American tuner Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) does not have the best of reputations in the United States, but whatever they do create is always noteworthy. Already busy developing a 705 hp version of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro with a modified Corvette ZR1 engine, which they plan to launch in early 2010, Hennessey is currently launching a simpler 562 hp Camaro, calling it the HPE550.
Mugen, Honda’s official aftermarket arm, already has their own hyper-tuned version of the Japanese-market Honda Civic Type-R sedan. Interestingly, Europe has its own version of the Civic Type-R, based on the all-show-no-go 3-door Euro-Civic hatchback with non-independent rear suspension. The European Civic Type-R is imported to Japan in limited numbers, and this was enough reason for Mugen to offer a body kit for it.
European tuning firm Lorinser is well-known for modifying Mercedes-Benz models for decades now. So it is a bit of a novelty to see them turn their attention to the decidedly-Japanese Lexus LS 460.
European tuner ABT Sportsline is offering performance mods for the Audi Q7 V12 TDI. The standard turbodiesel 4×4 already happens to be the most powerful version of the ugly Q7 range, although it has thankfully never been on sale here, even after making appearances in the UAE for official photoshoots.
A Russian tuning firm called Status Design is getting ready to release what has to be the most aggressive body kit ever for the Porsche Cayenne.
Kit-making tuner Wald is at it again, blowing the pants off bystanders with their outrageously-detailed body kits. Their latest showcase is for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and C 63 Estate station wagon models.
The BMW-owned Mini brand has unveiled a special edition Cooper S model in the United Kingdom with a stupidly long name. The Mini John Cooper Works World Championship 50 is supposed to evoke the birth of the brand and John Cooper’s Formula One title victory 50 years ago.
German-based Gemballa, who like to refer to themselves as an auto manufacturer rather than a tuner, have now created the Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R, as usual starting out with a Porsche. Based on the Porsche 911 Turbo, the Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R seems to take a piece from the names of at least four other cars to make up its long name.
German tuner G-Power is offering a pure performance upgrade for the BMW M3 called the Tornado, which is essentially a supercharger for the V8. Apparently the G-Power M3 Tornado was tested in the UAE for hot-weather durability during development.
AC Schnitzer has unveiled their new range of mods for the 2009 versions of the Mini Cooper Convertible and the Mini Cooper S Convertible.