Mercedes G-Class by ART

Surely the GL-Class offers more practicality, but the Mercedes G-Class has been refined through and through over its now 29 year long life span. Last year Mercedes gave their cult car a minor facelift while staying true to the all-road classic.

A.R.T. Tuning has a few more features up their sleeves for the G-Class, like a 104 hp boost to 580 bhp on their top-of-the-range G 55 K model and sports exhaust system with four 80mm tailpipes (older models will have to do with a dual exhaust).

But besides extra power, ART has also developed a new body kit, consisting of a new front spoiler with fog lights and dual-integrated xenon headlights, underride protection guard, fender flares with illuminated running boards and optional extras like protective grilles, cable winch, new rear lamps, front and rear bumpers, brush guard, roof spoiler and a different hood. The Mercedes G-Class by ART sits on 22 inch monoART1, 10-spoke wheels, or 20 inch monoART2 wheels.

Of course the interior is not forgotten and comes equipped with a generous amount of leather, wood and carbon fibre details in various color schemes like the pictured Blue Eye variation. Also, ART is more than happy to install any kind of audio system you might fancy.

Avro’s 720 Mirage Ford GT

The Ford GT may be in the process of passing into supercar history, but that hasn't stopped Avro Motor Cars from taking one last spin at making the beast faster. The Brooklands-based tuner recently announced a 10-car run of modified GTs called 720 Mirage. Avro partnered with Roush Technologies to push the GT's power output to 720 horses. The company previously teamed up with Roush to produce the 600RE edition of the GT.

The additional urge comes courtesy of a larger Whipple supercharger and Accufab throttle body, inlet sleeve and X pipe exhaust, among other minor modifications. Specific output is 720bhp at 6950 rpm and 815Nm (627 pound-feet) torque at 4800 rpm. Unleash that power and the 720 Mirage will run to an un-governed top speed somewhere north of 220mph.

Suspension upgrades include a 5mm wider track and a 25mm drop, as well as KW Variant 3 adjustable coil-overs. Six-piston AP Racing brake calipers are used in the front, and drilled and slotted rotors sourced from Stillen are installed front and rear. The modifications are subtle but should help to ensure that the Avro 720 Mirage can handle its increased power with the same poise as the factory version.

The 720 Mirage stands out thanks to a distinctive metallic orange paint job with matte-black detailing. The wheels are blacked out as well. Avro adds special decals and sill plates, and ditches the GT's rear bumper in the name of weight savings for an even more exclusive appearance. Naturally, there's a numbered plaque on the console.

BMW 1 Series Coupe by Hartge

Hartge has released its new body kit programme for the BMW 1 Series coupe and convertible. As no pricing has yet been announced, all there is to go on for now are specs on what to expect. Bodywise Hartge has provided a set of carbon casings for the exterior mirrors, adjustable sports suspension for E82 and E88 and sports suspension for 120D, 123D and 135i. The latter will run 25mm lower.

Interior promises even more with goodies like a series of 3-spoke sports steering wheel to choose from, aluminium handbrake, aluminium pedals and Hartge speedos reading up to 300km/h. Not sure if it will do this type of speed but it may certainly try.

Hartge gives customers a choice between Continental or Pirelli tyres, although run flats are available on request. These range from 8.5 x 18" offset 40 with 225 / 40 ZR 18 front to 9.0 x 19" offset 46 with 255 / 30 ZR 19 rear
No info on engine changes, if any yet. But we know they can make a BMW run over 300km/h per with no sweat at all.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 By Imsa

German tuning shop imsa released a set of technological enhancements and design improvements for the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 late last year. They recently sent us a new stack of photos to pass along to our faithful readership. As if the stock version of the 640hp supercar wasn't advanced enough, Imsa has created a set of features designed to perfect engine tuning and reduce drag.

A follow-up to their GTV Supercar, the imsa LP640 uses the same central locking sports wheels, individually tuned chassis, and engine mods as the GTV. Purchasers of the freshened-up Murcielago will get an Autoklav-moulded carbon fibre design package that can keep the material's original look or be custom painted.

New exterior pieces include wider wheel arches, a new front spoiler, and imsa CFK air ducts meant to reduce drag at incredibly high speeds. Side-skirts direct underside airflow into a new diffuser, which works with a custom rear spoiler to further improve aerodynamics.

With the lowered downforce, imsa claims the driver gets better "stability, safety and enjoyment."

The tuning kit is currently available, and can also be purchased for the standard Murcielago.

Roush P-51A Mustang

The extremely limited run of 151 Roush P-51A Mustangs sold out within 24 hours of its introduction, but you've got one last chance to pick up the most powerful ponycar that Roush has ever produced. Roush Performance plans to auction car number 151, the last of the 2008 production run, at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in West Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday, March 29. The auction will take place live on the SPEED Channel, and proceeds will go to the Salute to Education Scholarship charity.

In case you missed it the first time, the P-51A is a monster modified Mustang that takes its inspiration in part from the World War II P-51 fighter plane. Major modifications to the completely rebuilt 4.6 liter V8 include a forged eight-bolt crank, forged aluminum pistons that lower compression from 9:8 to 8:6, a custom upper and lower intake manifold, custom Roush fuel rail with high-flow fuel injectors, a dual electronic throttle body, and the latest ROUSHcharger supercharger with intercooler. It's all good for 510 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, and all of that even comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty, something many tuner cars don't boast.

The P-51A's paint scheme is inspired by the WWII fighter, with steel gray panels accented with the yellow and red colors used by the 357th Fighters Group, Eighth Air Force ETO (European Theater Operations), one of the most successful American aerial combat groups.

Artega GT Intro 2008 Model at Geneva Motor Show

Artega‘s GT Intro 2008 has come out in Geneva with a few special enhancements over its normal GT model these fittings are quite a number on the list, so we’ll touch on just a few. These include two distinct colours of Vanilla Yellow and Deep Sea Blue, the latter seen in these fine pictures.

Artega has chosen to go classical with the Intro 2008 models, especially inside where things may appear basic, but are beneath the surface quite sophisticated.

Forged lightweight wheels roll in Michelin tyres measuring 8“ x 19“ by the front side with 235/35 ZR 19 tyres and 10.5“ x 19“ at the back with 305/30 ZR 19 tyres.

Driver assistance is standard with ABS, however, the traction control system will only kick in in the spring of 2009. Artega GT works with a 3.6-litre V6 that does 220kW on the dyno using a 6-speed direct transmission gearbox to achieve its 0 – 100km/h time of under 5 seconds. It will only run out of breath at 270km/h. All 99 examples of this car are priced at €79,790/ USD121,879.

Porsche 911-based by Sportec

Sportec revealed its latest high-performance, no-expense-spared modified 911 in Geneva. The SP600 Convertible may look more or less like a run-of-the-mill Porsche 911, but revised turbochargers, a sport exhaust and a revised intake boost the engine's output to 600 hp and 765 Nm torque. A sport clutch, 20-inch Sportec SPR forged wheels and a "discreet but effective" body kit are also part of the package. The aesthetic modifications include a new front spoiler and side skirts. Carbon fiber is used in the rear apron and larger rear spoiler.

Sportec claims serious performance from the SP600. 0-100km/h takes 3.3 seconds, with 200 km/h arriving in 10.6. Keep your foot in it, and the SP600 is good for 338 km/h. Sportec also offers SP530 and SP680 variants.