MTM Prepares a Pair for Geneva – Audi Q3 and VW T 500

MTM has tuned an Audi Q3 crossover and Volkswagen T 500 van for the Geneva Motor Show.

Tuning companies always try to make the biggest impact possible at the Geneva Motor Show and MTM from Germany is no different. The tuners have prepared two German flag-wrapped models for the show, the first being an Audi Q3 crossover and the second being a Volkswagen T 500 van.Based on the Audi Q3 crossover with the S-Line package, MTM's aftermarket program boosts power significantly and improves performance greatly.

It runs on a 2.0-liter TFSI Quattro engine with power boosted by the tuners from 170hp to 310hp. The added power cuts 0-62mph time by a solid two seconds, as it can now accomplish the sprint in 6.1 seconds. Top speed has been boosted as well, from 132hp to 155mph.The performance upgrades for the Audi Q3 come thanks to the use of a turbocharging kit, unique exhaust system and rear diffuser. Having been lowered, the Q3 sits on a set of 20-inch MTM Bimoto wheels completes the tuning package for the Q3.MTM's second offering comes in the form of Volkswagen's T500 van.

Running on a 2.5-liter inline-five TFSI 4motion engine rated now at 472hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, it can "roar off into the distance." The van is now capable of reaching a top speed of 174mph, up from its original 124mph. The van features a KW Street Comfort coilover suspension and sits on a set of 20-inch MTM Bimoto wheels wrapped in Michelin SuperSport rubbers.The Audi Q3 by MTM prices just shy of €59,000 compared to €37,000 with the S-Line package. The MTM VW T 500 van has yet to have its pricing released. They will both be on display at MTM's booth at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, kicking off on March 6th.

MTM Prepares a Pair for Geneva – Audi Q3 and VW T 500

New Photos of 2013 Volvo V40 Hit the Web, Including First Shots of the Interior

There's no end to the flow of official images of the new Volvo V40 hatchback. Following on from a pair of pictures we shared with you last Wednesday, we now have a new set with 16 high-resolution shots affording us the most comprehensive look at the V40 to date. On the outside, as we noted before, the new five-door compact model adopts the Swedish firm's design DNA with a shape that brings to mind Volvo's crossover models like the XC60 and XC90. 

The latest batch of images includes the very first pictures of the new V40's interior. While you still get the feeling that it's a Volvo from details like the shape of the center console and the air-conditioning and audio system controls, the Swedish brand's designers added a rather futuristic looking instrument panel into the mix. 

According to a leaked document that was posted online last week, Volvo's premium hatchback measures 4,500 mm or about 177-inches in length, making it only 20 mm or 0.77-inches shorter than the V50 station wagon, and considerably longer than its rivals like the BMW 1-Series 5-door model (4,324 mm or 170.2-in.)
The new V40 will be offered with a choice of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, details of which have not yet been released.
We'll have the opportunity to see the new Volvo V40 in the flesh during its world premiere at the 82nd Geneva International Geneva Show in March before it goes on sale later in the year. 

New Photos of 2013 Volvo V40 Hit the Web, Including First Shots of the Interior

[Video] Watch More than 40 Nissan GT-Rs Roam the Streets of Singapore

If you like the hissing and grunting sounds of a Nissan GT-R's 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6, then we're pretty sure that you are going to love these two videos from Singapore showing a convoy consisting of more than 40 (!) Godzillas traveling together on the road.

The drivers are members of the Nissan GTR Owner's clubs in Singapore and Malaysia and they were heading up from the Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore to Dempsey Hill for a special meeting.
Drive through the break to watch both videos.

A big hat tip to Erim Lim for the find! 

[Video] Watch More than 40 Nissan GT-Rs Roam the Streets of Singapore

[Video] Aston Martin Returns to Endurance Racing with the New Vantage GTE

This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans will see Aston Martin’s return to endurance racing.

Aston Martin has just officially announced their return to FIA World Endurance Championship racing and they are doing so with a new racecar. The Vantage GTE is a stunning and fitting replacement for their Vantage GT2, of which it is based.The new Vantage GTE marks the first time since 2008 that Aston Martin will field a racer in Le Mans racing. Decked out in Gulf Livery, the new Vantage model features upgrades and improvements in the areas of handling, drivetrain, engine and suspension.

Running on a 4.5-liter V8 engine, it features new cylinder heads, valves, camshafts, connecting rods and a racing-spec exhaust. The engine is paired to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

"It's great to be returning to our core motorsport activity; production-based GT racing. It formed the basis for Aston Martin's return to competition when the DBR9 GT1-racer was launched in 2004, and it was in GT racing that we achieved our famous victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008," said Aston Martin Lagonda Chairman David Richards.The new Aston Martin Vantage GTE will make its competitive debut in the 12 Hours of Sebring in March before tackling the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Three drivers have been named so far, being Stefan Mucke, Adrian Fernandez and Darren Turner.

[Video] Aston Martin Returns to Endurance Racing with the New Vantage GTE

[Video] A 2013 Ford Mustang for Everyone

Ford wants buyers to know that there are plenty of exterior customization options available to suit any taste.

Ford has been busy lately promoting the slightly restyled 2013 Mustang. And for good reason, since the iconic pony car has broad appeal. With a starting price of just a little over $22k, buyers can drive home in a V6-powered 'stang (translation: that's 305hp).For just a bit south of the $30 mark, the Mustang GT comes equipped with that wonderful 5.0-liter V8 with 402hp. Besides from those bargain-priced engines, Ford is also focusing their marketing strategy on exterior customization options.
As this new commercial shows, Ford wants Mustang fans to know they can make their car unique to their own tastes. And with Mustang sales continuing to be strong, the updated 2013 model will no doubt be a hit.

[Video] A 2013 Ford Mustang for Everyone

DMC Designs the Lamborghini Aventador Molto Veloce

DMC Germany has created the first body kit for the Lamborghini Aventador.

Lamborghini's flagship has just received its first body kit, courtesy of the team from DMC Germany. The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Molto Veloce was first released on Facebook and gives the Italian supercar an aggressive and bigger look.The body kit, created out of 100 percent carbon fiber, features a front splitter lip (with center sword and diffuser), rear wing, rear diffuser and tunnel and a set of side skirts.
A white finish with a slick red and black racing stripe down the middle gives the Aventador a clean and fresh look.The DMC Germany Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Molto Veloce is available now, though no pricing information has been released as of yet.

DMC Designs the Lamborghini Aventador Molto Veloce

More Photos Emerge of the 2013 Volvo V40

Volvo has released more official photos of the V40 hatchback.

Volvo has just released over a dozen more photos of the new 2013 V40 hatchback, destined to debut in ten days at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The photos show the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1-Series rival in action on the roads and give a great sense of what the Swedish automaker's latest model will look like.
As previously reported by CarBuzz, the V40 will price at around 26,000 Euros and run on a flexible platform, rumored to possibly underpin models like an open-top C40, S40 sedan and a SC40 SUV.

More Photos Emerge of the 2013 Volvo V40

Volkswagen Releases Fresh Photos of New Passat Alltrack

The economical sibling of the Audi A4 Allroad can now be enjoyed from a fresh perspective thanks to a batch of new images. 

Revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show, the new VW Passat Alltrack can now be ordered in select European markets. The reason for revisiting the crossroad version of the Passat is due to this fresh batch of pictures showing the wagon in a new light.Front and rear underbody plates gives the Passat Alltrack a rugged look, which is aided and abetted by protective black plastic cladding around the wheelarches and side sills, bespoke alloys, and door mirrors, roof rails and window surrounds finished in matte chrome.
Ground clearance of the Alltrack has been raised from 135 to 165mm in order for it to cope with light off-roading, while front approach, departure and ramp angles have all been increased.The 4Motion AWD system also features and four engines are available including a 138hp and 168hp 2.0liter TDI diesel, a 158hp 1.8-liter TSI gasoline and a 208hp 2.0-liter TSI.

Volkswagen Releases Fresh Photos of New Passat Alltrack

Limited Edition 2012 BMW M3 Coupe Competition Edition Arrives in Asia

450 units have been produced worldwide, eight of which have just landed in Singapore. 

Back in November BMW announced details of the special edition M3, built to commemorate the M Division's 40th anniversary.40 models were allocated to the US, and now BMW has announced that eight models will be made available to the local market in Asia.450 units of the limited-edition car are to be produced worldwide, coated in an exclusive BMW Individual Frozen Silver Metallic paint.

The exterior also includes black hood intakes, while the kidney grilles, BMW M side gills and exhaust tips are finished in dark chrome trim. For enhanced stability, the Competition Edition has been reduced by 10mm and the same 19-inch alloys found on the M3 GTS have been fitted.Inside, the front seats are finished in black extended Novillo leather with palladium silver accents and stitching, as are the headrests, door trim panels and handles and center console. The steering wheel is covered in Alacantara, the M3 Checkered Flag logo features on the door sills, and carbon-trim has been used on the dashboard and center console.
Power comes from the 4.0-liter V8 that produces 420hp, which is mated to an M DCT double-clutch transmission that enables the car to complete the century sprint in 4.6 seconds.

Limited Edition 2012 BMW M3 Coupe Competition Edition Arrives in Asia

BMW to Use Carbon-Fiber in the Next 7-Series

The light weight material is expected to shave a few pounds off the car’s weight.

Slowly but surely carbon-fiber is taking its place as the must-have material in the automotive industry.According to Autocar, Klaus Draeger, BMW's R&D chief, said that carbon-fiber will be used in the structure of the next 7-series, BMW's top series.The carbon-fiber will be used in a mix with more traditional materials such as aluminum and steel and supposedly be used in the production of the roof, hood and trunk.
These aren't structural components, so the influence of their use is to save weight, in developing technologies for the production of carbon-fiber materials, and as a declaration of intent.

BMW to Use Carbon-Fiber in the Next 7-Series