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Posts Tagged “Tuners”
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Taking A Spin In A JDM Nissan Skyline
The new Nissan GT-R may be stirring up a lot of hype, but before the R35, Skyline lovers on this continent had to have their cars independently imported. The problem is, since the gray-market heyday of the '80s, the American import laws have been pretty dang strict. So, we decided to make our way up to Toronto, to check out how hoons in great white north do things. This particular operation, ONI JDM, has brought in everything from kei cars to fully-modded RX-7s, Supras, and of course Skylines. They offered to take us for a ride in their drift-spec R32 Nissan Skyline, so we bolted down the video camera and strapped ourselves in.More »
12:30 PM on Fri May 9 2008
By marnold
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55 comments
Latest by Adamk24: @boosted-lego-wagon: Don't call him friend, buddy more »
ford f-650
The first thought that comes to mind when taking a step back to look at the Geiger F650 is that this mechanical monstrosity is gonna be mighty thirsty for fuel. While it may not be powered by mere petrol, keep in mind that in most places diesel fuel actually costs more nowadays. Sure, you get over 737 lb-ft of torque from the 6.7-liter inline-six Cummins, but you really do need it to move this beast of burly burden.
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Geiger Ford F650 Is A Bit Late To The Game
The first thought that comes to mind when taking a step back to look at the Geiger F650 is that this mechanical monstrosity is gonna be mighty thirsty for fuel. While it may not be powered by mere petrol, keep in mind that in most places diesel fuel actually costs more nowadays. Sure, you get over 737 lb-ft of torque from the 6.7-liter inline-six Cummins, but you really do need it to move this beast of burly burden.More »
custom cars
Dream Factory Blow Papa Rider
The other day we showed you some cute little Japanese Kei cars converted to look like vintage American vans. Turns out they were the creation of a company called Dream Factory Blow. They're sort of an American-style surfing-obsessed customizing shop, but since they're in Japan, they work their magic on JDM rides. While stumbling around their non-English website, we found this thing. Apparently, they call it the Papa Rider, but it may not be what you initially think it is.More »
tuners
2009 BRABUS S V12 S Hauls Ess El
Is there anything that the whacky tuners at BRABUS won't put a V12 into? Our favorite has to be the BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow which is V12 + C-Class + matte black paint. Though, we also love the SLR McLaren + Smart Car combo. And who can forget the S V12 S-equipped Brabus Maybach 57, which hit 205 mph at Nardo? By comparison, tweaking the already V12-equipped Mercedes-Benz SL seems like a no brainer.More »
tuners
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AMS Mitusbishi Lancer Evolution VIII Makes 1130 HP
AMS claim this is the world's most powerful Evo, and they've got the dyno sheets to back it up. This Mitsubishi monster supposedly makes 1130 HP, and that's not at the flywheel, but at the wheels. And we're told it's "true" power, no nitrous-oxide assistance, just a motor built up big as can be and 51 PSI of boost. With all that power sent to four wheels, this thing just wants to jump right off the chassis dyno. This begs the obvious question — what kind of acceleration should you expect? How about a 1/4-mile run of 8.56-seconds at about 170 MPH. But don't think this was all some crazy JDM tuning. Nope, this car lives in the one and only true land of excessive power — the good ol' US of A.More »
2008 bmw m3 coupe
Hamann Kicks The E92 M3 Coupe Up A Notch... Or 35
While the majority of us would be happy with a standard M3, Hamann's apparently not as satisfied as the German tuning shop has just revealed a couple of serious tuning packages for the V8-powered E92 BMW M3 Coupe. The two blend all sorts of fun performance upgrades with enough cosmetics to make Mary Kay blush. The first tuning package increases the 4.0-liter V8's output to 435 HP and a slight boost to torque on the crank shaft. With the removal of the speed limiter, the M3 can go up to a top speed of 187 mph. The second kit called "Sportkit HM/M +35" raises output to 455 HP. This second package pushes the speedometer up to a speedgasmic 199 mph. As far as looks go, Hamann drops a black on black paint job, matching the rims to the dark-as-night skin. Gorgeous. The black knight certainly does return.[via CarScoop]
found on ebay
New Baby Audi R8 Based On TT? Not Quite
Rumors have been circulating that Audi may be possibly considering a "baby R8" —but this ain't it. The current Audi TT is a fine looking machine, but it pales in comparison to its big brother, the R8. They both have a somewhat similar shape, but the R8 has those nifty "sideblades" and some other vents and scoops. In light of this, body kit makers Caractere decided to make a kit that attempts to make your Audi TT look like an R8. We thought it was one of those hypothetical styling kits that nobody would actually buy, but we were wrong.More »
tuners
Abt Sportsline Tunes VW R32, Hits 370 HP Note
The German tuners of Abt Sportsline have had their way with the VW Golf R32 taking the well-known and already sporty hot hatch down the road of higher horsepower. Although you'd never expect it with such few changes Abt's made to the exterior shell. Although Abt gives their R32 a new side skirt, blackened chrome dual pipes and of course, 19-inch wheels and Abt decals, very little else signals the changes Abt's got going on under that blue bonnet.More »
tuners
Murcie Me, Premier4509 Tweaks The Lamborghini Murcielago
Though Lamborghini's Murcielago isn't exactly an automobile that needs much improvement, that hasn't stopped people from trying. Japan-based Premier4509 has launched a limited edition body kit for the Murcielago, for those who have $28,000 to spend on what in essence is a carbon fiber bumper, sidepods and adjustable rear spoiler. Wheels and exhaust tips are "coming soon." For a carbon fiber body addition, the touches are nice, avoiding the usual excesses. Of course, if you want to stand out you can just chrome the entire Murcielago like 50 Cent did with his. Photos and press release below the jump.More »
tuners
HARTGE Gives BMW 1-Series The Carbon Fiber It Was Missing
We can imagine that tuners have been anxious to start hawking their gear for the 2008 BMW 1-Series as the car has a lot of potential and lacks an "M" version. HARTGE, which also tunes the hatch version, has their first round of offerings available and they include the expected wheel/tire combinations, an adjustable sport suspension and all manner of carbon fiber bits for the interior (carbon fiber is the new ball bearings). The company's approach to the 1-series is more about handling and performance than it is about wild looks. They offer one exterior tweak: carbon casings for the exterior mirrors.More »
tuners
The Magnificent Seven: Neiman Marcus Catalog Gets Seven 700NM Venoms
If the Lexus IS F was too common for you, Neiman Marcus will soon be offering seven 700NM Hennessey Venom Dodge Vipers for the low-low price of $179,500, which is approximately the cost of three handbags in their catalog. Unlike the very pedestrian blue-and-white of the previous Hennessey 650R, these precious snakes come in black with a matching black-and-red leather interior. For all that change you get 700 horsepower, 645 lb.-ft. of torque, a day of performance driving school at Lonestar Motorsports Park and a lot to brag about. But as they say in Texas: it ain't braggin if it's true. Take this and a little SRV and you've got quite the weekend. Press release and hi-res photo below.More »
novelties
We stumbled across these custom hand-painted Nissan valve covers by accident, but it turns out they're the artwork of Pres, a fellow Jalopnik. Even if you're not familiar with Aqua Teen Hunger Force or this guy, you can still appreciate the originality of these creations. Hmm... maybe he could do Trogdor The Burninator on a pair of Hemi valve covers?
Custom Painted Valve Covers Keep Meatwad Warm
We stumbled across these custom hand-painted Nissan valve covers by accident, but it turns out they're the artwork of Pres, a fellow Jalopnik. Even if you're not familiar with Aqua Teen Hunger Force or this guy, you can still appreciate the originality of these creations. Hmm... maybe he could do Trogdor The Burninator on a pair of Hemi valve covers?
geneva motor show
We've been waiting for the 6.2-liter AMG V8 version of the Mercedes SL like that famous dog in Scotland who waited at the train station for his dead master to arrive. Of course AMG is no dead master, as it were. It's a cornucopia of major mechanicals, of which its latest naturally aspirated V8 is most definitely one. Now, were those boys to build a rockcrusher manual or manumatic tranny that can handle this beast without leaving bits along the autobahn, and ditch the autobox... why, we'd have more car than the average real-estate developer in Orange County could handle. Oh wait... they did. It's the new seven-speed, twin-clutch SpeedShift MCT (Multi-Clutch Transmission) box, which ships with with four drive modes. That means faster shifts to go with the pleasing throttle blips when going back down. Time for those Wire Brush (TM) brand hair plugs, Bob.
Mercedes AMG SL63 Debuts in Geneva
We've been waiting for the 6.2-liter AMG V8 version of the Mercedes SL like that famous dog in Scotland who waited at the train station for his dead master to arrive. Of course AMG is no dead master, as it were. It's a cornucopia of major mechanicals, of which its latest naturally aspirated V8 is most definitely one. Now, were those boys to build a rockcrusher manual or manumatic tranny that can handle this beast without leaving bits along the autobahn, and ditch the autobox... why, we'd have more car than the average real-estate developer in Orange County could handle. Oh wait... they did. It's the new seven-speed, twin-clutch SpeedShift MCT (Multi-Clutch Transmission) box, which ships with with four drive modes. That means faster shifts to go with the pleasing throttle blips when going back down. Time for those Wire Brush (TM) brand hair plugs, Bob.
tuner cars
Mine's GT-R Runs 59.4sec Lap of Tsukuba, Coming To US?
No, I'm not saying that I personally have a Nissan GT-R. I'm talking about Mine's, the Japanese Tuner of Gran Turismo and Best Motoring fame. Recently, they brought their R35 GT-R with all the Mine's go-fast goodies to the Tsukuba Circuit to do some testing, and they left with a best lap of 59.367 seconds. To put this in perspective, a normal R35 GT-R will run a lap of about 1:02, and a new Mitsubishi Evo X or Subaru STi will do it in about 1:06. To run a sub-one-minute lap is a benchmark for turbo-crazed JDM tuners. Of course, with a notable lap time, there are always factors (weather, driver) that have little to do with the actual car. Either way, theMore »
tuners
Corvette Z03 Concept By Ugur Sahin Design Is 03 Less Than Z06, Yet Somehow More
To some people, the relatively affordable and fast Corvette Z06 is automotive perfection. Those some people might not like the Ugur Sahin Design Corvette Z03, which takes the Z06 and replaces the original look with a carbon fiber body that adds a touch of stallion to the America sports car. In order to make this truly a super car, the design seems to indicate that it'll be almost impossible to see out of the back of the car. Though the car is going to maintain the Z06 setup, it has the dimensions of a mid-engined sports car. And like most modern design projects, the company actually thinks they're going to build 100 of these.More »
novelties
Contrary to what the badge may say on the back of this car that used to be an Audi, this is actually just the aftermath of what someone decided to do with their A6. While admittedly the craftsmanship is far from the worst custom bodywork we've ever seen, the styling is, well.. very distinctive to say the least. We're gonna go out on a limb and predict that this car is not at all hinting at some new design direction for Audi. It's been a long time since we've heard anything about an A9. The old rumors ranged from a mid-engine supercar based on the Le Mans concept (which turned out to be called the R8) to a Maybach-fighting über-sedan. Regardless, we're sure that this thing ain't no A9.
Audi A9 Caught Undisguised? Um, No.
Contrary to what the badge may say on the back of this car that used to be an Audi, this is actually just the aftermath of what someone decided to do with their A6. While admittedly the craftsmanship is far from the worst custom bodywork we've ever seen, the styling is, well.. very distinctive to say the least. We're gonna go out on a limb and predict that this car is not at all hinting at some new design direction for Audi. It's been a long time since we've heard anything about an A9. The old rumors ranged from a mid-engine supercar based on the Le Mans concept (which turned out to be called the R8) to a Maybach-fighting über-sedan. Regardless, we're sure that this thing ain't no A9.
tuners
We'd say this new Porsche Cayenne was to die for, but then it turns out there are people willing to die for a Porsche Cayenne. Well, that and it's kind of hideous. Something about this HAMANN Cyclone body kit just doesn't quite work. Maybe it's that sort of M5-esque front bumper. Maybe it's the unnecessarily large black rims. Or maybe it's ridiculous snakeskin, carbon fiber and velour interior. Though gaudy, it does finally confirm that carbon fiber is a fashion statement more than a performance statement. Press release and pictures below the jump.
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HAMANN Cyclone Porsche Cayenne: Nothing Says Speed Like Snakeskin
We'd say this new Porsche Cayenne was to die for, but then it turns out there are people willing to die for a Porsche Cayenne. Well, that and it's kind of hideous. Something about this HAMANN Cyclone body kit just doesn't quite work. Maybe it's that sort of M5-esque front bumper. Maybe it's the unnecessarily large black rims. Or maybe it's ridiculous snakeskin, carbon fiber and velour interior. Though gaudy, it does finally confirm that carbon fiber is a fashion statement more than a performance statement. Press release and pictures below the jump.More »
