2011 Mitsubishi Evo 900X by AMS

Speed freaks and adrenaline junkies alike all get geeked up when they hear about a new package from tuning firm, AMS Performance. It’s not enough that these tuners just created an Alpha 10 package for the Nissan GT-R that broke the World Record for Quickest and Fastest GT-R running a 9.3 at 153mph in the quarter mile with a full weight street car. No, these guys had to keep on trucking with a new package for one of their other rides: the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. The Mitsubishi Evo 900X comes with killer engine upgrades and some minor aerodynamic changes.

The power for the Evo 900X circles around the 2.2 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with Kelford cams and valve springs. The added turbo kit gets this engine ready for just about any paved road with an AMS boost control solenoid kit, an AMS front mount intercooler, AMS intercooler piping, a Tial QR blow off valve, and an AMS 3” racing series exhaust. The quick-spooling turbocharger allows the vehicle to "fire off 10 second passes at the drag strip" and provides "enough low end torque to corner exit with the best of them." All of these engine mods combined will get the customer 900 HP and a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.

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2010 Lexus LS 600h L by VIP Auto Salon

 

The Lexus LS 600h from Fox Marketing won’t be the only version of the luxury sedan attending the SEMA show this year. VIP Auto Salon will also be bringing their version of the 600h, as well as a couple of other models, to wow the hybrid world with their classy tuning.

The LS 600h by VIP may not be the most eye catching of all hybrids, but VIP was able to jazz it up a bit with the use of machined black polish wheels, 21x9-inch ET 33 front and 21x10-inch ET 40 rear, and a Performance Tube Systems Joe Z Series axle back exhaust system. Other modifications include a custom air suspension, WALD Mahora M11c, and Brembo high performance front brake kit with 15-inch disk and 6-piston monoblock calipers. The interior was customized by Vip Auto Salon and Top Stitch, but no real details were given as to what was done.

No changes were made to boost the power of this luxury hybrid sedan, but if Lexus’ goal was to prove this automobile was already fun to drive then these modifications wouldn’t be necessary. But they could have chosen a different exterior paint job. That custom PPG Hue of Macadamia doesn’t exactly scream thrilling and fun. It was probably a good idea to have two versions of this hybrid on display because we’d take Fox Marketing’s black and red version of the LS 600h before we’d even glance at this one.

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2010 Acura TL A-Spec

For the second time in history, Acura Canada is offering their customers a new limited edition package which began selling on May 10, 2010 for the 2010 Acura TL. The first time this package was offered was when the TL Type S was given a cosmetic revamping in 2003 with a similar A-spec package. Acura, Honda’s luxury brand, will sell the new TL A-Spec package with a price tag of C$51,290.

The main feature on the new A-Spec package is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) which includes all of the features of the TL SH-AWD Technology Package trim. It can be nated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Compared to a standard TL model, the A-Spec package adds: 19-inch alloy wheels with special summer performance tires and full aero kit skirt package with front, side and rear skirts. The front and rear of the car are finished off with a midnight chrome grille and rear piece. The last little bit of flair is the ’A-Spec’ badge and ’A-Spec’ floor mats.

No mention is made to the number of packages that will be made of the Acura TL A-spec, but if they follow the mold created by the Canadian A-spec back in ’03 then they would be offering them in about 800 units.

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2012 Toyota Rav4 EV

It took more than around 13 years, but Toyota seems to have finally decided on producing the second-generation of the Toyota Rav4 EV. Maybe all it took was a partnership with Tesla to get the proverbial EV ball rolling.

The partnership between Toyota and Tesla was born out of a mutual interest in developing a new model using Tesla technology on a Toyota vehicle, incorporating the strengths of both side to produce a vehicle that consumers would come to enjoy.

“When we decided to work together on the RAV4 EV, President Akio Toyoda wanted to adopt a new development model that incorporated Tesla’s streamlined, quick-action approach,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Tesla Motors. “From the beginning, the customer experience has been the focus.”

The ultimate question, at least according to Hentz, was how the two companies can "deliver an unconventional product to mainstream customers that is compelling and affordable and that offers an acceptable level of daily convenience.”

In the end, the answer turned out to be the Toyota Rav4 EV. For now, Toyota is building 35 models of the new Rav4 EV for a demonstration and evaluation program through 2011, with the company looking into a production version sometime around 2012.

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2010 Rolls Royce Phantom Sports Line Black Bison Edition by Wald International

Luxury vehicles like the Rolls Royce Phantom rarely ever need any additional tweaking and modding because, well, these types of vehicles are pretty fantastic as soon as they roll off the production line. That’s the beauty of being called a luxury vehicle, any customer will be extremely pleased with the work done solely by the car’s manufacturer. That being said, it doesn’t stop tuners such as Wald International from taking models such as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, the Mercedes E-Class, and the aforementioned Phantom and applying their sick Black Bison package.

The Rolls Royce Phantom SPORTS LINE Black Bison Edition will debut at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon and will only feature exterior changes as seen on previous Black Bison models. Wald International has only revealed its first image of the Phantom so far, but from this image we can see that it will get redesigned front bumpers, new headlamps with LED lights, and new side skirts. We can only imagine that the rear of the vehicle will also receive some modifications as the Black Bison Bentley and Mercedes both received new rear spoilers and a new exhaust system. New wheels are also a given for this package.

We doubt that the Rolls Royce Phantom SPORTS LINE Black Bison Edition will be getting any attention to the interior of the vehicle or the engine, as this is not customary for this package, but you never know. More details will be revealed for this package in early January 2011, so stay tuned!

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2011 Ferrari 458 Italia by Wheelsandmore

Typically, we tend to believe that Ferrari models are just about perfect straight from the factory, and that any changes made by any experienced tuners would strip away the beauty of the vehicle. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule and today’s exception comes in the form of a Ferrari 458 Italia tuned by the very same guys that brought us the modified F430 earlier. Wheelsandmore have taken the Italian sports car and have done what they do best: add just a little something to spice it up.

The first little touch to the 458 Italia seems to be the same exhaust system that was added to the F430. This new exhaust system adds an extra 20hp, bringing the total up to 590. Some extra flair was also added in the form of a new set of 20" forged wheels, with 21"wheels available upon request.

This is a pretty simple package for the 458 Italia and, although it adds a nice touch to the sports car, we still prefer the package done by Fabspeed a couple of months ago. This package gets the 458 up to 630hp with a few different additions. A faster car always trumps a slower one

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2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Blanc de Blancs by Graf Weckerle

Drinking a glass of fine wine with dinner is something a lot of people do when they want to unwind from a long, hard day, but when these same people want to celebrate something momentous, they bring out the Blanc de Blancs champagne. The same can be said of a great automobile. Sure you can drive around in a Mercedes on a daily basis, but for those special evenings, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the way to go. Bringing together these two ideas is Graf Weckerle who has designed a package for the V8 Vantage that gets its one-of-a-kind design from the most refreshing champagne produced.

The car’s interior and exterior are styled based on the white, green, and gold details on the Blanc de Blancs champagne bottle and look sensational on the sports car. The 21" wheels, however, leave much to be desired. Made of 180 titanium and aluminum parts, these "unique" wheels take up to 20 days to build. If it were up to us, we’d let them stay a little longer. No offense to the Graf Weckerle logo, which is what the wheels are styled after, but we can think of hundreds of other options that would have looked much better on this beautiful vehicle. But hey, at least the interior sparkles with 24 karat components.

In addition to the beautiful - and not so beautiful - stylings of the Aston Martin, Graf Weckerle have also tuned the standard 426hp 4.7 Liter V8 engine to deliver an improved 470hp.

Not a fan of the V8 Vantage? Graf Weckerle can also mount this package on an Aston Martin DBS and a Ferrari 599 GTB. Plans for adding it to the Ferrari 458 Italia are also in the works.

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2011 Aston Martin DBS by Graf Weckerle

We’ll say one thing for Graf Weckerle, boy do these guys know how to add some punch and pizazz to elegant and expensive vehicles. We started our trip through the German tuning firm with the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Blanc de Blancs and then found ourselves entrenched in the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Comte Noir. Now the duo of Alexander C. Graf and Tim Weckerle have announced another tuning package, and this time, they’ve gone back to Britain to tune up an Aston Martin DBS.

The Aston Martin DBS Imperialwagen is most definitely eye-catching with its matte metallic beige paint job with a two-tone orange and white Graf Weckerle Coachline, as well as the Graf Weckerle logo situated nicely towards the side rear of the car. That same logo was also brought into the interior with the use of white Graf Weckerle high-tech Puroyale velvet with two-tone orange and brown Graf Weckerle Millefleurs-embroidery. We had to try very hard to turn our eyes away from those inserts to notice that they sit in the middle of brown leather seats with orange piping and orange Graf Weckerle-embossed leather ribbons. The two-tone Graf Weckerle Millefleurs-embroidery also extends to the inserts in the brown and orange door panels. This design is certainly not for the conservative and mild-mannered.

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James Robbins takes a stab at designing the next Corvette

Chevrolet has already started to work on the future generation, Corvette, with the Stingray concept serving as an amuse-bouche to the actual production vehicle, but being the impatient little auto enthusiasts we are, we’ve searched out a creation by a Transportation Design student to bide us some time until the real model debuts.

James Robbins took the time to truly research the history of Corvette’s design language to fully understand and predict the next step for the company. Using this knowledge for everything that it was worth, Robbins designed the future sports car, producing images that serve as the next logical step for the American icon.

What we have here is a sleek and beautiful rendering of the future Corvette. According to GM, power for this machine could come from a 440 HP, 5.5-liter V-8 version of the next-gen GM small block engine, but others say that a smaller, forced induction engine may also be possible. The new motor will be the first application of GM’s next-gen small block family and we would expect it to have direct-injection, E85 capability, and a few other tweaks.

We may not have all of the details on the future Corvette, but we do have enough to keep us entertained, albeit for a short period of time. The next step will be waiting until closer to its reveal in 2012 to get all of the details we have been waiting for patiently.

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2011 Mercedes CLK 63 Black Series by Renntech

The Mercedes CLK has already been replaced by the E-Class Coupe, but surprisingly, it is still catching the attention of plenty of tuners. One such tuner is Renntech who have announced a new carbon aero package for the CLK 63 Black Series. The package includes a full carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, DTM rear wing, carbon air box with vacuum chamber, and front carbon brake air ducts. The price for the entire package is $15,290.

All of these changes were made in order to improve the car’s exterior styling and increase down force for improved handling. The good news is that, unlike other Renntech products, this package will not be offered in limited numbers, so everyone can get in on this action.

All of the components are manufactured in high quality, full carbon fiber and are available in either a matte or gloss finish to suit individual desires. No words yet on if there will be any changes made to the engine.

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Range Rover Evoque

Stylish small SUV is finally arriving in 2011, and we can't wait to drive it

January 2011

Land Rover opens a new chapter in 2011 with the launch of the Evoque, the smallest Range Rover in the brand’s 40-year history. On sale around the world from next summer from around £30,000, it will be available in both sporty three-door and more practical five-door body styles. 

Four-wheel-drive versions will appeal to those using the car on rougher roads, and will come with Land Rover’s trademark Terrain Response system. But for owners with no intention of leaving the tarmac, front-wheel-drive models will be cheaper to buy and run. 

A pair of 2.2-litre turbodiesel engines with respective power outputs of 148bhp and 187bhp are on offer, and there will also be a 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit.

Innovations from further up the range will appear on the Evoque, including the Dual View infotainment screen, which allows the passenger to watch a DVD while the driver sees the sat-nav on the same display.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/261433/range_rover_evoque.html#ixzz1AKyrlBHj

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Carlsson Mercedes GL RS

The German tuning firm Carlsson has just launched a new package for the Mercedes Benz GL SUV called the RS-Kit. The customization program features a lowered hanging front lip spoiler, a larger bolder grill featuring a lot more chrome than came from the factory, a pair of power bulges placed on top of the hood, enough driving lights to illuminate a soccer game, more mesh grills in the side skirts and of course a set of signature Carlsson rolling stock wrapped in high performance rubber.

Never ones to leave well enough alone, the tuners at Carlsson have upgraded the GL500’s output thanks to an optimized engine electronics unit and a high flowing sport air filter. The engine now produces a total of 435 HP and 442 lb-ft of torque. The diesel powered GL 420 CDI has also been tuned to produce a maximum output of 354 HP and the GL 320 CDI has been raised to 269 HP.

If you are looking to add a significant amount of additional muscle, both aesthetically and performance wise, perhaps a Mercedes Benz GL dressed up with Carlsson’s RS-Kit is just what you are looking for to set you apart from ordinary GL drivers.

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Aston Martin and Maybach team up for luxury sedan

Aston Martin may be priming themselves to design and build a new Maybach ultra luxury sedan, according to European press. That is, if talks between them and Daimler are successful.

This potential partnership is already in the works and a mockup of a new Maybach limousine has already been set in motion to make its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This new model will use technologies and parts from Aston Martin and will help Maybach create much cheaper models. Aston Martin will benefit by gaining access to Daimler’s four-wheel-drive technology for an off-road vehicle that will be based on the Mercedes GL-Class. The British company will also get Daimler’s fuel-efficient diesel and gasoline engines. It’s the classic "You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours" scenario.

A Daimler insider told Reuters: "There is no cooperation deal with Aston Martin. We are often in talks about various topics, such as the donating technology for the Lagonda show car." Aston Martin was not available for comment.

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2010 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T by Rides Magazine

We may have seen a rendering of this tuning project by Rides Magazine a month ago, but it was nothing compared to the beautifully sleek and gorgeous Hyundai Sonata Turbo we see before us. This vehicle has jumped our list of must-see SEMA-bound automobiles.

The best part of this project is that everything was done in a subtle way, but with amazing results. The exterior sees new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and a roof spoiler hidden behind the matte pearl paint job from BASF. And to prove that black is indeed slimming, Rides has added a matte black debadged front grille, smoked taillights and painted headlights, and 20-inch Rennen Modular M9 concave wheels in a powder coated matte black and wrapped in Falken FK452 tires. These black accents draw your eye to the front and center of the vehicle, while still appreciating the fine lines that lead you there. Audi LED fog lights integrated into the new front bumper and a 3M vinyl carbon wrap on the roof also add to the sexiness of this ride.

For the interior, Rides is offering a combination of black leather and suede with red stitching, along with integrating carbon fiber trim throughout. The trunk gets two JBL 12-inch subwoofers paired with two JBL amplifiers. The whole package is finished by a custom quad tip exhaust and an S-Max front mount intercooler that replaces the factory unit up front.

Hyundai may be taking a couple of Genesis Coupes by Ark and Gogogear Racing as well as Rhys Millen Racing’s Equus and Hyundai’s Equus DUB Edition, but the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T by Rides Magazine definitely steals the show.

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2011 Range Rover RS500 by Project Kahn

British tuner, Project Kahn, sure gets around, with tuning kits for everything from Smart cars to Bugattis. It’s their job to take decent vehicles and transform them into complete and total eye candy and their latest sweet treat - created along with Cosworth - is the RS500 package based off the Landrover Range Rover SUV. There’s no skimping on this kit either, as exterior, interior, and engine all get worked on.

We’ll get the main part out of the way first with the sweet center that is the engine. The 4.4 liter V8 diesel engine gets the performance boost of a lifetime with a Cosworth performance upgrade. This upgrade takes the SUV all the way up to 500hp. Now that’s some real power for a diesel SUV.

For the interior the RS500 package gets black quilted leather with silver stitching. The sporty look is completed by aluminum decorations on the doorsills, center console, gear lever, air vents, and steering wheel.

Continuing the path to the outside of the car, the exterior package shows off some newly designed bumpers, a rear diffuser, side skirts, and a quad tail pipe exhaust system manufactured by Cosworth. The car’s aggressive look is completed by new 22-inch RSX alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design.

Forgetting the fact that these are two completely different vehicles, the overall look of this car reminds us a great deal of the Landrover Freelander RS200 created by Project Kahn as well. This isn’t a bad thing, however, because both vehicles look amazing.

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2011 Lamborghini LP600+ GT3 by Reiter Engineering

A few years after it released a GT3 race version for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560, Reiter Engineering is back with a new GTS-spec Gallardo: the 2011 Lamborghini LP600+ GT3. Based on the Gallardo LP560-4, Reiter Engineering tweaked the supercar and turned it into a race-spec version that will compete in GT3 races for the 2011 season.

Reiter Engineering is no stranger to producing race-winning GT3 racers. Their previous work – the Gallardo LP560 GT3 – sold more than 50 examples worldwide while also dominating races in the GT3 class of various racing series all over the world.

For the latest version, Reiter Engineering is pulling out all the stops in ensuring that the LP600+ GT3 race car will take after its predecessors in dominating GT3-class races for the 2011 season. No word yet on which team is interested in getting these bad boys, but we’re sure that Reiter’s new Lamborghini GT3 racer will see a lot of GT3 starting grids in the near future.

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Cadillac’s future flagship could be a RWD sportscar

A stray rumor about the new Cadillac flagship model began developing a while ago, but now that bite-sized rumor has turned into a full-fledged forkful with some new details. According to Car And Driver, there are two different possibilities for this future flagship model. The first is a sports sedan code-named "UP" and designed to take on models like the Audi A8, the BMW 7-Series, and the Mercedes-Benz S-class. It will be priced at around $80k and will use a lightened version of the long-wheelbase RWD Zeta platform combined with either a turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 or a naturally aspirated V-8.

The second possibility, however, is the most exciting one. This option is a more expressive and more expensive model, which is kind of funny considering a body has not yet been decided for it. It could be anything from a mid-engine two-seat sports car to a large model, something the same size of a Maybach. Its exterior design will be inspired by the Cien concept, which leads us to believe Cadillac will probably opt for the two-seater sports car. Either way, the price for this model will be in the $150k area. Again, strange considering the body hasn’t been decided on yet.

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