BMW 135i by Hartge

German based BMW Group tuning specialist Hartge first showed us off-the-shelf parts for the 1-Series coupe when it was first released, and then shortly followed with the aerodynamics kits. Now Hartge have developed an ECU upgrade for BMW's already potent 3.0-liter bitrubo engine in the 135i coupe releasing an additional 44hp.

The result is a total of 350hp at 5660 rpm and 480 Nm (lb-ft 354) at 2950 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) arrives in 4.8 seconds – a half second faster than its standard 5.3 seconds. Also, an unrestricted top speed allows 280 km/h (174mph).

Hartge states that a 135i fully equipped with the entire suite of components will cost in Germany € 48,162.14, excluding VAT.

Ford Mondeo by Rieger

20 year old German based tuning firm Rieger has released a subtle styling package for the new Ford Mondeo wagon that builds off of the standard appearance with something that is a bit more noticeable without being to extravagant. The kit offers a front lip spoiler, side skirts with cutout shaft and rear bumper fascia. All components are available in either ABS plastic or carbon fiber look. The rear bumper fascia comes in three versions depending on exhaust configuration – dual pipes on both right and left side, single sport pipe or single downward curved pipe. Moreover, Rieger also offers for the Mondeo a coilover suspension by KW and chip tuning upgrades from SKN Technology.

New SL-Class Facelift by Lorinser

Following the teaser image from earlier this month, well known German tuner, Lorinser, have finally pulled the sheet off their new facelifted SL-Class. Designed in characteristic Lorinser form, the SL-Class program includes front bumper fascia, wide flare fenders with grille vents, side skirts also with grille vents and diffuser look rear bumper fascia which accommodates four pipe exhaust system. Also available for the package are the Lorinser RS9 wheels and lowered suspension. Lorinser states in their press release that performance engine upgrades are currently in development.

Seat Leon Body Kit by JE Design

VW Group tuning specialists JE Design have gone ahead and developed a fourth, no wait, fifth aerodynamics body package for the Seat Leon. Still closely resembling the base Leon P1 kit (non-Cupra, FR & wide body), the German tuning expert now offers a carbon fiber look adhesive film in various colors.

The body kit consists of a front bumper fascia with new LED daylight running lights, grille, headlamp lens strips, side skirts and newly designed rear bumper fascia skirt attachment which accommodates four 90mm exhaust pipes.

Under the hood, JE Design is offering a new power increase via engine management upgrade that bounces the standard 103 kW (140 hp) up to 130 kW (176 hp). Torque also increases by 85 Nm to 405 Nm.

New 19-inch multispoke wheel-set, 4-piston brakes and coilover suspension capable of lowering ride height from 35mm to a ground scraping 65 mm round out the package. See press release below for full details.

Widebody Kit for W204 C-Class by Expression Motorsport

Belgian Mercedes tuner Expression Motorsports have put together a DTM inspired wide body package for the new W204 C-Class. Larger air vents in the bumper and hood enhance engine cooling while the widebody kit allows for the larger wheels up to 22-inch to be fitted. The kit consists of front bumper fascia with fog lamps and LED indicators, front carbon fiber lower lip spoiler, hood from C 63 AMG, hood vents, 10 piece fender flair set, side skirts, rear bumper fascia with carbon fiber diffuser and integrated LED F1 brake light and deck lid wing plus additional carbon deflector. Finally, a double twin-tip exhaust system along with an assortment of wheel packages round out the kit which Expression Motorsports refers to as their EX C Motorsport kit.

CLK 63 AMG Black Widow by Vorsteiner

The Vorsteiner name is still somewhat fresh in our brains following the recent E92 M3 CSL package story, but the California based tuner wants us to remember it permanently. So they've quickly released another kit but this time for the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series dubbed, “Black Widow”.

Striving to subtly enhance the already dangerous looks of the Black Series CLK, Vorsteiner have crafted functional front and rear spoilers which are constructed of lightweight dry carbon fiber. Vorsteiner states the spoilers improve down force & aerodynamics during high speed tests at the track over 321km/h (200mph).

The carbon fiber rear spoiler balances the fr

ont end out by extending the original factory rear lip spoiler design by approximately 50mm with a more aggr

essive wing profile. Both of these components are a direct bolt onto the factory body panels without any modifications required.

Ford Focus ST by Mountune Performance

Ford UK is offering for the Focus ST a performance upgrade from Mountune Performance. Available from select Ford dealers (see press release below) for a price of £1,120 (plus installation), the kit consists of a larger intercooler, a high-flow air filter and revised engine calibration resulting in an increase in power output from Ford’s potent 2.5-litre Duratec ST engine from 225PS to 260PS at 5,500rpm and from 320Nm to 400Nm at 2,500rpm.

0-60mph improves by 0.6sec to 5.9sec, and the 0-100mph time by 1.9sec to 14.1sec. The performance upgrade kit includes 12 months/12,000-mile dealer warranty up to a maximum of three years/36,000 miles. The vehicle warranty is not affected.

Expect to hear more from Mountune Performance as they are currently developing a performance suspension kit for the Focus ST and further packages will be available for other Ford models later in 2008.

Vorsteiner E92 BMW M3

Distinguished by a power to weight ratio improvement of 10%, the previous generation E46 CSL (Coupe, Sport, Lightweight) was slated as a purists' club-racer version of the standard M3 with many features intended to increase performance and reduce weight. Visually, it was differentiated by its' carbon fiber roof, front and rear bumper fascias with integrated carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFP) splitters, special 19-inch wheels and a decklid with integrated rear spoiler.

Unfortunately, BMW has decided to cancel plans for the E92 M3 CSL, however, that hasn't stopped California based tuner, Vorsteiner, from creating their own interpretation. With emphasis on the visual aspects, Vorsteiner has created a body kit which consists of a dry carbon fiber front add-on spoiler, rear diffuser with 3 integrated aero fins and a new replacement boot lid with a built in lip spoiler. Also, Vorsteiner has added a titanium performance exhaust system that weighs only 7.9 kg (17.3 lbs) versus the factory system that weighs 25.6 kg (56.3lbs). Vorsteiner has also developed a 5 spoke wheel design named V-302 series. This forged 3 piece aluminum wheel is available in 20x8.5J and 20x10J – front and rear respectively. For the interior, Vorsteiner offers a full carbon fiber interior trim kit to complement the carbon fiber exterior of the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series by Kleemann

Did you know that Kleemann is a Danish tuning company? Did you know they have an office in the US of A, and that they export their products to over 40 other countries? Did you know that Kleemann felt that the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series was not enough? Imagine that! What’s not enough exactly? A few things really. One of them is power. These days any old kitchen mechanic can wring out 507bhp out of a car, no big deal. Kleemann felt this number could be challenged, not too madly but enough to worry the tarmac about all that melting rubber.

In order to do this Kleemann provided the CLK with a kit consisting of a set of high flow exhaust manifolds with matching downpipes and 200-cell steel sport catalysts, and a remapped engine ECU. For their troubles they were rewarded with an extra 38bhp, taking the unit up to 545 ponies. Torque is 675Nm. Power goes to the 20” tyres fitted at the back, which measure 305/25 and 11” wide, while front axle has to do with 10” wide with 255/30 tyres. The standard gearbox was not messed with, so it remains, along with the awesome driveability of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series. By the way, this special kit is codenamed Kleemann 63-K2 and can be fitted into any of the 63 AMG Autoson the road today. Can we get some performance figures please.

Smart fortwo by Carlsson

Brabus was the first major Mercedes-Benz tuner to embrace the smart brand from the start with the first generation fortwo. However, it hasn't been until now, that other Mercedes specialty tuners were doing the same. Last year we saw Lorinser release a tuning program for the second generation fortwo, and more recently Konigseder has also followed suit. Now the latest Mercedes tuner is Carlsson also for the second generation fortwo model series since 2007.

The Carlsson aerodynamics kit consists of a front spoiler fitted to the stock bumper, electro polished stainless steel grill insert, Carlsson fog lights with a chrome case, rear skirt with diffuser and rear muffler (only for gasoline driven Autoswith 84 hp / 61 hp and 71 hp: four stainless steel end pipes). Rounding out the package are lowering springs, specially made Carlsson 1/11 Evo BE in 16- and 17-inch wheels, pedal overlays and an aluminum handbrake handle.

Audi R8 by MTM

It has been a while hasn’t it? Six months to be exact, since we ran a piece on MTM working on their supercharged R8. Of course every tuner even remotely affiliated with the Audi brand is doing some form of conversion on this halo car. MTM is done now and they have released details of what sort of monster their Dr Frankensteins have created. On the 4.2-litre V8 a belt driven srew supercharger has been screwed to release a good dose of 560PS (412kW) at a screaming 7750 rpm. Forwarding this power is 580Nm of torque available at 5500 rpm. As a result the MTM R8 sends itself into a flying frenzy of 0 – 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, 0 to 200km/h in 12.5 seconds. After that effortless drive we cut out at 301km/h with the limiter on, 315km/h with no limiter.

The quattro drive system is still responsible for some handling, grip and shove as per the normal car. It puts power into Michelin Sport Cups rated at 245/30-20” and 315/25-20” front and back, wrapped around MTM Bimoto forged rims. Although Audi hasn’t said much regarding the R8 V10 yet, the feeling is it may just hover around these figures too.

Mercedes C63 AMG by Renntech

When Mercedes introduced the C63 AMG last year there was a lot of anticipation to get behind the wheel, but along with this anticipation came the disappointment of a power rating of just 451hp. An output like this is way below the E63's 507hp and S63's 518hp which both use the same engine, theories as to why the power output was reduced pointed towards the restrictions of getting the large 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine into a smaller engine bay but even the smaller CLK63 AMG managed to pump out 475hp.

Renntech set out to reverse these restrictions and give the C 63 a power figure to be proud of. An initial ECU software upgrade put the power up to a CLK63 matching 475hp until the tuner had more time to hammer out the engine a little more. This hammering has now been complete with an updated version of its ECU software, RENNtech's stainless-steel long-tube headers and new, track-oriented sound/performance pipes bringing the power figures up to 548 peak horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

Renntech also found time to bang in a height adjustable suspension kit and a new stopping power enhancing braking system.

It'll be interesting to see what kind of performance figures the Renntech C63 is capable of should they decide to release them in the future, however Renntech do tease that an overpowered & 63 monster could make its way through their factory doors for their 20th anniversary celebrations.

Mercedes C63 AMG by Brabus

The Brabus engineers have got down and dirty with the Mercedes C 63 AMG to produce the B63 S Performance Kit. It adds 73hp to the 6.2-liter V8 AMG power unit bringing total output up to 530hp (390kW) whilst the peak torque grows by 50Nm to 650 Nm (479 lb-ft).

Free-flow high-performance metal catalysts, sport air filters and a bit of ECU tuning take full credit for the power boost which propels the model from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds (from 4.5 seconds), 0-200km/h is is achieved in 13.1 seconds (from 14.5 seconds) and the top speed now lies at 197mph (315km/h).

To compliment to increased power and performance, Brabus also offers a range of accessories that not only make the model look good, but feel good as well. It features a height adjustable suspension kit , a Brabus high performance brake system, high perfomance tires wrapped around custom-tailored 19-inch rims and it is completed with exclusive interior options.

Honda Civic 5D Mugen Concept Revealed in Moscow

Japanese tuning company, Mugen Motorsports, has waved its wand over a European specific model for the first time in the Honda Civic 5-door hatchback. Revealed at the Moscow Motor Show with cosmetic modifications only in the form of a body kit closely resembling the previously released Honda Civic Mugen RR from last year, this concept is a sign that Mugen is testing the waters of the old continent. Surely, with the Honda name gaining popularity across Europe, hoards of Honda tuners will be lined up to tap into the European market, and who better to test the waters first than the one with familiar ties to Honda Motor Company.

Aero Kit for BMW E90 3-Series by Wald

For the E90 BMW 3-Series sedan, Japanese tuning company, Wald International, has released another new body kit which follows the same hard edged look with louvered styling elements previously seen in the recent Bentley Conti GT Black Bisson Edition and Mercedes C-Class Black Bisson Edition. Despite the resemblance, Wald has decided not to give this 3-Series a Black Bisson Edition designation but instead a simpler WALD E90 Sports Line name.

Whatever you want to call it, the body kit includes front bumper fascia with dual fog lamp projectors, side skirts, rear bumper fascia, luggage lid spoiler and exhaust system. Also seen are WALD's latest wheel set, MAHORA M11C, 19 x 8.5J in the front with Face dish 1 and 19 x 9.5 for the rear with Face dish 3.

Nissan GT-R Club Sport Package by Nismo

Official Nissan motorsports and performance tuning arm, Nismo, has revealed its eagerly anticipated Club Sport upgrade package for the R35 Nissan GT-R. With a focus on reducing weight and increased handling, the package consists of RAYS forged aluminum wheels (Front 20x9.5 (+45mm offset) and Rear 20x10.5 (+25mm offset) with Bridgestone RE070R run-flats (F 225/40 and R 285/35), Bilstein's Damptronic struts, which are basically height adjustable coilovers with electronically controlled dampening, 11-pound lighter rear exhaust system and carbon fiber undertray. Inside the seats get upgraded to a carbon fiber backrest trimmed in leather with side airbags but without heavy electrical adjustment resulting in 13 pounds saved. Unfortunately, the package is only available in Japan through official Nismo shops with a huge price of ¥5,460,000 (€35,000), however, rest assured specialty importers have already inked distribution deals with Nismo, although without a warranty.

Mercedes C-Class 320 CDI 4Matic by Kicherer

The busybodies at Kicherer have released details on their latest tuning package, this time the modifications and upgrades are awarded to the Mercedes C-Class Estate and more specifically the 320 CDI 4 Matic model.

As always the engineers headed straight to the front of the Autoand dug deep under the hood, a modest improvement is made on the power generated from the 3.0-liter V6 engine with a figure of 265hp and 600Nm of torque – up from 224hp and 510Nm. The upgrade allows the model to shoot from 0-100km/h in less than 6.7 seconds.

The exterior look comes courtesy of an AMG bodykit and Kicherer further enhance the ride experience with a ride-lowering suspension kit and a set of forged 19inch RS-1 wheels. Kicherer finish the package off with mild interior enhancements that include a two-tone leather upholstery, a Kicherer speedometer and a leather/wood steering wheel.

Audi RS6 by Imsa

IMSA Tuning usually focus their efforts on the Lamborghini but in a rare shift to the mellow side they have taken on the Audi RS6 with this new performance package.

Power output of the stock 5.0-liter V10 engine rises from 580hp up to a respectable 650hp and 745Nm of torque, further complimented with a stainless steel exhaust system. A ride-lowering suspension system hugs the model to the road and a set of 20 inch wheels featuring a central locking system that is usually saved for just the Lambo range provides the grip that the additional performance will require.

The upgrades result a 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds down from 4.6 seconds on the regular Avant model and it reaches 200km/h in 13.8 seconds.

Mercedes SL 63 AMG by Kicherer

What we see here is the result of the Mercedes SL 63 AMG eroticized! Any Tuning house that dares use such a word in their press release had better have a damn good package to show us. Continue reading and we'll let you decide if they have achieved such a feat.

Kicherer start with the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 power unit and boost its power by 40 hp up to a total of 560hp whilst the torque now rises to 670Nm (494lb-ft). It is blended with an EVO sports exhaust system giving it a deeper and more aggressive sound. The upgrades see an improved 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds (from 4.6 seconds) whilst the top speed now lies at 320km/h.

Carbon fibre is the name of the game for Kicherer when it comes to exterior modifications. There are additional carbon fibre coverings on the front apron as well as on the rear, the latter incorporates a diffuser that helps flow the air beneath the Autoat high speeds. New side mirrors made of the same material and a set of 20inch RS-1 aluminium wheels complete the overall look.

Audi Q5 by Abt

Abt Sportsline are hardly a company that shys away from the SUV market, admirable efforts on the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Tiguan are testaments to this fact. Therefore it was only a matter of time before the tuning house took on the all-new Audi Q5 and they have released the first details today.

The Abt engineers have thrown the book at the Q5's engine range with tuning for three of their different power units. Starting with the diesel offerings, the base 2.0-liter TDI has been boosted by 20hp up to 190hp thanks to the application of Abt Power, whilst the more potent 3.0-liter TDI is treated to the Abt Power S kit which takes the power output up by a massive 70hp to 310hp. The 2.0-liter TFSI engine is also treated to the Abt Power upgrade bringing total power up to 240hp from 211hp.

Other modifications alongside the engine tuning include a fine tuned suspension which lowers the car's center of gravity as well as a new Abt Sports brake system featuring 380mm brake disks.

The exterior package adds to the overall drive experience whilst simultaneously creating a eye catching look. The model's body kit includes a completely remodelled front fascia sporting larger air intakes, the extravagant design style continues to the rear and a mild widebody look is also achieved with the aggressive wheel arches around the 20 inch wheels. Functional front and rear skirts (better known as diffusers) contribute to the aggressive styling.

Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion

Pininfarina were challenged and commissioned by Autocollector Roland Hall to create a vehicle that would pay homage to the sumptuous Autosof the 1930s, a challenge that is well within the grasp of the Italians specialists. Pininfarina have used their expertise to create special models in the past, some may remember the Ferrari P4/5 based on the Enzo or perhaps even the Scaglietti “K” springs to mind.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe owned by Hall provides the base for the Hyperion, the rear seats of the model are removed leaving enough area to nudge the driving position back an extra 400mm.To accurately depict the styling of the pre-war cars, Pininfarina had to extend the roof which simultaneously shorten the rear end whilst keeping a beautiful array of soft flowing design lines.

The classic Rolls-Royce grille remains although it is now slightly inclined offering better aerodynamic performance and a set of recessed Bixenon headlights with LED technology lie both sides of it. Most of the bodywork is made of carbon fibre, although the doors which have been designed by craftsmen that usually focus on luxury boats are made of solid wood.

Much of the Drophead Coupe's interior styling remains, however a vintage 1945 watch specially designed for the Hyperion by Girard-Perregaux can be found attached to the dashboard, it can also be detached for Mr. Hall's personal use.

Mechanics beneath the Hyperion's elegant posterior have been left untouched

RSStreet based on Audi RS6 by Kicherer

The hub of this latest performance upgrades centers around the 580 bhp 5.0-liter FSI twin turbo V10 engine laying in the engine bay. Kicherer modify several individual components on the power unit although they fail to state exactly what these are, nonetheless it still results in a power increase that takes overall output to 700hp and 780Nm of torque. Other performance upgrades are available including a 4-flow stainless steel exhaust system and a set of sports springs which lowers the model by 25mm.

All put together, the RSStreet can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in a little under 4.3 seconds and it reaches 200km/h in 13 seconds flat, top speed lies rises to 280km/h. These times are a little slower than previous tuning packages seen, however it would be hard to compare these models other than side by side on a racetrack.

Kicherer also gives the RS6' exterior are quick going over with a set a 22inch rims and a two tone color scheme along with mirror shells, front spoiler and rear diffuser all made from genuine carbon.

Audi RS6 by B&B

When the RS6 was released it was considered that Audi's power war addiction had gone to their head, the 5.0-liter FSI twin turbo V10 monster found under the hood pumps out a massive 580bhp, but judging by the array of tuning kits coming out for the model, the engine is capable of far more.

One of the first to come out was an effort by MTM which brought power output to 656bhp and 579lb-ft (785Nm) of torque and that was just through a bit of ECU tuning. More recently Abt entered the fray with their own version pumping 700bhp and 590lb-ft (800Nm) of torque. However both have been put in their place with a new package released by Audi expert's B&B which possesses a massive 715hp.

The huge increase in power is achieved with B&B's special race exhaust system with high performance racing catalyst along with modifications to the air intake system, and air cooling system as well as a bit of ECU tuning. A set of sports springs lowers the vehicle by 25mm and B&B also offers a special threaded chassis which improves cornering speeds through its adjustable height.

But what is the result of all this tuning? How fast does it really go? Well, figures state that the B&B RS6 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds – that's 0.9 seconds quicker than the factory produced version.

ABT Audi RS6 by Avant

Audi RS6 is already a fast Autobut that really isn’t enough in these days of more and more is it? In that vein ABT has created something of a super-combi without going bananas in the styling department. The Autoseems to place function over form, like the wing which is not just for show but actually serves to reduce lift. Twenty inches of bling wheel don the tyres, suspension is lower and the front spoiler is different as well. Apart from this, very little else sets it apart. Apart from the fast lane.

Here ABT RS6 will reach a sweet 320km/h which it would have attained from a standstill position, going past 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. How quick is the regular RS6? Try 4.5 seconds from naught to 100. Serving up this grateful supply of speed to ABT RS6 is the same V10 TFSI lab experiment of some 580 bhp/ 426kW standard. ABT turns it into a nuclear experiment to sustain a smile-inducing 700 bhp/ 515kW and 800Nm, from 2400 rpm right up to 6100rpm. The Autothen becomes more than just an outstanding athlete, but a runner of exceptional skill pulling on all four wheels.

Audi Q5 by Emotion-Wheels and Digi-Tec

E-Motion Wheels as the name suggest usually sticks to wheels when modification, but for this time limited project they got together with Digi-Tec to create a custom Audi Q5.

The collaboration only had a few days to complete the project leavng any modification limited to subtle at best. This Audi Q5 benefitted from a new set of 20inch wheels as well as an aerodynamic enhancingg modifcation to the suspension lowering the ride height by 35mm. Digi-Tec's role was to boost the performance of the 2.0-liter TFSI engine and the duly delivered with a power boost of 35bhp bringing the total to 245bhp.