Project Kahn Turns its Focus on the RS

Aftermarket British tuner Project Kahn has released a mild upgrade package for the now obsolete Ford Focus RS. The company left the hot hatch's 305HP-strong 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five intact, and concentrated on the styling aspect of the tune.

The exterior changes are limited to a new set of Kahn designed alloy wheels available in sizes up to 19-inches, smoked windows, new exhaust tail pipes, and a matte black finish for back spoiler, side vents, rear and front diffuser, and bonnet vents.

A lowering module for the suspension and the red brake calipers rounds out the tune while buyers can also opt of a bespoke treatment of the interior with custom upholstery and colors.

 

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Citroën DS3 Racing Special Receives the Superchip Treatment

These days, the easiest way to improve the performance of any modern car is through a software upgrade. British tuner Superchips, which specializes on ECU remaps, has launched a new program for the special edition Citroën DS3 Racing that has a limited production run of 1,000 units.

In UK trim, the sportiest version of the French hatchback is fitted with a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine delivering 204bhp and 202.8 lb-ft (275Nm) of peak torque.

After Superchip's ECU optimization, the blown four-banger gains 26bhp and 43Nm for a total of 230bhp and 318Nm (234.5 lb-ft).

The British tuner claims that the upgrade makes the hot hatch feel "livelier" and with "enhanced in gear acceleration". The company added that while it has yet to test the improved DS3 Racing, it expects that the power increase will help the car "eclipse" the quoted 6.5 seconds 0-60 mph (96km/h) time and 149 mph (240km/h) top speed.

The ECU tune is suitable for all Citroën DS3 Racing models produced from January 2011 onwards, with UK pricing set at £455.00, including VAT at 20%.

 

 

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Kubatech Gives the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Some Wings

In cooperation with Mcchip-dkr, German tuning firm Kubatech has presented a soft performance upgrade for the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing.

The kit is limited to a software optimization for the ECU. The Gullwing model's 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine normally lays out 571-horsepower and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of peak torque at 4,750 rpm, and this package will bump those figures to 625-horses and 680Nm (501.5 lb-ft).

The cost for the upgrade is set at a hefty €8,026, which comes to around US$10,950 at today's exchange rates.

 

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2012 Ford Fiesta gets sport appearance package with slight performance upgrade

Ford wants you to get personal with the 2012 Fiesta. Be it through custom exterior graphics or LED lighting, Ford offers something to make your Fiesta truly your own. Now, if you opt for the SEL or SES trims, you can also choose from a pair of new two-tone interior color schemes. The 2012 Fiesta can be outfitted with Oxford White or Race Red, both of which are paired with black.

Besides the interior style touches, the 2012 Ford Fiesta is now being offered with a sport appearance package. It includes blacked-out side mirrors, grille-surround, upper rear-hatch spoiler and a set of 16-inch polished alloy wheels. This isn’t just for looks, though. When equipped with a manual transmission, the standard 4.07 gear ratio gets swapped out for a 4.25 final drive ratio, meaning off-the-line acceleration should prove to be a bit more brisk.

Check out the new interior options in the gallery below, and click past the jump to read the full press release.

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2011 Ducati Superbikes gain features, keep prices in check

Ducati’s range-topping sportbike gets a pretty substantial upgrade for the 2011 model year, gaining a bunch of new standard equipment and seeing the introduction of an SP model as a replacement for the discontinued 1198 R. Perhaps the best news of all, though, is that pricing has pretty much held the line, even with the new features.

At the low end, not that any Ducati 1198 is exactly a stripper, is the standard 1198 for $16,495. For 2011, Ducati graces its superbike with Traction Control, a Ducati Data Analysis computer and a new quick-shifter. Stepping up to the next rung will get you the $21,995 1198 SP, which boasts the same updates as the standard model plus a sexy aluminum tank that weighs less and holds a gallon more fuel than the old steel unit, seven-spoke Marchesini wheels, slipper clutch and finally an Ohlins front fork and TTX rear shock.

Though the SP seems expensive, it’s actually a pretty good deal considering it comes in at just a $100 premium over last year’s S model. Still, if you want to save some coin, we doubt you’ll be disappointed by the new 2011 848 EVO and its 140-horsepower engine for $13,995. See more details on the 848 EVO here, and be sure to check out our high-res image galleries below.

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