MEC Design Unveils New Mercedes Benz S-Class Tuning Package

European tuning experts MEC Design, which specialize in Mercedes-Benz and have an extensive range of extraordinary tuning and styling products, are launching their latest body kit for the Mercedes-Benz S Class.

With one of the most comprehensive customization jobs we've seen in a while, the staff at MEC Design have not left one aspect of the S-Class’ exterior untouched, right down to their custom designed wheel spacers. The customization list begins with unique wheels that range from 18 to 22in and alone cost up to $13,000.

MEC Design hooked up this Mercedes Benz S-Class with chrome three-piece wheels measuring 11×20 in the front and 13×20 in the rear. Hankook tires are the standard for these wheels and measure 285/25 ZR20 in the front and 325/25 ZR20 in the rear. To give the car a clean flush look for the rims, 10mm spacers were installed in the front and 19mm spacers in the back.

Other modifications include a custom front apron, a redesigned rear bumper, a new rear spoiler and side-skirts fitted with LED lights, which altogether will set you back $9,700. With the new bodykit in place the car already sits much lower to the ground than the stock version, but an electronic lowering module gets it another 70mm closer.

To match the new aggressive look, MEC Design also offers upgraded front and rear mufflers with a special 'Loud' option for the S63 AMG model. Customers can also opt to have the 155mph speed limiter removed, as well as uprated brakes and performance tires.

Finally, a smorgasbord of interior adjustments is available, including a rear desk and curtains. Other goodies include custom steering wheels, leather floor mats and unique trim elements across the dash.

Mitsubishi unleashes Evolution X FQ-330 SST

Mitsubishi has added a new model to its already extensive 7-strong model range of Evolution X cars in UK, that’s Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ-330 SST.

Mitsubishi's FQ line of hotted-up rally cars has long been a fan favorite, and for good reason. The latest iteration pumps power to 329hp (242kW) at 6,500rpm and churns torque up to 322lb-ft (437Nm) at a comfortably mid-range 3,500rpm. That's enough to shoot the beastie to 62mph (100km/h) in 4.4 seconds, thanks in part to the super-slick SST twin-clutch transmission.

The FQ-330 SST joins the FQ-300 SST, rated at 295hp (217kW) and 300lb-ft (407Nm) and good for 4.7 seconds to 62mph. Both are electronically capped at 155mph (250km/h) max speed. The FQ-300 starts at £32,999, while bigger brother FQ-330 takes off from £35,999. For FQ-300 SST owners, the car can be upgraded to FQ-330 stats for a fee via a 'power upgrade pack.'

All the extra power in the FQ-330 comes from an improved intake and exhaust and an ECU remap. The intake includes not just the filter element and housing, but a new intercooler piping kit and a racing suction pipe. The exhaust is enhanced from the downpipe through the tailpipe, including new high-flow catalytic converters. Neither the FQ-330 or FQ-300 rival the rumored FQ-400, however.

Other key features of the FQ-330 SST include Mitsubishi's special S-AWC AWD system, 18in Enkei alloys, Brembo brakes, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, Recaro seats and an ample array of comfort and convenience features including Bluetooth, iPod/MP3 support and satellite navigation. People can also choose from one of four exterior colour options.

The car is available for order in the UK now. It'll cost you £35,999, which is £3,000 more than an FQ-300 SST, and £1,000 more than and manual FQ-330 GSR, which isn't too bad an outlay for a very effective piece of transmission technology.

BMW’s new 5-series GT details leaked

we have see spy shots of BMW’s upcoming 5-series GT making the rounds along the streets of Munich for several months and now we have leaked official shots of the production that's due to go sale in Europe this November and in the U.S. early next year.

The new BMW 5 Series GT aims to combine touring, sports and luxury all in one. First revealed as a concept version at the Geneva Auto Show, the production model of the 5 Series Gran Turismo features a few changes. Clear differences are the smaller wheels, regular beige leather interior, rounded exhaust tips and new side mirrors.

The body of the 5-series GT features a mix of elements from crossover, hatchback and wagon bodystyles, melding them together to create something that's relatively unique in the automotive world. While the styling may not be to everyone’s taste, BMW insists there's a market for a premium wagon with a coupe-like profile and plenty of innovative storage solutions. A take on the famous Hofmeister kink can be found at the rear of the window line, turning a very non-classical BMW profile into something more recognizable.

At 4.99m in length, only the flagship 7-series is longer than it. This provides plenty of room inside for passengers but oddly BMW has added seating for only four. One of the vehicle’s standout features will be its new two-tiered tailgate. The design enables owners to partially open the tailgate for small packages or stretch it all the way for bigger luggage.

In their standard position, the rear seats offer passengers the same kind of legroom as in the 7-series combined with the same headroom as in the X5 SUV. In this configuration, luggage capacity measures in at 440L. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100mm to allow luggage space to expand to 590L. Completely folding down the back seats liberates a generous 1,700L of storage. Up front is BMW’s latest iDrive system, matched to a 10.2in display screen. Other goodies include a USB port, 80GB hard disc, DVD player, and a heads-up-display.

At launch, the new 5-series GT will be offered with no less than three different powertrain options. These include the 530d GT, which comes with a 245hp (180kW) 3.0L six-cylinder turbodiesel with 398lb-ft (540Nm) of torque on tap and is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds while returning fuel economy of 36mpg.

Next in line is the 535i version, which gets BMW’s award-winning 306hp (225kW) straight-six twin-turbocharged petrol engine with 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque. This model can accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 6.3 seconds and is rated at 26mpg in fuel economy.

Finally, there’s the 550i V8 performance model. Powered by a 407hp (300kW) and 442lb-ft (600Nm) twin-turbocharged 4.4L petrol V8, this particular model can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds but only scores 21mpg in fuel economy.

All models come as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as rear axle air suspension, while active steering remains an option. Also standard is BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control, which modules gearshift, throttle and steering inputs depending on whether the driver selects Normal, Sport or Sport+ modes.

Pricing in Germany (including taxes) start at €55,200 (approximately $77,250) for the 530d GT, €55,700 ($77,950) for the 535i model and €75,300 ($105,387) for the 550i range-topper.

2010 Mercedes E-Class Coupe by Brabus

Brabus is noted for its sleek, stylish and almost stealthy modifications of Mercedes Benz vehicles, which occupies a special place in the German tuner scene. After the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan, Brabus revealed its new customization kit for the 2010 E-Class Coupe.

The primary upgrade to the standard E550 Coupe is the addition of a 6.1L V8 engine rated at 456hp (340kW) and 453lb-ft (615Nm) of torque, which comes on at just 3,100rpm. That's good for a 4.7-second 0-62mph (100km/h) run and a top speed of 196mph (315km/h).

Getting that big-bore V8 into the little Coupe will cost you though - €29,000 or about $39,701. That's fully 70% of the base E550 Coupe's retail price, but speed is frequently measured in cubic dollars. And with custom-machined heads, custom camshafts and a billet crankshaft, it's hard to argue you're not getting your money's worth.

Those with a taste for more sedate performance, an eye for efficiency and a home in Europe might prefer a four-pot diesel model based on the E250 CDI. Brabus tunes that little oil burner up from 201hp (150kW) to 232hp (173kW) with 413lb-ft (560Nm) of torque. A V6 E350 CDI kit adds some more bang to the diesel-drive offerings, with an upgrade kit pushing power to 268hp (200kW) and torque to 435lb-ft (590Nm).

Any of the E Coupes can be fitted with a Brabus body kit that includes new aluminum front quarter panels with clear-coated carbon fiber inserts. New rocker panels house LED entrance lights, while the rear apron features a custom layout with cutouts for the quad-pipe Brabus custom exhaust.

At each corner is a Brabus Monoblock alloy wheel, available in single-piece or multi-piece and in a range of sizes from 17in to 20in. Brabus also offers a new high-performance brake system which uses six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 360-mm (14.2 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle while the rear axle stops with four-piston aluminum fixed calipers. .

Inside, the car gets a fully custom treatment, with the customer free to spec it out as they please. Some of the options include: stainless-steel scuff plated with illuminated BRABUS logo, a BRABUS sport steering wheel and an entirely new interior crafted from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara..

Subaru expands Legacy range with 2010 Touring Wagon and B4

The fifth-generation Legacy (Liberty) and Outback were recently revealed under the product concept of "Grand Touring Innovation", and to coincide with the car’s launch in Japan, Subaru has added the new 2010 Legacy Touring Wagon and 2010 Legacy B4 to the range.

The 2010 Legacy Touring Wagon features updated styling, more interior room, and Subaru's trademark all-wheel drive system. Power comes from a variety of engines including two 2.5-liter units. The first is a naturally aspirated flat four-cylinder with 170hp (125kW) and 170 lb-ft (230Nm) of torque, the second is a turbocharged version which cranks out 265hp (195kW) and 258 lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. Sitting at the top of range is a flat 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine which produces 256hp (188kW) and 247 lb-ft (335Nm) of torque.

The new Touring Wagon is also bigger in almost every dimension compared with the outgoing model. Its wheelbase has been lengthened by 80mm thanks to a new platform, and overall the wagon is 95mm longer than its predecessor, as well as 50mm wider. Storage space has also been increased to 2,018L

Given its rather mundane mission as a family hauler, the new Touring wagon comes equipped with a variety of useful design features including larger rear door opening for improved access and slimmer pillars for better visibility. Key options include radar based cruise control, GPS navigation, keyless entry with push button starting, and automatic windshield wipers.

As for the B4, the sporty saloon is based on the 265hp (197kW) 2.5GT turbocharged powertrain but comes with a range of subtle performance touches such as 18in wheels and a discrete bodykit to differentiate it from the more mundane models.

Both the new Touring and B4 are expected to reach the U.S. by the end of the year and pricing shouldn’t start too far off from the sedan’s base price of $19,995.

BMW M3 Darth Maul by MWDesign

MWDesgin, the Canadian tuning specialist has started a tuning program for the BMW M3 Coupe (E92) which they have given a nickname Darth Maul.

The program is currently in the first stage with a few kit components having been installed. The “Darth Maul” BMW M3 is covered with a stylish Jerez Black paint and features an Amuse Ericsson front bumper with custom orange highlights that grab attention. We find out some parts have been used on this car, here are some of them:
• Amuse Ericsson Front Bumper with custom Orange highlights
• Amuse Ericsson Trunk
• CF Rear Diffuser with custom Orange highlights
• CF Side Vents with custom Orange highlights
• CF Side Mirrors
• Modulare M6 20×9 F 20×10.5 R - Matte Black Centers/Gloss Black Lips + Custom Matte Black Center Caps with Orange Accents
• Falken tires FK452 245/30/20 F 285/25/20 R
• H&R Sports Springs
• Fitted to the aggressive bodywork there are carbon fiber side vents, carbon fiber side mirrors, a rear diffuser and glossy black 20-inch wheels.

The BMW M3, regardless of its generation, is one of the BMW most used vehicles by the tuning companies. Launched back in 2007 and equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 unit that replaced the older 3.2-liter straight six. Although it gained 800 cc more, the powerplant is 15 kg lighter. Power output was raised from 343hp (252kW) to 420hp (309kW). The second stage of the tuning program will be coming up soon.

Audi Q5 Custom Concept Revealed at Wörthersee Tour 2009

The 28th Wörthersee Tour in Austria kicks off on May 20 and ends on the 23rd. The show is a gathering of auto enthusiasts, including those who love the Audi brand.

Audi is featuring a number of vehicles at the show, including the TT RS, the V10-engined R8 and the previously revealed A1 Sportback concept car. But the star of the show will almost certainly be the Q5 Custom Concept, a new sporty version of the baby-SUV prepared by the Audi engineers specifically for the Wörthersee Tour. And a number of modifications have been made to give the car its new look.

The Q5 Custom Concept features an exterior paint colour called Daytona Gray, Some red paint applications were made on the rims, the roof rails, the front skirt and the rear spoiler. Other features include matt rolls on 21-inch wheels of 7 twin-spoke design, a new track widened by 90 millimeters (3.54 in) and a new height, lowered by 60 millimeters.

Under the hood Audi has seen fit to take the Q5's standard 3.0L TFSI V6 engine and give it some much needed upgrades. While the stock Q5's V6 churns out a healthy 333hp (245kW), the Q5 custom concept has a much sportier 408hp (300kW), leading to some massive gains in its straight line performance - the sprint to 62mph is dispensed with in just 4.4 seconds. The upgraded power rating comes from a modified air intake and a cooling water strut brace in the engine compartment, helping engineers eek more power out of the supercharged unit.

Some features and equipment include the rear view parking assistant camera, S Line sports seats, stainless steel-plated pedals and voice control.

2010 Ford Mustang achieves 5-star NHTSA safety rating

The 2010 Ford Mustang (Coupe only) has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 5-star rating in the agency's latest round of testing, which include 5-stars for both the driver and passenger in front and side crash tests, as well as for rollover performance.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the car’s driving performance but this also has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the new Coupe structure is approximately 31% stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

The key is the use of high strength steel in the body structure and ultra high strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side impact protection. Other important features include special octagonal shape front rails to help spread crash forces evenly, Ford’s SYNC 911 Assist, standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, dual-stage airbags, and safety belt pretensioners.

When it comes to safety, Ford (and its Lincoln and Mercury subsidiaries) is one of the leaders in the industry. In fact, the state-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2010 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with new features 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Additional standard safety equipment includes Beltminder® and the Personal Safety System™ – a system that includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Beltminder.

It’s said that Ford has more NHSTA rated 5-star vehicles than any other brand. On the other hand, Mustang remains the number one selling sports car by a wide margin, with the new 2010 model driving showroom traffic. In April, Mustang had nearly a 40 percent share of the retail sports car segment.

Geiger Corvette Z06 biTURBO: 890hp, 7.6L monster

Geiger, one of the best tuners for Corvettes, has created an insane Corvette Z06 biTURBO, which also prove that the modern Corvette platform is highly versatile and can adapt itself to all manner of aftermarket tuning shenanigans.

Extensive modifications are made to Geiger Corvette Z06. Starting with modifications to the cylinder block, heads and crank, the displacement of the 7.0L LS7 increases to 7.6L. Then the Geiger gang strap a pair of high-output turbochargers plus extra airflow at both the intake and exhaust ends to help get the most out of the new engine's capability.

The result? 890hp (664kW) at 6,100rpm and 694lb-ft (940Nm) of torque at 4,500rpm. That's enough to push the Corvette through the air at 220mph (354km/h) according to Geiger.

But they didn't stop there. Like nature uses coloring to alert predators that certain prey isn't safe to eat, so Geiger has painted their biTURBO car an eye-splitting shade of green. No one will miss the point once this car blasts past.

The rest of the upgrades are intended to help handle the extra power and performance Geiger has tuned into the car: a stronger transmission and dual-disc transmission plus a carbon fiber driveshaft and stronger rear differential, larger 285/30 and 345/25 tires on big black alloys, and 380x32 (front) and 355x32 (rear) StopTech brakes to slow things down. Special Geiger-tuned adjustable shocks, higher rate springs and anti-roll bars finish off the handling upgrades.

Geiger's own GT body kit was used to give the car a lower, meaner look and to let the turbos breathe easier without destroying the Corvette's brawny lines.

PPI unveils Razor GTR Audi R8 at Top Marques Monaco

A full-production PPI Razor GTR Audi R8 made its debut last month at the Top Marques Motor Show in Monaco. The Razor Audi GTR was initially unveiled at the 2008 Essen Motor Show, now It’s tuned by German tuning firm PPI Automotive Design GmbH.

Picking up the ‘GTR’ designation, the latest model builds on the success of the original version using knowledge PPI engineers have gathered over the past year from racing, wind tunnel development, and autobahn and track testing. The highlight of the package is an increased focus on optimising the power-to-weight ratio of the Audi R8, with engineers simultaneously boosting power while reducing weight.

The essential part of the motor alteration is the incorporation of a specially engineered supercharger. A ram-charged sport air filter system and a high performance exhaust system made of stainless steel have also been designed and added specifically to work in conjunction with this new forced-induction system.

The end result is a car with 580hp (427kW) and 600Nm of torque. At the same time, the R8’s 1,580kg kerb weight has been reduced by more than 250kg, enabling the Razor GTR to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in only 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 332km/h.

In addition to the improved speed performance, the car also has a striking widebody appearance with elaborate, wind tunnel tested aerodynamics. All the parts, including the new front bumper, diffuser, side skirts, and hood, are made from carbon-fiber.

Handling has been improved with the addition extra-wide 19in forged alloy wheels wrapped with 325mm Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires in the rear and 255mm sets up front. Sitting within these is an updated brake package with six-piston calipers all around and 380mm discs up front and 356mm units in the rear. The final mod is a hydraulically adjustable suspension kit developed together with KW Automotive.

Redesigned Lexus GX SUV to launch this fall

The current Lexus GX midsize luxury SUV has been on market since 2003 and has enjoyed some success during that time, managing to rack up to 35,420 sales in 2004 - its best year on record and easily eclipsing the company’s annual target of 20,000 units. But sales have been on the decline ever since, because demand in the midsize luxury SUV segment declined. Last month GX sales were down more than 66 percent.

But it seems that Lexus still wants a continued presence in the midsize luxury segment. According to Ward’s Auto, Lexus intends to launch a new version of the Lexus GX SUV this fall. The new model is expected to feature all-new sheet metal as well as a 310hp (231kW) 4.6L V8 in replacement of the current model’s anaemic 263hp (196kW) 4.7L V8. This new 4.6L engine, incidentally, is the same unit used in the 2010 Toyota Tundra.

The current body-on-frame construction will remain, but expect radically different styling as well as a redesigned rear door. The interior will also be fully updated, with more luxurious trim and an updated navigation system coming as standard.

“The largest SUVs have been hit the hardest, but there’s still a segment of the population that wants those vehicles,” Lexus General Manager Mark Templin told Ward’s.

The new GX will likely be called the GX 460 and bow in towards the end of the year as a 2010 model.

Whether a new look GX will bolster demand, we are waiting to see.

Vw Golf VI is Europe’s best selling car

Over the past 30 years, the Volkswagen Golf has been the success of cars in Europe. Now After gaining the honor of the World Car of the Year for 2009, the German made VW Golf is on a roll this year and comes back and turn into the best selling vehicle in Europe, ahead of the Peugeot 207 and Ford Fiesta.

The ranking stand as follows; VW Golf, Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 207, Fiat Punto, Opel Corsa, Ford Focus, VW Polo, Fiat Panda, Renault Clio and VW Passat. As for brands, Volkswagen is the winner here too. It is followed by Ford, Renault, Opel and Fiat. The last five in the brand battle are Peugeot, Citroen, Audi, Mercedes and Toyota. For undisclosed reasons, BMW did not make the top ten.

Although the Golf has recorded an increase in sales, its position is under threat by Ford Fiesta, which unveiled an increase in sales of 27 percent in April and 20 percent year-to-date. The data, compiled by JATO Dynamics, showed that Golf sold 44,612 units in April (down 7.2 percent year on year), while year-to-date sales show 169,089 units have been sold, down 4 percent from the same period of 2008.

"National government scrappage schemes are really starting to have an impact, both in the sales volumes in different markets and in the type of cars being sold. The bigger picture shows the size of the drop in new car sales across Europe," David Di Girolamo, JATO Consult head told the source.

Because of these incentives, the Ford Fiesta is gaining up on the Golf, selling especially well in the biggest european markets: Germany, UK, France, Italy and Spain.

The other two cars in the top ten managed to score increases: the Fiat Panda, up 17 percent and another model from the German manufacturer, the Volkswagen Polo, even if in its case the increase was only 1 percent.

2010 Toyota Prius goes on sale in Japan with 80,000 orders already taken

Toyota’s all-new 2010 Prius officially went on sale in Japan today and has already garnered enough orders to easily outsell the rival Honda Insight hybrid. According to Toyota, the Prius has already had 80,000 advance orders and should easily reach its annual sales goal of 400,000 units worldwide.

The news bodes well for Toyota, which is still preparing for an all-out price war with Honda's Insight. Now, sales for both cars are expected to rise, especially in light of new incentives for hybrid car buyers provided by the Japanese government.

The Prius, now in its third generation since its 1997 introduction, remains the best-selling petrol-electric hybrid in the world, with sales of more than 1.25 million units since its launch. With a fuel-economy rating of 51mpg in the city, 48mpg on the highway and a combined figure of 50mpg, the latest Prius is expected to be the most popular yet and by itself should eclipse this tally.

Pricing starts at ¥2.05 million (approximately $21,400) in Japan, which is more costly than the Honda Insight, but it comes with a larger engine and more standard features. Interestingly, Toyota is still selling the previous generation Prius alongside the new model and it will be interesting to see what this will do for overall sales. In the U.S., pricing for the 2010 Prius will start at $21,000, or about $1,200 over the Honda Insight.

Whoever will win out of the hybrid battle will now be decided in the global market, but whatever the outcome the result is good for consumers as the rivalry will likely create a new price war.

Ford confirms development of 5.0L ‘Coyote’ V8

Recently, Ford executive has revealed to Drive that Ford’s current 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines will be replaced by a new 5.0L V8 codenamed ‘Coyote’ that’s currently in development in North America.

Ford's Australian product development chief, Russel Christophers, wasn’t willing to reveal any other details but said he had "seen the performance curves" and described them as “pretty good”. But several sources have indicated the 5.0L will include a four-valve SOHC design and crank out at least 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

The new Coyote engine will likely see two applications in the U.S – the Ford Mustang and F-150. The Mustang’s current engine – aside from the powerplant found in the GT500 – is a 4.6L unit generating 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. A boost all the way up to 400 ponies should give the Mustang enough firepower to take on the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. In the F-150, the 5.0L is set to replace Ford’s aging 5.4L. Despite its smaller displacement, the Coyote with trump the 5.4L by 80 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque – all while saving a few MPGs.

An exact date for release of the engine is not known, but we expect to see it in the 2011 model year.

Chinese-built Chevrolet Spark, Aveo and Lova could hit U.S. showrooms by 2011

Finding ways to get cars to market with less expense and more profitability is the name of the game. General Motors is going to build more and more cars overseas as part of its restructuring plans, and that China was one of the first places they'd look.

As reported, General Motors is considering bringing its low-cost, high-volume vehicles from China to the U.S. in order to bolster its sales in the segment. Currently, the carmaker is looking to sell around 17,300 Chinese-made vehicles in the U.S. by 2011 and over 50,000 units by 2014. Until now, however, it was uncertain just what type of vehicles the carmaker would be bringing to local showrooms.

Speaking with the Detroit Free Press, a senior Global Insight market analyst in Shanghai predicted that GM would likely bring Chinese-built versions of the Chevrolet Spark and next-generation Aveo, as well as another small car called the Lova. Under such a plan, the cars would be produced by GM’s partners in China, Shanghai Auto Industry Corporation (SAIC) and Liuzhou Wuling Auto.

While the predictions about these cars comes from a reputed market intelligence company, other analysts are not quite so sure about GM's overall plans to import cars from China, however. One analyst from a Shanghai based company stated that GM's "export aspirations are a marketing tactic, not a real solid opportunity", but that they were "certainly a possibility in the future."

Furthermore, the news has angered local unions which believe that taking government support but then outsourcing jobs to China is an underhanded move. However, remaining competitive is GM's ultimate long term goal, and should it pursue Chinese imports then it will likely be the first major carmaker in the U.S to do so.

Along with the rise in Chinese-made vehicles for U.S. sale, Mexican-made cars and trucks would increase significantly as well, from the current 317,000 to 501,000 by 2014, while cars made in South Korea for the American market would increase almost five-fold from 36,000 to 157,000 by 2014.

Hamann tuned BMW 7-series

Hamann, the well-known German tuning house, has just released a tuning package for the new 2009 BMW 7-Series luxury saloon, comprise of exterior and interior accessories as well as performance upgrades.

There are some obvious aesthetic modifications to the exterior of the car, including custom side skirts, a rear spoiler on the boot and custom tailpipes.

Joining the new body alterations is a set of 22in Evo wheels, which are attached to a performance suspension kit that sits up to 40mm lower than the stock model. The interior has also been given an upgrade, with new aluminum sports pedals and custom seats and floormats bearing the Hamann logo.

In terms of power upgrades, Hamann has thus far only tinkered with the diesel-powered 730d, boosting output of the 245hp (180kW) stock engine by 45hp (33kW). No word has been given about what other mechanical modifications are to come, but there are predictions that Hamann will also upgrade the engine found in the current 750i model - the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 unit – as well as the new 760i V12.

Nevertheless, the Hamann tuned 750i should be a cracker in terms of performance, as the tuning firm is not known for its restraint in this area. The previous iteration of a Hamann-tuned BMW 7-series V8 featured a bored out 7.1L engine with 510hp (383kW) and a top speed just a few miles shy of 200mph. Until more details are announced, however, we can only speculate on what the tuner has in store for the rest of the 7-series lineup.


Read on for the Hamann press release below:

The HAMANN refining programme for the new BMW 7-series

Individualisation on the highest level – this is the motto under which HAMANN presents its refining programme for the new BMW 7-series of the model range F01 and F02.

Already since 1986, the Laupheim-based company develops and produces products for the individualisation of BMW automobiles. Thereby, the HAMANN technicians profit from hundreds of successful motor sports participations. The competence which was gained there is the basis for the development of new HAMANN products and renders the highest level for product quality and processing. The result: stainless steel exhaust systems with a sporty and earthy sound, aerodynamics components reducing the lifting forces and striking light alloy rims from 19 to 22 inches. Interiors perfectly fitted with leather and combined with floor-mats in matching colours as well as non-slip aluminium pedals extend the accessory range.

Already when establishing the design, HAMANN perfectly adjusts the individual components of the aerodynamic pack. The result is an exciting styling with an optimised air flow across the car silhouette. LED daytime running lights which are integrated in the new front skirt, render a sporty-dynamic look and increase the passive safety. Simultaneously, in combination with the roof spoiler and the rear spoiler, the lifting forces are reduced and give the upper class limousine a new, attractive overall appearance. The visual connection between the front and rear part are the HAMANN side skirts which are available for the model series F01. The optionally available rear shield insert for the side skirt of the model 730d and 740i allows fitting the four-pipe sport end muffler. Four round stainless steel end pipes with a diameter of 90 millimetres perfectly enhance the rear part of the 7-series BMW and produce a powerful, earthy sound.

A performance enhancement for the Diesel engine with variable turbine geometrics is already under construction. By this first tuning stage the serial measure of the 730d (180 kW / 245 hp) increases by approximately 33 kW/45 hp.

A technical highlight of the offered tuning programme is the one-piece HAMANN-aluminium wheel called DESIGN HM EVO 22 inches. A hallmark of the modern styling is the glossy black paint with the diamond-grinded rim star and the discreet deep rim well. Five elongated and over-vaulted triple spokes document visual and technical finesse. Struts inside the spokes render additional stability. Modern production processes and the use of special aluminium alloys guarantee highest bearing loads at a low weight. Here, HAMANN recommends the dimensions 9.0Jx22 inches with 265/30ZR22 tyres at the front axle and 10.5Jx22 inches with 295/25ZR22 tyres at the rear axle.

The four progressively coiled chassis springs which lower the centre of gravity with the models 730d, 740i by 40 millimetres at the front- and rear axles, render a dynamic appearance. For the models 750i and 750Li, there is a lowering kit consisting of two chassis springs and an evening kit.

In addition to the existing, serial interior equipment, HAMANN accessories made first-class aluminium, pedals and foot-rests render motor sports air and perfectly match the embroidered HAMANN floor mat set. If desired, even a complete leather equipment can be produced with expert precision.

2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe sits on older, cheaper C-Class platform

2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe, the svelte two-door is the hotly anticipated replacement for the aging CLK Coupe, which has been falling behind against newer competition such as the Audi A5 and E92 BMW 3-series Coupe.

Surprisingly, Mercedes Benz priced its new 2010 E-Class Coupe for less money than the E-Class Sedan, with which it shares its styling, interior and positioning. After all, which carmaker makes a more exclusive coupe model and then sells it for less money than the sedan variant?

The E-Class Sedan starts at $49,475 for the base E350, while the similar E350 Coupe is slightly cheaper at $48,925.

It appears that Mercedes had some method to its pricing madness, however, and not purely because it wanted to hit its rivals by undercutting them in price. It turns out that while the new E-Class Coupe borrows its svelte styling from the E-Class Sedan, underneath the handsome exterior sits the smaller and cheaper C-Class platform.

This certainly explains why Mercedes can charge less for their E-Class Coupe than the Sedan, but pricing wasn't the only factor behind the decision to use the C-Class platform. Speaking with Automotive News, Mercedes U.S. chief Ernst Lieb explained that the older C-Class platform results in "a stiffer car with a bit more performance".

The news also follows earlier missives from Mercedes about the reason for dropping the previous CLK class of vehicles, which like the new E-Class Coupe were also based on the less expensive C-Class platform. The axing of the CLK was thought to be a sign that Mercedes would be using the E-Class Sedan's platform but instead the use of the C-Class platform harks back to how the company created its original CLK range of cars - essentially, the whole change was just an exercise in nameplate swapping.
The new E-Class Coupe will first hit European showrooms this May and should be on sale in the U.S. by the third-quarter of the year.

Veritas RS III scheduled for official debut at Salon Prive

Salon Prive, the UK’s most individual supercar show, is in its fourth year already, will be held at the Hurlingham Club in London, where guests will have the opportunity to mix with the most current supercars and a horde of hard to resist vintage models.

The new models that will be debuting include the Maserati Quattroporte GT S, Maybach Zepellin Edition and Morgan Aero SuperSports. On display in the UK for the very first time, and will certainly command attention, is the 1.2 million pound Aston Martin One-77. Another car, a revival of a German sports car of the 40s, the Veritas RS III, a futuristic speedster will also be introduced in the event.

Veritas RS III is a one-seater speedster that packs a 600hp (448kW) V10 taken from an M5 and dropped into a tiny 1,070kg shell.

The car is most notable for its eschewing of any driver aids, something that we expect will see several of these kinds of stories popping up as overconfident owners forget about the lack of ABS and traction control. Additionally, Veritas will be offering a more tame version with a 480hp (358kW) M3 V8 engine if you feel the V10 might be a little too much.

With the range-topping V10 in place, the car will hit 60mph from rest in just 3.2 seconds and go on to a top speed of 216mph - if you can find a section of road long enough. Priced at $375,000, the car is no cheap proposition, but its performance and exclusive run of just 50 units should see enough people willing to part with their cash for the supercar.