After our initial post about the new SSC Ultimate Aero II concept car, TopGear has revealed new images and information. They are continuing the “fastest car in the world” battle between the Bugatti and several other concepts, but the pricing and specs are now here. It will come powered by a four-cam 6.8-liter twin-turbo engine, capable of revving to 9,000 rpm to produce a whopping 1,350 bhp. The Aero II blowers are an SSC design, and it’s already accomplishing these numbers on Shelby’s dyno. The final car will be constructed of all carbon except for aluminum crash rails on the front and back. Its transmission is still the same SSC unit with a triple-disc carbon clutch, and the option of sequential paddle shifting.
Greg Windler
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Wide Body Kit Conversion
A killer wide body kit conversion has been made for the Chevrolet Corvette, from the tuners at ZR1 Body Kits. The Chevy Corvette already looks great from the factory, but this look has been inspired by the C6.R Corvette racing cars, featuring an aggressive stance and exterior styling. It is available in two varieties, the more aggressive called the Extreme Style ZR1 for the C6 Z06 Grand Sport retails for $7,599, while the tuning firm also offers the mild OEM-style ZR1 body kit for $6,999. Both of these performance packages are made from fiberglass using compression molds, and is similar to what the GM OEM manufacturers use for their body panels, while keeping the factory mounting points.
Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Gets Tundra Power
At the upcoming SEMA Show, Toyota will release a unique Tacoma X-Runner pick-up truck called the RTR. Ready to Race is what it stands for, and the tuned Tacoma comes powered by a modified Toyota Tundra 5.7-liter V8 engine. With the addition of a new supercharger and intake kit, the custom truck now delivers an impressive 504 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. It will come with a fabricated steel driveshaft, relocated exhaust behind the passenger rear wheel, and livery inspired tuning by the unique 1968 Dan Gurnery Mercury Cougar XR7-G pony car.
Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe is amazing
The German tuners from Xenatec have released this latest masterpiece based on the Maybach 57 S Coupe and it does look amazing. Based off the Maybach 57S, the build will be limited to 30 units, each priced at €675,000 without taxes. In Germany the car will have the price of €800,000 with all tax included. When comparing to a stock Maybach 57S limousine, the major changes seen here are on the B and C pillars, doors, side panels, and front and rear fenders. An example is the B-pillar moved 20 cm back, resulting in the new door panels leading to the taillights to allow 20 mm more width at the rear wheel wells. Xenatec finished the exterior styling with a set of 21-inch wheels, rear diffuser, and installed new front and rear bumpers with a more sporty look for the customers.
New Accessories for European Honda CR-Z
The new Honda Jazz Hybrid, also known as the Honda Fit in the U.S. has been the main attraction at Honda’s Paris Motor Show booth. However, the Japanese automaker has premiered a new line of aftermarket accessories for the European-spec Honda CR-Z 2+2 hybrid car. It is split into four package, with individual themes for both the exterior and interior. First is the carbon theme that includes new floor carpets, door-step garnishes, interior panels, body skirts, and better looking 17-inch alloy wheels. For customers wanting to trick out their hybrid Honda even more, the Metallic, Illumination, and Coloured themes come next.
RIDES Hyundai Sonata SEMA Show Teaser
Here’s an attempt to build some hype around the new 2011 Hyundai Sonata that comes with a 2.0-liter turbo engine stock from the factory. Hyundai teamed up with RIDES and 0-60 magazine in order to customize the 274 horsepower saloon for the upcoming SEMA car show. It takes place in Las Vegas this November, and the South Korean tuning firm had no problem admitting the cars tune-up was inspired by Porsche, Mercedes, and Ferrari models. At the SEMA Show, Hyundai says the exterior styling modifications will be “modest and tasteful”, while only this teaser picture has been released so far.
Stoffler Ford Focus RS
Without a doubt the Ford Focus RS is a car full of potential, however it’s simply not powerful enough from the factory. This is were the German tuners at Stoffler come to help with their new series of updates. Thanks to an adapted intercooler, improve fuel pump, downpipe, and suction pipe, the 2.5-liter Focus engine has been improved to deliver 356 hp and 440 Nm of torque. Customers can also choose from three different exhaust systems for optimal performance and sound, while receiving the MOT certification for driving on the street where necessary.
Anderson Germany Ferrari F430 Scuderia
Anderson Germany has released this Ferrari F430 Scuderia, which looks like it’s still in the primer stage of the paint job. However, this is the real paint and a complete tuning job of a car that looks like it has fighter plane style with black bonnet stripes, carbon fiber door mirrors, and a rear diffuser. Anderson also added carbon fibre parts to the engine bay, then moved onto installing black rims with larger tires, tinted windows, smoked taillights, and indicators to round out the exterior styling. Under the hood of the Ferrari F430 is where the Dusseldorf-based tuners focused next.
Wimmer RS VW Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf R is the latest car to receive an upgrade package from the tuning company Wimmer RS. Dubbed the Red Devil, this kit adds and impressive power boost to the Golf. Modifications begin with an ECU upgrade, re-fitted turbochargers and piping, custom injection nozzles, TFSI tuning, and aftermarket connecting rods. The list of custom work continues with new lamp coating, cylinder heads, larger intercooler, oil cooler, new intake system, additional oil pump, and an improved crankshaft. But wait, there’s still more for the VW Golf R. The Wimmer RS engineers installed a second low pressure fuel pump, sport camshafts, and a handmade stainless steel exhaust system with a sport catalyst converter.
Senner Nissan 370Z Asphalt Surfer
Here is a new package released by Senner Tuning for the Nissan 370Z called the Asphalt Surfer. The exterior styling received minimal modifications, featuring a new set lightweight alloy Tsunami wheels and decals along the sides. These wheels are available in either a racing white or matte black finish, and measure to be 20×9 in the front, and 20×10 at the rear. Also improving the look is a new sport suspension package priced at 1,499 EUR to give the Nissan 370Z an aggressive stance. The German tuning firm moved onto the engine bay next, and hooked the car up with an extensive upgrade program under the hood.
PPI Audi R8 RAZOR GTR-10
The Audi-exclusive tuning specialists at PPI Automotive Design GmbH have announced the plans to create 10 units of the Audi R8 RAZOR GTR-10. This car carries a V10 engine, with only the front hood, front bumper, and rear diffuser being the same aftermarket parts featured on the previous Audi R8 RAZOR GTR. Although the front fenders, front spoiler, side skirts, rear funder, rear spoiler, rear engine lid, and bumper might look similar in this project, they are all modified slightly. Under the hood, the PPI tuners refined the V10 powerplant with a roof mounted ram air-intake system, vented liftgate glass, a high performance exhaust system, and a reprogrammed ECU for the ignition map. It results in a serious power increase to 601 bhp at 7,400 rpm, and a max torque of 565 Nm at 6,400 rpm. For a comparison, the stock Audi R8 V10 produces 518 brake horsepower (bhp) from the factory.
Novitec Fiat Punto Evo
The Fiat and Alfa Romeo car tuning specialist, Novitec, have released this extensive program for the new Fiat Punto Evo. Starting off under the hood, Novitec installed their PowerJet 2 auxiliary control unit with plug and power technology for the turbocharged 1.4-liter 16V MultiAir gas engine. The numbers were boosted to 160 hp from the standard 135 hp, and the torque increased from 206 to 246 Nm. At the track, the new Fiat Punto Evo accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, while the top speed was 209 km/h. For a unique exhaust tone, Novitec hooked it up with stainless steel sport mufflers, which are EG certified and available in 26 different versions, starting at 200 Euros.