Land Rover's timeless Defender is a rugged, durable and extremely capable off roader, and as such, it falls behind when it comes to luxury. But where there's a will (and plenty of cash to go around…) there's a way. Vilner, which is a Bulgarian design studio, said it was approached by a "Russian oligarch" (a.k.a. a business magnate) who wanted to turn the wick up on a short- and long-wheelbase Land Rover Defender by customizing their interiors. The Bulgarian tuner accepted the challenge and revamped the cabins of both models with boatloads of high-quality nappa leather and alcantara, while also adding sound insulation throughout the interiors. A new infotainment system with a 600W audio receiver and a 15-inch LCD screen hooked up to a DVD player, along with LEDs for the instrument panel complete the upgrades.
German tuning firm ABT Sportsline has decided that the latest Audi RS3 Sportback requires a bit more punch and has prepared a new power package for the hot hatch from Ingolstadt. In factory outfit, the four-wheel-drive model is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine generating 340-ponies and 450 Nm (331 lb-ft) of torque, good enough for a 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. ABT offers buyers a choice of two power kits that lift output to 420-horses or 470-horses and a menacing 630Nm (465 lb-ft). Other modifications include a custom-made lightweight exhaust system and a set of 19-inch ABT wheels available in numerous designs and shades.
For more than four decades now, German tuning house Alpina has been modifying BMWs cars. The Bavarian luxury carmaker has a tight relationship with the tuner going as far distributing the high-performance models through its official network. Alpina's newest creation is the B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio based on the latest 6-Series Convertible, which will make its world premiere at the rapidly approaching Frankfurt auto show on September 13. At the heart of the Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio is specially modified 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of delivering 507-horsepower and a monstrous 700Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of peak torque delivered between 3,000 and 4,750 rpm. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic Switch Tronic transmission, with Alpina claiming 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 311km/h (193mph) with a combined fuel consumption of 10.9lt/100km (21.6mpg US) for the Convertible model. In comparison, the factory 650i Convertible features a 4.4-liter turbo V8 producing 407HP and 600Nm / 443 lb-ft. It completes the standard sprint in 5.0 seconds while reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), and returning an average fuel consumption of 10.7lt/100km. Along with the powertrain modifications, the Alpina flavored 6-Series Convertible gains the tuner's trademark multispoke alloy wheels plus carbon fibre trim bits, front apron and rear spoiler as well as bespoke interior parts. The B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio model will soon be followed up by the coupe derivative.
Land Rover's timeless Defender is a rugged, durable and extremely capable off roader, and as such, it falls behind when it comes to luxury. But where there's a will (and plenty of cash to go around…) there's a way.
German tuning firm ABT Sportsline has decided that the latest Audi RS3 Sportback requires a bit more punch and has prepared a new power package for the hot hatch from Ingolstadt.
For more than four decades now, German tuning house Alpina has been modifying BMWs cars. The Bavarian luxury carmaker has a tight relationship with the tuner going as far distributing the high-performance models through its official network.
Electric lamps are so passé these days. The way of the future is LEDs or Light-emitting diodes that can be found just about everywhere. Lately, LEDs have taken the automotive industry by storm with carmakers offering them either optionally or standard on most of their models.