It’s been a while since we’ve heard from MKB, a famed Mercedes-Benz tuner based out of Germany. Specializing in more performance than aesthetics, their performance package for the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is sure to make some noise. Its P 1000 namesake hints at the 1000-hp it produces out of the 6.0L V12 engine once they’re done. Pair that up with 959 ft-lbs of torque and you’ve got quite the supercar.

The package isn’t cheap, priced at close to $150,000 and can take up to three months to perform. But what you get with your hard earned money are new intakes, larger turbochargers, an improved cooling system, remapped ECU and new camshafts. The transmission is also beefed up to support the heavy dosage of horsepower and torque, while a variety of limited slip differentials can be chosen.

With the way AMG focused on the SL65 Black Series from a performance point-of-view, it’s no surprise that the aftermarket is jumping on making it bigger, badder and faster.

GALLERY: MKB Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series

Official press release available after the break.

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Set to debut at the Paris Auto Show in a month’s time, Mercedes-Benz has just released the first official photos of the 2012 CLS. The CLS not only changed the automotive landscape with it’s coupe-styled sedan form and just four seats, it changed Mercedes. The popularity of the CLS led the German luxury automaker to design all its future models taking cues from the CLS.

Debuting back in 2004, the original CLS still looks ahead of its time and so we’re not surprised to see that the second-generation car is slightly more evolutionary. Still, it seems to be setting yet another new design direction for the three pointed star, with a bold new grille adapted from the SLS supercar. It also appears to have an even more coupe-like profile with an elongated hood and shorter trunk section. Also of note is the full use of LEDs on the front of the car with 71 bulbs used for the headlights, running lights, turn signals and side market.

The interior is more familiar to the rest of the Mercedes, although we love the 3-spoke steering wheel.

No official details have been released regarding engines but we expect the 2012 CLS to use the latest powertrains from Mercedes, including an entry-level direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 with 306-hp. The CLS550 model will then work with the new twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 with 429-hp and 516 ft-lbs of torque.

Topping off the range will be a CLS63 with a new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 instead of the current 6.2-liter. Power will be an impressive 536-hp and an incredible 590 ft-lbs of torque. And as exciting as that is, we expect that like the 2011 Mercedes CL, Mercededs will offer an AMG Performance Package bumping power to 563-hp and 664 ft-lbs of torque.

And along with big power increases, expect fuel economy to improve by as much as 20 percent.

We’ll bring you more details and photos in the lead up to the 2010 Paris Auto Show, plus full coverage from the show floor.

GALLERY: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Official release after the jump:

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When it comes to Ford Mustang performance and forced induction, superchargers are definitely at the top of the list. There’s just nothing better than accentuating the natural torque of a V8 than pairing it up with a brilliantly designed supercharger. Ford Racing wasted no time on the 2011 Ford Mustang’s 5.0L V8 TiVCT motor and has just announced a twin-screw supercharger setup for the vehicle.

The supercharger is a 2.3L twin-screw setup and helps the Mustang put down 624-hp and 536 ft-lbs of torque. That is a very nice increase from the factory 412-hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque. “Superchargers are the ultimate in power upgrades for Mustang enthusiasts,” George Goddu, Ford Racing Performance Group Manager said.

Those looking for a nice increase without the overpowering 600+ figure can opt for a 525-hp kit with a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty. And in addition to the mid-level 624-hp kit is a tuner kit for racing and extreme enthusiasts. No horsepower figures were released for that kit, but we’re guessing it’s pretty extreme.

Costs range from $6,499 for black to $8,099 for polished chrome. Naturally Ford Racing didn’t release what the supercharger does in terms of hampering mpg, but they were nice enough to share that the kit adds 47 lbs to the car. We’re going to guess that’s not exactly noticeable with the globs of horsepower that comes with it.

[Source: Car Tech Blog]

Yes, we are in love with Volkswagen‘s Golf R and every time we see yet another tuner releasing upgrades for it we curse the fact that it isn’t offered here. Mcchipp-DKR is the newest of our interests, with a simple ECU tune that boosts the stock figures of 270-hp and 256 ft-lbs of torque to an impressive 315-hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque.

All this can be hand for a tad over $1,150 and no one would know that the car has been modified for the increase in performance. And naturally like any ECU upgrade, it works on any transmission setup. For those looking for more, Mcchip-DKR offers a set of H&R springs for $449 installed. And for wheels and tires, Mcchip-DKR chooses 19×8-inch OZ Ultraleggera wheels for $4,100. The wheels come wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber in a 235/35/19 variety.

Obviously the non-Mcchip-DKR parts are available at a premium and can be hand for much cheaper elsewhere; but the ECU upgrade is definitely worth a grab at its price point. Especially those that don’t really want to do any other bolt-on modifications.

GALLERY: Mcchip-DKR VW Golf R

[Source: WorldCarFans]

On everyone’s bucket list should be what it’s like to get behind the wheel of an F1 race car. But since it’s probably out of most of our reaches, the F1 simulator from BRD Simulation might just be a worthy substitute.

The specs on this thing are mind-boggling. It sports a fiberglass and carbon composite monocoque chassis that simply looks stunning. There’s tons of carbon fiber throughout the simulator, including its suspension components, steering wheel, front and rear wings and Nomex F1 seat.

And clearly the complete turn key system will simulate the G’s of forces during acceleration, braking and turning through its sophisticated construction while drivers enjoy it all through 66-inches of TFT displays and 5.1 surround sound. And if the unit itself isn’t cool enough for you, you can grab some options which includes a smoke machine to emit puffs of smoke when your tires get locked up.

Delivery takes around 12 weeks and a one-day operational trainer can be sent to you if you cover their expenses. What’s the chances that this thing is affordable?

GALLERY: BRD Simulation F1 Simulator

[Source: Gizmodo]

It’s good to be good – especially when you’re singled out for it. And that’s what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just did with the 2011 Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M37/M56, which earned Top Pick Safety Awards in the large luxury class and earned the top rating of good in recent roof strength tests.

A roof strength tests assess how well vehicles would protect people in rollover crashes. The CTS and M37/M56 passed this test and also received good ratings in all four of the IIHS’s safety evaluations, and include electronic stability control, a feature that helps drivers avoid crashes altogether.

“The test results show that manufacturers are moving quickly to improve the rollover safety of their newest designs,” says Institute president Adrian Lund.

Eariler winners in the large luxury class include the BMW 5 series, Hyundai Genesis, Lincoln MKS, Mercedes E class, and Volvo S80.

Using a roof strength test, the Institute is able to evaluate rollover protection. In this particular test, a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle’s roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle’s weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio. This test is able to give a good assessment of vehicle structural protection in rollover crashes. Vehicles that are rated good have roofs that can withstand a force equal to at least 4 times the vehicle’s weight.

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Infiniti M56x Review by Clicking Here

Read AutoGuide’s 2010 Cadillac CTS Review by Clicking Here

We’re not quite sure what to make of this ‘coachbuilt’ Aston Martin Super Sport; especially its $9.6 million price tag. So what exactly does $9.6 million USD buy you? Read on!

This limited edition vehicle is apparently being built by Star Electric Cars based out of France. Until now Star Electric Cars was better known for making electric golf carts that resemble Hummers, Cadillacs and Bentleys. The exterior of the car is clearly Aston Martin-inspired, but we need to stress that this isn’t an Aston Martin at all. It’ll consist of plenty of lightweight carbon fiber bodywork and scissor doors. Inside the race-inspired vehicle receives Recaro seats, custom leather and Alcantara upholstery and carbon fiber trim. And for those that actually believe they’ll drive this thing more than a couple of times a year, there’s a built-in navigation system and iPod adapter.

And as for performance? Well for that price tag, we’d hope it would blow us away – and we guess it does. A 5.4L V- powerplant is mid-mounted, mated to a twin-turbo setup that helps put down an astonishing 800- to 950-hp. Clearly it’ll be rear wheel drive and will come with a six-speed manual transmission with an optional F1 paddle shift. We won’t even take a guess at what that option will cost.

Is this a new competitor to Pagani’s Zonda? We highly doubt it, since Zonda’s are the quintessential vehicles for a true driving experience. But hey, variety is the spice of life, no?

GALLERY: Coachbuilt Aston Martin

Hmmmmm, we wonder how much money was spent on this eye-opening study. According to CNW Market Research, an individual’s personal tastes in a vehicle vary greatly depending on gender and age. (Insert dramatic pause here.)

The data was compiled based on questions posed to consumers by CNW about how much importance they placed on various features offered in cars. The answers where then sorted by gender and age group. Researches first started data collection 2006, and then again in 2010, to see how they’ve changed.

So here’s the scoop on what women are looking for: they look for rear visibility, cost, front visibility, remote side mirrors and side air bags when looking for a new car. On the other hand, men want styling, horsepower, engine design, front visibility and a great sound system.

The data does show some surprising information. The biggest change, from 2006 to 2010, showed the importance that women, versus men, placed on a rather bland feature: Cloth seating surfaces. Women ranked cloth seating as 11 percent more important in 2010, compared to 2006, while men ranked cloth seating as five percent less important. And the feature that showed the second biggest difference of how it was rated important by women, compared to men, over the four-year-period, was bench seats, which were more popular with women in 2006, just as they are today.

What does this research prove? Well, it goes a long way to dispel the myth that women are typically more emotional shoppers than men. Other than that, we’d say this survey goes in the “obvious” file.

[Source: AOLAutos]

While most of us won’t admit it, we’ve all had our bouts of road rage, but this guy or gal takes it to a whole new level. It’s hard to tell exactly where the individual is, but clearly everyone is waiting patiently in line. Apparently this driver was rather impatient and instead of casually trying to cut the line, he (or she) basically loses their mind driving erratically all over the place.

Even though the clip is short (thank God) and we hope no one was hurt in the making of it, we still can’t help but chuckle that someone can be this ridiculous and be behind the wheel. The best part of it all, they end up back where they started after their little temper tantrum.

Don’t miss the video after the break, it’s one of a kind.

[Source: LiveLeak]

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The Ford Focus RS craze over in Europe is picking up a lot of steam, and British tuner BBR is offering four different upgrade kits for any Focus RS enthusiast. The kits bump up horsepower to anywhere from 342-hp to 404-hp depending on how much you’re willing to spend.

The stage one kit is simply an ECU remap and air intake hose offered at $945, which is a great price considering the bump in horsepower to 342-hp and 369 ft-lbs of torque from the factory 300-hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque.

Stage two isn’t as drastic of an increase, but certainly optimizes air flow and reliability out of the turbocharged motor. An upgraded intercooler along with hoses and air filter brings the horsepower figure to 355-hp and torque to 378 ft-lbs. It comes at a price tag of $2,285 but includes installation.

Stage three adds a 3-inch exhaust system from BBR and larger fuel injectors to support the higher boost from the ECU remap. This is when things get fun with the Focus RS reaching 382-hp and 388 ft-lbs of torque. Cost on the parts is roughly $3,960 with install running around $550.

And for those that just have to have it all, the fourth package includes new turbochargers to bring horsepower to 404-hp and 408 ft-lbs of torque. We’ll be comfortable to say that sets the Focus RS up for even more potential if the owner wanted to go even further with the upgraded turbos. That kit will set you back close to $6,185 while install is a respectable $945.

If you want to back up the performance with some handling, BBR also offers BBR/Koni adjustable shocks mated to performance springs.

GALLERY: BBR Ford Focus RS

Official press release available after the break.

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