Crossing the Blues
Showing posts with label Tuning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tuning. Show all posts

Friday, September 24, 2010

Paris PreShow: Infiniti Performance Line G Cabrio Concept


While we're still trying to find out if Infiniti's freshly sketched dedicated EV (see here) will make its debut at next week's 2010 Mondial de l'Automobile, here's an Infiniti concept that has been confirmed for the show. The Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Cabrio Concept is the second car to wear the Japanese firm's sporty IPL badge after the introduction of the G Coupé in North America in the summer.

As you'd expect, the IPL version of Infiniti's four-seat hardtop cabriolet shares many of the coupe's styling and performance enhancements.

Under the hood, you'll find a modified version of the standard car's 3.7-liter V6 delivering 338 PS at 7,400 rpm and 374Nm of torque. The regular Euro-spec model gets by with 320 PS at 7,400 rpm and 360Nm. For the record, the US-market IPL G Coupe's V6 produces 348-horsepower.

Infiniti says the tuned convertible accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62 mph) in under 6 seconds, while top speed of the de-restricted concept car, which has a seven speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifts, is more than 270 km/h or 168mph.

The concept model's suspension has also been upgraded with 10% stiffer springs and recalibrated dampers, while body sits a little lower to the ground.

In the looks department, the Paris Show model's exterior is finished in a new a pearlescent black paint with red hints called "Malbec Black" while the interior is covered in Monaco Red leather.

Exterior upgrades include a new front bumper, blacked-out grille and headlight surrounds, sculptured side sill extensions and a boot lid spoiler. The huge exhaust tail pipes and 19-inch 7-spoke rims complete the list of changes.

As for the interior, the centre console is finished with black lacquer while the dashboard area above the glove box and doors are adorned with a decorative trim called KACCHU, which according to Infiniti, is a name given to the armour used by Japan's feudal warlords, or samurai, in the Middle Ages.


Although billed as a concept, we all know that an IPL flavored G Cabrio will be offered sooner or later in the States. As for Europe, here's what Infiniti stated: "A decision on launching IPL Infinitis in Europe will be taken later after reaction to the IPL G Cabrio Concept has been considered."




ARK Performance and Hyundai Tune Up Genesis Coupe for 2010 SEMA Show


The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is no stranger to the SEMA Show; tuned versions of the South Korean carmaker's two-door sports were present at both the 2008 and 2009 Shows. Now, Hyundai has teamed up with ARK Performance Inc. to produce the ARK Track Time Attack Genesis Coupe 3.8L V6 show car that will make its debut at the Las Vegas 2010 SEMA Show in the beginning of November.

Featuring production-ready custom parts that will soon be available to consumers, the ARK / Genesis Coupe incorporates modifications to the engine, brakes, wheels and suspension, as well as upgrades to the exterior and interior. ARK's goal was to tweak the Genesis Coupe's standard 306 hp (228 kw) 3.8 L V6 to a sweet 450 hp (336 kw).

Ted Lee, owner, ARK Performance Inc., comments on the project:

"The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is the ideal car for enthusiasts with its strong performance characteristics and dynamic design. The ARK Track Time Attack Genesis Coupe SEMA car demonstrates the ways tuners can improve the performance of their own Genesis Coupe."

A full list of upgrades is available at the end of this article, but here is the short and sweet version:

The ARK Track Time Attack Genesis Coupe will get new con rods, supercharger with intercooler, hi-flow intake valve and an ECU tune. It will also get a new exhaust with dual downpipes. To reign in this monster are big ol' Brembo brakes and a modified suspension setup including front and rear sway bars, front strut and power bracing.

Inside there is iPad integration, an Infinity Sound System, new gauges, racing seats with harnesses and a roll cage. Meanwhile there are new bumpers, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear wing and a carbon fibre hood and grille on the outside.

As promised, below is the full list of upgrades.

By Tristan Hankins


Powertrain:
Mahle Performance Ring Set 3.8L Lambda
Brian Crower Connecting Rods – Pro Series with ARP2000
APG KOREA 3.8 Supercharger Kit
HKS M45XL Spark Plugs
APG KOREA Intercooler
APG KOREA Intercooler Piping
APG KOREA Oil Cooler
ARK True Dual GRIP Exhaust System
ARK 3-1 Dual headers
ARK Dual Downpipes
ARK Testpipes
ARK Hi Flow Intake
ARK Carbon Fiber Cooling Plate
APG KOREA ECU
Blow Off Valve
Camshafts
ARK Lightweight SC Pulley


Brakes:
Brembo Big Brake System
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
DBA Drilled Slotted Rotors
Endless Brake Pads

Transmission:
Clutchmaster Stage 4 Kit with Lighten Steel Chromoly Flywheel

Wheels and tires:
VOLK TE37 SL (Super Lights) – Mackin Industries
Toyo Tires
Kics Lug Nuts
Kics Wheel Spacers

Suspension:
ARK DTP Coilovers System
ARK Front Sway Bar
ARK Rear Sway Bar
ARK Front Strut Bar
Cusco Front Pillow Ball Mount
Cusco Front Adj. Control Arms
Cusco Front Lower Power Brace
Cusco Rear Member Power Brace

Interior:
Apple iPad Integration Kit
Apple iPad Custom Bezel
Infinity Sound System
Blitz Guages – Provided by Driveline Motoring
Bride Zeta 3 Hyper Red Seats - Provided by Driveline Motoring
Additional Bride Fabric - Provided by Driveline Motoring
Takada Short Harness - Provided by Driveline Motoring
Shift boot - Provided by Driveline Motoring
ARK Racing Pedals
ARK 6-point Chromoly Roll Cage
Sparco Champion Edition Steering Wheel - Provided by Driveline Motoring
NRG Black Carbon Ring Quick Release - Provided by Driveline Motoring
NRG Steering Wheel Short Hub - Provided by Driveline Motoring
Sparco Seat Rails - Provided by Driveline Motoring

Exterior:
ARK SFX Front Bumper
ARK SFX Rear Bumper
ARK SFX Wide Front Fenders
ARK SFX Wide Rear Fender
ARK SFX Side Skirts
ARK CFX v2 Carbon Hood
ARK CFX v2 Carbon Grille
ARK Rear Diffuser
Voltex Type 1S 1480mm CF Wing - Provided By Driveline Motoring
Custom Color – Beyond Bodyshop
Graphics and Decals - JsDesigns

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Senner Tuning Presents Nissan 370Z Asphalt Surfer with 365 Ponies [+ Video]


Senner Tuning, probably best known for last year's disastrously named "White Power" RS6, has released pictures and details of its latest project car: the Nissan 370Z Asphalt Surfer.

The German tuning house has modified the 370Z with an ECU tune, sports air filter and cold air intake, boosting power to 365 hp (272 kw) and torque to 400 Nm. Twin 63.5 mm (2.5 inch) sports exhaust, door mirror caps / B-pillars capped in carbon fibre and black painting front / rear splitter round out the exterior package.

Senner has also added 20-inch Barracuda alloys by Tzunamee Racing, which are available in either white or black and wear 9x20" 245/35 R20 rubber at the front and either 10x20" 275/30 R20 or 11x20" with 285/30 R20 rubber at the back.

The interior modifications are more subtle, with carbon fibre added to the instrument barnacle and additional (dash top) gauges.

While you can build up your own 370Z Asphalt Surfer, Senner Tuning said it also offers completed examples of the car.

By Tristan Hankins




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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Porsche Cayenne 902 Coupe by Merdad to Debut at London's MPH Show


It was announced today that the grand unveiling of the new 3 door Cayenne 902 Coupe and its somewhat less intriguing 5 door brethren from UK-based tuning house Merdad, which we first told you about in June, will take place at the MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show in November.

Both the 3-door and 5-door variants are based off the second-generation Porsche Cayenne SUV and come with a variety of styling and performance upgrades with output ranging between 550 and 750-horsepower, depending on the level of tune. The most potent version is said to sprint from 0 to 60mph (96km/h) in 4.4 seconds. Full details on the specifications and extras are to be released at the MPH Show.

The British tuning firm responsible for the Cayenne Coupe is owned by a man who we only get to know by the name (or surname) "Merdad". On the company's website it is noted that he previously worked with Uwe Gemballa for five years before opening his own tuning shop.

Here's what founder and creator Merdad stated about the tuned Cayenne SUVs: "We are very proud that this creation has brought together many British engineers and designers who have contributed to bringing this fantastic beast to the table."

"We now feel the time is right to unveil the Merdad Cayenne 902 Coupe and the Merdad 5 door to the world at MPH and are excited to see what the visitors to the show think of its unique design and unbelievable power will truly set the show and the rest of the world alight," he added.

As always, there are two MPH shows, with the first featuring Top Gear Live to take place at Earls Court from November 4-7th and second one at the NEC in Birmingham between November 11-14th.