German Hype: Vorsteiner Panamera V-PT (With Video)

Posted on 05.06.11 | Andrew Beckford No Comments

The Panamera is the latest P-car to get a full body massage by the German car fanatics at Vorsteiner.  They’ve created tuning program with aero mods, wheels, and a light-weight exhaust all wrapped up in a package that they refer to as the V-PT.  As you may have expected all of the body pannels are constructed of Vorsteiner’s signature autoclave dry-carbon fiber.  The wheels are chosen by the customer and they have several styles that can be custom made to order.  To finish it all off Vorsteiner created a titanium exhaust that shaves 40lbs off the stock unit while adding 10hp.  Not bad huh?  Even if you don’t like the Panamera you have to admit that the V-PT package does make it a little more enticing than before.  If you were already a Panamera fan then this will make Porsche’s sedan downright irresistable to you!

    

    

   

Press Release:

Introducing the Vorsteiner V-PT Edition Panamera

The Panamera V-PT embodies Perfection Redefined. Steeped in tradition, Vorsteiner produces performance minded aerodynamics while maintaining the core of our company values. The V-PT aligns with the classic style associated with Porsche while transforming the Panamera to an aggressive state of mind. Functionality melds perfectly into the components of the V-PT to give your Panamera the edge you desire.

All of the V-PT aerodynamic components are made using our state of the art pre-preg autoclave carbon fiber technology that is then finished off in a multiple layers of UV inhibiting automotive clear laquer. We have also used other exotic materials such as Titanium Forged Aluminum to continue on the uncompromising quality and uncompromising performance additions that encompass the V-PT package for the Porsche Panamera.

V-PT Front Bumper Cover
Functionality became the cornerstone of the V-PT kit, and our designers took extra care in making sure the shape of the front fascia maintained a balance of aggression and elegance. This element of design extends throughout the entirety of the exterior package. 

The front bumper cover incorporates a splitter which has a removable carbon fiber insert.  If there is ever an instance in which the splitter is damaged, the insert can be removed and replaced. To further align with our goal of adding functionality, we have created an optional carbon fiber duct to channel air into the factory radiator and intercoolers. This provides an option to display our high quality carbon fiber weave, or go with a more subtle look and hide the duct behind an aluminum mesh grill insert specially shaped to fit the V-PT air dam. The V-PT front bumper will lend a striking prowess to your Panamera Turbo.

 V-PT Side Skirts
Vorsteiner’s signature high quality carbon fiber craftsmanship was seamlessly integrated into the design of the V-PT side skirts. The unique style allows for customization of the carbon fiber finish.

V-PT “Ducktail” Rear Spoiler
The V-PT Ducktail rear spoiler continues the performance-oriented design. The design of the spoiler conveys a sense of strength and style while keeping functionality in mind as its shape adds down force to the rear of the Panamera. The factory electronic wing remains completely functional with the V-PT rear spoiler in place.

V-PT Rear Bumper
A key visual aspect of the V-PT package was achieved by sculpting a highly sophisticated rear bumper cover. It 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. It provides additional down force to the rear axel at Autobahn speeds. The final key design to the V-PT rear bumper cover is our newly developed sub-panel which replaces the factory felt unit. It ensures undisturbed airflow extraction through the V-PT rear diffuser.

V-PT Sports Exhaust System
The last piece of the V-PT package is purely about performance.  The V-PT exhaust is constructed from a choice of stainless steel or titanium, the latter boasts a weight savings of up to 40% over the stock exhaust system. Our main focus in designing this exhaust was to create a note that would give voice to the VPT.  The unique growl is sure to strike a chord with any Porsche connoisseur.

The V-PT package is available now for all 2010-2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo through authorized Vorsteiner dealers worldwide.

For more information please visit the interactive website at www.vorsteiner.com/vpt

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Hype: HAMANN Hawk Tuning Program For Mercedes Benz AMG SLS (Hit or Miss?)

Posted on 02.28.11 | Andrew Beckford No Comments

At the Geneva Auto Show HAMANN has just debuted their new tuning program for the Mercedes Benz AMG SLS dubbed the “HAMANN Hawk“.  I think the name is apt since this program kind of makes the SLS look like a Klingon “Bird Of Prey” star ship!  Before you ask, no they wont throw in the matte gold wrap when you pick up the program.  However, they do include the aero package, forged wheels, titanium exhaust, and ECU tune (the last two bump the power output to 636HP).  As usual HAMANN treatments can be hit or miss.  So what do you think about the HAMANN Hawk? Hit? Miss?

    

 

Press Release:

World premiere at the 81st International Motor Show in Geneva

HAMANN HAWK –

Precious bird of prey with 636 hp

An engine bursting with power wrapped into an exciting car body design coloured in Everose Gold. The Southern German specialist for exclusive automobile refinement, HAMANNMotorsport, turns the wing door Mercedes SLS AMG into the HAMANN HAWK with new plumage and significantly sharper talons.  

Already in its basis version, the SLS provides a significant engine output. But the HAMANNengine department puts some additional power reserves into the V8 engine. The core part of the power enhancement is the high-performance exhaust system made out of titanium. In combination with new manifolds, sports catalysts and a sports air filter, this system also renders the earthy and powerful sound of the 6.2 litre aggregate. The components are precisely adjusted with the help of a new engine characteristic map for motor electronics. With a top performance of 636 hp / 468 kW and a maximum torque of 680 Nm at 4,850 r.p.m, the HAMANNengine exactly meets the wishes of its sports ambitious clientele. The performance enhanced wing door automobile provides first class measures. In race start mode, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds and with a top speed of 320 km/h, the HAMANN HAWK also surpasses the basis model.  

The superior driving performance is matched with a striking appearance and aerodynamics tested in the wind tunnel. The HAMANN HAWKfront apron replaces the serial bumper and due to its shape it reduces the uplifting forces at the front axle. Larger air inlets in connection with a new LED lights unit give the two-seater an even more dynamic look. In addition, the enlarged air inlets provide better access for the engine’s increased need for fresh air. Subsequently, the air is drawn out of new bonnet made of checkered flag carbon. Striking wing, 60mm on each front side and 70mm on each rear side, already render an impressive appearance even while the car has not started moving yet.  Side skirts make the two-seater look additionally lower and more stretched and underline the rims. In order to perfectly balance out the downforce of the front- and rear axle, HAMANN gives the SLS a rear wing also made of checkered flag carbon. The new rear apron with the diffuser enhances the air flow under the bottom of the car and provides room for four enormous end pipes each measuring 90 mm in diameter.

In order to perfectly combine comfort and control, HAMANN uses the single-part, especially light forged wheels “Unique Forged Anodized“ in 21 inches. These are fitted in 9Jx21 with tyres measuring 245/30 ZR 21 at the front and 12.5Jx21 with tyres measuring 345/25 ZR 21 at the rear axle.

The coilover kit has been especially refined for the HAMANN HAWK. Equipped with four height-adjustable dampers and four progressively wound springs, the centre of gravity can be lowered by up to 30 millimetres.

HAMANNentirely redesigns the interior of the SLS and turns it into a VIP lounge with motorsports characteristics. Most delicate leather and ultra-suede, applications and embroideries replace the serial interior. HAMANN additionally adorns the air inlets, door sill protectors and centre console with checkered flag carbon. Black anodized aluminium pedals render a comfortable grip. The technical highlight of the new interior is the new steering wheel which has been ergonomically redesigned.

For more information about the extensive HAMANN tuning programme, please visit the web site www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.com

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Deutschland Hype: HAMANN M Technik Tuning Program For F10 BMW 5 Series

Posted on 02.10.11 | Andrew Beckford No Comments

On the heels of AC Schnitzer’s offering, HAMANN finally releases images of their “M Technik” tuning program for the new F10 BMW 5 series.  Right off the bat you’ll notice that HAMANN seems to be taking some styling cues from previous M models and combining that with a bit of Alpina flavor on the new 5er.  Something else that shocked me about this program is that they aren’t touching performance all that much.  You can get a 4-tipped muffler and a high-flow catalytic converter (for 550i only) but that’s about it.  It seems like the main purpose for this program is to improve on the looks with the aero kit, wheels, and 10 piece carbon fiber interior kit.  They do offer a suspension set up that will lower the car 35mm (1.3 inches) but that’s so subtle I doubt it would have much of an impact on the F10′s handling.

If  nothing else the kit looks great and since HAMANN stuff is hard to get stateside it is a definite way to set yourself apart if you’re looking to go for a full-on aero upgrade.

   

Press Release:

                                      

February 2011

HAMANNhave extended their individualisation programme to the BMW 5-series (F10) with the M technik packet.

After the presentation of the first individualisation programme for the BMW 5-series (F10) by HAMANN-Motorsport in the middle of 2010, the Laupheimer have now developed exclusive parts for models with the M technik packet.

The HAMANN aerodynamic components are adapted to the original M technik front and rear valances. At the front a competition front spoiler is used, which increases the down-force. At the back an insert for the rear bumper offers space for four exhaust tail pipes. All the other enhancements already introduced in the middle of 2010, such as roof and rear spoiler, front bumper and side skirts, of course remain in the programme and are also available for the 5-series (F10) with M technik packet.

Apart from cosmetic intervention in the bodywork, HAMANN offers a “pedicure” in the form of a set of extremely light alloy wheels. The most striking optics is offered by the ANNIVERSARY EVO in 21” size. The wheel, painted in silver, is delivered as a complete wheel and tyre set, with 255/30 ZR21 tyres at the front and 295/25 ZR21 sized tyres at the back, at a price of 4,760 €.

HAMANN lowers the BMW 5er (F10) by approx. 35 mm with progressive suspension springs and thus further accentuates the overall sporty appearance.

The HAMANN rear silencer with four tail pipes was by the middle of 2010 only available for the top model 550i. Now this option is available for all engine variants of the 5-series (F10). Only the sports metal catalytic converter with special middle silencer remains reserved for the 550i.

HAMANN upgrades the interior with a 10 piece carbon interior set and a specially developed airbag sports steering wheel. The parts in visible carbon can be coloured in any preferred colour. HAMANNhas placed a pedal set in the footwell that can be obtained in silver or black anodised aluminium as preferred. A high quality set of mats including the embroidered HAMANN-logo rounds off the sporty appearance.

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Hype News: RAUH-Welt Selling To America

Posted on 02.03.11 | Andrew Beckford No Comments

If you’re a JDM freak then you probably know about RAUH-Welt AKA “RWB” for their wild yet absolutely dope body kits for late 80s/early 90s Porsches.  If you know about them then you probably also know that their awesome creations were pretty much exclusively sold in Japan and likely Europe.  However I recently discovered they have a RWB USA website and “international contact” which is simply an AOL email address but hey, that’s a start.  If you really want a genuine RWB wide body kit for your Porsche then there is now officially I way for you to talk to these folks directly.  However, I should probably let you know that a RAUH-Welt kit doesn’t come cheap.  Be prepared to spend $20k before shipping and any other costs associated with importing the kit from Japan!

[Source: JDM EGO]

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C-West Mazda RX-8 Aero Kit (With Video)

Posted on 02.02.11 | Andrew Beckford 1 Comment

C-West is showing the Mazda some love by applying the same C-West classic design into a body kit for the RX-8.  I still remember when this design came out for the RX-7 and everyone instantly fell in love.  I think this kit will break a few hearts as well.  It just fits so well with the RX-8′s body lines.  I just wonder what took C-West so long to do this!  How do you guys like it?

  

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C-West ZF1 Body Kit For Honda CR-Z (With Video)

Posted on 01.27.11 | Andrew Beckford 1 Comment

The 2011 Toyko Auto Salon has past but its left behand a slew of awesome and new JDM products for us to look forward too.  A big part of the show this year was aftermarket parts for hybrid vehicles.  So far my favorite among this segment is the new body kit C-West created for the Honda CR-Z dubbed the “ZF1“.  The ZF1 takes cues from the classic C-West kits from recent history and beautifuly applies them to the CR-Z’s body lines.  I predict that the ZF1 kit will be a highly coveted item among CR-Z owners this year.

   

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WALD BMW F01/02 7 Series Sports Line Body Kit

Posted on 01.25.11 | Andrew Beckford No Comments

WALD is in my opinion one of the most interesting Japanese body kit makers out there.  Like a few of the German aero tuners, WALD is very hit or miss.  When they miss it’s way off!  But when they hit, it is so dead on fresh that it’s scary.  To me, the Sports Line body kit they have for the new F01/02 BMW 7 Series is a definite hit.  I know there will be more than a few of you who disagree with me but I think this kit compliments the new 7 series beautifully.  However it does have its downsides.  First of all if you want to get this kit in carbon fiber you can forget it.  The sports line kit is FRP only.  That isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it certainly isn’t the best material you can get.  Secondly this is WALD we’re talking about so you would be hard pressed to find a distributor here in the U.S. that can get you this kit.  If you do find someone I can guarantee it will not be cheap!  Trying to get your hands on this kit will definitely be a labor of love.  Otherwise if you would rather have something stronger, more subtle, and a bit easier to get then look into Vorsteiner’s F01/02 dry carbon fiber lip kit.

   

   

 

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Zele Performance Nissan 370Z Body Kit

Posted on 05.11.10 | Andrew Beckford No Comments

Nissan freaks have been waiting on this for months and now it is finally here.  The Zele Performance 370Z body kit has officially dropped and is available for you to spend tons of your hard earned money on.  The whole set up will set you back more than a few grand but to get the genuine article from Zele it just may be worth it!

   

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Hype Preview: Vorsteiner V-PT Package For Porsche Panamera Turbo

Posted on 04.05.10 | Andrew Beckford No Comments

I am not a fan of the Porsche Panamera.  I can appreciate its performance and the fact that Porsche decided to get out of their comfort zone but I just can not wrap my head around a Porsche…wagon.  Maybe I’m crazy or maybe Porsche is crazy who knows!?  Although I must admit when I caught wind that Vorsteiner is working on an aero package for the Panamera Turbo dubbed the “V-PT” I got excited.  I figure if anyone can change my mind about the Panamera’s looks it would be Vorsteiner.  As soon as we get a glimpse at the finished product we’ll let you guys in on it.

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Hype Preview: BMW X6M By Vorsteiner

Posted on 03.18.10 | Andrew Beckford No Comments

Our pals over at Vorsteiner are working on a new aero treatment for the BMW X6 dubbed the X6M.  It isn’t quite ready to drop yet but they hit us with these preview shots before it goes for sale.  This package is going to be produced from pre-preg vaccum dry carbon fiber like all of Vorsteiner’s stuff so you know it will be high quality.  The styling of this kit is definitely tough.  I wouldn’t fu*k with the soccer mom that is rocking this set up.

 

Press Release:

Exclusive Sneak Peek of the BMW X6M by Vorsteiner

With BMW’s commencement into the SUV market with its X series comes Vorsteiner’s debut of the design of the BMW X6M VRS Aero Package. As with every quality Vorsteiner product, the X6M Aero Package will be composed of resin pre-impregnated, vacuum-formed carbon fiber, utilized by a state-of-the-art aerospace autoclave system. This results in an up to 30% stiffer and stronger structure when compared to an equivalent wet-lay product.

The components making up the X6M Aero Package consists of:

VRS Carbon Fiber Add-On Front Spoiler

  • VRS Carbon Fiber Vented Hood
  • VRS Carbon Fiber Roof Spoiler
  • VRS Carbon Fiber Deck Lid Spoiler
  • VRS Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser

 The VRS Carbon Fiber Add-On Front Spoiler takes a new step in styling, outlining the front center grill in carbon fiber, complementing the aggressive fascia of the X6M. The Add-On Front Spoiler markedly increases front-end downforce, enhancing performance and presence.

The VRS Carbon Fiber Vented Hood further enhances the front end performance by eliminating 40% of the factory hood weight as well as hot air away from the engine. The Vented Hood precisely follows the shut lines and contours of the original hood, while augmenting its elegant appearance, adding a sporty edge with its carbon fiber vents and its re-sculpted power dome.

Making use of the grandeur of the X6M, our VRS Roof Spoiler further adds to the form and function of the vehicle, accenting the roof and rear windshield while improving airflow over the top and behind the vehicle. At the same time, it cooperates with the VRS Carbon Fiber Deck Lid Spoiler, directing a high-pressure air stream along the rear end of the vehicle.

Lastly the VRS Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser adds a finishing touch to the Aero Package. The newly designed diffuser emphasizes the shape of the rear bumper and exhaust while showcasing a functional “race bred” diffuser fins that flows into the under carriage of the vehicle.

The BMW X6M shown features our One-Piece Forged V-102 Wheels in 23 inches in a Satin Brushed Aluminum finish with Michelin Tires.

This new VRS X6M Aero Package will be available in Summer 2010 at an Authorized Vorsteiner Dealer Center near you.

For more updates and information please feel free to visit our website at: www.vorsteiner.com

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