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German Car Blog, Performance, Tuning, Motorsport, and Modification News
Published on 09-03-2011 08:25 AM
First, a warning, this video is graphic. Why are we showing you this? Because it is important to remind people even if you do not see anything in your mirrors there may be a motorcycle next to you and it is important to physically turn your head and look before changing lanes. The driver here did not signal before changing lanes although that likely would not have mattered. This is a very, very sad story and an unfortunate one. For whatever reason, several stories involving wrecks and fatalities have originated from Russia as of late. Watch the video if you wish, up to you.
...Published on 09-03-2011 08:12 AM
While searching for places to shed weight on the M3, most start with the obvious panels made of steel. When the factory gives you composite or aluminum panels already as a starting point the quest to shave the pounds of a performance car can become more difficult. As usual, Challenge is here to re-write the book on composites for the M3 using only the best in materials and manufacturing techniques to offer some of the lightest weight and well made body panels available.
...Published on 09-03-2011 06:43 AM
These pictures look official but we can not confirm if these are real or not. Basically, we just happened to stumble upon these on Twitter and decided to share them here. The front almost looks like the 997 factory aerokit which is not a bad thing but also is not necessarily innovative. The rear ducktail spoiler is very nice but that has also been done. Is this the real deal or just someone playing a joke? We will have to wait to find out.
...Published on 09-03-2011 05:42 AM
Brabus has released some official pictures of their B25 S body kit for the new C207 E-class coupe prior to its official debut in Frankfurt. This is more than just a bodykit as it is a complete package inside and out as Brabus often does including engine enhancement. Brabus did not release any details on the motor changes so all we have to go on are these pictures which show modifications to the front bumper, front fenders, rear diffuser, exhaust, suspension, and interior.
...Published on 09-03-2011 05:16 AM
Eisenmann’s long-anticipated 1M exhaust system seemed like a proverbial golden ticket to us at IND when the first prototype finally arrived at our warehouse. We carefully cut the Eisenmann packing tape, opened the box, and looked at Eisenmann’s latest creation for the first time. Of course seeing the polished stainless steel of the canister and perfectly hand-formed exhaust tips is a great sight, but the real privilege for all of us at IND was determining just who should get this first golden ticket.
...Published on 09-02-2011 11:42 PM
To be clear, this was not originally an X50 or K24 car. K24 turbos were added to this car aftermarket. The baseline tune you see here is a factory similar Porsche X50 map with around 1 bar of boost. This map was then taken to 1.1 bar and the redline was also raised to 7000 rpm. Peak gains are 55 horsepower at all four wheels as well as 50 wheel torque. All pulls were on 91 octane pump gas. This car belongs to professional race car driver Carl Rydquist.
...Published on 09-02-2011 09:20 PM
Interested in turning up the boost on your N55? Well Active Autowerke has a solution for you! Nearly 30 years in the BMW tuning industry, Active is consistently raising the bar in the BMW flash tune business. And this is no different, now available for immediate purchase is the Active Autowerke N55 Performance Flash. We have driven the Active Autowerke 135 N55, with the Active Performance software, and needless to say we were impressed! Compared to stock the drive-ability is on a whole new level, the car has a completely different feel than the tuned N54's, boost comes in and it comes in hard, and holds nice all the way to red line.
...Published on 09-02-2011 06:38 PM
This is a bit of an interesting development. Many of you will know Kleemann as a European company who developed and still develops superchargers for Mercedes platforms. Weistec would almost seem to be their competition making this joint venture somewhat surprising although Kleemann has no M156 application. Due to that, it would seem fitting for both parties to work together as Kleemann can use their network to sell the Weistec product and Weistec will be able to reach a wider audience. Essentially, a win-win for both, check out the press release below.
...Published on 09-01-2011 06:21 PM
Audi released official details on three new models. We wish they did it one at a time instead of all at once but here they are, the new S6, S7, and S8. No surprises here, they have the specs and motors we have been reporting about for some time. The S8 gets a twin turbo V8 with 513 horsepower, very nice. Who needs a W12 A8 now? The S6 and S7 both get the same 414 twin turbo V8, not a single turbo as previously thought. It is also paired to a DSG dual clutch gearbox which is very nice to hear. Expect the RS6 and RS7 to get the S8's motor. We do not know if the S6 and S7 have the same turbos but if they do it should make for some interesting tuning.
...Published on 09-01-2011 05:39 PM
This is some great news especially for our Florida members. Lutz Performance is now a premier vendor on our network. Located in Tampa Lutz is a dealer for Horsepower Freaks (also a vendor) and Active Autowerke. So for those seeking forced induction for their BMW, Lutz Performance is a great source. In addition, they work on all cars offering maintenance, installs, tuning, and even paint/repair services. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9-6 PM EST.
...Published on 09-01-2011 04:42 PM
Insideline has tested the new SLK350 with the M276 3.5 liter direct injected and naturally aspirated V6. The motor is rated at 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The car ran a respectable 13.8@101 in the 1/4 mile although we expected a little more out of this new motor. The previous generation SLK350 with just 268 horsepower was tested by Car and Driver at 13.8@103 making the performance numbers for the new car and new motor a little disappointing. The new car is about 150 pounds heavier but the new motor should have easily offset that.
...Published on 08-30-2011 06:00 AM
It is videos like this that make many of us hesitant to bring our cars to dealers for work. Dealers then wonder why owners are so anal about the mileage on their cars when dropped off. Well, frankly, after seeing this we should all likely be far more cautious choosing a local dealer making absolutely certain they have reputable/mature emlpoyees. What happened is a Pacific BMW employee took a BMW 1M coupe for a spin through a residential neighborhood going full throttle in a car that did not belong to him. Like the genius he is, he had his friend film it and put it up on Youtube. By the time the video was removed from Youtube, mirrors were up.
...Published on 08-30-2011 05:51 AM
The Panamera Turbo S is an incredibly fast sedan. It is also incredible expensive. Insideline tested the new Panamera and hit 11.9@117 which is quick although we expected more. The CTS-V on the other hand hit 12.4@114 which also seems to be off pace. When one factors in the price for both cross shopping between the two will likely not be happening with the Panamera Turbo S over $100k more at $173,200 base price versus $59,995 base for the CTS-V. The Cadillac also ran a faster MPH through the slalom than the Panamera. We would honestly keep the $100k but there are people out there with money to burn apparently.
...Published on 08-30-2011 05:03 AM
This is a very interesting bit of news for motorsport fans and a bit of a sad one for Mercedes DTM fans. As you all know, BMW will be racing in DTM next year. Many wondered how they would do in their first season back after an absence of two decades. Well, they certainly will be poised to do well by taking the current leader in the DTM driver standings from Mercedes. This move strengthens BMW and hurts Mercedes shifting the balance of power already for the 2012 season.
...Published on 08-30-2011 04:42 AM
The photo posted below has the Audi world all abuzz. Someone at Fourtitude seemingly stumbled upon it. Is it legitimate? We do not know, but we do know the R8 will be getting some changes under the hood including increased horsepower and a dual clutch transmission. It stands to reason that the exterior will get a facelift as well to go with the changes underneath the skin. Especially considering Audi has given other models a facelift including the S5. Check out the photo and judge for yourself.
...Published on 08-29-2011 04:52 AM
This story is kind of odd for a couple reasons. First of all, the idea of a high performance G-Wagon designed for paved roads goes against the intended purpose of the vehicle. Secondly, why is the M156 the motor that will be chosen when Mercedes is phasing it out on their own replacing it with the twin turbo M157 5.5 liter V8? Beats us, but Mercedes may be planning to send both the motor and the G-Wagon off in style. The vehicle pictured below may also be a G65 AMG with a V12 twin turbo. We will all just have to sit and wait to find out what Mercedes has up their sleeve at Frankfurt.
...Published on 08-29-2011 04:00 AM
A French BMW blog decided to render their take on what an E84 X1 M would look like. The rendering obviously looks better than the real deal but the idea of an X1M is not really our cup of tea. Will it happen? Well, the X1 is very hot at the moment with demand far outstripping supply. As a matter of fact, BMW can not produce enough to even bring the car to the USA. What motor would this car get if produced? Likely a higher horsepower version of the N20 turbo 4 cylinder putting it somewhere in the 340 horsepower range. Will it happen? Time will tell but expect an X3M first.
...Published on 08-28-2011 07:41 PM
This is the Eisenmann race exhaust for the E89 Z4 featuring the N54 twin turbo 6 cylinder. The exhaust features 4 x 76 millimeter tips for a very aggressive look. In the video, a 3d Design rear diffuser accentuates the exhaust nicely making for a much meaner looking tail than what is from the factory. Pricing information will be available soon but for now enjoy the sound of the exhaust in the videos below and the exhaust can ordered through our vendor IND-Distribution.
...Published on 08-28-2011 06:41 PM
The Belgium GP has always thrilled everyone and this years race solidifies that notion. From Senna's crash at the beginning to Schumacher starting last and finishing 5th. Mercedes GP started strong with Rosberg moving from 5th place to overtake Vettel and take 1st place at the end of Spa's straight away and last place Schumacher finished the first lap in 15th place. Like every race though, Mercedes GP began to lose it's overall race pace to Redbull and Mclaren and saw Rosberg fall to 5th place. With 3 laps left, Michael Schumacher with soft tires and DRS stormed past Rosberg on the harder compound on the straight away to claim 5th place.
...Published on 08-26-2011 09:36 PM
Ok, the Porsche 911 was revealed officially just a couple days ago. You all saw the pictures and specifications. Porsche has now released the official preview video for the new 911. The car looks and sounds great. LED's in the front bumper are becoming a bit played out but they work well with the car. The side profile of the car is much sleeker and the rear of the car is obviously a huge improvement. Expect more after the official public reveal in Frankfurt next month.
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