EDS Creates a 360HP Monster out of the Opel Astra Turbo

With the OPC version of the new Astra still in the works, German tuners are doing their best to offer Opel buyers several alternatives to quench their thirst for power. EDS, a relatively unknown tuner from Marl, Germany, has launched an impressive package for the most powerful version of the Astra with the 180HP 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.

The comprehensive engine tune includes a variety of modifications such as a new Garret GT28 turbocharger, ECU optimization, sports exhaust system, a new manifold, and other goodies that double the 1.6-liter unit's output to a whopping 360-horses and 480 Nm or 354 lb-ft of peak torque.

The tuning house also adds a Quaife differential lock, a new sports clutch kit, high performance perforated brake discs with 8 calipers and a sports suspension together with 20-inch wheels that are shod in Pirelli P Zero 235/35ZR20 tires up front and 275/30ZR20 at the back.

The exterior modifications are kept to a minimum and include new upper and lower grilles finished in black, side sills and a rear apron that houses a diffuser and the quad tail pipes.

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Infiniti Dealer in Germany Presents Tuning Package for M30d

Given that Infiniti is making its first steps in Europe, very few tuners in the market have touched the Japanese brand's products. Having said that, it shouldn't come as a surprise that an Infiniti dealer has stepped in to fill the void. In particular, Infiniti Centre Hamburg in Germany has released two tuning packages for the recently launched diesel-powered M30d.

The "Stage 1 Package" for the M30d includes painted door handles (€600), red brake calipers with Infiniti lettering (€1,200 €), a lowered sports suspension (€1,495), a black radiator grille (€550) and a black-foil-covered roof (€400). The package is completed by an performance kit (€1,250) for the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel boosting output from 238HP to 280HP.

The "Stage 2 Package" rounds off the tune with a set of 22-inch alloy wheels from Schmidt wrapped around 265/30 R22 Pirelli tires up front and 295/25 R22 tires at the back for a total cost of €6,800.

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Geneva Preshow: AC Schnitzer Turns the BMW 550i into the 540HP ACS5 Sport S Saloon

AC Schnitzer has prepared two production ready concept cars for this year's edition of the Geneva motor show. We've already told you about the first car, the diesel-powered 99d that is based on the BMW Z4 roadster, so here's the tuning firm's second proposal. The ACS5 Sport S Saloon is based on the latest BMW 550i sedan and is said to feature numerous performance and styling upgrades, though AC Schnitzer is keeping mum about most of the details.

According to the tuning house, the 550i's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with 407HP and 600Nm has been modified to deliver 540HP and 750Nm, which helps the sedan model to complete the 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) sprint in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). AC Schnitzer said that despite the power bump, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the ACS5 Sport S are equivalent to the standard BMW 550i.

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2010 speedART BTR-II 650 EVO New Design Porsche Sports Cars 997 Turbo

This is the SpeedART BTR II 650 EVO, the latest tuning package from the Porsche cars tuner SpeedART. The car is based on the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.8l with PDK-gearbox. SpeedART has come up with the new generation Bi-Turbo-Racer that possesses highly improved performance figures and an aerodynamic body kit.

2010 speedART BTR-II 650 EVO New Design Porsche Sports Cars 997 Turbo

The modification carried out by speedART has provided the 997 Turbo with custom wheel and suspension, custom body kit, as well as enhanced power. Power is enhanced by modifying the vehicle’s motronic to increase the power boost and mounted bigger VTG-turbo chargers, new sport exhaust with sport cats and twin tail pipes plus sport headers/manifolds, sport air filter and enlarged intercoolers. Due to these modifications, the Porsche 997 got an extra 150hp and 150 Nm.

2010 speedART BTR-II 650 EVO New Design Porsche Sports Cars 997 Turbo

To customize the wheel and suspension, speedART provides 997 Turbo with forged and weight reduced modular twin spoke wheels type „LSC FORGED = Light Spoke Competition“ in 8,5” and 12 x 20“ with 245/30 and 325/25 ZR20” in many different colors (price for complete set 6.640,- €). To harmonize, sportive and adjustable sport suspension in many different variations from type “street sport” up to or “race sport” incl. PASM function is available.

2010 speedART BTR-II 650 EVO New Design Porsche Sports Cars 997 Turbo

For the 997 Turbo exterior, speedART provides the speedART body kit “BTR-II EVO”, which consists of a new designed front bumper with spoiler lip and gun-metal frames for more downforce and better brake cooling (EVO-version), a new designed side skirts, rear diffuser and a rear spoiler with movable rear wing which is available in car color or original carbon. For the interior, speedART Individualize the new Porsche 997 Turbo with sport steering wheel for all models and with F1 shift paddles for PDK, sport seats with carbon shell in leather or alcantara, special leather or alcantara applications, and carbon interior parts in many colors as well.

2010 speedART BTR-II 650 EVO New Design Porsche Sports Cars 997 Turbo

Enhancing the 997 Turbo power, it is the speedART BTR-II 650 EVO (Bi-Turbo-Racer 2 generation with 650 hp), which is based on Porsche 997 Turbo with 3,8l engine and PDK shiftbox. The power increase of 150 hp and 150 nm consits of a modified motronic to enlarged the power boost in combination with bigger VTG-turbo chargers, a sport exhaust with sport cats and twin tail pipes plus sport headers/manifolds, sport air filter and enlarged intercoolers. With this power enhancement, speedART BTR-II 650 EVO Porsche 997 Turbo can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3,2 seconds and reach the top speed over 330 km/h.

2010 speedART BTR-II 650 EVO New Design Porsche Sports Cars 997 Turbo

2010 Sportec SP580 Porsche 997 Turbo Facelift - Porsche Sports Car

The new Sportec 997 Turbo SP580 tuning kit is now available for the Porsche 997. Engineers from Sportec have boosted power from 500 PS (368 kW / 493 hp) to 580 PS (572 hp / 427 kW). If those numbers sound familiar, it is because the Swiss tuning firm developed a package that provided the same horsepower on the last SP580. However, the torque rating is reduced on this model, but is the same as the standard Porsche 997 turbo facelift.

Sportec SP580 Porsche 997 Turbo Facelift

Now, the new model sprints to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, and to 200 km/h in 10.3 seconds. Top speed on the car is 323 km/h. The sprint times are faster than the old SP580, but the previous model topped out at 338 km/h (210 mph).

New forged 20-inch wheels have been developed for the car. However, the aero kit with front spoiler, big rear wing, and side skirts seems to be carried over from the pre-facelift kit.

With the new SP580 Sportec is once more prowling in the stomping ground of the super sports car. True to the sporty understatement Sportec the Porsche 997 turbo is a real leopard in wolf's clothing - this is ensured by the full 580 PS and powerful 650 Nm torque that can be had at just 1.950-5.000 revs.

Thus equipped the Sportec SP580 achieves the standard spring from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.2 seconds. The occupants of the SP580 are catapulted from 0 to 200 km/h in a breathtaking 10.3 seconds. Only at 323 km/h does the revolution limiter put an end to this flush of speed.

Externally only the powerful Sportec Mono7 forged 20 inch wheels and the completely new aerodynamic package that holds true to the Sportec Motto "more substance, less style", suggest that beholder isn't looking at a mass production vehicle from Zuffenhausen. An aerodynamically optimised front spoiler, discrete side skirts along with a larger tail plane - as an option also to be had in carbon - both technically and optically complete the SP580. And if that wasn't enough the exterior mirrors and the air intakes can be had in matt carbon.

The aluminium pedals and foot supports as well as the bucket seats are all further signs of its sportiness. And for those who like it a little sportier there is a lowering set that brings the chassis around 20 millimetres nearer to the tarmac. For use on the race track Sportec offers a special PASM compatible super sports suspension that can be individually adjusted to suit every purpose and all race track conditions.

Kicherer E 50 Mercedes-Benz Spots Car E-Class Coupe

The new ex-works 500 E-Class coupé is in itself not underpowered. With 388 PS and 530 Nm torque it´s the currently most powerful production model coupé that the company can offer its customers. However, those who like it a touch more dynamisc can find what they want with the traditional refiner Kicherer in Stockach. Engineers, technicans and designers have taken on the E-Class derivative and accentuated it in all things sporty, technically and optically.

Kicherer E 50 Mercedes-Benz

Engineers, technicians and designers of the car refiner Kicherer in Stockach have taken on the 500 E-class coupé derivative. This new ex-works E-class is the currently most powerful production model coupé that Mercedes-Benz can offer with 388 PS and 530 Nm torque. Therefore, the Kicherer E 50 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is dedicated for customers who like the coupe with a more dynamic and sportier touch.

To give the E50 Coupé aerodynamics, Kicherer have employed the Kicherer Performance Series Package, a final polish with regards to performance and looks. This package includes a front lip, side skirts, a rear diffuser and special mirror casings. All are made of top quality and ultra-light carbon, including the three-bladed sports grill which is optionally available.

The elegant side view of the coupé is perfected by the sportily filigree Kicherer RS-1 20 inch wheels, behind which you get hints of the braking power of the 6 and 6 piston high performance brake system with composite discs and modified flexible steel tubes.

At the rear, an almost rectangular tail pipe can delight both eye and ear, since it produces an exciting but not obtrusive sound. Inside, Kicherer offered the interior elements and entry strips in epoxy resin laqueur complements the outer appearance of the E50 Coupé.

Finally, by means of software update and a sport exhaust system, the V8 performance of the E50 Coupé was increased by 42 PS and 20 Nm. As a result, the 430 hp engine can freely run to reach the speeds of up to 330 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Bearing the namesake of legendary British racer Stirling Moss, the McLaren SLR Stirling Moss, will be making its big debut as the newest McLaren SLR variant amongst the automotive elite (and few entries from Kia) at the 38th Annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast.

This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

A successful collaboration of engineering which is demonstrated far beyond the relatively ancillary exclusion of a windscreen, the SLR Stirling Moss is truly an equal celebration of McLaren’s both past and present. Thus in keeping with its status as a rare breed, production of the SLR Stirling Moss will be limited to only 75 units and, to further prevent your uncultured, peasant hands from touching it, each unit will be priced at a cool $1.04 million (€750,000).

This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words “Stirling Moss” in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement – just like its forebears – it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector’s item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.