Tag: program?

Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Brabus Merecedes-Benz SLS AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

It was only a matter of time before Brabus got around to turning its attention to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The German tuner has given the Silver Arrow’s newest supercar the once over with a smattering of aesthetic additions both inside and out, as well as a few mechanical tweaks. Things get started with a carbon-fiber spoiler up front, as well as new fender vents made of the same light-weight material. A similar treatment crops up on the rear fascia, along with new titanium exhaust tips. Those tips are part of a full system that Brabus claims weighs a full 40 percent less than the stock pipes. Throw in a set of massive forged wheels (20 inches up front, 21 out back) and you’ve got the full package.

Inside, Brabus will be happy to custom tailor the SLS AMG interior to each customer’s taste. A new ergonomic steering wheel comes along with stainless scuff plates with an illuminated Brabus logo, though beyond that it’s up to the buyer to decide on what type and color leather strikes their fancy. How much will all of this kit set you back? Brabus isn’t saying, but you know what they say about if you have to ask. Hit the jump to take a look at the full press blast.

Gallery: Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette engine-building program gets first taker

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

Todd Schnitt with his Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – Click above for high-res image gallery

In what may be the ultimate experience for the ultimate Chevrolet Corvette fan, General Motors is allowing buyers of the ultimate versions of its sportscars the opportunity to build their own engines. It’s… ultimate, and it’s called the Corvette Engine Build Experience. The first person to take The General up on its offer is Tampa, Florida-based radio talk show host Todd Schnitt.

Total cost for the experience rings in at $5,800 (plus travel to Detroit), but Schnitt doesn’t seem to mind shelling out a few extra greenbacks: “To build my own engine is over the top,” said Schnitt. “When my dealer told me about the option, it was like ‘Of course, I’ll do it, sign me up!’. I can’t wait to get there and build my own LS9. It will be the ultimate personalization for my car. I’m anticipating it being one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life.”

Reading between the lines a little bit, it’s obvious that Schnitt is something of a GM super fan. This is the third ZR1 he’s purchased in as many years, and he bought a Z06 in ’07. He’s also attended GM’s high performance driving school and traveled to the National Corvette Museum to pick up a previous ‘Vette. Oh, and his daily driver is a 2010 Cadillac CTS-V.

Feel free to click on past the break for all the details and a video of the process, and be sure to check out our high-res image gallery below to see what it takes to screw together a supercharged LS9 engine from GM.

Gallery: Corvette Engine Build Experience

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Corvette engine-building program gets first taker

Corvette engine-building program gets first taker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche rolls out new Panamera personalization program, includes 40-hp boost for Turbo

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche

Porsche Panamera Personalization Program – Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone familiar with Porsche’s options catalog knows that a nearly endless list of custom extras are available for the automaker’s entire model range. However, Porsche is now offering something extra special for customers of its new four-door sedan. Dubbed the Porsche Panamera personalization program – try saying that three times fast – the PPPP incorporates styling and performance tweaks, depending on your taste (and budget).

The top-rung Panamera Turbo can now be had with a Powerkit package that uses two new turbochargers and revised engine mapping to offer 40 more horsepower and 37 more pound-feet of torque over the standard Turbo, totaling 540 and 553, respectively. What’s more, the Powerkit treatment includes Porsche’s Sport Chrono Turbo Package, and if the car is driven in Sport Plus mode, torque output is further increased to 590 lb-ft. That’s a whole lot of twist. This Holy Grail of Panameras will sprint to 62 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph, yet it still manages to keep the Turbo’s EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 15/23 miles per gallon.

Available on the full Panamera range, however, is the Porsche’s new Sport Design Package which includes a unique front fascia with wider air intakes, a new rear underbody apron incorporating a new diffuser and fins, different side skirts and 20-inch Panamera Sport wheels available in a range of colors. It certainly does a lot to beef up the sedan’s appearance, and we’re quite fond of the overall treatment.

In true Porsche fashion, these upgrades do come at quite a cost. The Panamera Turbo Powerkit retails for $21,730 (or, you know, the cost of a well-equipped Mazda3), and the Sport Design collection will set you back an additional $4,590. It’s a pretty penny to pay for some added exclusivity, but for people in the Porsche-buying tax bracket, it’s probably more affordable than you think. Hit the jump for the full details in Porsche’s release and check out the highlights in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera Personalization Program

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche rolls out new Panamera personalization program, includes 40-hp boost for Turbo

Porsche rolls out new Panamera personalization program, includes 40-hp boost for Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australia launching ‘Cash For Clunkers’ modeled on U.S. program?

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Australia

Australia’s recently seated prime minister, Julia Gillard, is just now talking about a “cash for clunkers’ program when most other countries ended theirs ages ago. Yet for Gillard, the program isn’t about stimulating car sales but rather about stimulating the Earth: Gillard wants to get about ten percent of Oz’s two million pre-1995 vehicles off the roads.

The mechanics of the program are largely the same as they were in the States, the new stipulation being that purchasers need to buy an “extra-efficient vehicle” like a Holden Cruze, Hyundai Getz or Toyota Camry Hybrid. The rebate is $AUS 2,000 – $1,790 Yankee bucks – and the program has been funded with $AUS 394 million (around $356M USD) and runs from January 1, 2011 until December 31, 2014.

[Source: The Australian]

Australia launching ‘Cash For Clunkers’ modeled on U.S. program? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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