BMW X6 by Hamann

The BMX X6 is a tricky vehicle to classify. In photos, it can look like a hot-hatch on steroids. Up close, you see the SUV in the vehicle. It's dimensions are even larger than the X5 and the only thing that cramps its cargo room to make it less than the X5 is the sloping hatch - a styling cue that makes the X6 unique and hard to pin down.

Of course, the term-du-jour is Crossover, which is what Hamann-Motorsports uses to describe the X6. But their treatment is a little more adventurous than that. Hamann boosts the X6's 3.5i gasoline/petrol version from 306 to 360 hp and the 3.5d (diesel) from 286 hp to 320 hp. Cranking power is also considerably elevated by 140 Nm to 540 Nm in the 3.5i and taken to a massive 660 Nm in the 3.5d from a previous 580 Nm.

On the outside, Hamann offers the option of 23-inch rims, in need of 315/25R23 tires. Oh, and the price tag for just the four wheels is 9,385 euros. Yes, this is an audacious tuner that also messes with the BMW sound with a four-pipe exhaust system that gives the X6 a more grounded sound.

The tuning kit also comes with a collection of spoilers and skirts and the interior gets a once-over with special carbon-fiber materials too. But Hamann is a performance tuner and this X6 definitely puts on a show.

Hamann Volcano Based on Mercedes Mclaren SLR

How much torque does a volcanic eruption have? Well, it does indeed take a lot of steam to melt rocks and push the lava straight up through the earth's crust and Hamann-Motorsport does a good job of rivaling that with their own Volcano.

The Hamann Volcano is a supersized version of what is already one of the world's most renowned supercars - the Mercedes McClaren SLR. Hamann technicians were able to boost the Mercedes Benz 5.4 liter, 626 hp, 780 Nm V8 and take its performance to 700 hp and 830 Nm of torque at 3,300 rpms; giving the Hamann a 0-100 km/h time of only 3.6 seconds.

But performance is also improved by aerodynamics, with the addition of new lift-reducing wing extensions in both the front and the rear as well as new side skirt attachments and sheathings.

Interiors also get yet another luxurious do-over. It includes aluminium pedals, foot-rests, door sills, head-rests and floomats with the Hamann logo and the use of the top-quality material Alcantara for custom center console and dashboard parts.

Subaru Forester Mountain Rescue Concept at SEMA

Since 1974 Subaru has been a well known brand to skiers and ski communities thanks to the all-weather traction advantages of 4-wheel-drive. As a result, Subaru is honoring the men and women of Ski Patrol teams who risk their lives to rescue skiers and snowboarders by presenting the Mountain Rescue Forester Concept, the ultimate first responder vehicle equipped with trail-driving capability and essential rescue gear.

Co-developed with Detroit-based Specialized Vehicles the Mountain Rescue Forester Concept is based on the Forester 2.5XT turbo crossover and features 14 inches of ground clearance (8.9 in. standard) via an Air Lift custom adjustable ride height air suspension system. Increased traction is provided by Yokohama Geolandar MTS 30 x 9.5-in. tires on custom-reversed 15-in. Subaru steel wheels.

Other features include custom front and rear skid plates, grille guard, fender flares, lower door cladding, a rear gate guard and tail light guards, LED emergency lighting package, 9500-lb. winch, remote rear door openers and external quick-access utility compartments, Yakima ski carriers and rescue toboggan.

AC Schnitzer X6 Falcon

AC Schnitzer present X6 Falcon - a project largely following the styling features seen on the recently-launched new X5 of the same name. The newest predator in its namesake's valley territory, AC Schnitzer are keen to point out the X6 Falcon's parallels to its bird of prey counterpart. Broad wings are however where the name originates, but such characteristics go more than skin deep.

Tthe X6 Falcon has been painstakingly 'adapted to its habitat', undergoing numerous laps of Nurburgring testing by engineers, namely to fine tune the set up of the AC Schnitzer springs. The result: traction even at speeds only achievable by a falcon in 'nosedive'. The styling package was designed for 'downforce instead of lift' and includes front and rear skirt, moved fog lamps and a contoured spoiler edge.

Instead of protection to the underbody and 'submarining', a rear diffuser and spoiler has been added, while skirts are now body-coloured so as the body appears more drawn down. We'll avoid calling the alloy wheels the 'legs' of the falcon like AC Schnitzer, but nonetheless it is AC Schnitzer 22-inch alloy wheels Type Vll, available in black or silver, that complement this new look.

AC Schnitzer Racing Design have given the Falcon an exhaust system to shout about, providing excellent resonance for its equally well-performing range of engines, enhanced by Control Unit. Two diesel units, the 30d and 35d, are enhanced from 235 hp and 286 hp to 272 hp and 310 hp respectively.

GTstreet R based on Porsche 911 Turbo by TechArt

TechArt continues its re-inventions of Porsche supercars. Just last spring TechArt presented the GTstreet RS, its specialised version of the Porsche 911 GT2. Now, its latest creation is based on the 911 Turbo which TechArt, located in the same region of Germany as Porsche, has turned into one impressive performer. As if the 911 Turbo wasn't one already.

The GTstreet R comes fitted with TechArt's performance kit TA097/T3, which sounds like something out of a science-fiction movie. What all those letter and numbers mean is 660 hp and a maximum torque of 860 Nm at 4,600 rpm for this re-imagined 911 Turbo. Coupled with Porsche's Tiptronic S transmission, it takes the GTstreet R a mere 3.4 seconds to reach 100km/h.

TechArt takes the 911 Turbo's standard 3.6 liter turbocharged engine and boosts its performance with new turbochargers, special intercoolers and a host of other technological tidbits that make this horse run a lot faster.

Top speed: 345 km/h (214mph).

TechArt Aerokit I for Porsche 911 MY 2009

TechArt has updated its 997 Aerokit I package for the facelifted 2009 model year Porsche 911 Carrera. Besides a new front lower lip spoiler, the kit maintains the overall same appearance but is cut different to accommodate the newly shaped signal lamps and tail lamps.

As always, TechArt wind tunnel tests everything, even for the slightest of changes like this modest facelift.

Other changes include chrome trim on the front bumper air inlets, newly designed decorative trims for the exterior mirror – varnished, in carbon fibre or a new chrome finish – as well as headlight trim.

Aston Martin DB7 by Alchemist

Luxury customization company, Alchemist, thinks their Aston Martin DB7 isn't getting enough attention. So, they've decided to bath the exterior in 24-carat gold and platinum leaf. No details have been given exactly how they did it and what the total cost might be, but they went as far to add 7 diamonds embedded in the bodywork as the final touch.

Alchemist’s creative director and modern day ‘Goldfinger’, Jacques Blanc, said: “Forget the everyday optional extras offered by car manufacturers, this is the King Midas of customization and the gold standard of luxury.”

The 24-carat DB7 makes its debut at MPH The Prestige and Performance Motor Show featuring Top Gear Live at London’s Earls Court among 200 other supercars on display.

Tuning Kits for New 2009 Honda Odyssey JDM by Mugen

In synchronized form, closely related Honda tuner Mugen announced body styling kits for the new Honda Odyssey the same day it launched in Japan. Available in two styles - one for the standard M, L, Li trim levels and a second for the top sporty Absolute, the aero kits consists of grille, front and rear bumper fascias, side skirts and rear roof spoilers. Other add-ons include sport exhaust, brake pads, floor mats, two styles of aluminum wheels and intelligent Tire Condition Monitoring System (i-TCMS). Price for both kits is expected to be approximately €2000 in Japan.

Carlsson CK63 S

Carlsson has released a new performance package based on Mercedes C63 AMG, called the Carlsson CK63 S.

Power jumps from 457 hp to 565 hp, while peak torque climbs 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) to a total of 685 Nm (505 lb-ft). This enables the CK63 S to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, compared to 4.5 seconds in the standard C63 AMG. The car also features a sports air filter, a carbon fiber Carlsson motor cover, sport rear muffler, and an electronic speed limiter which kicks in at 300 km/h (186 mph).

Helping to control all this power is a new Carlsson RS coil-over kit which features step-less height adjustment and adjustable damping. The company also suggests that owners install a limited slip differential in order to improve traction and increase driving stability. The CK63S is also available with ultra light wheels which weigh 38% less than the standard wheels and allows for improved driving comfort.

No tuner car would be complete without a styling kit and Carlsson is happy to oblige. Both ends of the car get special spoilers to improve high speed stability, and can be made of either high-quality polyurethane or carbon fiber. For the interior, customers can choose from a variety of options in order to make their car truly unique.

Opel Insignia by Irmscher

Prior to the new Opel Insignia's European market launch on November 22, 2008, it's no surprise that long time Opel tuning partner (40 years to be exact), Irmscher, is the first to present a styling package ready to go. Available from the beginning of Insignia sales through Opel dealerships, the package consists of the a honeycomb grille with or without a stainless steel upper bar molding, front lower spoiler, side skirts, deck lid spoiler and rear diffuser fitted to the standard bumper fascia which accommodates quad exhaust. Lastly, 20-inch Irmscher wheels available in various designs add the final styling touch.

Porsche 911 Bi-Turbo by DKR Tuning

Those owners of the Porsche 911 Turbo who aren’t entirely satisfied that their car really is the powerhouse Porsche claims it is, can turn to German tuner DKR for a €5,529 power upgrade. DKR Tuning optimises the ECU software and fits a new sports exhaust system to garner a forceful 540 bhp/ 402kW and 775Nm from the car’s twin-turbo 3.6-litre boxer engine.

After having upgraded the engine one might feel a little more adventurous and go kit mad. For that DKR provides 19-inch Cargraphic RS alloy wheels on 235/35 tyres in front and 305/30 at the rear. A functional front lip spoiler and larger rear wing gives that macho appearance that accompanies all this power. It’s a 911 so handling needs no introduction, even at full 540 horses on the throttle.

Mercedes GLK by BRABUS

Tuning firm Brabus is preparing a set of styling and performance add-ons just in time for the launch of the Mercedes GLK.

The big news comes from reworking the GLK’s engine range in order to produce more power and torque. The range topping GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC BRABUS features ECO PowerXtra tuning which produces an additional 48 hp and 590 Nm of torque. 0-62 mph takes just 6.9 seconds and allows it to reach a top speed of 142mph.

GLK 350 4MATIC owners can equip their vehicle with the BRABUS B7 power kit which produces an additional 15 hp for a total of 287 hp. Available on both the GLK 350 and 280 is the BRABUS 4.0L engine which produces 332 hp and 420 Nm of torque, allowing it to reach 62 mph in 6.1 second and a top speed of 155 mph.

Brabus has also developed an extensive range of body components meant to put the sport back into sport utility. Up front is a Brabus apron which features daytime running lights and optional auxiliary high beams and fog lamps. A two piece roof attachment that features integrated LED position lights is also available. The rocker panels feature integrated LED lights which illuminate the ground to ease exit and entry at night. The rear apron features a centrally located reflector and cut outs for the stock exhaust or the optional BRABUS quad sport exhaust system.

In terms of handling, the new Brabus GLK will be offered with wheel sizes from 17-21” in a variety of different designs. To lower the ride 35 millimeters a set of sport springs should do the trick, but if you want to ratchet things up a bit Brabus offers a complete suspension for a firmer ride.

For the interior, Brabus offers a wide range of accessories including stainless-steel scuff plates with an illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, and interior trim sets in either wood or carbon fiber. Owners with kids might want to select the company’s front seatback mounted consoles which hold a 7-inch LCD screen and an integrated DVD player.

SEAT Ibiza SC by JE Design

Back in June JE Design wasted no time in styling the new Seat Ibiza 5-door just after its debut. Now, following the debut of the Ibiza SportsCoupe 3-door in London this past July and recent market launch, JE Design have done it again.

The kit includes a front spoiler, sport radiator grill, headlight eyebrows, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear bumper apron attachment with a carbon look. Furthermore, the Ibiza features LSD wing doors, center-mounted trapezoidal tailpipe and special matte black acrylic sheets (see red Ibiza 5-door photos) which help replicate the look of the Bocanegra concept look.

Additional touches include 35mm lowering springs (see blue Ibiza 3-door photos) or even lower KW coil-overs with a 65mm drop plus JE Design wheel sets in either 7x17 ET 35 or 7.5x18 ET 35 with tires 215/40 R17 or 215/35 R 18. The customer has an additional choice between "shadow silver" or “black matte / lip silver” finish.

Finally, under the hood for the 1.9 TDI engine, an upgrade is made to give 130 hp (90hp series) resulting in increases in performance from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.0 seconds (series: 11.1 sec.) and a top speed of 198 km/h (series: 186 km/h).

Porsche 997 V-GT Coupe by Vorsteiner

Vorsteiner’s work is to be found in brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The specialists in carbon fiber fittings are proud of their contribution in shedding off some useless kilos from a standard production car to make something light and agile. Presenting now a Porsche 997 V-GT Coupe, Vorsteiner has made some modifications to the 997 911 icon by placing a full carbon fiber front bumper. This unit has an integrated carbon fiber inlet with an upper radiator vent grille. The front carbon fiber chin spoiler is an attachment that is replaceable. At the rear is a vented bumper with integrated carbon fiber diffuser, complete with aero fins.

The name Vorsteiner is all over the door sills as a logo marking, leaving no doubts as to who worked on this car. For running shoes the Vorsteiner Porsche 997 V-GT Coupe has a specially-designed forged aluminium 3-piece five spoke wheels in 19-inch reverse lip, 20-inch reverse lip and 22-inch reverse lip, with widths that range from 8” – 13”.

VW Tiguan Styling Package by Caractere

Belgian based VW/Audi tuner Caractere has released first images of styling package for the new VW Tiguan compact crossover SUV. Constructed of polyurethane resin, the body kit consists of a front spoiler (with or without original Acoustic Parking System), rear spoiler, front grille, 1 or 3 piece roof spoiler, wheel arch extensions (10 piece) and 18, 19 or 20-inch Caractere wheels. The kit will be available with a 5 year-warranty in the beginning of 2009

Audi A8 by RDX RaceDesign

Have a previous generation Audi A8 and tired of getting a lack of respect when you pull up in your once prestigious ride? If so, perhaps the latest styling package from RDX Racedesign might be up your alley.

Featuring a new front bumper with S6 daytime running lights and Audi’s new signature single frame grille, your old A8 can appear several years younger to less trained eyes. With the addition of lower front air intake grilles, which are available in four different designs, the whole front end takes on a new more aggressive appearance. Out back a new bumper gives the rear a muscular look by offering grille inserts and easy paintability for the rear diffuser section, especially if you choose to paint it in a contrasting color.

The complete Audi A8 D2 package can be bought individually, or as a collection for a discounted price of €925 in Germany.

570HP Kicherer CL 60 Coupé

Some might call Lake Constance-based Kicherer’s obsession with making Mercedes-Benz products go faster an unhealthy one. Of course, those people clearly fail to appreciate the pleasure that 900Nm of torque at one’s command can bring. Kicherer’s latest is the CL 60 Coupe, based on the Mercedes CL600 luxury coupe.

The twin-turbo V12 CL600 sits pretty at the top of the Mercedes two-door lineup, and Kicherer’s wizards have left the basic package alone. Under the skin, however, things are a bit more exciting. The V12’s power has been boosted from 517 to 570, with a corresponding increase in torque to 900Nm. A modified transmission control module and locking rear differential ensure that the additional power gets to the road in a relatively dignified fashion, and the chassis has been lowered by 25mm. The CL 60 Coupe also features unique 20-inch Kicherer RS-1 wheels. A body kit and carbon trim set the CL 60 apart from stock CL600s nicely.

Abt VW Scirocco tuning Package

Oettinger was the first tuner to show a tuning package for the new Scirocco, and now Abt Sportsline is quickly following. The comprehensive package consists of a full body kit, rear exhaust system plus engine and chassis performance upgrades.

On the outside, Abt emphasizes the Scirocco's forward wedged shaped look with a dramatic front bumper fascia, grille, side skirts with two air inlets, roof spoiler, rear wing and rear bumper fascia which accommodates diagonal 4-pipe rear muffler.

For brakes and suspension, Abt access their existing parts inventory for sport lowering springs which drop the ride height by 30mm and Abt's brake kit which includes pads, rotor and calipers. Of course, Abt's own BR or AR alloys in 18 to 20 inch size s are available with a selection of tires and wheel spacers.

Under the bonnet, Abt raises power output for the 1.4 TSI from 160 hp (119 kW) to 200 hp (147 kW) and the 2.0-liter turbo diesel to 170 hp / 125 kW (standard: 140 hp / 103kW). The 2.0 TSI is increased from the standard 200 hp (147 kW) to 240 hp (177 kW).

Available from January 2009, the entire package which includes the body pack, 4-pipe rear muffler, springs and complete wheel set (19 inch AR alloys, diamond-machined and black, plus tyres and wheel spacers) costs a very reasonable 5,990 Euros in Germany.

OETTINGER Volkswagen Scirocco

The new Scirocco is already one of Volkswagen’s best looking vehicles, but it was only a matter of time before tuning firms got to work trying to improve it. With a historical link to Scirocoo’s of the past, it was natural for OETTINGER to come up with a significant reworking of the new model.

Outside the car features an aggressive new body kit with aero flaps for the front splitter and sill extensions. Other changes include a rear diffuser, polished stainless steel exhaust and OETTINGER sport wheels in sizes up to 20”. Ratcheting up the sporting appeal on the interior is carbon fiber trim, stainless steel kick plates and aluminum pedals.

More meaningful changes are under the hood as the company has modified the engine management software to turn out 240 PS from the 2.0L turbo and 200 PS from the 1.4L TSI. In the coming months a tuning package for the 2.0L TSI engine will create 350 PS and 470 Nm. Other performance enhancements include a specially tuned adjustable suspension and larger brakes.

Murcielago Spyder by IMSA

Earlier this year, we saw German based tuning specialist, IMSA, squeeze a few extra ponies out of the Gallardo LP560-4, and now they have added 68 hp to the Murcielago Spyder for a total of 708hp. IMSA doesn't tell us exactly how they achieved these results, but the performance gain fractionally drops 0 to 100 km/h time from 3.4 to 3.3 seconds while top speed increases 10 km/h to 350 km/h.

IMSA has given the open top supercar an enhanced look with their GTR Widebody Kit consisting of a front apron, front lip, broadened wings, side skirts, carbon diffuser, rear spoiler, attachments improving the cooling air supply, ventilation louvres, IMSA Ultimo Wheels with genuine central locking system, and, lastly, the sports exhaust system available in various tailpipe configurations. But, the most fun feature is the sports exhaust system’s flap control which is operated by a remote control from the passenger compartment. The sound range is adjusted from decent “city limit” to “racetrack” ear plug levels.

BMW 135i by Hartge

German based BMW Group tuning specialist Hartge first showed us off-the-shelf parts for the 1-Series coupe when it was first released, and then shortly followed with the aerodynamics kits. Now Hartge have developed an ECU upgrade for BMW's already potent 3.0-liter bitrubo engine in the 135i coupe releasing an additional 44hp.

The result is a total of 350hp at 5660 rpm and 480 Nm (lb-ft 354) at 2950 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) arrives in 4.8 seconds – a half second faster than its standard 5.3 seconds. Also, an unrestricted top speed allows 280 km/h (174mph).

Hartge states that a 135i fully equipped with the entire suite of components will cost in Germany € 48,162.14, excluding VAT.