Culture|Garage

It shouldn’t have happened- another answer to a question nobody asked, but it happened. The El Camino is looking to make a U.S. comeback tour. The new El Camino is expected to be badged as a Pontiac, and sold in the U.S. as a derivative of the Austrailian “ute” platform (pictured above). Shades of the “GTO” methinks. Read the rest of this entry »

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I always was a big fan of the Cayenne and its brother from another mother, the VW Touareg. But sometimes as in this case, modding these SUVs can go a little overboard to the extreme.

The HAMANN Cyclone Porsche Cayenne isn’t a pretty little thing. And no matter which element you decide to nit pick first, there isn’t a single part on the car that I like, well maybe except for those ‘deuce-deuces’. Which in reality is all the Cayenne and Touareg needs to look hot, some bigger wheels than stock and a mild drop.

The exterior comes with a hideous body kit which in the front is good from far and the rear is far from good. Pep Boys called and they want their taillights back.

Interior wise there is a strange mix of carbon fiber, velour, and snakeskin. Who knew these three go so well together?

Full Gallery & Press Release Read the rest of this entry »

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The newest creation from Gemballa, the German Porsche tuner, is the Avalanche GTR 800 EVO-R.

The new conversion based on the Porsche 911 Turbo include AVALANCHE-Chassis, Front Bonnet GT EVO, Front Skirt AVALANCHE, Headlights GT, Front Spoiler Lip GT2 EVO Carbon, Rear Skirt GTR EVO and the Rear Spoiler GTR EVO-R Carbon.

Gemballa also has sourced some Mitsubishi EVO IX Recaros looking seats from their parts bin as well.

Power comes from the twin modified Garret T035 turbochargers, the 3.8 liter engine develops 850 hp and 690 ft-lbs of torque.

Handling upgrades include H&R coilovers with adjustable springs, three-position anti-roll bars, and new 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with Yokohama AVS Sport tires.

Full Gallery Read the rest of this entry »

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Leave it to the JDM tuner Power House Amuse to completely change my mind about the upcoming E92 BMW ///M3. I was not able to find much info on this Alpine White beauty other than these pics, but in its case, a picture speaks a 1000 words.

But I can tell you the obvious modifications performed by Power House Amuse which include the extended chin lower spoiler, sideskirts, revised rear bumper and rear bootlid reminiscent of the E46 ///M3 CSL. Also the ride height is substantially lowered, big performance brake kit, Power House Amuse exhaust system, and staggered 19″ BBS LM-R.

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Ok, we aren’t going to lie, the video starts out pretty yawn worthy, kind of like the latest iteration of National Treasure.  But as the video progresses it shows the full line of RUF products.  If you aren’t in the know, RUF is Porsche + “even more bad assedness.”  And apparently when you have one of the most incredible cars on the road, you drive it through rock quarries and film it from multiple angles.  The sounds alone are worth staying tuned for.

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The Swiss Porsche tuner, Rinspeed, has released their newest creation based on the Porsche Cayenne 957, its name, “X-treme”. It’s a cheesy name but everything else is simply badass. Overall the complete tuning package gives the Cayenne a sportier appearance and more performance.

The “X-treme” tuning package includes new front skirt and bumper, bigger air intakes, much bigger wheel arches, new side and rear skirts and two rear chrome exhaust tips. Performance is also increased by a new sport exhaust system which now outputs 600 horsepower.

The air suspension improves its appearance and drops the Cayenne 35 mm. Interior is upgraded with sport bucket seating and an available home entertainment system offered by Rinspeed. (how the hell you have “home” entertainment in a vehicle, is beyond me — Chris)

Press Release: Read the rest of this entry »

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We already have been introduced to the MUGEN Civic Si sedan and to be honest how many have you noticed on the streets?  In Chicago, I have spotted only one since their introduction and they really are nothing more than a bodykit and wheels, don’t expect any major power upgrades.  The MUGEN Inspire (mad tight JDM Accord) treatment includes a new grille, stainless steel exhaust system, front and rear aprons, and one very ugly looking spoiler, along with 18″ wheels in a couple of finishes, sports tuned suspension and better brakes.  Don’t expect to see this on US soil anytime soon.

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Apparently while many STI and EVO owners decide to go wingless, German tuners today are adding very hefty wings, but is all for show? I’ll let you be the judge of this wing, seen here on the Porsche GTR 650 Gemballa Avalanche. And PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH the wing.

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