finally, Abt provides a sport suspension system for improved handling. Follow the jump for full details and browse through the high-res gallery below.
[Source: ABT Sportline]
Continue reading Abt Sportsline gets its hands on Audi R8 Spyder
Abt Sportsline gets its hands on Audi R8 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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By Mikel
March 13th, 2010 at 03:56pm
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Videos
American ingenuity FTW! 12″ Pypes stacks - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Really, there’s not much else to say here, other than that the guys at Pypes Performance Exhaust deserve a Nobel Prize or something. These 12-inch diesel stacks may well be the most gloriously redneck innovations ever devised by mankind. Or the most awesome. Or both. Don’t be a hater - you know you need a big diesel truck now. With these. For America. Click past the jump for the video demo.
[Source: YouTube via Pypes]
Continue reading Video: 12″ diesel stacks. God Bless America
Video: 12″ diesel stacks. God Bless America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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By Mikel
March 12th, 2010 at 07:58pm
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet
Autoblog attends Hotchkis track day - Click above for high-res image gallery
Suspension tuner John Hotchkis, principle of Hotchkis Sport Suspension and apparently at peace with the fact that we broke his precious E-Max, invited yours truly out to the Streets of Willow to pound some more hard fought miles into the amazing yellow 1971 Dodge Challenger. Actually, a whole bunch of people were on hand to do the pounding, and not just on the E-Max. Hotchkis was putting on a before-and-after clinic to showcase (and show off) a couple of its suspension packages. Not only was the mighty, heavily tweaked E-Max on hand, but the Hotchkis gang brought along a fairly stock 1970 Challenger, a rented Chevrolet Camaro SS and a Camaro SS that had been given the full Hotchkis suspension treatment.
The Plan: Put each car in the more-than-capable hands of John’s brother, Mark Hotchkis, a former Indy Lights driver who also happens to campaign a Porsche 962 in vintage races. Each car would be put through a series of tests (slalom, skid pad and a lap of the track itself) revealing numerically just how much better the new Hotchkis suspension pieces worked. They also brought a few of us journalist types along to not only see viva la difference, but share our impressions with the world/you guys. But before we get to the results…
Photos by Jonny Lieberman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. and Dan Khan
Continue reading Hotchkis Track Day proves “After” is much better than “Before”
Hotchkis Track Day proves “After” is much better than “Before” originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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By Mikel
March 12th, 2010 at 03:29am
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz
Väth V58 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is already a fierce little roadster, what with its 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 cranking out 355 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. But for those who want something a bit more bonkers, the folks at Väth have just the solution, by way of the V58 - an SLK55-based beastie that produces - get ready - 565 hp and 568 lb-ft, gains of 210 and 192, respectively. Holy moly.
How does such a thing come to life? Väth starts by upping the Merc’s engine displacement to 5.8 liters and adding things like a new compressor, new pistons, high-grade steel catalysts, a sport air filter and much more. In addition to these mechanical tweaks, the engine’s electronics have been re-calibrated, and the end result is an SLK that will max out at 193 mph. To manage all of that added power, a new set of high-performance brakes have been added up front. Vath also offers a locking differential and a new fuel cooler as optional upgrades.
Other exterior changes include hot new 19-inch wheels and a custom suspension that can be lowered anywhere from 20 to 65 millimeters, depending on user specification. An aerodynamic package is also on hand, featuring a front lip and rear diffuser made of carbon fiber. Inside, Väth has added the usual decorative touches to the climate control system, ashtray, shift gate, shift knob, door coatings and seat adjustment controls.
Naturally, all of this extra kit comes at substantial cost, and for all of the upgrades that we’ve listed, you’ll need to shell out €55,512 (that’s just over $75,900 based on current exchange rates). For that price, you could buy two SLK55s and tie them together, but there’s no doubt that the Väth creation would provide buckets and buckets of fun. Hit the jump for the full details in Väth’s press release and check out our high-res gallery below.
[Source: Väth]
Continue reading Väth V58 turns up the wick on Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG to the tune of 565 HP
Väth V58 turns up the wick on Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG to the tune of 565 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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By Mikel
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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By Mikel
March 10th, 2010 at 08:31pm
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Honda
Noblesse-tuned Honda CR-Z on-track - Click above to watch video after the jump
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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By Mikel
March 10th, 2010 at 07:57am
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda
Spoon Honda CR-Z - Click above for image gallery
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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By Mikel
March 8th, 2010 at 09:31pm
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz
2010 Brabus E V12 Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
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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By Mikel
March 6th, 2010 at 10:33pm
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover, Luxury
Hamann Conqueror II - Click above for high-res image gallery
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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By Mikel
March 6th, 2010 at 07:55am
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford
2010 Geiger Cars Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery
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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By Mikel
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