Carbonyte UK will be collaborating with Limo Broker out in the UK to create the world’s first, super-stretched Audi R8 V10. Limo Broker is already known for their development of the stretched Ferrari 360 Modena limousine. The project has already received so much attention that it has reportedly been fast-tracked for completion in the next few months.

The fastest car that Audi has ever built will retain the 5.2l V10 engine that would normally propel it to more than 190mph but will lose its great handling and maybe even its dignity too. Despite the enthusiasm for such a vehicle, it is likely that it will generate some controversy by car fans everywhere. The modified supercar will seat eight passengers in bucket seats and getting in and out will be facilitated by the addition of four gullwing doors on both sides.

Limo Broker has announced that work on the eight seater Audi R8 conversion has already started and they estimate that it’ll be completed by the summer of 2012.

Watch the Audi R8 Limo promo video below:

Source: Digital Trends

Sportec has introduced a new tuning package for the Audi RS3 Sportback.

The Audi RS has a stainless steel sports exhaust system, an adjustable coilover suspension, that reduces the ride height by 20-40mm, and 20-inch alloy wheels that cover high-performance Movit brakes.

A revised ECU results in the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine producing 408 PS (300 kW / 402 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 68 PS (50 kW / 67 hp) and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft). Non-Swiss versions can be tuned to deliver 500 PS (368 kW / 493 hp).

Source: World Car Fans

But now BMW performance specialist Dinan has stepped up with a Stage 2 performance software update that is available for the 2011-12 335i, 2011-12 135i, 2012 X5 xDrive 35i and 2011-12 X6 xDrive 35i models. For a price of $1, 999, the software offers 355 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque and a gain of 55 horsepower and 101 pound-feet of torque on a 2011 335i. The software is uploaded to the car via the diagnostic port and so no “black box” add-on is required.

Dinan claims that the software enhances driveability throughout the engine’s range, yet produces quicker acceleration due to the significant gain in torque.

Dinan is also offering a warranty of up to 4 years and 50,000 miles, ensuring that consequential damages aren’t a concern for either the owner or the servicing dealer.

Source: Motor Authority 

Now you can configure your very own Spider 458 with Ferrari’s latest web-based supercar configurator that is live on the Italian auto manufacturer’s website.

You can choose from a number of different specifications starting with the exterior and working your way into the interior of the vehicle. Exterior options include paint colour (with a range of metallic, non-metallic and 1950′s colours) rims, break calipers, tyres and carbon fibre options. The interior becomes more exciting with interior colouring and materials, seats and style, carpets, interior trim and other interior options including infotainment system, rev counter and carbon fibre trim to choose from.

Once you are satisfied with your Spider, a summary of your dream supercar is presented. You can also choose between an open or closed top and can take a snapshot of the final product. Users also have the ability to compare a configuration to any another that is created.

As long as you’re not too unproductive, give it a try!

To start configuring your own Spider 458 go to Ferrari.com

Lexus handed its already fast IS F over to the go-fast team at Toyota Racing Development and produced the IS F Circuit Club Sport where the sport sedan received a variety of mechanical and aero adjustments and improvements. Lexus first unveiled the concept at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, with some further details following on this year.

The exterior of the vehicle has been fitted with a new carbon fibre front spoiler, rear diffuser and hood, also made from the light-weight material. Along with its large rear wing, the luxury bruiser also comes equipped with lightweight forged aluminum wheels while a choice of magnesium rollers are also available. To improve handling, Toyota offers various solutions for the suspension including stabilizers and different shocks, better brake pads and a titanium muffler.

The package also offers a performance damper kit offering buyers two separate settings that independently adjust compression.

The date at which this new Lexus sport will be available and the price tag to accompany it have not yet been revealed.

source: Autoblog

German manufacturer Audi, who has won the 24 hrs 10 times in the last 12 years, showcases the very best of how motor sport technology programs that they develop directly effect the cars that are produced for the street.  The tie between the track and the street is unmistakable for Audi and this evolution is also echoed by two companies with the same motorsport centric vision, BBS and Michelin, the technologies of which are developed for customer use.

Baumgartner, Brand, Schiltachi, more affectionately known the world over as BBS, was born from the last names of the two founders and the city in Germany where the company was founded in 1970. BBS pioneered the develoment of the three-piece racing wheel and today, with the knowledge, experience, technology and product line, are the dominant choice for track and street use. A relatively new wheel from BBS is the CH-R that incorporates many of the technologies and design features established in the BBS Motorsport program, with specific attention paid to strength and weight savings. The milling, spoke design, rim flange and production methods are all ideals learned for the track and leveraged for the street. The result is a thinner rim wall thickness and a lighter wheel.

The CH-R is available in several diameters and 3 unique finishes: Brilliant Silver, Satin Black and Satin Titanium. BBS also offers a rim protector which permanently safeguards the look of the wheel. If any damage occurs, the rim protector is a replaceable spare part and can be exchanged without having to replace the entire rim or remove the tyre. The wheels come perfectly packaged with all equipment and new lugs.

A manufacturer that also looks to motor sport for technology inspiration to be used in its performance road tyres is Michelin, the gold standard in motorsport and road going rubber for decades. The latest Michelin offering, the Pilot Super Sport,  gives consumers better grip and handling in the dry and wet, a 30,000 mile tread life guarantee and a superior price point than its predecessor. Michelin has tagged the Pilot Super Sport, as “Born from Endurance”. Michelin claims that it able to deliver “12% better handling and 2x longer lasting tread life than its leading competitors.” The Twaron Fiber Belt, a Bi Compound tread band and Variable contact patch 2.0. give this tyre its superior formula.

source: fourtitude

The new model was improved with the help of Audi’s customers who provided valuable suggestions and input. Werner Frowein, Quattro managing director said in a statement that We have close ties to our customers and analyzed their suggestions and wishes worldwide and subjected the R8 LMS to further development in many details.”

Other new features include: a new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi, now part of the standard equipment, that provides protection and surpasses the mandatory minimum requirements under extreme loads; an updated transmission to better handle long-distance runs; a new exhaust system that enables the 5.2-litre V10 engine to produce 570 PS and larger side air vents.

While all 2012 vehicles will be upgraded based on the specs above, all previous models will be offered conversion kits.

First deliveries will begin in March 2012 with pricing starting at at €329,900 (about R3, 658 591)

source: autoweek

Mercedes has revealed its new 2012 ML 63 AMG in order to compete effectively with BMW’s M division SUVs and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo.

The new 4X4 is installed with AMG’s new 5.5-litre V8 Biturbo engine that cranks out 518bhp and 516lb ft.  Although limited to 155mph, the ML63 will surpass 62mph in just 4.8 seconds.  It is also offered with a performance package and if selected, turbo pressure is increased from 1.0 to 1.3 bar to unleash 415kW and 760Nm, making it possibly the most powerful production SUV in the world.

With speed also comes conscientious driving as Mercedes has fitted the vehicle with a number of fuel saving technologies. There’s stop-start, the latest piezo-managed direct injection and a seven-speed auto transmission for a CO2 rating that decreases fuel consumption by 27% from its predecessor. Average economy is also trimmed with a decrease in weight of 40kg. Four-wheel drive, Airmatic air suspension with three selectable modes, adaptive dampers and a choice of 20 inch or 21 inch alloys comes standard.

The performance package also offers some special extras that include an engine cover in genuine carbon, red-painted brake callipers and the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather.

According to Mercedes’s website “The ML 63 AMG thrills with unbridled power- felt and heard with every acceleration and visible in every detail of the powerful, distinctive AMG design.”

source: car magazine

Ford is updating its 2013 Flex model with a new nose design, updated power and improved technology. The three-row, seven-passenger model features a restyled front fascia with a nose that is sleeker, sophisticated and more robotic. Apart from the addition of paint colour and wheel choices, no other design elements have been modified.

Flex receives a powertrain update with a base 3.5-litre V6 that now packs 20 more horsepower – 285 versus 265. Customers will still have the option of fitting the Flex with Ford’s 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, which carries over unchanged.

As with all other upcoming 2013 Ford models the Flex will receive the updated version of the MyFord Touch technology incorporated into the dashboard that is simpler in layout and display and ultimately more user friendly. Other interior improvements include pushbutton start, rain sensing wipers and the addition of more safety features including optional rear inflatable seatbelts and a host of collision-avoidance technologies.

Mark Fields, President of the Americas states that ”Flex appeals to people who want to stand out from the crowd and has the highest retention rate of any vehicle in the Ford lineup. With technologies not found in other full-size utilities, even better fuel economy and a more modern, sophisticated look we’re offering people even more reasons to choose Flex with the new model.”

source: autoblog

The Audi A4 series has been updated with the new A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, A4 Allroad Quattro and S4 for 2013. Audi’s A4 has been the German auto manufacturer’s best seller for 39 years and is in its eighth generation. The A4 has been updated with reused sheet metal and powertrains to keep it at the forefront of the entry level luxury car arena.

In terms of styling, the new A4 has a more angular nose with the replacement of the bonnet and front bumper as well as the lights and grille. The bonnet has a stronger curvaure with the lights at the front and rear having been modified with a slight wave and styalized LED elements.

The interior has been refined with new steering wheels with high gloss and chrome inlays and a simplified MMI infotainment system. High-gloss applications and the slender chrome trim at the controls add a sophistication to the design.

The grille is painted grey with high gloss black on the six cylinder models or in combination with the S line exterior package and the A4 Quattro is distinguished by the horizontal chrome applications and round fog lights of the grille.

With improved motors, fuel consumption levels have decreased by 11% facilitated by the start-stop system, forced induction and standardisation of of direct-injection while still maximising power and torque. Depending on the model chosen, drive is channelled to either the front wheels, or all four on Quattro models, via a six-speed manual, CVT Multitronic or seven-speed S-tronic automatic gearboxes. in 2013, the A4 will be fitted with a new electromechanical power steering system.

European buyers will be able to select from six turbodiesel and four gasoline engines while the US are expecting at least the 2.0-litre turbocharged four (211 horsepower) and 3.0-litre supercharged six with up to 333 horsepower in high-performance S4 trim.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed but Audi claims that it will change only slightly from the current offering.

image source: carmagazine