Showing posts with label tuning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tuning. Show all posts

4/28/15

Hennessey Delivers 1000hp Kit For Corvette C7



Hennessey Performance’s latest offer includes a Corvette C7, a big supercharger and 1000hp at the crank.

The Texan builder has developed the HPE 1000 pack for the Corvette, for those who think that a stock 650hp Z06 is tame, slow and in serious need of some horsepower. Thanks to a 2.9lt supercharger, forged engine internals and a complete new exhaust system, the Corvette HPE1000 delivers 847hp and 720lb-ft of torque at the wheels according to Hennessey’s dyno.

The apocalyptic sound is just another bonus, warning all the other street users that you are about to create big, fat clouds of tyre smoke. 

I don’t know about you, but this thing has given me the goose bumps just by hearing it screaming while strapped on the dyno. 




4/20/15

Zombie 222 - An All-Electric 800hp Classic Mustang



Have you ever thought that a classic Mustang would be the ideal car for an electric conversion?

Neither have I, but a guy from Texas did and followed through on his thought by building what is likely the fastest all-electric classic Mustang in the world.

Called Zombie 222, the Mustang fastback’s electric motors produce over 800hp and a monumental 1,800lb-ft (2,438Nm) of torque. It does 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2.4 seconds and the quarter-mile in 10.7 seconds at 125 mph (201 km/h).

The silent but deadly fast Mustang was built by Mitch Medford, a muscle car enthusiast who gave up on a career in tech to start Bloodshed Motors, a company which converts classic cars into ridiculously fast electric vehicles. His first and only project so far is the Zombie 222 and you can learn more about it by watching the video that follows.

Story references: The Verge




4/19/15

Tesla Model S Gets A New Tuned Look



German tuners Larte Design unveiled their new Enigma styling kit for the Tesla Model S at the 2015 TOP Marques show in Monaco today.

Available soon for order through their official distributors, including Larte Design USA's dealers, the aerodynamics package adds a new front bumper with a different grille design, rocker panels, rear bumper with a diffuser, boot lid spoiler and fender vents.

According to Larte, all parts of the aero kit are made of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic and composite materials based on basalt fiber. Prices for the parts have not been announced yet. 

In addition, the tuner says it has "developed new interior features and installed large forged wheels" while it's also working on its own (fake) engine-sound system for the Tesla Model S, without providing further details. 








3/30/15

G-Power BMW M550d With 435 HP


The BMW M550d is one heck of a long distance cruiser. However, what surprises you about it most is its monster torque output and M-like agility. And yet, it has nothing on this 'Hurricane'.

One would think that at 381 hp and 740 Nm of torque you're pretty much set if you're looking for a wickedly fast diesel-powered BMW 5 Series. Of course, if a fast diesel is all you want, most of you will be quite happy even with a 530d.

The goal of the M550d is to take things a lot further, straight into M Division territory. The M550d looks, feels and handles about as good as a proper M5. It may not go as fast in certain situations, but considering the fact that you get all that torque as well as excellent fuel consumption, we think there shouldn't be any complaints.

Unless of course you work for G-Power and you figure you might as well take the M550d and oh say light a fire under it so that it now produces 435 HP and an awesome 850 Nm (625 lb-ft) of peak torque - all dyno-tested.

G-Power are using their D-Tronik 5 V1 module in order to keep the M550d in check and we must say, it all sounds rather clever. The module is set up so that it only releases additional power if the correct cooling water temperature has been reached.

In extreme situations, if the oil temperature reaches its limits, the power output is reduced to stock.

As for traffic situations, the D-Tronik 5 module can correspond to the actual accelerator level, which is a very German way of saying that it will basically "mold" to your right foot and once again, revert the power to stock while driving slowly.

But when you want that extra available power, it will be instantly made available to you, giving you the pleasure of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than a stock M550d and 0.2 seconds slower than an M5, but with so much more torque).

Your top speed will be 270 km/h, but you can get that electronic limiter lifted and blast your way to 300 km/h (186 mph).

Looks-wise, you've got your 21" G-Power Hurricane RR forged wheels, wearing 255/30 ZR21 and 295/25 ZR21 tires. The wheels have a double spoke design which we obviously like, and thanks to the use of lightweight aerospace aluminum (that sounds so cool doesn't it?), they're among the lightest wheels in their class.

All things considered, this thing might just be a 'best buy' if you're in the market for an ultra-fast German Wagon. Rivals such as the E63 AMG 4MATIC Estate and the Audi RS6 are quicker off the line but they're down on torque and most important, they're not helping you out with fuel in any way.

The best thing about the M550d, be it a factory model or a G-Power version, is that if you're somehow able to purchase one, you'll actually be able to easily live with its fuel consumption.










3/27/15

Alpina Rolls Out Special Editions B5 & B6 Bi-Turbo


What better way to celebrate your 50 year anniversary than with two even more powerful versions of the B5 Bi-Turbo and B6-Biturbo Bimmers?

Sure, there are probably a few better ways if you want to nitpick, but if you're Alpina, then you're definitely doing yourself, your fans and your customers justice by increasing the power on two of your most popular sedans.

Both models will take on the "Edition 50" moniker and will feature a host of improvements ranging from hand-crafted sports seats, special badges and of course a revised version of their 4.4 liter V8 engine.

The Edition 50 B5 & B6 pack no fewer than 600 HP to go with a peak torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) - which marks an increase of 60 HP and 70 Nm over the standard versions that Alpina normally puts out.

In terms of performance, this means a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph (328 km/h).

Alpina brand manager Matthew Stripling said that Alpina values are safe and sound with the Edition 50 models and that they "combine very high levels of long-term comfort with superb performance that is available from low engine speeds, making it effortlessly fast. Add the deep base soundtrack and the feeling of bespoke luxury, and you have a highly engaging car that offers a unique set of attributes for the discerning enthusiast."

The cars also feature the first major restyle of the Alpina Classic wheel in more than a decade. Each set of wheels now weighs 15.6 kg less when compared to the previous 20" design, which is impressive considering the fact that the width has increased to 9" in the front and 10" at the rear. They've also made side cuts in each spoke and imprinted the "Edition 50" logo on the rim.

Both the B5 & B6 Bi-Turbo will be available in Alpina Green or Alpina Blue, or in a bespoke Edition 50 Sepia created by BMW Individual. Only 50 saloons (or estates) will be made, along with 50 similar coupes, out of which only a few will make their way into the UK.

Prices start at a very steep £86,850.







3/20/15

Land Rover Defender Pick-Up by Kahn Design


Kahn Design’s latest Land Rover Defender project is a wide-body 90 Pick-Up that brings both styling and equipment upgrades compared to the standard model.

The Land Rover Defender 2.4 TDCI 90 Pick Up – Chelsea Wide Track is painted Keswick Green and features front and rear wide wheel arches with exposed bolt apertures, an X-Lander front grille, stainless steel hood and fender vent mesh, full front bumper replacement with integrated lights and shadow chrome headlights.

The truck also sports Chelsea Truck Company wheel covers and optional side steps. 

The Defender rides on a new set of 1939 Defend Retro Dish wheels shod with 275/55/20 tyres, with other exterior tweaks including the toughened mud flaps and a twin cross-hair exhaust system.

Inside, the cabin gets a luxurious ambiance thanks to Sports GTB seats in quilted and perforated leather, leather wrapped instrument binnacle and door cards, as well as trim detailing in soft Alcantara. 

The package is completed by a Kahn billet steering wheel, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, a Churchill Time Clock and hard-wearing front and rear floor mats.

The Land Rover Defender 2.4 TDCI 90 Pick Up – Chelsea Wide Track is priced at £28,930.









3/19/15

VW Golf Mk1 Makes Yamaha R1 Look Painfully Slow


For anyone not in the know, the Yamaha R1 is one helluva fast sports bike, so it would take a very special car to beat it on the road.

While this first generation VW Golf looks fairly normal sans the bigger wheels, the truth couldn't be any more different; it has a highly-modified 2.0-liter turbocharged engine pushing out a mind-numbing 1,056PS (1,042hp) and 1,001Nm (738 lb-ft) of peak torque! 

And if that's not enough, it was also fitted with a VW-sourced 4MOTION all-wheel drive system paired to a special six-speed manual gearbox. 

It truly is a beast and is no match, even for an 182PS (180hp) Yamaha R1, as you will soon discover for yourself in the following video.




3/18/15

FXX K-Style Ferrari 458 by Misha Designs


Let's all take a moment and nod in agreement of this being arguably the best looking Ferrari 458 we've ever seen. Ready? And go.

The 458 Italia is what we like to call, an elegant supercar. It's not imposing or scary in any way. It's quite beautiful. Except that when it comes to cars, beauty can mean several things. Certainly more than just being elegant.

This FXX K-inspired body kit from American tuner Misha Designs is absolutely stunning to look at. It also happens to come in two different versions so that you can have a choice as to how much you want your 458's appearance to change.

The first version includes a new hood, front bumper, fender, side skirts, rear bumper and a new rear wing, but it isn't until you look at what the other body kit has, that you realize that this is the one you have to have. You know, if you own a 458 that is.

Going for the Limited Edition wide body kit (20 units), will land you the same mods as those mentioned before, but also air ducts and 3 inch wide rear panels, rear diffuser and the stunning FXX K-style rear wing, which let's be honest, is what we're all staring at.

Naturally, all the custom parts are made from duct tape (just kidding, it's carbon fiber), and they make this 458 look even better than the new 488 GTB.

Oh and yes, we would take this any day of the week over that Misha Designs' SLS AMG we showed you last month.








Nissan GT-R by Strasse Wheels


Besides being one of the coolest cars in the world, this particular GT-R is also wearing one of the coolest-looking and sounding colors we've ever seen - Satin True Blood. Only thing missing is Sookie.

Before we talk more about the car, let's make sure we do this set of S5 Deep Concave SC wheels justice by saying they look terrific. In fact, we like them more than we did that set of SM5R wheels from that 458 Italia we showed you last month.

In this case, these wheels are finished in Matte Brushed Bronze in the center and Gloss Brushed Bronze on the lips, while measuring 21x10.5 up front and 21x12.5 in the back - which is what we call 'wide', while keeping a very straight face.

They're also available to order with dimensions ranging from 18" to 24" and in any color configuration. Great news for Prius owners, right?

As for the car, it's wrapped in Bill Compton's favorite color and it's been lowered while also receiving a couple of carbon fiber bits.

Being honest, they almost took it too far with the wheels being this large, but in the end we like the way this GT-R looks and we're sure it's still the same beast we know and love once you start flirting with its 550 HP V6 engine.







3/17/15

AC Schnitzer Gives BMW Z4 with 424HP Diesel


The BMW Z4 roadster is exclusively offered with gasoline engines, which is probably why tuner AC Schnitzer decided to experiment and fit it with a massive diesel unit.

The AC Schnitzer ACZ4 5.0d is a one-off vehicle based on the BMW Z4 sDrive 23i, but with a major change: instead of the standard gasoline engine, it features an M50d diesel unit – the same triple-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six that is used on the BMW M550d

The engine has been upgraded and fitted into the ACZ4 5.0d, with output and maximum torque figures increasing from 381PS (375hp) and 740Nm (546lb-ft) to 430PS (424hp) and 840Nm (619Nm). 

Besides the new engine, the ACZ4 5.0d also features the rear axle gear and limited slip differential from the BMW M3 (E92), while the standard manual gearbox has been replaced with an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Needless to say, these modifications have a strong impact on the car’s performance, with the AC Schnitzer ACZ4 5.0d sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and reaching 300 km/h (186 mph). It is also capable of lapping the Sachsenring circuit in 1:37.22, making it the fastest diesel-powered car on the respective track.

Besides mechanical upgrades, the ACZ4 5.0d also features lightweight construction, including the folding roof and the boot lid made of CFC. These modifications alone account for a 90kg (198lbs) weight reduction. Furthermore, the standard silencer has been replaced by a lightweight silencer, saving 19kg (41.8lbs). 

A further 25kg (55.1lbs) are saved by the AC Schnitzer forged alloys Type VIII. In total, with a few further measures, 131kg (288.8lbs) have been saved, with the car tipping the scales at 1,469kg (3,238lbs), despite the significantly heavier M50d power plant.

According to AC Schnitzer, the "ACZ4 5.0d is a concept vehicle not for sale, which was produced to customer specifications and at the same time acted as a technology platform for AC Schnitzer product development. In its current form, the vehicle would cost € 113,965."