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Porsche Cayman X-Wide by XTR Carchip

Simona Alina, Terence Keon — 2009-11-27T18:00

This may be the first time that you’ve heard about the Berlin based tuning firm XTR Carchip, but after taking a look at this wide body super sport Porsche Cayman X-Wide, XTR is a name that you won’t soon forget. Built on top of a Cayman S platform, XTR reworked almost every square inch of sheet metal in order to create the track ready machine wearing a set of gold BBS racing rims measuring 18 inches in diameter and shod with sticky Pirelli rubber that lays before you. Complete with a detachable carbon fiber reinforced plastic front splitter for more civilized use and a full jungle gym surrounding a pair of GT3 spec Recaro buckets and matching four point Scroth racing harnesses making it the ideal track day toy.

Although the X-Wide looks like it is a purpose built fire breathing beast, the mid engine flat six remains a bit tame and only benefits from a Super Sprint Magnum cat back exhaust and a slight ECU retune that brings the wide body Cayman’s maximum output up to 310 HP, raising the car’s top speed to 177 MPH. However this is just the beginning, because XTR is also working on a twin turbocharged version that will produce upwards of 850 HP. So it would appear that the X-Wide is simply a test mule for XTR Carchip’s future plans, and boy do they seem big.

Porsche Cayman X-Wide by XTR Carchip originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 18:00 EST.

Video: Lexus LF-A explained at SEMA

Simona Alina, Terence Keon — 2009-11-27T17:00

Posted on 11.27.2009 17:00 by Terence Keon
Filed under: Lexus | video | Lexus LF-A | Cars | Car News

As you may already know, the Lexus LF-A is Toyota’s all new purpose built super car with a planned production run of only 500 units, each priced at around $375,000. The LF-A is powered by a 4.8 liter V10 that delivers a maximum output of 560 HP at an astonishing 9,000 RPM and is able to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 202 MPH. Luckily enough the folks at Mobil 1 managed to snag one of the Japanese automaker’s representatives to do a brief walk around at this year’s SEMA Show. Although this is the same blonde guy who was telling us about the car’s front mount intercooler he did manage to do a decent job describing the LF-A, however if you want to see a bit more professional recanting then check out racing driver Justin Bell’s recap of the new super car from Jay Leno’s garage.

Video: Lexus LF-A explained at SEMA originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 17:00 EST.

Tesla Roadster Sport Brabus Green Package

Simona Alina — 2009-11-27T16:00

Even electric cars got a lot of attention from Brabus this year. The tuner’s Zero Emission division has prepared for the Essen Motor Show a green package for the Tesla Roadster Sport.

The two-seater sports car features an exclusive BRABUS equipment package and a RWE-BRABUS electric car charger to this unique car. This new high-tech charger easily fits in the customer’s garage and comes complete with eco-friendly RWE Eco-Power for 30,000 kilometers of green driving.

The TESLA Roadster Sport BRABUS Green Package exterior kit includes a carbon-fiber front lip and daytime running lights integrated into the grille, BRABUS under-floor lights on the car’s sides, carbon fiber BRABUS rear wing and the BRABUS rear diffuser and weight-optimized BRABUS Monoblock S alloy wheels in size 7Jx18 in front and in size 8.5Jx19 in back.

To give the two-seater are more emotional sound the BRABUS electronics specialists have developed a space sound generator. The occupants of the TESLA Roadster can choose from various simulated engine noises such as the sound of a typical V8 or a racecar. Also available are two futuristic soundscapes called ‘Beam’ and ‘Warp.’

Press release after the jump.

Tesla Roadster Sport Brabus Green Package originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 16:00 EST.

Hybrid Toyota MR-2 in the works?

kirbygarlitos — 2009-11-27T15:30

In their perpetual game of one-upsmanship, Toyota has been rumoured to come out with a car that would rival Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid sports coupe.

While nothing yet has been confirmed by Toyota, Japan’s Best Car magazine has nevertheless taken its own spin on the matter, releasing a photo of what it says could be the Toyota MR-S – the long rumoured hybrid successor of the MR2.

We’re not exactly fluent in Nihonggo so we’ll just have to make do with an artist’s rendering of what the MR-S could potentially look like, and judging from the image, it looks like the ‘supposed’ MR-S – with those oh-so-groovy yellow green rims – has taken the reins from the CR-Z in the sportier-looking department.

Now, all of this may end up being just a rumor since Toyota already has a sports coupe that’s set to go out on the market soon in the FT-86, but then again, speculation is always fun, especially when it comes to the ‘what-you-can-do-I-can-do-better’ game Toyota and Honda have been having for quite some time.

Hybrid Toyota MR-2 in the works? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 15:30 EST.

Ferrari 512 TR/M gets Cargraphic wheels

Simona Alina, Terence Keon — 2009-11-27T15:30

The Ferrari 512 TR is the sports car that replaced the Testarossa in 1991. The 512 TR was replaced in 1994 by the 512 M. They both were very successful cars in the ’90s, so its no surprise they are still very desired models.

Cargraphic is offering new 19” cast or weight optimized forged wheels that can carry the load of this outlandish supercar while trimming the weight. They are offered in the classic U and Y-spoke designs and are priced at €5230 including tax.

Press release after the jump.

Ferrari 512 TR/M gets Cargraphic wheels originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 15:30 EST.

BMW M3 by Cargraphic

Terence Keon, Simona Alina — 2009-11-27T15:00

Celebrating their 20th anniversary as well as the BMW 3 Series convertible reaching the double decade mark, the German tuning firm Cargraphic is releasing a set of special edition 20 inch alloy wheels for the high revving V8 powered BMW M3 convertible. Cargraphic is offering the light weight three piece racing wheel with the classic mesh design and because BMW owners can be a bit more picky than other automotive enthusiasts, Cargraphic also offers the option of milling the wheel from a solid blank, a lengthy process that takes about an hour and a half per wheel and saves about five pounds at each corner over more traditional machining methods.

Press release after the jump.

BMW M3 by Cargraphic originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 15:00 EST.

Berlin protestors resort to burning luxury cars

kirbygarlitos — 2009-11-27T14:31

Posted on 11.27.2009 14:31 by kirbygarlitos
Filed under: BMW Mercedes Volkswagen | industry news | Germany | Cars | Car News

We thought we left the witch-hunting back centuries ago, but as it turns out, in Germany, a whole new form of burning-at-the-stake is taking place.

A group of protestors from Berlin that support leftist organizations in the German capital have taken their whole approach of getting noticed to a new level, and they’re doing it by burning down luxury cars.

Yes, this is the 21st century and apparently, hooligans still do exist. More than 200 cars have been reported to being burned by these people, most of which include local luxury brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Volkswagen.

They burn these cars in an attempt to send a message that the growing increase in rent due to the ongoing urban development in the city isn’t sitting too well with the blue-collar folks that can’t keep up with the gentrification of their city. So, in an attempt to get their points across; they burn down any luxury car that is unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of their wrath.

Making things worse is that they’d leave a note after the poor car has been burned to a crisp, even claiming responsibility for their fiery rage.

So, if you’re in Berlin with a brand-new luxury vehicle, make sure you keep a close eye on it, especially during weekend nights, before it gets toasted – literally.

Berlin protestors resort to burning luxury cars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 14:31 EST.

2010 Lexus LS 600h L prices announced

Simona Alina — 2009-11-27T14:00

Lexus announced today prices for the 2010 LS 600h L luxury hybrid sedan. The car will go on sale later this month at a price of $108,800. The car is powered by a combination of the 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine and 165kW electric motor produces a maximum 439bhp and 520Nm of torque.

The 2010 LS 600h L features the following revisions: front grille with a unique design, 19-inch alloy wheels, bumper, blue-tinted taillights, license plate surround and exhaust diffusers. Also new are advanced front active headrests, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, standard Intuitive Park Assist with Advance Parking Guidance and Intelligent High-Beam.

Press release after the jump.

2010 Lexus LS 600h L prices announced originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 14:00 EST.

It shouldn't exist but it does: World's Fastest Street Bike has 220 hp and does 0 – 60 in 2.9 seconds!!!

Maxx Biker — 2009-11-27T13:33

The fastest production motorcycle in the world, Asphaltfigters Stormbringer, comes from Germany and can accelerate from 0 to 300 km/h in only 13.9 seconds. And yes, it’s street legal!

Powered by an inline-four with 16 valves, the thing benefits of no less than 220 hp. Furthermore, at speeds in excess of 180 km/h, the engine can develop as much as 280 hp thanks to the performance admission system, which ‘pushes’ air directly into the engine above that speed. This function is limited to high speeds only because of traction problems and it only kicks in for short periods of time. It sounds suicidal to us, but the company will produce this in a limited series at their plant in Aalen, Germany.

Each Asphaltfighters Stormbringer has a starting price of €57.500 ($86,117), weighs 195 kg with a tank full of gas and comes with a color-matched protection suit with carbon fiber parts and a helmet made of Kevlar. The suspension, riding position and all the commands are modified in each case according to the dimensions and weight of the pilot.

The Germans say it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in 6.5 seconds and from 0 to 300 km/h in 13.9 seconds, while the top speed exceeds 320 km/h. The Bikerbox engine revs to as much as 13.700 rpm, maximum power being delivered at 13.500 rpm.

Press release is attached after the jump.

It shouldn't exist but it does: World's Fastest Street Bike has 220 hp and does 0 – 60 in 2.9 seconds!!! originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 13:33 EST.

Volkswagen Golf CC coming in 2014

Simona Alina — 2009-11-27T13:14

Posted on 11.27.2009 13:14 by Simona Alina
Filed under: Volkswagen | Volkswagen Golf | Spy Shots and Rendering | Cars | Car News

Inspired by the success the Passat CC is already having on the market, Volkswagen has decided to bring a coupe version of the next generation Golf. While the next generation Golf will arrive in 2012, the Golf CC version will arrive two years after. It will compete with models like Audi’s A5 Sportback, forthcoming A7 and Mercedes’ CLS.

The 2014 Golf CC will feature a saloon-like design and folding rear seats to maximize practicality. The interior will also offer more luxury to make the difference between it and the hatchback version.

Volkswagen Golf CC coming in 2014 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 November 2009 13:14 EST.