2010 BMW 1-Series Coupe Super Sport Car Designs

Talk about extreme tuning. We guess this is what the BMW 1-Series Coupe would look like if it needed a mouth guard. However, this BMW is not only ready to take a punch, but deliver one as well with its obvious exterior modifications and engine upgrade.

 

 2010 BMW 1-Series Coupe Super Sport

 

Starting off with the chassis from the E82 1-Series Coupe chassis, Senkyr Motorsports have added the same design styling to it as found on their recent package for the E92 M3 GTR. It includes a super aggressive - to put it mildly - front bumper featuring quad canards, wide front fenders, and a front mount intercooler. There are also new headlamps, new exterior mirrors, and, of course, a new set of BBS Motorsport Race wheels measuring 18×10 in the front and 18×12 in the rear. The rear also gets a new bumper and a huge wing, although it is nowhere near the size of the monstrous front end.

 

 2010 BMW 1-Series Coupe Super Sport

 

For the engine, the tuner is offering two turbocharged inline six-cylinder engines with a 24-valve 2xOHC, treatment landlord Motorsport intercooler, electronics BMW series, modification intercooler, and a racing exhaust. The result is an impressive 402 hp at 7200 rpm.

2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

 

Cadillac unveiled the XTS Platinum Concept, a preview of future premium American elegance at the most appropriate place on the planet, the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. A while back we reported that the upscale arm of General Motors was preparing a new full size stretched wheelbase luxury sedan called XTS. The new concept is a big part of GM’s future plans and is a bold statement from a domestic automaker that they can confidently compete with the best luxury car builders from around the world; makes like BMW, Audi and Lexus. After all it does have Platinum in the name.

Drawing inspiration from the Cadillac Sixteen concept, the XTS concept’s exterior is highlighted by Cadillac’s Art and Science design language with features like vertical headlamps and taillights packed with LEDs and integrated light pipes that make for rich detail without being overbearing despite sitting on a set of 20 inch eleven spoke rims. Based on the Platinum concept’s dimensions, the XTS squeezes into the lineup between the current Cadillac STS and DTS, making it an excellent candidate to take on the A7 with its flowing fastback design and signature Cadillac chrome grill. The XTS concept is fitted luxurious leather wrapped interior full of warm tones and television sets that takes its inspiration from the intricate layering of an orchid’s petals and uses Organic Light Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays as a nod to the future as opposed to traditional gauges.

Cadillac made sure to incorporate a little green into their big black luxury concept, so aside from the glowing blue lams and long body body lines that give the car a dominating presence, the XTS also features a plug in hybrid propulsion system. Under the Platinum’s sheet metal lies a 3.6 Liter V6 gas burning power plant that makes a total of 350 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque combined with electric assistance in the form of a liquid cooled lithium ion pack, the same unit that will be found in the Chevy Volt.

Cadillac unveiled the XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, suggesting a new paradigm for the luxury sedan of the future. The concept showcases Cadillac’s emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, emphasizing new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system.

The XTS Platinum Concept was designed from the inside out, re-imagining the luxury sedan as a personal headquarters, built for efficiency, luxury and connectivity. The concept introduces a new approach to in-car electronics that improves the form and function of the car’s entertainment, navigation and information systems.

“The XTS Platinum concept is the next expression of Cadillac’s Art and Science execution philosophy, reflecting our drive to deliver the latest innovations in the most artful manner,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury.”

3.6 liter V6 gasoline engine, 350 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque

The XTS Platinum Concept uses Cadillac’s 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in technology enables the battery to fully charge from a standard electrical outlet, enabling pure electric propulsion in many driving situations, especially urban commutes in which fuel efficiency may double that of a conventional hybrid.

Traditional luxury sedans were defined by elegant interiors and Cadillac’s XTS Platinum Concept propels that formula into the future. It delivers new approaches to luxury within a design that combines fine craftsmanship with customer-driven innovation. Like the current Platinum Edition products, such as Escalade Platinum and the STS and DTS Platinum sedans, the interior is based on hand cut-and-sewn materials. The XTS Platinum Concept injects more contemporary forms and themes into the interior design, including the use of Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays in place of traditional gauges and screens.

The concept previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future models with respect to in-car electronics. The intent is to progress Cadillac’s intuitive in-car electronics systems, typified by the deployable touch-screen navigation system that has been highly acclaimed in the brand’s CTS and SRX product lines. The XTS Platinum Concept previews this strategy via the minimization of traditional buttons and switches. Designers blended the display screens into a flowing instrument panel. They call it a “dead front” design, because the panels appear black until the car is turned on and the screens illuminate. The instrument panel itself reflects the XTS Platinum’s other focus – uncompromising luxury and attention to detail on the interior.

“The Platinum distinction in Cadillac means the fullest extent of luxury and technology and we’ve tried to reach even further with this concept,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac design director. “Just as the technology pushes the boundaries of what a Cadillac can offer, so do the details that make the XTS Platinum Concept an uncompromising experience.”

The interior takes inspiration from nature, specifically the intricate layers of petals that combine to form an orchid. Cadillac designers translated that into a layered and detailed interior. Light cream is the cabin’s primary color and is contrasted with darker elements, such as the steering wheel and an overhead console motif that runs the length of interior’s roof. The console is made of a richly finished wood and houses lighting features.

Premium leather seats include a new style of automotive suede, with a laser-etched pattern. The patterned material adorns the center sections of the seats and accents the door trim. Thoughtfully detailed stitching is used throughout the interior, including the seats, instrument panel and door panels. Passengers in the spacious rear compartment of the XTS Platinum Concept also have access to the car’s connectivity feature, along with a range of infotainment choices.

“We never lost sight of the fact that a large luxury sedan needs to be spacious and accommodating,” said Dean. “Passengers will find generous headroom, legroom and knee space, along with the technology elements that make the drive more productive.”

A new proportion

The XTS Platinum Concept has a distinctive proportion that transcends the traditional aesthetic of luxury sedans and carries the brand’s Art and Science design in a more progressive manner. The unique proportion supports the “inside out” design priority, while creating a sleek profile that complements the car’s advanced technology elements and necessary aerodynamics.

“The XTS Platinum Concept design artfully conveys its focus on functionality through technology,” said Dean. “It is the antithesis of the conventional three-box sedan, suggesting the active evolution of Cadillac’s design language.”

A sweeping profile culminates in a short, high deck lid that meets the XTS Platinum Concept’s aerodynamic needs – including a rear spoiler mounted on the deck lid, incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp. A high, sloping beltline gestures the vehicle forward, suggesting motion, while the fenders flare outward wrapping tightly around 20-inch wheels and tires. The wheel-to-body proportion was carefully tailored to visually communicate the car’s all-wheel-drive chassis.

Like the interior, the exterior elements are precisely tailored and elegantly detailed. Brushed billet aluminum trim is used selectively and the 20-inch, 11-spoke wheels feature a brushed aluminum face accented with bright inserts within the spokes. The wheels are wrapped with special Bridgestone tires that were created specifically for the XTS Platinum Concept.

Signature elements essential to Cadillac’s Art and Science design language include vertical headlamp and taillamps, with integrated light pipes and richly detailed lighting components. The headlamps feature light-emitting diode technology for bright illumination that requires less energy, as well as Cadillac’s Adaptive Forward Lighting technology, which turns the headlamps with the direction of the front wheels for greater visibility in turns.

Purposeful and efficient performance

The XTS Platinum concept’s plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system (PHEV) builds on the experience Cadillac has gained with the Escalade Hybrid and Escalade Platinum Hybrid flagship models. The plug-in capability boosts the car’s electric-only driving capability, offering additional battery energy capacity and enabling it to recharge from a standard external electrical outlet. The key benefit of external plug-in recharging is that in many situations – such as overnight parking – the battery can fully recharge in roughly five hours while the car is not in use. The plug-in system operates at maximum efficiency when operating on power the battery has drawn from the electric grid. In some conditions, such as urban commutes, drivers can experience efficiency that doubles that of conventional hybrids.

At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine power and electric power or engine power only, propels the vehicle. The combination of the Direct Injection V-6 engine and the PHEV system featuring fully electric variable drive provides a spirited driving experience. The system provides an estimated 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) enables the XTS Platinum Concept to deliver superior road-holding performance while maintaining luxury car composure in “regular” driving conditions. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

MRC uses electronic sensors at all four wheels to literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions.

An advanced, specially calibrated all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in wet and slippery conditions, and helps deliver maximum traction while cornering. Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-channel ABS, StabiliTrak stability control and full-function traction control complete the drivetrain details.

“The XTS Platinum Concept was designed to deliver an engaging driving experience without compromising the functional features, space and comfort customers seek in a luxury car,” said Nesbitt. “It is a new vision of luxury that uses advanced technology to deliver functionality efficiently and rewardingly.”

2011 Lotus Exige Carbon Fiber

With the growing number of Ferraris and Lamborghinis cruising their way through our streets, it’s refreshing to see a Lotus taking its worthy turn at showing off. It’s even better when this particular Lotus has taken part in a little tuning project of its own. Tecnocraft has taken a couple of Lotus models, including the Exige and the Elise, and has molded and shaped a good amount of carbon fiber for a product worthy of a little attention.

No official details have been given on the final product just yet, but these pictures show a classy combination of yellow and black for the exterior and the interior of the sports car. Considering carbon fiber was the way to go for these Lotus models, we imagine that a weight reduction is definitely in order. Just how much weight has been schlepped off is anyone’s guess at this point.

 

 

The carbon fiber sports seats being used in the Lotus model have already been showcased in Tecnocraft’s version of the C63 AMG, but another new addition for the sport cars will be a news set of wheels to further decorate the exterior.

 

 

As a refresher, the standard Elise is powered by a supercharged 1.8 liter engine that develops a total of 217 hp and rockets the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The Exige gets a supercharged and intercooled 1.8 liter engine with 257 HP and a sprint time of 4 seconds.

2012 Ariel Atom Mugen Roasted Car

If you believed that the Atom V8 500 was the best Ariel could do, well you were wrong. The company is preparing a limited edition Atom Mugen that has made its world debut at the UK’s Autosport Show in January 2011. The model was built as a celebration of the Atom’s 10th anniversary and will be limited to only 10 units. Each of these units will feature different livery and will have a numbered plate signed by Ariel and Mugen.

The future Atom Mugen, as you might have guessed, will be developed in cooperation with the Japanese tuner, Mugen, who is no stranger when it comes to developing tuning packages for a number of Honda models.

Together, the two companies were able to build an Ariel Atom that’s so deliciously powerful, 10 models feels like it’s not enough to satiate the craving of Atom fans all over the world.

Exterior and Interior

Apart from the standard features that come with the regular Atom models, the Atom Mugen will include a custom paint livery and badging that will be unique to each of the 10 models. There will also be four pot lightweight calipers and ventilated front and rear discs. At the interior, the Atom Mugen will come with a multi-function LCD screen that conveniently sits in front of the driver while displaying all the pertinent information the driver needs, including gearshift indicators and lap times.

Last but certainly not least, each of the 10 models will have their own unique numbered plaque that will be signed by Mugen and Ariel engineers responsible for the development and build of the Atom Mugen.

Performance

The Atom will use a 2.0-liter K20Z Type R naturally-aspired engine borrowed from the Honda Civic Type R, but tricked out by Mugen to deliver 270 horsepower at 8,600 RPM, a bump up of 25 horsepower from the Atom 245. Performance numbers for the Atom Mugen equate to a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of around 150 mph.

Mr. Hiroki Toyoda, Vice President of Mugen Euro, said "The Type R Honda is the best 2.0 liter normally aspirated engine available. We have put our experience and know how to release even more power from the engine and we’re delighted to see our engine in the Ariel Atom.

Pricing

We’ve already touched on the fact that only 10 of these rockets will be made by Ariel and Mugen. Unfortunately, one of them has already been sold, leaving the rest of us with nine models to fight over. Each one will cost £49,740 including VAT. That’s about $78,700 based on current exchange rates.

Competition

One competitor that should give the Ariel Atom Mugen a run for its money is the KTM X-Bow. Despite vastly different aesthetic styling, both the X-Bow and Atom have similar performance specs that aren’t that far from each other. Whereas the Atom has a 2.0-liter K20Z Type R naturally-aspired engine that produces 270 horsepower - thanks to Mugen - the KTM X-Bow counters with an Audi-sourced 2.0-liter TFSI DOHC engine that produces around 240 horsepower.

2011 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition

Black is undoubtedly the color most often worn to any elegant affair and Porsche is taking full advantage of that fact with another special edition model dressed to impress in a sleek black exterior. Mimicking the Carrera Black Edition revealed just a few days ago, the Boxster S model is taking its turn in the spotlight with the same package. However, unlike the Carrera, the Boxster S Black Edition will be limited to only 987 units with U.S. prices starting at $65,200. Sales will begin in March 2011.

The Black exterior carries the dark horse theme around to the model lettering at the rear, the roll-over bars, the rear side air intake grilles, and the twin tailpipe of the exhaust system. A set of black 19" Boxster Spyder wheels complete the aggressive exterior look.

The color also rolls in to the interior to mold itself onto the standard, three-spoke Sport Design steering wheel, the trim strips of the dashboard and of the gear shift lever or PDK selector, the dials on the instrument cluster, and the partial leather seats.

The color change won’t be the only thing distinguishing this model as Porsche is providing three optional packages to further customize this special edition: "Comfort", "Infotainment", and "Design".

Hit the jump to read more about the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition. 

Exterior

Like with the Carrera Black Edition, the new Boxster S Black Edition is all about looking sinister and discrete at the same time: black rear side air intake grilles, black twin tailpipe of the exhaust system, black model lettering on the rear luggage compartment lid, and an embossed Black Edition model designation on the side of the fabric hood. The roll-over bars are painted in black, as well. Recently manufacturers have been adding matte color options to special edition models. Mercedes has a Knight edition of the SL-class that comes in matte grey or black and Mini just unveiled the Matte grey Cooper S. The matte paint job may just be a fad in the car industry, something akin to spinners, or these cars could become classics. Either way, when all you really change is the color and call it a special edition, we think matte colors provide for a more reasonable justification for the price bump.

Let’s not forget about the new 19" lightweight wheels in the special ten-spoke design of the Boxster Spyder also painted in black.

Interior

As with the exterior, the interior is also all about black with a black Sport Design steering wheel with its double-spoke appeal, black trim strips of the dashboard and of shift lever or gear selector, black dials on the instrument cluster, and sports seats covered in black leather.

The list of standard equipment will include: wind deflector, anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, cruise control and a climate control system, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) that includes navigation module, universal audio interface and mobile phone preparation, Bi-Xenon lights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the adaptive sports seats with memory function are available as an option.

The Engine

The new Boxster S Black Edition is powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection that delivers a total of 320 hp at 7,200 rpm and 272 lbs-ft at 4,750 rpm. With this output under the hood and equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Boxster S Black Edition will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Boxster S. It will be capable of hitting a top speed of 171.5 mph, 1.2 mph more than a standard Boxster S. All of this with a fuel economy of 28.82 mpg.

When equipped with the PDK transmission, the Boxster S Black can get from 0 to 60 mph a fraction quicker at 5.1 seconds, while top speed is top speed is cut back slightly ending your run at 170.3 mph.

Prices

The new Boxster S Black Edition will go on sale this March at a price of $65,200. It will be limited to only 987 units.

The Competition

The new Boxster S Black Edition costs about $28,000 and $15,000 more than its main competitors, the Nissan 370Z and the Audi TT S respectively, but we always have to pay a price for exclusivity so the Boxster Black Edition stands more than just a chance at beating out its rivals. Furthermore Porsche cars tend to hold their value very well, but the Boxster has been there best selling model and there are plenty used examples for sale on dealer lots. Being able to differentiate yourself from the crowd while driving it down the street today and then selling it further down the line could help make the difference with this special edition.

Priced from $37,520, the 370Z is powered by a 3.7 liter V6 engine with an output of 332 HP at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. This is a tough call to make considering the 370Z offers 12hp more than the Boxster at a much cheaper price. This is where the customer has to decide whether having a Porsche logo and a special edition are worth the extra $28,000.

The Audi TTS is powered by a 2-liter TFSI engine that delivers 272 hp and 258.15 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. It is priced from $50,000. Clearly, the Boxster has the advantage in horsepower with 48 more ponies kicking under its hood. Add that to the fact that this Porsche is , well, a Porsche and a special edition, and the $15,000 price difference seems to be worth every penny. . If the Porsche logo is what you really care about than consider getting a Cayman in black and losing the special edition badge for better performance and equally good looks

2011 Porsche Panamera Coupe Convertible

 

Until Porsche will finally decide to bring a convertible version for the Panamera, tuners would like to offer us an idea on how a model like this might look like. This project however does not start its life as a Panamera, but as a Nissan 350Z Roadster. The conversion was made by Fairy Design and put on display at the Tokyo Motor Show.

 

 

 

With this project the owner wanted to create something unique that will catch attention at the show. For that simple mods like wheels, body kit and air ride were not enough. So he started to modify the 350Z starting with custom air brushed murals in the hood and side body panels, Panamera inspired headlamps, an impressive white exterior paint and a new set of wheels.

 

 

While we are not 100% we agree with his idea, we have to admit: the car is really an eye catcher, and for sure it got lots of attention in Tokyo.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

We never thought we would see anything as cool as the 1400 HP Camaro Dragster revealed in 2010 by Canadian automotive research and development firm, ECT Enterprises. This Camaro actually belonged to the owner of ECT and was built because the owner had a vision that no one else seemed to grasp. One year later and that vision seems to have spread to another model in Chevrolet’s lineup: the Corvette. The new Corvette Top Tuner 5 is a specially developed race-inspired Chevrolet Corvette that will be debuting at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show in February. No details have been released for the Corvette at this time, but the images provided illustrate an animalistic edge that will undoubtedly make the competition think before they leap.

 

We expect to see some killer stallions bucking underneath the hood of this sports car, especially since the last project that came out of this firm had 1400hp and 900 lb.-ft. of torque. If nothing better is available then we hope the tuner decided to use the same 6.0L LSX V8 engine from GM that it used in the Camaro because a 1400hp Corvette would be a dream come true.