2008 JE Design Seat Leon 1 P Wide Body

(from JE Design Press Release) JE DESIGN well-known as a SEAT tuning specialist, is now presenting the highlight of its Leon suite - a wide body with wing doors. JE DESIGN also gives the new turbo-charged petrol engine an extra boost.

The direct injection TFSI engine, which VW has recently started to fit, promises a great deal of tuning potential. By means of modification to the engine management system, JE DESIGN squeezes 180/(244) kW/(bhp) and 355 Nm from this 2 litre turbo-charged four-cylinder engine, which otherwise generates 147/(200) kW/(bhp) and 280 Nm in the Seat Leon. This power boost enables this handsome Spaniard to race along 13 km/h faster than the standard version. Even more impressive than the top speed of 242 km/h is the awesome acceleration. The 6.4 seconds it takes to sprint from 0 to 100 instead of the standard 7.3 speak for themselves! Needless to say, after this power enhancement, the engine still complies with the EI regulations.

Wider body, broader grin!
The Seat Leon makes a mighty impression after JE DESIGN has fitted it out with its wide body conversion kit. JE DESIGN starts off comparatively tamely at the front with a new front grille without a badge including a grille insert. Headlight lens covers lend this Spaniard a more serious "look". However, on reaching the side-mounted body styling elements, it becomes clear that we are not dealing with just an ordinary tuning job here. This is because JE DESIGN fits the Leon with a 10-piece wheel arch extension kit, which enables the Leon to fill out any rear-view mirror that little bit more than usual. The knowledge of this effect magically compels the driver to sport a broad grin across his face when overtaking. A set of side sills go to complete the tuning on the sides.

JE DESIGN's front spoiler and the boot-lid rear spoiler produce a lift-reducing effect. The rear view is rounded off by the JE-DESIGN rear apron attachment, which can be used both with the standard-fitted rear silencer as well as the awesome-sounding 4-pipe rear silencer specially produced in stainless steel by JE DESIGN. The latter features two dual tailpipes (diameter 90 mm).

So that the broader Seat Leon can run rings around the competition, JE DESIGN equips it with a coil-over suspension, which allows the suspension to be lowered between 35 and 65 mm to suit the driver's individual taste. Without doubt a sound investment. Drivers who now order the LSD doors can boast having one of today's hottest rides.

© Source: seriouswheels
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New limited edition Alfa 147 Collezione comes to UK

Building on last year’s highly successful limited edition Alfa 147 Collezione, Italian sporting car manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, has made it even better for 2008 – complete with lowered suspension, new paint combinations, leather interior and exclusive 17 inch alloy wheels.

Hamann adds some flash to the BMW X5

If you bought a BMW X5, you probably didn't do so because you wanted everyone to look at you. However, just in case you're a gawker-seeker who was somehow forced into purchasing an X5, Hamann has the kit to make sure you get all the looks you can handle.

It's called the Hamann Flash, and in case you forget its name, or if someone else wants to know what it's called, "Flash" is written on the front doors. In addition to that exterior feature, it gets new front and rear aprons, fender flares, a roof spoiler, and four choices of wheel riding on a specially-developed suspension and halted by a bespoke brake system. All powerplant options get the power boost treatment, with the 4.4-liter V8 topping the charts at 368-HP, but we think we'd go with the 3.0sd with 320-HP and 486 lb-ft. And with the custom exhaust, all versions make a sound described as "growling thunder."

Inside, the SAV gets exclusive Hamann black mat flooring, aluminum pedals, carbon fiber all over, and... well, any desire you can pay for. And thankfully, it doesn't appear that the word "Flash" appears anywhere.

© Source: autoblog
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Aston Martin Rapide spy shots

Our spy shooter was ready when Aston Martin took its Rapide sedan for some hot laps at subzero temperatures on an ice track.

Pegged for a late-2009 introduction as a 2010 model, the $400,000 DB9-based Rapide will battle the likes of Porsche's Panamera four-door due out at about the same time.

© Source: autoweek
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Spy Shots 2009 Audi A4 Allroad confirms rumors

Currently, the only vehicle in Audi's lineup that offers a go-anywhere Allroad version is the A6 Avant (wagon), but that will change soon with the addition of a smaller A4 Allroad based on the A4 Avant. Though merely a rumor early last month, an A4 Allroad is all but a lock now thanks to spy photographers who caught a mule testing in snowy Sweden. Yes, what you're looking at is the new A4 sedan, but that's only because Audi has yet to debut an A4 Avant and is using the sedan body for testing. Clearly visible is a raised ride height, grippy snow tires and thick fender flares that appear to do a good job of grabbing snow that's kicked up.

Though Audi traditionally has only ever offered its Allroad lineup in wagon form, we're totally jonesing for a sedan version now after seeing these spy shots. This A4 Allroad mule looks like a sleeper rally car that's ready to jump a drift or plow through a bank of snow at a moment's notice. Perhaps Audi should consider offering an Allroad package for the sedan, as well. We can't imagine it would take much more investment to develop alongside the wagon version.

© Source: autoblog
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Harley-Davidson Daytona Women's Day Ride Increases Count to 500

On March 4, 2008, in Daytona, Fla., 500 Harley-Davidson women riders will join together in what the Motor Company believes to be one of the largest women's rides in the Company's 105-year history. Originally, the Harley-Davidson Women's Day Ride, benefiting Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), was to be limited to 105 women; but after an incredible response from women riders asking to join the ride, Harley-Davidson decided to increase the size to accommodate 500 women.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Preview

Mercedes-Benz has released these official photos of the facelifted SL roadster, which is heading for a world debut at the Geneva show in March.

Tracing the SL's heritage back to the 300SL Gullwing roadsters from the 1950s, Mercedes says the new SL gets reshaped headlamps, a new hood with twin power domes, air outlets behind the front wheels and new fenders that all link it more firmly to its past. The formerly optional AMG styling kit is now standard on the SL, which is set to go on sale in the spring.

A trio of models returns to the lineup: the V-8-powered SL550 with its seven-speed automatic; a V-12-powered SL600 with a five-speed automatic; and the SL63 AMG edition.

In the cockpit, a new three-spoke steering wheel has been installed (as in the CLS four-door), and new gauges wear red needles that oscillate to maximum and to zero when the car starts. An updated COMAND system integrates a six-disc changer, a music hard drive and MP3 player connectors, along with Bluetooth.

The SL's top lowers or raises in 16 seconds. The Airscarf option, which had been offered in Europe, pumps warm air around the occupants' necks in cold-weather driving. The system is built into the SL's seats and headrests; it's standard on V-12 and AMG models and an option on the V-8 version.

© Source: thecarconnection
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