MTM turns up the wick on the 2010 Audi S4

The tuners at MTM have begun tweaking the all-new 2010 Audi S4 (B8) in Europe, and as expected, Audi's new supercharged 333-hp 3.0-liter V6 is rife with potential. With only a revised ECU and an underdrive pulley – no intake or exhaust mods – MTM was able to coax 430 crank horsepower out of the blown six – 97 hp more than stock.


The kit, which retails for 2,491 euros (around $3,500 USD), brings torque output up to 380 lb-ft and, according to MTM, drops the 0-60 mph time from 5.2 to 4.6 seconds. Clearly, good things are on the way for the BMW 335i fighter, and we expect more to follow when the new darling of the Euro-tuning scene arrives in the States later this year.
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Hamann does its thing to the new BMW 7 Series

The arrival of the new F01 BMW 7 Series means that aftermarket companies have a new toy upon which to apply their talents. Enter Hamann, the German tuner with a penchant for Lambo-dooring, among other things. Thankfully, the firm's workup of the all-new 7 Series leaves the factory door hinges intact, but that's about it.


A new aero kit makes the big sedan less vanilla-looking with updated fascias, skirts and spoilers on both the rear decklid and roof. Naturally, a lowered suspension is offered, which, when combined with a selection of new wheels and the aforementioned bodywork, gives the über-Bimmer a nastier stance.


Inside, Hamann will fully customize the cabin appointments to your taste, or lack thereof. The Hamann 7 Series isn't necessarily all show, either -- an available sport exhaust upgrade for the 730d bumps power by 45 horses for a total of 290. Hamann's unlikely to stop with this batch of initial offerings, so more extreme modifications are probably inevitable. Just resist that primal urge on the butterfly doors, okay guys?




PRESS RELEASE:

The HAMANN refining programme for the new BMW 7-series

Individualisation on the highest level – this is the motto under which HAMANN presents its refining programme for the new BMW 7-series of the model range F01 and F02. Already since 1986, the Laupheim-based company develops and produces products for the individualisation of BMW automobiles. Thereby, the HAMANN technicians profit from hundreds of successful motor sports participations. The competence which was gained there is the basis for the development of new HAMANN products and renders the highest level for product quality and processing. The result: stainless steel exhaust systems with a sporty and earthy sound, aerodynamics components reducing the lifting forces and striking light alloy rims from 19 to 22 inches. Interiors perfectly fitted with leather and combined with floor-mats in matching colours as well as non-slip aluminium pedals extend the accessory range.

Already when establishing the design, HAMANN perfectly adjusts the individual components of the aerodynamic pack. The result is an exciting styling with an optimised air flow across the car silhouette. LED daytime running lights which are integrated in the new front skirt, render a sporty-dynamic look and increase the passive safety. Simultaneously, in combination with the roof spoiler and the rear spoiler, the lifting forces are reduced and give the upper class limousine a new, attractive overall appearance. The visual connection between the front and rear part are the HAMANN side skirts which are available for the model series F01. The optionally available rear shield insert for the side skirt of the model 730d and 740i allows fitting the four-pipe sport end muffler. Four round stainless steel end pipes with a diameter of 90 millimetres perfectly enhance the rear part of the 7-series BMW and produce a powerful, earthy sound.

A performance enhancement for the Diesel engine with variable turbine geometrics is already under construction. By this first tuning stage the serial measure of the 730d (180 kW / 245 hp) increases by approximately 33 kW/45 hp.

A technical highlight of the offered tuning programme is the one-piece HAMANN-aluminium wheel called DESIGN HM EVO 22 inches. A hallmark of the modern styling is the glossy black paint with the diamond-grinded rim star and the discreet deep rim well. Five elongated and over-vaulted triple spokes document visual and technical finesse. Struts inside the spokes render additional stability. Modern production processes and the use of special aluminium alloys guarantee highest bearing loads at a low weight. Here, HAMANN recommends the dimensions 9.0Jx22 inches with 265/30ZR22 tyres at the front axle and 10.5Jx22 inches with 295/25ZR22 tyres at the rear axle.

The four progressively coiled chassis springs which lower the centre of gravity with the models 730d, 740i by 40 millimetres at the front- and rear axles, render a dynamic appearance. For the models 750i and 750Li, there is a lowering kit consisting of two chassis springs and an evening kit.

In addition to the existing, serial interior equipment, HAMANN accessories made first-class aluminium, pedals and foot-rests render motor sports air and perfectly match the embroidered HAMANN floor mat set. If desired, even a complete leather equipment can be produced with expert precision.

For more information about the extensive HAMANN refining programme, please visit the web site www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.com
via:autoblog

Hire Him: Next-gen Subaru WRX STI is privately rendered awesomeness-with Video

It's fair to say that Subaru has enjoyed a run of strong product in recent years, as well as an exponential credibility increase in enthusiast's eyes, essentially ever since the automaker began shipping over the Impreza WRX back in 2001. Those considerable achievements aside, it's likewise fair to say that Subaru has yet to well-and-truly crack the aesthetics portion of the modern carbuilding equation, having produced some daring (if ungainly) entries like the origina B9 Tribeca and a series of aggressive yet unpretty Impreza variants.





And while we applaud originality, we think the folks at Fuji Heavy Industries could use a consistent design force, a man (or woman) with a mission that's out in the public eye as something of a known quantity. Think: General Motors' Ed Welburn, former Mazda-turned-Tesla wunderkind Franz von Holzhausen, former BMW lightning rod Chris Bangle, etc.



　

All of this is not to say that the man behind the WRX STI rally car renderings shown here has the answers, but we know one thing: When passing these images around Autoblog's (virtual) offices, we all couldn't help but say something to the effect of: "Oooooh, damn that's hot!" – a phrase we can't remember associating with Subaru, much as we love driving the vehicles themselves. In any case, these images come courtesy of one Lars Martensson (apparently better known on the interwebs by his handle 'GRID)', a man who spends his days crafting 3D renderings for videogames (Rallisport Challenge 2 for xBox, Battlefield 2 for PC).





To us, this Swede has a handle on what the STI needs to be: Squat, mean, and purposeful. Okay, so perhaps the cut-down greenhouse wouldn't leave much room for taller folks (much less a helmet), but if one of these were parked in our driveway, well... we'd happily squat a little.

via:autoblog

Yugo Now: Zastava devotees gather in Serbia

Yugo production wound down in 2008, but Zastava's little cars still engender plenty of love, and fans of the brand recently converged on a Belgrade park with their cars. To be sure, Yugos never rolled out of the Kragujevac factory in the candy-flavored hues of some of the lovingly modified and restored rides that showed up, but Zastava and fans of its cars all but burst with pride.

You're not likely to see a gathering of Yugos, at least one so large, here in the States, but on a May day in Belgrade, all sorts of cars produced throughout the company's history, from its earliest "Fica" model up to the latest Zastava 10, gathered in one spot for this giant Yugo party. Maybe once you peruse the massive gallery, you'll be so inspired that you start scouring for sale ads, looking for your own Yugo to take to a picnic.





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PRESS RELEASE:

There were Yugos of all colors, with engines from the standard, 903cc 4-cylinder through to 2-liter Lancia swaps. They came from as far away as Niš, in Serbia's deep south, and from Croatia. There were fićas, Zastava's first car, dating back to 1955. There were Zastava 101 and 128 models, which brought front-wheel drive to Yugoslavia's roads back in 1971. And there were more modern Zastava cars, including the Florida, which, with its 100-horsepower Peugeot engine, was through the end of production in 2008 the fastest sub-$8,000 car in the world.

Parked beside the Dunav river, drivers sat around a barbecue, swapping parts and stories.

"The attendance at this event is testament to the enduring story of the world's most famous postwar budget car," said Ognjen Radić, who organized the meet.

"The Yugo is no longer built, but the Zastava story – the story of 55 years of affordable motoring - lives on," he added.

Volunteers from the Zastava Fan Club (http://www.zfc.rs) organized parking and music, and provided refreshments.

###

For more than fifty-five years, since 1953, the Zastava marque has been known for affordable, durable vehicles. Zastava specializes in cars priced under 10,000 euros, cars which promise easy and unbeatable value. Zastava Automobili (http://www.zastavanacionale.com) has entered into a joint-venture agreement with Fiat S.p.A. of Italy. The agreement will see the production of a new A-segment model in Zastava's hometown of Kragujevac, Serbia, by 2010.


For more on Zastava history, in English, please see

http://www.zastavanacionale.com/Default.aspx?lng=en-us&mode=heritage

The Zastava Fan Club counts 1,750 members from across the ex-Yugoslav republics and from around the world. Membership is free, at http://www.zfc.rs.

Volkswagen Scirocco R unveiled

Don't get too excited if you're Stateside -- this puppy's a Europe-only treat.
iMotor is first on the web with photos of the new Volkswagen Scirocco R. The UK
publication had the slick blue hot hatch for an exclusive photo shoot, the
embargo for which apparently lifted as the clock struck midnight GMT this
evening.


This is the fastest, most hardcore Scirocco R ever. Put it this way, a Scirocco
is a hot wind, so this bad boy is pretty much what you get after a night on the
beer and a Chicken Vindaloo.


Sticking with Scirocco tradition, the R is front-wheel-drive only, but at least
the power will be tempered by the addition of the new XDS electronic diff as
fitted to the new Golf GTI. You can have a six-speed manual or a DSG, depending
on how involved you want to be with the driving experience. It’s a bit lower and
has beefed-up brakes too.


Most importantly, under the bonnet is the engine from the Audi S3, so it’s just
like the one in the normal car, but with uprated pistons, high-pressure
injectors and a bigger turbo to liberate 265hp and 350Nm of torque.


You can snap up a Scirocco R from September, with prices from around £26,000.
That makes it more expensive than a Ford Focus RS so it better be damn good.


Finally, we've got a more meaty VW Scirocco to lust after. This is the R version
and it sounds good. It ain't cheap though.

Source:iMotor

Car that chauffeured Mussolini, Franco, Hitler up for auction

There were a little more than 600 Fiat 2800s made between 1938 and 1943, only about 400 of them for civilian use. The one you see above is one-of-a-kind: a 1939 Fiat 2800 Torpedo whose cushions have supported the rear ends of King Vittorio Emanuele II, Queen Margherita, the Princess of Pistoia, Pope Pius XII, Benito Mussolini, Generalissimo Francisco Franco, and Adolf Hitler.

A couple of prime ministers have graced those seats as well, but with that diverse, high-profile roster who's worried about bit players?

The car will be auctioned by COYS International Auction House and is expected to fetch something north of £250,000. If you're interested in a slice of history, you'll want to be in Espace Fontvieille, Monaco on Monday, May 18.
Source:COYS via:autoblog




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Spy Shots: Fiery new Insignia VXR uncovered

Here's proof that Vauxhall’s white-hot Insignia VXR is nearly ready for the road.

Our spies spotted the fiery Vauxhall testing in Europe, and these undisguised pictures show the performance version of the Insignia strutting its stuff in public for the first time.

As well as a bodykit, the Insignia VXR has been fitted with twin exhausts and Brembo brakes. Insiders have also hinted it could get four-wheel drive for extra grip. Power will come from a twin-turbocharged V6 with more than 300bhp.
Source: F1 Live




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Audi releasing new low-cost 1.8 TFSI TT Roadster in the UK

Audi UK sold 100,845 cars in 2008, and this year it wants to sell even more. But how can the automaker pull that off in days like these? By putting its smaller 1.8-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine in the TT Roadster (since the Brits just looooove their convertibles), thereby creating a car that is more economical, environmentally friendly and, hopefully, almost as fun as its 2.0 TFSI brother.

The four-pot's 158-horsepower, 184-lb-ft works through a six-speed manual and pulls from 0-to-62 mph in 7.4 seconds and maxes out at a top speed of 139 mph. The car's single trim specification offers 17-inch Y-design alloy wheels, a power top with heated glass rear window, power wind deflector, power windows and mirrors, Tetrus cloth upholstery, climate control and a Chorus CD audio system.

The TT Roadster 1.8 can be ordered now with an on-the-road price pegged at £23,910 ($34,717 USD), versus £27,355 ($39,748 USD) for the 2.0 TFSI. Deliveries will begin in April and the full press release from Audi is after the jump.
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Geneva 2009: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 (MPS), grin and bear it

The outgoing Mazdaspeed3 had a lot going for it. The combination of a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four, six-speed manual, LSD and a practical hatch solidified its place in our hearts when it spent a week in the Autoblog Garage. While the aforementioned good stuff carries over to the redesigned 2010 model, any amount of stealth has been gobbled up by the new MPS' gaping maw.
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