Proving that you don’t have to go over the top with modifying an already great car are German tuners Avus Performance. They wanted to change the BMW M3 but not by much. Outside, they added carbon fiber parts like the rear diffuser, spoiler, and front lip. Avus didn’t touch the sublime engine but they revamped the suspension and the exhaust system. As a final touch, the wheels are made by ADV.1 and can be built to your size specification.
Here is a look at some recent spy shots of the upcoming 2011 Ford Edge Sport. This is no ordinary Edge though, with it’s smoked mirrors and 22 inch wheels, this one definitely stands out from the rest of them. What do you guys think, is this one shaping up to be better than last year’s model?
Got the summer sun in your corner of the world? Well, it’s probably time to get yourself a convertible such as this Infiniti G37. With the touch of a button, the three-piece hardtop can hide itself into the trunk to give you as much headroom as you possibly want. A 3.7 liter V6 motivates this drop-top with 325 horses. Choose between an electronically-controlled 7-speed auto with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and an optional manual mode. In this configuration, you can shift gears up or down in a sequential manner, and it comes with a downshift rev matching capability. Or you can opt for the traditional, close-ratio 6-speed manual if the electronics don’t excite you enough. As Infiniti’s follow up to their last convertible since forever, the G37 had plenty of time in development for this car so it should be fun. $44,000+.
The racing influence of the BMW M series is now available for their X-series SUV’s with the release of the X5 and X6 M. What began as a “super” version to the ordinary cars that BMW began some 25 years ago, the M badge is now a welcomed addition to BMW’s road cars needing a much needed racing treatment. The new X5 and X6 M gets a turbo-charged, 4.4 liter V8 M engine churning out 555 horsepower along with 500 lb-ft of torque that powers the car from naught to 60 in 4.5 seconds. Stopping the car are massive brakes and the restyled body along with accompanying add-ons like a redesigned front and rear fascia plus the four outlet exhaust gives a more aggressive look. A new six-speed automatic transmission with different selectable modes give total shifting control to the driver according to his needs.
As if the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano wasn’t good enough, the think-tanks in Maranello felt that the car needed a few more tweaks. This is why at the Geneva Motor Show, they’ll unwrap two new versions, the 599 GTB HGTE or Handling GT Evoluzione and the 599XX. The HGTE promises a more spirited ride with the stiffer springs and bigger brakes plus a retuned exhaust system that’ll sing a very different note. The 599XX on the other hand is Ferrari’s laboratory on wheels. A lot of development both for their street cars and their F1 racers will go into the 599XX and will even sport the same colors as the new F60, the one that Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen will race in. While the 599 HGTE might be available for those who have the dough, it’s doubtful that anyone with a checkbook will be allowed by Ferrari to own the 599XX. No details on pricing yet.
Italians really know how to fuel the passion in people’s hearts. From the looks to the exhaust note of the new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT-S, it’s sure to raise the adrenaline level of those rich enough to afford it. The car’s exterior has been updated with a blacked-out grille and headlamps. Wheel size is increased to 20 inches, lowering the ride height. The brawn in this beauty comes from a 440 hp V8 that’s ready to scare the life out of passers. Gear shifting is taken care of by a six-speed automatic ZS transmission with manual override. Top speed is about 295 kmh (185 mph) and achieves 100 kmh (63 mph) in 4.9 seconds from a standing start. The car is fully customizable – from the wheel rims to the aluminum pedals. $140,000+.
