Autos

When I think of a mass produced large luxury car the first thing that pops up in my head is the Mercedes-Benz S Class and then maybe the Audi A8 and Lexus LS.  For some reason the BMW 7 Series never crosses my mind, I wonder if most other car enthusiasts think the same way.

BMW is hoping to make their 7 Series flagship sedan more memorable with the 2013 model, although this model has been in production for 4 years and the 2013 model gets a minor facelift and a few upgrades.

Porsche recently released details of an exclusive Powerkit made specifically for the 2013 Carerra S making it even more powerful. The modifications to the 3.8-liter boxer engine increase the power to 424hp from the 394hp in stock form.

With the new found power, top speed is now 190mph with PDK and a 191mph with the seven-speed manual transmission. Porsche’s Powerkit brings changes to the cylinder heads with custom camshafts, an added center radiator, a new variable resonance intake system, and a new exhaust system featuring two sets of twin tailpipes. It will also include the Sport Chrono package as well as carbon inlays and a different engine cover (titanium color).

Anderson Germany is known for taking exotic cars and blessing them with their special touch. This time around, it’s the Porsche Panamera GTS. The GTS model is level below the turbo and its 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine delivers 430hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Just because it has an abundance of power which the owner will almost never use to its full potential, doesn’t mean tuners can’t mess around with it to create an even more powerful beast.

First things first, they technicians started off with the V8 engine by implanting software upgrades as well as a three-stage adjustable sports exhaust system. Those changes along boosted the horsepower from 430

I drive the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu almost on a daily basis and it’s a very forgettable vehicle. Nothing really stands out about the car in terms of performance or interior features. In terms of American vehicles, Ford seems to be the only guys that have stepped it up in the quality department. But it looks like Chevrolet is starting to play a little catch up with an all-new design for the 2013 Malibu which is also available in the ECOTEC 2.0-liter turbo producing 259 horsepower.

But for the upcoming 2012 SEMA Show, Chevy will be showcasing a new 2013 Malibu Turbo Performance Concept which is based on the stock ECOTEC 2.0 turbo model seems to have been inspired by the ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ series but it’s fun to look at.

At the moment, the F12berlinetta is the fasted Ferrari currently being offered by the company until something uber exotic comes along like the Enzo. Until then, clients will have to settle for the 730 horsepower Ferrari F12berlinetta.  But if settling is not an option, perhaps Novitec Rosso might the company you would like to have a word with.

Although the 6.2-liter V12 produces 730hp and an impressive 509 lb-ft of torque, there is always room for improvement. The German tuner came up with a kit to that slightly improves the power output as well as change the aesthetics of the vehicle.

It looks like the Toyota 86 is the new vehicle of choice for tuners to play around with and let their imaginations go wild due to its affordability and the rear-wheel drive factor. The same can be said for the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ which is essentially the same vehicle with different logos. Weeks before the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, WALD International has revealed a complete aerodynamics kit for the Toyota 86.

The updated look gives the Toyota an over the top, crazy looking hood featuring hard to miss air scoops. The rear fenders on the car have also been updated to give it a wider and extended appearance. From the back view, we can see that Wald has added a diffuser along with some sexy quad mufflers which really add character to the car. The spoiler has also been swapped out for something a little bigger and the vehicle is finished off with a set of new five-spoke allow wheels wrapped in low-profile performance tires.  

2013 is shaping up to be a great year, at least for us car guys.  It’s only January and there have been so many hot new cars unveiled already, can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings us.  The latest new car unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show is the 2014 Cadillac ELR Hybrid Coupe.

At first I thought the ELR Coupe was a concept, but it’s actually going into production and will be available in the fall of 2013.  The car is an extended-range hybrid using technology borrowed from the Chevrolet Volt electric car.