Road and Driver

First there was the “small” TYPHOON body kit; now here comes the “big” TYPHOON wide body kit for the BMW X5 M. Thanks to optimised air flow and up to 15 % more cooling, the G-POWER body kit clears the way for an increase in the base output of the 4.4 l V8 bi-turbo power unit of 170 hp to no less than 725 hp. Muscular flared wheel arches plus distinctive skirts and spoilers on the front and rear trimmed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency define the look of the G-POWER X5 M TYPHOON. The body kit in original equipment quality made from PU RIM was developed by G-POWER designers using state-of-the-art CAD technology. The base vehicle was fully digitised in-house with a 3D scanner.

The elegant sweep of the flared G-POWER wheel arches front and rear – which, of course, come with perfectly matched inner panels – give the X5 M seven centimetres more width, making room for extra-wide 23-inch wheels and tyres. The top-end version comes with G-POWER SILVERSTONE RS forged wheels developed specifically for the TYPHOON, with 11Jx23 format up front and 12Jx23 on the rear. Each corner sports 315/25 ZR 23 high-performance rubber from development partner Michelin, delivering optimum traction and sporty handling that is further enhanced by the G-POWER sports suspension and a 30 mm lower ride height.

Together with the flared wheel arches, the face of the exclusive SUV is distinguished largely by the G-POWER TYPHOON front skirt designed entirely in-house. The large air intakes not only improve overtaking prestige, they also guarantee optimum cooling of the engine and front brakes. Moreover, design refinements succeeded in reducing aerodynamic lift on the front axle.

The sills on the TYPHOON serve not only as aerodynamically efficient transitions between the front and rear flares, they also house five LED units on each side that illuminate the ground on each side of the vehicle when activated either by remote control or by pulling the door handle. Along the upper surfaces, stainless steel inserts integrate a G-POWER logo also illuminated in blue.

Like the front section, the rear skirt on the TYPHOON is conceived to completely replace the production-standard bumper. The diffuser has an imposing impact on the rear view, as do the two distinctive 114 mm tailpipes on the G-POWER stainless steel sports silencer. Together with the spoiler fixed to the rear hatch, which adds visual length to the roofline, minimal lift has been achieved at the rear axle, too. A further example of the detailed refinements in the design of the G-POWER TYPHOON Wide Version for the BMW X5 M is the four-part underbody panelling.

In keeping with the dynamic look, G-POWER offers a mighty power unit for the BMW X5 M. Thanks to the enlarged air intakes in the front skirt and the outlet vents in the bonnet, there is an improved flow of cooling air to the radiator and oil cooler at the front of the vehicle, increasing cooling performance by around 15%. This establishes the basis for a thermally balanced performance increase achieved by electronic optimisation developed by G-POWER and involving changes to the engine mapping including removal of the top speed limiter. On the exhaust side, a fully stainless steel G-POWER system delivers the necessary reduction in exhaust back pressure featuring a set of sport catalytic converters and most important a set of flow optimized G-POWER exhaust manifolds connecting the turbochargers. In addition, optimised connection pipes have also been installed between the turbochargers and the cylinder heads to minimise pressure and thermodynamic losses. The outcome is an additional 170 hp, taking the overall output to an impressive 725 hp at 6,000 r/min and 890 Nm of torque at 1,500 r/min. The maximum torque is electronically limited. In combination with a reinforcement of the standard BMW X6 M automatic transmission a torque maximum of 1000 Nm can be provided.

The enormous potential of the G-POWER modified BMW V8 bi-turbo power unit endows the X5 M with on-the-road performance that catapults it into the elite group at the very top of this vehicle class. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h lasts only 4.2 seconds, with the top speed at over 300 km/h.

G-POWER has refined the interior of the BMW X5 M with exclusive accessories like an ergonomically designed sports steering wheel, a G-POWER speedometer and fine carbon-fibre trim on the side panels, centre console and dashboard. Further preferences can be fulfilled with exclusive interiors in all shades of leather and Alcantara.

This is the documentation video of a BMW Z4 GT3 being assembled. The car arrived from the manufacturer to the workshop in pieces and it took us 600 hours to put everything together.

BMW ships the car out in boxes and it’s up to the proud new owner to put it together. Swedish race crew, Team West Coast Racing, did just that. The entire build took them 600 hours and they kept a camera rolling during that period. A time-lapse video captures the action as bare chassis becomes complete racer. 600 hours is 25 days, and 25 days is a long time to wait in between track sessions. In this case, the wait seems worth it and you can see the build video for yourself

Click here to view the embedded video.

MR Car Design from Erftstadt recently released their tuning upgrade for the BMW 335i. Desribed as the ‘Black Scorpion’, MR Car Design has focussed on the performance aspects of the BMW 335i.

Power output has been increased by 100 hp from the standard 306 PS (225 kW / 302 bhp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) to a respectable 406 PS (299 kW / 400 bhp) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft). Other upgrades include a performance exhaust system (from 850 €) which includes new catalytic converters, an XXL-intercooler (899 € including installation) and optimization of the engine software (849 €).

The Black Scorpion is fitted with Sprit alloy wheels from Breyton, MR Car Design’s official partner, in 8.5 x 20 and 10.5 x 20 together with high-performance tires in 235/30-20 and 285/25-20. The complete MR set is priced from 2548 € depending on brand of tires selected. The suspension can also be improved with a set of KW V3 coilover kit (V1 from € 929).

MR Car Design state that have kept the styling modest with only the wheels and suspension drop setting the tone. However, for €1000 they’ll install an original M3 hood with its power bulge.

Akrapovic are gaining recognition for their high-end titanium exhaust systems for cars, however the Akrapovic name is more widely known for developing exhaust systems for motorsports and road bikes. More recently, Akrapovic has ventured into the development of exhausts technology in the high-performance car market.

With its high-tech facilities in Slovenia, Akrapovic utilizes cutting-edge technology alongside traditional craftsmanship to produce some of the most sought-after exhaust systems on the market.

All Akrapovic exhaust systems are constructed from the company’s own exclusively developed titanium alloy; a material 3 times stronger and more heat resistant than other titanium materials, while being 40% lighter than traditional stainless steel.

Our readers may be interested in the range of exhaust systems available for BMW models. At present, Akrapovic produce systems for the 335i (E90, E91, E92), M3 (E90, E92, E93), M6 (E63, E64) and X6 (E71).

Evolution exhaust system for BMW M3 (E90, E92, E93)
The system which has received the most attention to date is the Evolution exhaust system for BMW M3 (E90, E92, E93). This consists of flow optimized link pipes with 2 x 100 cpsi sports catalysts and integrated resonators with a completely newly developed split-end muffler system. This system is made completely from titanium, and reduces the overall weight when compared to the stock system by 23.97 kg (see photo below):

From approximately 2.500 rpm, the power increase is approximately 23 HP. The torque is almost constant at 34.7 Nm over the standard. The engine is also stronger in the higher rpm-range and elasticity is improved considerably. The improvement of acoustics also played an important role in the system’s development.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more information, pricing and specifications, visit US: www.akrapovic.com or Uk: www.titaniumperformance.co.uk.

Onyx are expected to release a new styling and performance package for the BMW M3 (E92/E93). Having previously focussed on the SUV market, the new upgrade suggests a change of direction for this tuning company.

The BMW M3 exterior changes consist of a new front and rear bumpers, sides skirts, front carbon fiber lip, rear carbon fiber diffuser, carbon bonnet, carbon boot lid and roof tip spoiler. The interior has an onyx designed buffalo hide leather package that can be chosen in different color combinations.

Power is raised to 630 PS (463 kW / 621 hp), which is a significant increase over the original 420 PS (309 kW / 414 hp). Other upgrades include a 12 piece carbon fiber paneling kit in either black/blue/orange colored carbon weaves.

The upgrade is expected to be available from October 31st, contact Onyx for further information on pricing and specifications.

It’s unlikely that any other BMW has had such a polarising effect as the gigantic X6. The Munich SUV, with its suggestive coupé silhouette, possesses proportions that seem enormous, and is the perfect embodiment of a luxury all-terrain vehicle. Positioned above the much-loved BMW X5, in recent years the X6 has quietly developed into a real sales hit for the Bavarian carmaker.

The name Enco Exclusive is now famous all over the world, and the Chemnitz manufacturer has specialised in refining luxury vehicles since the beginning of the new century. The newest creation out of Saxony is a complete body kit for the BMW X6. The Enco designers have developed a widebody kit that makes the X6 even wider, brawnier and, naturally, more sporty.

The new front bumper has three large air intakes to improve cooling of the engine and brakes, as well as integrated LED daytime driving lamps. Full wheel arch surrounds are responsible for a brawny appearance, complemented by a pair of new side skirts. The rear doors have been specially modified to flow seamlessly into the new rear bumper. The rear appears extremely brawny, thanks to a diffuser integrated into the bumper, and a new, centrally positioned sports exhaust system with four round stainless steel tailpipes.

The four Jura model rims, exclusive to Enco, ensure a suitably impressive appearance. The impressively sized 11 x 23 inch wheels fill out the oversized wheel arches, and are fitted with 315/25 R3 tyres.

The Chemnitz manufacturer is asking approx. EUR 15,000.-, including VAT, for the complete conversion including fresh paintwork.

More information available online at www.enco-exclusive.de

TopCar and Lumma Design have finally revealed their body styling program for the BMW 5-Series F10. After initial details and designs shown to us at the end of last year, now all the information has been unveiled at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show.

The kit is named CLR 500 RS2 and includes a new front bumper with integrated LED running lights, carbon fiber hood, wider rear fenders, side skirts, rear bumper with integrated rear diffuser and dark tail lights. TopCar also added a carbon fiber rear trunk spoiler and new rims to the 5 Series setup.

The car shown here costs about € 136,933. There are no details as of yet in terms of the engine performance upgrades other than the quad exhaust shown in their demo car. But Lumma claims that it’s currently producing 380hp.

All body components are made of vacuum formed Kevlar and carbon fiber. The interior has been completely redone with Nappa leather and carbon fiber trim inserts. We show pictures from the press release but also from the Moscow Motor Show.

Following up on the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS powered by a G-POWER twin-supercharger engine with 750 hp/551 kW, which has set the record for the ‘world’s fastest sedan’ at 367,4 km/h in early 2010, G-POWER did it again. But this time with 372 km/h! With this target in mind, the development for the new evolutionary HURRICANE RR with 800 hp began.

G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RR

800 hp / 588 kW at 7.500 r/min (+ 293 hp / 215 kW)
800 Nm at 5.000 r/min (+ 180 Nm)
Top speed: 372 km/h
0-100 km/h: 4,35s
0-200 km/h: 9,5s
0-100 km/h: 25,8s
Vehicle complete with accessories: starting at € 252.100,00,– (net)

A few weeks ago, the air is tight with tension when the G-POWER engineers give their “go” for the M5 HURRICANE RR to manage the ultimate test: High Speed. It takes only a few minutes to change the standard 20 inch G-POWER forged wheels to 19 inch ones. The wheels, especially fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires that Michelin are certified for top speeds of more than 370 km/h. The HURRICANE RR is ready to go, the test track as well. Apart from the swop of the wheels the HURRICANE RR is completely standard and relies predominantly on its power of the bi-supercharger engine. And just a few laps later it is done. The analysis of the engineers states a top speed of 372,1 km/h. World record! Once again…

To achieve this extreme performance, the twin supercharger system of the high-revving V10 has been redesigned. The two superchargers named ASA T1-313 have been replaced by larger ASA T1-316 units. They are both driven by a belt and do provide each cylinder bank with supercharged air. This means more space for the supercharged air by up to 25 percent. The air volume being transported by these modified superchargers is able to generate a theoretical power output of more than 900 hp.

The pre-compressed air from the superchargers is cooled for a maximum power output. A complicated aluminium casting - painted in G-POWER orange - replaces the standard air box on top of the engine, and its direct inlet is responsible for the spontaneous response characteristics which give the G-POWER motor its incomparable response and also much more torque.

The inner workings of the 10-cylinder, four-valve engine are optimised by light, precisely balanced MAHLE high-performance forged pistons with lower compression and increased mechanical strength. As the standard connecting rods and piston pins were equally not up to the considerably increased forces, here too, recourse was had to special parts.
An optimized mapping of the engine electronics also contributes to the increased power output of 800 hp / 588 kW, available between 7,500 and 8,000 rpm. The engine delivers its peak of torque of 800 Nm at 5,000 rpm.

But the G-POWER HURRICANE RR does not only set new performance standards for top speed. With an acceleration of just 4.35 seconds from nought to 100 km/h, 9.5 seconds up to 200 km/h and 25,8 seconds up to 300 km/h the two-ton sedan is also leading his class.

The G-POWER technology is available for all current M5 and M6 models. The G-POWER SK III bi-supercharger engine conversion with 750 hp / 551 kW starts at 56,000 Euros (net).

In addition to the most powerful BMW engine ever being fitted to a street-legal BMW M5 a new aerodynamic for maximum efficiency was key. The HURRICANE RR is equipped with the G-POWER “HIGHLINE” body kit. In addition to provide the necessary downforce the body kit is also designed to provide significant more air flow to cool the engine. The body kit consists of front and rear skirts and spoilers, doors render and the rear spoiler.

Two tons of weight and a top speed of 372.1 km/h naturally require extreme demands on the tires, being fitted on special G-POWER forged wheels. Our technology partner Michelin provided high-performance Pilot Sport tires in the dimensions 255/35 ZR 19 at the front axle and 305/30 ZR 19 at the rear axle for this reason. For every day use the G-POWER HURRICANE RR runs on 20-inch Silverstone CLUBSPORT wheels with the dimensions 245/35 ZR 20 and 285/30 ZR 20 front and rear.

Even more contributions to the HURRICANE RR’s high-speed talents are coming from a G-POWER high-performance brake system and the height-adjustable G-POWER RS coilover suspension that is adjustable for both compression and rebound in nine settings.

The interior of the record car features a tachometer reading up to 400 km/h, clear-coated carbon-fiber panels for the dashboard, center console and door panels. An ergonomically shaped G-POWER sports steering wheel with especially perforated Kjerba Nappa leather is completing this package.

The G-POWER HURRICANE RR can be ordered as a complete car starting at 251,100 Euros. Any current M5 model - sedan or station wagon - can also be equipped with the individual G-POWER components of the world record holder.

The company G-POWER:

G-POWER was established in 1983 and has ever since exclusively focused on tuning BMW automobiles and producing exclusive one-of-a-kinds. In 2008, the brand celebrated its 25-year anniversary and today, it is one of the most renowned providers on the global market. By developing the world-wide strongest versions of the most important BMW engines in-house, G-POWER significantly stands out from its competitors. G-POWER holds various world records and its 800 hp strong BMW M5 Hurricane RR is the fastest limousine in the world. G-POWER is holding the High-Speed record for over two years now.

Chiptuners SKN have released a complete tuning program to the BMW Z4 suitable for daily use and with more than 400hp. The SKN BMW Z4 3.5 RS can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 4.1s with stage 2 that outputs 401 hp.

The upgrade includes:

SKN Power Tuning Stage 3: remapping of the original software, including speed limiter increase

SKN PERFORMANCE stainless steel exhaust system version 1 Designed to reduce the dynamic pressure and to improve heat dissipation. The performance can be increased and optimized with SKN Power Tuning. Back Cat System includes: silencers, muffler, tailpipes including selectable look right or left 2 X 80 mm - sonorous sound

SKN MOTORSPORT Cat replacement pipe

SKN Bilstein B16 PSS10 Coilover Adjustable mono-tube / Upside-Down Technology - 10 parallel stage damping force adjustment - when installed - provides its registered adjustment for individual vehicle appearance and perfect handling - Gas technology ensures that the damper located in the oleic acid is not foamed Front: 30-50mm Rear: 30-50mm

K&N air filter - alternative - Air Intake Induction Kit (without TÜV)

MOTORSPORT BBS CH silver / black
Front: 8.5 X 19 “with Continental Sport Contact III 225/35 ZR 19
Rear: 9.5 X 19 “with Continental Sport Contact III 265/30 ZR 19

SKN MOTORSPORT brake KIT front axle 380 mm / 4 piston

SKN MOTORSPORT clutch with reinforced pressure plate

SKN delivers the highest quality as a matter of principle! In contrast with many mass suppliers on the market, SKN has always placed great emphasis on sensible performance optimisation and TÜV-tested products. The result is that SKN, as market leader, looks after entire fleets (Deutsche Post, Lufthansa) and won the trust of the Federal Ministry of the Interior from a very early stage. Many police vehicles used for undercover assignments have been optimised individually by SKN for many years now. In addition, the TÜV certification and the entitlement to advertise in Germany with the TÜV sign demonstrate great trust in the performance capability of SKN.

Here is a nice looking BMW M3 from Spain. This E46 has a very nice color and a set of Savini SV-5 forged wheels. The car is dropped and has a nice bodykit. No more details about the car.