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Switzer Performance has released the P800 997. Here's the quick stats: 800 hp, zero-to-sixty in less than three seconds and the quarter-mile in just a smidge over ten seconds. Now that's fast. Oh yeah -- the P800's AWD, too. No one is going to mistake you for a Mustang with a blower. Where does an extra 320 hp vs. stock come from? Custom GT30 turbochargers, Switzer MONSTER intercoolers, electronic boost control, fancy headers and exhaust, plus a carbon clutch pack. We'll take it. In yellow.

The Carlsson recently had work out for a new tuning package and styling kit for the for the GL-Class range. Starting off with the design kit, Carlsson has developed a full body kit that consists of a kitschy chrome grille (we could certainly do without that), bonnet add-ons, a front apron with integrated LED daytime running lights, side skirts and a new rear skirt attachment that houses the two oval stainless steel tailpipes.

The aerodynamic kit is priced at a hefty €8,499 (excl. VAT) while an extra €4,189 (again without VAT) will get you a set of 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 295/35 R22 high-performance Dunlop tyres. More specifically, the CK50 kit (€3,192 excl. VAT) for the GL 500 nudges the V8 petrol's output from 388HP to 435HP and torque from 530 to 600 Nm.


Carlsson also increases the performance of the diesel models, with the GL 420 CDI producing 354 HP instead of 306HP (€1,299 excl. VAT) and the CL 320 CDI 269 HP, up from 224 HP (€1,499 excl. VAT).

Carlsson has developed the C-Tronic SUSPENSION system that lowers the SUV's ride height by up to 30 mm while the control unit also recognizes the road characteristics and continually adjusts the remaining spring travel. The system that is for the GL-Class models with AIRMATIC-suspension costs €1,099 without VAT.

The new Honda Insight hybrid may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind when we think of tuning, but still that hasn't deterred Japanese tuners from presenting all sorts of sport packages for the compact hatch. This particular proposal is the work of Japan's 'Exclusive Zeus' and aside from the lowered suspension, the package includes a front apron, beefy side skirts, a blacked out grille and a rear apron and diffuser plus a set of new alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tyres.

Finally, Suzuki has released their all new Kizashi mid-size sedan. The Kizashi, Japanese for "something great is coming", was designed to mix European styling with Japanese quality. While the latter remains to be seen, the car features an interesting appearance with a bold grille, shapely headlights, and a dynamic rear end. Other styling highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, an attractive dual exhaust system, and a short front overhang.

While the exterior screams style, the interior says blah. The materials seem nice enough, but any hint of a design effort is lacking. Regardless, the car comes nicely equipped with standard sport seats and iPod connectivity. Options include leather upholstery, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.



Power comes from a 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine which has an output that is "more potent ... than many competitive best-sellers." This is backed up by a standard six-speed manual or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) that was designed to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency. Eventually, the company plans on introducing a hybrid model but no details were released.

Riding on a 107-inch wheelbase, the Kizashi features a rigid steel unibody with a reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension that uses several aluminum components. The company promises this setup will ensure "crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability."

The car offers an extensive list of standard safety equipment which includes eight airbags, electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlights, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Owners can also equip their Kizashi with an intelligent all-wheel drive system which sends power to the rear wheels as soon as the driver hints a dash-mounted switch.

As if to underline that nothing is ever predictable in Formula One, Ferrari announced Wednesday evening that Michael Schumacher is to stand in for the injured Felipe Massa at the forthcoming Grand Prix in Valencia and beyond.

With Massa out of action due to the injuries sustained in qualification for the Hungarian Grand Prix and making a strong recovery, the rumour mill had been rife with speculation as to who would take over the F60 cockpit alongside Kimi Raikkonen as the Brazilian recuperates.

Indeed, no less than 13 drivers had been linked with the drive amongst reports that the 40-year old seven-time champion was not interested in resurrecting his career with the Italian champions.

“We have said before that it is possible that Michael Schumacher could return to help us out,” head of communications Luca Colajanni said ahead of the official announcement.

Schumacher last competed in the sport in 2006 where he finished second to Fernando Alonso in the standings, having secured no less than seven victories to add to his tally of 91 wins.

“Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro intends to put Michael Schumacher in Felipe Massa’s car until the Brazilian driver will be able to race again,” the team stated.

“Michael Schumacher said he is ready and over the next few days will undertake a specific training programme at the end of which confirmation will be given of his participation in the championship with effect from the European Grand Prix on the 23rd of August.”

A controversial figure despite his massive success in Formula One, Schumacher will be the centre of attention later this month as the series regroups following the summer break.

Another product released by Edo Competition but this time is a new performance package for the Ferrari Enzo. Dubbed the XX, the package features a full engine makeover that includes new steel cylinders, pistons, camshafts, valve springs, and Titan connecting rods. The company also adds new oil cooling piston pipes, new exhaust manifolds, a sport air filter, an air-ram system, a high performance clutch, and a new oil pump.

Edo also equips the XX with a carbon-ceramic braking system, a carbon-fiber air intake, a new fuel cooling system, and black racing wheels with Michelin high performance tires. One of the more interesting changes is a stainless steel sport catalytic converter that features two different exhaust notes which are controlled via a dash-mounted switch.

By all these performance upgrade, the Enzo XX produces an estimated 800 hp (588 kW) and 780 Nm of torque. Performance figures are expected to include a 0-100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, a 0-300 km/h (0-186 mph) time of 19 seconds, and a top speed in excess of 380 km/h (236 mph).

Edo Competition a well known tuner from Germany has released all new performance and body upgrade for the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The tuner started by modifying the 6.3-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine that makes 457 horsepower and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) in standard form. A recalibrated ECU, a new high-performance exhaust system, exhaust headers, high-flow catalytic converters and new air filters help boost these numbers to 555-horsepower and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque.

The tweakage cuts the C63 AMG's zero-to-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time to 4.3 seconds while the removal of the top speed governor helps the sport-sedan achieve a maximum speed of 320 km/h or 199 mph.

Edo Competition didn't mess with the car's appearance but it did add a new set of 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels finished in black and shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup high-performance tires (front: 235/35 19, rear: 265/30 19). For the interior, some upgrades are also done to the car includes special leather upholstery and unique trims.