Car Sport 2011: Tuning

Showing posts with label Tuning. Show all posts

10/27/10

DAMD goes Low-Key with Mitsubishi Outlander Sport [RVR / ASX]

In what could be one of the most subtle proposals to come out of the DAMD tuning shop yet, the Japanese aftermarket company presented a rather tasty styling kit for the new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which as you probably already know, is called ASX in Europe and RVR in Japan.

DAMD's modifications include an aero/styling kit with a front lip spoiler, side sills a central rear apron with add-ons on both corners of the bumper, and a roof spoiler. All parts can be ordered in the same color as the rest of the car or in a matte black finish, which looks pretty cool on the white Outlander Sport pictured here.

The tuning firm also adds a sports exhaust and the option of 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels from Crimson wrapped around 245/35R Bridesgtone tires.

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E30s seem to be popping up everywhere lately. After the impressive electric 3-Series from VST Conversions, we now have word that one Bill Caswell and his late 1980's E30 will be at SEMA thanks to Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

The "rally racer and ultimate DIY enthusiast" made news in March when he took on $100,000+ competition in an old 318i during Rally Mexico. While at SEMA, Bill will be converting a 1989 BMW 3-Series coupe [E30] into an off-road Baja blaster in order to compete in the SCORE Baja 1000's Sportsman class (starting November 17th). Now that's hardcore.

Here's a breakdown of Bill's SEMA welding schedule prior to tackling the rally: roll cage on day 1, front cage/suspension on day 2, rear cage/suspension on day 3, and "accessories" on day 4. Day 4's work will include finishing the main cage and crafting other Baja racing necessities such as a front brush guard, fuel cell, light bar, and more.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co.'s marketing VP Tim Swanson says, "Bill's passion for racing combined with his desire to create fits nicely with our vision...Rally and Baja racing requires a diverse skill set, from detailed fabrication and welding to high-speed driving. We're looking forward to watching Bill build and race the Miller car."

If you're interested, definitely follow the live updates on Bill's build during SEMA (which can be found at the link below).

By Phil Alex

About Bill Caswell (from Miller Electric Mfg. Co.):
Formerly a finance banker from Chicago, Caswell left his job in 2009 to focus on rally racing, competing in several races in the U.S. in cars that he built, modified and fabricated himself. Caswell made a name for himself in March of this year by placing third in the Rally America class of Rally Mexico, an FIA-sanctioned event run concurrently with World Rally Championship in Corona, Mexico.

Link: Miller

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Most likely, you have read our preview on Mopar's SEMA-bound tuned vehicles. If that's the case, then you may also be interested in the video after the break, as Jeep's Chief Designer, Mark Allen, does a show and tell on three Jeep and Ram concept vehicles.

First up is the Jeep Wrangler J7 Stripper that was enhanced by removing several parts, as Mark Allen's team decided to follow the "less is more approach". Amenities like carpets and fog lights are gone, in come 35-inch Mickey Thompson tires and a two-inch lift, which promise to make this Wrangler even more capable off-road.

Next up is the Jeep NuKaiser 715, which borrows most of its components from the J8 military truck. It relies on a 2.8-liter diesel engine to get it through rough terrain, as well as Dynatrac heavy-duty axles with air-lockers and 38-inch BF Goodrich tires. Also, to further resemble the original Kaiser truck, Jeep's designers chopped the top and added the bed of an AEV (American Expedition Vehicle).

For the grand finale we have the Ram Power Wagon, based on the most capable off-road truck that the Chrysler Groups sells today. The SEMA version has a 120 inch (3,05 meters) wheelbase, monstrous 40-inch tires and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. It has "sort of a desert off-road flavor", as Mr. Allen puts it. Scroll down to watch the video.

By Csaba Daradics

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A SEMA Show without a boat load of tricked out Mustangs is like a Texas barbeque without beef. And sure enough, aside from the numerous private builds, Ford will showcase a total of nine customized versions of the 2011 Mustang at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"If you're a Mustang enthusiast looking to set your Mustang apart from others, SEMA is like going into a toy store full of inspirational imagery," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford design manager.

One of the customized Mustangs will be a 2011 GT model prepared by Ford Vehicle Personalization with parts from the firm's accessory catalog. These include a rear pedestal spoiler, rear quarter window louvers, side scoops and a billet grille – all finished in a liquid silver color, plus 18-inch machined liquid silver wheels. Hit the jump for details and pictures on the rest of the SEMA-bound Mustangs.

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2011 Ford Mustang by Team Baurtwell

West Coast meets East Coast with this Mustang by Team Baurtwell and celebrity customizer Funkmaster Flex, designed for rapper and actor Snoop Dogg. The exterior features Team Baurtwell custom smoked taillights, Funkmaster Flex logos and a 3dCarbon body kit, and is complemented by NC Forged three-piece billet wheels. Chassis upgrades include Steeda lowering kit, sway bars and springs, while Baer brakes provide the stopping power.

2011 Ford Mustang by MRT

Working off a Mustang GT, MRT delivers a tough street warrior theme with carbon effects throughout the interior and engine compartment, a custom color scheme and several performance modifications. A chassis upgrade, performance handling package, upgraded Baer brakes and a new MRT stainless steel exhaust all come together to deliver a performance driving experience for customers.

2011 Ford Mustang by Creations n' Chrome

Creations n' Chrome is teaming up with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness for breast cancer with its Mustang GT convertible covered in pink chrome. This GT goes from ordinary to extraordinary with a Vortech supercharger, HRE performance wheels and Wilwood brakes. A 3dCarbon styling kit completes the look.

2011 Ford Mustang by Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords

This powerful 5.0-liter Mustang has been given an extra boost of power with a Ford Racing Performance Parts supercharger kit and exhaust system from Kooks Custom headers. The Mustang also receives a custom paint job, Roush fascia and Cervini's Auto Designs hood. Brakes, seats and suspension are upgraded with American Muscle parts.

2011 Ford Mustang by Mobsteel

This Mustang offers plenty of upgrades to fill the needs of any Mustang enthusiast. An STS
Turbo patented remote mount turbo system, Air Runner suspension and Magnaflow cat-back exhaust all push the V6 Mustang into a new level of performance. Fifteen-inch Baer brakes, Savini forged wheels and Pirelli tires round out the extensive modifications.

2011 Ford Mustang by Raceskinz

The team at Raceskinz took a Mustang with a 5.0-liter and started work inside, where they used a rear seat-delete package complete with new Raceskinz bucket seats. A ProCharger intercooled supercharger, Magnaflow cat-back exhaust and Baer brake system deliver on performance. Raceskinz carbon fiber accessories throughout add an extra touch of customization.

2011 Ford Mustang by Street Scene Equipment

With plenty of stylish detail, this Mustang by Street Scene Equipment combines style, performance and luxury all in one package. The exterior is highlighted by a Street Scene chin spoiler, main grille, lower valance grille and rear wing and valance. The interior offers Katzkin leather and Polk audio amps and speakers for a more pleasurable ride. MINT 20-inch wheels and Yokahama tires put the finishing touches on this pony car.

2011 Ford Mustang by Tjin Edition

This Tjin Edition Mustang GT sports a custom DuPont paint job and will be outfitted with a Webasto sunroof, Unique Fabrication metal wing, Ignited LED headlights and fog lights and StreetGlow lighting. The suspension is modified with a full digital air suspension kit from Air Lift and an Eibach antiroll kit and trailer arms.

It might not be for "U.S.", or any other market outside of Japan, for that matter, but the new JDM Subaru Forester tS deserves our attention. Based on the Forester S-Edition, the tS has been upgraded with a raft of STi parts including a modified suspension that sits 15 mm lower than usual, 17-inch alloys, a front spoiler and the customary tS logos.

Inside there are STI sport seats wrapped in a combination of leather and Alcantara as well as a sports steering wheel and a modified instrument panel.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine matched to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Japanese customers will get to choose between four exterior colors and will have to pay 3,450,00 Yen (US $42,227 or €30,646) for the base model. Subaru said it plans to produce a total of 300 examples of the Forester tS.

By Csaba Daradics

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