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Filed under: Tuners, Audi

There are those who can never be satisfied with near perfection. Kicherer just couldn’t leave well enough alone, and just had to go and improve Audi’s new supercar, the R8.

The German tuner smartly left the mechanicals alone, and focused on altering the R8’s aesthetics and handling. A new front spoiler reduces front lift, while a new rear spoiler adds downforce. Original 19″ rims were replaced with larger but lighter 20s. But the most obvious, and perhaps most effective, change is the new set of springs that takes the car down 15mm in front and a whopping 30mm in front the rear.

No word on how these changes affect the R8’s already phenomenal handling, nor is there any word on how phenomenally these changes will affect your wallet. But we’re pretty sure if you’re seriously interested in buying one, you know who to call to find out.

For more photos, check out our gallery.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Mitsubishi Concept-cX headed to Frankfurt -Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Euro, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Mitsubishi

Click image to enlarge

Mitsubishi has released the first sketch of its Frankfurt-bound concept crossover, the Concept -cX. It sports a look up front that’s clearly evocative of the new Lancer, and its hatchback-style bodywork is set off by an upward-sweeping character line along its flank. The Euro 5 emissions-compliant crossover will be powered by a 1.8L clean diesel engine that features a variable-geometry turbocharger, a diesel oxidation catalyst, and a diesel particulate filter. The economical powerplant is mated to Mitsubishi’s twin-clutch transmission, and its interior will make use of Mitsubishi’s environmentally-friendly Green Plastic. The 13-foot-long CUV also uses an electronic 4WD system and incorporates an SUV-style high seating position. No cargo capacity numbers have been given yet, but Mitsubishi did say that a split tailgate is used at the rear of the vehicle. We’re sure that more info on the Concept-cX will become available closer to the start of the Frankfurt show. Follow the jump for the manufacturer’s press release.

[Source: Mitsubishi]Continue reading Mitsubishi Concept-cX headed to Frankfurt

It’s the “TRD-ist” ist around - Filed under: Japan, Scion, Toyota

The oddly-named JDM Toyota ist was formally introduced this week, and as was the case with the Toyota Blade Master, another new arrival in Japan’s Toyota stores, a range of TRD accessories was announced very shortly thereafter. They do the job of dressing up the rather bland ist, which is Japan’s version of the USDM Scion xD.

Naturally, there’s a replacement grille, body kit, and new wheels. The look can be further augmented with branded scuff plates, TRD Sportivo suspension parts, and a TRD muffler. Hell, TRD even offers a red engine start button. The US-market Scions have always been pushed as being very customization-friendly, and really, it’s no different for the JDM cars. The available accessories do a nice job of dressing things up.

[Source: Toyota via Carview]

Peugeot asks, “Parlez-vous TT?” with 308 RC Z Coupe Concept -Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Coupes, Peugeot

click above image for 31 high-res shots of the Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept

The Audi TT’s shape is the envy of many designers who didn’t think of it first, but that hasn’t stopped Peugeot’s designers from outright aping the Ingolstadt coupe with the 308 RC Z concept that will debut in Frankfurt come September. The car is meant to show us what can be done with the 308 beyond the basic 3- and 5-door body styles, in this case a 2+2 coupe. The front end is unmistakably Peugeot, while everything else reminds us instantly of the Audi TT, with that longish rear deck even evoking the Audi Avus Quattro Concept from 1991.

The 308 RC Z concept is based on the garden variety 308, which allows it to share many bits with its pedestrian sibling and make a better business case for production. In order to reduce weight, however, the 308 RC Z also uses aluminum components extensively, as well as some carbon fiber body panels. The car’s total poundage comes to 2,645 lbs. (including fuel), which shouldn’t be too difficult for its 218-hp 1.6L turbo four-cylinder sourced from the 207 RC to haul around. Peugeot estimates 62 mph can be reached after 7 seconds of full-throttle fun, while the party will poop out around 146 mph.

While the aesthetic is a hand-me-down from Audi, the 308 RC Z coupe makes a solid case for production thanks to its extensive parts sharing. A good reception in Frankfurt is all it likely needs for a green light.

[Source: Peugeot]

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Euro, Porsche

Click image for high-res gallery

Well, you knew this had to be coming. The revised Porsche Cayenne has been on sale for a while now, and Porsche supertuner TechArt has readied the next-generation Magnum for an official debut at the Frankfurt show in September. The edgier look of the new Cayenne has given way to a Magnum that’s just as aggressive as the outgoing one, but is better-looking in a very angry sort of way. This Magnum looks like it wants to punch you right in the kisser and take your lunch money. Possibly your dignity, as well. The muscled-up bodywork is further accented by swanky Techart wheels and formidable quad exhaust outlets.

Inside the cabin, enough leather is stretched over the seating and trim surfaces to make PETA members suffer immediate nervous breakdowns. We also like the snazzy brown carbon fiber trim used in lieu of wood in the photo car. Techart is working on a suite of engine mods for the Cayenne Turbo’s mill that will pump it up to 620 horsepower, and their suspension modification allows for a lower-than-standard ride height for normal driving. (The adjustable suspension’s peak off-road height is still maintained.) Price? None given, and if you need to ask, you’re probably out of your league anyway. The verdict? Badass — very much so.

[Source: Techart]

Continue reading New Porsche Cayenne begets new TechArt Magnum