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 

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 Chevrolet Camaro V6 gives 312 hp (233 kW / 316 PS) and 278 lb-ft (377 Nm), and Ford’s Mustang V6 delivers 305 hp (227 kW / 309 PS) and 280 lb-ft (379 Nm) of torque. Compared to this the Challenger’s performance will come out at the bottom of the list of contemporaries who are on the V6. Sources say that it is also highly possible that the new offering from Dodge will be more expensive and heavier.

As with the Journey, Dodge has made minor changes to the Challenger – giving it a revised suspension, a better braking system, and gripper Firestone tires.

Sources at Chrysler say that the Pentastar V-6 engine will be available in all of Chrysler’s 13 models. The company says that improved fuel efficiency combined with increased power and lesser emissions is the hallmark of this engine, which is the most advanced six-cylinder engine made by the Chrysler Powertrain group. The new engine can be used in passenger cars, mini-vans as well as sport utilities.

The super car-like Lexus LFA, which is to come for around $400,000, has proved that it’s the best on track by finishing a notch ahead of the Nissan beauty over the quarter mile. The performance of the Lexus LFA may be attributed to the 10 year’s worth of research and development that had been on at the Lexus stables in Japan.

The 553 hp V10 Yamaha manufactured engine under the hood could be something to die for, don’t you think? A top speed of 202 mph is what you get from the LFA’s 4.8-liter, Formula-1-derived, 552-horsepower V-10.

Along the test track, the Lexus LFA might  seem like it lacks the pull compared to what the Nissan GTR boasts of, but it still impresses with a table flat torque curve, with 90% of max delivered before 4000 rpm, according to MotorTrend.

The quarter mile gets dumped in just 11.8 sec @ 123.7 mph, as against the Nissan GTR’s 11.9 sec @ 120.1 mph. That is indeed telling isn’t it? If you aren’t convinced watch the video below.

(Via MotorTrend)

All of this fine tweaking means that the car, with its twin-turbo 3.2-liter V6 pushing 2.2 bar of boost with a compression ratio of 7.8:1 produces 790 hp (589 kW / 801 PS) and 1200 Nm (885 lb-ft) of torque is capable of navigating the quarter mile in 10.7 seconds at 216 km/h (134 mph).

To handle the extra power generated, MTE added a Sachs two-disc sintered clutch in addition to a KW Coilover ‘Club Sport’ suspension, semi-slick tires, and a high-performance braking system (with 360mm discs and six-piston Brembo calipers). Inspired by this beauty, car fans, speed fans, power rush addicts are all looking to see what MTE gives next.

Tuning in Japan is an art, and proof to back my sayings is the new Lexus LX570. But not just any LX570, but the one that the folks from ASI got their hands on. Saying that the luxury SUV can actually perform much more aggressively, ASI took the factory 5.7-litre V8 motor (381hp) and the 6-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission to new heights — dubbed it the ASI Lexus LX570 Invader and promised at least 600hp, and a 5 seconds time to reach 100km/h from standing still. That’s pretty impressive, but in honesty, it sounds like an expensive hack for your Lexus LX570. You game?

The kit comes with new side skirts, a rear diffuser and a rear wing all of which are made of carbon fiber. Though the engine mod details have not been made public, the tuning house claims that the GT600 helps the car with better acceleration while the use of Carbon-ceramic brakes take care of the speed. On the inside, the passengers get sports seats and a rollover cage. Available for order right away, the BF team can even redo the Gallardo with a rear-wheel drive-train.