Carlsson Does the New 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Sports Saloon

The new CLS won’t be arriving in Mercedes-Benz dealerships before the end of January 2011, yet German tuning firm Carlsson has already unveiled its performance and styling program for the second generation of the banana-shaped sports saloon.

The German tuner revamps the Mercedes model’s exterior with a comprehensive aerodynamics package comprising of a restyled front bumper that incorporates a lip spoiler and LED fog lights, side skirts, a rear apron with a built in diffuser and space for the new rectangular-shape tail pipes, and a boot lid spoiler.

The side air outlets, revised grille and the new bonnet with power domes are also part of the package, which can be complemented by a choice of alloy wheel designs.

For the interior, Carlsson’s menu includes an Alcantara sports steering wheel, pedals and foot rest made of brushed aluminium, plus unique floor mats featuring the firm’s logo with a matching boot cover.

The tuning house offers performance upgrades for the CLS 350 CGI petrol and 350 CDI V6 diesel models. With the CK35 kit, the V6 petrol engine‘s output is lifted from 306HP and 370Nm to 333HP and 410Nm. As a result, the car’s 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time drops from 6.1 seconds to 5.9 seconds.

Thanks to the firm’s C-Tronic DIESEL POWER electronic tune, the 350 CDI produces 320HP and 780Nm of peak torque, up from the stock model’s 265HP and 650Nm. This allows the diesel-powered to go from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds instead of the standard 6.2 seconds.

Other performance features include Carlsson’s patented C-Tronic Suspension system that can lower the vehicle’s ride height by up to 30 mm, as well as constantly adjust the spring travel depending on the road conditions.

Volkswagen Golf R Stage 2 with 330hp by APS

 

APS of Brackley is pleased to unveil a range of performance, dynamic and styling components for owners of the 275 bhp Volkswagen Golf R seeking bespoke, high quality enhancements. APS can now offer two stages of performance tuning for the 2.0-litre TFSI, all-wheel drive Golf R.

Stage One consists of a well proven and thoroughly developed ECU remap, which raises peak power to 308 bhp, which is offered at the enticing price of just £445.00 including VAT and fitting in APS’s multi award-winning workshop.

Careful development and optimisation work has now enabled APS to launch a Stage 2 package, including a Milltek large bore turbo down pipe, high flow sports catalyst and a choice of Milltek stainless steel sports exhausts, featuring a switchable electronic exhaust valve, 2.75 inch bore tubing and dual 100mm ceramic black tailpipes.

Stage 2 Golf R upgrade customers can choose between a Milltek non-resonated cat-back system which emphasises performance and aural excitement, or a resonated Milltek cat back exhaust which majors on refinement and also benefits from EC type approval.

Due to the gasflow efficiencies realised by the Milltek Sport exhaust system the APS Stage 2 VW Golf R upgrade raises peak power to approximately 320-330bhp depending on exhaust selection. Priced from £1999.00 fitted including VAT, the APS Stage 2 VW Golf R upgrade is available now, with a Stage 3 package – complete with a revised turbocharger and 350 bhp capability – in development.

In addition to the power upgrades, APS’s has a range of chassis upgrades for the VW Golf R include:-

* Three way adjustable Haldex Gen4 four wheel drive controller
* Sports lowering springs
* KW height and damping adjustable coilover suspension
* Uprated suspension bushes
* Brembo GT big brake kits
* 18 and 19 inch Sportec Mono 10 forged alloy wheels with Toyo tyres

ABT Sportsline Presents Discrete Tuning Package for 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

According to ABT, the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should be tuned without diluting its distinct character. As a result, the Bavarian specialist concentrated on increasing the power of the German SUV, while keeping the exterior changes to a minimum.

“More power wouldn’t hurt with a car as diverse as this, but it was important for us that the tuning suited the characteristics of the Touareg”, the company’s general manager, Christian Abt, explained.

Tipping the scales at 2.5 tons, the Touareg is certainly no featherweight, so adding more power and torque to the mix is probably a good idea. Engineers developed the ABT Power kit for 3.0-liter diesel V6, which increases peak output from 240 hp to 282 hp. The second stage of the engine conversion is called Power S and delivers 310 hp.

Garnished with a similar power upgrade, the 4.2-liter V8 diesel also benefits from extra oomph, churning out 385 hp (+45 ponies) and an even more impressive 870 Nm (642 lb-ft) of mountain-moving torque (+70 Nm or 52 lb-ft).

As mentioned previously, exterior appointments are discrete as they are limited to a new front grille, rear wing and rear apron, alongside a 4-pipe exhaust system. ABT BR or CR wheels, which can be specified in various sizes up to 22 inches complete the finishing touch.

By Csaba Daradics

 

The new ABT Touareg – dates and facts
ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 282 PS/207 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW)
Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6
Performance tuning: ABT POWER S
Performance: 310 PS/228 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW)
Engine: 4.2 TDI, 4134 ccm, V8
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 385 PS/283 kW (standard: 340 PS/250 kW)
ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front grille
ABT rear spoiler
ABT rear skirt
ABT EXHAUST SYSTEM
ABT 4-pipe-exhaust-system
ABT SPORTS WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
ABT BR and CR up to 22 inch

 

Gemballa moves past founder’s murder with 2011 Porsche Cayenne Toronado

Death is an ominous shadow to cast over a company. All the more so when the death in question was not, as the case were, from natural causes. But in the wake of Uwe Gemballa‘s passing, the company that bears his name appears to be emerging from that shadow, creating the beast of a machine seen here.

So far all that’s been released about the new Gemballa Tornado are the images you see here and scarce few details. It’s based on the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, and as you can tell, replaces many of the body panels with carbon fiber. Uwe Gemballa’s successor, Andreas Schwarz, points out that unlike other aftermarket body kits, the composite panels on the Tornado replace the steel ones on the stock Cayenne instead of simply applying them on top. And an aggressive-looking job they’ve done of it, integrating gigantic air ducts, LED running lights, a significantly wider track and restyled taillights, all in a high-contrast treatment while shaving a good 150 pounds off the big sport ute’s curb weight.

Further details on the interior still under development and the engine – tipped to produce some 700 horsepower with a Stage 2 turbo kit – are expected to follow. As will pricing, which promises to be just as astronomical as that horsepower figure, with only 30 examples slated for production.

Senner Tuning Presents the Audi TT RS Roadster ‘POWER’ with 430HP

Based on the Audi TT RS roadster, Senner Tuning’s POWER TT certainly lives up to its name boasting a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 430 ponies. The German tuning firm’s package also include interior and exterior appointments, alongside new alloy wheels and suspensions tweaks.

The TT RS’ 5-cylinder powerplant, which is also found under the bonnet of the new Audi RS3, was upgraded with a customized ECU, a sport air filters and a high performance exhaust system. The latter can be ordered for all TT models and features dual tailpipes.

The standard alloys were ditched in favor of 7-spoke 20-inch Varianza T1S rims, shod in 255/30 tires, while the car now rides lower thanks to a new sports suspension.

Senner applied various carbon fiber parts to the body, such as the mirror housings and the rear wing, while the tuner also used the same material inside on the steering wheel, door handles and center console.

AC Schnitzer Tunes the F11 BMW 5-Series Touring

AC Schnitzer has released a comprehensive tuning program for the new F11 BMW 5-series consisting of power upgrades for all diesel engines, suspension tweaks, aerodynamic components and interior bits.

The German firm’s engineers started with the 2.0-liter four-pot found on the 520d, raising output to 218 hp, and continued with the more noble 525d, which has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. In this case peak output was boosted to 245 hp, same as the stock 530d. After AC Schnitzer’s tune, the latter is now rated at 286 hp, while the range-topping 535d churns out an impressive 360 hp.

Complementing the tuned engines is a sport silencer with two choices of tailpipes. The “Racing” variant is offered for all diesels, except the 535d, while the “Sports Trim” will be available shortly for the 520d, 530d, 535d, 535i and 550i.

A modified suspension, fitted with new springs, is also on the menu with the Aachen-based tuner claiming it offers an improved balance between “sporty performance and comfort”.

Visual upgrades for the estate version of the new 5er come in the form of a bodykit with new bumpers, side skirts and a roof spoiler plus chromed air intakes and bonnet vents. To complete the look, buyers can choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs in sizes from 18 to 21 inches.

For the interior, AC Schnitzer has developed a range of accessories including carbon fiber decorative trim, aluminum iDrive cover, pedals and footrest, plus a new sports steering wheel.

New Audi RS3 Breaks Cover, gets 340HP Turbocharged Five-Cylinder

It’s official; Audi has finally lifted the wraps off the all-new RS3 Sportback that will be if not the, one of the most powerful and fastest hatchbacks in the market when it goes on sale in Europe in early 2011. It adopts the TT RS’ 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,600 rpm and 5,300 rpm.

 Power is transmitted to the road through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with two auto and one manual modes, and the Ingolstadt firm’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

Weighing in at 1,575 kg (3,472.28 pounds), the RS3 completes the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in a mere 4.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Audi adds that the RS3 returns an average fuel consumption of 9.1 liters per 100 km (25.9 US mpg) and emits 212 g CO2 per km (341.18 g/mile).

So what else will RS3 buyers get aside from the five-pot and quattro all-wheel drive? Starting with the chassis, Audi’s RS division widened the car’s front and rear tracks, and added new coil springs and redesigned shock absorbers. The RS3 sits 25 millimeters (0.98 inch) closer to the ground compared with the A3, while it rides on new 19-inch cast aluminum wheels fitted with 235/35 series tires at the front and 225/35 at the rear. The wheels come standard with machine-polished titanium-look styling, but are optionally available in black with a red rim flange.

To improve stopping power, the RS3 is fitted with internally ventilated disks measuring 370 millimeters (14.57 inches) in diameter at the front and 310 millimeters (12.20 inches) at the rear.

Furthermore, the electronic stabilization program (ESP) features a Sport mode and can be switched off entirely.

The top off the line A3 also features some styling changes but not as much as you’d expect from an RS model. On the outside, the new rims are joined by bulgier wheel arches and a bodykit comprising of a new front bumper with massive air vents, side skirts and a rear apron housing a diffuser and the twin-tailpipes. The matt aluminium mirrors and roof spoiler round off the exterior look.

Inside, the cabin has been upgraded with a flat bottom steering wheel, a pair of body hugging bucket seats up front in Fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching, and sportier trim throughout.

For the time being at least, the RS3 will be available exclusively as a five-door Sportback model as Audi did not say if there will be a three-door model down the line. European deliveries of the RS 3 Sportback will begin in early 2011 with the base price in Germany set at €49,900 (US$68,300). No word yet if or when the RS3 Sportback will be sold in the States.

Kelleners Sport Spices Up the F10 BMW 535i

Fans of the BMW 5-Series were a little disappointed with the new F10, as it shed some of its sportier genes in favor of a more luxurious character. Kelleners Sport intends to change this, by offering a host of exterior and interior appointments, plus performance upgrades for the 535i. It will debut at this month’s Essen Motor Show.

The German tuner developed a complete aerodynamics package, designed to make the car more “athletic” – or so they claim. At the front, there’s a new bumper, with integrated (and ever so popular) LED daytime running lights and oversized air intakes. Aggressive front spoiler lips widen the car, as do the beefy side skirts.

The rear end of the modified 535i boasts a boot lid spoiler and a redesigned bumper incorporating a diffuser. Kelleners also added a four-pipe stainless steel exhaust system.

A choice of 19- or 20-inch lightweight wheels, codenamed “Hamburg” and “Berlin”, replace the standard alloys. The new rims are shod in 255/35 front and 285/30 rear high performance tires and come in different finishes, such as Matte Black, Polished Graphite Silver or Polished Platinum Silver.

Under the hood, the 306 hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six was fitted with the KS Power35 module, boosting peak output to 367 hp and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque. No performance figures were released. Kelleners also mentions the lowered (-30 mm) sports suspension, which, it claims, improves handling.

Interior appointments were kept to a minimal and consist of personalized floor mats and aluminum pedals, both available as standalone options.

H&R shows off Their Drop on the New 2011 Jetta

Suspension aficionados H&R have gotten their hands on the new Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 and decided to give it a once-over with some low-key modifications. After the Jetta arrived at H&R’s US headquarters, the first pieces to get the ax were the springs (obviously).

Now, the brand new Jetta VI rides 1.3 inches lower thanks to a set of Sport springs in order to help the small sedan handle a bit better. The next items to go were the rims, which were replaced with 19×8.5 O.Z. Superturismo LM wheels (and TRAK + wheel spacers) to complement the car’s handling and appearance.

While the 19’s are about a size too large for a factory option, methinks a set of 18s in the same style would make for an interesting factory option. Behind the 19s are 14.4-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors with 4-piston Monobloc grabbers that round out a nice street performance package. There’s also a Vibrant Performance exhaust system as an auditory bonus.

The rest of the appearance add-ons – other than the vinyl – are sourced straight from VW and include a lower body kit and spoiler. Unlike many SEMA cars, H&R seems to have delivered a nice-looking, streetable package that should give the latest Jetta an extra injection of fun without killing your warranty or your wallet.

Suspension aficionados H&R have gotten their hands on the new Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 and decided to give it a once-over with some low-key modifications. After the Jetta arrived at H&R’s US headquarters, the first pieces to get the ax were the springs (obviously).

 Now, the brand new Jetta VI rides 1.3 inches lower thanks to a set of Sport springs in order to help the small sedan handle a bit better. The next items to go were the rims, which were replaced with 19×8.5 O.Z. Superturismo LM wheels (and TRAK + wheel spacers) to complement the car’s handling and appearance.

While the 19’s are about a size too large for a factory option, methinks a set of 18s in the same style would make for an interesting factory option. Behind the 19s are 14.4-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors with 4-piston Monobloc grabbers that round out a nice street performance package. There’s also a Vibrant Performance exhaust system as an auditory bonus.

The rest of the appearance add-ons – other than the vinyl – are sourced straight from VW and include a lower body kit and spoiler. Unlike many SEMA cars, H&R seems to have delivered a nice-looking, streetable package that should give the latest Jetta an extra injection of fun without killing your warranty or your wallet.

MR Car Design gives the VW Golf R a Power Boost

Made for those that find the GTI underpowered, the Golf R with its 270HP 2.0-liter turbo-four is the most potent and fastest-accelerating Golf ever to be produced by VW. Still, that’s not enough for certain buyers that wouldn’t mind a few extra ponies. And here’s were tuners like MR Car Design come into the picture.

Enter the tuning firm’s new “MR6R” power kit, which adds a reprogrammed ECU, custom downpipe, intercooler and a sports exhaust system to boost the TSI’s output from 270HP and 350Nm to 330HP and 470Nm. The German company did not release acceleration numbers, but we’ll assume that with this kit, the Golf R will improve the stock model’s 5.7 second time for the 100km/h mark.

Also available from MR Car Design are new 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35-19 rubber and a set of H&R sports springs.