Anderson Germany Rolls Out Tuned Audi Q7 V12 Diesel with 550HP

Tuning specialist Anderson Germany has got its hands on the most insane version of Audi's Q7 SUV, the flagship V12 TDI model. In stock form, the 12-cylinder oil-burner generates an output of 500 horsepower and a ludicrous 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) of torque from six liters of displacement, enough to get the all-wheel drive model to 100km/h (62mph) in 5.5 seconds. A new air filter and software optimizations from Anderson Germany help increase output by 10 per cent to 550-horsepower.

The tuning firm also fitted the Q7 V12 TDI with new brakes featuring eye-popping red-calipers and a lowering module for the suspension.

Next up on Anderson Germany's list is the exterior enhancements, which come in the form of a carbon fiber package for the front grille surround, mirror caps, rear diffuser and roof rails, while all logos, the air-vents, the twin tail pipes and the grille are finished in a shiny black color. The smoked lights at the back and a new set of 22-inch alloy wheels with black spokes shod in 295/30 22 tires all around, are also part of the package.

For the interior, the tuning company proposes white carbon-applications on the dashboard, steering wheel and doors, while the seating surfaces and door panels are upholstered in leather and quilted black Alcantara with contrasting white seems. Optionally, Anderson Germany also offers a matching child seat. The new LED lights round off the interior upgrades.

The German tuner has not given pricing yet on the new Q7 V12 TDI package.

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Ford to Expand Use of Start-Stop Tech in Conventional Cars and Crossovers

In a move to improve fuel efficiency across the range, Ford said on Monday it will introduce its new Auto Start Stop system, which is found today on the Fusion and Escape Hybrids and some Ford cars in Europe, to conventional cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America.

The system, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, is said to offer gains as high as 10 percent for some drivers, depending on vehicle size and usage, while also reducing tailpipe emissions to zero when the vehicle is stationary.

"For the driver, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically," said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain engineering. "And, just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater, and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort."

The fuel-saving technology is designed to work on both gasoline and diesel engines, and is standard on the ECOnetic models of the European market Ka and Mondeo series, and is launching now on Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. The fuel-saving system debuts in North America in 2012 and eventually will be offered in all of Ford's global markets.

Carlsson Does the New 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Sports Saloon

The new CLS won't be arriving in Mercedes-Benz dealerships before the end of January 2011, yet German tuning firm Carlsson has already unveiled its performance and styling program for the second generation of the banana-shaped sports saloon.

The German tuner revamps the Mercedes model's exterior with a comprehensive aerodynamics package comprising of a restyled front bumper that incorporates a lip spoiler and LED fog lights, side skirts, a rear apron with a built in diffuser and space for the new rectangular-shape tail pipes, and a boot lid spoiler.

The side air outlets, revised grille and the new bonnet with power domes are also part of the package, which can be complemented by a choice of alloy wheel designs.

For the interior, Carlsson's menu includes an Alcantara sports steering wheel, pedals and foot rest made of brushed aluminium, plus unique floor mats featuring the firm's logo with a matching boot cover.

The tuning house offers performance upgrades for the CLS 350 CGI petrol and 350 CDI V6 diesel models. With the CK35 kit, the V6 petrol engine's output is lifted from 306HP and 370Nm to 333HP and 410Nm. As a result, the car's 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time drops from 6.1 seconds to 5.9 seconds.

Thanks to the firm's C-Tronic DIESEL POWER electronic tune, the 350 CDI produces 320HP and 780Nm of peak torque, up from the stock model's 265HP and 650Nm. This allows the diesel-powered to go from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds instead of the standard 6.2 seconds.

Other performance features include Carlsson’s patented C-Tronic Suspension system that can lower the vehicle's ride height by up to 30 mm, as well as constantly adjust the spring travel depending on the road conditions.

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Project Kahn Unwraps Range Rover RS500 with 500HP Cosworth-Tuned V8 Diesel

UK-based tuning firm Project Kahn has unleashed its latest creation based on the diesel-powered Land Rover Range Rover. The comprehensive tune covers both the interior and exterior styling as well as the 4.4-liter V8 diesel, courtesy of renowned engine tuner Cosworth.

On the outside, the Range Rover RS500 gets redesigned bumpers, the rear featuring a diffuser, lowered side skirts and a quad tail pipe exhaust system developed by Cosworth. Certain components are painted in silver and form a nic contrast with the black paintjob and tinted windows. The RS500 rides on 22-inch RSX alloys with a multi-spoke design.

Inside, bespoke black quilted leather with silver stitching wraps the seats, glove box and dashboard. There's also aluminum decor on the doorsills, center console, gear lever, air vents and steering wheel. Manufactured in Italy with original Land Rover parts, the new steering wheel has a motorsport-inspired contour and promises to offer a better grip.

The final piece of the RS500 puzzle is the Cosworth performance upgrade, which squeezes 500 horsepower out the 4.4-liter V8 diesel engine, up from the standard version's 313 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

By Csaba Daradics

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ABT Sportsline Presents Discrete Tuning Package for 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

According to ABT, the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should be tuned without diluting its distinct character. As a result, the Bavarian specialist concentrated on increasing the power of the German SUV, while keeping the exterior changes to a minimum.

“More power wouldn’t hurt with a car as diverse as this, but it was important for us that the tuning suited the characteristics of the Touareg”, the company’s general manager, Christian Abt, explained.

Tipping the scales at 2.5 tons, the Touareg is certainly no featherweight, so adding more power and torque to the mix is probably a good idea. Engineers developed the ABT Power kit for 3.0-liter diesel V6, which increases peak output from 240 hp to 282 hp. The second stage of the engine conversion is called Power S and delivers 310 hp.

Garnished with a similar power upgrade, the 4.2-liter V8 diesel also benefits from extra oomph, churning out 385 hp (+45 ponies) and an even more impressive 870 Nm (642 lb-ft) of mountain-moving torque (+70 Nm or 52 lb-ft).

As mentioned previously, exterior appointments are discrete as they are limited to a new front grille, rear wing and rear apron, alongside a 4-pipe exhaust system. ABT BR or CR wheels, which can be specified in various sizes up to 22 inches complete the finishing touch.

By Csaba Daradics

The new ABT Touareg – dates and facts
ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 282 PS/207 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW)
Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6
Performance tuning: ABT POWER S
Performance: 310 PS/228 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW)
Engine: 4.2 TDI, 4134 ccm, V8
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 385 PS/283 kW (standard: 340 PS/250 kW)
ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front grille
ABT rear spoiler
ABT rear skirt
ABT EXHAUST SYSTEM
ABT 4-pipe-exhaust-system
ABT SPORTS WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
ABT BR and CR up to 22 inch

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2011 BMW X3 gets M Sports Package and New Inline-Six Petrol and Diesel Engines

The lightly refreshed Coupe and Convertible versions of the 1-Series aren't the only new BMW models unveiled today as the Bavarian automaker also announced the introduction of an M Sports Package and two new engines for the latest X3 crossover, which was first shown in July.

Beginning from Spring 2011, buyers of the new X3 will be able to order an M Sports package that adds some sporty aesthetic touches inside and out, and revised suspension tuning. In detail, the kit consists of an aerodynamics package with unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a roof spoiler. Other exterior amenities include the high-gloss shadow line trim for the side window surrounds and roof rails, chrome tailpipes and 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch alloy wheels. As an exclusive option in conjunction with the M Sports package, buyers can opt for a Carbon Black metallic paintwork.

Inside, there are sports seats with exclusive Pearlpoint fabric/leather upholstery, an M leather-trimmed steering wheel with multifunction buttons including a Cruise Control button, door sills with the M logo and an M footrest.

The roof lining in anthracite, brushed aluminium interior trim, an M shift lever (only for the X3 xDrive 20d with manual transmission) and a stainless steel insert in the loading sill, round off the interior upgrades.

Performance improvements are limited to the sports suspension calibration across the range and on the X3 xDrive35i, a Sports automatic transmission, steering wheel shift paddles and variable sports steering, including Servotronic.

The M Sports package will be available for all engine versions of the new X3.

In addition to the sport kit, BMW also announced the presentation of two new powerplants for the European market X3. These are the 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six petrol with 258HP and 310 Nm (228 lb-ft) for the X3 xDrive28i (the North American xDrive28i is powered by a 240HP unit), and 3.0-liter straight-six turbo diesel with 258HP and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of peak torque.

The petrol model completes the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). Its average fuel consumption is 9.0 lt/100 km (26.1 mpg US) in the EU test cycle with CO2 emissions of 210 g/km.

The new X3 xDrive30d goes from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds en route to a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph), while returning 6.0 lt/100 km (39.2 mpg US) and 159 g/km.

Both engine variants of the X3 will go on sale in Europe next Spring.

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2011 Ford Territory: Redesigned Australian Crossover Teased

Ford Motor Corp.'s Australian division has released a teaser illustration of its new-look 2011 Territory, some six months ahead of the crossover's market launch. The current Territory is based on the underpinnings of the local market Falcon sedan and was first introduced in Australia in 2004 having received some subtle updates throughout its production life.

It is believed that the 2011 Territory will continue to make use of current model's platform adding fresh styling inside and out, plus a number of technology highlights, including the introduction of turbo-diesel power.

"The Ford Territory set a new benchmark when it was first released and it is set to achieve this again – and more," said Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Australia. "This is an exceptional SUV. It wears an exciting new look and will boast an extensive list of technical highlights. The Ford Australia team is taking the Territory to an all-new level of performance, refinement and quality, and customers will definitely experience these advancements when they drive it."

Although Ford did not get into any details on the powertrain options in the press release, the company had previously announced that the updated Territory would benefit from the introduction of the Ford and Peugeot-Citroen PSA co-developed 2.7-liter V6 turbo diesel engine.

There's also a strong possibility that Ford may add its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to the range, as the new powerplant has already been confirmed for the Australian market Falcon.

The company also noted that in the next 18-months, approximately 85 percent of the entire Ford Australia new-model catalog will either be replaced or updated. New models planned for Australia include the latest iteration of the Focus and the Aussie-designed Ranger pickup truck, which was recently revealed at the Sydney Motor Show.

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