The German car tuning firm Arden has customized the Mini Cooper Equipe for the 40th anniversary of the Equipe model. Naming it the Mini Equipe 2009, the special edition features a few exterior styling upgrades. A chrome grille was fitted on the front, and a stainless steel mesh insert was placed in the rear bumper. The revised exterior includes aluminum 18 inch wheels with an interesting 9-spoke design. Inside the Mini Cooper Equipe is a sharp two-tone color scheme with hand stitched leather seats, dashboard, and steering wheel. Arden also added equipment and tuning to the engine to increase the performance numbers.

For performance gains the electronics were tuned to accommodate a new intercooler, and a stainless steel exhaust system that also has racing catalytic converters. With these minor additions the performance numbers were increased by 40 PS and 50 Nm. Some extra parts installed are a high performance braking system with six piston calipers up front. Pricing information has not been released yet, however it should be noted that production of the Arden Mini Cooper Equipe has been limited to 40 units.

[Source: worldcarfans]

Tuning specialists Novitec Rosso have revealed their aftermarket kit for the limited edition Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M convertible. Ferrari plans to manufacture only 499 of these vehicles, so they will even be rare without the kit from Novitec. Boosting the 4.3 liter V8 are two belt driven high performance compressors increasing the pressure to 0.48 bar. These compressors give the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M an extra 186 horsepower for a total of 696 hp and 682 Nm of torque. With those performance numbers the Ferrari can sprint from 0-100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.7 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 23.8 seconds, and claim a top speed of 330 km/h. Novitec Rosso didn’t stop there with only engine performance, they added NF3 dual spoke wheels measuring 8.5×20 in the front, and 12×20 in the rear. The wheels come wrapped in high performance Pirelli tires, and they upgraded the suspension to accommodate the wheel package.

The Ferrari Scuderia features a hydraulic lift kit on the front axle that raises the sports convertible by 40 mm. On the exterior of the Spider, Novitec Rosso has blacked out taillights available, side markers, and reflectors. Inside is a carbon fiber steering wheel for the sporty Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M, and its custom design makes it easier when entering and exiting the car.

[Source: 4wheelsnews]

World famous Japanese tuner Mugen, have prepared the Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback for launch in the European car tuning market. From the factory it comes with a four cylinder 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine producing 200 horsepower, however earlier speculation has it at 240 hp. The Euro-spec Honda Civic Type-R is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and like most other Honda cars it’s front wheel drive. Mugen has dramatically modified this Civic however, using carbon fiber pieces for the new aero kit. The aerodynamic kit for the Type R consists of a new front bumper, front lip, and blacked out grille. Moving down the side of the car are redesigned side skirts leading to the custom rear bumper, diffuser, and an aftermarket exhaust on the Honda Civic. A new hood with dual air vents and a raised mid-section was also installed. Complimenting the body kit are gunmetal alloy wheels on all fours, and they match the body work of the Mugen Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback.

When comparing the Mugen model to the European bone stock Honda Civic Type-R, you notice several differences between the rear wing, rear bumper, and exhaust ports. The blacked out grille in the front also adds to the list of cosmetic changes by Mugen. The UK-spec pricing for the Type R could cost anywhere from 40,000-50,000 euros and it is expected to be released this summer. More information should come soon about the Mugen Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback in the near future.

[Source: worldcarfans]

It’s been almost a year since Specter Werkes released their C6 Corvette GTR, now the Michigan-based car tuning specialists has delivered a new Corvette GTR. Starting off with the factory Chevy model, Specter Werkes used their imagination and taste to create a unique Chevrolet Corvette GTR supercar, with custom bodywork and performance tuning. The LS3 engine was increased in displacement from 6.2 liters to 6.8 liters, and with a new cam shaft design, performance numbers were increased to 615 hp and 578 ft lbs of torque. There are several levels of engine tuning that Specter Werkes can perform, and this model received the most basic tune. Underneath the Corvette GTR is fitted with a Corsa performance exhaust system, while receiving a complete wide body makeover for the exterior.

The full body kit for the Corvette GTR comes with carbon fiber details on the exterior, carbon fiber splitter, new front bumper, air extracting hood, front fenders, doors, side skirts, rear fenders, a new rear bumper, and finally a carbon fiber diffuser. Complimenting the body kit are special Forgeline VR3P wheels that measure 19 inches in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They come wrapped in high performance Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires measuring 285/30ZR19 in the front, and 335/25/ZR20 in the rear. To slow this beast down, StopTech 15 inch slotted brake discs and six piston calipers for the front, with 14 inch rotors and four piston calipers for the rear.

The Corvette GTR model you see here was painted in BASF liquid silver color by Specter Werkes, and it is the same paint used on Mercedes Benz AMG models. This upgrade package is available now from Specter Werkes, starting at a base price of $34,995, but they also have upgrades for several other Corvette models, including the base coupe, Grand Sport, Z06, and even the ZR1.

[Source: motorauthority]