McLaren MP4-12C Diabolically Tricked Out to 666-Horses

With McLaren's newest creation gradually making its way to most markets around the world, the tuning industry is stepping up its efforts to satisfy the needs of power-thirsty buyers. After Hennessey, German tuning firm Wheelasandmore has also presented a new package for the McLaren MP4-12C, which includes both styling and performance products.
In factory guise, the MP4-12C's mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine is rated at 600PS (592HP) and 600Nm (442.5 lb-ft). A reprogrammed ECU along with a custom sports exhaust system push those numbers to 666-horsepower and 640Nm (472 lb-ft) respectively.
Wheelsandmore noted that it's currently working on a more aggressive tune with modified turbochargers and intercooler upgrades that will lift output to around 800-ponies.
For now, the company's tune also includes an electronic hydraulic suspension system that lowers the ride height by another 25mm and is said to improve handling and steering.
The package is complemented by a new set of lightweight forged alloy wheels finished in black with an orange rim (20-inches with 245/30 Continental Sport Contact 5P tires up front and 21-inches shod in 325/25 rubber at the back), with matching color racing stripes.

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2013 BMW X6 Facelift

We've been following the development of the facelifted X6 through our scoop section for a while now and today, BMW officially revealed the 2013 model year version that goes on sale worldwide this spring. The big news on the 2013 X6 is the introduction of the diesel-powered X6 M50d of the M Performance series, but we've already covered it in our previous post, so let's see what else is new about BMW's so-called Sports Activity Coupe.
The styling updates throughout the range are quite subtle and include a new set of headlamps, more pronounced kidney grilles with bars that are angled in the lower section, repositioned fog lamps set in matt finish surrounds and new LED tail lamps, while BMW also offers adaptive LED headlights as an option.
The 2013 model year also brings new exterior colors including the Marrakesh Brown metallic featured in the pictured vehicle, plus the option of Vermilion Red and Ivory White leather upholsteries and new alloy wheel designs.
The X6 comes as a four-seat model with a three-seat rear bench being available as an option.
The basic engine range remains the same, with the U.S. lineup including the xDrive50i with a 400hp 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 and the xDrive35i with a 300 hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. Both engines are mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission. The X6 M with a V8 engine delivering 555 bhp linked to a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission tops the range.
While the X6 M50d won't be making it in the States, BMW offers an M Performance Package in the U.S., which adds 15hp and 30 lb-ft of torque on the X6 xDrive35i giving it 315 hp and 330 lb-ft respectively, while the increase on the X6 xDrive50i is +40 hp +30 lb-ft of torque for total peak output of 440 hp and 480 lb-ft.
Along with the engine upgrades, the M Performance Package adds 20-inch light alloy wheels, black chrome exhaust tips, stainless steel pedals, M footrest and door sills, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner, and optional Carbon Black metallic paint.
In Europe, the modestly refreshed X6 will also be available with a pair of 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engines, producing 245bhp on the xDrive30d and 306bhp on the xDrive40d.
The 2013 BMW X6 will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

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Corvette ZR1 Taken to the Max by German Tuner TIKT

In pure stock form, the Corvette ZR1 is a performance beast with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping out 638-horses and 604 lb-ft (819Nm) of peak torque. However, German tuning firm TIKT believes that there's plenty of room for improvement so it introduced a new take on the ZR1 with its Triple X package. It all starts with the ZR1's eight-cylinder powerhouse that gets modified cylinder heads, camshafts, valve springs and compressor ratios plus a larger throttle valve, a completely modified exhaust system, a reprogramed ECU and changes to the cooling system.
The tune sees the 6.2-liter unit deliver an output of 758HP (769PS) and a peak torque of 671.2 lb-ft (910Nm).
TIKT then moves on to better the Corvette ZR1's handling through the use of new race shocks, a lowered suspension by a claimed 50mm (1.9 inches), more powerful brakes and a new set of Zerra Ultralight Evo 2 alloy wheels.
The final touches come in the form of an aero package that includes a new front bumper with a splitter, side skirts and an oversized rear wing, all made from lightweight carbon fiber.

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The Original “Eleanor” Mustang GT500 Film Cars Going under the Hammer

If you’ve seen the 2000 blockbuster film “Gone in 60 Seconds”, you may recall Angelina Jolie walking into a garage full of Ferraris and saying in her husky voice “Hello, ladies. I always was a sucker for a redhead”. You’ll no doubt also remember the name of the protagonist's favorite car “Eleanor”, a 1967 Ford Mustang GT500 that master thief "Memphis" Raines decided to keep for last in his attempt to steal 50 cars in a single night to save his brother’s life.
It was also the name of the 1974 original film’s 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 – yes, in case you didn’t know it, the Cage-Jolie-starring movie was a remake.
The producers wanted to use a special Mustang for the new film. Therefore, they enlisted the help of Hot Rod illustrator Steve Stanford to create a 1967 Mustang GT500 and designer Chip Foose to transform Stanford’s sketches into a real car.
Well, twelve cars to be exact, five of which did not survive the movie – probably destroyed at the chase scene towards the finale. Three of them were the “hero” cars; fully functional and used by the actors themselves at filming.
Car number 7, which was used for driving shots, for dialogue and interior action shots with the actors, is going under the hammer by COYS at the Autosport International show in Birmingham on Saturday January 14. It is estimated that “Eleanor” No7 will fetch £75,000-100,000 (US$115,000-154,000).
According to the supplied copy of the build sheet, apart from the changes on the body, the modifications in this Mustang with chassis number 7R02C173895 include a 351 cubic inch V8 FordRacing crate motor fitted with a “big” camshaft and 700cfm Holley 4-barrel carburetor.
It also sports a Total Control Products coil over lowered front suspension and Willwood disk brakes all around with 6 piston calipers up front. After the movie, the side exhausts were made functional by Cinema Vehicle Services and the tank is filled through a Mach 1 cap on the C-pillar.
“This is one of only two original cars in private hands. We are offering the opportunity to acquire one of the cars that actually appeared in the movie and which will undoubtedly increase in value in years to come," said Coys’ managing director, Chris Routledge.

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New 2013 Dodge Dart Compact Sedan Based

The Chrysler Group has resurrected the Dart nameplate from the 1960s for its new Dodge compact sedan model that will receive its world premiere at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the second week of January. The new Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to be based upon a Fiat architecture as it makes use of a modified version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback's platform named Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW), which has been lengthened and widened to improve interior space.
The Detroit automaker says that 68 percent of the Dart's body is composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a "very strong and rigid structure".
Powering the 2013 Dodge Dart will be three four-cylinder gasoline powerplants including a new Tigershark 2.0-liter unit, a 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine that will most likely be shared with the Fiat Abarth 500 in the U.S., and a new Tigershark 2.4-liter MultiAir engine.
The MultiAir technology on the 1.4L Turbo and the 2.4L units that allows for direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion is said to result up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque, a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent reduction in C02 emissions.
We only get a glimpse of the exterior styling of the new Ford Focus- and VW Jetta-sized Dart, but it's obvious that the design with the split-crosshair grille and the full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps was inspired by the Charger.
The new Dart sedan will be manufactured at the Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.

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