
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec is the latest version of the Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track that shuns non essential equipment like the Bluetooth, trip computer, chrome accents, cruise control, and the multifunction steering wheel — hence reducing the weight and the cost, making for a tuner-ready vehicle that allows owners to choose their own aftermarket additions.
Meant for a SEMA debut next week in Las Vegas, the Coupe 2.0T R-Spec gets a track-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential and Summer performance tires on 19-inch alloys (gunmetal-finished). Under the hood is an intercooled 2.0L turbocharged four-banger capable of rendering 210hp and a top speed of 137mph. All these start at $23,750. [via Jalopnik]

What do you call a Renault Twingo that shuns its customary engine for a 3.5L V8 borrowed from the Range Rover? We don’t know, but French custom car and motorcycle builder Lazareth has the answer — it’s a Renault Twingo Trophy. Inspired by the track version of the Renault Megane Trophy and the Clio V6 Renault Sport, the car outputs nothing less than 180 horses in its bosom. But with that amount of power and such a small ride, everything had to be accommodated by widening both the front and rear tracks, which makes it look a bit chunky. Too bad, the rare Renault Twingo Trophy will set you back $100,000.

When the power rendered by the customary BMW X5 crossover utility vehicle 3.0L engine is not enough, it is big tuning houses like the Germans from Hatrge who come to the rescue. Hatrge has introduced the xDrive35d Performance Package for the BMW X5 which increases the ponies from the standard 265 hp to an appreciable 328hp.
The magic was worked upon by recalibrating the ECU and furnishing a sport exhaust system for the CUV. As a consequence of these changes, the X5 pelts from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds (impressive for such a heavy car) which is 0.9 seconds better than the original, on its way to a max speed of 244km/h. To accommodate the more powerful engine, Hatrge have used the previously released body kit that includes redesigned front and rear fascias, wheel arch extensions and bolder two-piece side sills. The fully trimmed CUV costs €87,277.

The Mercedes Benz C63 AMG super Sedan from Daimler got hotter for the coming season courtesy of the performance package plus treatment. The tuning kit for the C63 AMG borrows a few essential traits from the SLS AMG supercar pushing the power to 487hp (30hp more than the standard version). The treatment ensured that the 6.3L V8 beast got new forged alloy pistons, a new set of crank rods and a lightweight crankshaft all from the SLS territory. To top it all, a titanium-colored intake manifold and recalibrated computer module were mated to complete the package that now helps the car pelt from 0 to 62mph in 4.4 seconds. The braking ought to improve with a package such as this and therefore the brake package was upgraded with composite rotors. On the outside, the sedan version gets a carbon fiber spoiler. The upgraded Mercedes Benz C63 should be available in Europe later this year. Sleek, eh? [via Autoblog]

The Volkswagen GTI has also been an adorable hatch but that is not enough at times to draw admiration. Certain power-upgrades can do the trick and that is what UK Tuning House APS has done with the Golf. It has made the iconic hatch touch 250 horses courtesy of a turbocharged engine. The upgrade has also picked up the torque to 395 Nm which gives this commuter a breath of fresh air as far as the engine is concerned.

The tuning house calls this power upgrade-Stage One, which is reflective of the higher power upgrades to come. APS outfitted the Golf with a turbocharged engine that helps achieve 250bhp with 395 Nm and 5800 rpm. Courtesy of this engine, this car clocks 0 to 60mph in 6.2 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 155mph. The price of this ECU is £599.

Russian Tuning House TopCar has taken on the new Bentley Continental GT and the GT Speed Coupe, for a new tuning package. Known as Bentley Continental GT Bullet, the new monster got no power upgrades (TopCar didn’t touch the engine) meaning there are actually no performance upgrades. However, on the outside, the changes include a new front-end with a new bumper, a grille (GT specific) and an all new hood with air intakes. The front spoiler has been built-in and so are the LED lights. As far as the sides are concerned, the skirts leading into the wheel wells are distinguishable and they compliment the new rear bumper. The entire kit with alloy wheels costs €25,000 (with €7,000 for the matte paintjob), which is pretty steep, but we’re sure money’s not a problem in Russia. Eh?

Tuners don’t spare anything, not even the hybrid cars, which means that the Toyota Prius couldn’t be missed. No one would appreciate toying with the engines for these green babies, therefore Tommy Kaira just took care of the exterior and nothing more. As far as Tommy Kaira is concerned — which by the way thinks there’s life for “eco car tuning”, they integrated the Prius with lower front lips, larger front air dams, and thicker rims. He made the side skirts wider and gave the car a new rear bumper. They also got rid of the Prius logo (not advisable after shelling all that money on a green baby) and attached four tailpipes which makes it guised green beast. Not bad, at all!


German tuners Arden have given a preview on what their package for the Jaguar XJ has in store. As they released renderings show, the Arden XJ 351 is likely to get a new front spoiler and more angled side sills. But the tuning program cannot of course end with just the front spoiler; you can expect Arden to increase the car’s performance with a retuned engine, powertrain, and a new exhaust. Other changes may include a new suspension, brakes, rear spoiler and 21-inch tires to the package. Also included may be certain cosmetic changes like a new gear lever, aluminum pedals, and floor mats.