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17/08/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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G-Power has taken their BMW M5 and has officially made it the world’s fastest sedan clocking in at 372 km/h or 231 mph. Dubbed the Hurricane RR, G-Power has beaten its own previous record of 367.4 km/h or 228 mph. The M5 is able to achieve this top speed through its twin-supercharged V10 engine that puts down 800-hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque.

G-Power informs that the ASA T1-316 superchargers used in the setup could theoretically output over 900-hp. The V10 has obviously been rebuilt, using Mahle pistons and custom rods. The ECU was remapped and tuned to ensure its highest horsepower output is in the M5′s 7500-8000 rpm range.

The record run was achieved on 19-inch G-Power forged wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Spot tires. The Hurricane RR as you see it in all its record-setting glory can be ordered from G-Power for a measly $320,000 . But if you’ve already got an M5 or M6 sitting around, G-Power’s twin supercharger setup starts at around $71,415.

GALLERY: G-Power BMW M5 Hurricane World’s Fastest Sedan

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Official press release after the break.

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17/08/2010 | By: Amy Tokic

To coincide with the historic unveiling of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, a new timepiece has been unveiled to go along with it.  Swiss luxury watchmaker Parmigiani released its new Bugatti Super Sport timepiece created to complement the supercar.

Touted by Parmigiani as “The Fastest Watch in the World” (the 16.4 Super Sport is billed as the fastest car in the world), this watch embodies the luxury brand perfectly. The Bugatti Super Sport watch’s case mirrors the standard Parmigiani curved tear drop lug, and features a set of bending lugs in traditional form. You’ll also find a partially carbon fiber dial, which has been placed perpendicular to the axis. This was accomplished by integrating a system of double pinions with bevel gearing.

The manually wound Calibre Parmigiani 372 (complete with a power reserve of 10 days) was designed in two planes in order to match the contours of the new Bugatti watch. Six sapphire crystals reveal the fabulous movement made up of 372 parts. The bridges struts its stuff with gold black, côtes de Genève and satin finishes. Hermes Paris designed the strap and the Bugatti logo is showcased on the dial while the Parmigiani name is on the side.

There aren’t many of these gems available, with a limited run of 30 pieces. The Parmigiani Bugatti Super Sport watch is packaged in an 18k white gold case and is priced at $259,000.

[Source: Born Rich]

17/08/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Even though Mercedes-Benz‘s C250 CGI isn’t the most exciting of sedans, being part of its BlueEfficiency line, VÄTH has made the 1.8L model more powerful and more fun to drive. Their tuning package gives the C250 CGI the capability of hitting 270-hp, a major increase from the factory’s 204-hp.

For those looking for a nice increase in power without breaking the bank account, VÄTH offers a V25 tuning kit for around $1,535 U.S. which bumps power to 255-hp and 273 ft-lbs of torque. Max speed is also bumped up to 161 mph. But those looking for the 270-hp peak, an upgraded intercooler is available for around $1,430 and the sports exhaust system is $2,575. Those numbers are a bit pointless, however, as we don’t get the 250 model on this side of the Atlantic.

On the outside is a fine collection of carbon fiber goods: hood ($5,940), front lip ($1,815), rear diffuser ($2,270), and trunk spoiler ($425). A brake upgrade featuring 14-inch rotors in the front with 6-piston calipers and 12.5-inch rotors in the rear with 4-piston calipers can be had for around $6,860. A staggered set of 19-inch wheels complete with tires are priced at $5,180.

VÄTH mentions suspension upgrades in their press release, which sounds like a tuned coilover set of some sort, but details and pricing are left out. They close off the tuning package with some carbon fiber interior trim and Alcantara roof liner for $1,255.

GALLERY: VÄTH Mercedes-Benz C250 CGI

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Official press release available after the break.

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17/08/2010 | By: Derek Kreindler

With Porsche and Aston Martin making headway with their Panamera and Rapide four-door coupes, Lamborghini is apparently open to the idea of a four door sedan coupe similar to their Estoque concept car.

CEO Stephan Winkelmann is reported as saying to journalists that “a third model would fit Lamborghini very well”, and “a four-door car would be a very feasible approach.” But with the Estoque originally shelved in 2009 and sales down 18 percent versus last year.

The Estoque would need to give Lamborghini “a real leap” in sales for the company to justify the investment. While the four door coupe segment is currently on fire, there’s no telling whether the sector will continue to be hot, and a poorly timed introduction could spell doom for Lamborghini.

[Source: Autocar]

17/08/2010 | By: Derek Kreindler

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GM is recalling 200,000 crossovers, among them the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook due to a piece of trim in the vehicle’s second row of seats.

The trim can prevent the seats from folding flat after they were moved upright, and the seat belt buckle release can also inadvertently be pressed, resulting in the belts coming undone.

Starting August 31st, GM will either fix the trim piece, replace the seat belt buckle or make whatever modifications are necessary to ensure that the vehicle is safe. Owners can call Chevrolet at 800-630-2438, Buick at 866-608-8080, GMC at 866-996-9463, Saturn at 800-972-8876 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s hot line at 888-327-4236.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

17/08/2010 | By: Derek Kreindler

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Range Rover, parent company Land Rover is launching the most opulent SUV in its history, with the Range Rover Autobiography Black Limited Edition.

Buyers may not be able to say that name three times fast, but the Autobiography Black Limited Edition will let buyers be swaddled in the monochromatic hue, with black exterior paint, “diamond turned” 20″ alloy wheels, a chrome grill, and a special interior with either red or ivory accents to accompany the black leather appointments. The Autobiography Black logo is embossed on the rear- armrest, key fob, door sills, and the owners manual cover, while black lacquer adorns the dashboard, center console and door panels.

The Autobiography Black comes with all the top bells and whistles, including a 1200 watt harmon/kardon stereo system, heated and cooled seats and Range Rover’s Jaguar derived 5.0L supercharged V8 putting down 510 horsepower. The Autobiography Black will retail for $122,950, ensuring its exclusivity as the top Range Rover.

[Source: Car and Driver]

17/08/2010 | By: Derek Kreindler

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After months of nothing but static shots of Porsche‘s 918 Spyder hybrid, there is finally real proof that the car is capable of moving under its own power.

While we only see the 918 Spyder driving for a couple short moments, the 3.4L V8 makes an interesting sound at low revs, sounding a bit like a four-cylinder with a big exhaust Ferrari F430.

The 918 made its first appearance stateside at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, where prospective owners could fly in on their private jets to the viewing area at the Monterey Jet Center, check the car out and then leave if they chose to. That’s a life we’ll never know.

[Source: Automotive Addicts]

Hit the jump to check out videos of the Porsche 918 Spyder in action

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17/08/2010 | By: Derek Kreindler

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Mazda is expected to recall 200,000 Mazda3 and Mazda5 compacts over a faulty steering system, with power steering pumps and lines being the target of the recall in particular.

NHTSA has been investigating 33 complaints of malfunctioning power steering systems, with 3 cases leading to accidents after a loss of steering control.

According to reports, the power steering system is prone to being shut down due to fault sensors in the pump can be contaminated with corrosion. The pump shuts itself down as a safeguard, and while the steering is still operable, it is much heavier than most drivers are used to.

A recall notice is now up on NHTSA’s website.

17/08/2010 | By: Derek Kreindler

With Middle East sales of their cars skyrocketing, Rolls Royce is following in the footsteps of their former stablemate at Bentley and introducing a special edition Phantom that celebrates the region.

The four door Phantom will be named after the Baynunah region of Abu Dhabi, with a sand-themed color palate both inside and out. The two-door Phantom, known as the Shaheen (a type of Falcon native to the region) is a little bit more extroverted, with a white exterior, and a striking red interior with “seashell” inserts and a Falcon motif on the headrests.

Rolls Royce customers in Abu Dhabi will also have access to the company’s bespoke program, which allows customers to go above and beyond the traditional options list to create truly custom cars.

[Source: Rolls Royce]

Hit the jump to read the official press release

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17/08/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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The Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has teamed up with Tjin Edition to design a one-of-a-kind 2011 Ford Fiesta that will debut at SEMA 2010. Best of all, the Ford Fiesta will be built as a giveaway in a sweepstakes that opens up on November 2nd, 2010, the first day of SEMA.

Not many details have been revealed about the project, but given Tjin Edition’s past history we’re anticipating that it’ll be a killer car. Prior to be given away, it’ll tour numerous UTI campuses and other automotive events, showing off what can be done with a little creativity and experience.

Several partners are already on board with the project giving us a good idea of what the car will look like. Peeking underneath the car cover in the render is clearly a site of wheels from FIVE:AD with Air Lift Suspension ensuring the car has the profile it needs no matter the situation. Baer brakes will be peeking between the spokes while Yokohama tires will be wrapping the wheels. Exterior goodies will be coming from DuPont paint, 3dCarbon and StreetGlow while interior will receive goods from Trent’s Trick Upholstery, Autometer, Status Racing, Image Dynamics and Scosche. Performance looks to be contributed by MagnaFlow, SPEC and Nitrous Express.

Official press release available after the break.

Continue Reading…