Sportec upgrades the Audi TT RS to 400 hp with Stage One package

Swiss tuning firm Sportec has announced a Stage One engine performance package for the Audi TT-RS. The kit is focus on the ECU refinement, increasing both power and torque.

Actually, the standard Audi TT-RS is not lacking in power. With the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder, the output of the standard model is at 250kW (340hp) at 5,400rpm and maximum torque of 450Nm at 1,600rpm.

However, guys from Sportec are not contented about that figures. The Sportec Stage One ECU performance package increases power to 298kW (405hp) at 5,800rpm and torque to 544Nm at 2,650rpm. That makes it about as powerful as the previous-generation BMW M5 (E39) and as potent as the Porsche Panamera S.

Performance numbers are 4.2 seconds for the 0 - 100km/h sprint, down from the standard 4.6 seconds. Sportec claims that in-gear acceleration times are also "greatly improved". Additionally, the factory 250km/h or 155mph top speed limiter is removed.

The Stage One package is now available from APS of Brackley, with a price tag at around $1,900. But just as the TT RS model itself, the Sportec package will be exclusive to the European market.

Furthermore, a full program of additional complimentary performance, dynamic and styling upgrades for the Audi TT RS are currently under development by Sportec. We expected more details to be released at a later stage.

MINI Coupe Concept Revealed

Mini is 50 years old now. In order to celebrate this great event, Mini has introduced the Mini Coupe Concept which will also be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to the carmaker, the Mine Coupe Concept is the “expression of MINI design and the great ability of the brand’s designers to fill the elementary values of the brand with new life, using the options of modern drivetrain and suspension technology, and developing fascinating perspectives for the future of the brand on this basis”.

The model will carry the most powerful engine available at Mini, the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that produces 211 hp and 260Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. Considering that the JCW Mini runs from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, the Coupe should be able to do the same task in less than 6 seconds. Like every current Mini, the Coupe Concept is front-wheel drive.

Strictly a two-seater, 3.7 metres long and 1.4 metres high, it's a little longer but lower than the regular Mini hatchback. However, the Coupe is claimed to be 'the most dynamic and agile Mini ever built'.

On the outside, the Coupe features typical Mini styling, such as the large round headlights and hexagonal grille, but unique to this model are its rear spoiler and bonnet stripes that run over the front grille. The angle of the windscreen and gentle slope of the roof to the rear of the car are designed to give it a distinctly wedge-like and sporty shape. Other exterior instruments include massive wheels, a sporty rear bumper, and dual center-mounted exhaust pipes.

Inside, the Coupe features two individual front seats and an open rear compartment which accommodates 250 liters (8.8 cu ft) of luggage. The cabin is outfitted with leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim, and two Chronoswiss clocks (one is a traditional clock, while the other is a dedicated lap timer). A three-spoke leather steering wheel is also included.

However, it’s still in the stage of Concept car, we expect it to be added in the Mini range in near future.

Three Audi models to debut at Frankfurt, including 2010 Audi S5 Sportback

Audi has confirmed that at least three models will be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, including 2010 Audi S5 Sportback, A4 3.0TDI clean diesel quattro and the A3 1.2 TFSI.

As an A5 Sportback derivative, the 2010 Audi S5 Sportback is the pinnacle of the new Sportback model line. The vehicle gets the same supercharged 3.0 litre V6 powering the current Audi S4 sedan, and the engine is mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive as standard. Then the output is rated at 250kW (333hp) and 440Nm of torque between 2900rpm and 5300rpm. The Audi S5 Sportback is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption is a provisional 9.7 litres per 100km (24.25 mpg US).

Other accessories include 18-inch wheels, a quattro sports differential, and electrically adjustable S sports seats covered with Silk Nappa leather. On the styling side, a deep and aggressive frontal treatment and unpainted aluminium side mirrors set the S5 Sportback apart from its 2010 Audi A5 Sportback sibling.

The 2010 Audi S5 Sportback will go on sale in spring 2010 with prices starting at 57,900 euros ($82,761 USD). However, it won’t be offer in the United States.

As for the Audi A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro, it features a very fuel-efficient number that offer up to a 42.1mpg fuel economy. The most important is the super-clean emissions technology. Cutting NOx pollutants with a new DeNOX catalyst, the system also injects AdBlue additive to further reduce harmful nitrogen-based pollutants.

Lastly the A3 1.2 TFSI is powered by a 1.2 liter turbo engine that develops 105 PS and 175 Nm of torque between 1,500rpm and 3,500rpm. Obviously, it’s aimed at people looking for downsizing. The engine weighs 89.5kg (197.31 lbs). Average fuel consumption is 5.5 liters per 100km (42.77 mpg US) and C02 emissions are set at 127g/km.

VW Polo 3-door revealed ahead of Frankfurt Show

The VW Polo 3-door will be debuted at this Frankfurt Motor Show. Before that, Volkswagen has officially revealed some details. Positioned to compete against the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio, the VW Polo 3-door is based on the standard 5-door hatchback, but with a much sportier style.

Just as the 5-door Polo, the VW Polo 3-door has the same body dimensions, a length of 3,970 mm, width of 1,682 mm and height of 1,485 mm. The same applies to the interior space and cargo capacities (280 to 952 liters).

At launch, the 3-door Polo will be available with three level trim variants - Trendline, Comfortline, Highline. Base Trendline models offer standard ESP, daytime running lights, electric front windows, central locking, and tinted windows. Moving up to the Comfortline adds body-colored exterior accents, chrome trim, air conditioning, faux aluminum interior details, and a split folding rear seat. At the top of the range, the Highline model features additional chrome trim, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, a multi-function display, and height-adjustable sport seats.

A range of engines will be offered, including three diesel and three petrol engines. The petrol engines have outputs of 44 kW (60HP), 51 kW (70 HP), and 63 kW (85 HP), VW said that it is also readying a turbocharged direct-injection TSI unit with 105HP. The diesels will be rated at 55 kW (75 HP), 66 kW (90 HP) and 77 kW (105 HP).

Furthermore, there will also be a 75HP 1.2-liter TDI of the Polo BlueMotion which will be introduced in Frankfurt with sales set to begin at the beginning of 2010. According to VW, the Bluemotion model will be the world's most fuel-efficient car in its class with a fuel consumption of 3.3 lt / 100km or 71.3mpg US equivalent to 87 g/km CO2.

The Polo three-door is built at Volkswagen's Pamplona production facility in Spain. European sales are expected to begin in October (UK in early 2010), with prices starting at €12,150 (in Germany).

LUMMA Design unveiled LUMMA E 50 CLR Based on Mercedes W212 E-Class

Tuning company LUMMA Design has unveiled their latest offering, the E 50 CLR based on the Mercedes E-Class W212. Both aesthetic and performance mods are included.

As for the styling, LUMMA Design offers a front bumper spoiler with integrated daytime running lights, aggressive side skirts (optional available with LED-entrance lighting) and a sport fender with built-in vents. The backside is equipped with a redesigned bumper with integrated diffuser (optional available made of Carbon) and trunk lid spoiler. The CLR is dropped 25mm using a special lowering module and rides on 20-inch "Racing Edition" wheels (20x9" front, 20x10.5" rear) wrapped in high performance Michelin tires.

Inside, the LUMMA E50 CLR features attractive milled aluminum with non-slip rubber naps accelerator, brake pedal and emergency brake, additional footrest with rubber naps, a set of car mats made of high class suede (optional available in leather) and with embroidered crest, an individual fitted trunk mat made of suede with the crest, an entrance strip set with lighted LUMMA lettering, enlarge speedometer up to 300 km/h.

Performance upgrades include a special "V-Max" system that allows the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-550 to produce 450 hp (316 Kw) and 550 Nm of torque, while the standard model just 382 hp. For diesel variation, LUMMA offers a "D-Box" that increases engine output by up to 20%. Other accessories include a "GPM-Powermodule" which heightens accelerator response, and a special stainless steel sport exhaust system.

Manhart introduced V-10 powered, 550 hp BMW Z4

Manhart Racing has introduced the latest impressive package for BMW Z4, taking the Z4 to its M Division V-10 extreme.

The standard factory model has an enough power of 373kW (507hp). Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 gets a 5.0-liter V10 engine from the current M5 generation, producing 550 horsepower. This is enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and also remove the factory-set 250km/h speed limit.

Backing up all that power is an M5 E60 6-speed manual transmission, a Fichtel & Sachs clutch and an M5 E60 differential. The tuners also added a catalytic converter and a modified DME electronic control unit.

Since a sports car is not only about the power and its design, but also about the sound it makes when it accelerates. The Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 also comes with an AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust system with four muffler tips has been fitted with HJS racing catalytic converters caters.

Due to the final curb weight of 3,212 pounds and a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.8 pounds per horsepower - on par with a Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari F430 - the car is sure to please on the road and the track.

There is not much change for the exterior. The 19-inch Black BBS Challenge wheels with 8.5Jx19 ET35 235/35ZR19 front tires and 10Jx19 ET20 285/30ZR19 back tires are offer. And thanks to the Bilstein PSS10 coilovers, the car is as agile as it is quick.

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car

Based on the 911 GT3 RS, the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car will be shown at 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 2010 GT3 Cup is the first GT3 Cup features the 44-millimetre (1.73") wider body at the rear, allowing for larger wheels and a widened track. The wheels are set of new 18x9-inch (front) and 18x9.5-inch three-piece alloys suited for all-out racing duty. A 15mm (0.6") lower front spoiler lip providing more downforce on the front axle, and a larger rear wing (for additional downforce on the rear axle) are also included.

The car has been stripped out to keep its weight down to just 1200kg. Lightweight features include 18-inch alloy wheels, carbonfibre bodywork and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes which weigh 20kg less than the standard brakes.

Under the hood, the Cup shares the same engine with the 911 GT3 RS, a horizontally-opposed 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 450 bhp (331 kW) at 8,500 rpm. It also fits a sequential six-speed manual gearbox for quick-shifting performance. Though performance figures haven’t been released, the GT3 Cup should accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds before hitting a top speed in excess of 314 km/h (195 mph).

Other special equipments include a special racing exhaust system, a fully controlled catalytic convertor and a fully adjustable suspension. The streeting wheel and data display offer a total of six user-customizable switches.

The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car will be available exclusively in Carrara White, the first delivery begins this October with prices starting at €149,850(about $213,000).