Smart forTwo Cabrio Widebody by Konigseder

If you are told about a widebody kit for the Smart forTwo Cabrio, you could be forgiven for having that quick glance over to the calendar checking if it is April 1^st, but we have to say the experts over at Austrian tuner Konigseder have pulled it off with a great deal of success.

The kit widens the model by an additional 30mm in each direction and consists of wheel arches housing new 17 inch wheels, side skirts and a restyled front bumper with larger air intakes and an additional lower spoiler.

The rear stays largely unchanged but the rear wheel arches get extra air intakes for additional cooling for the brakes, the look is completed with a flowery (yes, that's flowery) exterior body artwork on its white livery. Beneath the bodywork, the forTwo has been left alone apart from a set Eibach sport springs which lower the overall ride height of the vehicle thus improving the driving dynamics.

Lexus IS-F by Wald

The Lexus IS F was recently launched in Europe and the States following the successful introduction to its native Japan last year where it is going head to head with the likes of the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG. Despite a pretty formidable package under the hood where you will find the 417bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine mated to an eight-speed paddleshift transmission, the exterior styling does not show the aggression to match.

This is where renowned Japanese tuner Wald International comes in with this new tuning program for the high performance machine. The most notable feature on these newly surfaced photos is the addition of a new huge rear diffuser which optimizes air flow under the car, other features on the rear include additional air vents on the sides of the apron and a new rear wing. The front fascia gets small modifications with the a new front spoiler lowering the ride height and additional air-intakes on the sides.

9ff Cayman CT-78 E85 Wins SportAuto Readers Award

Back in April, Porsche tuning specialist, 9ff , made a world record attempt for the fastest production car with their 987bhp GT9 but came up a bit short at 409 km/h. Currently the record to beat is the SSC Ultimate Aero TT with 412.28 km/h ( 256.18 mph). However, it seems 9ff's work with combining high performance Porsche's with alternative fuel, as displayed with their E85 bio-ethanol fuel 9ff Porsche Cayman CT-78 with 780 hp could be a more successful road worth traveling for the Dortmund based tuner. German car magazine SportAuto conducted a readers polls which contained 14 categories for series-production vehicles and 11 tuning classes. With more than 10,000 readers taking part, they awarded the CT-78 as the sportiest tuned coupe beyond EUR 80,000. In times of the CO2 discussion, this is a particularly valuable distinction.

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

Shape-shifting concept car made from cloth.

BMW just unveiled it's latest design philosophy - via a radical concept car - that will sure to raise some eyebrows in the automotive industry. Touted as the "game changer" for the "development of tomorrow's mobility," the new concept centers around the GINA principle, for Geometry and Functions in "N" Adaptions. What this means is the ability for BMW to think outside the box and innovate maximum ideas with mininum amount of the usual constraints associated with car design.

The first translation of the GINA philosophy into physical being is demonstrated in the Light Visionary Model concept. The only specs that may be familiar are the car's realistic 8-cylinder powertrain package residing in a roadster built from an aluminum space-frame chassis with two double tailpies and 20-in, alloy wheels at the corners. Other than that, it is the Visionary's exterior body that will catch all of us by surprise. It is skinned by four large pieces of flexible material that can stretch and contract based on a number of substructures that can move about on the chassis with electro and electrohydraulic controls.

There are four main pieces of skin that make up the Visionary's body: The largest component starts at the front of the car and extends all the way to the base of the windscreen, then down and across the two doors, ending at the rear edge. The next two fabric-like skins begin at the front lower rocker panels, then run across the rear wheel arches to the back. The last piece of skin makes up the rear deck. The roadster's scissor-type doors open with its outer skin wrinkled in a very clearly defined pattern, but they are stretched back into a silky-smooth surface when the door close.

The fabric that covers the Visionary's body is consturcted from a waterproof and temperature-resistant mesh netting on the outer layer, supported by a flexble metal-wire structure underneath to maintain the skin's tension and smoothness. Around a few areas where curvatures of the skin are called for, carbon struts are added to allow for higher flexibility while keeping the rounded contours.

The Light Visionary Model is striking not only because of the fabric outer skin, but also its utility in form following function. Because of the fexible skin, the headlights can be hidden or exposed when necessary. The side markers to signal lane changes are not visible on the outside until they are turned on during use - their light shines though the translucent (but not transparent) cover. Airflow around the car can be managed actively as the skin can be closed, opened or stretched based on need; the rocker-panel shape can be adjusted for better aerodynamics. And because the rear deck is covered by one single piece of fabric, the spoiler can be completely hidden when it is not in use.

ChrisBangle, Head of BMW Group Design, says, "Personal customer requirements will broaden the context of our products and change the core values that define our industry along the way." That's why BMWis focused on breaking new group and finding innovative design solutions. And by the looks of the GINA Light Visionary Model, BMW is in the forefront of ingenious automotive design.

V�TH V63RS Clubsport based on Mercedes C 63 AMG

As one of the first Mercedes tuners to come forth with a comprehensive tuning package for the new Mercedes C 63 AMG, German tuner V�th have put together a tasty package. With a modestly redesigned front bumper fascia that closely resembles the original, the rear gets more dramatic with three prominent diffusor vanes protruding outwards plus the boot spoiler gets another boot spoiler on top of it.

For performance V�th has reprogrammed the engine control unit, added a freer flowing exhaust manifold, and stainless steel sport exhaust. The result is an earth pounding 585 hp (430 kW) and 690 Nm of torque compared to the already potent 457 hp (336 kW) with 600 Nm of the stock 6.3 liter V8 engine. With the speed limiter removed top speed climbs to a lofty 202 mph.

Other upgrades include sport suspension, bigger brake rotors (390mm), sport brake fluid, 19-inch wheels, new sport seats, revised instrument cluster, TV/DVD unit and many other customizations. The V63RS Clubsport can be yours for approximately EUR 125,000.

Range Rover AR7 Highlander by Arden

Arden have already tackled the Range Rover LM last year when they initially released the AR7, but clearly they felt they had unfinished business by going back to the drawing board and pumping yet more power out of the SUV and with more power comes a longer name - "Highlander" has been added.

Tata's favorite tuner who specializes on the Jaguar and Land Rover brands originally took the standard 400hp supercharged Jaguar sourced V8 engine and increased its displacement up to 4.5 liters to bring total power output to 480hp and 650Nm of torque � but that was soooo last year. Now in 2008 Arden have added a new high-performance twin-screw supercharger which brings the power up to 520 hp and 701 Nm of torque, although the performance figures remain the same with the0-100km/h time staying at 6.5 seconds whist top speed remains at 240km/h.

Press release:

• superior 520 HP and powerful 701 Nm
• Compressor motor with increased cubic capacity
• High Performance Twin Screw Supercharger
• sporty aerodynamic kit
• resonant sound with stainless steel exhaust system / extravagant exhaust tailpipe design
• 22� or 23� wheels, high performance braking system
• elegant sporty interior

Elegance, discreet sportiness and understatement have always been the characteristics of British cars. The car enhancement specialist and registered automobile manufacturer from Krefeld was unable to resist the attraction of these vehicles over 30 years ago. It has for many years been a refuge for customers wanting it to individualise their Jaguar or Range Rover and emphasize its typical characteristics. Arden�s latest development is the AR7. It is based on the Range Rover LM, which Arden completely converts and provides with more overtaking prestige. The base vehicle which is impressive due to its sheer size becomes captivating with its extraordinary sporty look. Meanwhile enhanced performance of the Range Rover compressor motor contributes to the sporty driving performance.

Superior performance

Arden obtains not less than 520 HP from the from the supercharged V8, its cubic capacity having been raised to 4.5 litres and a high performance twin screw supercharger was added. Together with the torque which has been increased to an ample 680 Nm, this provides the not exactly light Range Rover with an appealing driving performance. The sheer power catapults the British SUV from nought to one hundred km/h in 6.5 seconds. Outstanding engine power goes without saying. Even if speeds beyond 200 km/h do not happen often due to the flow of traffic, the Arden AR7�s 480 HP make over 240 km/h possible.

Arden bodykit: better look, better driving behavior

Arden adapted its aerodynamic components to the Range Rover�s basic design in a masterly fashion. As usual with Arden, the kit looks as though it fits seamlessly. The completely re-designed, in total 6 cm wider front apron, which replaces the production part, features a hand-made stainless steel grill and air vents. These features emphasize not only the dynamic and powerful appearance, they also provide more effective air supply to the cooling units behind. Arden has made substantial improvements to the aerodynamics, effectively reducing lift to the front axle; this has a lasting benefit on handling performance at higher speeds. The LED daytime running lights deserve special attention. They comply with the future European standards and are harmoniously integrated right and left above the large air intakes. To complete the powerful appearance, Arden also enhances the Range Rover with wheel arch extensions, side skirts and a newly developed rear apron, which like the front apron features several grill inserts.

With regards to harmoniously designing the rear area, Arden adapted the design of the exhaust tail pipes of the stainless steel sport exhaust system, which was exclusively hand-made for the new AR7, perfectly to the design of the rear apron. The system which produces a marvellous resonant sound ends in rectangular tailpipes, with its openings characterized by a horizontal center bar, so that they do not appear too overpowering and meet Arden�s standards for understatement.

�Bigfoot�

The �Sportline� wheels have a large share in the appearance of the Arden AR7. Arden offers the three-part forged wheel in 22� or 23�. The increased size compared with the production Range Rover clearly improves the handling of the SUV and gives the driver more driving pleasure.

Whoever decides on enhanced power should also think of suitable braking performance. So that the Arden AR7 comes to a standstill as quickly as it accelerates, Arden incorporates at the front a 6-piston and at the rear a 4-piston braking system which distributes its power emphatically on the internally ventilated and perforated brake disks.

Elegant interior

The interior does not come off badly with Arden either. In the in-house saddlery all of the interior work is carried out to the highest precision and converted into the customer�s requirements with great attention to detail. Leather and alcantara are made to measure in any colour desired, a wide variety of high-grade woods are processed and also chrome, carbon and aluminium applications are made for customers.

Seat Ibiza by JE Design

Tuning firm JE Design have wasted little time in getting to work on the new Seat Ibiza by releasing first details of their tuning program for the new five-door model. Initial information states the sports package will get a set of lowering springs, new multispoke 17 inch or 18 inch alloy wheels and a smooth body kit featuring a front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron.

We are told by the German tuner that the full kit is still under development, a wing door conversion, thread chassis and other body components will be released in the future along with a bit of diesel engine tuning. The 1.4-liter TDI is set to get a 25hp boost up to 105 horsepower and the 1.9-liter TDI will get the same boost taking total output to 130hp, although there is no confirmation on these figures yet.

ENCO-Exclusive 550 GT Biturbo Cayenne

Establish in 2000, the Saxonian company ENCO started out as a manufacturer of stainless steel exhaust systems for such marques as Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini in addition to providing special prototyping services for race teams and tuning companies. With such clients, evolution towards the tuning segment was inevitable, and now under the ENCO-Exclusive brand name, present their latest product - the Porsche Cayenne Turbo based ENCO 550 GT Biturbo.

One of the first things you'll notice are the black lacquered one-piece 23x11J XXL-rims with white ornamental stripe. Wrapped in snug fitting 315/25 R23 tires, 6-piston front and 4-piston calipers lie beneath with brake discs measuring 400 x 36 mm (front) and 380 x 32 mm (rear). Additionally, developed for the Cayenne's air suspension, ENCO offers an electronic module which lowers the 550 GT up to 50mm.

For the aerodynamic package, ENCO has restyled the front bumper fascia with larger cooling slots and an Audi-esque big grille. The lightweight carbon reinforced hood sports a powerdome with two subtle additional air vents. Muscular side skirts help bring the 550 GT closer to the ground visually while the roof spoiler, rear bumper fascia with its integrated diffuser and protruding four exhaust tips gives a striking appearance.

Apart from the excellent sound, the established specialist for exhaust systems puts a special emphasis on increased efficiency. The interaction of ENCO-components, such as sport baffle, sport catalysts, high performance manifold and an optimized motor characteristic, lead to an increased efficiency up to 550 hp / 405 kw at 6,100 rpm per minute. Moreover, the torque grows to 730 Nm at 2,300 � 4,600 rpm per minute. The modified Porsche-SUV shortens the spurt from zero to 100 km/h to an impressive 4.9 seconds and increases the maximum speed up to 282 km/h.

The interior receives a tasteful makeover with decorative stitching on the dash board while the leather seats and door panels receive matching inserts and trim. The slip-resistant steering wheel with airbag also gets redesigned for a matching look. Multimedia features include headrest integrated monitors which can be connected to a DVD-player, a DVB-T-tuner or game console.

Prices for the ENCO 550 GT Biturbo start at 170,000 euros ex works.

BMW X6 by Hartge

We have already seen the pictures of the X6 from a few photos that leaked earlier this week, but now we get the official ins and outs of the new tuning package for the BMW X6 by German tuning house Hartge.

The engines have benefited from a bit of ECU (Electronic Control Unit) tuning, the 3.0L Diesel from the xDrive30d gets pumped up to 275hp(+40hp) and the 3.0L Diesel TT from the xDrive35d now lies at 328hp (+42hp). Hartge have also added a couple of performance features to compliment the increased power including a set of sports springs that lowers the overall ride height by up to 30mm along with a set of pretty nifty 22'' wheels.

The exterior has been left largely untouched apart from the addition of a set of Hartge emblems for hood and boot lid along with carbon casings for the side-mirrors.

Maserati Bellagio Fastback Touring Goes into Production

Not too long ago at the 2008 Concorso d'Elegance Villa d'Este the recently revived Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera showed up with two concept cars, one sports berlinetta called A8GCS Berlinetta Touring and a homage to the shooting brake of old the Bellagio Fastback Touring.

The coachbuilding company Superleggera has decided to take the fastback into production, limited production actually since they will only build 25 of them. If you want your Maserati Quattroporte to have additional storage for your golf bags, skis or shotguns then head on over to Milan.

Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera hasn't exactly announced pricing but they claim that if you bring your Quattroporte to Milan, the coachbuilding should not push the bill over a super car price tag. Autoblog.nl claims that 200,000 euro excluding taxes will suffice.

Except for the new rear end, the Quattroporte donor car stays the same unless the owner wants a new interior. Everything is possible if your heart so desires, but at a price of course. Power still comes from the 295 kW / 400 hp 4.2 liter V8 engine. The added cargo space, now max 1,500 liters, only ads 50 kg to the total weight of the car and is capable of a 0-100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds.

Bentley Sacrilege: 800hp ASI Tetsu GTR

The Bentley Continental GT is a quite superb car with its 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine pumping out 552hp, it is a favourite with the rich and famous including one Paris Hilton. She could well be happy after news of of this new tuning kit from Japanese tuning firm TSI featuring a golden livery complete with flowers (yes, that is flowers) all over the hood, surely there is only one person in the world who could feel at home in this.

Despite this sacrilege the Japanese tuning house has at least gone to work to create a more aggressive wide body kit made of ASI's dry carbon. The engineers have also tackled the engine by enhancing the turbochargers and exhaust system along with a bit of ECU tuning bringing the total output to an over-the-top 800hp. To handle this extra power the transmission also required a bit of strengthening.

The ASI Tetsu GTR will be produced in limited numbers with each model being produced individually.

2009 Porshe 911 Carrera S Coup�

Starting on 5 July, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is introducing the next generation of the 911 model series. The four new models � two Coup�s and two Cabriolets � with classic rear-wheel drive offer an even higher standard of dynamic performance thanks to their all-new flat-six power units displacing 3.6 and, re-spectively, 3.8 litres. And the introduction for the first time of direct fuel injection on a Porsche sports car, together with the optional double-clutch gearbox Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), makes the new 911 even more sporting and dynamic.

At the same time these new technologies enhance the already outstanding efficiency of the 911 to an even higher level than before: Featuring PDK, the Carrera Coup� offers outstanding fuel economy of 9.8 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 28.8 mpg imp. And with all new Carreras remaining significantly below the fuel consumption benchmark of 11 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 25.7 mpg imp, CO2 emissions are down by up to 15 per cent.

Maximum output of the 911 Carrera with its 3.6-litre power unit is up by 20 bhp to 345 bhp (254 kW). Output on the 911 Carrera S with its 3.8-litre power unit is equally impressive, up by 30 bhp to 385 bhp (283 kW). With this extra power, the Carrera S Coup� now offers a top speed of slightly over 300 km/h or 186 mph.

The new generation of the 911 is available for the first time with the new Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), Porsche�s double-clutch gearbox. Offering no less than seven forward gears, the new gearbox combines the driving comfort of a converter automatic transmission with the dynamic gearshift of a sequential racing gearbox. And since PDK also boasts an automatic gearshift function, it replaces the former Porsche Tiptronic S automatic transmission on both the Carrera and Carrera S. Through its optimised and adaptive gearshift programs, PDK improves the car�s acceleration and reduces fuel consumption to a level even lower than before.

Porsche developed this gearshift principle featuring two clutches to shift gears without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling power and without even the slightest break in between gears no less than 25 years ago for motorsport. Porsche works drivers benefiting from this technology were able to accelerate faster than their competitors and keep both hands on the steering wheel while shifting gears, thus avoiding even the slightest distraction while shifting. The pioneering achievement from back then now gives the new 911 Carrera even better performance: Equipped with seven-speed PDK, the Carrera S Coup� accelerates in 4.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h, another 0.2 seconds faster than with a manual six-speed gearbox. And the customer in search of optimum driving dynamics even has the option to combine PDK with Porsche�s optional Sport Chrono Plus including Launch Control. The result is high-speed acceleration free of slip from a standstill and a racing gearshift, with the car accelerating to 100 km/h in a truly outstanding 4.3 seconds.

The new generation of the 911 stands out clearly at first sight through innovations in design both front and rear as well as new lights with LED technology. LED daytime driving lights and bi-xenon headlights now standard on all new models in the Carrera range give the silhouette of the 911 even more distinctive style and a truly unique look, interacting with new LED rear lights to ensure an unmistakable and striking appearance also at the rear. And as a further safety option, Porsche now also offers Dynamic Bending Lights on all models.

Prices start at Euro 69,600.- for the Carrera (Euro base price). The Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S both retail at Euro 78,000.- (Euro base price), and the Carrera S Cabriolet is entering the market at Euro 88,000.- (Euro base price).

Jeep Patriot by StartTech

Available in UK dealerships this June, Jeep is now offering a huge range of accessories from notable Chrysler group tuner, Startech. Such standalone items include a Startech chrome grille and a bodykit in addition to a sports suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels. Additional accessories include illuminated entrance sill panels, aluminium pedal pads, three-piece aluminium design kit for the dashboard and aluminium door locking pins. Two sizes of alloy wheels are also available: 19-inch Monostar IV five-spoke alloys or 20-inch Monostar IV five-spoke alloys. Both options come fitted with Yokohama tyres and a locking wheel nut kit.

Jeep has also put together a few exterior and interior packages. The �SE Package� includes a front and rear under-ride bodykit, chrome grille inserts, tailpipe cover and Startech logo for the rear of the vehicle for just �999. For the interior, the �SE Lifestyle� package includes a leather effect centre armrest cover, four chrome loudspeaker rings, a chrome gearshift gate; leather gear knob and leather effect treatments for the top of the door panels and dashboard instrument panel all for �1199.

Lastly, as a performance upgrade, Startech's PowerXtra Performance Module is available for the 2.0-liter diesel and adds 40hp, also prices at �999.

Notes:

• All prices include fitting and VAT. Installation of these accessories will not affect the vehicle warranty. Prices may vary by dealer dependent upon labour rate charged.
• Startech accessories are also available for other Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models.
• Patriot in the attached images features the exterior pack, interior pack and 19-inch Monostar IV five-spoke alloys.

Veilside and Valvoline Unique Mustang

The Valvoline Mustang GT-V is an American pony at its climax, designed by renowned tuner RJ de Vera, built by Roush with VeilSide body kit and given-away by Valvoline! This USD 60,000 car can be yours if you just enter the sweepstakes at a Nightshift event or at www.valvolinechallenge.com until 21 October 2008.

�The overall theme developed for the Mustang GT-V was �Modern yet Classic�. Since we were hoping to bridge the gap between different car enthusiasts we decide to create a fusion between the young tuner performance oriented and aggressive ethos with that of classic American muscle feel. I believe we succeeded in producing an automobile that any car nut would love to have in his garage.� said RJ de Vera.

The Valvoline Roush Mustang GT-V comes with VeilSide's D1GT body kit, Roush 427R engine package, H&R springs, Volk Racing wheels, Diamond audio system and custom suede interior by Street Concepts amongst others.

New Hartge Body Kit for BMW X5

German BMW specialist tuner Hartge has revealed a new body kit for the E70 BMW X5. Although the front lower fascia/spoiler looks a bit muscular, the package as a whole is pretty sweet. Kit details as follows:

• Front fascia/spoiler (includes wheel arch extensions - not possible with M Aerodynamic package)

• Rear skirt (includes wheel arch extensions - not possible with M Aerodynamic package - only in connection with HARTGE stainless steel tail piece)

• 2 piece side sill (only possible with standard aluminium running board)

Audi S5 GT Supercharged by MTM

The production Audi S5 draws its power from its 4.2L V8 FSI engine producing 349 horsepower and 440Nm of torque, but clearly this is not enough in the eyes of Audi tuner MTM. Their new tuning package bursts the power banks of this baby increasing total output to 505 horsepower (equates to 120 hp per liter) and 546Nm of Torque. This boosts the S5's performance figures up to M3 territory with a 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 300km/h.

As the name suggests, MTM has added a supercharger to the V8 unit which can lay claim to being the main reason behind the power increase and it is backed up by a flow-optimized 4-pipe stainless steel sports exhaust system. To counter the heating effect the extra power generates, you will also find an MTM intercooler housing with integrated water cooling ensures that the engine can always generate maximum performance.

To further compliment the system the MTM S5 GT Supercharged gets a new brake system with 8-piston fixed calipers which allows the car to decelerate from 100-0 km/h within about 35 meters. Other features include a tuned coilover suspension and MTM styled 21'' rims.