Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible by Westreicher and Tjin Edition 2012

Next to the Ford Mustang GT 5.0 developed in cooperation with UTi, Tjin Edition will also display an incredible 2012 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible next week at the SEMA Show. This tuned up Camaro was developed with Scott Westreicher in cooperation with Extreme Dimensions.

The Chevrolet Camaro begins its transformation with a Gurnade / Tjin Edition ED body kit consisting of a new front bumper, side skirts, a rear valance, a rear spoiler, a carbon fiber hood, and a deck lid. The car will sit on a new set of 22 Forgestar wheels to match the black double stripe running down the hood of the custom Smurf Blue Dupont painted muscle car.

The special Camaro SS Convertible’s 426 HP LS3 engine also gets a performance boost thanks to a Vortech supercharger and a MagnaFlow Exhaust, but specific output figures have yet to be released. Joining the modifications are an Air Lift suspension, GlowShift gauges, and a custom Unique Fabrication roll cage.

Stay tuned, because we’ll be front and center in Vegas when the 2011 SEMA Auto Show opens its doors!

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Ford Mustang Boy Racer 5.0 by Creations n’ Chrome 2012

Remember the Mustang "Blue Angels" Edition we reported on back in the summer? Well, the guys responsible for that electrifying blue and yellow paint job are back again, this time with another stellar project for the 2011 SEMA Auto Show. Creations n’ Chrome will be headed to Vegas with a new package based on the 2012 Mustang GT 5.0 called "Boy Racer."

Unfortunately, all they have released thus far is a teaser video of their project, but from this video we have learned that the Boy Racer will come with a special Red chrome paint finish combined with black carbon fiber paint on the hood, roof, and trunk. The Blue Angels Edition released over the summer was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of naval aviation, so maybe this new color scheme is representative of another special group.

Whatever the reason behind the color choice, it will be further enhanced with interior and performance modifications that will be made known when the 2011 SEMA Auto Show opens its doors. Creations n’ Chrome boosted the previous Mustang’s 412 HP all the way up to 500 HP, so maybe the 302 cubic inch 32 valve V8 will get a similar, or better, improvement.

For now, patience is key, but enjoy this teaser video and see if you can come up with any other inspiration ideas behind the Boy Racer.

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BMW 5-Series GT M-Sport Package 2012

With the 5-Series GT’s fading sales - not that they were extravagant in the past - BMW has long considered putting the vehicle out of its misery. At one time though, the company had big plans for their sports activity vehicle. BMW expected to sell 4,000 to 8,000 GTs annually, but they ended up only selling 2,848 units in 2010 and may sell up to 2,160 units in 2011. However, it would be a shame if they sent it away without so much as a last fighting chance. Enter the BMW 5-Series GT M-Sport Package.

The upgraded 5-Series GT will benefit from the usual array of M-Sport package accessories, including dark chrome tailpipes, a lowered M Sport suspension, and a new set of 19-inch V-spoke M alloy wheels. The interior will see new sports seats upholstered in fabric Alcantara, an M leather steering wheel, an M driver’s footrest, M door sill finishers, Palladium Grey interior trim strips, and a BMW Individual roof lining in anthracite.

The 5-Series GT may be fading off into the distance, but BMW will be making its last half-hearted attempt to make it great with sales starting in late Fall 2011. We’re not quite sure it will make a difference - we think the hatchback will need much more than the random added accessories - but sometimes it’s the thought that counts.

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Chevrolet Camaro L28 by Lingenfelter 2011

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering is one of the best Camaro tuners in the world. So when you put that and the fact that the 2011 SEMA Auto Show is fast approaching, you really couldn’t have one without the other, right?

That’s precisely why Lingenfelter will be bringing a number of Camaros to SEMA with one being this L28 Camaro scheduled to compete at the 2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational.

To get this Camaro in tip-top competition shape, the Lingenfelter Camaro comes packed with modifications, including a modified LPE LS7 engine that produces a walloping 681 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 588 lb/ft of torque at 5,600 rpm, numbers that can easily be competitive without breaking a sweat. Adding to the new engine are plenty of LPE’s own goodies, including a dry sump oiling system, a dual disc clutch & flywheel, a power steering cooler, a twin fuel pump module with electronic control, American Racing headers, a Be Cool Radiator, and a custom side exit exhaust system from Magnaflow. The Camaro L28 also comes with an LPE 9.5" differential with 3.73 gears and a no pre-load TracRite GT helical gear limited slip out back with matching Driveshaft Shop HD 1400 horsepower axle shafts. The suspension set-up features an LPE/Pedders SportsRyder Supercar coil-over system, while LPE sway bars and a set of 20" Forgeline wheels complete the package.

Aesthetically, speaking the Camaro L28 will definitely stand out from the pack, thanks to Lingenfelter’s signature body kit - this includes a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler - and Specter Werkes’ extractor hood. Inside, LPE did away with the standard seating arrangement and installed Corbeau TRS seats with five-point harnesses surrounded by an RPM six-point roll cage.

We’ve lost count on all of the amazing tuning packages that will be present at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show, but rest assured we’ll be there, cameras clicking away when the show opens its doors on November 1, 2011.

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Lotus Exige S 2012

Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is over! After months of speculation, Lotus has finally unveiled the new Exige S. This "ultimate lightweight high performance sportscar" comes bearing a new look inside and out, as well as a brand new engine that adds over 100 HP to the car’s output.

The look of the 2012 Lotus Exige S still claims it as an Exige, but the add-ons provided smooth out the sports car’s look, while still adding a certain degree of aggression to the design. The Exige S now carries a new front splitter that reveals a cleaner line across the front of the car and a smaller rear spoiler, both of which still improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics.

As for power, the Exige S is now working with a mid-mounted, transverse 3.5 liter DOHC V6 VVI-i engine that delivers a total of 345 HP, a far cry from the previously used 257 HP 1.8L Toyota supercharged I4. The reason for this massive upgrade is clear when the car’s weight gets introduced into the equation. The previous model claimed 2,077 lbs, while the new Exige S plumps up at 2,380 lbs. Once the added weight gets brought in, the Exige S’ 0-60 mph time is still better, coming in at 3.8 seconds (from a previous time of 4.0 seconds) and its top speed hikes up to 170 mph (up from a previous 145 mph).

Lotus will also be offering a Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) switch that allows the driver to switch between three driving modes: Touring, Sport, and DPM off. An optional Race Pack also gets thrown in to add a fourth driving mode (Race) to the mix, for the ultimate Lotus Exige S experience.

The new Lotus Exige S has been caught undisguised for the first time while testing at the Nürburgring last week. And even if this video is a bit on the short side, there’s still enough time to enjoy the sounds of the car’s engine as it flys by at high speeds.

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Lexus GS F Sport by Five Axis 2013

Lexus employees have barely finished buffing out the brand spanking new GS 350 F-Sport and there’s already a tuner prepared to debut the vehicle’s first tuning package. Through the eyes of Five Axis comes the Project GS F Sport with some aesthetic and mechanical updates to wow the SEMA showgoers.

The Project GS F-Sport is sparkling in a Glacier White exterior paint with custom Slate Gray accents to offset the unique Silver textured accents for the interior. The vehicle is then given a little attitude with a Five Axis widebody conversion kit and a new set of wheels - size 20x9.5" at front and 20x10.5" at rear - wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport tires.

The gleaming aesthetic changes are matched up with tools for better stability on the road. The Project GS F-Sport comes equipped with a new Stoptech Brake Kit with six-piston opposed calipers up front and four at the rear, an AirRunner TC-5 Air suspension system, and a custom fabricated exhaust with dual finishers by Five Axis for that clean engine sound. Speaking of the engine, Five Axis left the 3.5-liter V6 engine of the standard model untouched so owner will still be riding away using 306 HP.

The Lexus GS F-Sport’s first tuning package may not contain all of the bells and whistles of the average kit, but the result seems to be astounding nonetheless.

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Ferrari 458 Milano by DMC 2011

The SEMA Auto Show attracts tuning companies far and wide, stretching even across the pond to Germany, considered as the home of some of the most popular aftermarket companies in the world.

One tuning company that belongs on that list is DMC, which will travel all the way to Las Vegas to present their latest program for the Ferrari 458 Italia, called the ’458 Milano’, which they built in collaboration with Al & Ed’s of Hollywood.

Full details about the car have yet to be revealed and these photos of the car were actually taken during its official photoshoot in Los Angeles - and subsequently posted on their Facebook page - before heading over to the desert.

According to DMC, the program for the 458 Milano includes an extensive carbon fiber body kit, as well as added items like front flaps, side mirrors, and a rear diffuser. Speaking about the carbon fiber body kit, DMC made it known that the carbon bits on their program are miles better than anything that’s on the market these days.

We’ll take their word for it for now, although not before pointing out that the 458 Milano program also comes with a new set of custom Diamond-Forged wheels and a powerful performance modification program.

Of all the things to look forward to at SEMA, DMC’s Ferrari 458 Milano program just shot right up on top our list.

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Lexus IS 350C by VIP Auto Salon 2012

In its standard version, the Lexus IS 350C is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 306 HP, but at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show, VIP Auto Salon is going to show what the convertible is truly capable. Their new tuning package for the IS 350C will push out an additional 80 HP, as well as look exceptional good doing it.

The kit starts off right where we like it: the engine. VIP Auto Salon installed a power enterprise Rotex Supercharger kit by Apexi x VIP Auto Salon and a PTS Joe Z Series header back exhaust system to get a total output of 386 HP. The performance will undoubtedly be improved with this extra power, as well as the custom carbon fiber styling package including a front lip spoiler, side diffusers, rear diffusers, a rear trunk spoiler, eye lines, and a Seibon carbon fiber hood.

The exterior looks exquisite in a cool Chameleon paint by K&W enhanced by a Huper Optik ceramic film by STM. The final touch for the exterior is laid out with a new set of 19" Full-Face forged alloy wheels. The interior is then updated with custom seat inserts by Top Stitch, an F-Sport carbon shift knob, F-Sport floor mats, and an F-Sport carbon fiber engine cover.

All told, the Lexus IS 350C is a convertible we can all see ourselves driving to the beach in.

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McLaren MP4-12C laps Nurburgring in 7:28

Safety issues involving the McLaren MP4-12C may not be the only disappointing news surrounding the brand’s latest supercar. The MP4-12C was recently taken to the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit by Horst von Saurma, Editor-in-Chief of Sport Auto, and achieved a lap time of 7:28. A rather disappointing time considering McLaren’s formidable reputation for speed.

This Nurburgring time positions the MP4-12C behind the Porsche GT2 RS’ impressive lap of 7:24, even though the GT2 RS posts a slower 0-60 mph sprint at 3.5 seconds to the McLaren’s i3.3 seconds. And that still doesn’t cover the best time at the Nurburgring.

The McLaren will fall even lower on the list thanks to the Lexus LF-A which reported a lap time of 7:14 when equipped with the Nurburgring Package. The Lexus is a full 14 seconds faster than the McLaren around the Nurburgring, but can only do the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds.

With the McLaren MP4-12C sporting a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 592hp @ 7,000rpm and 443 lb-ft. of torque between 3,000 and 7,000rpm, we’re thinking a redo is in order. However, for now, the McLaren can take comfort in knowing it beat out the Ferrari 458 Italia’s lap time of 7:38.

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Ford Fiesta by Gold Coast Automotive 2012

The Ford Fiesta won’t have as many representatives at the upcoming SEMA Auto Show as that of the Ford Focus. Nevertheless, the former will still be in attendance in a variety of tuning programs, one of which comes courtesy of Gold Coast Automotive.

The US tuning firm prepared a program for the Ford Fiesta with an eye towards a comprehensive aerodynamic kit to go with a steady diet of performance modifications. In the case of the former, Gold Coast Automotive dressed up the Fiesta with a number of elements, including a 3dCarbon body kit, a SoCal SignWorx graphic wrap, a new fender flare kit, a custom front splitter, and a new APR Performance rear wing. As for the performance mods, the Fiesta was treated with a Jackson Racing Rotrex intercooled supercharger, a Wilwood four-piston front, a two-piston rear brake system, and a new set of Hankook Ventus racing tires.

All told, the changes done by Gold Coast Automotive on the Ford Fiesta have turned the car from a pedestrian hatchback to a definite eye-catcher. And at the end of the day, that’s what SEMA is all about, isn’t it?

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Chevrolet Cruze Tijn Edition 2011

By our count, this is the fourth teaser image of a Tijn Edition vehicle headed for the SEMA Auto Show. Following in the footsteps of the Ford Mustang, Ford Explorer, and Honda Civic SI, the latest installment of ’Tijn Teasers’ features a sneak peek of a Chevrolet Cruze.

It’s only a teaser photo, although it’s one that has definitely gotten our attention. The GM sedan is dressed in a customized Dupont Sunburst Yellow paint finish and comes with a slew of modifications, including a new LED headlight set-up courtesy of Light Wurkz, as well as a new set of blue 19" Rotiform TMB wheels wrapped around Falked tires with matching yellow 6P Baer brakes. Inside, the Tijn Edition dressed up the Cruze with black leather seats and a new comprehensive audio set-up.

Tijn Edition also announced that the Cruze, just like the rest of its SEMA-bound buddies, will come with a massive performance upgrade. Details on that have yet to be revealed, but we expect it to be something in the realm of the ridonkulous, which is on par with what Tijn Edition has done with their previous projects.

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Mercedes-Benz C63 T AMG Supersport by Kicherer 2011

For anyone that thought the station wagon version of the Mercedes C63 AMG was a boring car, take a look at the revised version coming out of Kicherer. The German tuner has managed to not only increase the output to an amazing 550 HP, but also refine the exterior to make it look better than ever.

In order to increase the total output from the standard 457 HP to 550 HP, the tuner opted to use a sports air filter, a stainless steel sports exhaust system with flap control, and stainless steel manifold. With these tools, Kicherer also managed to increase the peak torque to 472 lbs, bringing the top speed up to an impressive 198 mph. The 0-60 mph sprint time has been slightly improved at 4.2 seconds.

Next to the engine upgrade, the tuner is also offering an aerodynamics package that consists of a front spoiler with carbon flaps, a side sill set with carbon enlargement, a carbon tail diffusor, a carbon front grille, and the highly popular carbon mirror shells. The car sits on a new set of RS-1 forged wheel rims in a 20" format.

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Ford Focus by Cobb Tuning 2012

Look at all of the Ford Focus models headed to SEMA and we’re not going to blame you if your head starts to spin. We understood the whole point of a show like SEMA, but all the Focus models that will be in attendance - seven in all - will be tuning heaven for fans of Ford’s sports hatchback.

COBB Tuning is one of the aftermarket companies that worked on the Focus, and they’re bringing a program that’s as extensive - maybe even more - as any of the other Focus models.

Called the ’Motorsports Challenger Focus’, the COBB-tuned Focus features a carbon fiber hood, a redesigned front bumper, and a large rear wing on the exterior. As far as performance modifications are concerned, the Focus the following items: a custom turbo kit mated to a new exhaust manifold, a front-mounted intercooler, intake, and airbox set-up, Cosworth forged pistons.

The Focus’ chassis was also upgraded, courtesy of a StopTech Trophy big brake kit, an Eibach Multi-Pro R2 coilover suspension, and COBB Tuning’s own suspension bushings.

The improved performance numbers have yet to be announced, but you can definitely expect a significant increase in power for the Blue Oval’s popular sports hatchback.

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Ford F-150 Raptor by Street Concepts 2012

Unlike any other auto show on the planet, the SEMA Auto Show isn’t so much about the glitz and glamor of concept cars and world debuts like other shows. SEMA is about seeing some of the latest tuning projects from the world’s best auto aftermarket companies be displayed in all their audacious glory.

One such vehicle that fits that description to a tee is this custom Ford F-150 Raptor by Street Concepts. The modded pick-up is part of Toyo Tires’ four-vehicle contingent and since its headed to the event, you can be sure that it comes packed to the brim with some of the latest tuning parts available on the market.

Among the many additions to the F-150 Raptor, the most obvious is the the custom Snow Camo vehicle wrap that was added in by Street Concepts. There are also new bumpers, a new lighting set-up, Brembo brakes, and a new suspension system courtesy of Icon Vehicle Dynamics. Inside the pick-up, the modifications include a carbon fiber-wrapped interior that’s accented with luxurious black Alcantara. There’s also a comprehensive audio system that was supplied by Kenwood to give some more oomph to what already looks like a beastin’ machine.

Under the hood, the F-150 Raptor comes packed with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque.

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Track to Street: Episode 10, Petit Le Mans : Video

In the final episode of this year’s Track to Street series by Corvette Racing, the team reflects on their experiences from the ALMS season. On the season, the Corvette Racing team captured a 2nd place overall finish in the GT segment, including a 2nd place finish in the Driver Championship for the tandem of Magnussen/Gavin.

The 10th episode in the Track to Street series gives you an inside look at Petit Le Mans, where each team strives to end the season on a high note. You will be able to see how each and every member of the team made a very hard work in order to obtain the best result ever.

Too bad the Corvette Racing only finished fourth in the GT class in Petit Le Mans, the season finale of the American Le Mans Series.

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Ford Focus by The ID Agency 2012

Of the seven Ford Focus models that are headed to the SEMA Auto Show, picking one as our favorite is like picking what kind of beer we like the best. There are plenty of great choices that makes singling one out next to impossible.

But if we HAVE to choose one, we’d find it extremely difficult to bypass ID Agency’s Ford Focus.

According to the ID Agency, their work on the Ford Focus was inspired by European and Japanese tuning styles, highlighted by an olive paint finish, a Wraptivo-wrapped roof, a Ford Licensed Accessory Thule bike rack with a Custom Leader bike, a set of Recaro Sportster seats and an interior dressed up by Top Stitch. To go with the aesthetic modifications done on the sport hatch, the ID Agency also made some performance upgrades of its own, including the installation of a new Magnaflow cat-back exhaust and an enormous big brake package courtesy of no less than Brembo Brakes.

If you wanted to be technical about all the modifications, it appears that the ID Agency-tuned Focus isn’t as extensive as its counterparts. But in terms of sheer awesome looks, this one is on a league of its own.

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Ford Fiesta by Aaron Vaccar Signature Series 2012

Of the three SEMA Auto Show-bound Ford Fiestas, the one customized by Aaron Vaccar appears to be the one that has the least appeal, at least as far as first impressions are concerned.

But to say that little work was done on the car is completely ridiculous. As a matter of fact, this particular Ford Fiesta just may be the best of the bunch once you know all the modifications done.

Outside, Aaron Vaccar dressed the Fiesta with a custom BASF bright Silver Matte Metallic paint finish and a new set of 17" Advanti Racing V3 Vago wheels. As for the interior, the custom dress-up on the Fiesta includes a new Portable Trim red leather upholstery, a pair of Bride Vios III racing bucket seats, and a state-of-the-art audio system that features an MB Quart Onyx Series speaker and amplifiers.

On the performance side, Aaron Vaccar and his people also addressed some modifications to the Fiesta with the installation of several new components, including a new Weapon-R Secret Weapon air intake and a Wilwood Dynapro six-piston brake kit, among other things.

Wherever your tastes lie as far as this Fiesta is concerned, you can’t and won’t be able to deny the fact that Aaron Vaccar did a fantastic job on the car. We certainly attest to that.

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Mercedes S-Class may get all-electric by 2025

The F125 Concept concept unveiled as Mercedes’ 125th anniversary is not just a simple coincidence. Next to featuring impressive gullwing doors, the concept is also featuring a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, high-priced materials, computer-assisted driving, advanced telematics. You will say that the F125 will never make it to production, but according to Mercedes this concept might in fact inspire the 2025 S-Class.

"This is a visionary outlook that’s the direction we have to go with large cars. This research car was built with the perspective of, what does a car in 2025 look like? — more than two generations ahead," said Thomas Weber r&d chief for Daimler AG in a recent interview.

The biggest challenge for 2025 will be to hit a range up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) completely emissions free. Next to this the company is also consider an unproven method, a lithium-sulfur battery, to increase energy density and new Kevlar-like material to store hydrogen in the body cavities, increasing onboard hydrogen capacity and range.

"These two technologies are advanced, next-generation technologies, but they are not in the heavens," he said. "It’s clear what kinds of technologies we are looking for. We believe as a visionary forecast in 2020, 2025, these kinds of cars are possible."

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McLaren F1 successor begins testing phase ahead of 2014 debut

McLaren has made some big promises as far as it future supercar line-up is concerned and it appears that they’re well on their way to living up to their end of the deal.

The word around McLaren is that the spiritual successor of the company’s legendary F1 supercar - it’s been designated as the ’Mega Mac’ - has officially began its testing phase ahead of its expected debut in 2014. The first testing session for the Mega Mac took place last month in Spain before heading to Germany later on for some development tweaks. According to the people at McLaren, the Mega Mac has also been tested in a number of hot locations to determine how it stands up under extreme conditions.

As far as a refresher on the car is concerned, the Mega Mac is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 800 horsepower and 590 lb/ft of torque mated to a seven-speed Graziano dual-clutch gearbox. The future supercar is expected to hit 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds with a top speed that’s well over 200 mph.

The Mega Mac will only be limited to 500 units at close to £1 million a pop, which is around $1.57 million based on current exchange rates. That’s a lot of greenbacks to part with, but if you have a car that’s expected to challenge the cream of the crop of the auto industry, you’ll have to pay serious money to own a piece of the action.

Note: Photo is of the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3.

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Audi e-tron Spyder 2011

Next to the Quattro concept, Audi has also unveiled at the Paris Auto Show the e-tron Spyder, a concept rumored to preview the future R4 sports car. But compared to the previous E-tron concept, this one is powered by a turbochargers 3,0 Liter TDI engine with an output of 300 HP, combined with two asynchronous electric motors with a total output of 88 HP. The result is a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4,4 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph. All this while delivering a fuel economy of 106.92 US mpg.

The E-tron Spyder measures 1.81 meters (5.94 ft) wide, just 4.06 meters (13.32 ft) long and only 1.11 meters (3.64 ft) in height. It features a wide central air inlet, single-frame grille, adaptive matrix beam headlight modules with three-dimensional clear glass covers carbon inserts in the front and side windows and of course 20-inch wheels.

The interior gets a large, display with integrated MMI functions and flanked by two round dials; racing-inspired lightweight bucket seats, contrasting colors and high-quality materials.

The Audi E-Tron Spyder was recently spotted at Mulholland Drive in California doing some test work. And today Audi has unveiled a new video showing the concept in action in Malibu. Also, we have added new photos of the car, which you can check out by heading to the gallery.

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SSC Tuatara 2012

The battle for the title of “World’s Fastest Production car” has just heated up – again. And this time its round two of the classic David vs. Goliath encounter: diminutive Shelby Super Cars taking on the might of VW-owned Bugatti. American one man show SSC, forced the world to take them seriously after the original Ultimate Aero snatched the title away from the Veyron with a run of 256mph, recorded on a four-mile-long Texas single carriageway that featured a dogleg bend that needed to be navigated at “just” 210mph. The man at the wheel was 71 year old Chuck Bigelow who had no racing experience and refused to wear even a crash helmet.

Hitting back, the Veyron Super Sport took to VW’s ultra-modern, ultra-smooth and wide Ehra Lessien test track, with a pro driver at the wheel and crowd of engineers at their beck and call. The result was an impressive 267mph from the 1200HP special edition.

Considering all that Bugatti have at their disposal compared to Jerod Shelby and his band of 16 engineers – that work from a garage behind his house – you begin to realize the magnitude of their accomplishments. Now they have unveiled their new creation, a 1350HP RWD beast that’s yet to be officially named. For convenience, we’ll just call it the Aero II.

SSC continues to characterize a few last sub-assemblies from the Ultimate Aero for transfer into the final Tuatara performance package. Their latest video shows the car making a 0 to 200 mph sprints in order for engineers to test new gear ratio specs on the transmission. SSC was surprised at how quickly the Ultimate Aero reached 200 MPH, but more importantly the team has now determined what they feel is the perfect gear ratios for the new 7-speed Tuatara transmission.

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Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Tjin Edition 2012

SEMA Show will start in about two weeks and as expected we can offer you more and more details about the models to be displayed in the show. And, as no surprise models like Ford Mustang will once again steal the show.

The new project has been developed by UTI and Tjin Edition in cooperation with Ford and is based on the 2012 Mustang GT 5.0. This one of a kind Mustang sports a custom Dupont paint job, 20" Forgestar wheels, Baer big brakes, custom interior and of course a Paxton Supercharger.

There are no details about the final output just yet, but taking a look at Tjin’s previous works we expect to see big things in Las Vegas.

The UTI / Tjin Edition Ford Mustang will be one of the display vehicles on the 2012 Tjin Edition RoadShow, and will be the 2012 give-away UTI sweepstakes car, so stay tuned for more info!

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BMW Z4 Project Flashbang by SR Auto Group 2011

SR Auto Group impressed us with lots of impressive tuning package lately. If you remember just recently we have reported about the Project Deathbolt and the Project Veneto. And today its time to talk about the Project Flashbang based on the BMW Z4.

The drawing board for Project Flashbang was filled with an abundance of ideas but in the end the tuner decided to go with what felt natural. SR Group is usually a tuner that modifies the least as possible. But with the Z4 they did a little bit more: they have added an AC Schnitzer front aero lip, a new front bumper, a two piece lip spoiler and a rear with a sharper edge.

The package continues with a new set of wheels from Modulare. The B11 model was finished with a gunmetal tint face and gloss black windows. Completing the package was a set of H&R lowering springs.

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BMW 6-Series Convertible 2012

The 2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible, a car that was only introduced to us at the start of the year, is about to get its second tuning program courtesy of Hartge, following in the footsteps of the work done by Hamann, which made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month.

The scope of Hartge’s program may not catch the uninitiated at first glance, but it’s still significant enough to warrant some attention, something that we think was an intentional move done by the German tuning firm to maintain the car’s extravagant yet aggressive look. Among the items equipped to the new 6-Series Cabrio include a stainless steel sport exhaust system, lowering springs that drops the car’s ride height by 30mm in the front and 25mm in the rear, and a set of 19" or 21" alloy wheels.

Always the type to leave their imprint on their works, Hartge gave the interior of the 6-Series Convertible new aluminum pedals, special floor mats, and a number of Hartge emblems, including one on the steering wheel and on the front and rear where the BMW logo used to plastered on.

Under the hood, Hartge did an engine conversion the 6-Series Convertible’s 4.4-liter V8 engine, remapping the car’s ECU to spike the output from the standard 400 horsepower and 450 lb/ft of torque all the way up to a mouth-watering 490 horsepower and 531 lb/ft of torque.

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Tanner Foust drives the Ford Focus RS500

For those of you who do not know: Tanner Foust is a professional racing driver, stunt driver, and television host. So its really no surprise why Ford picked him to get behind the wheel of the new Focus RS500. Better than just driving it around the block, Foust took the RS500 to the Nurburgring and pushed it to its very limits.

The Focus RS500 is powered a 2.5L 20 V DOHC RS engine that delivers a total of 345 HP (up from the standard 300 HP that comes with the Focus RS) and a peak torque of 339 lb/ft. The result is a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 163 mph.

So what do you think? Was he able to push the boundaries of the Focus RS500’s power and the beauty? All you need to do is watch the video and you will find out!

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Mercedes CLS 63 AMG 2012

The Mercedes CLS 63 AMG was launched back in April, but until now, only Carlsson and Wheelsandmore have found a way to improve the model. Today, German tuner Vath joined that list with the most comprehensive tuning upgrade package for the luxury sedan.

The standard CLS 63 AMG gets a 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine that will deliver a total of 518 HP and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s very good in its own right, but at the end of the day, good can always be better. That’s where Vath comes into the picture with an impressive program that takes the car’s output to 660 HP. To accomplish that, Vath came up with the V63RS tuning kit, one that includes optimized charge air cooler system and sports exhaust system consisting of stainless steel catalysts, middle and tail muffler systems. The result is an impressive 660 HP and a peak torque of 708 lbs-ft. With the extra HP, the CLS 63 AMG will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, to 124 mph in 12.0 second and will be capable to hit a top speed of 201 mph.

And to handle this extra power, the tuner will also be offering a new suspension set-up, improved brakes and a new set of forged 3-piece 9x20 inch wheels. For the interior, the tuner is offering a sports steering wheel in leather/leather design and classy black carbon fiber elements.

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Mercedes A-Class Convertible 2014

After Mercedes unveiled the A-Class Concept last year at the Shanghai Auto Show, people started to talk about a production version, one that included an AMG version for the next A-Class. Now, it turns out that more than just an AMG version of the A-Class will be in Mercedes’ future plans: a convertible A-Class will also be offered where it will take on models like Audi A3 Cabriolet, BMW 1-Series Convertible and Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet.

The announcement was made by Mercedes CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche during the official presentation of the new B-Class. He said that Mercedes has five new compact cars to offer: the B-Class, A-Class hatch, the upcoming BLK and a baby CLS four-door coupe. The fifth one of course is the A-Class Convertible.

The car will be built on the same front-wheel-drive platform and will be offered with a fabric roof. As for the engine line-up, next to the usual 1.6-liter petrol turbo and 1.8 diesel, Mercedes will be also offering a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine with an output of about 200 HP while an AMG version will be offered with a twin-turbo 2.0-liter engine and 350 HP.

The new Mercedes A-Class Convertible will be launched sometime in 2014.

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Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2012

Leaving the other debuts of the Chicago Auto Show in the dust is the brand-spanking new Camaro ZL1 - the most powerful Camaro ever. This beautiful beast is powered by a LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that provides enough juice to get our hearts racing and our fingers twitching to grab the wheel.

"Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "It’s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history."

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be distinguished by a new front fascia, hood with air extractors, and a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber rendered in satin black finish. Completing the look is a set of 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips with ZL1 badge on the grille, hood, and brake calipers.

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is considered the most powerful Camaro in the market today so the people at General Motors are working extra hard to ensure that every nook and cranny of the muscle car is on the up and up. For four hours a day spread across six days, the Camaro ZL1 was put through all sorts of tests, pushing every ounce of it to the limit. Now, Chevrolet has released a video that shows the Camaro ZL1 hard at work during testing. In this particular test, the Camaro ZL1 is taken for a 24-hour track test on the grueling Milford Road Course located on GM’s Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan. Click on the image above to watch the video!

 Word has it that the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, considered the most powerful Camaro in the world, has posted a 7:14.27 lap time at the Nurburgring. In a tweet posted by Jason Laird, GM’s Executive Director for Product and Technology Communications, said: "Mark Reuss just confirmed ZL1 Camaro lapped Nurburgring in 7.41.27." This tweet was followed with a confirmation by GM the very next day.

The Camaro ZL1 is once again the star in an official video coming from Chevrolet. The model is being put under extreme testing on the Nurburgring test track in Germany. Chevrolet engineers are testing the setup of the car and the calibration of the electronic traction control system. Hit the jump for the video.

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