BMW has just released full details and photos on the updated versions of its best-selling tourer, the R 1200 RT, which now features a new boxer engine with much more torque, new DOHC cylinder heads, redesigned cockpit with additional visor, new shift units, new hydraulic reservoir and handlebar separately mounted, as well as a new audio system.

The new engine with two overhead camshafts per cylinder delivers much more torque, traction, pulling force, and acceleration. The maximum output remaining at 81 kW (110 hp) at 7,750 rpm. Maximum torque increased to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm, and an increase in maximum engine speed from 8,000 to 8,500 rpm.

New colors for the 2010 BMW R 1200 RT are Polar metallic, Ostra Grey metallic matt, Thunder Grey metallic, multi-color paintwork in conjunction with Thunder Grey metallic base color.

Ferrari has announced the amount for which the unique Ferrari 599 China has been auctioned. The unique Ferrari 599 China was won tonight by an anonymous client from Shanghai at the final price of about 1.2 million euro (including taxes). The auction for the Ferrari 599 China was held at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing and was organized by the Prancing Horse.

Lu Hao, the first Chinese artist to work with Ferrari, created this special model decorated with Song Dynasty Ge Kiln pottery patterns.

The funds raised by this auction will go to outstanding students and young teachers of Tsinghua University’s Department of Automotive Engineering to study at Italy’s Politecnico di Milano University and internship at Ferrari’s headquarters.

[Source: Ferrari]

The Scion Rally xD has been premiered at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas. 0-60 Magazine and Sprear arco has released the rally version of the Scion xD. The 0-60 Magazine Sparco Rally Scion xD concept features Pro-ADV Race Seats, Safari Race Steering Wheel, Navigators Footrest, 6 Point Harnesses, Mud Flaps.

Communications Unit, Helmet/Information Storage, Piuma Shift Knob, Race Pedals and Quick Hub Adapter/Release.

The Sparco Rally xD is using different carbon-fiber elements, including the front hood, rear hatchwing and panels. There is also a FIA Spec Rally Cage, Universal Light Pod, Front Aluminum Skid Plate, Spoiler, Front Bumper Pod Mounts and a new Greddy Guages and Exhaust System.

[Source: Scion]

2009 Lexus IS 350C by VIP Auto Salon and JTuned is premeried at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. VIP Auto Salon, an aftermarket parts manufacturer, and the Japanese car enthusiast website JTuned worked on the car that they now call the Matador Red IS C.

While many custom-car builders prefer extreme designs, VIP Auto Salon and JTuned.com took a more subtle approach with their Lexus IS 350 C. Requiring approximately $15,000 and about one and one-half months of hard labor, the Matador Red IS C features a carbon-fiber hood, carbon-fiber trunk spoiler, a high-performance exhaust system, and custom tires and wheels.

[Source: Lexus]

Keating has revealed the first image of the TKR supercar, a model that was claimed to become the fastest production car. The Keating TKR supercar is powered by a 7.0-litre, 2,000-horsepower V8 engine and which has a top speed of 416km/h, is now on display at this year’s MPH Show in the UK. The Keating TKR recently beat the Shelby Aero TT’s top speed record at the Salt Lake Flats in California, in the US.

‘The Keating TKR realises our ambition to take on the world’s finest supercars and win. This car rivals them all for looks, handling, performance and exclusivity. And best of all, it’s British,’ says Tony Keating, founder of Keating Supercars.

The company has also announced that the Keating TKR will have to do it again to get into the Guinness Book of World Records.

[Source: Keating]

The Lexus GS350 F-Sport by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) made its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show. Toyota Racing Development has brought the GS 350 to the limits and has loaded it up with all the F-Sport performance accessories available. This includes an F-Sport lowering spring set and F-Sport performance brakes.

The Lexus TRD GS350 F-Sport highlights includes: F-Sport 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport Ultra-high Performance tires, F-Sport Performance front and rear brake upgrade kit, F-Sport shocks and lowering spring set, Five Axis four-piece ground effects kit and grille insert and PPG Vibrance Orange Glow three-stage candy paint.

[Source: Lexus]

Epic Cartel has released a new customization kit for the Scion TC at this year's SEMA show. The Epic Cartel Scion TC has been 3" with B-Pillars and center glass roof section has been removed and reinforced completely.

The Epic Cartel Scion TC customization kit includes: TRD Supercharger Kit, TRD LSD Unit, Cartel Side Exit Exhaust, DME Sport Header, Master Image Air Bag Kit, Factory Suspension Points Re-engineered & Relocated, 22×8 Cartel Designed Billet 3-Piece Forged Vellano Rims and TOYO Proxes 4 235/30/ZR22.

The Epic Cartel Scion TC comes with a 3" Roof Line Chop, Center Glass Top and B-Pillars Removed, Custom Metal Fabrication Interior & Exterior Panels, Pearl White Base Paint with Two-Tone Graphics & Ghosted Logos Throughout, Custom ED Front & Rear Bumpers and Custom Rear Hatch Formed & Vacuum Seal Molded.

[Source: Scion]

This week at the 2009 SEMA Show, Chevrolet is showing off five new Camaro concepts, one which is a race-ready, twin-turbocharged V6 from Jay Leno. The Jay Leno Camaro is one of the most radical looking Camaro concepts at SEMA this year.

The new car is powered by a a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L direct injected V6 (that comes standard on the Camaro LS and LT models) but the real power comes from a pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers, force-feeding the engine about seven pounds of boost and lifting its horsepower level to about 425 hp. This means that the car has about 40% more power comparing it to the stock version.

Other mechanical changes made to the car include include a larger-capacity Be-Kool radiator and a custom exhaust system, as well as a Centerforce-supplied clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission. It also has Brembo six-piston brake package, Pedders coil-over lowering kit, New front fascia with custom fog lamps and integral brake cooling vents and Air extractor-style hood.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Daimler has released the new Mercedes SLS AMG in depth information, including a new set of high resolution images. Some of the highlights of the Mercedes SLS AMG include an aluminum spaceframe, a carbon-fiber drive shaft, a differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7 speed sports transmission. Regarding safety, the Mercedes SLS AMG comes with adaptive front airbags, a 3-stage ESP system, a high-performance composite braking system and a kneebags for leg protection in case of a frontal impact.

The Mercedes SLS AMG is a front-mid-engine car, powered by the 6.2 liter engine developing 571 hp at 6800 rpm and 650 Nm of torque at 4750 rpm. with this monster under its skin, the Mercedes SLS AMG can reach 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and can keep on accelerating until it reaches a limited top speed of 317 km/h.

[Source: Mercedes]

Toyota made a announcement that its out of F1 starting from the end of the 2009 season. Considering its motor sport activities for the next year, Toyota has withdrawn from the FIA F1 World Championship due to the global economic conditions.

Toyota had entered F1 in 2002 and since than it has managed 13 podium and 87 point finishes over eight years in business.

Previewing a future color to be available on a limited edition model during the first half of 2010, Chevrolet unmasked the Camaro Synergy concept at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. In addition to the future Camaro color, the concept also features a host of available GM accessories.

Some of the unique elements of the Camaro Synergy include Ground effects kit, front spoiler, rear diffuser, High wing rear spoiler,Cyber Grey Rally hood stripes, Performance air intake and 21-inch wheels, with a black center finish and polished rim.

This car also hosts some of the approved aftermarket products such as a Pedders coil-over lowering kit and a set of large, Brembo brakes, as well as color-coordinating the Jet Black interior with Synergy Green accent stitching, piping and other accents.

TAG Heuer unveiled the super fast special edition of its MERIDIIST handset, inspired by the Lamborghini Murcielago, and it looks awesome. Only 1963 pieces of the phone will be available for purchase, to tribute to the year Automobili Lamborghini was founded.

In tribute to the year Automobili Lamborghini was founded, 1963 pieces of this finely-tuned device will be sold worldwide.

The TAG Heuer Heuer MERIDIIST Automobili Lamborghini phone will be available in November at selected TAG Heuer and Lamborgini retailers. Price was not unveiled yet.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Celebrating its 50th year in America, Honda kicked off its week at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) show in Las Vegas with a variety of historic and accessorized Honda vehicles, a robust Honda Performance Development (HPD) racing display and the reveal of a 2010 Accord Sedan equipped with MUGEN accessories.

"Customized Honda cars factor strongly into SEMA history and are a big part of Honda's 50 years in America," said Bruce Smith, vice president of Parts Operations for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With a growing accessory lineup, now including MUGEN kits for the Accord sedan and Fit, Honda is committed to supporting personalization of our vehicles into the future."

[Source: Honda]

Chevrolet has taken the wraps off their new Silverado ZR2 concept at SEMA. The new Silverado ZR2 concept features a widened body, tall stance and powerful LS supercharged engine and GM says it’s ready to “hit the berms, dry washes and gullies of the Baja Peninsula.”

Meant to showcase GM's extensive performance parts collection, the ZR2 has been outfitted with a 550 horsepower LS supercharged V8 crate engine. Other goodies include BDS shocks, a four-inch lift kit, an extruded aluminum cargo management rail system (in the bed), and skid plates.

In terms of styling, the ZR2 features a bold design with carbon fiber body work (the front fenders, hood, fender flares, side sills and tailgate), a larger grille, and 20-inch BBS RD wheels with 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires. On the exterior the concept is painted in Dune Metallic. Inside, the concept boasts black leather and suede seats (with contrast stitching) and plenty of carbon fiber trim.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Subaru used the 2009 SEMA Show to showcase the tuning possibilities for the new 2010 Legacy with a VIP-styled Legacy 2.5GT. In true Japanese VIP fashion, this Legacy 2.5GT gets a deep purple paint job, an air ride suspension and a set of 20-inch wheels wit a 4-inch lip. The Subaru Legacy 2.5GT VIP is powered by the standard 265-hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque turbocharged and intercooled engine coupled with the 6-speed manual transmission.

To fit the big wheels, the car’s fenders had to be flared wit other modifications including a long list of JDM Legacy parts like a hood, bumper, grille as well as HID headlights and fog lights. The car also gets a roof spoiler as well as a rear decklid spoiler. In order to fit the smooth JDM hood, the Legacy’s top-mount intercooler was replaced with a Mishimoto front mount intercooler.

The cabin gets a complete diamond-stitch leather treatment. The rear seat area was changed significantly with two bucket seats, two LCD screens and a huge audio setup.

[Source: Subaru]

Kia’s UK Division is moving ahead with plans of releasing another limited edition Soul in November. Called the ‘Tempest’ the special edition Soul is the next-in-line to be released as part of Kia’s Original Collection.

The car comes with a 1.6-liter engine in either gas or diesel variants. Its Titanium Silver finish goes well with the black high-gloss bumper inserts, giving it a sleek and aggressive look. The black 18-inch alloy wheels also compliments the overall burnished effect of the Soul Tempest.

The Tempest’s interior has also been upgraded to the brim. It has a black seat trim with metallic centre fascia that goes well with the overall theme of the car. The Tempest also has a reverse camera system with electrochromatic rear-view mirror and a fully-prepped sound system that has a dash-top speaker, an external amplifier, and a rear sub-woofer.

At prices starting at just £12,845 and with a choice of 1.6 litre petrol or diesel lumps (and even an auto option on the diesel) is a downright good deal in every sense of the word.

[Source: Kia]

Chevrolet has presented at this year's SEMA show the Camaro Dusk Concept. The Camaro Dusk is a concept car inspired by the "style of young and urban professionals". It features an aggressive looking with a lowered ride height and a Berlin Blue exterior color.

The list of accessories includes: a racing-inspired front splitter, rocker extensions, a rear diffuser, 21-inch wheels from BBS, taillamp and fog lamp bezels that match the finish of the wheels and an exhaust system and Brembo brakes from a Camaro SS.

The interior of the concept is designed in the Jet Black and Sedona style with complementing features including footwell lighting, premium door sill plates, Jet Black and Sedona, with complementing features including footwell lighting, premium door sill plates and other details.

[Source: Chevrolet]

The SPT 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI premiered at this year's SEMA show keeps the stock powertrain almost intact. The SPT 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is powered by the 2.5 liter DOHC, 16 valve, turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine, equipped with the Dual Active Valve Control System. This means the SPT 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI develops 290 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM while the power output goes up to 315 hp at 6,000 RPM thanks to a new exhaust system.

The suspension system of the SPT 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI features new springs and a SPT strut tower brace and lower chassis brace. the car sits on Prodrive GT2 wheels.

The interior of the SPT 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI includes six 10-inch LCDs scattered around, a boost gauge, a media hub digital music integration system and an auto-dimming mirror with transflective display and a HomeLink transmitter.

[Source: Subaru]

The 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet has been introduced today at the SEMA show and hopes to continue the success of the 2008 model which managed a NHRA Winternationals victory. For its SEMA launch, Ford racing has unveiled a one-of-a-kind SEMA Special Silver Cobra Jet with charcoal Cobra Jet graphics. Like its predecessor, the 2010 Cobra Jet is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing.

Some of the equipment on the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet includes a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell. The 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet also features a control/rev limiter that will allow the driver preset the rpm after they stage the car.

Production of the 2010 Cobra Jets will kick off in January at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. All 50 units of the car have already been spoken for and deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2010.

Since the Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6 Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.

[Source: Ford]

HUMMER comes to Las Vegas and the 2009 SEMA Show with a group of four special trucks and SUVs (two concepts and two Hummer race vehicles ) demonstrating the purpose-built nature of HUMMER vehicles.

The two new concepts are called H3 Moab and H3T Sportsman. The Hummer H3 Moab pays tribute to of the world’s greatest landscapes which includes the Steel Bender, Moab Rim, and Poison Spyder.

The Hummer H3 Moab is based on the H3 Alpha and is powered by a V8 engine developing 300 hp. The Hummer H3T Sportsman is powered by the 5.3-liter V8 engine from the Alpha model that has received 70 extra hp.

The Hummer H3T Sportsman and the Hummer H3 Moab are joined at the SEMA 2009 show by the Robby Gordon Off-Road Dakar HUMMER and the Rod Hall Racing H3 Alpha.

[Source: Hummer]