PPI PS Q7 tuning package for the Audi Q7

PPI Automotive Design tuning studio offers its own take on the Audi Q7 luxurious SUV. Yet another attempt to put the obese German 'ute on a high protein diet.

PPI PS Q7 tuning program consists of both external styling and some internal modifications, including engine tuning.

The body kit includes new front spoiler with larger air inlets, rear bumper with custom cutouts for the four-pipe stainless-steel sport exhaust system, roof spoiler and aerodynamically enhanced side sills.

New styling is matched with PPI Formula alloy wheels fitted with the Michelin 4x4 Diamaris tires in size 295/30 ZR 22 XL with a speed limit of 300 km/h (186 mph).

PPI offers two-stage tuning program for Audi Q7's 4.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, increasing its power output to 420 hp and 600 hp, as well as a one-stage program for the SUV's oil-burner.

See also: Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B

Technorati tags: PPI, PS, Q7, Audi, 4x4, tuning, Michelin, SUV, diesel, car, automotive

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Heico HS3 THOR_2 "pseudo SUV" based on Volvo C30

Heico Sportiv tuners continue their experiments with the latest Volvo C30 hatchback and its "off-road" HS3 THOR variation. Built exclusively for the upcoming Essen Motor Show in Germany, the new Heico HS3 THOR_2 is almost a replica of its predecessor except for the all-wheel-drive system.

Nevertheless, the HS3 THOR_2 still comes with its "XC off-road look" body kit, 30mm raised suspension, VOLUTION X. "Titan" paint 8x18-inch wheels, and custom made TOYO TIRES R888 semi-slicks featuring the HEICO SPORTIV famous helmet logo. There is also original THOR's distinctive seven-stage paint scheme in urban warfare camouflage style.



The HS3 THOR_2 comes with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, pumped up from 220 hp to 250 hp and from 320 Nm to 360 Nm, but it can also be fitted with upgraded 2.0D and D5 oil-burners.

See also: Volvo XC90 V8 Sport "redefines the SUV segment"

Technorati tags: Volvo, C30, Heico, Sportiv, HS3 THOR, tuning, hatchback, SUV, diesel, car, automotive

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Eco-friendly 2002 Chevrolet Suburban Mad Max-style

Ai Design have successfully solved the main problem of those living in dark worlds of post-Apocalyptic TV dramas of the early 1980s. Their new 2002 Chevrolet Suburban has been retrofitted with relatively new Duramax diesel engine from Duramax Suburban factory, after some modification capable of working on bio-diesel fuel.

To achieve this goal, Ai Design's engineers have modified the engine to withstand the increased corrosive properties of bio-diesel fuel. Then, the engine was fitted with new turbochargers and fuel injection, as well as new exhaust and engine control systems and after all paired with more suitable transmission.

The Suburban's off-road capabilities were strengthened with a 12-inch lift, on-road/off-road suspension package, and increased fuel capacity. The SUV's native brakes were also upgraded with Brembo parts.

Of course, the guys from marketing department didn't forget to ensure that the resulting product, designed to survive even nuclear winter, is fitted with an Alpine F-1 audio system with Focal subwoofers, navigation screen, and ugly-looking trim pieces made from nickel-plated carbon fiber.

See also: New Ford Edge crossover SUV will possibly be delayed

Technorati tags: 2002, Chevrolet, Suburban, SUV, biodiesel, Duramax, fuel, car, automotive

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New Ford Edge crossover SUV will possibly be delayed

Ford is planning to delay the launch of its long-awaited Ford Edge crossover SUV by "a few extra weeks" to tackle some logistics and assembly issues at its renovated Oakville, Ontario, factory where the Edge and its Lincoln MKX sibling will be built. Although originally scheduled to be shipped to your local dealer by the end of this month, both the Edge and the MKX will actually arrive only in mid-December. But, if you seriously dreaming of getting one of these I would strongly suggest you not to hold your breath until the beginning of January.


Citing Ford's vice president for North American manufacturing Joe Hinrichs, USA Today is saying that the delay is due to "some disruptions" in the supply chain and the money-loosing company just can't begin shipping of first lot till the process is smoothed out.

See also: Ford Edge crossover-SUV officially launched

Technorati tags: Ford, Edge, Lincoln, SUV, MKX, Hinrichs, crossover, car, automotive

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Edo Competition Porsche Cayenne Turbo

German tuner Edo Competition has put its hands on Porsche's successful Cayenne Turbo SUV. Justly assuming that the vehicle's off-road (dis)abilities is no more than a marketing gimmick, guys from Edo decided to concentrate their attention on Cayenne's racing skills.

After some major tinkering with Cayenne's 4.5-liter twin-turbo V8, Edo's engineers have raised its maximum power output to jaw-dropping 610 hp and a peak torque of 579 lb-ft (785 Nm). As a result, the vehicle's top speed now exceeds 180 mph (285 km/h) with zero to 60 mph acceleration of less than 4.6 seconds.

Inside Line is reporting that Edo Competition Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV has also undergone some chassis tuning, including adding to the package of KW adjustable dampers. The vehicle is also fitted with new alloy 22-inchers with Conti Cross-Contact UHP tires on them.

See also: Range Rover SportAR6 Stronger by Arden

Technorati tags: Porsche, Cayenne, Turbo, SUV, Range Rover, SportAR6, Edo, Competition, car, automotive

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2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca claimed to be the safest SUV

The Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has awarded the latest Subaru B9 Tribeca 'ute the highest possible safety rating, giving it a maximum of five stars. The ANCAP assessment is based on frontal and side-impact crash tests, regarding customer's chances to walk away from the place of accident. The Tribeca scored an impressive 33.07 out of a maximum of 37 points.

The New Car Net is reporting that the new Subaru B9 Tribeca has only 16 per cent chance of rolling over and was given a "No-tip" dynamic test evaluation. Which is really good, considering frightening average 30 per cent chance of overturning for SUVs and 12 to 19 per cent chance for passenger cars.

The new Subaru B9 Tribeca comes equipped with a 3.0-liter, 242hp Boxer six-cylinder engine, featuring a peak torque of 219 lb-ft (297 Nm) and mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The SUV accelerates from zero to 62 mph in only 9.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 121 mph.

See also: Hyundai Veracruz to invade America

Technorati tags: 2007, Hyundai, Veracruz, SUV, Subaru, B9, Tribeca, ANCAP, car, automotive

Hyundai Veracruz to invade America

The latest Hyundai Veracruz full-size crossover SUV, already on sell in Korea, has officially launched in the U.S. and Canada. The new 2007 Veracruz, which is supposed to compete with such established brands as the Lexus RX 350 and the Honda Pilot, will come to the local customers with an exclusive 3.8-liter gasoline engine.

The other choice, Deutsche Presse-Agentur is reporting, will be a 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine, capable of producing 240 horsepower.

The Hyundai Veracruz will be offered with standard front-wheel drive, ESP, side airbags and airbags for all three rows of seats. For additional money you may also order four-wheel drive. The prices start at humble $33,000 and Hyundai hopes to sell at least 65,000 crossovers on the U.S. market.

See also: Mitsubishi Outlander gives birth to the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007

Technorati tags: 2007, Hyundai, Veracruz, SUV, crossover, Lexus RX 350, Honda, Pilot

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2007 Subaru Forester Sports XT and X presented at SEMA'2006

Subaru's Forester SUV all-wheel drive vehicles don't really look like SUVs and, I guess it really hurts company's sales around the world. Maybe that's why Subaru has taken an opportunity to show-off its new Forester Sports trim at the current SEMA show.

Although still looking more like a station-wagon, the new Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 X now features more powerful 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer four-banger, capable of producing quite an impressive for such a small engine 173 hp @ 6,000 rpm and some 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) of peak torque at 4,400 rpm.

Even more prominent Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 XT comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with an intercooler. The beast produces 224 hp at 5,600 rpm and 226 lb-ft (360 Nm) of peak torque reached at 3,600 rpm. The Forester Sports 2.5 XT accelerates from zero to 62 mph in less than six seconds.

The vehicles come with such luxurious (for the class, of course) features, as standard automatic climate control, 120-watt AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, capable of playing MP3/WMA CDs and featuring Sirius satellite radio receiver as well as an auxiliary jack for an iPod.

See also: Mitsubishi Outlander gives birth to the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007

Technorati tags: 2007, Subaru, Forester, SUV, Boxer, SEMA, Sports, XT

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