The classically styled BMW Z8 roadster has fallen into the hands of German aftermarket firm, Senner Tuning, which has presented a new sports package with a selection of performance upgrades.

Produced in limited numbers between 1999 and 2003, the BMW Z8 was inspired by the 1955 BMW 507, the Z8 range, of which only 5,703 models were manufactured, featured a 4.0L V8 rated at 400bhp and 500Nm of torque.

After the addition of a sports filter, a custom exhaust system and a light ECU tune, output is lifted to 450bhp and 535Nm with Senner stating that the modded Z8′s top speed is in excess of 300km/h.

To improve the BMW Z8 roadsters handling, Senner hooked it up with a Variant 2 Inox-Line coilover kit that are fully adjustable and also include a new front strut bar for extra stiffness.

The tune is rounded out with the Racing Gold varnished brake callipers and the 19” Schwert SC1 alloy wheels mounted on Continental Sport Contact 5P tyres measuring 255/40R19 up front and 285/35R19 at the back.

Texas-based automotive tuning company, Hennessey Performance (HPE), has set their sights on taking the new McLaren MP4-12C to a higher level of performance. Their intention is to increase the performance of the UK sports car and up the power by using their HPE800 twin turbo concept on the 12C.

The HPE800 Twin Turbo upgrade will reliably increase power to over 800bhp, according to John Hennessey. HPE will also add a more aggressive aero package to the vehicle in order to increase the downforce. The CarbonAero bodywork will incorporate a new, centre-positioned frontal air inlet with hood extractor. There will also be larger heat exchangers for improved engine intercooling as well as transmission cooling.

The whole HPE800 twin turbo upgrade will include an upgraded intercooler system, an 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 and of course, the Hennessey warranty.

Additional upgrades include the Hennessey CarbonAero body upgrade, Hennessey Monoblock wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, and a Hennessey custom interior including carbon fibre, Alcantara and leather upgrades upon the customer’s request.

Hennessey pointed out that it won’t touch the suspension and the brakes. “HPE does not plan to offer any kind of a suspension or brake system upgrade as the factory systems will be difficult to improve upon,” the company said in a statement.

The company plans to offer the upgrades listed above as an entire package as well as some individual parts. These items will be available directly from HPE facilities located in Texas and Southern California. Pricing has not yet been set.

Tuning the newest Lamborghini model isn’t an easy task but it’s one that London-based bespoke coachbuilder, Prindiville Design will gladly take on.

The British company, which specializes in high-end sports cars and luxury models, has introduced a new tailor-made styling package for the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.

Prindiville Design has developed a complete aerodynamics kit made from aircraft-grade carbon fibre which saves up to 65% of the weight when compared to the car’s factory parts. Thanks to this kit, the Aventador received a unique styling from front to back that makes it even sportier than it normally is.

To improve performance, Prindiville Design has engineered a new titanium high performance exhaust system, which are approximately 80% lighter than the standard items, while an uprated ECU along with brake and suspension packages will also be available.

For the interior, the coachbuilder says customers can select from a wide choice of leathers and other upholstery materials in all sorts of colours, while it can also replace the standard cabin trim components with alternatives made from highly polished milled aluminium.

The Brabus E V12 family is now complete with a transformation of the E-cabriolet into an 800bhp, drop-top monstrosity. Brabus had already turned the Mercedes E-Class sedan and coupe into V12-powered speed demons, so it was only a matter of time before the tuner singled out the cabriolet. The E V12 Cabriolet’s powerhouse is a familiar unit Brabus has deployed in several of its top spec creations, an S600-based V12 bumped from 5.5L to 6.3L by increasing the cylinder bore and stroke, adding new camshafts, and revising the crankshaft. New turbochargers and intercoolers were also added and four tailpipes were created specifically for the E-cab along with new intake manifolds.

The ECU has also been remapped, and as a result, produces a whopping 800bhp and an astonishing peak torque of 1,420Nm, although the tuner electronically limits torque to 1,100Nm. As with the other top-spec Brabus machines, the 5-speed transmission is also reinforced along with a limited-slip differential.

Brabus claimed the S600-based SV12R blasted from 0-100kph in 3.9s, but the new E-V12 Cabriolet beats it by 0.2s. It’s also faster, reaching a top speed of 376kmh compared to the sedan’s top speed of 349kmh. In order to keep the drop-top stable at such high speeds, Brabus looked to gain inspiration from Formula 1 racing, using the same ultra-light yet high-strength carbon fibre for the front fascia, shaped to reduce lift to increase airflow to the intercoolers and brakes.

New sportier fenders and carbon fibre rear fenders increase the cabriolet’s width by 2.4 inches, and suspension was custom-designed for the front and rear axles of the E-V12 Cabriolet, allowing the driver to chose among 10 different settings and adjusting ride height by up to 35mm. The dramatically updated interior will sport vibrant red and black leather.

This high-performance Brabus is sure to burn right through your wallet, pocket and pants with prices starting at mere lowly 478,000 Euros.

So IMPUL has decided to gift the 1.6L Juke with a crafted body-kit, which includes a new front spoiler, grille, side skirts, rear spoiler, wing and side visor. Aside from these, there’s also a set of 19″ Impul Racing Aura SR-08 wheels to round out the exterior upgrades. IMPUL says that these rims are the same as the one’s that’s usually found on their race vehicles.

Other than new curves on it’s body and set of sexy alloys, the Juke also gets a new throttle body, computer system and a Blast II stainless steel muffler and exhaust setup that helps to free up more power and twist (and a throatier sound) while a set of upgraded shocks, springs and brake pads help keep it stuck to the road.

Federal Auto Holdings Bhd, the exclusive Malaysian distributor of world renowned Volkswagen and Audi tuner ABT (pronounced as ‘abt’ or ‘up’ and not A.B.T.) Sportsline, is pleased to showcase the sensational ABT R8 LMS race car along the streets of Bukit Bintang. This is proudly brought to you through its subsidiary Federal Auto Sports Tuning (FAST) Sdn Bhd.

This is the first time that Malaysian motorsport fans have an opportunity for an “ABT” close and personal experience with the “barely street legal” machine, piloted by Malaysia’s former and pioneering F1 driver, Alex Yoong.

“Federal Auto since securing the ABT distributorship six months ago, has monitored and observed the tuning market in Malaysia while refining our business directions for FAST. Today is an opportunity to showcase the ability of ABT with the Audi R8 LMS on the road. The ABT tuned vehicles are prime examples of our capability to fulfill the lifestyle dreams of anyone who wishes to enhance the performance of their street cars to a level that can even match racing machines,” said Mr Cheng Seng Fook, Managing Director, Federal Auto Holdings Berhad.

“Our commitment on building the profile of the ABT brand is clear as we will soon build and operate “The ABT Hause”, which will solely be dedicated to tuning vehicles that match the ABTs exacting requirements and have been part of the brand’s legacy,” added Mr Cheng.

The appearance of the ABT R8 LMS being driven wthin the Bukit Bintang area was part of a collaboration with RED BULL, who were running the RB7 Formula1 car with retired F1 star, David Coulthard at the wheel. Click here to read about it.

The ABT R8 LMS, which is the race version of the ABT R8 GTR has been tuned to develop 620 hp from its 5.2-litre engin;, an increase of 100 hp over the standard car. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.2 seconds.

Federal Auto Holdings Bhd owns and operates dealerships for several global car brands, including Mitsubishi, Volvo and Volkswagen.  Its interest in bringing in the ABT brand to Malaysia stemmed from the discovery that there was a segment of their VW owners who were enthusiastic about enhancing the looks and performance potential of their cars.

ABT Sportsline, was established 115 years ago and since the 1950’s, have specialized in performance tuning and racing.  Today, ABT Sportsline is the world’s largest tuner of Volkswagen and Audi cars and work very closely with the manufacturer that their DTM racing team is also the official Audi factory team in the series that runs throughout Europe.

The components and body-kits that go into ABT cars, prepared by FAST, are sourced directly from ABT Germany and their approved suppliers. Cars that are re-mapped by FAST to improve engine performance carry a warranty of up to 3-years on the ECU, engine, drive train and the turbo charger or super charger. The warranty period will depend on the age of the vehicle when the work was undertaken.

Federal Auto strongly views responsible tuning and conversion products as part of its longer-term direction and strategy to serve a discerning automotive segment in Malaysia.  As car manufacturers strive to cater for wider markets, the presence of FAST ensures that local car enthusiasts will be able to enjoy their enhanced vehicles without having to worry about quality and safety.

For the first time, Federal Auto is proud to present an opportunity for ABT fans to see the ABT R8 LMS race car driven on the streets of Bukit Bintang by F1 driver, Alex Yoong on this coming Sunday, 3 April 2011.

The ABT R8 LMS was built for the purpose of motorsport participation at the highest level. This championship race car produced many interesting results which enable ABT to transfer race technology for improvements in ABT street cars.

The stock Audi R8 develops 525hp from its 5.2 litre FSI V10 engine. With ABT tuning, the R8 GTR now weighs 10 kilograms less, and develops 620hp from the same engine. It can reach 0 to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds, to 200km/h in 9.9 seconds, and tops out at 325km/h.

The winning number is six: the readers of Germany’s leading automobile magazine ‘auto motor und sport’voted BRABUS the BEST BRAND 2011 in the tuning category.

The world’s largest independent tuner and refiner of automobiles with locations in Bottrop (Germany),Irvine (USA) and Dubai garnered this award for the sixth straight time.

The poll on the best tuning brand was part of the reader contest “Die besten Autos – BEST CARS 2011.”BRABUS received 52.8 percent of votes.

“We are very proud of this honor, which we earned the hard way every year since this poll started six years ago. This ‘six pack’proves the undisputed leadership of BRABUS in the tuning industry,”said BRABUS CEO Prof. h.c. Bodo Buschmann.

“But this vote is also reward for our constant effort to provide driving fun, innovation, quality and eco-friendliness. At the same time, the title BEST BRAND 2011 is also a great incentive for our entire team to continue to live up to this aspiration.”

A Panamera Turbo doesn’t distinguish itself as the most understated looking vehicle on the road, but edo competition takes it a step further still.

So far the specialist company from Ahlen in Westphalia has mainly had sports cars from manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche in its order books, but now edo competition has taken on a four-door sedan from Porsche, and completed a customization project incorporating numerous upgrades.

An important visual ingredient was the aerodynamics package from Mansory, which was installed on a customer’s request. The new rear valance provides a lot of room for the high performance exhaust system developed by edo competition, featuring four large stainless steel exhaust tips and butterfly valves.

The edo electronic lowering module offers precise handling and improved vehicle dynamics. The new 22″ wheels do their part to enhance the Panamera’s athletic appearance. If desired, the wheels can be custom painted to match the exterior of the vehicle or to provide a contrast. The main focus, however, was on performance. It’s not that a stock Panamera Turbo is short on power, but if a customer asks for an extra helping, edo competition is more than happy to accommodate these wishes and come up with a professional solution.

After a development time of almost two years, the technicians have finalized an engine that is – in contrast to the efforts of others – not the result of a project with ever-increasing power targets and a multitude of tweaks, but one that was designed for big power from the outset. The output of the Panamera’s twin-turbo V8 was increased from 500bhp to 750bhp, enabling the four-door sedan to accelerate from 0-100kmh in under 4s, and to achieve an electronically governed top speed of 340kmh, depending on the tyres used.

As part of the engine modifications, the exhaust system was also completely redesigned. The revised tips complement the design of the new carbon fibre rear valance and a fantastic exhaust note adds to the driver’s enjoyment. An upgraded interior provides the finishing touch.

In order to perfect the visual and sensory aspect of the product, edo competition also devoted attention to interior upgrades. According to the customer’s wishes, leather and fabric were combined with the finest wood, lacquer, metal or carbon fibre surfaces. All of it custom made and therefore unique. Perfect stitching on dashboards and seats as well as personalized interior accents showcase world-class craftsmanship. Steering wheels, consoles, pedals, seats or a complete interior; virtually everything can be tailored to the customer’s tastes.

All modifications were carried out exclusively at edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen.

Not for long, though. This car, the first off the line, was sold to a customer in the UAE who was reportedly killed before he took delivery. His family sent the car back for some adjustment and will likely be wanting it back in the near future. Once it’s gone, Hennessey has only announced plans to build nine more, though that could change. For now, all 10 are reportedly spoken for, which is impressive considering that the cars cost up to USD $1 million each.

What do you get for that much cash? A 2,548-pound track machine with up to 1,200 horsepower from a supercharged or twin-turbocharged Chevrolet LS9 V-8 (of Corvette ZR1 fame) and a claimed 0-to-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds with a Veyron-like 260-mph top speed.