Art Tuning X64 package for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV

The latest Mercedes-Benz GL-Class family of full-size SUVs is so good as it is that most tuners' attempts to make it even better look really futile, not to say stupid. Nevertheless, serious tuning companies keep presenting their own packages for the highly successful SUV. Now, Art Tuning joins the fray with its X64 program.



On the outside, the package gives the Mercedes-Benz GL a new spoiler with additional air-intakes and a new rear apron with integral air diffuser and four huge chrome-plated exhaust tips. The vehicle has also got a new set of xenon headlamps, LED running lamps and foglamps. As usual, the Merc' running boards feature tuner's logo in brushed stainless steel.



Inside, there is a fortune of expensive leather and Alcantara, a leather-clad steering wheel with wooden or carbon fiber parts and a luxurious multimedia entertainment system with an impressive LCD monitor installed on the ceiling.



The Art Tuning X64 package, Inside Line is reporting, includes "optimization" of the GL's original turbodiesel engine (similar packages for both the V6 and V8 petrol engines are also in the works) and an inevitable reprogramming of the Airmatic adjustable air suspension, decreasing the GL's ground clearance by about 7 cm.





See also: Mercedes-Benz GL450 got 2007 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award

Technorati tags: Mercedes-Benz, GL, tuning, X64, cars, SUV

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2008 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $25,700

Nissan North America has just begun selling its 2008 Nissan Pathfinder full-size SUV. Offered in six trims, the refreshed SUV is for the first time available with new 5.6-liter V8 engine, capable of producing up to 310 hp and impressive 388 lb-ft of torque. The standard model features less potent 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft torque 4.0-liter V6, though.




All models except for the top one are available with a standard five-speed automatic with a choice of either 4x2 or 4x4 drive.

The least expensive 2008 Nissan Pathfinder S comes at MSRP $25,700 and features 4x2 drive, standard V6 engine and you will have to through in additional couple of grands to upgrade it to the full-wheel-drive.



The mid-range 2008 Nissan Pathfinder SE trim is also available in either front- or full-wheel-drive and costs $30,600 or $32,850 respectively. These vehicles are shipped with the already both V6 and V8 engines, and feature new chrome applique for body side moldings, a RearView camera and a new rear lift gate with power cinch feature.



The top of the line 2008 Nissan Pathfinder LE starts at $33,900 and is available only in full-wheel-drive.




See also: Nissan Pathfinder scored well in EuroNCAP tests

Technorati tags: Nissan, Pathfinder, V8, price, cars, SUV


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Abt tunes VW Touareg

Marking the fifth anniversary of Volkswagen's aggressive charge into the field of premium SUVs, German tuner Abt has prepared its tuning program for the 2007 VW Touareg.



The program includes power enhancements for all of the engines that the new Touareg comes equipped with. The popular 3.0 TDI oil-burner gets a power bump of 45 hp, producing 270 horsepower and 550Nm of torque. A little bit smaller 2.5 TDI diesel engine now sports 195 hp instead of standard 174 hp. Touareg's top of the diesel line VS10 5.0-liter ten-cylinder turbodiesel engine got its power increased to 360 hp. And the most powerful 4.2-liter V8 now features as much as 500hp instead of the standard 350hp.



The Abt Touareg has also been given with new air suspension with Abt Level Control, as well as the Abt brake system, which replaces Touareg's standard brakes.

As to the SUV's appearance, it is equipped with a new front spoiler lip, side skirts, fender extensions, a rear wing, rear skirts and the mighty looking four-pipe exhaust system. The Abt Touareg may be delivered with the 19, 20 or even 22-inch Abt AR-wheels.

See also: Edo Competition tunes VW Touareg. Makes it a Porsche

Technorati tags: VW, Abt, Volkswagen, tuning, Touareg, cars, SUV

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Mercedes-Benz GL450 got 2007 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award

The guys from Motor Trend have finally announced the winner of their "SUV of the Year" competition. To their own surprise, the award went to the Mercedes-Benz GL450 seven-seater. The German full-size SUV somehow bested its major competitors -namely, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator- in terms of value for money, in-class superiority and marketplace significance.



Read the full review here.

See also: Paint me Ferrari Red: Mercedes-Benz ML350 by ART

Technorati tags: Mercedes-Benz, GL450, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, SUV

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2007 Isuzu Rodeo receives Prodrive tuning package

The 2007 Isuzu Rodeo pickup may now be ordered in the top of the range Denver Max LE trim featuring not only additional luxury but also the Prodrive Performance Pack boosting the vehicle's power from 136 to 167PS.



The Prodrive Performance Pack gets installed on the Rodeo's new 2.5-liter turbo-diesel engine, increasing its maximum power output from 136 to 167 PS while boosting torque from 217 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm to more appealing 292.8 lb-ft @ 2,200 rpm. Although the Isuzu Rodeo's top speed stays limited at 102.5 mph, its 0-62 acceleration nosedives from 12.8 to 11.7 seconds.

The power increase is reached via ECU tuning which uprates the fuel supply and alters the ignition timing.

Besides the Prodrive Performance Pack, the Denver Max LE trim also includes 18-inch Shadow Chrome alloy wheels with 255/60 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, as well as leather seats and door inserts, an LE mesh grille, a tough load-liner and a new branded LE hard top. There is also a DVD satellite navigation system with touchscreen and a Bluetooth kit for a wireless phone.

In the U.K. this workhorse will be priced at only £19,999 on-the-road.

See also: GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe go hybrid

Technorati tags: Isuzu, Isuzu Rodeo, Prodrive, tuning, ECU, cars, SUV

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Jeep Compass Rallye Package from Mopar adds insult to injury

Mopar has just revealed its "Rallye" package for the ugly Jeep Compass compact SUV. It's not a tuning package one might hope but only an appearance body kit, which, one might say, doesn't change Compass' appearance at all. To the better, I mean.



The 2007 Jeep Compass is a really ugly bastard. I mean it is so ugly, even Pontiac Aztek looks more like a beauty queen when compared. Apparently trying to do something about this, Jeep asked its affiliate Mopar tuning studio to make a body kit that would give the anemic-looking compact SUV a tougher look.



The job was done with the help of a new set of 18-inch wheels, roof-mounted rear spoiler, auxiliary driving lights with the Jeep logo, bright exhaust tips, and the "Rallye" chrome badge. Yuck.

The Jeep Compass Mopar Rallye Package will cost $1,985 when ordered with the Sport trim and $1,850 for the Jeep Compass Limited.

See also: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with more premium features

Technorati tags: Jeep, Jeep Compass, Mopar, appearance, body kit, cars, SUV

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GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe go hybrid

2008 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUVs will soon join Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango on their march towards the greener future. General Motors has officially unveiled on Tuesday preproduction versions of both SUVs equipped with the Two-Mode hybrid powertrain consisting of a huge 6L V8 internal combustion engine with VVT and smart displacement management, a couple of 60kW electric motors integrated into a newly developed electronic variable transmission and a 300V nickel metal hydride battery pack made by Cobasys.



The vehicles, The Detroit News reports, will feature 25 percent better mileage than the ordinary GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, which means the heavy SUVs will go extra four miles on a gallon in city driving. Driving 15,000 miles a year you'll save about 187.5 gallons of gasoline or $550 to $600. I guess you won't have enough time to break even before your grandkids go to school, but at least your consciousness will be clear and every tree-hugger will treat you as a friend.



GM plans to bring the hybrid GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe to the market before the end of the year.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuts

Technorati tags: GMC, Chevrolet, Yukon, Tahoe, hybrid, cars, SUV

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BMW X5 E70 tuned by Hamann

After introducing tuned versions of Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, German tuner Hamann has eventually presented its tuning program for a much less expensive but anyway gorgeous BMW X5 E70 SUV.



Sacrificing off-road capabilities in the name of on-road stability, Hamann's engineers have equipped the new BMW X5 with a new front spoiler mounted on the standard front apron and a new rear apron matching its styling. New roof spoiler will also provide additional stabilizing effect to the large vehicle.



The BMW X5 E70's Motronic ECU has also been reprogrammed to squeeze some additional power out of the vehicle's 3.0-liter oil-burner. The engine's maximum power output is now increased from 235 PS to more impressive 265 PS and 600 Nm of torque. The 8-cylinder 4.8i engine also produces 18PS more power and features some increase in torque.



See also: BMW X5 E70 to get a Double wishbone suspension instead of MacPherson

Technorati tags: Hamann, BMW, X5, tuning, cars, SUV

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Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango to go hybrid

Chrysler says it's planning to start selling its new Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango V8 HEMI-powered SUVs equipped with the Two-Mode hybrid powertrain, developed by DaimlerChrysler, BMW and GM. The vehicles will be presented to the public sometime during the next year and will reportedly feature 25% better fuel economy and 40% better efficiency in the city cycle.



KickingTires calculates that, featuring 14/19 mpg city/highway with a HEMI engine, the Chrysler Aspen's mileage will increase to 19.6/23 mpg respectively. Although the gain in mileage will likely be offset during the next couple of years because of rising oil-prices, the hybrid powertrain will nevertheless help both gas-guzzlers stay afloat until more fuel-efficient engines will arrive.



See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuts

Technorati tags: Chrysler, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, hybrid, SUV

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