2011 Infiniti M30d S by Zentrum Dealer

Infiniti is one of those brands that tuning firms just skim past while deciding on their next project, so finding a decent package for Nissan’s luxury division is not something we come across on a daily - or even monthly - basis. And today isn’t going to be any different as this custom M30d comes to us from a dealer in Hamburg, Germany, and not a tuning professional.

"Infiniti Zentrum Hamburg" is offering two different stages for their M30d S. The package for Stage 1 includes painted door handles, red brake calipers with Infiniti lettering, a black radiator grille, and a black, foil covered roof. The dealer has also added an H+R suspension which lowers the vehicle by 25mm, as well as performance optimization for the V6 diesel engine. This engine now delivers a total of 280hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, up from the standard 235 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Total price for the Stage 1 package is 5775 euros ($7,947 at the current rates).

For Stage 2, the dealer takes the modifications from the first package and adds a new set of 22" wheels with 265/30R22 Pirelli tires in the front and 295/25R22 in the rear. The wheels add an additional 6800 euros ($9,358 at the current rates).

The dealer also announced that the same packages can be applied to any other Infiniti model in the line-up upon request.

2011 Audi R8 V10 Biturbo by MTM

Just a few months ago, we caught wind of a prototype vehicle parked outside of tuning company MTM’s headquarters in Germany. This prototype carried the name Audi R8 V10 BiTurbo and was rumored to pack crazy amounts of power underneath its capable hood. Fast forward to the present and that prototype seems to have developed into a full-fledged tuning package and is headed to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. MTM chose to use the 5.0L V10 engine used on their Audi RS6 Clubsport for this model as well, but the RS6’s 730hp rating still falls short of what MTM accomplished with the R8 BiTurbo. The R8 V10 BiTurbo is now capable of 777 hp and 888 NM of torque. Yep, 777 HP. With these updates, the MTM R8 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds, from 0 to 124 in 9.37 seconds, and will hit a top speed of 217 mph. The engine wasn’t all that was changed though. To get that shiny, mirrored look on the sports car, MTM completely removed its paint and polished it up real nice which took over 700 working hours. An adjustable rear spoiler, a front lip, and MTM Bimoto 20 inch forged rims were also added, as well as some leather on the inside of the R8. Now that MTM has dazzled everyone with their impressive work on the R8 V10 sports car, we think it’s time to let everyone know that, in order to get this finger-lickin’, suped up Audi, customers will have to dish out $550,000. Yeah, you can pick your jaws up off the floor now. More details will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

2012 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG by Carlsson

At the end of 2010, Carlsson revealed an impressive tuning package for the new generation Mercedes CLS-Class. Now the tuner has moved on to the most powerful model in the CLS lineup: the CLS 63 AMG.

For the CLS 63 AMG package, the 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine has been updated to deliver an impressive 600 HP, up from the standard 518 HP and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Next to this, the tuner is offering a nifty aerodynamic package that includes a new front spoiler, an RS front spoiler lip (available in real carbon), a new rear spoiler, a rear apron, and a built-in diffuser which functions as a tailplane and ensures extra downforce and more stable road holding at high speeds.

As an added bonus, this package can be applied to any other model in the CLS-Class line-up.

Ferrari FF

Meet the shock new Ferrari FF, a replacement for the 612 Scaglietti.
As well as being the first four-wheel-drive Ferrari, it’s described as the company’s most versatile four-seater ever, and has unexpectedly been unveiled with best in class cabin space and boot capacity figures. It’s not a hardcore supercar to sit above the Ferrari 458 Italia, then; it does, though, come with a typically potent power source under that long front bonnet.

Powering all four wheels for the first time is a naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V12 direct injection engine, with 651bhp (at a typically howling 8000rpm) and 504lb ft of torque. Those figures are enough to hustle the 1790kg FF (dry weight) from 0-62mph in a claimed 3.7sec, while the top speed is a distinctly supercar-esque 208mph. Though aiming for that four up and full of luggage is probably ill-advised…

With Ferrari’s HELE stop-start system fitted (as debuted on the Ferrari California), CO2 emissions are 360g/km while the FF will achieve 18.3mpg.

Ferrari’s first all-wheel-drive system, patented 4RM, is said to weigh 50 per cent less than a conventional setup, helping maintain close-to-ideal weight distribution (47/53 front/rear). It works in tandem with the car’s numerous electronic dynamic control systems, adjusting torque distribution between the four wheels depending on conditions and terrain. The FF also boasts a magnetorheological damping system and carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes.

FF is an acronym of Ferrari Four, signifying its seat and driven wheel count. At 4907mm long, 1953mm wide and 1374mm high, it’s almost identical in size to the V12 four-seater it replaces, the rear-drive Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. With its rear seats down, though, it boasts almost three times the boot capacity (800 litres) while with the seats up (450 litres), it can hold more than a Renault Scenic.

Ferrari FF Official Video

2011 Brabus SLS

The Geneva Motor Show is drawing closer and closer to opening its doors, and just as the sun is bright and the wintertime is as cold as the other side of the clouds, these last few days leading up to it have been all about teasers from various automakers and tuning brands.

Showing off a piece of their Geneva-bound vehicles without giving up the whole pie, German tuning firm Brabus is gearing for what appears to be a busy time in Geneva. They’ve already shown teaser images of the new Brabus Rocket, and now it looks like there may be more in store for us from the German aftermarket company.

Brabus has decided to release more images of another one of their vehicles, the Brabus SLS. Not much was shown of the Brabus SLS except that it comes with a matte gray exterior finish, which, as far as we’re concerned, is a very, very good sign.

You’ll also notice a few other elements of the car’s front side, including the use of carbon fiber on the air intakes, front bumper, and side skirts. There also appears to be a huge set of wheels – we’re guessing it’s somewhere around 20” – with a unique multi-spoke design.

For now, that’s what we have of the Brabus SLS. No details have been given about the car, but we’re confident that these guys have something in store for all of us when Geneva opens its doors in a week’s time.

Bentley Supersport sets a new world speed record on ice

The Supersports model is undoubtedly the most powerful and fastest Continental Bentley has ever built. And, if you don’t believe us, check out the new world record set by the Continental Supersports convertible. The droptop Bentley was able to hit a top speed of 205.48 mph on the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland.

With only a roll-cage, Pirelli winter tires, a rear parachute, and a few minor aerodynamic changes added to the Bentley, world rally champion, Juha Kankkunen, got behind the wheel of this powerful beast and sped his way through the slippery terrain to achieve the world record. He said, "200mph came up after 5km on sheet ice. Then it was just a question of getting everything right in the timing zone and hoping the snow kept away. There’s nothing to beat driving a Bentley at these speeds; the conditions may be perilous but the car responds so well to the slightest adjustment which gives you the confidence to push even harder."