KTM Announces 2011 X-BOW R Model with 300HP

Austrian motorcycle specialist KTM is hard at work on the 2011 model year version of its X-BOW track-focused sports car, which will gain a higher performance R model.  The original 790 kg (1,742 lb) X-BOW is powered by an Audi-sourced 240HP 2.0-liter TFSI. Around 500 have been sold worldwide since it was launched into the market in 2008.

The R model will have an additional 60 hp (45kw) over the standard model thanks to the adoption of the more powerful 2.0 TFSI from the Audi S3, which features changes to the engine electronics and peripherals to bump output to 300-horsepower.

It will be available in two equipment packages: a road legal / homologated "Sport" package and a more track orientated "Race" pack.

Many of the parts that go into the R will be available through X-BOW's PowerParts, so owners can tune their existing X-BOW to Sport and Race specifications.

Pictured in our gallery is a prototype version of the 2011 X-BOW R with the new parts installed undergoing testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

2011 Honda CR-Z

According to Road & Track, Honda  may have its heart set on cranking out a new droptop sports car to keep the brand alive in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the new racer isn't likely to be anything like the much-loved S2000. No, instead, R&T's sources point to a convertible version of the CR-Z. The recipe calls for the platform to retain its front-wheel-drive layout, though a more powerful drivetrain would likely be fitted to lug around the additional weight of bracing and a folding top.

If the car made it to production, it would theoretically go toe to toe with the long-reigning Mazda MX-5 in a battle that we can only assume would be over before either car got to the track. Should the CR-Z-based car prove successful, Honda would then look into building a more potent, rear-wheel drive hybrid sports car. You know, what the CR-Z should have been all along.

2011 GMC Acadia Denali

GM announced today that the production of the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali began at the Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant. Set to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late September, the new 2011 Acadia Denali will be priced from $43,220, excluding destination charges. GMC will offer consumers the exclusive Denali trim line on the award-winning Acadia, and the new car comes with a new lower front and rear fascias, high-intensity discharge headlamps, body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings, unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges and dual chrome exhaust tips.

The design is completed by the new 20-inch wheels as well as by the new five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat. Under the hood the car is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. You can see the full details of this car here.

"We have received a lot of positive interest from our customers and dealers to develop an Acadia Denali since the launch of the Acadia in 2007," said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. "The new Acadia Denali offers convenience for consumer looking for premium features in one package, and delivers the luxury and exclusivity that our customers demand in a Denali model."

MINI Scooter E Concepts - First Official Photos

Just after Smart published the first real life pictures of its 'escooter' study, MINI went ahead and released official photos of its take on the pure electric scooter concept. To be precise, the BMW Group owned maker will display three individually colored and trimmed versions of its lithium-ion battery-powered scooter study at next week's Paris Motor Show.

One of the Scooter E Concepts is themed after the MINI E electric car, the other is finished in a classic British Racing Green with a brown-colored leather seat and the last pays homage to the UK Mod subculture.

The MINI Scooter Es borrows some styling cues from the firm's automobile range including the headlamp and mirror designs.

Like Smart's scooter concept, the MINI models also utilize a smartphone that slots between the handlebars offering its service as a navigation system among other things.

More information on MINI's Scooter E concepts will be revealed at the Paris Auto Show.

2010 Ferrari F430 Scuderia Edition by Anderson

Anderson Germany’s package for the F430 Scuderia Edition features technological innovations that offer a higher level of safety and agility. This sports car is equipped with high performance tires and it has an exclusive stealth look coating that resembles the look of a jet plane. It also offers an elaborate interior design. But before you think it’s all fluff, the tuning firm has boosted the strength of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and has made it sportier.

To increase output to 575 hp, Anderson Germany fitted it with a weight reduced valve commanded stainless steel exhaust system (with three adjustable by remote control sound levels – 24 kg/53 lb. of weight saving). It also gets a sports air filter that with these other features, offer software optimization. The supercar’s exclusive style threepart 8.5x20 and 12x20 light alloy black rims combined with 235/30-20 front and 325/25-20 rear high performance tires result to a controllable speed of more than 300 kmph/190 mph.

In addition, the vehicle features tinted windows, taillights and blinkers. For a dynamic and light drive, the supercar features carbon-exterior-packets that typically used by racing cars. The carbon-packet has exterior mirrors, a tail diffusor and some engine compartment coverings. The car’s interior is improved with the use of alcantara leather and with a matt carbon look. Anderson Germany gave this car a high-end sound system, consisting of several audio amplifiers, system speakers and a subwoofer.

PPI Unveils Audi R8 V10-Based Razor GTR-10

We’ve never expected that freaks out there want Audi R8 to command more horses. Yes, for those who deem V10 model too ordinary, Germany based tuner, PPI Automotive, has taken Audi R8 V10 and overhauled it as a whole. The improvements are two sided: optimizing the power to weight ratio Audi R8 V10 while simultaneously strengthen the motor, increase performance, and improve handling dynamics on one hand and enhancing the looks of the vehicle – inside and outside – on the other. And the result appears in the form of PPI Razor GTR-10 Limited Edition.

While talking about performance, the power of Audi R8 V10 has been increased from 525 to 601hp while the torque reaches 417 ft-lbs in comparison to 391ft-lbs. Engine is now mated to a modified R-tronic Gearbox. Equally impressive is the PPI Razor GTR-10 getting a sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds, thanks to the massive 250kg reduction which is attributed to a ton of carbon fiber components, including all new doors, roof pillars, side skirts and front bumper. The tuned Audi R8 has a top speed of 335km/h.

The other modifications include a modified side skirts, rear fenders, a rear bumper, and the replacement parts include an adjustable rear spoiler and rear diffuser. Also, the engine bay features a carbon fiber cover while the trunk sports carbon fiber ram-charged air inlets. The vehicle also feature a MAG11 forged aluminum PPI 19×9-inch sized wheels wrapped with 245/35/19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires upfront, while at the rear there are 20×12-inch wheels with 325/25/20 matching tires.

Additionally, PPI developed a special high-performance braking system for the Razor GTR-10 that can be identified by its orange metallic brake calipers. The height of the car is adjustable up to 1.75 inches with the help of the KW Automotive springs and a hydraulic lift system for the front axle. The carbon fiber treatment has been meted out even in the whole of the cockpit; hand-brake lever, door sill protectors, driver and radio console surround, door trims, center console inserts, and kneepad trims. Lightweight folding seats are also made of carbon fiber and bear the PPI “Sport Identity” style, which is present in the headliner, the steering wheel, shift knob, door panels and center console.

Peugeot EX1 Concept

Prior to the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Peugeot revealed today the EX1 Concept, a new 100% electric concept car which promises to show the new design directions of the French manufacturer. Celebrating Peugeot’s 200th anniversary, the new car is powered by two electric motors, capable to deliver a total output of 250 kW or 340 hp. The all-wheel drive two-seater roadster incorporates Peugeot’s new stylistic design codes, which were first seen on the SR Concept, unveiled back in March at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Furthermore, the car features polished aluminum components seen on the RCZ and BB1 Concept. The new EX1 Concept has a height of just 0.9 meters and a width of 1.77 m. What is more interesting is found under the design, where the car features two electric motors, one on each axle, each delivering 125 kW (250 kW / 340 bhp in total) as well as a maximum torque of 240 Nm. And because this car is just a design study, the passengers have to climb into the passenger compartment using a reverse-opening door. 

"The Peugeot EX1 concept car benefits from characteristics that give it a high enough level of performance not only to leave behind the city centre, the preferred territory of electric vehicles, but also to challenge acceleration records. Its lightness, weight distribution and aerodynamics, the torque and power of its two electric motors and its high-output lithium-ion battery are just some of the characteristics that make this a car capable of lightning acceleration: the latter can exceed 1 G of gravitational force." stated the press release.

PPI Unveils Audi R8 V10-Based Razor GTR-10

We’ve never expected that freaks out there want Audi R8 to command more horses. Yes, for those who deem V10 model too ordinary, Germany based tuner, PPI Automotive, has taken Audi R8 V10 and overhauled it as a whole. The improvements are two sided: optimizing the power to weight ratio Audi R8 V10 while simultaneously strengthen the motor, increase performance, and improve handling dynamics on one hand and enhancing the looks of the vehicle – inside and outside – on the other. And the result appears in the form of PPI Razor GTR-10 Limited Edition.

While talking about performance, the power of Audi R8 V10 has been increased from 525 to 601hp while the torque reaches 417 ft-lbs in comparison to 391ft-lbs. Engine is now mated to a modified R-tronic Gearbox. Equally impressive is the PPI Razor GTR-10 getting a sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds, thanks to the massive 250kg reduction which is attributed to a ton of carbon fiber components, including all new doors, roof pillars, side skirts and front bumper. The tuned Audi R8 has a top speed of 335km/h.

The other modifications include a modified side skirts, rear fenders, a rear bumper, and the replacement parts include an adjustable rear spoiler and rear diffuser. Also, the engine bay features a carbon fiber cover while the trunk sports carbon fiber ram-charged air inlets. The vehicle also feature a MAG11 forged aluminum PPI 19×9-inch sized wheels wrapped with 245/35/19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires upfront, while at the rear there are 20×12-inch wheels with 325/25/20 matching tires.

Additionally, PPI developed a special high-performance braking system for the Razor GTR-10 that can be identified by its orange metallic brake calipers. The height of the car is adjustable up to 1.75 inches with the help of the KW Automotive springs and a hydraulic lift system for the front axle. The carbon fiber treatment has been meted out even in the whole of the cockpit; hand-brake lever, door sill protectors, driver and radio console surround, door trims, center console inserts, and kneepad trims. Lightweight folding seats are also made of carbon fiber and bear the PPI “Sport Identity” style, which is present in the headliner, the steering wheel, shift knob, door panels and center console.

2011 Jeep Wrangler

After a rather long product winter, 2011 is shaping up to be a big year for Jeep. Obviously, the biggest news from Chrysler's off-road brand has been the introduction of the 2011 Grand Cherokee, and after driving the new all-roader (twice), we've learned that the automaker is still fully capable of delivering competitive, well-rounded products. But beyond the Grand Cherokee, Chrysler has made tweaks to both its Jeep Wrangler and Patriot  for the 2011 model year, and we spent some time this morning at the Pentastar's Technical Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, to see what all the fuss is about.

Looking at both the Wrangler and Patriot from the outside, you won't immediately notice the new changes these vehicles receive for 2011. The Patriot receives a slight styling update – a cleaner front end with repositioned fog lamps is up front, body cladding has been added to the sides and a new rear bumper is found out back. The Wrangler has even less in the way of exterior visual updates, save the new body-colored hardtop available on the Sahara trim level.

Jeep Wrangler windshield surroundWhat really impresses us, though, is the larger attention to detail in both of these vehicles. On the Wrangler, for example, little kitschy add-ons like an off-loading Jeep integrated into the windshield outline (pictured right) or the seven-slat grille design for the sun-blocker behind the rear-view mirror. Little things like this are only part of the story, though – the new interiors that both of these vehicles receive are seriously worthy of your consideration.

Wranglers get an updated dash with softer, rounder shapes, and although hard plastics are still used throughout, it fits with the SUV's bad-to-the-bone attitude. Still, new improvements for 2011 include the addition of optional leather seating and Jeep's new corporate steering wheel.

The Patriot, on the other hand, gets a full host of updates, with soft-touch materials used throughout the cabin. Chrysler says that specific touch points have been enhanced in the Patriot to rid the interior of cheap-feeling buttons and knobs, and the new seats (both leather and cloth) are really comfortable. It's a huge, much-needed leap forward for the Patriot, and it makes it much more competitive against vehicles like the Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

Similar updates will make their way onto the unloved Jeep Compass, which will launch closer to the end of the year. In the meantime, click through our galleries below to see live shots of the 2011 Wrangler and Patriot live from Chrysler's design dome.

Nissan 370Z Black Edition Pictures

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Snakes are known to regularly shed their skin to reveal a shimmering new coat underneath. Doing it the other way around would be a unique trick, but if the latest reports are to be believed, that might be what we're looking at.

Last week at a dealers' conference, Fiat/Chrysler chief Sergio Marchionne reportedly pulled the covers off a new-generation Dodge Viper. With the current model having already been axed, our interest was, to say the least, piqued by this development. New reports emanating from the exclusive preview have given us cause for a little more consternation, however.

According to AutoWeek, the new Viper – expected to arrive sometime late next year as a 2012 model – looked eerily like an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione with a more Dodge-like front end. That would be a shame, since the Alfa's styling is its biggest asset; its chassis and performance dynamics, less so. Giving the 8C – based, as it is, on age-old Maserati architecture – a new shell and calling it a Viper strikes us as all kinds of wrong. Then again, like a great many rumors in the autosphere, this could all be mere conjecture.