Prior Design Releases Widebody Kit for the E92 BMW 3-Series Coupe

German tuning firm Prior Design has unveiled a widebody kit for the E92 3-Series Coupe, which turns the bimmer into an M3 clone with a "hormonal disposition" [whatever that means...], for a base price of €2,999. While we're not sure about those "hormones", the exterior modifications look nice enough, so Prior's kit is definitely worth a look.

The body kit fits all E92 Coupes, except, of course, the genuine M3, and is a new development manufactured from Duraflex, "a very flexible and extremely stable material", according to the company.

Designers scrapped the old front bumper and fitted the car with a new piece featuring larger air intakes. They also changed the bonnet, but didn't go for the stock M3 look. Instead, they emulated the look of the M3 GT2 racecar's hood with integrated air vents.

Lowered side skirts continue the front's muscular look, alongside the widened wheel arches. At the back, you can find a new bumper complete with a diffuser, which can accommodate the M3 exhaust system and all E92 Coupe tailpipes, minus those found on the 335i. The latter can be opted with a specially designed stainless steel exhaust system, also mimicking the M3, priced at €1,499.

Furthermore, the body kit comes with boot-lid and roof spoilers, both of which are also available in carbon fiber.

An adjustable KW coil-over kit that lowers the car's ride height for a more aggressive stance, rounds off the package.

By Csaba Daradics

Prices:

• Widebody body kit: from EUR 2,999.-
• Bonnet: EUR 1,390.-
• Rear spoiler: EUR 299.-
• Roof spoiler: EUR 299.-
• Front spoiler lip: EUR 449.-
• M3 style exhaust system: EUR 1,499.-
• Assembly and paintwork: Price on application

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H&R puts a little backbone into the New 2011 VW Jetta VI

Suspension aficionados H&R have gotten their hands on the new Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 and decided to give it a once-over with some low-key modifications. After the Jetta arrived at H&R's US headquarters, the first pieces to get the ax were the springs (obviously).

Now, the brand new Jetta VI rides 1.3 inches lower thanks to a set of Sport springs in order to help the small sedan handle a bit better. The next items to go were the rims, which were replaced with 19x8.5 O.Z. Superturismo LM wheels (and TRAK + wheel spacers) to complement the car's handling and appearance.

While the 19's are about a size too large for a factory option, methinks a set of 18s in the same style would make for an interesting factory option. Behind the 19s are 14.4-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors with 4-piston Monobloc grabbers that round out a nice street performance package. There's also a Vibrant Performance exhaust system as an auditory bonus.

The rest of the appearance add-ons - other than the vinyl - are sourced straight from VW and include a lower body kit and spoiler. Unlike many SEMA cars, H&R seems to have delivered a nice-looking, streetable package that should give the latest Jetta an extra injection of fun without killing your warranty or your wallet.

By Phil Alex

Source: H&R

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Phantom of the Chrysler: Rolls Royce Makeover for 300 Sedan

Adding to very long list of Chrysler 300 models turned into Rolls Royce or Bentley clones that we've shown you over the past few years is this two-tone burgundy-goldish example, which is said to have been snagged in the city of Tangier in Morocco by a reader of the Autogespot forums. Follow the jump to check out one more picture of the car and to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Photo source: Autogespot

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Arden Takes On the New Jaguar XJ Saloon

The all-new Jaguar XJ is one of those cars you either love or hate. There is no middle ground with this strange mix of old and new, of traditionalism and modern manufacturing techniques. Now German tuners Arden, perhaps best known these days for tuning Jaguars, Minis and Land Rovers, have returned to their roots and taken the big cat for another turn around the workshop.

The XJ's exterior gets a subtle bodykit, stainless steel mesh grille, LED fog lights, 21-inch alloys and the brand's now defunct leaping cat emblem. It's the interior, though, where things start to get interesting. Customers can specify a whole host of options including several varieties of Connolly Leather or Alcantara as well as carbon, chrome or wood for the trim. Dynamic interior lighting helps further accentuate the Arden Jag from the norm.

The full details are all rather sketchy at the moment, including what modifications were done to the XJ's 5.0 L petrol and 3.0 L diesel engines, though hopefully these will be released at a later date. Until then you can sit back and admire our fine gallery of photos from Arden's website.

Bu Tristan Hankins

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Heico Sportiv Tricks Out the All-New Volvo V60

Come later this month at the Essen Motor Show (26th November - 5th December 2010) in Germany, Volvo tuning specialist Heico Sportive will unveil its performance and styling bits for the Swedish automaker's all-new V60. The tuning program for the station wagon model carries the same upgrades as the S60 sedan.

On the styling side, the German tuning firm mounts a front spoiler on the original front bumper and a rear skirt with a diffuser that also houses the new tailpipes of the quad outlet exhaust. The menu also contains sport springs that lower the ride height and a choice of 18- or 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels.

Under the hood, there are various options, depending on the type of engine. For now, Heico Sportive offers a power kit for the 2.0 turbocharged gasoline unit, which adds an extra 47bhp and 50Nm of torque, and another one for the T6 engine that boost output to 330bhp and 460Nm. The tuning house said that further programs for the T3, T4 and T5 engine variants are under development.

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Hamann Presents the BMW X5 Flash Evo M with up to 670HP

With 555 hp on tap, the stock BMW X5 M has enough power for most mortals, but Hamann disagrees, hence the birth of the Flash Evo M. Featuring an aggressive bodykit, the German tuner's version of the X5 M can be specified with one of two engines upgrades, delivering up to 670 hp, 22 or 23-inch alloys, tweaked suspension bits and bigger brakes. Various interior appointments are also available.

To improve the SAV's looks, Hamann designers used a new front spoiler, which can be fitted with two or four strips of LED daytime running lights, a carbon fiber bonnet, with additional vents for cooling the engine, and lowered side sills, connecting the massive fender extensions.

Engineers quickly ditched the standard exhaust and opted for two, centrally mounted tailpipes, integrated into the diffuser. Other exterior modifications include an equally aggressive rear spoiler and a roof spoiler (also made of carbon fiber), which increases downforce and improves stability at high speeds.

Buyers can choose between 22- and 23-inch wheels, but Hamann thinks you should take the bigger set claiming it gives the car "a truly sporty appearance".

Two power upgrades are offered, the first of which optimizes the ECU by removing the factory-installed 250 km/h (155 mph) speed-restriction and increases power to 610 hp and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft).

For those who think that more is better, Hamann supplies the HM 670 kit, which, besides the ECU tweak, comes with a sports muffler and catalysts. In this case, peak power is 670 hp, accompanied by 950 Nm (701 lb-ft) of torque, constant between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. According to Hamann, the Flash Evo M can reach a top speed of 300 km/h (or 186 mph).

A sports suspension kit that lowers the ride height by 30 mm and larger brakes (405 mm front and 340 mm rear discs with 6- and 4-pot calipers, respectively) round off the performance upgrades.

Inside, there's a Hamann sport steering wheel as well as a modified speedometer, which maxes out at 320 km/h (199 mph). As with every Hamann-tuned vehicle, there many additional options, like special leather for the seats, combined with Alcantara, carbon fiber panels, aluminum pedals and stainless steel sill plates with illuminated Hamann logos.

By Csaba Daradics

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