upgrade Topic Hub

Car Mods – BMW Wagon Makeover w/ 3M 1080 Color Wrap & Tints

Quick: name the top three tweaks to make any car cooler overnight? The order is debatable but we’d say tinted glass, up-sized wheels and a fresh paint color. (Half points if you said to debadge and dechrome the beast from nose to tail:) We tackled all five of these mods to give new life to @thewanderingwheelman’s BMW 3 series wagon. The 2007 328Xi Touring is a fairly timeless q-car that still drives like a champ even a decade after it first hit the streets. This was back before turbos took over so the honey wagon runs the smooth and soulful …

Nov 12, 2018 Read more

1979 Ferrari 512BB Koenig Special Is Disco Cokedream

Reserving judgement as much as possible on this coked-out disco supercar. A factory upgrade to one-off widebody, ram-air tail — the Koenig Special was meant as a real Countach challenger — both on track and on the high street. Think what you may about its garish style mods, they are official from the Modena factory. Our new Nikon DSLR hated the car, it should be noted. Often refusing to focus at all… it might have the best eye among us. 1979 Ferrari 512BB Koenig Special

Jan 23, 2016 Read more

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 …

Sep 28, 2015 Read more

2016 Range Rover SENTINEL Is New SVO Armored Upgrade

Special Vehicle Operations at JLR is delivering some very cool specials lately — in the form of the Project 7 F-Type speedster and RRS SVR. Both coming from an all-new side factory in Oxford specifically created to produce JLR’s most exclusive vehicles. But this armored Range Rover Sentinel takes the cake as a hugely upgraded, hugely customized vehicle. The fortification is a chassis-up job incorporating the original engineering teams and blueprints. Alloy for the chassis and bodywork is now wrapped above massive steel plating on all sides. The armor promises protection up to 7.6MM armor-piercing bullets, up to 15KG of …

Sep 07, 2015 Read more

2016 GMC SIERRA Reveals Facelift + LED Lighting Upgrade in SLT, Denali and All Terrain Trims

Let this facelift be a great reward for all who wished the Silverado and Sierra had LEDs to match the new F-150! A full makeover for all three major trims changes the look of the nose pretty dramatically. These new-shape LEDs bring an updated group of grille and bumper designs, plus LED fogs to boot. Around back, LED C-shaped lamps share their cool look with the Yukon Denali. The Silverado is also fresh-faced for the 2016 model year, with just one preview rendering to go on so far. 2016 GMC SIERRA 2016 GMC Sierra Unveiled 2015-07-15 DETROIT …

Jul 15, 2015 Read more

2015 Nissan JUKE-R 2.0 Updated to GT-R NISMO Mechanicals + New Style for Goodwood

Two must-watch videos to show off the incredible, gravity-defying performance of the 2015 Juke-R 2.0! The upper video embed is the Juke-R 2.0 flying up Goodwood hill, while the below video is the Juke-R flat-out around the fabled TopGear test track. The Juke-R sequel doubles the airflow to the GT-R NISMO’s 600HP engine up front via an all-new carbon-fiber bumper, widebody fenders, and diffuser element out back. Still utterly sideways on command, the Juke-R 2.0 also shows off the latest 2015 model-year Juke nose, lighting and panels. JUKE-R 2.0 Dunsfold Track Testing Video 2015 Nissan JUKE-R 2.0 THE NISSAN JUKE-R …

Jun 29, 2015 Read more

AMG SLS Widebody 900GT By Prior Design Is Radical Design Upgrade

Holy hell! Get a load of the latest badass bodykit for the AMG SLS: the Prior Design 900GT Widebody. The kit comes in around $30k and consists of two dozen new body pieces — which come ready to paint as standard, with CF available. the four-part front bumper including the four lateral gills the six-part front wings, the two-part bonnet with air inlets the likewise two-part side skirts including blade the four-part rear wings the two-part rear bumper including diffuser the five-part rear valve spoiler As you can see, the effect is almost unreal on the SLS as a 2015 …

May 22, 2015 Read more

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 …

May 19, 2015 Read more

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 …

May 19, 2015 Read more

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Chrysler 300 Limited – Great Box, So-So Rack

The Chrysler 300 is fresh for 2015 with more than half of its parts either all-new or redesigned. The upgrade list is massive — and even includes the American full-size icon’s exterior. But the changes outside are far more subtle than those under the skin and in the cabin. Chrysler is keeping the original 300 style alive for 2015 — hoping to ignite the same huge swell of passion that surrounded the original 2005 model. What a launch that was. Makes you smile to recall the full-size American car reclaiming its former glory as gigantic, affordable wheels. This segment of …

May 04, 2015 Read more

Porsche Macan Widebody by TOPCAR Is Carbon-Kevlar SuperTruck!

Check out this Porsche Macan by TopCar of Russia! This full kit results in an absolutely stunning SUV stance, widebody look and supersport style. With these rounded and gigant wings, the Macan starts to resemble a 4×4 Veyron. To make this look takes more than 20 individual pieces, which means you can buy the upgrades piece by piece if needed. It also means easier installation — you can have the parts shipped to any customizer or auto tuning shop globally. A few high-dollar tuners like Mansory make it a bit trickier to buy single pieces, so TopCar has the right …

Apr 17, 2015 Read more

2016 Scion iM Debuts in NY With Focus Size But Fiesta Pricing

Scion just rolled out two brand-new 2016 models for the subcompact and compact segments — with this iM hatchback being the firm’s shot against the Kia Forte5, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic. The single-trim entry price of below $20,000 is set to be fairly well-equipped and roomy versus the rivals mentioned; the iM is almost the exact same size as the Ford Focus and VW Golf. But those expecting a credible threat to those car’s performance might be underwhelmed. The chassis seems fairly promising with a double-wishbone independent rear suspension paired with sport-tuned electronic power steering. Big rubber and a standard …

Mar 31, 2015 Read more

Amelia Island 2015 – 1971 Porsche 911 East African Rally Car

One of the five factory-prepped 911s that raced the 1971 East African Rally, this 911 is pretty outstanding in its creamy white paint. A thorough upgrade, as you can see, includes front and rear rhino bars that are fully integrated into the chassis of the car. But overall, aside from modest aesthetic tweaks, extra lighting, higher ground clearance and sponsor stickers — the mechanicals of this 911 appear to be completely stock. Just proof of the 911’s world-beating package? Perhaps! Our favorite detail? The grab handles on the exterior of the car — mounted on both C-pillars. Not exactly sure …

Mar 20, 2015 Read more

2015 Jaguar F-Type by STARTECH Packs Deeper Front Bumper, Carbon-Fiber Aero and Rifled Exhaust Pipes

These cool new F-Type upgrades from Brabus’s JLR line, StarTech, really do enhance many sides of this gorgeous coupe. And best of all, the mods fit the cabrio’s just as nicely. The key pieces of the package are the deeper and completely-new front bumper, CF chin splitter, and winged CF side sills. The rear end trades its factory diffuser for this new carbon-fiber shroud, and the exhausts are made significantkly cooler than stock. Inside is a feast of new surfaces and leather-quilting on all sides. Definitely a sexy and touchable upgrade to the Jag’s cabin. 2015 Jaguar F-Type by STARTECH …

Mar 01, 2015 Read more

Digital Renderings – 2017 Mitsubishi MiEVO – Doubles Power, Adds Grip and New Widebody Stance

We know that the i-MiEV powertrain from Mitsubishi is fully modular. The units can simply be stacked or added to a new drive axle for a precise doubling or tripling of the power. This knowledge comes from the MiEV Evolution III Pikes Peak racer, which juices up to an impressive 600-horsepower via AWD. How would this huge dose of new speed fare on the $16k i-MiEV from Mitsu — the cheapest-ever electric car ever sold in the US? It would easily overwhelm the 15-inch wheels and pizza-cutter tires as stock. So a giant rubber upgrade to 18-inches and double the …

Feb 24, 2015 Read more

2015 Rally Fighter PRO By Taggart Autosport Brings Configurable Options + 3 New Transmission Choices

If there is one downside to the Local Motors Rally Fighter, it might be that the spec sheet is a little dry. Where are the wild suspension upgrades, rhino bars and upgraded seats, wheels and detailing? Typically, this type of aftersales upgrade and accessorizing is all on the buyer’s shoulders. Taggart Autosport has stepped into this middle ground to custom-build and finalize a Rally Fighter to your exact specs. They call it the Rally Fighter Pro. The four suspensions and transmission choices are perhaps the biggest substantive upgrade to the factory setup – which is a bulletproof but less-than-modern three-speed …

Feb 23, 2015 Read more

2015 Aston Martin VANTAGE GT3 Is Most-Extreme V12S With Hardcore Aero Upgrade All Around

Okay, Aston special edition fatique is definitely setting in pretty hard lately. But this is one special Vantage to really get – and keep – your attention in focus. But there is a big catch. What is special about this Vantage GT3? Based on the Vantage V12 S Coupe, the new GT3 model is 200-pounds lighter and nearly doubles the aerodynamic grip generated at high speeds. How? Through an all-new nose with deep splitter and ductwork, a fresh hood vent design to free any trapped air in this ultra-tight engine bay, and full reprofiled intake and bumper design in carbon-fiber. …

Feb 23, 2015 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2006 Mitsubishi EvoLander

Proof that the Lancer Evolution component set is pure gold where-ever it lives? The 2006 EvoLander concept from Mitsubishi for the 2006 SEMA show. You might think it would be simple or low-budget to complete an upgrade like this. Swap the engine, driveline, brakes, wheels and tires – then slap on some fender extensions and lower the ride height 4 inches. Not the Mitsubishi way. This EvoLander actually runs a turbocharged V6 MIVEC engine and a custom widebody kit with no seams or stick-on mounting points. These are all-new, one-off panels all around — and are extra stunning as a …

Feb 14, 2015 Read more

INFINITI QX70 Larte LR3 Widebody from AHG-Sports

Larte Design is making some waves in tuner-loving Germany! The wildest of the three upgrade kits, dubbed LR3, is fitted here to the QX70 by AHG-Sports, who also completes a comprehensive dechroming and black-on-black styling overhaul. The results speak for themselves! INFINITI QX70 Larte LR3 Widebody from AHG-Sports INFINITI QX70 LR3-WIDE BODY from AHG-SPORTS Since five years AHG-Sports has been extremely positively talked about as in-house tuning department of the car dealer Günther, which is represented four times in Hamburg especially with cars of the precious Nissan-offshoot Infiniti. And cooperation agreement recently reached with LARTE Design resulted in additional opportunities …

Feb 11, 2015 Read more

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 …

Jan 19, 2015 Read more