Tuning – Automotivetry.com – Motor Sports, Exotic Cars, and Everything In Between

Slammed 2021 Cadillac Escalade Required Much More Than A Set Of Lowering Springs

It is quite a common sight to see modified Cadillac Escalades roaming the streets in the States. However, this is the first heavily-modified 2021 Escalade that we’ve come across.

The latest-generation Escalade is one of the most luxurious SUVs currently on the market with a price tag that can exceed $100,000 for a flagship model. Evidently, the Escalade’s value didn’t dissuade the owner of this example from equipping it with a host of modifications.

This example is owned by a guy named Jake McKiddie who was recently interviewed for the Ridiculous Rides series on the Barcroft Cars YouTube channel. It may simply look like a lowered Escalade but much more work has gone into it than fitting a set of lowering springs.

Images from the build show that the chassis was completely removed from the SUV and totally rebuilt. It has also been equipped with 30×9 front and 30×11-inch rear wheels and an air suspension system that means it can be dropped so low that both the front and rear bumpers actually hit the ground. A set of enlarged Wilwood brakes have also been installed to better complement the massive 30-inch wheels.

Significant changes had to be made to the SUV’s interior to make this all work. In fact, a large chunk of the trunk is now taken up by the pronounced wheel wells, dramatically reducing cargo space. However, from the second row forwards, the interior of this Escalade is relatively stock.

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A Special Car Like A Brand New Brabus Rocket 900 Needs A Special Paint Protection

Brabus is building just 10 examples of its insane Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4Matic+ based Rocket 900 and the owner of the first unit to be delivered recently headed to a UK specialist to have the paint finish protected.

This particular Brabus Rocket 900 started out life painted in a typical gloss black finish but the owner brought it over to Topaz Detailing to be fitted with a satin paint protection film (PPF).

While it would be easy to opt for a satin black wrap on a super sedan like this, typical vinyl wraps do not provide the same kind of protection as a dedicated PPF. Typical films like this are gloss but Topaz also offers matte and satin finishes.

A number of the original glossy exterior parts have been retained. For example, the carbon fiber wheel covers retain a gloss finish, as do the wing mirrors, front splitter, grille, rear diffuser, and rear wing. The roof also remains in gloss black. Topaz also went to the effort of adding some paint protection film to certain interior parts that would otherwise be vulnerable to normal wear and tear.

To transform the GT 63 4Matic+ into the Rocket 900, Brabus has increased the displacement of the twin-turbo V8 from 4.0 to 4.5 liters, while also fitting a bespoke billet crankshaft, new piston rods, larger forged pistons, unique turbochargers, a new forced induction system, and a carbon fiber ram-air intake. When combined with a recalibrated ECU and a stainless steel exhaust, the car now pumps out 888 hp at 6,200 rpm and 922 lb-ft (1,250 Nm) of torque from just 2,900 rpm.

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Liberty Walk Has Created Another G-Class-Inspired Suzuki Jimny

The latest-generation Suzuki Jimny has been a runaway success for the automaker and, along with its off-road credentials, one of the reasons for this is its classic, no-nonsense exterior styling.

In fact, the boxy Jimny looks similar to the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, albeit on a much smaller scale so it’s little surprise that in recent years, many aftermarket tuners have started to modify the Jimny to resemble the Merc even more closely.

Liberty Walk is one of them. The Japanese aftermarket specialist has created a host of bold Jimny models since the off-roader’s launch and this latest example is one of its most striking to date.

Adorning the exterior of this Jimny is gloss black paint and its front end has undergone a comprehensive transformation with revised headlights, black badging, a black grille, and a unique bumper with distinctive LED daytime running lights. Liberty Walk has also fitted a new hood with a large scoop that’s reminiscent of the bulging hood found on a Mercedes-AMG G 63.

The modifications continue on the sides where the tuner has fitted black aftermarket wheels and modified the exhaust so they now exit out from the side of the off-roader, also like a G 63. The side windows feature prominent wind deflectors, while at the rear of the roof there’s a large lip spoiler.

Finally, a handful of changes have also been made to the Jimny’s interior, including the fitment of black leather across the front and rear seats.

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Can This FWD Acura Integra With 1,100 HP That Revs Up To 11,000 RPM Beat A 635 WHP ‘Cuda?

If you want a car that will get down the quarter-mile quickly, you’ll want it to be either rear- or all-wheel drive. Clearly, this didn’t stop the owner of an Acura Integra from creating one of the most remarkable front-wheel drive drag racers you will ever come across.

This Integra started out as a run-of-the-mill GS-R and remarkably, still rocks a small four-cylinder. However, in the pursuit of horsepower, the owner has fitted a massive Precision Gen2 7285 turbocharger that allows the engine to pump out a remarkable 1,100 hp. Just as remarkable, perhaps, is the fact that this engine revs to 11,000 rpm!

Obviously, simply strapping on a massive turbocharger and calling it a day wouldn’t have been enough to transform this fun-to-drive front-wheel drive sports car into a vehicle that can also power down the quarter-mile. As such, the owner went to the trouble of extending its wheelbase and has also fitted a set of massive 26-inch Mickey Thompson tires to help put the power to the pavement.

Keen to see how the car performs, the guys over at Hoonigan lined it up against a modified Plymouth Barracuda which sports a 7.2-liter Hemi 440 V8 that produced 390 hp back in the day but has since been upgraded to 635 hp at the wheels. So, does the massive power advantage of the Integra help it win this duel or can the ‘Cuda’s grip, thanks to it being rear-wheel drive, even the playing field?

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Custom X By Carlex Is A Tuned Ford Transit Custom With An Attitude

Carlex Design’s latest project takes on the Ford Transit Custom, and their proposal for the MPV includes an aggressive body kit, new wheels and a re-done interior.

Starting on the outside, the Custom X, which is the project’s official name, features a new front bumper with an apron and side blades, a custom grille with the tuner’s logo sitting in the middle, bigger side skirts and fender extensions.

The back end of the Transit Custom sports a new bumper with a diffuser and incorporated tailpipe trim on each side, as well as a roof-mounted wing. The design is completed by the red accents contrasting the rest of the body, which can be ordered in a number of shades, ‘Custom X’ and ‘Carlex Design’ graphics and new 18-inch wheels shod in 255/45 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

Inside, Carlex has given the Custom X a race car-like feel with a pair of bucket seats at the front trimmed in black leather and Alcantara. The same materials were applied to other parts, joined by the red accents. The steering wheel features the same combo and was reshaped to offer better grip.

Customers can further spec the bespoke Transit Custom with several extras, such as the tow bar and tow bar wires from Westfalia and an app-controlled fake engine noise that makes it sound like a V8, even if the engine itself has remained stock.

As for pricing, you’re looking at a minimum of €6,495 ($7,873) in Germany, excluding tax.

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This Ford Focus Owner Has Found An Unusual Way To Turn Heads

What do you do if you own a standard Ford Focus but want to make it look like something that’s performance oriented? An owner thinks they have found a solution.

The first thing that makes this orange Focus stand out are the wild exhausts. The owner was clearly looking to improve the soundtrack of the hatchback’s engine and also wanted to make a visual statement so has fitted a pair of custom tailpipes that reach out from under the bumper and stretch up by about 1.5 feet, pointing towards the sky. The tailpipes are bizarre, to say the least.

Some other modifications have also been made. For example, there is a large rear spoiler stretching up from the roof and finished in black. Interestingly, this spoiler looks similar to the one offered on the Focus RS but features a large gurney flap that has been bolted on to make it even larger.

The owner of the Ford has also fitted a set of bolt-on fender flares and aftermarket wheels. You may also notice that there is a Decepticon badge on the tailgate, as well as tinting over the rear license plate and the Ford emblem.

While we’re not fans of the modifications made, this is far from the most distastefully modified car we’ve found while browsing Reddit. In fact, if not for the rather awkward tailpipes, we think it wouldn’t have raised too many eyebrows.

Oettinger Releases A Number Of Parts For The New VW Golf Mk8

Several tuning companies have already previewed or launched accessories for the eighth generation Volkswagen Golf, and one of them is Oettinger.

The German tuner has chosen to keep things discreet, although anyone familiar with how the popular compact hatchback looks like will spot them in a blink of an eye.

Setting the front end of the car apart from the standard models is a new apron, which not only makes it look sportier, but also reduces lift, according to Oettinger, which has tested all the parts in the wind tunnel. The side skirts are new as well, and so is the diffuser lip, which has a three-piece design, with a removable middle section that allows the mounting of a tow hook.

There’s also a roof spoiler, whereas for the 7.5×18-inch alloy wheels, you will have to turn to Volkswagen themselves, as these are from their official Accessories range.

Watch Also: 2020 VW Golf eTSI – Still The Compact Segment’s Default Choice?

Oettinger says that all components are of OEM quality and are delivered prime, save for the roof spoiler, which is shipped in glossy black, though they can be finished in any color to either match the car’s paintjob or contrast it.

All parts can be ordered from the official Volkswagen partners this summer and will eventually be joined by similar offerings for the upcoming GTI front-wheel drive hot hatch. The AWD Golf R is still in development, but we think that it will end up in the tuner’s catalogue too once it launches.

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Irmscher’s Opel Zafira Is A Van You Might Actually Want To Drive

German tuner Irmscher has just unveiled its modified version of the Opel Zarifa and the finished product is a van that looks more appealing than the stock version.

Dubbed the is3 Black Phantom, it has received a plethora of modifications, including a revised front fascia that includes a new chin spoiler and blacked-out accents. Irmscher has then set about tweaking the overall looks of the Zafira’s sides, with black graphics that run along the doors and a second black accent just above the skirts.

Any good aftermarket special like this needs a new set of wheels and the is3 Black Phantom has just that thanks to a set of 20-inch wheels with a ‘Heli Star’ design. The tuner has also lowered the van’s ride height in a bid to improve its handling. Completing the exterior modifications is some black trim, a subtle roof spoiler, and a bespoke rear diffuser.

Should customers want to turn their Zafira into a home-away-from-home, Irmscher offers a plethora of interior upgrades. These include a pull-out stove and sink as well as a host of wooden draws and storage cubbies.

Additionally, soft padding helps create a double bed just behind the two front seats. With a set of Irmscher-branded camp chairs, this would be the perfect vehicle to use during the workweek while also doubling as a great way to escape the city and go on a little camping trip on the weekend.

Irmscher has yet to release pricing for the is3 Black Phantom, but we suspect buyers will be able to pick and choose what parts they want.

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ABT Selling Used Skoda Kodiaq RS For BMW X2 M35i Money

If you’re in the market for a used Skoda Kodiaq RS, ABT Sportsline have a rather special one they’d like to sell you.

It is a 2019 model with 11,500 km (7,145 miles) on its 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine, and it costs 56,890 euros ($64,000). If that seems a bit steep for a Skoda crossover, rest assured that the German tuner also fiddled with the engine software, resulting in an extra 30 HP and 30 lb-ft (40 Nm) of torque.

The total is now 266 HP (270 PS) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque, for a zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 6.8 seconds. Top speed meanwhile remains limited to 136 mph (220 km/h).

The Czech SUV also comes with the tuner’s lowering springs, matte black 20-inch wheels and what appears to be a stock interior, although it still stands out compared to a regular Kodiaq’s cabin. Here, you have a sporty flat bottom steering wheel, sports seats with red contrast stitching, plus Alcantara and carbon fiber trim.

So is this modded Kodiaq RS worth its asking price? It’s actually just 0.2 seconds quicker than before, despite its software upgrade, and if you don’t necessarily care about practicality, you can easily buy a faster crossover for this much money, such as the BMW X2 M35i, which has more power and is a full 2 seconds quicker to 62 mph.

We can also find you a diesel alternative within the VW Group – such as the 2020 Audi Q5 50 TDI quattro, which costs about the same in Europe, yet also has more power and is faster off the mark.

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