Famed engine builder Cosworth has teamed up with Subaru UK to create a high-performance version of the Japanese automaker's Impreza WRX STI hatchback. In a joint statement, the two companies said that they have enhanced the performance, handling as well as the styling of the Impreza STI model without giving out any more details. Subaru said that information about performance, specification and pricing will be made available closer to the special edition model's March on-sale date.
It's one of the cars representing German tuner Techart in Geneva this year: the Concept One, a Porsche Panamera meant to showcase the firm's "second individualization level". And individual it is. We'll start with the "unusual" interior, which is where this car really shines (although most will probably disagree): cocoa over white with "Phosphor" green stitching and detailing accented by tasty Cerbero trim - which must be the gator-skin stuff - on the dash, consoles, and seats. Drivers get to wrap their mits around a Techart 3-spoke steering wheel with PDK paddles, while passengers will no doubt remain entertained thanks to the custom ceiling-mounted 10.2 inch TV/DVD player and fold-down rear tray tables. In my opinion, you should do yourself a favor and have a peek at the interior shots. Motivation for this sports-tank comes from a Techart-tuned 650-horse version of Porsche's twin-turbo 4.8 liter V8 breathing through a stainless steel exhaust system. Outward appearance is brought to you by way of a PU-RIM body kit which widens the car by 21 mm in at the nose and 42 mm at the haunches. Said kit makes use of new front/rear fascias, fender wideners, side skirts, and an adjustable rear wing. Those 22-inch rollers are Techart Formula IIIs in dull platinum gray, and while there's something fancy about those LEDs up front, no one will ever care about what it is because they'll be looking at the viciously-gill'd hood and wondering what lurks beneath (hint: it'll eat your car for brunch). If you DO indeed care about those LEDs, scroll down for a press release excerpt. "The multifunctional TECHART daylight driving headlight system contributes essentially to the active safety of the driver by combining daylight headlights, parking lights and turn signal lights as an LED system unit in one common housing that seamlessly fits into the vehicle front design. The intensity of the lights adjusts automatically to the selected headlight circuit. Additionally, the headlight can also be dimmed for improving the effect of the turn signal lights, even while turning off."
In the tune-tastic world of G-Power, all stock BMWs are underpowered and sluggish and in need of some serious cosmetic makeup. Having already taken on the M5 sedan, M3 Coupe, M6 Coupe, Z4 Roadster and the X5M and X6M SAVs, just to mention a few, G-Power has now turned its tuning affection on Munich's flagship limo, the 760i and its long-wheelbase sibling, the 760iL. Simply called the Storm, G-Power's latest achievement will be produced in a limited run of just 10 units worldwide and it promises to bring the rain on other tuning proposals like the 500HP Alpina B7. Starting with the engine, G-Power's technicians fiddled around with the 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbochargers increasing maximum boost pressure from 0.5 bar to 0.9 bar. They also recalibrated the ECU, added larger injection valves and created an entirely new exhaust system. The result is a maximum output of 725 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 1,000Nm or 738 lb-ft from 2,000 rpm, up from the stock engine's 544HP and 750Nm or 553 lb-ft. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a modified version of the 760i's eight-speed automatic transmission. G-Power claims that the Storm is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.2 seconds, to 200km/h (124mph) in 11.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 345 km/h or 215 mph. The engine modifications are accompanied by a new sports suspension that lowers the limo's ride height by 30 mm or 1.2-inches. The Storm also features a full body kit that includes a new bonnet made of Kevlar with air vents, unique front and rear bumpers and carbon fiber side skirts, boot lid spoiler and rear diffuser. The four tail pipes and the new 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels shod in Michelin rubber size 265/30 at the front and 295/25 at the rear, complete the exterior changes. G-Power only released a couple of renderings of the exterior, but the tuning firm said that it has refined the interior of the 760i with a new "ergonomically shaped" sports steering wheel, a different speedometer and carbon fiber trim for the door panels, central console and dashboard. The fully converted Storm 760i is priced at a hefty €365,000 or at today's exchange rates, US$495,500, while the long wheelbase 760il Storm, from €375,000 or US$510,000.
Honda fans, hold your 'horses'; Mugen's take on the new Honda CR-Z improves the Japanese hybrid coupe in all areas except the one that probably counts the most for you: Performance... However, there's still hope as Honda's official tuning arm has made it clear that it is still considering the development of a high-performance version of the CR-Z in the likes of the MUGEN Civic Type Rs, but until we see the car in the flesh, you'll have to do with the firm's new range of go-fast bits. The dress-up package includes various parts such as front and rear aprons, a large roof-mounted wing, side skirts, rear diffuser and a new grille with LED daytime running lights. Buyers can also choose from a variety of 17-inch alloy wheel designs. For the interior, Mugen's lineup comprises of additional gauges, a carbon fiber mirror, unique gear lever knobs and floor mats. Hardware improvements come in the form of a sport exhaust system, air filters, sport suspension and brake packages, as well as an 'intelligent' tire-monitoring system.
