Project Kahn, a British tuning firm with eyes for Land Rover models, has switched its focus this time around to take a look at the brand new Mercedes SLK 200 Blue Efficiency. The tuner’s new package works on adding more power to improve performance and provide a unique sense of motor supremacy.
To achieve this, Project Kahn began with a full AMG sport pack, including front and rear bumpers and side skirts. The black exterior finish is molded into something a little more spectacular with a matte black and carbon finished grille, carbon front splitters, red calipers, matte black side vents, brushed aluminum roll bars, and a remote control roof. The interior was only slightly tweaked with a black and red quilted leather interior.
As for the engine upgrade, Kahn opted for a Brabus engine with a powerful, supercharged four-cylinder that increases the output by 30 HP and a plug-and-play auxiliary control module that adds another 26 HP. This brings the total output up to 240 HP. The Mercedes was then given a lowered suspension and a Kahn exhaust, as well as a 7g Tronic 7 speed automatic transmission.
The Mercedes SLK 200 Blue Efficiency by Project Kahn is priced at about £42,875, or about $58,854 at the current rates, give or take any additional modifications the customer chooses.
Alfa Romeo stopped production of their Spider model in 2010, but a leaked internal document has revealed that the Spider will be headed back intot he scene in 2014. The new Spider will be one of the models Alfa Romeo will offer as part of their return to the US market, an obvious move considering the Spider’s previous success on our side of the pond.
The 2014 Alfa Romeo Spider will take its design inspiration from the 2uettottanta revealed by Pininfarina at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. However, unlike the 2uettottanta Concept, the production version Spider will have to adopt a more "road-going" design language. This will include the addition of bigger and higher headlamps with LED lights, as opposed to the previously used in the concept. Larger air intakes will also be added, among other things.
As for the engine options, Alfa Romeo may choose to use a four-cylinder turbocharged engine featuring Multi-Air infusion system with direct injection. There are also rumors stating that the next Spider may get a V-6 twin-turbo engine.
The previous Spider has been long criticized for its non-sporty appearance, but the new model will solve that problem, becoming a very serious competitor for models like the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes-Benz SLK.
UPDATE 11/18/2011: According to Auto Express, the long-rumored two-seater Alfa Romeo sports car will have one model in its sights when the car finally hits production: the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Seeing as the MX-5 is considered the holy grail of two-seater sports cars, Alfa Romeo definitely has its work cut out for them if they hope to even get a sniff of the rarefied air the MX-5 enjoys.
Alfa Romeo’s focus with Spyder is to develop a vehicle with a minimal total weight and compact dimensions. It will be built on a totally new chassis that will feature weight-saving technologies to help it weigh less than 2200 lbs, or about 220 lbs lighter than the current MX-5. For the engine, Alfa Romeo has borrowed a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit, detuned to a total of 150 HP.
The new Spyder is rumored to be priced at around $40K.
Before the C-X16 Concept ever made it to the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show with an aim "to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology," there were already rumors circulating that Jaguar was working on a new XE model. Recently, an XE prototype was caught testing with a design language similar to that of the C-X16, cementing the idea that the concept was just a starting off point to gauge interest in the new sports car.
The XE prototype was seen with a soft top, as opposed to the retractable hard top that was first thought to be featured. This, as well as the rest of the design language, falls in line with all of the latest Jaguar models, but advances with the look of the C-X16. The XE will be available in Coupe and Roadster models. They will be built on the same platform as the XK, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see the same package from the XKR-S in the upcoming model. As for the engine lineup, the XE will feature a range of V6 engines, and a V8 for the top R version.
Expect the new XE model to be launched sometime next year as a direct competitor for models like the Porsche 911.
From the makers of the killer Kombat armored SUV, comes a new two-seater performance vehicle for people with a taste for the unconventional. Russian maker, Dartz, has announced the new MOJO, a reinterpretation of an earlier project that can now move with the times.
Not many details have been provided for the new Dartz Mojo, but we do know it will be powered by a gasoline powered rear mounted engine and will feature a glass roof that slides back to make room for both the driver and the passenger. No performance details have been provided sine the car technically hasn’t debuted yet, but we do know the MOJO will also get an electric brother called the JO-MOJO. The JO-MOJO will run on solar power, allowing people to get their green mojo on.
The new Dartz Mojo and Jo-Mojo model will make their world debut at the 2012 Top Marques Monaco (April 19-22).
The Chinese market is well on its way to become the biggest automotive market in the world, so it’s not at all surprising that automakers are sending them special editions by the boatload. BMW sent them the beautiful M3 Tiger Edition last year, and this year they are bringing the special Z4 sDrive23i Flame Edition.
The Flame Edition gets its name from the special desert yellow metallic paint on the exterior. This color was inspired by the Art Karma desert located in the central west coast of South America. Combined with a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels, this paint provides the Z4 with a dynamic and elegant appearance.
The incredible exterior look is highlighted by the elegant touches in the interior. The special BMW Z4 sDrive23i Flame Edition features Alcantara / Nappa leather combined with yellow stitching, a yellow center console, and Alcantara trim for the doors and the center panels. BMW is also offering a personalized version of the piano black trim to provide the Flame Edition with an even cleaner look.
