Ferrari 430 Scuderia Novitec Rosso

Making the world’s best sports cars even faster, more powerful and more individual is the specialty of NOVITEC ROSSO. The world’s leading tuner for the cars from Maranello now also offers a sophisticated tuning program for the new lightweight-design model Ferrari 430 Scuderia. At the heart is the NOVITEC ROSSO Supersport Bi-Kompressor engine that bumps power output from standard 510 hp/375 kW to 717 hp/527 kW and increases top speed from 198 to 216 mph.

There is no such thing as a too powerful sports car. The NOVITEC ROSSO specialists have developed a special twin-supercharger version of the Scuderia’s four-valve eight-cylinder engine.

Engine
Power bhp: 510
Torque nm: 722
Type: V8 Twin Supercharged

Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.5 Seconds
Top Speed: 216 mph

Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir

If you're thinking about dropping $1.5 million on a set of wheels, would a special edition really tip the scales one way or another? Well, Bugatti evidently thinks so. After having produced the Pur Sang and the Fbg par Hermès editions, the ultra-premium auto marque revealed the Sang Noir last month.

Now, after disgruntled U.S. buyers lost out on the opportunity to buy the Pur Sang when it sold out to an invited group of European customers in Paris, Bugatti has announced that its American clientele will get first crack at the limited run of 15 Sang Noir Veyrons before they're offered elsewhere in the world. And who said holding American citizenship isn't worth what it used to be?

RENNtech PKG2 Boosts SLR 722 to 740 HP

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren may be on its way out, but that doesn't mean there can't be more horsepower extracted from the supercar. The original had 617hp. Then came the SLR 722, which despite its name had 650 horses underhood. The 722's American importer, RENNtech, addressed the perception gap with its first package, boosting output to an eponymous 722hp. Never satisfied to leave well enough alone, RENNtech has now released its second package for the SLR 722 that further boosts power to 740 thanks to a revised ECU and a freer-flowing exhaust system.

While RENNtech's PKG1 went for a solid $12,900 (come on, what's a lousy $13k on the price of such a supercar?), the new PKG2 costs a heftier $26,990, plus an extra $7,800 for the optional Signature 10-spoke 20-inch rims, which can be had in chrome, satin-ceramic or "sniper gray" finishes. The SLR won't be leaving without a final swan song.

Top 10 Italian Cars for Men

Number 10: Fiat Panda This former European Car of the Year made it clear that an Italian car could be a success without serious performance credentials. The 1980 debut of the Giugiaro-designed box on wheels gave buyers a frill-free way to get around without a great sense of urgency.

Number 9: Maserati Bora Truly one of Maserati's best-looking and -performing cars, the V8 mid-engine coupe of 1971-1980 was good for up to 165 mph in tip-top tune shape. Even the EPA regulations of the day didn't emasculate the Bora as they did with other cars.

Number 8: Ferrari 308 GTB / GTS The car most associated with Magnum, P.I. had plenty of star power in its own right, making it a success then and a reasonably affordable means of Ferrari ownership today. Some purists contend that the V8 mid-engine, 308 GTB coupes and GTS targas of 1975-1984 had misplaced powerplants that were four cylinders shy of being a true Ferrari.

Number 7: Lancia Stratos The short wheelbase and wedge shape suggested performance, and the Stratos backed it up with a willing and able V6 sourced from Ferrari. With just under 500 produced from 1972-1974, you'd best grab any model you can find.

Number 6: Alfa Romeo Spider Alfa Romeo has been dubbed as the poor man's Ferrari, but in some ways that's really a compliment. A twin-cam engine that loved to rev and tossable handling. Alfisti aren't enamored with the rubber-bumper cars that hit the scene in 1974, and the best compromise of looks and drivability is probably found in the steel-bumper 1971-1973 cars, with their fuel-injected, 2.0-liter engines.

Number 5: Lamborghini Murchielago The all-wheel drive Murci�lago still commands your full attention and respect for what its V12 can do, but now you can drive it hard without fear of needing major service at the end of the day. That's especially true of the LP640 and its even more powerful (632 horsepower) 6.5-liter engine, introduced in 2006.

Number 4: Ferrari 250 GTO The original Ferrari GTO of 1962-1964 embodied what few other cars have: gorgeous looks, fearsome performance, racing success, and (relative) civility on the road. The Scaglietti design was used to more or less replace the bodywork of the open 250 GT Testa Rossa to comply with FIA sanctioning rules -- not that Ferrari played by all the rules.

Number 3: Fiat 500 Every country had its postwar "people's car." In Britain, it was the Austin Mini. Over in France, the Citroen 2CV slowly moved the masses. And, of course, the VW Beetle was a worldwide hit. The Italian version of this formula was the iconic Fiat 500.

Number 2: Lamborghini Countach Some cars just weren't meant to be tamed; the best you can hope for is a truce. If any car embodies such a relationship, it's the Lamborghini Countach.

Number 1: Ferrari Enzo Plenty of automakers claim to integrate racing technology into their street cars, but the ultimate example of this, and of Italian cars in general, is Ferrari's Enzo.Utilizing Formula One technology throughout, the 2002-2004 Ferrari Enzo is even more stunning when you consider it as a whole: It doesn't just accelerate like mad, it doesn't just handle phenomenally, it doesn't just make bad drivers look good (OK, with one infamous exception); it is the ultimate Ferrari, and it is the ultimate Italian car.

Source: Ask Men

Wald Tunes Lexus IS-F

The extrovert of the entire Lexus lineup, the IS-F isn't light on visual or actual horsepower. Japan's Wald Tuning hasn't let that fact get in their way of releasing the Sports Line Black Bison bodykit. Wald's setup adds some visual aggression through an increase in the number of strakes and vents, as well as a trunklid spoiler. Doubtless, this get-up will add weight, possibly offering contradictory real-world performance from a vehicle that certainly looks like it should be fast. The amped-up visuals also help distract from the controversial fender gills, and the Black Bison package for the IS-F manages tack-on without being overly tacky. Well, maybe just a little tacky.

New 2009 Nissan Maxima

The latest Nissan out of the gate - the sixth model to wear the "Maxima" designation - gets a significant redesign for 2009. Launched in 1985, the first Maxima was a praised departure from its predecessor, the rear-wheel-drive Datsun 810. Reconfigured as front-wheel-drive, the newly-named sedan foreshadowed the arrival of Nissan's "4-Door Sports Car" or "4DSC", a name aptly-coined for the 1989 model. While each subsequent generation seemed to soften (much to the lament of enthusiasts), the automaker claims this ground-up remake once-again earns the 4DSC moniker.

2008 Aznom Clubman Chateau Mini

Pleasure, Emotion, Pragmatism, Elegance. These are the basic items of the new interpretation of the Mini Clubman signed Aznom. So the new Mini Chateaux is born, a Mini that, thanks to its name evokes the elegance of the world of the Grands Chateaux; for this reason in its car trunk has found place a 6 bottles (and chalices) wine-cellar completely caulked and shock absorbent built up with the same wood and leather selected for the car.

Concerning the inner features, the match of aged / gaucho leather and alcantara creates a warm vintage atmosphere that embraces the passengers in a special trip of elegance, emotion and tradition. In order to make this car version really special, we chose to couple a more “classic” style leather with an unconventional/eccentric old-looking one.

Regarding the car body , the exterior paint pearly-changeable brown has been matched with a sandy/gold metallic paint selected for the top, for part of bumpers and other details shaping up the whole car style creating an ideally separation between top and body, mostly thanks to the wide side windows that lightens the top part of the car.

The really distinguishing element is the precious wood used internally and externally. Inside (glossy finished) for some details of dashboard and doors. Outside (mat and weather resistant finished) for the top part of back bumper, head lamps frame, underlining so the back doors, emblmatic element, typical of the Mini Clubman version.

So, we wish in this way to dedicate to the legendary Mini Clubman a really brand-new interpretation, worthy of being its modern heiress.

The chose alloy wheels TSW “Pace” are elegant and sporty same time, and thanks to the generous dimensions of 18” equipped with 205/40 tyres Yokohama S-Drive has been put a stress on the peculiar dynamic vocation that all along distinguishes the Mini style.

The Mini Chateaux will be realized in a limited edition of sole 12 really exclusive samples characterized by numbered labels completed with the name of the lucky owners.

Aston Martin N400 Roadster

It's all abou the sound of the engine in the new Aston Martin N400 roadster. With the roof down, at 4,000 rpm you reach what appears to be the most favorable feeling in the world "Nirvana". At this point at the exhuast baffles up more, rather than the V8 burbling away, it takes on a much harder edge. Thank goodness the engine has a lovely singing voice.

The N400 is a limited-edition car with only 240 built and now completely sold out, but you might still be able to get the odd one at one of the dealers. It gets the same rather naff Nürburgring map stitched into the leather on the interior ,and also gets the sports suspension option that appears on the Vantage face-lift.

What's really impressive though about this is, that it doesn't ruin the ride. There's still a suppleness here that's surprising in a roadster, which means that scuttle shake also never becomes a problem.

Other than the slightly notchy gear change, the driving experience is incredible, it really is surprising how pointy and directional the N400 feels. All of which means that concentrating on the noise becomes pretty much the only thing you need concern yourself with.

Bumper Stickers Cause Road Rage

Bumper stickers are hilarious. "If the screams from my trunk bother you, turn up your radio"? Side-splitting. 'I'm not stupid, I'm hard of thinking'? Classic.

But psychologists in Colorado have discovered a high correlation between bumper stickers and road rage. Really. More bumper stickers equal more rage.

And, even more intriguingly, it doesn't matter what's on the stickers: angry slogans, hilarious one-liners, messages of world peace. Sticky bumper, angry brain.

The study tells us that the bumper sticker is used as something that marks territory, personalising the car in the same way as vanity plates and decals and making the driver more likely to defend their territory.

"We have a lot of instincts that animals have," says William Szlemko, co-author of the study. "Many people respond as if the violation took place in their home and not on a public road."
So unless you want people thinking you're a cleaver-wielding nutjob, you'd better peel off that "My Other Car is a Bus" as quick as you can.

That said, we've always found the shotgun/back window correlation a rather clearer indication of likely road manners.

Source: Top Gear

2008 Gemballa Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO

Being one of the premier addresses for stylish and refined Porsche tuning, GEMBALLA has earned itself a worldwide reputation over the course of time. Thanks to its outstanding expertise, proven in numerous conversions, each customer acquires a vehicle that represents the absolute pinnacle of what is achievable in terms of design and performance. One further such demonstration of its abilities is GEMBALLA’s Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO. So ready or not here it comes.

Engine
Power bhp: 600
Torque nm: 840

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.5 Seconds
Top Speed: 198 mph

The PPI PS TT Coupe – The Second Generation

The history of PPI Automotive Design is inextricably linked with the Audi TT. The PPI RS TT was the name given to the first generation of Audi TTs tuned by PPI, which became the top seller and foundation for the success of this Audi tuning specialist from Swabia, Germany. With the PPI PS TT, PPI is now following up on this success story, and is presenting the second generation. Equipped with an innovative and sporty design, you might be tempted to think that interior values would only play an inferior role. If so, you would be wrong – the PPI PS TT offers advanced, masterful technology and driving pleasure which will satisfy even the most discerning requirements.

Read Full Article at Tuning News

2008 B&B Audi S5

The new Audi S5, tuned by B&B, reaches in the B&B level 1 modification having 300 hp and impressive 325 hp in level 2, as 3.0 TDI version. The classical Audi S5 4.2 V8 can be optimized in 5 stages up to a maximum of power of 400hp. This allows speedup to 62 mph in under 5 seconds and possible top speed of 175 mph in association with the annulment of the speed limiter.

To stabilize the A5 steering performance B&B uses a special sport chassis which reduces the height of the original chassis by max. 40mm. In combination with the new B12 wheels in
9” x 20” with maximum tyres in 255/30-20 the whole modification allows higher rates of turn and a firmer handling of the car.To meet the risen requirements an adapted aerodynamic program including B&B sport end pipes “RS-Style” is as well available and finishes the aesthetical appearance of the Audi A5.

The Aprilia SXV 550

The Aprilia SXV550 can best be described by the word 'extreme'. For its extremely compact yet very powerful V-Twin engine to its extremely uncomfortable saddle, this is a bike that demands attention from its rider. Also extreme is its ability to wheelie and perform stoppies, so much so that it must be ridden with great respect on the street.

The Supermoto category is basically made up of off-road bikes equipped with just the bare essentials to be street-legal. Off go the knobbies and in their places are spooned grippy sportbike tires on 17-inch wheels. This bike fits neatly into that category and was created with maximum fun in mind, but does the SXV's extreme nature take the joy out of riding it on the street? Very much so, this bike can do it all, stoppies, wheelies, and oh the sound.

New NSX To Beat GT-R

Honda's Ceo is demanding for the new NSX to be stronger and faster than the new Nissan GT-R which has put the Bugatti to shame at Nürburgring. The new NSX is suspected to get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque and an all wheel drive system.

By the time the NSX is finished in during the next 2 years. The GT-R will be even more improved. And the killer price will stay the same, unlike the NSX.

Source: Inside Line

30 Years of M Power

Thirty years have pased since the first “M” series production model, the legendary M1 rolled of the Bavarian car maker’s assembly line in 1978, the BMW M GmbH has now delivered 300,000 M vehicles all across the world. The 300,000th model is an alpine white BMW M3 Coupe that was sold to a customer in Regensburg, an East Bavarian town located near BMW’s “M” plant.

Although the M1 marks the beginning of BMW M model history, it was more of a race car than every day driver. The first real-world car to wear the “M” sport badge was essentially the 1979 M535i which was followed by the 286Hp M6/M635CSi in 1983 and a year latter, the 286Hp M5.
Today, the vehicle portfolio of the BMW M ranges in over nine models, the Z4 M Roadster and Coupe that boast a straight six with 343 bhp; the M5 Sedan & Touring, the M6 Coupe and Convertible that all feature a 507 bhp V10 engine and last but not least, the M3 Coupe, Sedan and Convertible that are equipped with a 420 bhp V8 engine.

According to the Bavarian automaker, in the year 2007, BMW M GmbH automobiles accounted for around one percent of the BMW Group's overall turnover worldwide.

The most popular M model is the M3 with worldwide purchases of the new version having surpassed the 4,000 mark in the first four months of 2008. The USA is the most important market for BMW M automobiles, and on the European continent the high-performance sports cars are popular in the UK, Germany and Italy.

The 2008 Mercedes Benz C300

Engineered specifically for performance driving, the newly designed C300 Sport Sedan embodies seven years of automotive thinking. Now more aggressive than ever, its dramatic 17-inch 7-twin-spoke wheels and new athletic profile are just the beginning.

Restyling runs the full length and breadth of the vehicle — even to its underside, where superior aerodynamics work hand in hand with the new AGILITY CONTROL sport suspension that automatically senses and adjusts to different road conditions and driving styles.

An AMG front intake seizes air — and attention — as it channels brake-cooling wind to the wheels. The Mercedes-Benz star is positioned front and center.

Inside, dual-zone climate control and an 8-speaker radio/CD/MP3 sound system are models of easy-to-use simplicity. The multimedia interface, comprised of one central controller and a five-inch color display, can be hidden when not in use.

Source: MB USA

2009 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe

As if we didn't have enough already with the four door Roll Royce Phantom. This 2 door coupe is more than enough to satisfy the needs of the rich and not so famous. Superior styling as always and a superior V12 engine pulling out 453 horsepower and 531 lb-ft torque going from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. The Rolls Royce phantom is for those young professional people who don't have a family yet but want to roll in luxury. Or for the man who wants to go on a special trip with his wife alone on the weekend.

Engine

Power bhp: 453

Torque lb-ft: 531

Type: V12

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.6 Seconds

Top Speed: 155 (electronically limited)

Base Price for 2009 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe: $412,000

V10? A Good Drifter?

Dodge Viper is a V10 powered sports car developed by Chrysler. Samuel Hubinette who won the Formula Drift Championship in 2004 and 2006 drifting in a Dodge Viper and the Viper has won several FIA GT Championships and two 24 Hours of Le Mans wins.

I always thought anything higher than a V8 was not good at drifting, well Dodge has proved me wrong.

Source: Drift Japan

Announcing Top Gear's - Team America

California, free refills and Megan Fox are no longer the only good things about America.

Because now, America has its own Top Gear television show.

And even though you will have no idea who any of them are, they've just announced their presenters...

First up there's Adam Carolla, who has a whole host of superlatives associated with his name, like 'comedian', 'radio personality', 'television presenter' and 'actor'.

He's best known over there for his radio program "The Adam Carolla Show", yet over here you might have seen him in Crank Yankers, the TV show he produced and starred in that features real crank calls by celebrity guests which are then re-enacted on screen by puppets.

Most importantly however, he owns two classic Lambos, Maseratis, Ferraris and an Audi S4.

Which is a better qualification than anything.

Then there's Tanner Foust - how good is that name?? - who's a high demand stunt guy, having driven in The Bourne Ultimatum, that Fast And The Furious set in Japan and, er, The Dukes Of Hazzard.

He's also won a load of different things for rallying, drifting, ice racing and time attack. But all you really need to know is this, and that he drives a 'tricked-out' M3.

Bringing up the rear is Eric Stromer, who's an American DIY legend - think Handy Andy with blonde hair and a guitar - who's also a regular on Carolla's radio show, advising listeners on their construction concerns.

And he drives a Toyota Camry hybrid... ahem.

It seems no one's told Clarkson that though, 'cos he's quite happy about it all.

Source: Top Gear

Chevy May Double Produce in Europe

Chevrolet's team in Europe is planning to double on model range and production in Europe. Speaking with UK’s Autocar Magazine, Chevrolet Europe’s Chief Executive Wayne Brannon said that the whole portfolio will be renewed by 2012 and that the company is particularly interested in creating an Opel Zafira-sized MPV along with a small SUV that would sit right under the larger Captiva SUV.

Some of the model's that will be added is the new Chevrolet Camaro coupe and convertible versions to improve Chevy's image and bring more customers to dealerships, along with the plug-in hybrid Volt.

Kicherer CLK 63 AMG Black Edition

The prevailing notion that sports cars are just a pleasure for two was now contradicted by Kicherer.

The renowned Mercedes embellishing specialists from Stockach have enriched the CLK 63 AMG, which is actually a two-seater, with a sporty back seat.

When you take the north loop in less than 8 minutes with this bolide, all those seats will definitely provide more fun – and adrenaline – than any rollercoaster.

And what is more, those additional seats guarantee a Black Edition with a significantly improved road capability.

But, Kicherer will even delight design and sports enthusiasts.

The radiator grill, already quite impressive on the standard version, is replaced by an even sportier variant made of carbon and featuring carbon fibre struts.

The beautiful forged three-part wheel, Kicherer RS-1, also fulfils a double function as it is a visual and – thanks to weight reduction – also a sportive gain.

The chassis – specially developed for Kicherer by DTM specialist H&R – also improves the racer’s cornering dynamics by several degrees. Since the Kicherer engineers have taken care of the engine, too, they have further underlined their reinterpretation by carbon mirror shells.

With its 540 hp, the Kicherer CLK racer gained about 33 hp. Even the torque has been improved by another 20 Nm.

Thus equipped, the Kicherer CLK only needs 4.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and runs faster than 300 km/h – thanks to a derestricted V/max.

In order to delight any fellow passenger’s vision, Kicherer has equipped the car with additional carbon intarsia.

These do not only include – as is usually the case – parts of the centre console and of the door linings, but also ultra-light front seat buckets made of genuine carbon.

Therefore, even at a red light, the “normal” Black Edition becomes a Kicherer Racer.

Source: Tuning News