Month: January 2012

  • Sportec Audi RS 3


    Sportec, the Swiss tuning specialist, has created a range of upgrades for the mental Audi RS 3 Sportback.

    Already packing 250 kw (340 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of torque, Sportec offers a remapped ECU, which takes the 2.5 TFSI’s output to 304 kW (408 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lb/ft) – or 373 kW (500 hp) for owners lucky enough to live outside Switzerland.

    Other components include a full stainless steel exhaust system, Bilstein adjustable coilover suspension kit, while those muscular arches are filled out by Sportec’s familiar Mono/10 light alloy wheels in a 20-inch diameter.

    Finally, to keep the power in check, owners can opt for a MOV’IT big brake conversion and Haldex Performance Controller.

    [Source: Sportec]

  • Top Gear Series 18 trailer


    Here’s the new trailer for series 18 of Top Gear. Our hearts lifted when we spotted the Mercedes-Benz content – then quickly sunk back down to our feet when the inevitable flaming caravan came into focus. It can’t be any worse than the India Special, can it? (more…)

  • Tetsuya Hibino Porsche drifting video


    This video from Nori Yaro, filmed during a rain-soaked drift school event at Minami Chiba Circuit, sees D1 driver Tetsuya Hibino take a student’s Porsche 993 out for a quick demo run. (more…)

  • speedART previews SP91-R


    Rutesheim-based Porsche tuner speedART has announced details of its SP91-R program for the new 991 model ahead of its official début at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

    Visually, there’s a neat CS (Club Sport) rear wing that fastens on top of the factory item as well as lightweight modular LSC-FORGED wheels in a 20- or 21-inch diameter. Various suspension kits will be available for the 991 depending on the owner’s needs; from a simple lowering kit, to a fully adjustable system – suitable for circuit use. The company’s extremely practical airlift suspension option can also be specified. (more…)

  • Video: Ogier pre-Monte testing


    Following on from the news that Sébastien Ogier will make his début as a Volkswagen Factory rally driver at this year’s Rallye Monte Carlo, here’s a video of the 29-year old Frenchman during testing.

    For this season, the Volkswagen Motorsport team will be running a pair of 270 hp Fabia S2000 cars while simultaneously developing its Polo R WRC machine for the start of the 2013 season. (more…)

  • Carlsson CK63 RS Santa Edition


    Either this is a very late or an extremely early Christmas special… but Carlsson, the Merzig-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist, has released these images showing a Santa Edition of its CK63 RS.

    Thanks to the company’s Performance Package and stainless steel sports exhaust, output from the V8 bi-turbo engine jumps from 557 hp (410 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb/ft) of torque to 652 hp (480 kW) and 1000 Nm (738 lb/ft), allowing a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.1 seconds.

    Visually, the ‘Diamond White Metallic’ CLS benefits from an aerodynamic program constructed from carbon components, including a front spoiler and lip, a subtle boot lid spoiler and RS diffuser. The 1/10 Brilliant Edition ultra light forged wheels are 40 percent lighter than the factory rims, while behind them a -30 mm suspension kit provides the required drop in ride height.

    Inside, the cabin is awash with ‘Santa Red’ Nappa leather, and contrasting white inserts elsewhere – including the door panels, dashboard and centre console.

    [Source: Carlsson]

    (more…)