|
Browse by Tags
All Tags » Aftermarket » Convertibles ( RSS)
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Mazda Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Mazda MX-5. Speculation has been swirling over the last two years that a Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 was right around the corner. At first, it was rumored to be released in late 2007, then early 2008, then early 2009 and then... nothing. Speaking with Autoblog, Mazda's PR man Jeremy Barnes made it clear that the automaker has no plans to offer a Mazdaspeed version of the current MX-5. While it was originally assumed that the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-pot found in the Mazdaspeed3 would eventually find its way under the hood of the MX-5, Mazda discovered that the swap wasn't a bolt-in affair. According to Barnes, "It does theoretically fit, until you bolt on the head." A high-pressure fuel pump on the back of the head, driven off the cam, would necessitate a notch in the firewall. As such, converting the engine from a transverse (FWD) to a longitudinal (RWD) layout...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , BMW Click above for a high resolution image The M division is a natural choice for anyone who wants a high performance BMW, but that hasn't stopped G-Power from offering go-fast parts for Bimmer owners who want an extra kick in the pants. Their latest offering is the EVO III supercharger package for the Z4 3.0i that boosts horsepower from the standard 231 to a whopping 375. Good enough to run with the Z4 M Roadster, the G-Power Z4 can reach 60 mph in under five seconds and tops out at 186 mph. Other upgrades are available, including aerodynamic body panels, 20-inch wheels, adjustable coilovers, 15-inch brakes, and a quad exhaust system. More info on this M-fighter in the press release after the jump. Gallery: G-Power G4 3.0i EVO III [Source: G-Power] Continue reading G-Power aims to rival M with supercharged Z4 Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Sports/GTs , BMW Click above for high-res gallery of the G-Power M6 Hurricane We were highly impressed with G-Power's M5 Hurricane . After all, it's twin-supercharged V10 produced nearly 50% more power than stock and it had a top speed of 211 mph, which G-Power claims to be faster than any other street legal Bimmer. With the BMW M6 packing the same 5.0-liter V10, it was only a matter of time before it received the same treatment. Behold the G-Power M6 Hurricane! While the twin blowers are set for lower boost, only 6 psi compared to the M5's 10 psi, the M6 still produces a healthy 635 bhp @ 7300 rpm and 469 lb-ft torque @ 6300 rpm. This is good for a 4.5 second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of nearly 200 mph. Not one to forget that appearance matters, G-Power also provides a new front and rear fascia, rocker panels, and carbon fiber rear diffuser along with 21-inch wheels that make room for a 15-inch brake system up front...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Mazda Until the Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 makes its debut, those of us looking for forced-induction power from Mazda's NC Miata must turn to the aftermarket. Of all the tuning firms looking to turbo- or supercharge the new MX-5, Cosworth has both the reputation and technological prowess to pull it off sans drama. According to Eric Hsu, founder of XS Engineering and current Cosworth engineer, despite some set backs, Cosworth will be releasing it's bolt-on supercharger soon. The setup produces approximately 210 hp at the wheels, looks OEM clean and is designed to be legal in all 50 states. But Cosworth isn't stopping there. Hsu says that a Stage 2 version is planned that ups the boost, adds a set of headers and includes some hotter cams. We can't wait to check it out, particularly with the "1G" suspension package offered by Mazdaspeed. [Source: Beyond the Dyno ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , BMW Click above for a high-res gallery of the ACS1 Cabrio. In typical AC Schnitzer fashion, the German tuner wasted no time getting to work on the new BMW 1-series cabrio. Then again, it didn't take much effort to port over the work AC did for the standard 1-series coupe to its softer, drop-top sibling. The ACS1 Cabrio package includes all the Schitzerfied exterior elements (new front bumper, rear bumper with diffuser and side skirts) and interior bits (silver carbon fiber trim, aluminum pedal and shifter, etc.) you'd expect. More importantly, AC is offering tuning packages for every model in the 1-series lineup, including the 135i, 120d and 123d. The two diesel mills get a bump in power to 200 hp and 240 hp respectively, with the 135i outputting 360 hp through the use of a revised exhaust and some ECU tweaks. Naturally, AC is offering up a plethora of wheel options, sized from 17- to 19-inches. Gallery: AC Schnitzer ACS1 BMW 1...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Euro , Mercedes Benz , Brabus Click above for a high-res gallery of the BRABUS SL "BRABUS" might as well be German for, "Hey, why not?" This would seem to be the question its engineers ask themselves before they stuff ludicrous amounts of power under the hoods of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks. This behavior is well - documented , and it continues unabated with the arrival of MB's new SL . Full wheel/tire, interior, and styling packages are a given. Backing up those enhanced looks is an assortment of tuning packages capable of providing more power than even Montgomery Scott could ever plead for. The SV12 S Biturbo engine swap appears to have been created by someone with a severe, pathological hatred for tires. This is the same engine used in the Brabus Bullit , and it dishes out a predictably ridiculous 720 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque. The latter number is electronically restrained to a mere 811 lb-ft., and...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Convertibles , Sedans/Saloons , Cadillac While Cadillac busies itself with a 2-door version of the new CTS sedan , the folks over at Coach Builders, Ltd have been busy taking their tops off. The boulevardier CTS gets an insulated, hydraulically-powered roof fitted with a heated glass rear window and cloth headliner. The top also comes in several colors. Judging by this pic, it also looks like a fair bit of work has gone into making the car look good with the top down. No word on what happens to trunk space, however. It'll cost you more than a few quarters -- $19,000 gets the job done in eight weeks -- but that's the price of exclusivity, right? It's also employs a manual release, but these things happen when you're a style pioneer. We'd like to see pics of the car with the top up, because we wonder if this could be the first cloth-topped Caddy truly fit for the younger set. [Source: Inside Line ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Economy , Sports/GTs , Geneva Motor Show , Euro , Supercars , Mercedes Benz , SMART , Brabus Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Brabus SLR and its tender Megayachts usually come with fancy tenders , so why not supercars, too? BRABUS has taken the idea and run with it, pairing one of its tuned McLaren SLR Roadsters with a matching runabout in the form of a smart fortwo-based ULTIMATE 112. The SLR is the beneficiary of the usual complement of upgrades, including a full body and trim kit (dig those carbon fiber replacement "gills"), a custom interior, and the requisite underhood tweaking, which bestows the roadster with 650 horsepower -- enough to make the Kessel run to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top end of 211 mph. When its time to park the super-Merc and head into more constrained areas of the city, it's occupants can switch over to the car's ULTIMATE 112 "tender" which is finished and appointed to perfectly...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Convertibles , Sports/GTs , Green , Chevrolet Just days after we became enamored with Jay Leno's E85-powered C6RS Corvette at SEMA this past year, Pratt and Miller announced it would be producing the cars for the public, providing you had a Corvette and $185,000 to do the conversion. Included with each C6RS is carbon fiber bodywork, an adjustable suspension, upgraded brakes, and a 600-horsepower 500ci V8, among many other modifications. Pratt and Miller set availability of the C6RS for April of this year, but the first has already been delivered in the form of a yellow convertible. Who's the lucky customer? None other than Jim Miller, co-owner of Pratt and Miller. We guess if anybody deserves the first one, it's him. Thanks for the tip, Fletcher! Gallery: Pratt and Miller Corvette C6RS Convertible [Source: Pratt and Miller ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Convertibles , Geneva Motor Show All right. Let's get one thing out of the way right now. The picture above is not the LigHT concept that Webasto will be showing in Geneva. No, that square-jawed little number is the aftermarket firm's Welcome 2 concept that debuted back in 2003, based off a Mercedes CL500. With that out of the way, Webasto will be showing off a roadster concept next month that plays off the German company's idea of "Moving Innovations" by featuring a vehicle that includes a "hybrid top" that makes use of new structural materials and some kind of auxiliary heating system. We'll be on hand in Geneva to get all the details, but in the meantime, check Webasto's press release after the jump. [Source: Webasto ] Continue reading Webasto bringing LigHT concept to Geneva Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Geneva Motor Show , Mercedes Benz , UAW/Unions click above image to view more images of the Lorinser Nardo3 Mercedes SL Perennial Mercedes-Benz tuner Lorinser is coming to Geneva with some new toys. Highlighting its booth at the fast-approaching auto salon will be the Nardo3. Based on the outgoing Mercedes SL AMG roadster, the Nardo3 borrows its name from the high-speed test track in Italy and strives to live up to the name by boosting power from the twin-turbo V12 to 660 hp. It also features some slick aero mods, including a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust outlets and a new front end to match. Although Mercedes has already announced its new AMG SL-Class roadsters , Lorinser will only produce 50 copies of the Nardo3 and should have no trouble selling them. Lorinser will also be showcasing its modifications for diesel Mercedes-Benz cars with the C-Class T-Model that upgrades the C320 T CDI with revised electronics, boosting power...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Sports/GTs , Supercars , Chevrolet , Callaway click above to view more high-res pics of the 2008 Callaway Corvette Callaway, the Connecticut-based Corvette tuner par excellence, has just announced that its 2008 Callaway Corvette will come with a new supercharger package that bumps power in the C6 Corvette to 580 horsepower. Buyers need only hand over $18,500 for the additional 150 horsepower over a stock 430-hp 6.2L LS3 V8, but will also get a host of engine improvements, a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty and still be able to meet California's strict emissions standards. Callaway has also announced a new, more powerful supercharger for its super-Vette, the C16. The new spool increases output of the hand-built LS3 engine from 616 to 650 hp. It's also fitted with new cylinder heads and valvetrain, a custom cold-air intake, special free-flowing exhaust system and remapped ECU, in addition to the carbon-ceramic brakes , suspension and wheels...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Sports/GTs , Aston Martin Click on above to view our 29-image high-resolution gallery When Mansory hit us with its modified Aston Martin V8 Vantage , we bemoaned the lack of any serious performance upgrades. Unfortunately, although it's more visually pleasing than its stab at the Vanquish , Mansory's take on the DB9 adopts the same meatless approach. The only real performance upgrade is in the rolling stock: 20-inch forged alloys hide 405mm discs clamped by six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers around back, hooked up to a lowered suspension. Wheels, brakes and suspension ain't nothin', but otherwise it's all poseur. There's a new front end with integrated lighting, side skirts and a carbon fiber rear diffuser with chrome exhaust tips. Inside Mansory has decked the interior out in maple, carbon fiber, Alcantara and available aluminum pedals. The package is available for both the DB9 coupe as well as...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Etc. , Pontiac click above to view more images of the Solstice F430 There's a pretty healthy argument to be made for leaving the styling of your Pontiac Solstice alone. It did end up in production virtually off the show floor, as evidenced by the cockpit's spaciousness and spectacular materials (hint: saracasm). But there's always at least one person who's not content to leave well enough alone. Luckily, Mr. Paul MadMods seems to have what's known in the biz as mad skillz. What that means is he has a way of working with his hands in a painstaking manner to turn out customized cars that don't scream "HACK JOB!" Aesthetics, however, are another whole thing, and we're sure that this choice of colors and body mods won't sit well with everyone, but you have to give the guy credit, it's all nicely done. We also have to give props for not creating a full-on Ferrari replica. Paul states that his intent...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Convertibles , Coupes , Dodge Click image for hi-res gallery This is the part we love. It's when the OEMs and tuners start throwing haymakers at each other by releasing cars capable of bending the space/time continuum, so gaudy are their horsepower and performance numbers. The flurry comes in advance of the Corvette ZR1, which is poised to blow everyone away with what are certain to be obscene performance capabilities. The Nissan GT-R is now on record with a 3.3-second 0-60 time, a quarter mile in the elevens, and the handling capabilities its AWD system brings to the table. Dodge's '08 Viper puts out some impressive numbers to begin with, and now, ahead of the super-duper Vette's arrival, Hennessey has announced the 650R upgrade for all of Dodge's 2008 snakes - coupe, 'vert and ACR. The kit, which includes new headers, a 3-inch exhaust, performance cats, a K&N filter, and a brake upgrade, boosts power from the stock 600 hp to 678....
|
More Posts Next page »
|
|
|