Gorgeous/Gross Green.

The Lexus LFA spent over nine years in development to ensure that it would be one of the best super cars on the market when it was unveiled. Toyota made the super car to get back onto the sports car stage and return to making driver-oriented cars.

The car was meant to be super exclusive and was sold with a hefty price tag. Only 500 are slated to be produced with a range of options for owners to create a custom tailored 552 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, weapon on the asphalt.

But then there’s this green Lexus LFA that appeared at VIP Auto Salon. Normally loud colors such as this are reserved for Lamborghinis and sometimes the performance variants of Porsches such as the GT2, GT3, and RS models. Super cars and exotics have been known to wear outlandish colors, but whether those colors make the car look good is debatable.

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that the green Lexus LFA is a superb driver’s car. Zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, a 4.8-liter V-10 that redlines at 9,000 RPM, and 204 mph top speed? Yes please!

Green Lexus LFA Gallery

Green Lexus LFA

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Green Lexus LFA

[Source: VIP Auto Salon via Facebook]

So, does this green Lexus LFA look good or not? We want to hear your opinion on it, so leave a comment below and tell us how you feel!

A British V8 storms an American race track.

Aston Martin made their racing debut at Daytona International Speedway last week as a Vantage GT4 participated in the BMW Performance 200 in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series. To celebrate their first appearance at the track, Aston Martin released exclusive in-car footage of the first lap.

The No.55 Multimatic Motorsports Aston Martin Vantage GT4 was piloted by Joe Foster and Scott Maxwell. The two drivers were able to achieve a respectable 16th overall place finish. Foster started the race and was able to grab the lead for some time and, with his team, was able to finish with an average speed of 81.578 mph and best lap time of 1:58.096.

Our favorite part is listening to the 4.7-liter V-8 let out a thunderous roar as it takes the lead.

[Source: Aston Martin]

What is your favorite part of the video? Leave a comment and let us know!

This is how America does British super cars.

It’s not often that you see a US-based tuning company that specializes in good ol’ ‘merican muscle take on a British super car. Well, that’s exactly what Hennessey Performance did by designing a new McLaren MP4-12C tuning program that transforms the super car into an 800 horsepower chariot.

The new McLaren MP4-12C looked to shake up the super car world by taking down the longstanding marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. In stock form, the MP4-12C does a superb job of mastering the everyday super car formula and giving drivers phenomenal performance figures.

But Hennessey Performance, the muscle car wizards of forced induction wanted more from the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine sitting behind the cockpit in the McLaren, so they developed and designed the HPE800 MP4-12C tuning program for the British super car.

“We’ve been taking fast cars and have been making them faster for over twenty years,” said company founder and president John Hennessey. “I spent a lot of time around the new 12C at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed and was very impressed. We’re excited to have the opportunity to take a great car and give it our own special performance touch while giving 12C owners a uniquely aggressive appearance”.

The HPE800 MP4-12C tuning program mainly focuses on the engine and exterior of the car. The 3.8-liter V-8 receives upgraded intercooler and intake systems, ball-bearing turbochargers, external wastegates and blow-off valves, a new Hennessey Performance exhaust system, and dyno tuned upgraded fuel and engine management systems as part of the HPE800 package. The upgrade sends output skyrocketing all the way to 800 horsepower, an increase of over 200 horsepower. To handle the added power, Hennessey Performance also installs an upgraded transmission cooler and clutch system.

With all that added American horsepower churning the rear wheels and rocketing the British super car to otherworldly speeds, Hennessey Performance created a new aerodynamic kit out of necessity. A new CarbonAero kit can be fitted as part of the HPE800 MP4-12C tuning program and helps to improve cooling, downforce, and high speed stability. In addition to the body kit, Hennessey Performance also offers monoblock wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

Customers can also choose to outfit the interior with an array of leather, alcantara, and carbon fiber.

The Hennessey Performance HPE800 McLaren MP4-12C tuning program will be available as an entire package with optional individual parts from their facilities in Texas and California. Pricing has not been released.

Hennessey Performance HPE800 McLaren MP4-12C Tuning Specifications

Engine/Transmission:
• Upgraded intercooler system
• Upgraded air intake system
• Upgraded ball-bearing turbochargers
• Hennessey titanium exhaust system
• External wastegates
• External blow-off valves
• Upgraded fuel and engine management system
• Upgraded transmission cooler
• Upgraded transmission clutch system
• Custom dyno-tuned engine calibration
• Hennessey Warranty
• Maximum Horsepower: approx 800

Other Upgrades:
• Hennessey CarbonAero body upgrade
• Hennessey Monoblock wheels
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires
• Hennessey custom interior upgrades including carbon fiber, Alcantara and leathers

Hennessey Performance HPE800 McLaren MP4-12C Tuning Gallery

The new HPE800 Hennessey Performance McLaren MP4-12C Tuning Program

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The new HPE800 Hennessey Performance McLaren MP4-12C Tuning Program

[Source: Hennessey Performance]

What do you think of the HPE800 MP4-12C tuning program? Leave a comment and let us know!

The legend takes on Ascari.

Walter Rohrl is one of the most accomplished and legendary drivers in the world. Even at 64 years old he still continues to drive for Porsche as a Senior Test Diver and was even scheduled to race the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring until a back injury held him out.

His latest test for Porsche involves the new Panamera GTS. The GTS is arguably the sportiest variant of the Panamera and is powered by a 430 horsepower naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 engine. The Panamera GTS is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 178 mph. Its rear-wheel drive layout, bigger spoilers, and tuned suspension make it ideal for driving on the racetrack.

Which is exactly what Walter Rohrl did.

Behind the wheel of the Porsche Panamera GTS, Walter Rohrl drove around Ascari with a Racelogic camera setup. The setup shows Rohrl, the car’s gauges, and a first-hand view of the road to see his masterful driving in real time.

[Source: Porsche]

What do you think of Walter Rohrl’s driving? Leave a comment and let us know!

The everyday sports car since 1963.

In 1963 the Porsche introduced the first 911 to replace the 356. Originally the car was supposed to be called the “901”, but because Peugeot protest claiming they had naming rights to cars with three letters and a zero in the middle, the name was changed to the 911. And history was made.

The Porsche 911 has made a name for itself as being an everyday sports car. Since 1963 it has become the face of a company and an automotive icon. The 911 has spanned seven generations and more than 700,000 have been produced with all sorts of special and performance editions mixed in throughout.

In 2011, the seventh generation of the 911 was introduced and met with high praise. To welcome the new Porsche 991 to the family, the Porsche museum in Stuttgart will be unveiling a special exhibition called “Porsche 911 Identity”.

The new exhibit will feature all seven generations of the 911 up to the 991. Each decade will be represented by a special backdrop that gives visitors a peek at the history of the model. Exciting technical exhibits and cutaway models that show the engineering and mechanics of the 911 will be displayed throughout the Porsche 911 Identity presentation. Special racing models such as the historic Carrera RS 2.7 “Safari” and modern 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be shown alongside steering wheels and rims from the past to present day. Also, for the first time ever, never before seen documents will be showcased to give visitors an insider’s look at the 911.

The Porsche 911 Identity exhibit will run from January 31st to May 20th, 2012 at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Visitors can also register for a special one-hour guided tour to learn more about the iconic sports car.

Porsche 911 Identity Exhibition Gallery

Porsche Museum Porsche 911 Identity Exhibit

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Porsche Museum Porsche 911 Identity Exhibit

[Source: Porsche]

What was your favorite generation of Porsche 911? Leave a comment and let us know!

Diesel domination.

One’s of Audi and Volkswagen’s strongest products are its diesel engines. This is true not only for their production cars, but in racing where most of the advanced technology is tested and proven. Audi’s successes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans can be attributed to their advanced diesel engines and their low consumption/high power outputs. One of the most powerful diesel engines offered by Volkswagen/Audi is the 4.2 TDI V-8.

MTM, the Audi and Volkswagen specialists in Germany have developed a 4.2 TDI tuning range for three different applications in the Audi A8, Q7, and Volkswagen Touareg. In stock form, the 4.2 TDI is capable of producing anywhere from 315 to 345 horsepower and up to 590 lb-ft. of torque depending on the vehicle application. MTM saw a great deal of potential hidden inside these common-rail direct injection diesel engines, and created three different 4.2 TDI tuning upgrades.

In the Audi A8 4.2 TDI, MTM offers a V-Cantronic program that can be installed by a technician in two hours. The V-Cantronic program keeps output at the standard 345 bhp, but removes the 155 mph (250 km/h) speed limited and pushes it back all the way to 175 mph (282 km/h).

In the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi A8, and Q7, MTM can install the M-Cantronic 4.2 TDI tuning program. The new program increases power to 410 bhp and 686 lb-ft. of torque. With the M-Cantronic upgrade, the top speed remains at the electronically-limited speed as determined by the manufacturer.

Customers that are looking for both speed and power with the 4.2 TDI can opt for a combination of M- and V-Cantronic from MTM. The upgrade removes the electronically-limited top speed and increases power to 410 bhp and 686 lb-ft. of torque.

In addition to the MTM 4.2 TDI tuning upgrades, the German company also provides a number of chassis, exterior, and interior upgrades for the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi A8, and Q7. The V-Cantronic is available for the Audi A8 for 1,400 Euros (+/- 1,800 USD), the M-Tronic is available for all cars for 1,800 Euros (+/- 2,300 USD), and the combination for 2,700 Euros (+/- 3,500 USD).

MTM 4.2 TDI Tuning Specifications

V-Cantronic (A8 only)
-Removal of stock 155 mph (250 km/h) speed limiter; new 175 mph (282 km/h) top speed
-1,400 Euros (+/- 1,800 USD)

M-Cantronic
-410 bhp and 686 lb-ft. (930 Nm) of torque
-1,800 Euros (+/- 2,300 USD)

Combination M- and V-Cantronic
-410 bhp and 686 lb-ft. (930 Nm) of torque
-Removal of stock top speed limiter
-2,700 Euros (+/- 3,500 USD)

MTM 4.2 TDI Tuning Gallery

MTM Audi A8 4.2 TDI Tuning

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MTM Audi A8 4.2 TDI Tuning

[Source MTM]

Which model with a tuned 4.2 TDI would you choose to drive: the A8, Q7, or Touareg? Leave a comment and let us know!

Come on, man!

There are some super cars that are in a league of their own such as the McLaren F1 and Bugatti Veyron. The new Aston Martin One-77 can also be considered as part of that class as its $1.7 million price tag is one of the highest in the industry.

Only 77 of the Aston Martin One-77 will be produced, so seeing one of these out in public is a real treat, especially when the driver stalls.

We’ve all been in that awkward position before. Driving a car and then shrug, you’re not going anywhere. So, you turn the key again, embarrassed that you, as an enthusiast, just committed a new driver mistake, and putter on your way in shame.

But, when you’re the owner/driver of a $1.7 million dollar car as shown in this latest One-77 video, and you’re caught showing it off to everyone on a crowded French street, consider yourself a future YouTube star. It probably wouldn’t have been so embarrassing for the driver had he not been showing off. Also, stalling not once, but TWICE as you’re about to turn and people are watching is like being that kid in high school that fell and dropped his lunch in the cafeteria.

[Source: C94paul YouTube Channel]

What would you do if you were in that situation? Leave a comment and let us know!

Wide is beautiful.

Afzal Kahn of A Kahn Design is no stranger when it comes to Porsche, having upgraded a number in the past. His famous and highly sought after “F1” plate even rests on his A Kahn Design Porsche Panamera in carbon grey.

Afzal Kahn and his design team have unveiled a wide track Kahn Porsche Panamera that has a jaw-dropping style that erupts with power in almost every body panel. The wide track package extends the front and rear wheel arches and feature air outlets for a wide, athletic stance. The front of the Porsche Panamera wears a revised bumper with LED lighting that flows into the extended front fender and ends with billet aluminum side vents. The rear boasts a trunk spoiler for added downforce and a rear air dam. Protruding from the back of the Kahn Porsche Panamera are quad exhaust tips with a unique crosshair design.

The entire A Kahn Design wide track Panamera was then lowered with new, lowered sports suspension for better handling. Filling in the extended wheel arches are A Kahn Design RS600 wheels with original center caps in a 22-inch diameter. Behind each of the wheels are red painted brake calipers that contrast the exterior paint scheme.

On the featured Kahn Porsche Panamera wide track, the team of British designers chose to use a bright red and black color scheme. Each seat was furnished with claret quilted and perforated red leather with black leather borders. Each of the gauges was also replaced with red elements to match the leather. Occupants are hidden inside from view thanks to Kahn privacy glass.

The A Kahn Design Porsche Panamera wide track is currently available. The featured show car can be purchased as a whole for £86,875, and comes standard with satellite navigation, Sport Chrono Plus, PDK transmission, power liftgate, heated front seats, and iPod connectivity.

A Kahn Design Porsche Panamera Wide Track Specifications

Exterior:
-Front and rear extended wheel arches
-Front billet aluminum side vents
-Tinted rear taillights
-Crosshair quad exhaust
-Rear spoiler
-Rear air dam
-Front bumper with LED lighting
-22-inch Kahn RS600 wheels with original center caps
-Red painted brake calipers
-Privacy Glass
-Lowered sports suspension

Interior:
-Red gauges
-Red perforated and quilted leather seats with black outline
-Custom tailored options

A Kahn Design Porsche Panamera Gallery

A Kahn Design Porsche Panamera Wide Track

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A Kahn Design Porsche Panamera Wide Track

[Source: A Kahn Design]

Does the wide track upgrade for the Porsche Panamera look sporty? Leave a comment and let us know!

James Bond approves.

The BMW E52 Z8 was one of the rarest and most prized BMW models in recent memory. It originally began life as a concept designed by Henrik Fisker (yes, the same CEO of Fisker) to tribute the BMW 507. It ended up being incredibly popular and led BMW to produce a limited number of the cars, and even starred in the 1999 James Bond movie.

Senner Tuning has taken the rare BMW roadster and tweaked it to provide drivers with a thrilling ride and unequalled style. The original 5.0-liter (4,941 cc) V-8, S62 engine that powered the BMW E52 Z8 offered a substantial 400 horsepower and 370 lb-ft. of torque, rocketing the Z8 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds stock. Senner Tuning was able to install a sports air filter kit and stainless steel exhaust system with metal catalytic converters, manifold, muffler, and flame tubes. After the engine upgrades, the BMW Z8 was bumped up to 450 horsepower and 395 lb-ft. of torque, reducing the acceleration time and extending the top speed to over 186 mph.

Instead of significantly modifying the exterior by designing and developing body work for a car whose design was to tribute a classic, Senner Tuning chose to upgrade the chassis. The original wheel and tire fitment was replaced with Work SC1 wheels with a Diamond Black finish and chrome outer lips. The 9 x 19 front and 10 x 19 rear wheels were equipped with Continental Sport Contact 255/40 R19 and 285/35 R19 tires for better grip. In terms of handling, the German tuner installed a new adjustable coilover Variant 2 setup and new front strut bar on the BMW E52 Z8. Senner Tuning also installed new gold-painted race calipers that peek from behind each wheel.

The entire conversion by Senner Tuning for the BMW E52 is currently available for 18,900 Euros (+/- 24,800 USD) for all 5,703 models that were produced.

Senner Tuning BMW E52 Z8 Specifications

Engine:
Displacement: 5.0 liters (4,941 cc)
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 450
Maximum Torque: 395 lb-ft.
-Stainless steel exhaust system
-Sport air filters

Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual or automatic
Drive: Rear-wheel

Wheels, Tires, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: Work SC1 with Diamond Black finish and chrome lips
Front Wheels: 9 x 19
Rear Wheels: 10 x 19
Tires: Continental Sport Contact
Front Tires: 255/40 R19
Rear Tires: 285/35 R19
Brakes: Gold painted race calipers

Senner Tuning BMW E52 Z8 Gallery

Senner Tuning Upgrades the Rare BMW E52 Z8

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Senner Tuning Upgrades the Rare BMW E52 Z8

[Source: Senner Tuning]

What do you think of the Senner Tuning BMW Z8 upgrades? Leave a comment and let us know!