Car News
KICHERER Mercedes ML63 AMG
KICHERER has applied the stealth bomber look to the Mercedes ML63 AMG which they now call the ML63 Carbon Series.
The German SUV is now featuring a black carbon foil and a performance increase that takes output figures to 540 HP (397 kW) and 640 Nm of torque. According to KICHERE the Mercedes ML63 AMG is now be able to travel at speeds well beyond 250 Km/h.
Review Video: Lexus LFA Nurburgring
Autocar has tested the hardcore, limited edition Lexus LFA Nurburgring, and what better place to do that other than the circuit which inspired its name.
As it has been mentioned many times here before, the Lexus LFA Nurburgring edition packs 10 more horses than the standard LFA from its 4.8-litre V10, but as Autocar points out, increased power is not what this car is all about. They say this limited run version is something close to what Porsche would do if they decided to create the LFA RS.
Kubatech Mercedes SLS 63 AMG
Chiptuning software optimisation specialist mcchip-dkr, a company also responsible for Kubatech UG & Co, is providing a power increase for the Mercedes SLS 63 AMG.
After they revised the car’s ECU by using Sportkats software and simulators, the Kubatech Mercedes SLS 63 AMG was able to produce 625 bhp and 680 Nm of torque. This means a 54 HP and 30 Nm of torque increase from the stock model, with the price for this stage two upgrade being 8,026 Euro.
2012 Jensen Interceptor details
We have fresh details on the new Jensen Interceptor which is due to be launched next year. The company appointed to engineer, develop and build the new is CPP Global Holdings, a British group which will finalise the car in Ceventry and will later assemble it at a new production facility in Browns Lane from 2014.
CPP is the same company who acquired Bowler in January 2011, and who are also in the process of finalising the acquisition of Spyker. CPP has around 250 highly skilled automotive specialist technicians and craftsman and their main speciality is coachbuilding.
Ford E Bike Concept
This year’s Frankfurt Motor Show is not only about four wheeled concepts, production models and supercars, as the Blue Oval is among the company’s who also presented something on two wheels.
It is a bike called the E Concept which uses an unique powering system composed from a motor in the front wheel hub and a 340 Wh lithium-ion battery mounted into the frame and magneotostrictive materials inspired from th world of Formula 1 which convert magnetic energy into kinetic energy and vice versa.
BMW 135i and 335i Power Kits
The Bavarian automaker’s North American arm is introducing two power kits for the BMW 135i and 335i. These kits come in two stages and can be retrofitted via the Port Installation Program at BMW centers.
The first kit costs 599 USD and consists of optimised engine software that can be applied on all model year 135i and 335i vehicles, but also on X6 models produced up to April 2010. This first stage kit enables a 20 horsepower increase in power, meaning the new output will be 320 HP and 332 lb-ft of torque (on the automatic versions) or 317 lb-ft (on the DCT equipped or manual variants).
KICHERER Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
Traditional Mercedes tuner KICHERER has provided a few photos with their upcoming individualisation program for the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster.
Their new kit is called the SLS Roadster Supersport GT/R, and it contains a sporty front spoiler, new side sills, and a hand made GT front grille featuring vertical fins. And speaking of fins, KICHERER says it can also add small aerodynamic fins on the bonnet and on the wings, all of which will be made from high quality carbon.
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Price
The Japanese car maker has recently announced pricing details for the 2012 Toyota Plug-in Hybrid and the Prius V MPV.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes with a 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which will allow a 15 miles range of pure electric driving (at speeds of up to 62 mph), and according to the company the car is also estimated to deliver 49 mpg when operating in hybrid mode. Its charging time is 2.5 to 3 hours at a regular 120 Volt outlet, or 1.5 hours when using a 240 Volt outlet.
Ferrari 458 Spider Promo Video
The Prancing Horse has published the first promo video for the Ferrari 458 Spider. We already know that the hard top model is all about offering unique feelings when behind the wheel, but this Spider version is even more attractive, considering that its aluminium roof allows much more ’emotion’ to enter the cabin.
The Ferrari 458 Spider is presented in a perfect environment, as it leaves the Royal Palace of Caserta early in the morning and shows its supercar characteristics on a twisty road surrounded by beautiful scenery.
2012 BMW Alpina D5 Biturbo
Another recent BMW targeted by Alpina was the diesel version 2012 BMW 5 Series. The car’s 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder common-rail engine featuring direct fuel injection, two turbochargers and variable turbine geometry is now capable of producing 350 HP (257 kW) between 4,000 and 4,200 rpm which means a 105 HP increase over the standard version.
What is also impressive is the fact that even though the 2012 BMW Alpina D5 Biturbo produces more power, consumption and emission figures remain almost unchanged. The Sedan returns 6.2-liters per 100 Km (45.6 mpg) and has CO2 levels of 165 g/Km, while the Touring consumes 6.5-litres/100 Km (43.5 mpg) and emits 172 g/Km of CO2.