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Aston Martin Vanquish S gets new interior from Project Kahn

wirokestation@gmail.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:03:00 +0000

British tuning specialist Project Kahn now offers a customized leather interior for the Aston Martin Vanquish S sports car. Made of red and black perforated Nappa leather and Alcantara with contrasting white cording, the new upholstery looks much more interesting than the original -rather dull- job.

The bespoke interior trim includes new upholstery for the centre console, dashboard, doors, front and back seats, steering wheel, and diamond-shaped roof lining. Too bad they didn't do anything about the cheapo-looking plastic buttons on the center console.

2004 Aston Martin Vanquish S photos:

See also: Aston Martin DB9 gets DB9S tuning kit from Project Kahn

2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Performance Studio breaks cover

wirokestation@gmail.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:34:00 +0000

Mercedes` own AMG Performance Studio has just revealed its new babe, the special edition 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Performance Studio SUV. The spec.ed. model deals with the original 2009 ML 63 AMG`s weakest point, replacing the original -way too Spartan to my taste- interior with a luxurious one.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Performance Studio, Daimler AG proudly reports in its press release, has finally received a full Nappa leather upholstery with a porcelain colored diamond design covering both front and rear seats, as well as the door linings, lower and upper parts of the dashboard, front and back center consoles and the back sides of the front seats. The AMG multifunction sports steering wheel also covered with black leather with porcelain-colored stitching.

AMG wood trim in high-gloss black piano lacquer, access strips with white luminous AMG lettering, as well as black floor mats with porcelain-colored Nappa leather edging finish the gorgeous picture.

Outside of the car you'll find AMG's trademark 21-inch alloy wheels with a double spoke design partly painted in the same metallic Peridot brown color as the whole car. The ML 63 MG Performance Studio package also includes a set of 295/35 R21 tires, high-gloss chrome trim on the upper body, subtle wheel arches extensions and running boards.

Well, I guess I have one more excuse to start saving money for a new car.

See also: Lorinser tunes ML 320 CDI with Black & White

Hamann tuning kit for the 2009 BMW X6

wirokestation@gmail.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:18:00 +0000

Hamann was among the first tuners to offer a personalization kit for the 2008 BMW X6 sports activity coupe. Now, after almost five months of work, German tuner presents a comprehensive tuning program for the 2009 BMW X6 xDrive30d and xDrvie35d versions of the car increasing their available power to 265hp / 600Nm and 320hp / 660Nm respectively. Engine upgrade kit for the V8 twin-turbo-powered xDrive50i will be revealed closer to the end of the year.

The upgrade program, company says in its press release, includes a high-flow intake, an exclusive quad-pipe exhaust system and a set of 23-inch forged alloy wheels and wide 315mm tires.
The car may also be equipped with a Hamann aero kit with integrated LED daytime running lights, a roof spoiler, a bigger boot lid spoiler and a three-part rear casing. Of course, Hamann also offers a light-weight carbon-fiber hood that will save some 5kg of dead weight. A 12-piece carbon-fiber dress up kit inside the X6 won't save you a lot of fuel, but will nevertheless make the SAC look a trifle sexier.

See also: Hamann engine tuning kit for the BMW M3

2009 Audi TT-S will start at $45,500

wirokestation@gmail.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:01:00 +0000

Audi of America will soon bring to the U.S. market a pair of models that will comfortably sit atop of the current TT range. Available at $45,500 for the 2009 Audi TT-S Coupe and more impressive $47,500 for the TT-S Roadster model, the vehicles will sport a turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI engine capable of producing 265 hp and 258 lb-ft (349Nm) of torque and delivering 24 mpg of combined fuel economy.

In its press release, Audi of America says that, equipped with the fast S-tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the cars will be able to break the 60mph barrier in only 4.9 seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. So, the sporty toy car will be 0.6 seconds faster in reaching the 60mph time than the BMW 135i Convertible, which is equipped with a more powerful 300hp, 300lb-ft twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine.

The list of standard equipment includes Audi's trademark Quattro all-wheel drive, trendy magnetic ride system featuring "Sport" and "Normal" modes, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, quad exhaust pipes, painted brake calipers and exclusive to the TTS brand 18-inch wheels with summer tires. Not too bad, even considering the price.

2009 Audi TT-S Roadster photos:

See also: Audi TT 1.8 TFSI to be unveiled in Leipzig

2010 Chevrolet Camaro LS will start at $22,995

wirokestation@gmail.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:44:00 +0000

The range-topping 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS will be much more expensive though, setting you back at $30,995 including the $750 destination charge. GM says that the first vehicles will delivered in the first quarter of 2009.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro will be available in only three trim levels with Camaro LS and LT motivated by a 3.6-liter 300hp and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) V6 VVT engine, and the top of the line Camaro SS powered by a huge 6.2-liter 422hp, 553Nm (408 lb-ft) V8 powerplant. Both engines are mated to a "fuel-saving" Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed gearbox with the TAPshift paddle-shift control. In fact, the LT and LS models deliver up to 27 mpg on the highway, while the Camaro SS offers less impressive 23 mpg fuel economy.

See also: Chevrolet Corvette S-Limited: 30 Vettes for the Japanese

2009 VW Scirocco gets 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines

wirokestation@gmail.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:19:00 +0000

Introducing new entry-level Sciroccos to the UK market, Volkswagen has also offered new -less powerful, but more fuel efficient- 1.4 TSI and a 2.0 TDI engines. Although being definitely slower than the 2009 VW Scirocco GT, the new cars are also much cheaper and consume significantly less fuel in the combined cycle.

For example, the 2009 VW Scirocco 1.4 TSI takes 8 seconds to accelerate from stand-still to 62mph. At the same time, the car returns impressive 42.8 mpg (5.5L/100km). The new 140 PS 2.0-liter TDI engine achieves the 62mph marks in long 9.3 seconds, but features 55.4 mpg (4.25L/100km) when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and 51.4 mpg (4.6L/100km) when mated to a DSG gearbox.

As to the pricing, equipped with a standard 6-disc CD changer, air conditioning, 17-inch alloys and an adaptive chassis control system, the 2009 VW Scirocco 1.4 TSI starts at affordable £18,790. More feature-stuffed VW Scirocco GT 2.0 TDI with a DSG transmission can be ordered at more impressive £21,770.

See also: VW forced to prematurely unveil Iroc/Scirocco Concept hatchback

Wiesmann GT MF5 20th Anniversary edition released

wirokestation@gmail.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:07:00 +0000

Celebrating its twenty years in the niche car manufacturing business, the German car maker Wiesmann has released ultra-limited special editions of its MF3, MF4 and the MF5 sports cars.

The anniversary edition Wiesmann GT MF5, which is equipped with a BMW M5-sourced V10 engine, will be released in three color packages, namely Sporty, Elegant and Style, with the first featuring piano black exterior and red and black interior, the second painted with high-gloss Alubeam paint originally developed for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG super-coupe and clad with blue leather, and the last one will have a matte white exterior finish and a black and gray interior. Of course, there will also be lots of "20th Anniversary" badges and plaques.

While the MF4 and MF5 will feature only visible upgrades, the MF3 two-seater roadster will also change its normal E46 BMW M3 engine in favor of more powerful E46 BMW M3 CSL powerplant.

Wiesmann plans to produce 30 examples of spec.ed. MF3, and 20 of the MF4 and MF5 each.

See also: Spyker C8 Aileron to be presented at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e eco-friendly SUV presented in Paris

wirokestation@gmail.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:02:00 +0000

The new Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e compact SUV, currently on exhibit in Paris, is Land Rover's first off-roader sporting an intelligent engine start-stop technology. Available soon on all 2009 Freelander 2 TD4 models, the green technology will help significantly increase the vehicle's fuel economy and reduce its CO2 emissions.

Equipped with the engine start-stop technology, the 2009 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 will have its mileage bumped from generous 37.7 mpg (6.24L/100km) to even more impressive 41.3 mpg (5.7L/100km). The level of greenhouse gas emissions is also reduced by about 8 percent to 179g/km.

Land Rover says that the Freelander 2 TD4_e features more durable absorption glass-mat battery and an "enhanced" 2kW starter motor.

See also: Land Rover Freelander 2 / LR2 commercial SUV revealed

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is on sale in the U.S.

wirokestation@gmail.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:47:00 +0000

For the first time since the car's introduction, the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is now officially available on the North American market through one of Maserati's ADs.

Equipped with a 450hp 4.7-liter V8 engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox and a self-blocking differential unit, the 8C Competizione costs about $230,000 and is claimed to be the most expensive Alfa Romeo ever. It takes only four seconds to accelerate from zero to 60mph and can achieve a top speed of more than 180mph.

Although all cars allotted for the U.S. customers said to be already sold out, there is a good chance that there will be some additional deliveries before Alfa Romeo makes its real return to North America.

See also: Maserati GranTurismo: more photos

Kicherer CL 60 Coupe tuning package for Mercedes CL-Class

wirokestation@gmail.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:43:00 +0000

German tuner Kicherer has just revealed its new tuning package for the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class luxury performance coupe, which includes a minor V12 biturbo engine upgrade, a body kit and some changes to the vehicle's interior and chassis.

The engine's power, Kicherer claims has been increased by 53hp -from 517 to 570hp- and its torque now peaks at impressive 900Nm (663lb-ft). Some extra oomph is also squeezed with the help of new, four-pipe exhaust system.

Fortunately, Kicherer didn't limit itself to ECU tuning, offering a new high-performance rear axle, which is equipped with a differential lock and a tuned transmission control module.

Of course, there is also new carbon fiber and leather interior trim. The CL60 Coupe's exterior has also received its fair share of new carbon, including new bumper, new side mirrors and a rear diffuser, as well as a set of Kicherer's RS-1 light alloy wheels.

See also: Mercedes-Benz CL-Class tuning kit by ART

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI: gone in 6.5 seconds

wirokestation@gmail.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:22:00 +0000

Although the common European currency keeps getting stronger against the dollar beating one historical maximum after another, the European automakers still have no problems at selling their cars. At least, when it comes to such refined street-legal performance vehicles as the new Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI sports wagon.

The vehicles, Audi states in its press release, will be equipped with WAG's refreshed TFSI 2.0-liter four-banger. Capable of delivering up to 211hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the engine features an increase in power of 11hp and in peak torque of 51 lb-ft. With all this power available, the Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI takes only 6.5 seconds to jump from zero to 60mph.

The Avant will be available in the U.S. starting October, 2008. Price is yet to be announced.

See also: Peugeot 407 Coupe Bellagio: not for the faint of heart

Lamborghini Reventon: new photos

wirokestation@gmail.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:05:00 +0000

Lamborghini has just revealed a new set of pictures of its fresh and sexy super-car. Equipped with a powerful 650hp, 660Nm 6.5-liter V12 engine and AWD system, the Lamborghini Reventon truly deserves to be accompanied by a pair of old but deadly Tornado attack aircrafts. Enjoy!

Okay, here we go:

See also: Lamborghini Reventón: the million Euro babe

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: more style, more power

wirokestation@gmail.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:51:00 +0000

It's not a major face-lift, though the revised 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class looks much, much better than the outgoing model. And it's more powerful, too.

The refreshed M-Class, as the company from Stuttgart is claiming in its press release, has received a new front and rear bumpers, reshaped headlamps and tinted taillights, and new corporate grille. Although even more impressive and dominating than that on the outgoing model, the new grille has something in common with much cheaper Honda CR-V's, which is not good at all.

Inside the vehicle's spacious saloon, there is also a range of expensive-looking materials, new two-tone color-scheme and an infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and so gorgeous and vintage-looking user interface, you can buy the whole SUV just to get your hands on it.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class will be available with a choice of five engines ranging from 190 to 388 hp (including a diesel-powered ML320 with a 3.0-liter 265 hp BlueTEC oil-burner). The most powerful ML 63 AMG 4Matic will feature a raging 510hp @ 6800 rpm 6.3-liter V8 engine. With its peak torque of 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) @ 5200 rpm, the engine takes only 5.0-seconds to take the heavy M-Class from standstill to 100 km/h mark.

See also: ART Tuning personalizes the new Mercedes ML-Class SUV

Tesla Roadster goes to assembly line! At last

wirokestation@gmail.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:37:00 +0000

Tesla Motors' new CEO Ze'ev Drori is proudly reporting that his company has finally managed to put the long awaited Tesla Roadster electric sports car to the assembly line. There is even one production model Tesla Roadster already delivered.

The company successfully met its official deadline of March 17th, 2008 but it's been 20 months since the car was first revealed to the public as a set of 3d-renderings and there is always a good chance for another piece of art to become a vaporware. But now the wait is over and Tesla's been preparing to open its first shops in Los Angeles and Menlo Park.

Currently, Mr. Drori says, his company is working on expanding the electric roadster's production "in a deliberate and controlled manner" in order to reach a rate of over 100 vehicles per month. The goal is set to be achieved early next year.

See also: Tesla Roadster to be built by Lotus

Diesel-powered 2007 BMW X5 E70 gets tuned by Lumma

wirokestation@gmail.com — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:30:00 +0000

The German BMW tuning specialist has just presented its fresh tuning program for the 2007 BMW X5. Called Lumma CLR X530, the program is aimed to boost performance of the diesel-powered SUVs while significantly enhancing its appearance. The white-painted body kit is just great. In fact, it looks so neat you want to buy a Bimmer to have a good excuse to get one.

The tuned oil-burner gets its power increased from 231 hp to 275 hp and its peak torque is skyrocketing from 520 Nm to 660 Nm. Lumma doesn't say anything specific about the vehicle's dynamics but it will surely cut a couple of seconds off the original 3.0d's 8.3 secs of zero to 60 mph acceleration time.

The CLR X530 body kit, company is reporting, consists of a new front spoiler with fog lamps and racing grid, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser, wheel arch extensions and new side sills. There is also a new roof spoiler, a feather-light 10.5 kg (24 lbs) carbon/Kevlar hood, Lumma mirror caps, headlight covers, and taillight covers.

Three different sets of 22-inch wheels complete the picture.

See also: 2007 BMW X5 E70 pricing revealed

Peugeot 407 Coupe Bellagio: not for the faint of heart

wirokestation@gmail.com — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:20:00 +0000

Peugeot UK will soon offer the British customers a souped-up version of its new diesel-powered 407 Coupe model. Called Peugeot 407 Coupe Bellagio, the vehicle is equipped with a clean and powerful 2.0-liter 136 hp HDi engine and is loaded with standard features that usually come as rather expensive options on other models.

The car, par example, is equipped with a RT4 Multi Media System with navi and a set of European maps, TMC audible GSM phone (with inbuilt voice activated hands free controls) and a 30GB HDD which is supposed to store your maps and those precious mp3 files the guys from RIAA do hate so much.

The sporty vehicle also comes with a set of 18-inch Galaxy alloy wheels and twin chromed exhaust pipes.

With all the amenities included, the Bellagio's price of £21,995 looks rather reasonable. It could have been lower, though.

See also: Peugeot 407 SW Sport XS

2008 Skoda Superb will get a TwinDoor feature

wirokestation@gmail.com — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:10:00 +0000

Skoda's upcoming flagship model will come equipped with an innovative tailgate opening system, called TwinDoor. It is, actually, a single door but it can be opened in two ways: like a normal trunk lid or like a rear hatch, making accessing the 565 liters of cargo space a little bit easier.

There is also a new photo of the vehicle's interior.

As you can see, the 2008 Skoda Superb will not share its interior with neither of VAG's models (the instrument cluster looks similar to the one installed on the current VW Passat, though). The overall design is rather elegant and stylish, although the plastic could have been better, and changing the factory-installed multimedia system for an aftermarket solution will be a real pain in the brain.

Yet, most future owners may consider leaving the original audio system alone. It is reported, that the 2008 Superb will get Volkswagen's premium HDD-based RNS 510 multimedia navigation system, which will also be soon available with 2008 VW Tiguan. Equipped with a 30GB hard drive (mostly for mapping, I suppose), the system also features an SD-card support and USB media playback. Models for the North American market will also have an optional real-time traffic service courtesy of Sirius.

The new Superb will be officially presented to the public at the upcoming motor show in Geneva.

See also: 2008 Skoda Superb to compete against VW Passat?

Lotus 2-Eleven: an entry-level super car

wirokestation@gmail.com — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:57:00 +0000

The British automaker will soon start selling its new Lotus 2-Eleven sports car. Officially launched at the 2008 international motor show in Geneva, the vehicle will be, perhaps, the cheapest Lotus ever.

Equipped with a 190 hp 1.8 liter naturally aspirated engine (I guess this must be identical to the DOHC and VVTL-I four-banger the 2007 Lotus Elise comes fitted with) and weighing no more than 720kg, the 2-Eleven takes only 4.3 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill and stops accelerating at 140 mph (225 km/h).

It will have a set of semi-slick Yokohama tires and a double wishbone suspension just like a real race car.

The manufacturer promises that the Lotus 2-Eleven will be available in the UK at a price of £27,995 MSRP including VAT and will cost €34,695 excluding tax, duties & delivery charges for the rest of Europe.

See also: Lotus Exige Sprint special edition: do you want one in gold?

2009 Hummer H3T SUT: by the end of the summer

wirokestation@gmail.com — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:07:00 +0000

General Motors has officially confirmed that the first 2009 Hummer H3T sport utility truck will roll off the assembly line in Shreveport, La. in the third quarter of 2008. Planned to be presented to the public at the next week Chicago Auto show, the truck will be available in the North American market, as well as in Europe and the Middle East.

Just like all other H3's, the new H3T shares its components with the Chevrolet Colorado compact pickup truck, yet is distinctly larger than its siblings. Featuring a five-seats crew cab and a five-feet bed, the truck is reported to have a wheelbase of 3.41m, which is 8.6 cm larger than that of a 'normal' Hummer H3. The vehicle is 5343 mm long, 2161 mm wide and 1835 tall.

Equipped with a 3.7L 242 hp inline-five Vortec or 5.3 liter 300 hp V8 engine and a standard five-speed manual, the H3T can tow up to 2676 kg (5900 lb). It will be available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

See also: 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha -- the ultimate H3!

2009 Kia Borrego midsize SUV presented at NAIAS

wirokestation@gmail.com — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:18:00 +0000

With its rugged body-on-frame architecture, a set of powerful engines and impressive 114-inch wheelbase, 192.1 inches of overall length and 75.4 inches of overall width, the 2009 Kia Borrego is clearly aiming to take the place of the outgoing 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser SUV.

Just like the current Kia Sorrento resembles the first-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the 2009 Kia Borrego doesn't differ too much from the car it's trying to replace. Although one must admit that the vehicle's front fascia is more or less original, coming from the 2005 Kia Mesa concept.

Anyway, the just announced Borrego comes equipped with a choice of either 3.8 liter V6 or 4.6 liter V8 DOHC 300 hp engine, the latter mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox capable of towing a weight up to 7500 pounds (only 5000 pounds for the 3-liter engine).

The list of standard safety equipment includes ABS, EBD, TPMS and even downhill assist control (DAC) and hill assist control (HAC).

Inside the seven-seater, one will be surprised with its in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600-watt Infinity audio system, standard USB/iPod connectivity and SIRIUS Satellite Radio unit. Optional equipment includes power-adjustable pedals and a DVD navi with a rear camera.

If the Korean company will manage to keep the price low, the 2009 Kia Borrego may be quite an interesting offer when it hits the market.

See also: Kia Sportage SUV gets refreshed

Lightning GT electric sports car: hurry up to get one!

wirokestation@gmail.com — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:52:00 +0000

The British Lightning Car Company has officially started taking pre-orders for its long-awaited Lightning GT electric sports coupe. Promised to go on sale early next year, the all-electric car features a 120 x 4 kW (644hp total) powertrain and a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of only four seconds.

Clearly inspired by the revered Aston Martin DBS (at least, the front part of it), the upcoming Lightning GT, company is reporting, is propelled by four 120 kW permanent magnet brushless electric motors hidden in its huge wheels.

This simple yet effective plug-in electric drive system, called Hi-Pa Drive, gets its power from a set of nano titanate batteries, which are partially recharged with the help of regenerative braking technology. The company says that it takes only 10 minutes to charge the batteries for approximately 250 miles (402 km) of driving, which is more than enough in most cases.

Just like in most cases with electric-powered cars, one mile of driving will cost you only 2.5 cents or only $6.25 for the 250 miles.

Still no info about the vehicle's price, though I hope the car will not be more expensive than the Tesla Roadster.

See also: Tesla Roadster gets a price hike