2008
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Carlsson has kitted up the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with its latest CK65 tuning package, a race-proven kit that combines a host of performance modifications with high-end luxury appointments. The new kit is dubbed the ‘Blanchimont’ – named after a corner at the Spa Francorchamps race track in Belgium – and has been designed to fill the gap between the standard S-Class Maybach range. The vehicle picks up its ‘Aigner’ tag because of the cooperation between Carlsson and luxury goods brand Etienne Aigner AG, and as such the car is available with more than 30...
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Audi R8 sold out through 2009
The Germans in Ingolstadt may be fearing Porsche's imminent takeover, especially as it might affect their 911-fighting R8 sportscar, but if popular demand has any role to play, the car will be safe. Already the entire production allotment of the R8 for 2009 is sold. The wait to buy a new one is now...
Nelson Ireson -
HEVT reveals plug-in hybrid Ford F-150
Billed as the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the world famous pickup truck, the HEVT (Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc.) F-150 makes significant improvements in fuel mileage while maintaining the utility of its Ford chassis. The truck is intended as an exhibition...
Nelson Ireson -
BMW M5 Sports Line by Wald International
We’re used to seeing plenty of modified BMWs from the German tuners, but rarely do we see a Japanese customizer give the Teutonic saloons and coupes the aftermarket treatment. Wald International is one such tuner that specializes in the modification of some of Europe’s finest, with kits...
Ralph Hanson -
Toyota Prius taxi tops 340,000mi, dispels battery myth
Worries over the serviceable lifespan of battery packs have been at the forefront of many critics dislike of hybrid cars. With doom-and-gloom scenarios of pricey replacements and short service life, the pundits have posited the Prius' long-term impracticality. But an Australian taxi outfit has...
Nelson Ireson -
BMW 6-series CLR600 by Lumma Design
Following the release of its M5 derived CLR500 RS and its more recent styling kit for the BMW M6, German tuner Lumma Design has announced the addition of the CLR600 kit designed specifically for the standard 6-series range. Having already designed a kit for the M6, Lumma was able to easily modify...
James Martinez -
Since announcing the completion of the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata, managers have been talking about pushing the brands upmarket so they can make more profit per vehicle rather than selling them in larger quantities. Such a move is important because Jaguar’s yearly sales sit at around 60,000 units, a mere fraction of German rivals BMW and Mercedes, both of whom are well above 1m cars a year. The low sales has resulted in lower budgets to develop new models and being forced to use older powertrain technology. The company's new XF is a prime example - it uses a revised S-type...
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Volkswagen Touareg North Sails Concept
Volkswagen has released its own maritime-inspired vehicle based on its Touareg SUV and called the North Sails Concept. The new design study comes only months after Audi launched the similarly-themed Q7 Coastline Concept, but unlike the Audi, the new Touareg North Sails was built in partnership with...
Ralph Hanson -
Chrysler could cut top-end Avenger and Sebring
Cutting models while adding value to existing mid-range trims could be the new tactic at Chrysler as it fights to regain sales and stability in the turbulent market. The changes are wrapped up in a plan called "Fight Back" that the carmaker is rolling out to parts suppliers this week, and things...
Nelson Ireson -
First U.S. Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 delivered
A renowned car collector has taken delivery of America's first Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Benny Caiola received a white example of the all-wheel drive supercar this week at his home outside New York City. The new Gallardo will take its place in a garage that has housed several historical greats...
Nelson Ireson -
Next-gen RS4 could get supercharged V6 in place of V8
Downsizing engines and adding forced induction is the new wave in fuel economy engineering as companies strive to maintain performance levels and the latest reports indicate Audi is leaping into the ring with both feet, lopping two cylinders from its mighty RS4 sedan and replacing them with a...
Nelson Ireson -
Report: E92 BMW M3 CSL due in early 2010
Since the new E90 series BMW M3 was revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year, true BMW enthusiasts have been intrigued, but waiting for the CSL to come along. Standing for Coupe, Sport, Lightweight, those three letters name the most track-focused and pure driver's cars BMW has to offer. News...
Nelson Ireson -
Sales of the Lexus SC have dipped considerably for the Japanese luxury brand, with only 1,230 SC 430s finding a home in the U.S. in the first six months of the year, down more than 40% from levels just one year ago. The current generation has been in production since 2001 and is starting to show its age up against a number of newcomers in the luxury coupe and convertible markets. While Toyota was originally planning to launch a replacement for the car sometime next year, inside sources have revealed to Edmunds that those plans were subsequently pushed back to mid-2011 and now, in fact, have...
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IMSA boosts the Gallardo LP560 to 584hp
The newly updated Gallardo LP560 has only been out for a few months, but already the tuners are having their way with it. IMSA is one of the first, with its version gently massaging output of the car's V10 to add 24hp (18kW), bringing the total to 584hp (435kW). The modifications are, for the most...
Nelson Ireson -
Daimler updates its smart fortwo, adds micro hybrid start-stop
Starting in October, smart's fortwo will get an update that includes a new micro hybrid drive (MHD) system to aid a pair of petrol engine variants. The micro hybrid system consists of start-stop technology, which the company says is good for an 8% reduction in emissions. Around the same time, the...
Nelson Ireson -
Jeep mobilizes production J8 military Wrangler
The production version of the Jeep J8 (pictured) was revealed at Euro Jeep Camp 2008, a customer event in Northern Germany this week. The J8 marks the Jeep brand’s return to commercial and military vehicle production with a thoroughly modern vehicle designed to meet the needs of both...
Ralph Hanson -
Hamann tunes BMW's facelifted 6-series
German tuner Hamann is known for its extensive reworkings of BMW models, as well as other exotica such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Ferrari 430. Its latest project is a new-look design for the facelifted BMW 6-series range. Hamann is offering up two aerodynamic kits, including a basic package...
Siddarth Raja -
Spy Shots: Ford Focus spied with new grille
Ford’s second-generation Focus range (international model) first went on sale in 2004 and then underwent an extensive facelift last year as part of its mid-cycle refresh. However, new prototypes of the car have been spotted testing in Germany, distinguished by their camo gear and slightly...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Japanese tuning house Wald International has a wide range of styling and performance kits for nearly every major luxury car brand on the market. It’s no surprise the company has turned its hand to one of the most exclusive and powerful cars on the planet, then, and the resulting restyle shows some characteristic Wald touches along with a flair unique to the Continental GT mega-coupe. The new kit offers a significantly more aggressive look for the Continental GT owner not satisfied with the reserved yet muscular look Bentley imbued the car with at the factory. Adding larger, more angular...
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300HP Senner Tuning Audi A5 White Speed TDI
Audi’s Le Mans-dominating R10 race cars plus a recent string of TDI concepts have shown that diesels are capable of serious speed and are not out of place in performance circles. Thankfully for consumers, diesel engines are finally gaining a foothold in the performance car market as...
Alex Kaufmann -
Audi R8 named official safety car of DTM series
Two of Audi's R8 sports cars have been handed over to the German Motorsport Association at the Norisring Speed Weekend event. One will be used as the official safety car for the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) race series, while the other, specially prepped by Audi's in-house tuners at quattro...
Nelson Ireson -
Novitec Rosso tunes the Ferrari 430 Scuderia
Ferrari's 430 Scuderia was developed with the help of Michael Schumacher to be a thoroughbred track machine that could also be licensed for the street, so it might be hard to think it needs modification. Novitec Rosso, tuners of all things Ferrari, obviously faced no such impediment when turning...
Nelson Ireson -
Edo Competition Lamborghini Gallardo SLE
Germany’s Edo Competition is an expert when it comes to modifying ultra-rare exotics so who better to tune one of Lamborghini’s fastest and most hardcore cars ever produced – the limited edition Gallardo Superleggera. Squeezing more power from the car’s highly strung V10...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Magna Steyr to produce Porsche Boxster and Cayman from 2012
Production of the Porsche Boxster and Cayman will switch from Finland's Valmet Automotive to Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, from 2012 onwards, Porsche announced today. The Austrian manufacturer secured the contract because it submitted the most financially attractive offer, and because it had the...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran