APS Brings 410HP STaSIS Engineering Tuning Kits for Audi S4 to the UK

APS, the UK importer of the Swiss tuning brand Sportec, has turned to North American-based VW specialist, STaSIS Engineering, for its newest project concerning the latest generation of the Audi S4. The STaSIS Signature S4 is available in two flavors, the Touring and the Challenge editions, with both featuring an engine kit that boosts the 3.0-liter supercharged V6's output from 333 bhp and 344

BMW Releases Performance Exhaust System for Latest M3 Models [with Video]

Do you happen to own a fourth generation BMW M3 Coupe, Sedan or Convertible model, and if so, do you crave for a throatier sound from its exhaust? If you answered yes to both questions and can justify spending $4,374 plus labor for installation for a performance exhaust system, then you may want to take a look the Bavarian firm's new M Performance offering. BMW said the new exhaust system is

Edo Competition Outdoes Itself with 227mph – 365 km/h Lamborghini Murcielago LP750

Edo Competition’s previous Lamborghini Murcielago LP640-tune was a 710HP monster capable of reaching a top speed of 352 km/h or 219 mph, which apparently made it the fastest and most powerful Murcielago in the world. Now, the German tuner has gone one step further by introducing a 750HP variant that continues on to a maximum velocity of 365 km/h (227 mph). The other performance figures are

SLP Performance Receives GM's "Blessings" for Tuned 2011 Camaro ZL1

With its 550HP 6.2-liter supercharged V8, the upcoming 2012 Camaro ZL1 is Chevrolet’s wildest pony car yet. However, it won't be available for sale for another year, and here's where SLP Performance steps in. The U.S.-based company is running a ZL1 tuning program for the current 2011 Camaro SS.In regards of the copyright issues for the Z1 nameplate, SLP has shared a press release from GM stating

It Came From eBay Hell: The Geo Storm Pickup You Never Knew You Wanted

Few names in automotive history make the average car enthusiast’s skin crawl like, “Geo”. Geo was General Motors response to the growing number of Japanese and South Korean imports that had invaded the U.S. market. Essentially taking the most boring and insipid models from Suzuki, Toyota and Isuzu and building them stateside, Geo embodied the whole, “Who Gives A...” attitude that has made GM so

Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept

Toyota Motor together with tuning studio Gazoo Racing transformed a midget car Toyota iQ into the real race car.

Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept not only threateningly looks thanks to the developed aerodynamic body-kit, 17-inch wheels and an aggressive 3-coloured colouring, but also is really ready to extreme driving. The 4-cylinder motor develops 116HP!

The interior of Toyota iQ Racing Concept also looks as race bolide: here there are sports seats with 4-dot belts, a framework of safety and sports accessories, aluminium pedals and so forth.

Range Rover Sport Trio from Project Kahn

British tuning firm Project Kahn has presented its 2011 lineup of modified Range Rover Sport models, which comprise three variants featuring select exterior and interior appointments, plus some performance upgrades.

The diesel-powered Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 RSE Signature Edition is the entry-level model of the range, and it comes with a comprehensive exterior styling package that includes new bumpers, a roof spoiler, twin mesh front grille and side vents, complemented by 22-inch Kahn RSL alloys. Inside, the Signature Edition gets front headrests clad in twin mesh, Kahn gauges and clock, inserts with Swarovski diamonds, stainless steel sill plates and a leather key ring.

The finishing touch is a Project Kahn Acoustic Supersound four-pipe exhaust system, said to emit a “unique deep rumble sound”.

Next up is the more aggressive Range Rover Sport RSE300 Cosworth, which, besides being fitted with the Signature Edition bodykit, also features a so-called painted floating roof, LED daytime running lights, a boot spoiler and 22-inch RS Matte Pearl Grey wheels. According to the tuning firm, a Cosworth engine conversion is responsible for a noticeable power increase.

The RS600 is the range-topping model and it features a 6-piece bodykit, integrated LED lights and custom wheels. The interior is covered in high-quality perforated and quilted leather, complemented by contrasting stitching applied to the steering wheel and gear shifter. Other appointments include the blue Kahn gauges and clock, plus a leather key ring.

By Csaba Daradics

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Range Rover Sport Trio from Project Kahn

British tuning firm Project Kahn has presented its 2011 lineup of modified Range Rover Sport models, which comprise three variants featuring select exterior and interior appointments, plus some performance upgrades.

The diesel-powered Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 RSE Signature Edition is the entry-level model of the range, and it comes with a comprehensive exterior styling package that includes new bumpers, a roof spoiler, twin mesh front grille and side vents, complemented by 22-inch Kahn RSL alloys. Inside, the Signature Edition gets front headrests clad in twin mesh, Kahn gauges and clock, inserts with Swarovski diamonds, stainless steel sill plates and a leather key ring.

The finishing touch is a Project Kahn Acoustic Supersound four-pipe exhaust system, said to emit a “unique deep rumble sound”.

Next up is the more aggressive Range Rover Sport RSE300 Cosworth, which, besides being fitted with the Signature Edition bodykit, also features a so-called painted floating roof, LED daytime running lights, a boot spoiler and 22-inch RS Matte Pearl Grey wheels. According to the tuning firm, a Cosworth engine conversion is responsible for a noticeable power increase.

The RS600 is the range-topping model and it features a 6-piece bodykit, integrated LED lights and custom wheels. The interior is covered in high-quality perforated and quilted leather, complemented by contrasting stitching applied to the steering wheel and gear shifter. Other appointments include the blue Kahn gauges and clock, plus a leather key ring.

By Csaba Daradics

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Binz Xtend E-Class Estate Asks The Question: A Hearse for a Daily Driver?

In 1961, the Checker Motors Corporation, makers of the ubiquitous Checker cab, decided – for whatever reason – to offer a civilian version to private buyers. Called the Superba, you won’t be surprised to learn it was a complete financial flop. Checker went back to making taxi cabs, no doubt thankful they didn’t try to market a civilian hearse instead.

Flash forward to 2011. At the Essen Motor Show in December of last year, European specialist coachbuilder Binz announced the Xtend E-Class estate, and now the car has entered production. By slotting in an extra 861 mm between the rear doors and rear axle, Binz have extended the estate’s cargo volume to a whopping 2620 litres. That’s better than some vans.

Weight is up to a heavy two tonnes while everything else, including the tires and choice of engines, remains standard E-Class fare. Oh, and the hearse-like styling should come as no surprise. Apart from the 6-door E-Class limousine, Binz is also a builder of several Mercedes-Benz derived hearses including one based on the swoopy CLS.

Imagine the sort of nightmares you’ll give your dachshund when it realizes it’s riding in the back of a hearse or the looks on your kid’s faces when you drop them off at school in something even Herman Munster would be embarrassed to be seen in. In my opinion, Binz should stick to building limousines. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Binz via Benzinsider

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Binz Xtend E-Class Estate Asks The Question: A Hearse for a Daily Driver?

In 1961, the Checker Motors Corporation, makers of the ubiquitous Checker cab, decided – for whatever reason – to offer a civilian version to private buyers. Called the Superba, you won’t be surprised to learn it was a complete financial flop. Checker went back to making taxi cabs, no doubt thankful they didn’t try to market a civilian hearse instead.

Flash forward to 2011. At the Essen Motor Show in December of last year, European specialist coachbuilder Binz announced the Xtend E-Class estate, and now the car has entered production. By slotting in an extra 861 mm between the rear doors and rear axle, Binz have extended the estate’s cargo volume to a whopping 2620 litres. That’s better than some vans.

Weight is up to a heavy two tonnes while everything else, including the tires and choice of engines, remains standard E-Class fare. Oh, and the hearse-like styling should come as no surprise. Apart from the 6-door E-Class limousine, Binz is also a builder of several Mercedes-Benz derived hearses including one based on the swoopy CLS.

Imagine the sort of nightmares you’ll give your dachshund when it realizes it’s riding in the back of a hearse or the looks on your kid’s faces when you drop them off at school in something even Herman Munster would be embarrassed to be seen in. In my opinion, Binz should stick to building limousines. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Binz via Benzinsider

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Limited Edition Ariel Atom Tuned by Mugen Packs 270 Horsepower

At the 2011 Autosport International Show in Birmingham, UK, Ariel unveiled the latest iteration of its “no screen, no roof, no doors” Atom, the Mugen-flavored limited edition it first hinted at back in December. Only ten units will be built, each featuring a special livery with a red chassis, white bodywork and red graphics showing the number of the car, to mark 10 years of production and 1,000 Atoms manufactured.

The highlight of the bare-essentials sports car is a Mugen-tuned 2.0-liter Honda K20Z naturally aspirated engine, delivering an impressive 270HP at 8,600 rpm and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm.

Each powerplant is stripped, measured and fully blueprinted at Mugen Europe’s Northhampton headquarters and then reassembled using different pistons, camshafts and valve springs. Other upgrades include a new manifold with bigger throttle body, race grade spark plugs and lightened flywheel. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a close ratio Honda 6-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential.

Once the assembly is complete, Mugen tests the engine on a dynamometer. The entire process lasts seven days and, before being signed off, the high revving four-pot is bore scoped and inspected one last time.

The Atom is known for its superb handling and the Mugen should be no different. Boasting a 4-way adjustable damper/spring package, sourced from the 500HP Atom V8, the anniversary model also comes with high performance ventilated brakes and white Ariel magnesium alloys, shod in Yokohama AO48 track-spec tires.

As you’d expect, the Atom Mugen is a very fast piece of machinery, completing the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 2.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

The open cockpit has been fitted with a new multi function LCD screen housed in a carbon fiber instrument panel. Besides showing gearshift lights and standard warning lights, it can also warn the driver if any other functions go outside their programmed values, which can be handy for pinpointing malfunctions and avoiding critical failures during track days. The driver and passenger racing buckets come with 3-inch FIA harnesses with crutch straps as standard.

“The advantages of being small are obvious in this latest Atom. It’s a hand built car, tailored to suit individual customers who we know and like as friends and who are passionate about their cars and driving. The ability for Mugen to hand build a performance engine, coupled with the legendary Honda reliability, takes this one stage further”, said Simon Saunders of Ariel.

Every Ariel Atom Mugen is built by two technicians, one from Mugen and one from Atom, with both signing off the engine and car only when they’re 100% sure everything is A-OK, reflected in a numbered build plate. No information on the pricing has been released.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Atom via Atom Club

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Limited Edition Ariel Atom Tuned by Mugen Packs 270 Horsepower

At the 2011 Autosport International Show in Birmingham, UK, Ariel unveiled the latest iteration of its “no screen, no roof, no doors” Atom, the Mugen-flavored limited edition it first hinted at back in December. Only ten units will be built, each featuring a special livery with a red chassis, white bodywork and red graphics showing the number of the car, to mark 10 years of production and 1,000 Atoms manufactured.

The highlight of the bare-essentials sports car is a Mugen-tuned 2.0-liter Honda K20Z naturally aspirated engine, delivering an impressive 270HP at 8,600 rpm and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm.

Each powerplant is stripped, measured and fully blueprinted at Mugen Europe’s Northhampton headquarters and then reassembled using different pistons, camshafts and valve springs. Other upgrades include a new manifold with bigger throttle body, race grade spark plugs and lightened flywheel. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a close ratio Honda 6-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential.

Once the assembly is complete, Mugen tests the engine on a dynamometer. The entire process lasts seven days and, before being signed off, the high revving four-pot is bore scoped and inspected one last time.

The Atom is known for its superb handling and the Mugen should be no different. Boasting a 4-way adjustable damper/spring package, sourced from the 500HP Atom V8, the anniversary model also comes with high performance ventilated brakes and white Ariel magnesium alloys, shod in Yokohama AO48 track-spec tires.

As you’d expect, the Atom Mugen is a very fast piece of machinery, completing the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 2.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

The open cockpit has been fitted with a new multi function LCD screen housed in a carbon fiber instrument panel. Besides showing gearshift lights and standard warning lights, it can also warn the driver if any other functions go outside their programmed values, which can be handy for pinpointing malfunctions and avoiding critical failures during track days. The driver and passenger racing buckets come with 3-inch FIA harnesses with crutch straps as standard.

“The advantages of being small are obvious in this latest Atom. It’s a hand built car, tailored to suit individual customers who we know and like as friends and who are passionate about their cars and driving. The ability for Mugen to hand build a performance engine, coupled with the legendary Honda reliability, takes this one stage further”, said Simon Saunders of Ariel.

Every Ariel Atom Mugen is built by two technicians, one from Mugen and one from Atom, with both signing off the engine and car only when they’re 100% sure everything is A-OK, reflected in a numbered build plate. No information on the pricing has been released.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Atom via Atom Club

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