BMW X5 M by Velos Designwerks

Miami-based tuning house Velos Designwerks have released images of their newly tuned BMW X5 M. While opinions vary on the necessity of an M version of the X5, it remains an unquestioned performance machine. Very few other cars can offer the performance the X5 M does while still offering the amenities we've become accustomed to in an SUV. And with added go-fast bits from Velos, the car has become that much more potent.

The long list of upgrades includes, but isn't limited to purely cosmetic updates such as a tastefully pieced IND cosmetic kit in addition to an updated stance courtesy of brand new KW suspension parts. As with any performance upgrade, updated brakes are a necessity - although commonly overlooked. Velos chose a Brembo Big Brake Kit for the X5M to help stop their custom Stage 2 Velos performance tuned engine. Creating the noise is a Akrapovic downpipe mated to an exhaust of the same make.

Carbon fiber Vorsteiner front and rear carbon fiber lips were added to give the car a little extra aesthetic flair. A Valentine One radar detector has been hardwired into the car, as well.

As a package, the car is magnificent. Hats off to the guys at Velos! Well done.

Video: Heffner’s World’s First Eight Second Lamborghini Gallardo

This is the first official video footage of the world’s first Heffner Performance Lamborghini Gallardo to break the eight second barrier in the quarter mile. The US tuner released the video clip on their YouTube Channel last week.

This was the first outing for this particular car which went very well. The twinturbo Gallardo was driven to and from the track and was run in street trim. Heffner did not share any details on the performance of the Gallardo, but we easily suggest a performance higher than 1,000hp.

Paris 2012: Audi S3

German car maker Audi has publically released their 2013 Audi S3 at the Paris Motor Show today. We visited the stand and shot some live photos for you, providing a closer look at the new model, which is powered by a new 2.0 TFSI with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection. The engine is combined with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

The four-cylinder unit delivers a constant 380Nm of torque to the crankshaft between 1,800 and 5,500rpm. Rated power at 5,500rpm is 300hp, and the engine redlines at 6,800rpm. The sprint from zero to 100km/h is completed in 5.1 seconds when equipped with the S tronic (5.4 seconds with the manual transmission). The electronically governed top speed of 250km is just a formality.

For more information on the 2013 Audi S3 check the link!

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept

Posted on 09.26.2012 19:00 by Justin Cupler , Alexander Filed under: Porsche | sedan | Station-Wagon / Estate | hybrid cars | concept cars | Paris Motor Show | sports cars | Porsche Panamera | Cars | Car Reviews | Porsche

The Paris Motor Show is just hours away and we are starting to get things all ramped up. Porsche announced that it will be unveiling an all-new production concept when the show opens up, only to shoot out the official details a couple of hours later. This new concept is dubbed the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept and is slated to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake.

The concept is supposed to preview a possible Porsche sports car of tomorrow, which would mean that they are not letting go of the idea that spawned the Cayenne and the Panamera: Parents need speed too.

Rumor has it that this model will debut at some point in the 2013 model year, so the concept model that we see here will most likely be almost identical to its production model.

Click past the jump to have a look at the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 26 September 2012 19:00 EST.

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Official: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Facelift and LP570-4 Edizione Tecnica

Lamborghini has officially released three new models in their Gallardo range ahead of their public debut at the Paris Motor Show tomorrow. The newly upgraded Gallardo LP560-4 and the LP570-4 Edizione Tecnica – both coupe and convertible – are three new models in the long list of special editions and facelifts.

The highlights of the facelifted Gallardo LP560-4 are a new front and rear. The top models in the Gallardo line-up, the LP570-4 Superleggera and the LP570-4 Spyder Performante, will now be offered as Edizione Tecnica. The three new Gallardo models will be available at Lamborghini dealerships from November 2012 onwards.

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Facelift features a new front end with triangular and trapezoidal forms, which are divided by diagonal elements in body color and in black. To complete the new look larger air intakes have been created ahead of the front wheels. The new 19 inch Apollo polished alloy wheels are painted in matt black and feature precision-machined spokes in polished silver.

At the rear you will come across the same triangle and trapezoid shapes. The air outlet for the engine has a wider surface area. A new Style Package is available as an option and offers high-gloss black paintwork on the underside of the front spoiler, front and rear grilles and the transverse element of the rear trim.

The second model LP570-4 Edizione Tecnica – available in both coupe and convertible – benefits from a further improved equipment level and an even more individual look. Features of the Edizione Tecnica include a fixed high rear wing (borrowed from the Super Trofeo Stradale), as well as carbon ceramic brakes.

Three new optional color combinations whereby the entire roof arch and front air intakes are painted in a contrast color are part of the Edizione Tecnica package. The available shades are Nero Nemesis (matt black) body with Arancio Argos (orange) pillars and front air intakes, Bianco Canopus (matt white) body with Arancio Argos pillars and front air intakes, and Arancio Argos body with Nero Nemesis pillars and front air intakes.

In addition to this, all the new Gallardo models can be customized using the Ad Personam bespoke program.

Subaru Forester

Posted on 09.25.2012 18:00 by Simona Filed under: Subaru | suv | crossover | Subaru Forester | future cars | utility vehicle | 2014 | Cars | Car Reviews | Subaru

The Subaru Forester was introduced to the market in 1997 and during its three generations, it has received a mid-range amount of sales. In August 2012, it was raking in a YTD figure of 50,505 units sold, well behind the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V with 176,927 and 191,113, respectively. It goes without saying that the Forester needs a little something to spike those sales and get that money rolling in for Subaru. The company is responding to this need by preparing the SUV’s fourth generation, seen here in these leaked images. The Subaru Forester will be unveiled in Japan in mid-November with sales beginning in 2013 for Europe and 2014 in the US.

The 2014 Forester will be built on a revised version of the Impreza platform and will therefore grow in its dimensions: It will be 35 mm longer (4,595 mm), 15 mm taller (1,795 mm). and 20 mm wider (1,695 mm). The wheelbase will also be extended to 2,640 mm so rear passengers will enjoy a larger interior space. The exterior of the 2014 Forester will look almost identical to its predecessor, while the interior will be fixed up to look more like the interior form the new Impreza.

In terms of power, Subaru will offer a choice of two engines for the Japanese market: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter unit that delivers a total of 146 HP and a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine with 276 HP. US customers will get a 2.5 liter boxer engine with an output of 173 HP and 174 lb.-ft. of torque.

More details on the 2014 Subaru Forester will be revealed in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Subaru Forester originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 25 September 2012 18:00 EST.

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Live Photos McLaren MP4-12C Singapore Edition

The first live photos of the limited McLaren MP4-12C Singapore Edition have surfaced on the web. The Singapore Edition is a collaboration between McLaren and authorised distributor Wearnes Automotive. Held at an exclusive event at the Conrad Centennial, the three models were released ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday evening by Ron Dennis, executive chairman of McLaren Automotive.

The exterior colors were influenced by the colours of Mika Hakkinen’s racing days. The front and rear bumpers are inspired by the HS Edition and the GT3 race car. The Fire Black base color was complemented by Rocket Red highlights and silver pin-stripes. Ultra-lightweight rims are also part of the package. The McLaren logo is printed on the underside of the Airbrake, so that it is visible when the car is in ‘Aero’ mode or under heavy braking.

Inside the cabin, you will immediately notice the specially-designed “Singapore Edition” branding in the door sills. Each of the MP4-12C Fire Black Singapore Editions was available at a S$1.28 million (800,000 Euros or US $1,04). One is still left, two are already sold.

[Via Asiaone.com and Teamspeed]

Honda Confirms Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles for 2015

Posted on 09.24.2012 18:00 by Justin Cupler Filed under: Honda | compact cars | sedan | emissions | economy cars | fuel | 2015 | small family cars | fuel cell cars | hydrogen cars | Cars | Car News

Since 2009, Honda has had hydrogen fuel cell vehicles running around in Europe and in 2011, Honda joined the Clean Energy Partnership in Europe to help bring hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to the forefront. Now Honda is set to expand its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle production in a huge way by replacing the existing FCX Clarity with an all-new fuel cell vehicle in 2015. What's more is that this car will be marketed in Japan and the U.S., as well as Europe.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen to create electricity and the electricity is used to power the car. This means that there is literally no non-renewable fuel used and the only emissions created are water vapor. The details are still pretty sketchy on the entire project and Honda has pretty much only let us in on a little bit of information. In a statement, Honda stated that this new fuel cell vehicle will "showcase further technological advancement and significant cost reduction that Honda has accomplished."

The latter statement is thanks to a new manufacturing process that Honda will adopt that allows it to produce its cars at the same time around the world, as opposed to staggering the production around the globe. Per Honda's research, and general consensus agreement, this will reduce the cost of producing all Hondas, not just FCVs.

The biggest issue that Honda will run into in the U.S. is the hydrogen-delivery infrastructure. You can't really head on down to your local BP station and top off your hydrogen tanks at will. It definitely takes a little planning and we are interested to see what Honda has up its sleeves for this. Don't be shocked to start seeing Honda offering up filling stations at local dealerships that sell these cars.

We'll keep you up to date on the production and details on this upcoming Honda FCV.

Teen Star Miley Cyrus Spotted Cruising in New McLaren MP4-12C

Hannah Montana star, Miley Cyrus was spotted cruising in her new McLaren MP4-12C driven by her fianc , Liam Hemsworht in Los Angeles, US. Only just a few months after she acquired a 2012 Mercedes Benz SL550 Convertible worth $127,000.

Just to recap on the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C. It has a 3.8 liter V8 bi-turbo aluminum with variable valve timing and 600hp. The maximum torque is 600Nm between 3,000-7,000rpm. With only 1,336kg its lightness makes it stand out against the competition, such as the Ferrari 458 Italia. A sprint from 0 to 100km/h is completed in just 3.3 seconds and 200km/h takes just 9.1 seconds from zero. The top speed is 330km/h.

[Via Dailymail.co.uk]

Official: Techart Porsche Boxster

TechArt unveiled their customisation program for the Porsche Boxster ahead of the 2012 Essen Motor Show in December. TechArt offers a wide range of upgrades ranging from alloy wheels, exterior and interior styling packages to bespoke interior solutions.

The classic TechArt wheel setup features a 21 inch Formula light alloy wheel with a five-spoke design. The Germans also offer Formula III forged wheels with a dynamic double spoke design. Thanks to the forged alloy design, the wheels get up to 40 percent weight reduction over OEM options.

The twin tailpipes are made of polished stainless steel and can be fitted with a new muffler or the complete sport exhaust system with valve control. The German tuner also offers a sport spring kit, which lowers the Boxster by 30mm at the front and 20mm at the rear.

Inside, TechArt has a range of leather options, decorative stitching as well as carbon fiber packages available up on customer request. The signature paddle shifters and a three-spoke sports steering wheel are also on the option list. Few details are available about the aerodynamic kit, although we spotted a new front spoiler lip on this particular car!

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG "Project Cyphur" by SR Auto Group

Posted on 09.22.2012 03:00 by Kirby Garlitos Filed under: Mercedes | Station-Wagon / Estate | Mercedes E-Class | luxury cars | car tuning | Cars | Car Reviews | Mercedes

SR Auto Group is dropping it like its hot!

The Canadian aftermarket company has been releasing a number of new programs lately and as sure as the sun is hot, they’ve been smacking their programs straight out of the park. The latest program is called "Project Cyphur" and was built for the Mercedes E63 AMG. Considering the car already carries an AMG badge, SR Auto Group decided to give it a full aesthetic makeover instead.

The first order of business was enlisting new body components from Brabus, considered one of the best Mercedes tuners in the world. The kit includes a full carbon fiber font lip and a pair of carbon fiber air events. This is followed by the removal of the front fenders, which were then replaced with Brabus front fenders. LED side markers have also been added as well as a carbon fiber diffuser over at the rear.

The last order of business, as always, is fitting the car with a new set of shiny digs. For this one, SR Auto Group added a set of Design 6IX Depth in "Rose Gold" PUR Wheels.