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Brabham Racing from Germany is making its return to the upper ground, after going underground back in 1992. ‘Underground' means bankrupt for our purposes. At Essen, Brabham aims to show the world that it's still alive and well, kicking even, starting with this combative-looking M3 which is dubbed BT 92, '92 referencing that fateful year. Not much has come our way in the sense of performance or engine details, safe to say that Brabham's Formula One experience, long in the tooth as it is, has come to assist it in tuning this car.
Do we detect a bit of BMW fanaticism here? Does Brabham want to take the fish straight out of Alpina and AC Schnitzer's mouths? It's ok we reckon, there's room for one more to join the tuning pack.
As German as GeigerCars is, they know a thing or two about tuning American cars. No surprises then, as the company shows off its latest best from the west creation, a Dodge Challenger-based muscle car using the HEMI V8 to power itself. It's the SRT 8's soul that it comes with, that 6.1-litre V8 which produces 425hp/ 317kW off the showroom floor. This being GeigerCars, that was never going to be enough, so a force-feeding kit is employed to up the power to a much more inviting 569hp/ 424kW and 678Nm of torque. A stainless steel tailpipe takes care of aural pleasures at the rear. The 22-inch rear wheels handle all this power on request for anyone with the required €14,900.
Braking prowess comes from 6-piston front calipers and 4-piston calipers at the rear, and 380x32 and 355x32 mm brake discs. An H&R adjustable suspension system can be added optionally for €1,529.
LUMMA's presence at the Essen Motor Show will be seriously felt this year as it presents beast after beast. This one is the CLR 550 R which is based on the 4.8-litre V8 Porsche Cayenne GTS. The standard SUV belts out 405hp (302kW) with either a Tiptronic transmission as an option or standard 6-speed manual. A bit of reprogramming has been done on the car's ECU for more power retrieval. The CLR 550 R is lowered by some 40mm which makes its 315/25-23 Michelins look more dramatic than they already are. The car has LUMMA's gas pedal power module system which improves pedal response for more oomph.
The GTS interior is already sporty off the factory floor, but LUMMA thought it best to improve on the goodness by installing a multimedia sound and entertainment system. Adding to the interior environment are carbon fiber and leather/ alcantara inserts. Aluminium sporting foot pedals add to CLR 550 R's exclusivity.
LUMMA's CLR X 650 is now at Essen. The BMW X6-based coupe SUV (that's what BMW asked everyone to call it) is stepping out on huge 23-inch wheels which make it slump a bit more because of its 35mm-lowered sport suspension. Body kit is full and wide-bodied, includes 5cm fender extensions, side skirts, front bumper spoilers and rear ones. BMW's 4.4-litre V8 turbo's ECU has been reprogrammed to foster more power, while a stainless steel sport exhaust system added. LUMMA's gas pedal power module or GPM helps increase pedal power response.
CLR X 650 has an upgraded interior so the outside matches the inside as well. Leather and Alcantara feature heavily on the seats and the LUMMA logo appears in a number of surfaces, including the foot pedals.
Eibach chose to cross the Atlantic on a muscle-car-finding mission for their stand at Essen. They sailed back with a Challenger. Based on the Dodge Challenger R/T, a few mods have been made such as a fully adjustable suspension and 9.5 x22-inch OZ Botticelli III-wide rims with 265/30R Toyo Tires Sport tyres wrapped around. Eibach used the 431hp/ 317kW and 569Nm 6.1-litre block whose standard straight line speed is estimated at 5.3 seconds 0 - 100km/h. Those suspension tune-ups were made to improve the muscle car's handling so its straighline speed is matched by its cornering ability. Top velocity of 250km/h can be attained from this plant/ orange car combination.
Where ICE is concerned an Alpine multimedia system is found inside; two Moniceiver DVD monitors and a good number of speakers.
The Opel Insignia is proving itself to be an attractive package of pricing, style, and nice technology like innovative lighting systems and adaptive suspension. For any tuner looking to do extra work on the Insignia, a competent canvas is laid out in front of them. Steinmetz is one such "artist" going for the Insignia canvas with this provisional tuning package. It consists of a ride lowering suspension system, black and white 20-inch alloy wheels, changes to the front grille and front spoiler, a rear silencer tailpipe and floor mats.
Insignia, the new European Car of the Year, is offered with a choice of four 2.0-litre engines running on diesel, power figures range from 110hp to 190hp. The four petrol engines range from 140PS/ 103kW to 260 PS/ 191kW for the 2.8-litre V6 turbo.
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Abt, the largest worldwide customiser of Volkswagen Group vehicles, introduce their sixth-generation re-working of the Golf, one which delivers a sporting body kit worthy of matching a host of Abt performance and further upgrades. The new Abt Golf VI is available in a number of 'greener' powerplants. Hans Juergen Abt, managing director of the German firm, throws about the term 'downsizing' and is keen to point out that the upgrade incorporates VW's 1.4 TSI unit, available in two stages of expansion for optimum fuel efficiency and performance.
The standard 122 hp 1.4-litre is expanded to 160 hp while customers wishing to stretch the 'little engine' out further have the option of a 200 hp version - producing almost as much power as the series 2.0 TFSI powerplant but consuming less fuel. But if 1400cc is a little too conservative, then Abt have it covered: the 2.0 TFSI gets upgraded from 210 hp to 240 hp, with a more frugal offering in the form of a 30 hp-hiked 2.0 TDI model with 170 hp.
But the Abt upgrades span beyond the hood. Abt will happily fit vehicles with their Abt threaded suspension or sports springs, both of which are recommended for optimum power handling. Abt braking and sports braking systems provide deceleration suited to the performance hikes.
'An outstanding basis' for Abt, the sixth-gen new Golf also gets the full treatment by designers for a sporting but 'elegant' look. The enhanced presence is achieved via new front grill, new aprons front and rear (the latter with integrated 4-pipe exhaust), rear spoiler and perhaps principally the huge 18 or 19 inch alloys, available diamond-turned or high-gloss polished.
An exclusive tuning kit for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available from specialist Carlsson. The new RS kit consists of several key elements which include four additional high quality lights made up of a fog set and high beams. Just to the middle of that is an integrated front apron and front spoiler lips to make the look sportier. The grille is characteristic of Carlsson, as their badge sits at the front of the bonnet. Specially made side skirts for the RS kit have stainless steel grille inserts that show aggression at the front. The rear end is just as miffed; a rear RS apron and diffuser, topped with a carbon fiber rear spoiler. Wheels are light alloys stretching 21-inches. Sound comes from the four stainless steel double-walled tailpipes which are heat-insulated and streamlined for road growling.
The RS kit is available in carbon fiber or polyurethane (PU) underlining sport and pace. PU is a highly regarded plastic solution used in various industries. The kit, internally codenamed V221 at Carlsson, is good for the entire S-Class range which consists of S 320 CDI, S350, S 450, S 500, S 600, S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG.
The Porsche Cayenne remains one of the most sought-after tuner subjects and LUMMA Design has joined the fray with the facelifted GTS based CLR 550 R. The SUV has a body kit that is 5cm wider on each side with 315/25-23 Michelins front and rear. Add the sport lowering suspension kit and the CLR 550 R sits 40mm lower making its wheels look even bigger. The look is heightened by a front spoiler bumper with a double daylight/fog lamp pair, side skirts, fender extensions, a rear bumper, tailgate apron, and a bonnet in Carbon/Kevlar which flows into those "evil eye" eyelids.
The ECU has received some reprogramming to jam out more power from the GTS V8, and something called LUMMA GPM added. GPM or gas pedal power module, gives a quick response on the gas pedal. From the rear an exhaust system with flap technology and stainless steel construction provides positive feedback.
A feeling of comfortable motorsports resonates inside where carbon fiber and leather/ alcantara dominate in addition to aluminium foot pedals. There's a bit of ICE as well courtesy of a multimedia system with 7.5-inch, headrest-mounted screens.
BMW's hard-to-classify X6 is still warm from the oven, so to speak, and already the tuners are lining up to make it hotter. One of the first to step up is LUMMA Design. The Winterlinger-based tuner's CLR X 650 features a widebody kit and performance upgrades and will be displayed at the Essen Motor Show. LUMMA's kit starts on the outside, with monstrous 23-inch wheels and a full widebody kit including 5cm fender extensions, front and rear bumper spoilers and side skirts. Carbon-fiber detailing is also used on the show car. An air ducted carbon hood is also included. The CLR X 650 is snugged down over those massive wheels thanks to a 35mm drop courtesy of the lowered sport suspension designed by LUMMA.
The 4.4 liter turbocharged V8 has a reprogrammed ECU and a stainless sport exhaust to boost power, and LUMMA has also introduced a "gas pedal power module" (GPM) that increases pedal response.
The interior has not escaped notice either. Leather and Alcantara wrap the seating surfaces, while red LUMMA-logo gauges and floormats make sure it's obvious who's responsible for this vehicle. Aluminum pedals and footrest are also engraved with the LUMMA logo.
German super tuner edo competition, who somehow do not feel the need to capitalize their name, claim to have made the Ferrari FXX race car a street legal vee-hickle (go ahead, say it like you were Johnny Cash). Or maybe they're just driving on the streets with an FXX race car and taunting the cops, as seen in the video here.
The fine folks at edo competition say that with a few add-ons they've manage to obey all the laws for a street-worthy vehicle in Germany. A proper windshield, all the required lighting, hand brake, and an exhaust system that makes the FXX meet all emissions standards. A new suspension has also been added with damping and adjustable compression.
No mention of bumpers, though, which one would think would be the first thing you'd need to make a race car street legal. Otherwise, scraping a cement pillar at the local shopping mall with your new FXX may become an expensive lesson in obeying the law.
Where have LB Performance been all this time? The Japanese tuner says it's been in business doing its thing since 1993, but this is the first time we've come across them. Guess the web is one big ocean of information. The work they do to the Lamborghini Murcielago is seriously envy-worth, appearing to be of exceptional standard and positive aggression. All the cars featured seem to be extremely low in suspension, yet nothing is said about suspension kits. Nothing is said about engine mods either, but Reventon is clearly an inspiration to some front bumpers. New body kits, spoilers, wheels and exhaust mufflers make LB Performance cars worthy of a second or fifth look.
acrylic on paper 8x11" sold 
acrylic on paper 8x11" sold
acrylic on paper 8x11" sold
Production ended in 1988 for the Pontiac Fiero, but that hasn't stopped kit car companies from resurrecting the mid-engine sports car into various supercar imitations. Not as visually dysfunctional as the recent Fierri Enzno this latest example comes from UsedFieroParts.com, an authorized distributor and installation partner for North Hollywood's very own Zorba Design, the creator of this Zorba G40 kit. Available in coupe or roadster version, the G40 kit costs approximately $31,000 which takes into consideration an average Fiero donar car price, leather interior and paint work but excludes wheels/tires or any other upgrades beyond the donor Fiero.
JE Design is known mostly as a VW and SEAT tuner. But here they give the Porsche Cayenne a go and this is the lux-tuner level achieved with this makeover. The tuning package is wheels, optics and suspension with no engine work in the mix. But the package does lend to superior performance with the front and rear skirts providing a better aerodynamic flow and the lowered suspension a more nimble handling.
There is actually a lowering of the chassis by about 3.5 cm and, hence, the center of gravity, to make for a more balanced ride. A further suspension mechanism, a "stainless steel coilover kit", permits a drop range of 3 to 7 cm as well.
New LED daylight running lights are added too. And the 22-inch rims for the 295/30 R22 XL tire size help give the Cayenne that road-muncher look it was made for. The single-piece cast wheels come in a variety of dark, moody colors.
No pricing details available but you can bet those 22-inch rims come in at the price of a solid used car.
California based Euro tuner / service shop / motorsports team, Global Motorsport Group (GMG), has taken a standard 2008 Porsche GT3 and converted it utilizing a range of self branded GMG World Challenge products. These GMG WC products have been specially developed from their experience contesting the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championships and beyond (see press release below for specs). In addition to being a top notch GT3 package, this borderline track car for the street features a real carbon fiber roof conversion. There's no faux vinyl film overlay here, this is the real deal. For an added touch of exclusivity, GMG has custom fabricated 997 facelift tail light lenses although they have yet to be released by Porsche for the GT3.
Afzal Kahn is a busy guy. He's CEO of Kahn Design and head of Project Kahn, which brings us this Audi R8. He's also working on Kahn Pizza delivery, which promises to deliver your pizza in a supercar over 200,000 dollars in value or your money back. Anyway, Project Kahn does the Audi R8. Kahn lowers the suspension and slaps on 20" F1-X rims made of lightweight carbon fiber. There are no more details than that, just the pic.
Project Kahn says on its website that, "You do not need to worry about the engine," referring to Audi's 4.2 liter FSI, 414 hp (309 kW) V8. Which we can interpret to mean that there won't be any engine tuning to this Kahn creation.
But maybe Kahn has a point. Sometimes tuning squeezes too much out of an engine and takes away its suppleness and character. A 3.77kg/hp ratio is very respectable territory for a supercar and, to paraphrase the late Paul Newman, avid race driver, its the driver that makes the car.
Let's face it; Porsche's Cayenne is not a middle-of-the-road vehicle. You either love it for its distinct looks and physics-defying performance and versatility, or you hate it for polluting Porsche's sports-car heritage and being ugly to boot. The just-introduced edo Competition Cayenne GTS will only serve to deepen the polarity of Cayenne reactions. This performance and aerodynamics package makes everything about the Cayenne bolder. The modifications start under the hood, where edo has upgraded the Cayenne GTS' exhaust and intake and remapped the ECU to produce 450 horsepower (331 kW) and 391 ft-lb (530 Nm) torque. This two-ton vehicle races from zero to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds and tops out at 270 km/h (168mph). To help keep the Cayenne GTS controllable, an adjustable-height suspension and larger six-piston monoblock brake calipers. 22-inch forged wheels with stainless steel outer rims are staggered for width (10 inches up front and 11 in the rear), and edo will paint the rim centers if you'd like.
The edo Cayenne GTS' exterior is enhanced by a domed hood and new front spoiler with quad foglights and mesh inserts.
Looking for a new look for your CL-Class? Japanese tuners VITT Performance have unveiled a new widebody kit for the Mercedes CL-Class coupes. In VITT CL-Class Super Wide Edition form, the curvy but conservative CL gets the supercar treatment, with dramatic reworkings of the front and rear fenders and side sills. The bulging fenders are complemented by a choice of new front and rear aprons and a spoiler package. The new front bumper includes quad foglights. VITT also adds a roof spoiler and a vented hood. 20-inch wheels and a stainless exhaust comprise the bulk of the mechanical upgrades in this appearance package.
Pricing for the full VITT CL-Class Super Wide conversion is set at about $20,000.
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