ACS3 Sport Cabriolet Based on the BMW M3 Cabrio

The way AC Schnitzer describes the BMW M3 Cabrio, I'm surprised they don't have to get out every half a mile for a change of trousers, but lets be honest – the rest of us would probably have to do the same as well.

The model is labelled the ACS3 Sport Cabriolet, a sports suspension by suspension guru Manfred Wollgarten is claimed to have thoroughly mastered the physics of driving the M3. Around the bonnet's powerdome are two AC Schnitzer Vents which emit a howling sound during driving.

The sides feature flexibly moulded side skirts which emphasise the wheelarches, these house the 20" Type V lightweight wheels and AC Schnitzer's 8-pot high performance braking system. Other features found on the model include a carbon fibre rear diffuser and a sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipes in "Racing“ design

The acclaimed tuning house has yet to get to work on the award winning 309 kW / 420 HP V8 engine, but we are assured we can expect announcements in this area some time in the future.

MINI Cooper Performance Upgrades by Hamann

In early 2007, BMW Group tuning specialist, Hamann, was quick to produce an aerodynamics styling kit for the new second generation R56 Mini, but took over a year and a half to complete the program with engine performance upgrades mainly consisting of reprogrammed ECUs.

Nonetheless, the Bosch Motrotnic ignition control unit has be remapped, and the 1.6-liter turbo engine in the Cooper S, which normally produces 175 hp / 128 kW, has been increased to 204 hp/ 150 kW at 5,500 r.p.m. and torque of 300 Nm at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm.

However, Hamann offers an even more powerful kit for the Cooper S. Called SPORTKIT CS 230, it adds on top of the ECU upgrade with an improved intercooler and sport muffler making 230hp / 169 kW at 6,050 r.p.m. and 330 Nm torque at 3,860 r.p.m. As a result, top speed increases to 238 km/h and 0-100 km/h increase by at least 0.5 seconds.

For the Cooper D which normally has 110 hp, it now makes 26hp / 20 kW more for a total of 136 hp / 100 kW at 4,000 r.p.m. and a maximum torque of a huge 300 Nm at 1,750 – 2,000 r.p.m.

AC Schnitzer X5 Falcon

German BMW tuning specialist, AC Schnitzer, from Aachen has a new widebody kit for the BMW X5. Called the Falcon, it gets its name from the front and rear wheel arch flairs which are lovingly referred to as broad “wings”.

The kit includes front spoiler, rear skirt and front/rear fender flairs. AC Schnitzer further emphasizes the 'bird of pray' theme with two triangular metal-rimmed air intakes in the bonnet. Add AC Schnitzer's lowering spring kit, sport exhaust system plus 22-inch wheels for the completed look.

For the 3.0 litre diesel engine, ACS offers an electronically upgraded which bumps power from the standard 286hp (210 kW) to 310hp (228kW).

LP710/2 Lamborghini by Edo Competition

Last we heard from Edo Competition's Lamborghini LP 640, it had just received a 23hp boost to 663hp and clocked a record breaking 345.7 km/h (214.8 mph) run, making it the fastest top speed ever recorded by a Lamborghini at the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy.

Never content, the quest for more power has brought the Edo team back to the LP 640 with successful results. This time, through new exhaust headers, new high flow catalytic converters, new mufflers, a new exhaust tip, new performance camshafts, modified cylinder heads and new high flow air filters plus reprogrammed engine controls, the company from Ahlen, Germany has added another 47hp for a whopping total of 710hp and 700 Nm (516 ft-lb) . The result is 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds; 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 10 seconds.

With an aerodynamically optimized rear wing with an adjustable lip, the Edo team should have no problem breaking their last record as they calculate the vehicle is capable of a top speed greater than 360 km/h (224 mph) .

MTM RS6 R Avant

Audi's RS6 Avant with its 580 bhp 5.0-liter FSI twin turbo V10 engine is the most powerful Autoever produced by the marque and tuning specialist, Motoren Technik Mayer GmbH (MTM) from Wettstetten, Germany has got a performance focused tuning package which boost the performance of this super-fast station wagon even more.

With electronic ECU modifications only, MTM engineers have boosted power to 656 bhp at 6,180 rpm. Upon request from the customer, MTM has the ability to electronically regulate top speed in increments of either 279, 290 or 310 km/h. Torque grows to 785 Nm from the standard 650 Nm, allowing zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds (standard 4.6 sec) - vertebrae crushing power all for only 3,999 EUR.

Adding onto this entry-level package, MTM is currently preparing an even bigger one. By adding a stainless steel exhaust system with throttle control downstream from the catalytic converter and a sports air filter and additional 46 bhp is conjured for a total of 702 bhp. This kit is available for 9,950 EUR.

MTM has taken a reserved styling approach, which includes a carbon-fiber front spoiler lip and a carbon-fiber rear diffuser. Also, six-piston monoblock brake calipers with slotted brake disks are available for the front, plus sport dampners. Rounding out the sports suite are 21" MTM bimoto wheels.

MTM offers this entire suite of compoents for the RS6 R which includes power-boosted engine, modified breathing, exhaust system, suspension struts and 21-inch wheels for a package price starting from 15,500 EUR.

Porsche Cayman S by Inden Design

German tuning firm Inden Design just couldn’t wait for the official Cayman S Sport to be revealed, and so they did what they are in business for; tuned their own. The new exhaust system fitted in the Auto– what a cracker that looks too – helped it push 19 more bhp to 314 bhp. Apparently the exhaust flaps work with the control unit which works in conjuction with a small microprocessor. This processor is embedded in the system and is freely programmable.

A sports kit which one needs not tell you about as you can already see it yourself, lists 19-inch alloy wheels running on 235/35 R19 tyres on the front side and 305/25 R19 for the rear. H&R height adjustable coil covers add to the performance package of this 3.4-litre baby Porsche.

Porsche Cayenne by JE Design

German tuner, JE Design, is known for specializing in VW Group models, but now announces they will start to include Porsche, starting with the Cayenne facelift.

With expertise that already encompasses the VW Touareg and Audi Q7, including the Cayenne was a natural transition, according to JE Design PR.

The styling program for the Porsche Cayenne (957 model) includes front fascia, LED daytime running lights, headlight masks, side sills, extended rear fascia with diffuser styling, "Shark Attack" roof fin and 22-inch wheels.

Other componenets include LED entry lights and a 35m lowered suspension via electronic lowering module. If your Cayenne isn't equipped with the air suspension, JE Design offers a coilover suspension providing 30 to 70 mm drop.

JE Design is currently preparing various interior carbon treatments.

Specter Werkes C6 Corvette GTR Revealed in Detroit

Following up on the teaser images Specter Werkes released earlier this year, the Federales (formerly the Policía Federal de Caminos) over at Jalopnik.com were present at the official unveiling last week in Cauley Ferrari in West Bloomfield, MI.

As the top-of-the-range tuning kit, the Specter Werkes C6 Corvette GTR is powered by Specter's emissions-legal Matrix II engine package for the LS3 engine. It is basically a "stroker" engine package that increases displacement from 376 cubic inches (6.2L) to 416 cubic inches (6.8L). Combined with stainless steel headers and a low-restriction air intake, the engine is rated at 535 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque.

The GTR's widened bodywork includes front fascia, carbon fiber splitter, extractor hood, front fenders, doors, rocker panels, rear fenders, rear fascia and carbon fiber rear diffuser. Other body components include carbon fiber mirror caps, carbon fiber headlamp bezels, unique tail lamps and center high-mounted stop lamp.

The Corvette GTR package carries a base price of $34,995. Each vehicle is hand-built, numbered and fully documented for the customer.

For a lot more pictures click the source link below. For more details see press release below.

BMW X6 Styling and Performance Package by AC Schnitzer

Following the teaser illustration of the neon green CLR X650 from Lumma and off-the-shelf bolt-on mods from Hamann and Hartge, AC Schnitzer gets top marks in our our book for being the first tuner to present a real life styling package, although limited, for the new BMW X6. Although some critics have stooped so low as to compare the X6 to the atrocious Pontiac Aztec, the controversial X6 is a sales success an

d surely, the owners of these eccentric vehicles will certainly want to tune them.

Enter AC Schnitzer's aero kit, which consists of a front bumper fascia with diagonal air intakes plus repositioned fog lights, and a massive rear bumper fascia with diffuser center skirt plus integrated exhaust pipe openings. In contrast to the original, all components are painted body-colour throughout, to give a 'closer to the ground' appearance. The striking wheels are AC Schnitzer's new 22-inch Type VII multi-piece alloy wheels painted black. Missing from the overall kit are side skirts and miscellaneous fender flaring components and typical roof wings. However, we're not complaining. Overall, we think this package is just right.

Under the hood AC Schnitzer has prepared a new Motor Control Unit for the 3.0dX and 3.5dX diesel versions. Unfortunately, no performance data is available yet. However, AC Schnitzer admits that it has developed a unique suspension spring kit for the X6 on the North Loop of the Nürburgring and promises: Despite its high body, the X6 by AC Schnitzer in this configuration will show a clean pair of heels to many sports saloons.

Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont

With prices starting at 464,100 EUR in Germany and 390,000 EUR for export, the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont, seeks to fill the gap left by the S-Class and Maybach while maintaining the concept of bespoke manufacturing and maximum performance.

Conceived in cooperation with leather and lifestyle brand Etienne Aigner AG, the CK65 RS Blanchimont is fully equipped with all comfort and safety features Mercedes offers in the S-Class.

However, the interior is where the CK65 RS Blanchimont shows its talent. Available from more than 30 different combinations of Aigner leather, Aigner Alcantara, aluminium and a combination of selected woods, all materials are fitted exclusively by hand in a process that requires individual stages of cooling and setting. The production and installation of the entire interior takes over two weeks.

Besides the fit and finish of the interior trim, the high end entertainment and business package is where the CK65 RS Blanchimont revels. The Carlsson Office Concert Hall Infotainment System with components by Alpine and Focal features Focal's three-way intercom system, 7-inch monitors behind the headrests, 15-inch monitor integrated into the roof, an assortment of sub-woofers, speakers and amplifiers integrated into the vehicle body plus Alpine's F#1 Status DVD tuner with 6.1 surround sound.

Another highlight includes a WLAN UMTS router, enabling three laptops to go online, wireless and completely independent of each other. You don’t need a UMTS card – all you need is a WLAN-enabled laptop. So users have their own personal hot spot right inside the Auto– in fact, they can even use it a short distance away from the CK65 RS Blanchimont.

The Blanchimont with its 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbo engine receives a newly tuned electronic control unit, sports air filters, stainless steel sports exhaust system plus improved intercoolers. The result is 705 hp (10 more than the CK65 RS Eau Rouge) and an electronically limited torque of 1,100 Nm. Top speed of 320 km/h (electronically limited) together with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds makes “the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont the most powerful luxury limousine in the world.” declares Markus Schuster, CEO of Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH.

Wald W204 C-Class Black Bisson Edition

In contrast to the recent Wald BMW M5 kit, that was described as “tastefully crafted” and not “too extreme”, Wald has taken the W204 Mercedes C-Class and crafted an aero kit which clearly expresses their bipolar tendencies.

With flagrant usage of vent or louver design in just about every lower body component, Wald has taken their Black Bisson Edition to a level that will either be loved or loathed the world over.

Despite the picnic table rear wing and vented fender panels, the only redeeming aspect is the rear bumper fascia design (excluding side louvers) with its integrated twin tapered oval exhaust tips.

GTstreet RS based on Porsche GT2 by TechArt

Hot on the heels of the GTstreet Cabriolet, TechArt busts loose with yet another GTstreet offering, this time in the form of Porsche's venerable 530hp (390 kW) 911 GT2 aptly dubbed, GTstreet RS.

The GTstreet RS surpasses the 911 Turbo based GTstreet with 70 more hp for a total of 700hp (515 kW) and 860 Nm of torque. Power is achieved through the use of modified turbochargers, enlarged carbon inlet pipes, specially developed intercoolers, a sports flap exhaust combined with high-performance headers, modified pressure sensor and a sports air filter.

GTstreet RS front apron is fitted with a lower carbon splitter. Also from the top of the bumper fascia a special air duct has been constructed to enable air to pass directly behind the radiator and out through the newly created carbon outlet vents thereby reducing the buoyant force on the front axle considerably. Proving the aerodynamic kit is just as functional as visual, the GTstreet RS achieves in the wind tunnel 10 kilos of downforce on the front and rear axles at a speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).

Other GTstreet RS exterior trimmings include aero-bonnet, headlight shades, mirror shades, GTstreet sill panels and carbon roof spoiler. The GTstreet RS rear spoiler is particularly striking with its carbon winglets and gurney flaps. The GTstreet RS rear apron with carbon diffuser, air outlet and carbon air wings complete the programme for this club sports car.

Price for the 700hp GTstreet RS starts at €350,000 ($550,000 USD).

TechArt GTstreet Cabriolet

First revealed at the Geneva Auto Salon 2008, Porsche tuner TechArt have released full details and pricing for their GTstreet Cabriolet model.

Based on the new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, the package takes the already extraordinary 911 Turbo with its standard 480 hp (360 kW) and increases it to 630 hp (463 kW). This is achieved through a comprehensive TechArt TA 097/T3 engine upgrade which includes a sports air filter insert, carbon engine styling kit, carbon sports exhaust system, high performance intercooler, stainless steel exhaust manifold, T30 VTG turbocharger, high performance valve exhaust system with sports catalytic converter, black chrome tail pipes and Motronic 097/T3 fuel management system.

With the last component including the TechArt short shift kit with ball bearing gear cables, the GTstreet Cabriolet reaches a top speeds of 214mph (345 km/h), going from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.6 sec (3.5s tipronic S).

Catering to form and function the GTstreet is fitted with an aerodynamics kit consisting of a front apron with an extendable carbon fibre splitter, which creates downforce over the front axle and provides ventilation to the radiator and front brakes, carbon fenders which are 10 mm wider than the series fender for a unique look, rear apron with integrated carbon diffuser which also adds downforce and integrates the black chrome tail pipes.

Inside the GTstreet leather upholstery is available in black and phantom grey with coloured decorative stitching in addition to a matching 3-spoke steering wheel with air bag. The optical package in red/phantom grey/carbon or matte black rounds off these additional extras.

The TechArt VarioPlus threaded chassis builds on the electronically adjustable PASM absorption system of the 911 Turbo. The possibility of lowering the vehicle up to 25 mm can be individually adjusted as can the absorption system, which can be changed from ‘normal’ to ‘sport’ with the press of a button.

Brakes receive TechArt’s 6-piston monobloc aluminum calipers up front and 4-pistons in the rear. TechArt Formula III forged one-piece wheels size 8.5Jx20 (front) with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Plus tyres in 245/30 ZR 20 and 12Jx20 (rear) with 315/25 ZR 20.

Price for the GTstreet Cabriolet starts at €255,000

Audi A4 (B8) Styling Kit by Caractere

Swiss styling tuner, Caractere, brings us their latest kit for the new Audi A4 (B8 platform). With the newest A4 model only on the market since the beginning of the year, Caractere is amongst the first few to present a comprehensive styling package. Consisting of complete front bumper fascia for Autoswith original fog lights, side skirts, boot spoiler and rear bumper fascia with or without exhaust tips (left & right). Caractere says the kit, which comes with a 5 year warranty against defects, will be availabel towards the end of the year.