Kicherer blacks out the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG isn't exactly subtle to begin with, but Kicherer's take on the theme is decidedly more... stealthy. For starters, the German tuner wrapped the car in matte black vinyl for a more subdued look. It then replaced the big Silver Star in the mouth with a blacked-out blank grille that looks like a baleen whale's mouth. And while the rims on the 20-inch wheels (21 in the back) are polished for a little contrast, the spokes get a blackout treatment as well. Matte-finish carbon fiber trim and aero pieces complete the overall package.

Underhood, the engine has been tuned from the stock 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque up to 621 horsepower (equivalent to 630 on the metric scale, hence the 63 moniker) and 516 lb-ft. That's good for a claimed 3.5-second sprint to 62 mph and a 199 mph top end. Have a closer look in the gallery below.

[Source: Kicherer]

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Vorsteiner V-PT Edition Porsche Panamera

The Panamera V-PT is the latest program from Vorsteiner. All of the V-PT aerodynamic components are made using carbon fiber that is finished off in a multiple layers of UV inhibiting automotive clear laquer.
The body kit includes a V-PT front bumper cover which incorporates a splitter and a removable carbon fiber insert. If there is ever an instance in which the splitter is damaged, the insert can be removed and replaced. An optional carbon fiber duct is available to channel air into the factory radiator and intercoolers.
Furthermore, you will spot new side skirts, a “ducktail” rear spoiler and a rear bumper. The rear bumper combines three major components. The first one is two vertical ventilation slits that aid in extracting heat from the exhaust system and trapped air behind the wheel arches. The second component is the carbon fiber diffuser. The final key design to the rear bumper cover is a newly developed sub-panel which replaces the factory felt unit.
On the technical side the US tuner offers a V-PT sports exhaust system. The V-PT exhaust is constructed from a choice of stainless steel or titanium, the latter boasts a weight savings of up to 40 percent over the stock exhaust system.
The V-PT package is available now for all 2010-2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo through authorized Vorsteiner dealers worldwide.

[Via Teamspeed & GTspirit]

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2012 Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet has released full information about the staggering 2012 Corvette Centennial Edition.
“We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track,” commented Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer.
“For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car.”, Tadge Juechter added.
The manufacturer can fit the new 2012 Vette with optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires available for the most powerful models – the lightweight, 505PS (377 kW) Z06 and the maximum-performance, 638PS (476 kW) supercharged ZR1. The vehicles also have Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology, which delivers an 8-percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration, to more than 1.1G.

The tires are included in the optional Z07 performance package on the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on the ZR1. The dimensions are 285/30 ZR19 at the front and 335/25 ZR20 at the rear. They are fitted to the all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes.
Another interesting feature for improved aerodynamics is the full-width racing-style spoiler, which also come with the 2012 Z07 and PDE packages. The Z06 model will now offer Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology. The Brembo carbon ceramic brakes will be a part of the Z07 chassis package and standard on ZR1. Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires remain standard on the ZR1.
Finally, a carbon fiber hood will be an available option on 2012 Z06 models.
Inside, all 2012 Vettes will come with a new seat design and a new steering wheel. Microfiber suede seat inserts are optional and improve tactile feel, as well as add additional support.
The audio system is from Bose and includes 9 speakers. A new Technology Package (2LT trim level) brings together many of the Corvette’s popular infotainment features and makes them available for more models. The package’s equipment includes the navigation radio, head-up display, Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a USB port.
With all new features, the customers will be able to create a unique 2012 Corvette, which will bring them a lot of joy both on public roads as well as the race tracks.

[Source: GM]

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Prince William borrows father's vintage Aston Martin for Royal Wedding cruise [w/video]

Kings and princes aren't generally in the business of driving themselves... well, anywhere. More often than not, such dignitaries can be found ensconced in the lap of luxury known to us mere mortals (or at least non Royals) as The Back Seat. Then again, it's not every day that a prince finds himself a brand new princess to call his very own, as is the case with the newly crowned Duchess of Cambridge.

And so it's refreshing to see Prince William drive himself and his bride around London following the Royal Wedding in front of a massive swarm of onlookers. The best part, though, is that the Royal Couple chose to drive away in a perfectly appropriate Aston Martin. Not just any Aston Martin – this Seychelles Blue DB6 MKII Volante actually belongs to William's dad, Prince Charles, and was gifted to him by his mother (that'd be The Queen, naturally) in 1969 on Charles' 21st birthday.

A few details worthy of note: This droptop DB6 has been converted to run on Royal Grapes. Well, sort of. Aston Martin retrofitted this car's engine with a kit that allows it to run on alcohol fuel, which is created using grapes grown on a vineyard owned by the Royal Family. So it's green... -ish: it can only manage about eight miles per gallon. Also, take a gander at the big L on the front of the car. That stands for Learner; apparently even for Royal Learners. Also, the rear plate is a special one: JU5T WED. Clever.

And finally, are you wondering what William and Kate actually choose to drive when nobody else is looking? William reportedly owns an Audi S4, and Kate drives an Audi A3 hatchback.

Check out our high-res image gallery of the Royal Lovebirds in the Aston Martin DB6 Volante below, and feel free to check out video of the event after the break.

[Via: Autoblog]

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Prior Design Bentley Continental GTC

Bentley Continental GTC (Cabriolet) is powered by a 6.0 liter bi-turbo W12  with the impressive 560PS and 650Nm of torque at just 1600RPM. The beast pulls like no other vehicle on the road. All that power is put on the asphalt through AWD system.
Prior Design has released a new styling package for the Bentley Continental GTC, which improves the aerodynamics as well as the presence of the car. The body kit includes a ventilated hood, a set of traditional side sills, a massive sports grille with two carbon-fibre air outlets on top and a new front bumper with a carbon fiber spoiler. It also features a stainless steel sport exhaust system and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.
The interior has received minor changes – all wooden decoration is changed with exclusive carbon fibre elements.
However, the PRIOR-Design refiners impressively prove that the customer’s wishes have no limits.
Prior Design Bentley Continental GTC will be unveiled on May 5th, at Tuning World Bodensee in Germany.

Source: Prior Design

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Free inspection for Porsche Cabriolet models

Porsche has announced a special complimentary vehicle inspection on June 4 at participating Porsche Centres nationwide. The manufacturer will celebrate the start of the summer holiday season with this service, which will help ensure all Porsche cabriolet owners maximise their open-air driving pleasure.
All Porsche cabriolets are welcome, whatever their model or age. The service will include all cars from a 356 Speedster, a 1994 968 Cabriolet, or the latest Boxster Spyder or 911 Turbo Cabriolet.
The national Porsche Cabriolet and Roadster Service Clinic will inspect the cars for free. Furthermore, the owners will also get the chance to attend a workshop at their local Porsche Centre together with their technician. These Service Clinics will also provide customers with information and advice to ensure that the operation of the hood folding mechanism is correct and that the roof remains wind and weather-proof. Other checks will ensure the expected safety, reliability, and performance levels of their cars are maintained.
The Service Clinics will be conducted one week before the Le Mans 24 Hours race in France.
The idea is simply great, because many of the drivers don’t have enough time and resources to make a full inspection of their vehicles.

Porsche Cabriolet models

Porsche Cabriolet models

Porsche Cabriolet models

[Source: Porsche]

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Mercedes C 63 AMG DTM Safety Car

Mercedes has introduced the new C63 AMG DTM Safety Car, which is entirely ready for the 2011 racing season. The vehicle is based on the latest C-class with the mighty 6.2 liter V8 AMG  engine.
It also features adjustable coil-over suspension, a high-performance braking system and a roof-mounted LED light bar. The interior boasts sports bucket seats, an advanced communications system, a leather and Alcantara steering wheel with paddle shifters, a radio system and a TV monitor..
The engine is the well-known 6.2 liter V8 with installed AMG Performance Package. The power is 487PS (358 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
The C 63 AMG Safety Car stands on multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange – 235/35 R 19 front tyres and 255/30 R 19 rear tyres.
Mercedes-AMG has provided the Safety Car ever since the “new” DTM’s inception in 2000 and alternates with Audi from race to race. The flagship V8 C-Class model from AMG has been used in DTM since its launch in 2008.

[Source: Mercedes]

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