Cars Reviews

The 2008 Volvo V70 has not even been officially unveiled yet, but German tuning specialist Heico Sportiv already offers a pair of new tuning programs for the models with 2.4D (163 bhp) and D5 (185 bhp) diesel engines. It is available for the 2008 Volvo XC70, too.



By reprogramming the engines' ECUs, Heico Sportiv raises their maximum power output, reducing the V70's zero to 100 km/h acceleration time to impressive 7.6 seconds.



The engines also breathe easier with the help of Heico Sportiv's twin-outlet stainless-steel exhaust system with oval tips in 120x74mm diameter. There is also a four-pipe 76 mm exhaust with modified silencer for the T6 model.

The tuning program is finished with new suspension kit lowering the vehicle by about 30 mm and two sets of the VOLUTION V. (5 spokes) in dimensions 8x18", 8x19" and 8,5x20" and VOLUTION X. (10 spokes) wheels in dimensions 8x18". Read More......

The brand with the sword – nothelle
WORLD FIRST: Better performance, better look and better dynamics for the new Audi Q7

• Up to 275 HP for 3.0 V6 TDI/bi-turbo for 4.2 V8 with 580 HP
• Aerodynamics kit and electronically lowered suspension
• Complete nothelle “NOVEDRA IX SPORT” wheel sets in 22-inch design

Nothelle is changing the external appearance of the Q7 by equipping it with a sporty and elegant body-styling kit. The kit consists of a lift-reducing front spoiler, an air inlet grille in the front apron, side skirts, a totally new rear apron including 4 sports tailpipes, wheel arch extensions and a roof spoiler for enhanced stability at high speeds.

With nothelle’s own-brand wheel rim from the Novedra series, the king size 10.0 x 22-inch NOVEDRA IX SPORT, fitted to the nothelle tires of technology partner KUMHO in sizes 295/30-22, the Q7 acquires a more powerful and individual look. The Q7 can be even more exclusively equipped with “NOVEDRA IX SPORT titanium edition“, “NOVEDRA IX SPORT black edition“ and “NOVEDRA IX SPORT brilliance edition“ wheels.

The new look and additional power is set off by the electronically lowered suspension in the form of an electronic module which nothelle has developed especially for the “Audi adaptive air suspension“ of the SUV produced in Ingolstadt, Germany. Needless to say, nothelle also has a sports spring kit for the factory-provided dynamic chassis.

In order to enhance the braking performance of the 2.3-ton vehicle, nothelle also developed a brake kit – for every eventuality.

Scarcely visible from the outside, the alterations are all the more noticeable under the hood. The Q7 starts out with two engines, namely a large three-liter turbo diesel engine, the 3.0 V6 TDI with 500 nm of torque and 171 KW (233 HP), in addition to the large 4.2-liter V8 gasoline engine with 257 kW (350 HP). With a curb weight of 2.3 tons, it is hardly possible to talk about powerful motorization at this point. Each additional unit of horsepower and each nm of torque would produce superior locomotion.

Consequently nothelle is also boosting the power of both these engines. After passing through the hands of nothelle engineers for chip tuning or the installation of the N TRONIC BOX©, the 3.0 TDI generates an impressive 275 HP and delivers 600 nm of torque to the crankshaft at upwards of 1,750 RPM. The prices of such power enhancements range between 1,100 (chip tuning) and 1,500 euros (N TRONIC BOX) and include a two-year warranty.

As a rule, nothelle offers three enhanced performance options, each with different characteristics.

First is the N TRONIC BOX©, the intelligent power box for diesel engines. It is an additional ECU, which provides a significant yet not excessive power boost.

The LEADERCHIP© chip tuning type delivers similar power outputs and is designed for the demanding driver who wants more controlled power. The vehicle unleashes its full potential while at the same time maintaining its outstanding handling and consistently smooth running qualities. With well-balanced values, the engine offers significantly improved torque and enhanced power. It is the diplomat of the tuning chips with untamed pizzazz.

The third option offered by nothelle is BULLCHIP©, the power boost for drivers with sporting ambitions. It is characterized by its full power, breathtaking torque and phenomenal acceleration. It is the real muscle among the tuning chips.

In all its innovations, nothelle pays particular attention to ensure compliance with current exhaust emission standards.

In the case of gasoline variants as well, nothelle is reaching for the stars. A bi-turbo kit is being developed for the 4.2 V8, which draws up to 580 brute horsepower and 720 nm at 3,200 RPM from the direct injection engine. This should enable the Q7 to mutate into a real road beast!

Since the standard muffler failed the sound test, nothelle is replacing it with its own rear muffler featuring a sonorous purr and a 4-pipe look. nothelle also offers the option of replacing the entire exhaust system, allowing the Q7 to broadcast its newly gained power in no uncertain terms. Read More......

The World's Fastest and Most Powerful Luxury Sedan
BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo with 730 hp, 1,320 Nm and 340 km/h

BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo: At the Geneva Motor Show 2006 BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240
Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com)
celebrates the debut of the world's fastest and most powerful luxury sedan. The 340-km/h high-
performance automobile is based on the new Mercedes S 600 and is powered by a BRABUS S
V12 S Biturbo twelve-cylinder engine with 730 hp / 537 kW and a peak torque of 1,320 Nm.

The BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo engine is a prime example for the old adage that nothing can
replace displacement except more displacement. A special crankshaft with longer stroke, forged
pistons with a larger diameter and an increased cylinder bore result in a displacement increase
from standard 5.5 to now 6.3 liters. In addition the inlet and outlet ports of both cylinder heads
are optimized for improved mixture flow. Four special camshafts also contribute to that same
effect.

The BRABUS engine specialists further equip the engine with larger turbochargers, a more
efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four
pipes and metal catalysts with low back pressure. Newly programmed engine electronics
ensure that all new components work together flawlessly. They also contribute to maximum
power yield and to meeting current exhaust emission limits.

With 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm the BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo engine delivers superlative
power. The same is true for its peak torque of 1,320 Nm at 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is
limited electronically to 1,100 Nm.

This extraordinary performance makes the BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo into not just the most
powerful but also the fastest luxury sedan in the world: 0 – 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h
after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h.

Power is transferred to the real wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. An
optional BRABUS locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS powertrain components
are operated exclusively with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

BRABUS also offers performance tuning for the S 600 and S 65 models. The list ranges from
the T12 performance kit for 580 hp / 419 kW to the T 65 S performance tuning that boosts
power output of the S 65 model to 715 hp / 526 kW.
The enormous performance of the BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo place especially high demands on
the vehicle's aerodynamic properties. The BRABUS designers used the wind tunnel to develop
a special front apron whose refined shape reduces lift on the front axle. Its large central air inlet
optimizes cooling of engine and front brakes.

For optimizing the airflow around the sides of the vehicle the designers shaped the BRABUS
side sills that feature integrated entrance lights for added utility.

The BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement concept is rounded out with the BRABUS rear spoiler
lip and the rear apron with integrated LED lights and custom-tailored cutouts for the BRABUS
sport exhaust with four tailpipes.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo is kept in safe control at all times
by custom-tailored solutions for tires, brakes and suspension. These include BRABUS
Monoblock light-alloy wheels with 20- or 21-inch diameters. The largest version features multi-
piece forged and highly polished BRABUS Monoblock VI wheels in size 9Jx21 on the front axle
and in size 10.5Jx21 in the rear. Extensive tests demonstrated Pirelli and Yokohama tires in
sizes 255/30 ZR 21 in front and 285/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle to be ideal.

The large wheels also create the necessary space to install the BRABUS high-performance
brake system with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 380 x 36-mm vented and cross-drilled
discs in front, and 355 x 28-mm discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle.

Luxurious and highly customized interiors are yet another BRABUS specialty. The product
lineup for the new BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo ranges from sill plates with BRABUS logo to
ergonomically shaped safety steering wheels with airbag to an exclusive BRABUS interior
crafted from especially soft yet Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara. The fastest luxury sedan
in the world can be further refined with an exclusive state-of-the-art BRABUS multimedia
package. Read More......

While the DBS is being repeatedly abused on Bond film sets around the world and the V12 Vantage was recently confirmed for production, Aston Martin has set about updating its successful V8 Vantage with a host of technical and technological improvements, the first since the car was introduced for public sale in 2005. That sexy Aston silhouette remains untouched, fortunately, and there is enough extra performance to keep pace with the competition.

At the forefront of the update is an 11% boost in power to 420hp and a 15% rise in torque to 470Nm. The gains come from an additional 0.4L of displacement, bringing the V8 engine up to 4.7L. The new power and more responsive mid-range brings 0-60mph times down to just 4.7s and lets the Vantage carry on to a top speed of 180mph.

Because Aston is not a full-line car maker, and therefore doesn’t have a minicar to help improve its overall emissions and fuel consumption figures, the company has put a lot of energy into improving the efficiency of its engines. Even with the significant rise in power and performance, the new engine also improves fuel economy and CO2 emissions by 13%, helped in part by the improved Sportshift transmission.

But the update isn’t solely mechanical - there are significant upgrades inside the cabin as well. A revised center console houses new switchgear, and a new ECU replaces the previous model’s ‘V8 Vantage’ key. The ECU is a construction of glass, stainless steel and polycarbonate that functions as a key, though it is not one by any classical definition. It was first used on the 2007 DBS. Other interior upgrades include a hard disk-based navigation system that features full iPod or MP3 player integration and improved graphics.

On the outside, a new range of 19-inch alloy wheels will let the aficionado spot the new model from a distance, though it will carry on with the V8 Vantage’s winning looks otherwise. Read More......

The PanTerra Concept created by Australian designer Filip Tejszerski has taken top honors at this year’s Californian Off-Road Machine design competition organized by Local Motors. The goal for designers was to create an ‘exciting design for an exceptionally capable off-road vehicle which is also functionally practically.’

Tejszerski’s PanTerra was picked because of its combination of functionality and all-around comfort and style. The new design will now enter a finals competition that will conclude on the 17th of June and includes a $10,000 cash prize.

Other strong competitors include the Gravemaker concept, seen here in red, by Marek Rakucak, as well as the Opportunity Concept by Benjamin Louis and LMone concept by Jon Leu.

Local Motors describes itself as a next-generation American car manufacturer and plans to eventually build and bring to market one of the winning designs. Read More......

Renault’s Megane line has been widely credited as a solid buy, and a few of its special editions have been quite highly regarded, even among the hard-to-please European hot-hatch crowd. The latest - and possibly the last - update to the hottest of Megane’s RenaultSport variants, the Ultima Edition, brings serious performance to the table while remaining a practical daily driver.

Though the first Megane RenaultSport (RS) edition suffered a somewhat mixed reception by the press in 2004, several special editions remedied the major problems. The R26 Megane was previously an even-hotter version of the Megane RS, with power up to 230hp in the latest version. The Ultima RS significantly one-ups even the R26, however, with 255hp. It’s also 0.8s quicker to 100km/h and 130kg lighter than the R26 edition.

For the Ultima Edition, the sprint to 100km/h takes just 5.7s, the car weighs a scant 1235kg (2717lbs). It also features a custom-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique exhaust system. For just €32,000, you can have a car that will outrun an Audi S3, nearly hang with the top-end BMW 1-series and still get you to the grocers and back with a minimum of fuss.

The Ultima Edition is expected to hit the streets in October, and as the name suggests, this could be the final RenaultSport edition Megane, as the model’s replacement is rumored to be scheduled for 2009. Read More......

Earlier this month Toyota announced it would be raising prices across its U.S. line-up, and now it seems Honda may be following suit. The cause is a confluence of factors, with a weak U.S. dollar, high raw materials costs and the global downturn in sales conspiring to make the price rises inevitable.

North America may not be alone in feeling the pinch of higher prices, either. Speaking during an interview in Tokyo Honda Chief Operating Officer Yoichi Hojo said that prices in Japan and North America may have to rise, though doing so would make it even harder to make sales targets in the softening market, according to Steelguru. The rising raw materials costs are primarily centered around a jump in the price of steel, though other materials are contributing factors.

Honda’s North American operations are central to its corporate structure, with nearly 70% of its operating profit originating on the continent. Despite the move to raise prices, the slackening sales means Honda is predicting a 32%, or ¥75 billion, drop in profits for the coming year.

Toyota’s recent price rises averaged just under 2% for the Prius and Yaris, and though Honda hasn’t yet disclosed what range of price increases it is contemplating, it would make sense for it to make similar adjustments since roughly the same materials prices and market forces apply to both car makers. A GM executive also recently opined on the subject, noting that another driving force of the increased costs are the stricter CAFE standards within the U.S. Read More......

The Saab 9-5 is long overdue for an overhaul, with the current model first hitting streets as far back as 1997, but the next-generation model due late next year may not even be built at Saab’s traditional home in Sweden. Latest reports claim the new model will be sourced from Opel’s Ruesselsheim plant in Germany with production tipped to start mid next year.

The car will then debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September before going on sale towards the end of the year. According to Automotive News, the new 9-5 will be available with Saab’s new XWD traction system and electronic limited-slip differential and will also be offered with a range of flex-fuel turbocharged engines as well as a new V6 diesel.

The reason for the move to Ruesselsheim is because the next 9-5 will be based on GM’s new FWD Epsilon II platform, which has already debuted in the all-new Opel Insignia and is produced at the German plant. To differentiate Saab as a premium product engineers will provide a stiffer suspension set-up, a new steering rack and a different range of electronics. The car’s styling will also be heavily influenced by the original Aero X concept car pictured above.

Production of Saab’s next 9-3 will remain in Sweden. The car will move to the smaller Delta platform and isn’t expected to be launched until 2011. Read More......

As this year’s Nurburgring 24 hour endurance challenge approaches several more carmakers have announced plans to enter the comp. The latest is Audi, which plans to enter a race-prepped version of its R8 super-sports car in the grueling event. In keeping with race regulations for its class, engineers have replaced the standard car’s 4.2L V8 with a race-spec 4.0L mill pumping out 530hp and 353 lb-ft of torque.

The stock bumpers have also been replaced with new widebody pieces that resemble the units from the V12-powered R8 TDI Le Mans concept. This includes the new carbon and Kevlar front apron, oversized intakes and high-mount exhaust pipes.

Unique features include a lightened chassis, which weighs in at just 2,755 pounds, an oversized GT wing at the rear and an aggressive diffuser.

The 36th ADAC Zürich 24-hour race will take place on the weekend starting on the 24th of this month at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in Germany. Other recent announcements includes Volkswagen with its new Scirocco race car as well as Lexus with its upcoming LF-A, Opel with its Astra OPC and even supercar manufacturer Gumpert, which will race a new hybrid version of its Apollo. Read More......

In response to shrinking sales of large SUVs in most parts of the world carmakers are prepping a new generation of compact softroaders aimed at both the affordable and premium sectors of the market. We’ve already seen Ford release the new Kuga and Toyota add the Urban Cruiser, and soon Audi will enter the burgeoning market with a new Q-car positioned below the recently revealed Q5.

The Q3 will be based on Audi’s Cross Coupe concept car that was showcased at April’s Shanghai Auto Show and these renderings show designers will likely stick with the lines of the original show car.

Both three-door and five-door variants are expected, and since it will almost certainly be based on the same PW35 platform as the Audi A3 hatch, it will likely share internals with it as well. Engines will include a 147kW 2.0-litre TFSI engine, a 171kW 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 and a 210kW 3.6-litre FSI V6.

BMW is also working on a similarly-sized vehicle to be named the X1 and Land Rover is expected to launch its own version in the form the stylish LRX. Mercedes’ GLK is a bit larger, more in line with BMW’s X3, but all are close enough in size and specification to be considered competition for one another.

According to an internal Audi document leaked last December, the Q3 is due for a July 2009 global debut, which would mean a concept should be arriving either late this year or early in 2009. Read More......

BMW M1 Homage Concept Car is one amazing car. In a nod to the 30th anniversary of the fabled BMW M1 supercar, BMW Group Design just launched a new concept car that acts as a homage to it—and that’s also what they named it. At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2008 this week, the company debuted the BMW M1 Homage, which they call a “design study in the tradition of a BMW Turbo that represents a contemporary take on the BMW M1 and the mid-engine concept.”



The concept’s Liquid Orange paint is meant as a tribute to the original car’s color, The air vents in the hood, the twin rear badges, the rear window louvers, and the black cut line that separates the roof line from the rear of the car are also details that made it into the new version. The dimensions are mostly the same as the original except for an extended wheelbase for more interior room. The headlights almost disappear into the car when closed, as a kind of new iteration of the long-since-gone retractable lamps of old.



There’s no word on anything underneath the skin, but let’s hope they decide to build it. Read More......

The company ahs decided to modify next member of the BMW’s big family. Thanks to their love for tuning they’ve changed a family estate to this amazing car. In case of cooperating professionals we can enjoy its masterpiece called BMW G5!

Everything started with its front part and new front bumper. It has three dominant openings, one elongated in the middle and two triangular on the sides used for cooling engine parts. They include also a pair of halogen lamps hidden behind black perforated sheet covering all openings in the front. Lines of the bumper were designed with the sense, but they’re also quite aggressive. The best thing in this part is a front diffuser with rear spoilers made of carbon fibers.

Now we can move to the G5’s side part with installed new sill extensions by G-Power. They look really simple, but they’re distinctive enough to excite sporting image.



Also the rear bumper has simple shapes, except its carbon diffuser with interesting design with oval lines to match with the rest. The diffuser also includes four stainless exhaust tips (80mm diameter) providing really extreme sound.

The G5’s has obtained also new settings for its suspension. This means a new sporting update decreasing car closer to the road for 25mm. Its owner can additionally change the ride\s height with electronically adjustment. G-Power Silverstone Diamond rims with graphite modification are luxury piece of art in the company’s portfolio. They’re 9.0x20 with 245/30 ZR 20 tires in front and10.0x20 with 285/25 ZR 20 tires at the back. Perfect.

The last stop is the engine. It’s a diesel aggregate as we said before. Few years ago diesel engine weren’t so popular but now they’re inseparable and essential part of tuning programs. G-Power has introduced something new in Essen – it’s called G-POWER D-Tronic III.


It’s tuning of BMW diesel engines providing performance boost and decreasing amount of emission (-15%). Now we can clearly see that G-Power is one of few companies thinking also about our future.

This modification was made on the 3.0 liter 6 cylinder engine and brought additional 20 percents of power. That means total 320hp (272hp in stock) and 680Nm (from 600Nm) of torque. And that’s better feeling and top speed of 268kmph. Read More......

Some tuning companies has priority to change the stock car as much as possible. But Brabus is a company that shows its masterpiece in form of radical performance improvements of the cars made by Mercedes-Benz. And when Brabus does something, the result is always a fast beast wearing great sporting clothes.

Exterior
The exterior looks very harmonic and dignified – everything looks to be on the right place. Brabus did a great job in here. A stock front bumper was replaced with the new, sporting and expressive one. It’s characterized by four big openings with interesting layout. The new bumper visually decreases the car so now it looks more than a highway runner. There’s an option to install two pairs of additional lights – daylight or fog lamps.


This style is suitable more for roads, than out of them. This is proven by decent side sills with nice aluminum accessories elegantly matching with the rest. The sills are also used for boarding and exiting.


The Mercedes-Benz GL has one advantage – its rear fenders look like extended, so Brabus installed a pair of opening behind the rear wheels. Their mission is to off-take the hot air from the rear brakes. The trunk lid of this SUV has now a sporting wing. Also a rear bumper was replaced with the new one including an integrated diffuser, few smaller openings and two cut-outs for exhaust tips being 76mm wide.

Brabus installed typical LED lights placed under the sill and the rear bumper that illuminate this space after opening the doors or using the car’s remote control.

Interior
The interior of the car is same luxurious as its exterior. The crew will enjoy finest materials as aluminum, light or dark leather upholstery, Alcantara and carbon fiber. Pedals, illuminated moldings and locks are made of aluminum. Brabus has also prepared a nice multimedia system with two LCDs.


Performance
Brabus is well known for excellent workmanship and performance results.

This is also the case of this model that is really pumped up. The tuner has prepared performance kits for both diesel engines (320 CDI and 420 CDI) and GL 500 of course.

The performance kit boosts the diesel aggregate for about 33-34hp and 80-100Nm of torque. That’s all thanks to Brabus D6 module.

The most interesting modified engine is of course the petrol one. Now it has 6.1 liters of volume (5.5l formerly). So this means 460hp (340kW) from stock 388hp (285kW) and monumental 615Nm of torque (85Nm more). These values can shoot 2.5 tons of the monster to100kmph in amazing 6 seconds!


Brabus did some nice work on its suspension too. It’s tougher and closer to the road for 30mm with modified Airmatic settings. It doesn’t look only better but it’s necessary for the ride’s safety and stability.

Some improvements were done also on the GL‘s brake system – now it includes vented brake discs (380x36mm in front and 355x28mm at the back) cooperating with 12 and 6-piston brake calipers. These massive brakes are hidden behind more monumental 22“ 5-spoke rims with 295/35 ZR 22 tires. Read More......