Browsing tag

ECU

AC Schnitzer Launches Upgrades for Toyota GR Supra

AC Schnitzer just brought their BMW tuning wizardry to an extended family member…: the new Supra! These stage one mods consist of a reprogrammed ECU taking power up 60 ponies to an even 400 and torque up by a similar amount.  Carbon aero details, a variety of wheels and special suspension tunes are also in the offering. Clearly more mods down the road.  Going with such an expert in this engine’s internals is a trusty way to more power — and the ACS Supra’s even have an extra three-year warranty!  The parts are available worldwide from the AC Schnitzer site.  …

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New TECHART Panamera GRAND GT Looks Like 911 Widebody!

It is actually fairly easy to forget about the Panamera as a tunercar platform.  Mostly because Porsche themselves make so many stonking-fast variants themselves! But if the new Turbo is too demure on the outside for your tastes?  If the limo-lux shell doesn’t broadcast its low-3’s sprint to 60 and 220-mph potential loud enough? TECHART solves for that with the Grand GT. This obscene Panamera is the king of the TechArt range and is as shockingly new inside as outside. The new Panamera is keen on the mods, too. It might look familiar up front but big action lives around …

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McChip-DKR 2017 Porsche 911 Scores Value-Priced Turbo ECU Reflash

Rare to have the same exact thought about tuning a Porsche versus tuning a Ferrari!  But indeed, this new McChip 911 takes a similar path to extra oomph. The intro of turbo power for many previously-atmospheric supercars presents a huge new opportunity for tuning boutiques.  Upgraded sound and boost make a huge dose of adrenaline on throttle for this Porsche. McChip-DKR Porsche 911 MCCHIP-DKR AND ITS INCREDIBLE VERSION OF A PORSCHE 991 CARRERA S 3.0 Photos: mcchip-dkr GmbH & Co. KG Mcchip-dkr is well-known for operating an ultramodern research and development center for chip tuning in Mechernich, located southwest of the …

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2016 McLaren 650S GT3 SWEEPS Bathhurst Debut! But Race Photos Are 70s Sepia Hell

    Always great to launch an updated racecar with a first-place finish in its debut! That’s the story with the new 650S GT3, which just won the Bathhurst 12 Hour. And not just won: the car destroyed its rivals.  McLaren sums it up well… “650S GT3 claimed the clean sweep over the course of the weekend with pole position, fastest lap, overall race win and a new lap record.” Hard to beat that concise summary of the new 650S GT3’s debut glories.  Almost as hard as it will be for its GT3 rivals.  ONE PROBLEM: McLaren GT’s Over-processed Photos …

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2016 McLaren 650S GT3 – Geneva Prelaunch + Photo Comparo Insights vs. 2015 Racecar

GT3 is the closest thing we have to an authentic battle-of-the-supercars — and demands a great amount of manufacturer attention.  The learnings on track with these cars are some of the quickest tech intros to road cars.  Advancements in aero and drivetrain behaviour on track actually translate directly to a street superstar — without just the lip service most race series pay to this tech transfer. And best of all, it is a two-way street.  Better turbo and cooling settings on the road for the 675LT have fed directly into the updated 2016 racecar from McLaren GT. McLaren below confirms …

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Track Drive Review – 2016 Buick Regal GS – Flypaper Handling Is Now $3k Cheaper!

Autobahn Country Club might be my “Happy Place.” Recalling this track’s frisky bends, howling tires and full-throttle straightaways brings a smile instantly. Buick invited us to flog their performance flagship, the 2016 Regal GS, around the Illinois track and autocross to show off the machine’s latest updates: new colors and a price that is much more approachable. How approachable!?  A cool $3,300 off the base price for the GS takes the entry level to $35k versus near $38k before.  Three drivetrains continue for 2016: FWD auto, FWD manual and AWD automatic. The GS AWD we tested out still comes in …

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2016 Mercedes-AMG C63-S Estate Up to 640HP Via WIMMER RennSportTechnik

640 horsepower to the back wheels of the all-new C63 AMG!? Yes, yes and more yes. The estate car models the Wimmer RST upgrades, but of course this powerkit will also do wonders for the sedan and upcoming coupe. An ECU module and free-flow downpipe, cat and exhaust are the ingredients Wimmer blends into this delicious tonic — available to order now as a Plug ‘n Play electronics upgrade (DIY-able and ships worldwide) or the full exhaust mechanical tweaks for those who will have them installed in-house at Wimmer or at their local carshop. 2016 Mercedes-AMG C63-S WIMMER Recent AMG …

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4.0s ZENDER Alfa Romeo 4C is Hardcore Style and Speed Upgrade

Holy Dino, Batman! Zender just released details on its Alfa Romeo 4C upgrades — and they are ridiculously sexy and desirable. But first: have you seen a 4C up close yet? The 4C Coupe and Spider are ridiculously hot and exotic in the flesh. With the new LEDs and headlamps up front, the design is even more fantastic than this 2015 4C Coupe from Italy. The 4C is so intense and a true Ferrari cousin in the flesh because of its mid-engine proportions, obscenely low rood and comical overall width. The 4C feels dramatically lower, shorter but MUCH wider than …

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TechArt Launches 700HP 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Powerkit

  The 2016 Cayenne update is about the get TechArted! The first step in the well-known MAGNUM widebody upgrades is now avaiulable: a ridiculously potent powerkit to up the Cayenne Turbo to a bonkers 700-horsepower. The full madness via extreme aero changes, new fenders and fresh bumpers as the next-gen Magnum is set to arrive later in 2015. Until then, however, how does a bump of 180 ponies sound?! Fan-f-ing-tastic is how the TechArt Cayenne will sound in Sport mode — which unleashes the full beans versus a cooking 640HP in standard mode. The free-flowing intake and exhaust system is …

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2016 BRABUS 850 4×4 Coupe is GLE63 Pumped Up to 850HP

Holy shiz! Look at this machine. Somehow, the full customization upgrade from BRABUS rocket sedans is even more intense on the SUVs. The new GLE63 Coupe is a perfect starting point. A launchpad, if you will. And stand back when this sucker blasts off! 3.8-seconds to 62-mph is the new pace, nearly a half-second quicker than the stock truck and its ~573HP.  Not just induction or electronics tweaks here. Nor just fortified engine internals. Nope, this 850 “6.0” has that name for a reason: the whole displacement of the motor is upped from 5.5-liters to 6.0L. This is a perfect …

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2015 BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT-S – Stage One Mods Revealed in 38 Photos

  Here is one we have been eagerly anticipating!  A Brabus tune for the new AMG GT-S seems like the best of all worlds, right? This latest Frankfurt concept is mostly a stage one upgrade. Meaning, much more hardcore engine, body and exclusive upgrades are still in the works. Even so, the ECU module adds 88-horsepower, carbon aero detailing and 21-inch forged alloys. Watch this space for the next level of Brabus power trips in the near future! 2015 BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT-S World premiere at the IAA 2015   BRABUS refines the Mercedes-AMG GT S 441 kW / 600 HP, …

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3.7s BRABUS C600 Rockets to 186MPH Via ECU Module + New Active Exhaust

Imagine getting a UPS package about the size of a textbook arriving on your doorstep. Head to the garage, and within a half hour, your new machine could be making an extra 100 horsepower! That is the idea with the first set of power modules from BRABUS for the new C63-S. Power is the Geneva show-car spec is up to 591-horsepower from the stock 510 thanks to the BRABUS ECU re-flash but also a new exhaust system. Extra downpipe and muffler capacity is a must to max out a turbo engine tune, so all this works together. The new exhaust …

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McChip-DKR Boost Maps for AMG GT and GT-S Deliver PnP 590HP

Welcome to one of the first upgrades for both the AMG GT and its new 4.0-liter V8TT. Two outputs from the factory are currently 462HP an d 510HP for the GT-S upgrade. Both are flashed up to 590 ponies via this new McChip-DKR module. Pricing is extremely friendly, especially at current exhanges rates. The upgrade of at least 80 horsepower is shipping now from around $2300. 2015 McChip-DKR AMG GT and GT-S   MERCEDES-AMG GT and GT S with still more power thanks to MCCHIP-DKR   The mcchip-dkr company from Mechernich at the gates of the Eifel mountains is well known …

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NOVITEC ROSSO N Largo Is Man-Eating California T Widebody

The only sweeter words than Novitec Rosso for a custom Ferrari? N Largo! A designation that turns any production supercar into a muscle-bound autobahn monster, N Largo designation is now bestowed on the 2015 Ferrari California T. Dramatic new designs for the nose and widebody wings all around create a vehicle with all the visual intensity you could dream of for the droptop Ferrari supercar. Just compare the N Largo with Novitec Rosso’s other Cali T to see how cool the widebody is. Performance upgrades take the sprint pace of the Novitec Cali T down to just 3.3-seconds, with the …

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ALPINA X3 – Gorgeous M Sport Styling and Performance Tweaks

PART FOUR of FOUR The Alpina X3 My favorite Alpina upgrade of this four-pack? Easily this aggressive X3 makeover. Versus the stock X3, the Alpina is virtually unrecognizable. Granted, comparing the Alpina X3 to the base model is not a fair comparo. This Alpina truck started as the X3 M Sport, which is already a little-known way to make the humdrum design really pop with some M style.   The fact that there is no X version of the X3 (yet) helps to make this Alpina SUV ultra unique and exclusive. 2015 BMW X3 xLine 2015 BMW X3 M Sport …

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2015 ALPINA B3 – Digital Wheel Colorizer and USA 3 series Upgrade Showcase

PART THREE of FOUR The Alpina 3 series Now on to the ever-popular 3 series: a sedan so incredibly fun to drive, you are shocked when people buy anything else! The 3 series is arguably the most improved by the ALPINA style. Even outside the core design tweaks and green/blue paint colors, the Alpina 3 series is *thisclose* to its M3 and M5 siblings on overall stance, traction and visual aggressiveness. ORIGINAL: The import and BMW distribution of the ALPINA B6 and B7 to the US is big news. They are all extremely rare and extremely cool, especially the new …

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ALPINA B4 Mods Available for USA BMW 4 series Owners

PART TWO of FOUR The Alpina 4 series The import and BMW distribution of the ALPINA B6 and B7 to the US is big news. They are all extremely rare and extremely cool, especially the new ALPINA B6 Gran Coupe. These ALPINA specials are a fantastic M car alternative, with more engines, xDrive and even diesel engines able to Alpina-fied. But the great thing about the ALPINA upgrade catalog is that all the parts that make these complete models are also available indivudally. There is a slight benefit to this for current BMW owners: you can target specific upgrades and …

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ALPINA B5 Mods Available for USA BMW 5 series Owners

PART ONE of FOUR The import and BMW distribution of the ALPINA B6 and B7 to the US is big news. They are all extremely rare and extremely cool, especially the new ALPINA B6 Gran Coupe. These ALPINA specials are a fantastic M car alternative, with more engines, xDrive and even diesel engines able to Alpina-fied. But the great thing about the ALPINA upgrade catalog is that all the parts that make these complete models are also available indivudally. There is a slight benefit to this for current BMW owners: you can target specific upgrades and install them over time. …

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NOVITEC ROSSO Launches 3.3s, 201MPH Ferrari California Turbo Upgrades Catalog

The Ferrari California T just took a huge leap up the performance spectrum — with custom-developed engine, exhaust, suspension, interior and aero mods just launched by Novitec Rosso. The biggest draw for many will be the plug-and-play ECU modules to release an extra 86 horsepower and a meatier, lower torque peak for the brand-new 3.8-liter V8TT engine up front. Performance goes from great to gigantic — with the Novitec Cali T able to hit 62-mph in just 3.3-seconds before hitting a much-higher top speed of 201-mph. The N-TRONIC modules are nice because they can be shipped anywhere in days and …

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New M Performance Parts Add Power, Stance and Style to BMW 2 Series Convertible

The 2 Series is one of the most fun BMWs to ever wear the roudel badge. Three engines for 2015: the 220i, 228 and 235i are all a laugh riot of lightweight, rear-drive playfulness. Incredible balance, joyful steering and a driving position from heaven! But how to up the intensity? M Performance offers a full line of 2 Series upgrades, ranging from mild like the black kidney grilles, to big wheels, side sills and sport exhausts and ECU powerkits. These anthracite wheels are particularly sculpted and handsome, and are nicely accented by M Sport gloss-black body graphics. The big advantage …

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2015 BMW M4 and M4 Cabrio by HAMANN Hit 517HP via ECU Reflash

The new M4 and M4 Convertible are extremely hot commodities these days — with supplies still limited and few making their way into buyer hands yet. That is not stopped German tuner Hamann from finalizing its first upgrades for the new M4’s. Wheels, lowering springs, body and aero upgrades and cabin details are all ready-to-ship today. The GT3-style rear wing and front/rear diffusers are great. But it is the 85-horsepower jump in power via a plug-and-play ECU module that seems most appealing as a first step in the upgrades. The reflash changes numerous parameters to optimize power, shift points and …

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2014 McLaren 650S GT3 Scores Podium Finish in Gulf 12-Hour Season Closer

  The McLaren 650S GT3 wrapped up its first season with a competitive 3rd place at the Gulf 12-hour race this weekend at Yas Marina.   2014 McLaren 650S GT3     Exciting race-car news from McLaren GT today! It looks like the P1 GTR will not be the only Macca out on the world’s sportscar racetracks next year!   The 650S GT3 upgrade has just been revealed by McLaren GT today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Official Details below from McLaren GT.       McLAREN GT SIGNS OFF THE 650S GT3 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WITH A PODIUM FINISH AT …

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AC Schnitzer Reveals 510HP 2015 BMW M4 F82 At Essen Motor Show

  Great to see a power upgrade reflash for the BMW M4 from AC Schnitzer – with a jump up to 510-horsepower feeling like it was aching to break free from the factory M4 from day one. The second excellent upgrade from AC Schnitzer to the powertrain? A variety of sport exhausts to make the M4’s turbocharged six really howl at the moon like a 24-hour Nurburgring racecar. The rear wing is a love-or-hate type of thing, but closely matches the production 2016 M4 GTS aero kit BMW is likely to apply to the rumored track version of this hot …

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Novitec Tridente Maserati GHIBLI Launches With Gorgeous Performance and Style Upgrades

  Maserati’s latest sedans suffer from what we call the “Cadillac Problem.” Good design, competitive performance, great equipment and true BMW-battling credentials in almost every way. But one huge deficit is present in the Cadillac and Maserati ranges: coolness. The factory cars wear nerdy wheels, nerdy colors and overall seem tailored to a geriatric customer base. Tan with small multi-spoke alloys? Almost all CTS sedans like this sit on the lot for months, and the same goes for the base Ghibli and Quattroporte. They are just old lady cars — and that is never something to aspire to own. They …

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AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport S Is Seductive Style and Performance Makeover

Have performance parts, will travel long distances at high speeds! The AC Schnitzer upgrade program for the Range Rover Sport is a dapper and subtle way to make the factory truck far more intense looking, sounding and feeling around corners. The various exhaust options let you pick the style that is just right for your RRSS. The key holder inside a cupholder insert of this and other AC Schnitzers is handy, but would be cooler there was somewhere on on the gearknob to mount the key. AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport S

AC Schnitzer BMW X5 Upgrades Are Gorgeous and Functional!

Two things come to mind with the new X5 from BMW: the lack of an X5 M (so far…) and an overall bumper treatment that can be very busy and awkward. Where is the clean M-car styling we love so much? AC Schnitzer’s latest upgrades catalog addresses this nicely – with huge wheels, lowering springs and a tasteful bodykit to wrap the front and rear in high-speed style. The exhaust and ECU changes also free up about 50-horsepower for all of the engines, as well as sounding absolutely outstanding!  AC Schnitzer BMW X5 – Exhaust Notes Check out the parts …

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400HP, 4.1s 2015 BRABUS Mercedes-Benz GLA Hunkers Low on 21s + Aero Kit

  The strangest part of the GLA-Class and other small crossovers lately is how low they actually are. Is it an SUV? The OEM plastic shields on the fenders say yes, but the mind is not so sure. It has taken 20 years then for the world to catch up to the classic Subaru Legacy —> Outback conversion. Taller springs, chunkier rubber and an Eddie Bauer package outside is all you need to sell thousands of cars a year! Just kidding. (JK BFR = just kidding, but for real.) How to stay ahead of trends and planted in corners with …

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McChip-DKR Porsche 993 GT2 Mc600 Widebody Is Rear-Drive Twin-Turbo with Racing Upfit

    The much-loved Porsche 911 993 is widely known as the most-desirable of almost any 911 ever made. But for purists, the all-wheel-drive of the Turbo and Turbo S is not thrilling enough. Additionally, AWD cars are in different racing classes almost by default. There was no GT2 version of this generation 911 with the turbo engine and rear-drive. Step in, McChip-DKR. The power-freeing ECU geniuses at McChip really stretch their wings with this build. Literally! The 993 GT2 Mc600 that results from dropping in a twin-turbo engine requires far more grip than available on the OEM rubber setup. …

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BMW M235i RS by TUNINGWERK Making 400+ HP – Performance Mod Items Available for USA and Global Buyers

The BMW M235i is easily one of the best, most complete sports-cars in the last decade. So fast, so agile and so fun. There really is not much else with this triple threat of track prowess along with smooth and luxurious commuter capabilities. But what if you want to go even more hardcore? To take this incredible engineering package and light the wick with a blowtorch?   To make your own GT-R-killer ready for any performance challenge — and delivering a huge grin all the way there and back — look no further than the below catalog from German car …

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McLaren 650S GT3 Revealed Ahead of 2015 Race Season – Upgraded Aero = Flypaper Grip

    Exciting race-car news from McLaren GT today! It looks like the P1 GTR will not be the only Macca out on the world’s sportscar racetracks next year!   The 650S GT3 upgrade has just been revealed by McLaren GT today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Official Details below from McLaren GT.       McLAREN GT UNVEILS LATEST GENERATION 650S GT3 AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2014 27/06/14 GT3 evolution featuring enhanced safety and optimised handling CFD developed aerodynamic package with improved cooling Limited production run to premiere on the grid for the 2015 season Upgrade kit available …

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JDM Nissan Leaf NISMO Upgrades Include ECU Reflash + Special 80th Anniversary Colors – Jealous?

I have been so hard on the poor Nissan Leaf, which I have never driven nor even seen very often in person. Despite not really writing about it in general, I do clearly recall referring (in print) to its design as “an ugly duckling.” You see… these reviews clatter from my brain onto the internet pretty quickly. And often the words can’t really be taken back…. With the debut of the Lannia concept in Beijing last month, the Leaf looks ready to turn into a rather more beautiful swan in the next few years. Until then, the Japanese-market Leaf continues …

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Buyers Guide Info – Building my 2014 Renaultsport Clio 200 EDC Lux

If you were transplanted to another country tomorrow and needed a company car, what would you select? Nothing too garish or expensive, and something that will keep you entertained over the years of living in a new place? My choice would have a few priorities: — something that cannot be bought in America — something that fits the local roads and driving conditions well — chic, fast and low are always my goals I would be leaning toward a few cars, one of which is the new Renault Clio RS 200. Its turbocharged engine is just a few upgrades (intake, …

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2014 Dodge Dart Engines Are Eager for Tuning! SCAT Pack Concept Shows How To Open HP Taps

Update1: A pretty glaring fact error in this article, but kindly pointed out by a loyal reader. The error surrounds the Tigershark engines versus the MultiAir engines – only the smallest 1.4-liter is a turbocharged unit. The larger 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Tigershark engines are naturally aspirated – meaning any horsepower gains will be more than just an ECU re-flash away. Even so, a cold-air intake and a less-restrictive exhaust setup are sure to liberate an extra 15 ponies each – along with this engine’s true shriek! Orig Published Dec 23, 2013 @ 13:04 The Dodge Dart GT is the sportiest …

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Found! The Lowest-Grip Surface on Planet Earth – Wet and Frozen Tennessee Red Clay

Second to the military’s new anti-traction gel: the red clay of the Tennessee Valley must be the slickest surface known to man. Red clay soil has a variety of strange properties depending on its temperature and internal water content. In the middle of winter just between Douglas Lake and the big highway, off CR 411: I found my bliss. The roads nearby are also pretty thrilling to drive for someone with too much city traffic experience. My back-seat companions Drake and Tank also liked this rest stop: check out little Tank sprinting his heart out to catch up with his …

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Future VW SuperBeetle Options May Finally Entice More Dudes

A fifth and sixth Beetle featured on CarRevsDaily today? The 2012 SEMA SuperBeetle Concept, and the 2013 Beetle R Concept. 2012 SEMA – VWVortex.com SuperBeetle Concept 2013 Beetle R Concept A seventh Beetle featured on CarRevsDaily? Yes, the seventh is an extremely tough Dude Beetle, if there ever was one:the ABT Sportsline. 2011-2014 Volkswagen Beetle by ABT Sportsline – Exterior Upgrades —  ABT BEETLE: FRONT SPOILER —  ABT BEETLE: HEADLIGHT COVERS —  ABT BEETLE: REAR SKIRT SET —  ABT BEETLE: LICENCE PLATE INSERT —  ABT BEETLE: TAIL LIGHT COVERS —  ABT BEETLE: VALVE CAPS —  ABT BEETLE: SUSPENSION SPRINGS   …

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180MPH? Custom Wagons – BBM 330d Touring and BMW M135i by Tuningwerk

The M135i two-door will soon be coming to America as the 228i and 235i, but this body style is really the epitome of fast wagon stance. A power jump is only half the results achieved here by both fast wagons from the local speed shops: Tuningwerk and BBM. The BBM 330d Touring shows what can be done with careful ECU boost enhancement – but this car also wears a one-off reflective matte red exterior that is very unique. BMW M135i by Tuningwerk BMW 330d Touring by BBM  

Time To Start Playing Grand Theft Auto 5?

The video game business is evolving much more rapidly than many movie studios in terms of their broad reach and level of interactivity with the players who devote hours to winning the race, collecting a mad fleet of exotic cars, or even doing the most efficient kill shots on robo retro future zombies. Or something. The automotive genre of the car business is quite a unique subset. Guys and gals who have never enjoyed most console games with first-person-shooters, RPGs and other fantasy wizard content can somehow really love car games. Gran Turismo is obviously the mack daddy franchise, but …

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2014 Kia Forte Koup Spooling Up! New Turbo Power for Slinky 2-Door

The bright red Kia Forte Koup is new for 2014 – and just started arriving in dealers this week. What is so new about this Forte? Well, it now brings all the latest style and tech from its Forte5 and Forte sedan siblings – just in a far cooler profile. Along with its standard LED accents up front, the $2,000 turbo SX trim option brings LED lights for the lower fogs and brake lights as well. The opening price for the Forte Koup is $18,600 with a six-speed manual and the base 2.4-liter engine making 173 horsepower. From $20,600, the …

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Update1 – 2014 Dodge Dart is Low and Wide + Engines Eager for Better HP Via Tuning – SCAT Pack Concept Shows How

Update1: A pretty glaring fact error in this article, but kindly pointed out by a loyal reader. The error surrounds the Tigershark engines versus the MultiAir engines – only the smallest 1.4-liter is a turbocharged unit. The larger 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Tigershark engines are naturally aspirated – meaning any horsepower gains will be more than just an ECU re-flash away. Even so, a cold-air intake and a less-restrictive exhaust setup are sure to liberate an extra 15 ponies each – along with this engine’s true shriek! Orig Published Dec 23, 2013 @ 13:04 The Dodge Dart GT is the sportiest …

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Time To Start Playing Grand Theft Auto 5?

The video game business is evolving much more rapidly than many movie studios in terms of their broad reach and level of interactivity with the players who devote hours to winning the race, collecting a mad fleet of exotic cars, or even doing the most efficient kill shots on robo retro future zombies. Or something. The automotive genre of the car business is quite a unique subset. Guys and gals who have never enjoyed most console games with first-person-shooters, RPGs and other fantasy wizard content can somehow really love car games. Gran Turismo is obviously the mack daddy franchise, but …

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