Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6 By Carlsson
The six-wheeled Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is beyond ridiculous – either in a good or bad way, depending on your specific taste. Based on the 2014 G-Class, but with a host of upgrades, the 6×6 has five differentials, a $615,000 price tag, and off-road credentials that would make an original Army-spec Hummer H1 go weak in the knees. This isn’t stopping Carlsson, a well-known and popular Mercedes-Benz tuner, from upping the game even more, combining a healthy power upgrade along with special, customized interior trimmings to make the G63 AMG 6×6 even more over-the-top, if that’s possible.
The G-Class lineup is already a venerable, capable, and trendy offering, with record-breaking sales. This is impressive, considering this is basically a platform from 1979. That’s right; other than chassis and styling upgrades – along with plenty of modern, Mercedes-Benz luxury added in – you’re looking at an almost 40-year-old design.
Add another $500,000 in off-road hardware and upgrades, and things are bound to get interesting. But that’s just not enough for Carlsson.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Mercedes G63 6×6 By Carlsson.
Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6 By Carlsson originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 7 August 2014 12:00 EST.
read more
Liberty Walk releases rendering of its fighter jet-styled Lamborghini Huracan
Japanese-based car tuning company Liberty Walk has released a rendering of its fighter jet-styled Lamborghini Huracan. First off, the car’s front has a huge air splitter. Then, there are the large fenders. For the flanks of the car there are also side skirts. There is, however, no fixed rear wing – which isn’t everybody’s cup…
JMB Optimering asked to chip-tune LaFerrari to 1,050 PS by customer
Swedish tuning company JMB Optimering has recently been asked to chip-tune a LaFerrari so as to achieve 1,050 PS. Considering that there are only 499 LaFerraris on the road in the first place, this modified version will be a real rarity. The supercar is originally powered by a V12 6262cc engine that produces 800 PS…
Volkswagen Scirocco By ABT Sportsline
There’s a reason why ABT Sportsline is one of our favorite auto tuners in the world. The German company knows how to make programs that improve the cars they work on without going overboard with the modifications. It takes a specific set of skills to do that and ABT has it down path. Its new program for the Volkswagen Scirocco is living proof of that.
The two-fold modification is made up of an extensive aero kit and an impressive performance bump that breathes new life to the Scirocco. That’s not an easy thing to pull off and yet ABT Sportsline does with the ease of a tuner that knows what it’s doing.
Other tuners may promise the same things and yet fail to live up to all the expectations they set. That’s never been the case with ABT Sportsline. Over the years, it’s produced one impressive program after another. And as long as it can build kits like this for the Volkswagen Scirocco, there’s no reason for us to start doubting their tuning capabilities.
Not that we ever did because if we haven’t said it enough, we’ll say it again.
We’re big fans of ABT Sportsline and our fandom has never wavered.
Click past the jump to read more about Volkswagen Scirocco By ABT Sportsline.
Volkswagen Scirocco By ABT Sportsline originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 4 July 2014 12:00 EST.
read more
Mercedes G63 AMG By Edo Competition
Edo Competition has made a business out of building aftermarket programs for some of the finest European cars in the world. But it’s been a while since the German tuner developed a program for a Mercedes, let alone the obnoxious G63 AMG. But we work in an industry of surprises, so by essence, Edo’s new program for the high-powered utility really is a welcome addition.
If it’s power you’re looking for, the Mercedes G63 AMG has you covered. Still, some vehicles can’t have enough of it, and Edo Competition has that covered.
That’s par for the course for an aftermarket specialist like Edo Competition. It’s built an impressive lineup of programs that have turned sports cars into supercars. Just ask the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the BMW M5, and yes, even the mighty Ferrari Enzo.
This program for the G63 AMG is another feather in the tuner’s cap that’s already full of it. Or as some would call it, just another day in the life of Edo Competition.
Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes G63 AMG By Edo Competition.
Mercedes G63 AMG By Edo Competition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 June 2014 08:00 EST.
read more
Tough crowd but the Swiss tuner pulled it off: FAB Design’s McLaren P1
When you set yourself the task of bettering a car like the McLaren P1, it must be pretty nerve wracking. Debuting this tuned hypercar at Geneva just ramps up that pressure. FAB Design has risen to the challenge and proven they are experts in their field and this new bodykit is testimony to this. From…
Murder on the Benz: S550 murdered-out by Brabus
The luxurious Mercedes S550 gets a sinister Brabus make-over. The S-Class has since turned from homely hound to all-Black Panther. The changes include a sleek looking carbon front lip, Brabus diffuser, custom S63 rear bumper, side skirts and custom interior. The Giovanna 22-inch matte black alloys also help give the S550 a beautiful yet aggressive…
Fostla custom wrap the Porsche 991 GT3
When you own a car as beautiful as the 991 GT3 then stone chips and grazes are a gripe you could really do without! Fostla has a body wrap solution that will help keep your motor unblemished as well as giving the Porsche a bespoke look too! The contrast of white and green is a…
Kia Sorento "Justice League" by West Coast Customs
|
Posted on 07.18.2013 12:00 by |
The San Diego Comic-Con opened up today and what better way to celebrate it than with a comic book-inspired ride? Well, Kia was happy to deliver the goods by way of a Justice League-inspired 2013 Sorento that took a whopping 10 months to complete.
For those that don’t know, the Justice League first appeared in The Brave and Beautiful issue No. 28, which was put on shelves in 1960. The original seven members of the famed comic book team were Batman, Superman, Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter, but many characters came and went through the years. This Sorento features all of the original characters with the exception of the lesser-known Martian Manhunter – in his place is more mainstream Cyborg – painted on each side of the vehicle by West Coast Customs. Each of the characters on this Sorento also had their own individual customized Kia and you can see each one by clicking on each name above.
Up front, the hood features a “Justice League” decal and nothing else, giving the crossover a clean, but still custom, look from the front end. The Kia also received blacked-out upper and lower grilles.
On the inside, the customization continues. West Coast Customs reupholstered all three rows of seats with one character’s colors and logo on each seat. Up front, the driver’s seat features the Superman logo and red piping, and the passenger’s seat features a batman logo on the headrest and gold piping. The three center-row seats features Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Flash logos with their respective colored piping. Finally, the third row of seats feature Aquaman and Cyborg logos with piping to match.
Also customized are the door panels, which feature comic strips on the upper inserts and color-coordinated piping, and the center console with its comic-strip covering.
What’s more, is that you can buy this custom rig on Ebay and bidding runs from today through July 27th here. The profits from the auction will go to help the We Can Be Heros campaign, which helps feed starving families in the Horn of Africa. So, not only can you own an awesome ride, but you also help a great cause, it’s a win-win situation.
The customization is based on a Sorento EX with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that puts down 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.
Click past the jump to read more about the Justice League Sorento.
Kia Sorento “Justice League” by West Coast Customs originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 18 July 2013 12:00 EST.
read more
Porsche Panamera by Gemballa Becomes the Fastest Sedan Over 2 Tonnes
| Posted on 12.16.2013 15:00 by Simona |
When Gemballa unveiled the GTP 700 tuning kit for the Porsche Panamera we didn’t payed much attention to it, as we saw it as just another kit for the luxury German sedan. After all, other than the 700 horsepower on tap, the kit did offer much else.
Well, it looks like Gemballa decided to prove us wrong in thinking this was “just another kit, as the new GTP 700 just became the fastest sedan in the world to weight over two metric tonnes (4,400 pounds).
After making its world debut at the 2013 Essen Motor Show, the new GTP700 was taken to the Nardo high-speed track for a test drive. Gemballa said that the record was an accident, because the car was not prepared in advanced for this achievement. It was just a customer-ready GTP 700, equipped with 22-inch wheels and checking in at 2,045 kg (4.508 pounds) – 2,225 kg (4,905 pounds) with the driver and the fuel included.
With this “equipment,” the Panamera GTP 700 hit a top speed of 338.8 km/h (210.5 mph). Additionally. the GTP 700 can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds, from 0 to 124 mph in 9.6 seconds and from 0 to 186 mph in 26.5 seconds.
Click past the jump for the video.
Porsche Panamera by Gemballa Becomes the Fastest Sedan Over 2 Tonnes originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 16 December 2013 15:00 EST.
read more
Porsche BTR-II 600 EVO Ultra Edition by SpeedART
|
Posted on 08.5.2013 13:00 by |
Do you remember the 997 Turbo BTR-II 650 EVO SpeedArt unveiled back n 2010? Today the same tuner turned its attention to the BTR-II package one more time and came up with a new version. This time around, the kit is called BTR-II 600 EVO Ultra Edition and unfortunately, it is a little bit less powerful than the first edition, but one benefit it that the tuner applied the kit to a convertible model.
This tuning kit pushes the Porsche’s engine to 600 horsepower – 50 horsepower less than the BTR-II 650 EVO model. To achieve this output level, the tuner installed its Powerkit III system, a sports exhaust system with a sound switch, 200-cell sports catalytic converter and 84 mm tailpipes. Peak torque was also increased to 590 pound-feet. This represents a significant increase over the base 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque delivered by the 997 Turbo.
Next to the extra power, the BTR-II 600 EVO Ultra Edition received an adjustable sport suspension with PASM and air lift for more ground clearance and a meaner appearance.
Click past the jump to read more about the Porsche BTR-II 600 EVO Ultra Edition by SpeedART.
Porsche BTR-II 600 EVO Ultra Edition by SpeedART originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 5 August 2013 13:00 EST.
read more
Ford Focus RS by Wolf Racing
|
Posted on 03.8.2013 10:00 by |
Wolf Racing is no stranger to aftermarket programs for the Ford Focus ST. It’s done it before and now it’s doing it again.
This time, though, the Focus ST was treated to a wide range of modifications, highlighted by a performance kits that crams the word “sports” back into “sports hatchback.”
The first kit, appropriately dubbed Stage I, provides a significant boost to the Focus ST’s 2-liter EcoBoost engine, thanks to a new air filter and a remapped ECU. With these modifications, the Focus ST can pump out 285 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque from its tiny engine. This nets the ST a 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 6.5 seconds.
If you’re above sub-300-horsepower hatchbacks, then you can opt for the Stage II kit, which adds a turbocharger to the air filter/ECU combo of Stage I. In the end, there’s another notable output jump, this time up to 300 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of twist.
Last but not least is the Stage III kit, which includes everything found in Stages i and II, plus it slaps a new sports exhaust system under the Focus. Now that the Focus ST can properly exhale, it is capable of massacring pavement to the tune of 370 horsepower and 409 pound-feet of torque.
With all of that extra power comes the extra responsibility of dragging it to a halt and a new performance brake system is responsible for that. Additionally, Wolf Racing tosses in a coilover suspension that drops the Focus ST by 50 mm (1.96 inches) in the front and 40 mm (1.57 inches) in the rear.
It’s not like Wolf Racing to add that much pop to the Focus ST and just stop there. Nope, this program also includes a number of new styling components, including: headlight covers, roof spoiler lips, and new side skirt and rear skirt attachments.
Pricing for the Wolf Racing’s program for the Focus ST can be found after the jump
Land Rover Range Rover by Startech
|
Posted on 02.27.2013 10:00 by |
It’s safe to say that aftermarket companies will come in droves at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. We’ve already seen some from German tuner Brabus, but now it’s time to turn our attention toward its sister company, Startech.
The tuner is promising to bring a number of tuned Land Rover, Jaguar, and Range Rover models to Geneva, but for now, it’s resorted to just giving us a sneak peek of a covered Range Rover that will be unveiled in Geneva next week.
It certainly looks like Startech has a pretty interesting program under those red sheets. The only visible part of the vehicle is the headlight setup and they look completely different from what we see in a Range Rover. There also appears to be a redesigned bumper with integrated LEDs and new air intakes that suggest a completely redesigned look for the Range Rover.
Suffice to say, we’re curious to see what Startech has in store for us, not just with this model, but its promise of other Jags and Land Rovers, too.
Land Rover Range Rover by Startech originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 27 February 2013 10:00 EST.
read more
TechArt updates the look of the new Porsche Carrera 4S
|
Posted on 02.11.2013 14:00 by |
The 2013 Geneva Motor Show is the next show of the year, and each day we get more details on the models to be displayed at the show. For example, German tuner, TechArt, announced a pretty cool upgrade kit for the new-generation Porsche Carrera 4S.
Although the tuner only announced upgrades for the exterior and the interior, all of these additions transform it into an even cooler sports car.
Upgrades for the exterior include the addition of a new nose-lift system that adds 60 mm (2.36 inches) more ground clearance. This system can be activated when stationary or while driving, and at speeds above 37 mph, the vehicle lowers automatically. The tuner adds a new front spoiler that adds 11 pounds of downforce to the front axle at speeds of 86 mph, a rear spoiler and a new diffuser adds another 36 pounds of downforce to the vehicle’s rear axle. The kit also includes two aero wings and new side skirts. The car sits on a set of alloy wheels sized 20 or 21 inches and are offered in a five-spoke design.
TechArt also offers a new racing exhaust system with valve control and double center tailpipes that offer a more aggressive exhaust sound.
For the interior, the tuner is offering black leather sport seats plus numerous elements in black leather and green decorative stitching. There is also a three-spoke sport steering wheel wrapped in black leather and Alcantara with green stitching, paddle shifters in black matte finish with green symbols, and green TechArt Dials.
Prices for the new kit will be announced during its official debut in Geneva.
MS Design will Unveil Ford Focus ST Competition Kit in Geneva
|
Posted on 02.5.2013 11:00 by |
Austrian tuner, MS Design, has prepared a nice surprise for the upcoming 2013 Geneva Motor Show: a new styling package for the Ford Focus ST. Unfortunately, the new kit brings no engine upgrades, but the exterior upgrades transform it into a very cool hatchback.
The new competition kit starts with an aerodynamic package that includes a new front spoiler, new side skirts, a rear diffuser and a roof spoiler. The car sits on a set of 20-inch wheels painted in the same color as the exterior. The example Focus ST that MS Design has shown us is painted white with black racing stripes.
The final improvement is the addition of a new sport chassis that significantly improves the Focus ST’s response for the right cornering during full speed.
Full details on this tuner kit will be unveiled during its official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned for more details.
Audi R8 V10 Stassis by VF Engineering
|
Posted on 12.20.2012 20:00 by |
VF Engineering is really into breaking the mold when it comes to developing programs for some of the world’s finest supercars. The American aftermarket company definitely knows a power upgrade when they see one and their latest offering for the mighty German beast, the Audi R8 V10, is no different.
With some help from fellow Audi aftermarket wizard Stassis Engineering, VF Engineering took the R8 V10’s massive 5.2-liter engine and made serious work out of it, highlighted by the addition of a bolt on roots style supercharger system and an Eaton/Magnuson TVS2300 four-lobe roots blower with an air/water aftercooling system that boosts up the R8 V10’s output from the standard 520 horsepower and 390 pounds-per-feet of torque figures all the way up to 720 horsepower and 590 pounds-per-feet of torque. That impressive bump in output is particularly jacked up because of the resulting lag-free instant punch of 5psi from as little as 2,000rpm, with the boost gradually climbing all the way up to 6.5psi at redline.
And should the R8 V10 be using a 91 or 93 octane, the stock engine programming is then recalibrated by VF courtesy of an OBD2 port electronic flash.
For all of the program’s downright awesomeness, there is one bit of bad news out there for anybody interested in getting this package. It’s not compliant with the California Air Resourse Board and cannot be used on public roads in California.
Wait, what?
Audi R8 V10 Stassis by VF Engineering originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 20 December 2012 20:00 EST.
read more
Jaguar XKR-S by Superior Automotive Design
|
Posted on 12.15.2012 06:00 by |
Every car owner would crave for individuality, from the cheap Tata Nano to the bank-account-wiping Bugatti Veyron. That’s why there are one-off special editions fetching top dollar just for its exclusivity. So much for individuality…
The owner of this Jaguar XKR-S didn’t feel satisfied just having one of the baddest production Jags ever. So the boys at Superior Automotive Design decided to redefine the word “exclusive” and, judging from the picture above, they have done a great job at it.
This metallic cat is wrapped in chrome, which according to S.A.D owner, Kris Lim, was a tough challenge, as heat doesn’t work on the material and neither does stretching the material, unlike other custom wraps. Nevertheless, since the decision to wrap the car in chrome was made already, they went about installing the wrap and finished the build in a fortnight. With careful attention to detail, the wrap is seamless in this example, and adds a bling factor to the reclusive kitty. In fact, Justin Bieber and his Fisker Karma are in awe of its blinginess.
A full chrome wrap is a little bit too cheesy, so, S.A.D decided to balance that out by adding black accents to certain elements of the car. With this addition, the XKR-S is a perfect combination of bling and wickedness, an aspect expected if your team is into car customization.
With already 550 horses powering this Jag, S.A.D decided to leave the powertrain alone since Jaguar themselves have done a great job at it. So, no harm done here…
Overall, we think this build looks absolutely fantastic, though we aren’t huge fans of chrome wrap. We think it’s the black accents that make it stand out among the rest of the chrome-wrapped cars. Nice touch, S.A.D.
DiFalco Grille by Forgiato is the Perfect Retro Gift for a Camaro Owner
|
Posted on 12.11.2012 09:00 by |
Back in 1967, the RS Appearance Package for the Chevrolet Camaro included something that has since become one of the more desirable features on classic Camaros: hidden headlights. When you turned on the headlights, the doors opened and when the lights went off, the doors closed, giving the grille a sleek look. Sure they were loud, clucky and malfunctioned after 20,000 miles, but damn they were cool. Well, Forgiato is bringing headlight doors back to the Camaro with its DiFalco Retractable Hidden Headlight Grille.
This isn’t a joke, folks. Forgiato, known more for its fine wheels than anything else, has developed a unique matte-black-finished grille that comes with brushed stainless steel accent trim and shuttered LED-accented headlight covers. In terms of its design the grille really does stand out on its own merit, thanks to a simple black mesh grille insert with the distinctive white “F” Forgiato logo. The grille treatment continues in the lower aperture with black mesh that is trimmed in white.
But the real moneymaker, as far as this retro accessory is concerned, are the headlight covers, which have been have their own horizontal LED accent lighting that is reminiscent of the first-gen cover’s horizontal chrome accents. As soon as the driver switches on the headlights, headlight covers open up, revealing the standard headlight and turn signals behind it.
The accessory will cost $3,399, a pretty price to pay, but you can rest assured that few will have a Camaro as retro-looking as yours. The DiFalco Retractable Hidden Headlight Grille is available for LS, SS, and ZL1 Camaro models.
This could be the perfect gift for a loved one that wants to add a little first-gen styling to his modern Camaro. The real question is whether you are prepared to shell out over $3K for said gift…
Click past the jump to see a video of the DiFalco Retractable Hidden Headlight Grille in action and a comparison shot of the old, clunky RS headlight door from 1967.
Porsche 997 Turbo by D2Forged wheels
|
Posted on 12.5.2012 07:00 by |
While we are all waiting for the new-generation Porsche Turbo to arrive on the market, D2Forged has updated the look of the current 997 generation with a new set of rollers. No other changes have been made, but as you know when it comes to cars like this, minor changes are all you really need.
D2Forged added a set of CV2 Concave wheels measuring 20-by-9 inches up front and 20-by-13 inches at the rear. The wheels feature a brushed aluminum Center with hi-polished flange and chrome lip. In order to further customize its wheels, D2Forged also added a hand-painted red “D2” center cap logo.
Under the hood no changes were necessary because the 997 Turbo is nearly perfect from factory, thanks to its 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that serves up 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The 911 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.4 seconds and goes up to a top speed of 194 mph.
Hyundai Veloster JP Edition
|
Posted on 11.1.2012 15:00 by |
Hyundai has certainly tossed plenty of examples into the ring at the 2012 SEMA show and it has just unveiled another concept car. This new custom car sits on the base of a 2013 Hyundai Veloster, but Hyundai brought in famed car tuner, John Pangilinan, to help tweak it just a little bit.
The majority of the work done to this Veloster was to the body, interior, and sound system, which is pretty standard for SEMA. However, this is not to say that John P. and Hyundai just left the Veloster bone stock in the performance realm. This compact 4-door hatchback (three man doors and one hatch) received just enough engine modification to make it stand out and a tiny bit of suspension work to sure of the often-complained-about handling of the otherwise sporty Veloster.
At SEMA, the Veloster is up against the best of the best, however, so let’s have a look to see how Hyundai did with this project.
Click past the jump to read all about the Veloster JP Edition.
Hyundai Veloster JP Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 1 November 2012 15:00 EST.
read more
Toyota FJ-S Cruiser Concept by TRD
|
Posted on 10.27.2012 06:00 by |
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a pretty unique – and paradoxical – car in its own right. It’s an off-roader that actually looks polished. It’s got great performance credentials yet you always feel that it could do much better.
The best part of the FJ Cruiser is that it always seems to be ripe for customization. At the 2012 SEMA Auto Show, that’s exactly what were going to get when Toyota and TRD present their latest FJ mash-up, called the FJ-S Cruiser Concept.
The folks from Toyota are all excited about TRD’s latest creation, particularly the company’s national manager of engagement marketing and motorsports, Keith Dahl, who said: “TRD’s work on high-performance off-road variants of Toyota vehicles goes back a number of years. The FJ-S is a great example of their off-road expertise.”
It’s a little curious when you hear that TRD actually upgraded the FJ-S Cruiser Concept’s chassis and body structure by adding what they’re calling an “exoskeleton,” especially when you consider how already imposing the stock model is. But with the upgrades, Toyota now has even more room to work on the off-roader’s suspension and wheel/tire set-ups.
Aesthetically, the FJ-S Cruised Concept received a boatload of new modifications, including a new front nudge bar, rock rails, and a cat-back exhaust. Inside, the FJ-S Cruiser Concept was create to a two-tone leather interior with matching FJ-S logos on the headrests.
Under its hood, the FJ-S Cruiser Concept’s 4.0-liter V6 engine was given a TRD supercharger system with a Twin Vortex System and a large air-to-water intercooler. All this nets the off-roader with an increased output of 345 horsepower and 345 lb/ft of torque, numbers that represent a 30% and 25% increase from the stock model.
Mercedes SL63 AMG "Seven-11" by Wheelsandmore
|
Posted on 10.24.2012 17:00 by |
If the name “Seven-11” sounds familiar, it’s only because the guys over at Wheelsandmore had another tuning kit bearing the same name, but it was based on a Mercedes CLS63 AMG. The second package announced is even more impressive and it is based on the SL63 AMG.
Wheelsandmore’s new SL63 AMG Seven-11 is painted in “Armageddon-Matte-Gray” then combined with traditional Wheelsandmore race-stripes. There is also a new set of 20″ 6Sporz forged wheels offered as standard, or an optional set of 20/21 inch staggered combination.
The most impressive modification done for the SL63 AMG can be found under the hood. The standard SL63 AMG delivers a total of 537 HP, but the guys at Wheelsandmore added new sport catalysts, a flap-controlled exhaust system, an optimized air induction, and remapped software to the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine. As a result, the V8 engine now delivers an impressive 700 HP and 811 lbs-ft of torque.
The Mercedes was also equipped with a newly developed LowMaXX electronic lowering module which automatically switches off at 43 mph in order to provide comfort and safety reserves.
Toyota Tundra Pre-Runner by Alexis Dejoria
|
Posted on 10.21.2012 23:00 by |
NHRA Alcohol Funny Car race car driver Alexis Dejoria is the only woman competing in the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge. To make a splash in the competition, Dejoria took the challenge of building a custom-tuned vehicle using the biggest vehicle in the lot, a stock, full-sized Toyota Tundra.
Not lacking confidence one bit, Dejoria enlisted the help of Dale Dondel and his team at Racer Engineering to built the meanest vehicle at SEMA.
The first order of business was to make extensive modifications to the chassis and body of the Tundra. Dejoria and Racer Engineering made use of fabricated long A-arms, trailing arms, while also installing massive racing shocks, a new front and rear bumper, a new brush guard, fiberglass front and rear fenders, a dual spare tire carrier in the bed, and a new set of 17″ Mehod racing wheels wrapped in Maxxis tires.
All told, the result is 20″ of wheel travel in front and 24″ in the rear, enough to allow the Tundra Pre-Runner to run roughshod over just about any navigable stretch of desert race territory.
Inside, the modifications include NRG racing seats with custom Hooker 7-point harnesses, a full leather-wrapped roll cage, and a high-powered JBL sound system.
Under its hood, the Tundra Pre-Runner received a 5.7-liter TRD-supercharged V8 engine fed by a custom rear-mounted fuel cell.
“I wanted to do the best possible off-road vehicle we could,” DeJoria said. “I think this is going to be the baddest vehicle at SEMA.”
Not one to make bold exaggerations, DeJoria could be on to something here, especially if her Tundra Pre-Runner somehow wins the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge. Voting for your favorite project is now open at the Toyota Racing Facebook page until October 29, 2012. The winner will receive $50,000, money that will go to their chosen charity. In Dejoria’s case, that charity would be Safety Harbor Kids.
BMW M3 Streetsport Supercharger by VF Engineering
|
Posted on 10.11.2012 17:00 by |
We often find ourselves in that position where initial thrills eventually lead to realizing that our enjoyment came with a price.
For drivers of forced induction BMW M3s, that realization may have presented itself when they realized that while powerful in its own right, they would need to ring up the revolutions in order to achieve the kind of throaty roar they’re looking for. Comes with a price, right?
VF Engineering has the answer, thanks to their new VF540 Streetsport Supercharger. Taking in a few components from the Vortech V3si supercharger, particularly the V3 blower that drives the supercharger at a much lower rpm. From there, VF Engineering also installed an ECU upgrade, improving the M3’s throttle response while also using a HEX Flash system that allows for remote tuning and functions as a diagnostic cable that can clear off engine codes.
With all these modifications in tow, VF Engineering turned a powerful-at-a-cost M3 and its 420-horsepower and 295 lb/ft of torque output into one that delivers 540 horsepower and 370 lb/ft of torque.
The V540 Streetsport package retails for a reasonable price of $8,295. Should you be interested in something a little more powerful, you can avail the VF620 program – 624 horses and 400 lb/ft of torque numbers – for $13,495 or go for the top-of-the-shelf VF650 program – 650 horsepower and 420 lb/ft of torque – that comes with a price of $16,495.
We’re sure it will be worth every penny.
icarzone 