Vorsteiner Previews New Lightweight Carbon-Fiber Boot with CSL-Like Spoiler for BMW’s E93 3-Series Convertible

Tuning specialist Vorsteiner has given us a first glimpse of its upcoming carbon fiber boot lid for the latest BMW 3-Series Convertible [E93]. The new boot lid incorporates a built in “duck bill” spoiler similar to the one found on the BMW M3 CSL special of the E46 series. According to Vorsteiner, it will be lightest cabriolet boot lid available in the market to date, while the company added that all OE mount points will be carried over for uninterrupted usage of the folding hardtop mechanism. More photos after the jump.

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Wald International Tricks Out BMW’s Latest 5-Series F10 Sedan

Noted Japanese tuning house Wald International is preparing its first customization take on the latest BMW 5-Series sedan. Details are still scant as this is a project in the works, but the Wald-modified 5-Series Sports Line Black Bison Edition gets a collection of aero body pieces made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic.

The exterior kit includes a new front bumper design with additional air vents and LED daytime lights, along with bespoke side skirts, a beefy rear apron housing a diffuser and the firm’s familiar exhaust tail pipe design, and a fixed boot lid spoiler. A new set of multispoke alloy wheels complete the look.

If Wald International’s previous Black Bison projects are anything to go by, customers should also expect a sports suspension kit and an assortment of interior parts such as a sport steering wheel and carbon-fiber trim. We’ll have more details on the tune as soon as Wald makes them available.

Source: Wald via Autoblog.nl

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Fox Body Mustang Gets an Injection of Coyote V8 Power

There was a lot to like about Ford’s “Fox Body” Mustang of the 1980’s. Though lacking the attractive lines or brutish character of the first generation, it was a substantial aesthetic improvement over the Pinto-derived second generation ‘stang. It was also somewhat unique in pony car history for offering a 2.3 L turbo four alongside the usual assortment of V6’s and V8’s, purporting to offer the right combination of performance and economy.

So it’s no wonder the Ol’ Fox is popular with pony car enthusiasts. Now, Kurgan Motorsports of Atlanta has taken one of these semi-classics and retrofitted it with the barnstorming 5.0 L “Coyote” V8 and drivetrain from a wrecked 2011 Ford Mustang GT.

Kurgan Motorsports owner Bob Kurgan explains:

“The engine just dropped right in. It was everything else that was difficult. With this engine only being out for just a little while, everything had to be custom built for it to swap over. Getting the engine running was easy. We had to custom make the motor mounts, air conditioning brackets, power steering brackets ourselves. But it’s a friggin’ animal on the streets.”

Kurgan’s team also added custom Kooks headers, a brake booster from a '03 SVT Cobra and swapped out the Fox’s standard transmission for a T-45 5-speed. The result is 412 hp (307 kW) and 390 ft lb’s (529 Nm) of torque. And that’s before the whole thing is supercharged for the win.

Kurgan Motorsports will be giving a (presumably) live demonstration of the engine swap at the Carlisle All-Ford Nationals in June of this year. Kurgan hopes to work with Ford to develop a kit that’ll help other Fox body enthusiasts perform the same feat with their cars. It doesn’t get much sweeter than this.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: Kurgan Motorsports via Stang.tv

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Prior Design Teases New Tuning Package for 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe and Convertible

Given that the first examples of BMW’s new 6-Series Convertible will begin arriving in dealerships this spring followed by the Coupe model in the fall, it doesn't come to much of a surprise that tuners have started working on their packages for the Bavarian GT. After the announcements from AC Schnitzer and Hamann Motorsports, it’s time for Prior Design to preview its tune for new 6er.

The German tuner is keeping mum on the details but the teaser images reveal a new bodykit that includes an M-style front bumper with a spoiler lip, hood scoops, front fender air vents, side skirts and a rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser. The blacked out grille kidneys and alloy wheels plus the bespoke exhaust tail pipes round of the visible changes.

There’s no word yet if Prior Design’s tune includes any performance upgrades but the German firm said it will come out with more details soon.

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VIDEO: BMW M3 Pickup Truck Filmed Out on the Road

As it turns out, the BMW M3 sport pickup truck that has been making the internet rounds recently is nothing more than an expensive hoax being prepared by the Bavarian automaker for April Fools’ Day. Nevertheless, we can’t say we’re not interested in a ute that’s based on one of the most coveted sports cars in the market. If you’ve had your fill of spy shots and want to see the M3 sport ute on the move, all you have to do is hit the break and watch the video.

Source: AMS via Autoblog.com

VIDEO

Bulgaria’s Vilner Dresses Up Mercedes ML 350

In its latest tune, Bulgarian custom studio Vilner is taking a shot at the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML 350 with a purely cosmetic package leaving the mechanical hardware intact.

Vilner’s exterior modifications are rather subtle being limited to the new custom made headlamps housing LED lights and the replacement of all chrome plated elements with new black chrome parts, including the alloy wheels.

More attention was paid to the interior with the dashboard, the upper and lower parts of the door panels, seat bases, roof and even the rear-view mirror being dressed in Alcantara. The same material can also be found on the central parts of the seats that are trimmed in high-quality leather. Vilner also replaced the standard mahogany decorations with silver carbon and re-trimmed the steering wheel and instrument panel surround.

Moreover, the new gauge meters are handmade while Vilner finished the tune with an ambient illumination on the doors.

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Just Like the Real Thing: Lancia Stratos Replica with Thema 8.32 V8

The Lancia Stratos HF is the other Italian supercar of the 1970s. It may not be as well loved as some of the other greats – Lamborghini’s Countach, Ferrari’s Daytona or Maserati’s Khamsin – but it still holds a special place in many enthusiasts’ hearts. So it should come as no surprise that Stratos replicas are somewhat prevalent, especially in Europe.
The ebay seller assures us the work was carried out by professionals (isn’t it always?) and -as usual- the vehicle is going for a lot less than its original asking price. The car is said to be built by a Mr. Bates who provided the chassis to UK “repli-car” kit manufacturer Hawk Cars. Perhaps coincidently, Hawk Cars also makes a Lancia Stratos replica kit.
The previous owner and seller retrofitted this particular example with a Ferrari V8 sourced from a – get this – Lancia Thema 8.32. Remember the Thema 8.32? I certainly do. Frankly I’m glad they kept the engine and through away that hideous, boxy body. It’s also got the seats and steering wheel from a genuine Stratos to sweeten up the deal.
Unlike some of the cars we’ve featured on the site, this one is actually roadworthy and registered. It still has the usual sold-on-eBay niggles you’d expect like some worn synchromesh on second and an interior that’s in dire need of a little TLC. Still, for the low price of £25,000 (US$40,535) you get the car, a spare 8.32 V8 and transmission and a few little knickknacks including a 1:18 scale model and an original sales brochure. Choice!
As always, you can check out our full gallery and leave a slanderous comment below if you wish.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: eBay

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