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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

20/09/2010 | By: Jason Siu

PPI Automotive has taken the Audi R8 V10 and overhauled it into the limited edition Razor GTR-10. With modifications from bumper to bumper, including performance, suspension and aesthetics, it’s a complete package for those that find the standard V10 model too mundane.

Horsepower has increased from 525-hp to 601-hp, plus there’s 417 ft-lbs of torque on tap, a slight increase from the factory 391 ft-lbs. Possibly more impressive is that the car sheds over 550 lbs from its body, making the performance increase that much more noticeable. The 0-62 mph time is now a scant 3.2 seconds.

The weight loss is attributed to a ton of carbon fiber components, with all new doors, roof pillars, side skirts and front bumper. Additional cooling comes from modified side skirts, rear fenders and a rear bumper. The last bits of carbon fiber replacement parts include an adjustable rear spoiler and rear diffuser. The engine bay also features a carbon fiber cover while the trunk sports carbon fiber ram-charged air inlets.

Shedding even more pounds are replacement lightweight MAG11 forged aluminum PPI wheels. Up front are a pair of 19×9-inch sized wheels wrapped with 245/35/19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires while the rear features 20×12-inch wheels with 325/25/20 matching tires. Flashy orange-metallic brake calipers highlight the brake upgrades.

Suspension modifications lower the vehicle thanks to KW Automotive springs, while a hydraulic lift system has also been installed to raise the front 1.75-inch if needed.

Inside there are even more carbon fiber goodies from e-brake to interior trim while the seats have been reupholstered with Onyx Nubuck leather with colored accents that are customizable. PPI also installs their proprietary steering wheel to the limited edition vehicle.

Hit the link below for all the pics:

[Source: GTSpirit]

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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12/05/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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SpeedFactory is all about performance out of Chrysler-brand automobiles. They take the stock and mundane, albeit powerful foundations, and convert them to customized and thrilling driving adventures. A brief drive-by on their website reveals a fine collection of Dodge Challengers, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Magnums, Chrysler 300s, Ram trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokees available for sale, fully modified with several stages to choose from.

With the Dodge Challenger being the affordable, hot performance vehicle from Dodge’s line it’s no surprise that SpeedFactory offers a plethora of upgrade choices to the vehicle. From naturally aspirated to supercharged packages, horsepower can range anywhere from 475-hp to 700+ depending on your budget and desires.

Their most recent creation is the 6-speed, SF600R Dodge Challenger that’s priced for at $73,900. For a car with an MSRP that starts at $23,460, that’s quite the increase. So what do you get with a hefty chunk of change from SpeedFactory? Well for starters, you’ll be behind the wheel of a stroked 7.0L Hemi block that pushes out a guaranteed, dyno-proven 595- to 605-hp. The motor is completely reworked from bottom up along with bolt-ons in the form of an air intake and Corsa stainless steel exhaust.

Other modifications include a Centerforce clutch and a Getrag IRS to get the power to the ground safely and reliably. Performance springs and sway bars help balance the handling while front and rear strut tower braces tightening up the chassis. Last but not least, the Challenger receives some stylish points with a set of 20-inch BBS Black Edition CH-R wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

While the horsepower figures are incredibly impressive, offering plenty of power in a properly-built motor, we have to think that you can get the same set of modifications, engine build and more for the difference in the price. But hey, those with hefty wallets that don’t have to think twice – SpeedFactory is your choice.

The official press release is available after the break.

GALLERY: SpeedFactory Dodge Challenger SF600R

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12/02/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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The Acura TSX has grown considerably over the years, so much so in fact that Acura has decided that for top level performance the car has outgrown its four-cylinder powerplant. So to add some beef to the already impressive sports-sedan, Acura has stuffed a 280hp 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood for the 2010 model year.

The V6 model will not replace the current car, but rather join the already successful four-cylinder engine.

With 280hp, the new V6 is 79 horsepower more powerful than the four-cylinder. The 280 number isn’t all that significant for a V6, however, so we do expect a less high-strung engine with torque numbers close in line to the horsepower figures.

The V6 engine will be mated to Acura’s Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, which includes features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. The new V6 models will come with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

New 2010 V6 modes will also get 18-inch wheels with Michelin tires, revised suspension system, a slightly modified front fascia and V6 badges.

“The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V-6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular TSX sports sedan.”

Be prepared for lots more from Acura throughout 2009 as the company plans to make significant changes to all of its vehicles for the 2010 model year.

2010 Acura TSX V6:

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Official release after the jump:

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