Here's some more proof that wealth does not equal taste. This one-off Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG was developed by the German tuning firm A.R.T. specially for His Highness Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Sultan Bin Rashed Al Nahyan. Dubbed the AS55K Yaas Edition, the G55 AMG's stock 5.5-liter V8 has been optimized to deliver an output of 620 HP, up from 507 HP.

A high-performance brake system with 8-piston calipers up front and 4-piston brake calipers at the back complete the mechanical upgrades. From there on, it's all about styling - or so to say.

The AS55K Yaas Edition sports a full bodykit with many components coated in carbon-fiber along with polished stainless steel bars under the side skirts and the rear bumper and to top it all, a trio of chrome-plated tailpipes positioned right under the rear doors.

Furthermore, the widened fenders house 22-inch polished alloys wrapped in high-performance tyres while the Prince also opted to equip the G55 AMG with no less than 12 projector lamps including four xenon upper-beam headlights and eight fog lamps.

Open the Merc's door and you'll be greeted by cinnamon-colored leather and Alcantara that cover most surfaces matched (?) with carbon fiber decorative trim in a weird bronze hue.

A.R.T. did not say what the price tag was for this one-off creation but we reckon that only a Prince (or a King) could afford it.

Source: Carscoop

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Parent company Daimler is out testing thinly camouflaged prototypes of the Maybach 57 and its long-wheelbase sibling dubbed 62. Even though the test cars don't appear to feature any visible styling changes, prospective buyers (yes, all 100 of you...) should expect to see similar modifications to those given to the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In other words, minor cosmetic tweaks up front including a revised grille and quite possibly, reworked tail lamps.

However, the real improvements will be in the bits you cannot see with both Maybach models receiving upgraded or new technology and safety features as well as minor engine tweaks to improve fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions.

Expect to see the 2010 Maybach models appearing in showrooms towards the end of the year, or early 2010, depending on the market.

Source: Carscoop

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Details on the G-Power BMW X5 Typhoon RS have been released, and it is currently the most powerful BMW X5 in the world based off the xDrive48i. From the factory it is powered by a 4.8 liter engine, and after the tuning performed by G-Power, performance numbers were increased by an amazing 270 hp and 475 Nm of torque. Resulting with a final output of 625 hp at 6,100 rpm, and 700 Nm of torque at 5,300 rpm. The upgrades include the latest G-Power SK III RS Supercharger that has a 1.0 bar boost pressure, new internal engine parts, engine electronics, ECU tuning, and a modified transmission. The BMW X5 Typhoon RS can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 16 seconds, and has an overall top speed of 177 mph.

The performance upgrades also include a high performance exhaust system, racing catalysts, and an aluminum charge air cooling system. Aerodynamic improvements are also handled by G-Power and consist of wing extensions, front and rear skirts, and are made of OEM quality PU-rim technology for the strongest body pieces. Extending the fenders by seven inches allowed the fitment of the large G-Power Silverstone forged aluminum wheels, and they measure 23×11 in the front, and 23×12 in the rear. The 23 inch wheels are the largest available to fit the BMW X5 Typhoon RS and come wrapped in high performance Michelin tires that measure 315/25 ZR23. Prices have not yet been released by G-Power, but for the quality of work customers receive from them, you can’t expect this tuning to be cheap.

Source: Fancy Tuning - the latest car tuning news

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Here is the latest work from Sportec, and with all the car tuning modifications performed on the Audi S4 Avant, the results are not very impressive. Sportec was able to increase the horsepower by 92 with final numbers at 425 hp from the stock 333 hp. However, with that much of an increase in horsepower, at the track the Audi S4 Avant was only able to increase its 0-62 mph time by 0.1 second. That is surprisingly less than expected from Sportec after the large power increase, but they also worked on the exterior to give it an aggressive look for a station wagon. They added 19 or 20 inch wheels and lowered the car by 30 mm with stiffer aftermarket springs. An upgraded brake kit was installed and Sportec claims that the extra power improves everyday driving and saves fuel consumption compared to the Audi 4.2 liter V8 available in other models. Similar to other Sportec tuning packages, the parts and modification available for the Audi S4 Avant can be purchased individually and customized for the buyers needs.

Source: Fancy Tuning - the latest car tuning news

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Already available in North America and Japan, the all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback will have their European premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from September 17 through 27. Compared to their American counterparts, both models get a restyled front grille along plus redesigned lower part of the front bumper and larger exterior mirrors housing the turning signals.

The new Legacy Sedan and Station Wagon are 65 mm and 55 mm longer than their predecessors respectively while the wheelbase in both cases is expanded by 80 mm, allowing for greater rear legroom. In Europe the Legacy will be offered with two four-cylinder petrol engines, a 2.0-liter and a 2.5-liter unit, and Subaru's 2.0-liter turbo diesel boxer engine that makes 150 horsepower.

The fourth-generation Outback which is the crossover version of the Legacy Station Wagon featuring improved ground clearance and SUV-like protective body cladding will be sold in Europe with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel while certain markets will also get a range-topping 3.6-litre boxer 6-cylinder petrol model.

Source: Carscoop

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Global Vehicles U.S.A. – Mahindra's U.S. distributor – announced earlier this year that the Indian automaker's mid-size pickup truck would be available in the United States by the fall 2009, but reports out of India suggest the truck's launch date has been pushed back to February 2010.

Mahindra's small truck – expected to be called the TR20 or TR40, depending on cab configuration – was running ahead of schedule for its U.S. launch, but the Indian automaker has reportedly decided to delay the truck's fall launch to ensure it is ready for discerning U.S. buyers.

“We will start production of Mahindra ‘Pik-up’ utility vehicle by December this year for the U.S., and by end-February next year, the vehicle will be sold there,” Pawan Goenka, Mahindra’s president of automotive operations, told reporters in India last week.

According to PickupTrucks.com, the news came as a surprise to GV U.S.A. and the 300 dealers currently signed up to sell the truck in the United States, but all were in agreement that the delay was “the right thing to do.”

When the Mahindra truck finally does hit the U.S. market, it will be powered exclusively by a 2.2L four-cylinder diesel. The truck will be available in both standard and crew cabs, with a SUV version likely to bow by the end of 2010.

Source: Leftlane - news, reviews

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Daimler will expand its Smart lineup over the next few years – to better compete with newcomers like the Toyota iQ – with the brand's first new offering likely to be a three-seat sports car. The forthcoming three-seat Smart was revealed via a leaked European patent drawing.

According to the drawings, the three-seat Smart, believed to be called the ForThree, will adopt a seating setup similar to the McLaren F1 – a centrally positioned driver's seat with two passengers' chairs flanking slightly back and on both sides. The driver's chair will reportedly swivel, aiding in ingress/egress.

The ForThree is intended to be a sportier alternative to the ForTwo, with much more aggressive lines. A range of three-cylinders are on tap for the ForThree – both gas and diesel – with the largest offering expected to displace 1.4L. Like the current ForTwo, the ForThree will use a rear-engine setup.

The ForThree will likely use Mercedes-Benz' seven-speed gearbox – a feature that should drastically improve performance and fuel economy – and an all-electric version is said to be in the cards.

The ForThree will likely be available in both Europe and the United States, with an on sale date set for sometime in 2014.

Source: Leftlane - news, reviews

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