Rolls-Royce Phantom by EDAG

The multi millionaires and billionaires of the world have a rough life, so tuning company EDAG has decided to make things a little easier for them. Debuting at the Geneva Auto Show the EDAG Rolls-Royce Phantom has an articulating roof design that eliminates the need for rear passengers to duck down as they enter the car.

Inspiration for the roof opening comes from what EDAG considers an oversight by Rolls-Royce. In factory models the C-pillar was purposely created extra large so rear passengers would have the sense of additional privacy and security. This however results in a rather difficult entry and exit from the vehicle, even for people of average height.

To correct this problem EDAG had to use carbon fiber reinforcements in the roof and modify the interior ceiling with original components from Rolls-Royce to create a seamless appearance. To open the roof panel the driver or passenger simply presses a button, and then the hydraulically powered roof segment will rise in a smooth silent motion.

Press Release

EDAG to Show Articulated Roof for Rolls Royce Phantom at Geneva

The vision of comfort
Besides developments aimed at improving their ecological compatibility, the question of comfort will be a decisive factor in the marketing success of future vehicle types. Having said this, in the age of networked communication and infotainment systems, the term "comfort" is not limited purely to
physical comfort in the car. A car of tomorrow will have to provide the customer with the ability to access any data and information which he or she needs for either private or professional use. Merging the realms of vehicle, office, home and worldwide service and infotainment options defines the future meaning of the word comfort in the automotive branch.
As a global partner to the automotive industry, EDAG has defined "the vision of comfort" as its leading theme, and this will take centre stage at the company's presentation at the 2008 Geneva Show. With its presentation of the articulated roof for the Rolls Royce Phantom, EDAG is showcasing its first step towards its target of developing complex, innovative luxury solutions.

"Vision of Comfort" – Focus: Vehicle Body
Innovative vehicle body concepts in the exterior and interior will also contribute to an increase in com-fort within the car in the future. Ergonomically optimised package concepts, such as access aids, serve to improve convenience considerably. Controls, seating comfort, air conditioning and visibility all have to undergo constant refinement, as requirements are always changing. This will mean that vehicle derivatives, created by designers and engineers to have optimised functions and guarantee user convenience, will become an absolute must.
Using the example of one means of optimising access to a Rolls Royce Phantom, EDAG will be documenting its expertise in the development and close-to-production implementation of innovative luxury concepts within the field of vehicle bodies.

Optimised entry to a Rolls Royce Phantom
Not even a Rolls Royce Phantom will be able to satisfy its owner’s every wish. One example is the seat behind the ‘C’ pillar in the rear of the car, which traditionally creates a feeling of security and privacy.
With the production model, however, this does have a price: namely the fact that it is impossible, even for someone of average height, to enter and leave the car in an upright position. The solution that EDAG developed is an articulated roof over the rear seat area, so that passengers can get into and out of the car in comfort.
It might sound trivial, but the job called for a great deal of technical finesse. First of all, EDAG’s Product Development and Production departments worked out various concepts for raising the roof and the lateral roof frame together. It goes without saying that the exclusive interior design was to be borne in mind at all times, and that neither rigidity, comfort nor sealing capacity were to be compromised under any circumstances whatsoever.
There was no way to avoid severing the lateral roof frame of the aluminium spaceframe. A reinforcement cut from solid metal, which at one and the same time incorporates the kinematics, water channel, locking mechanisms, seals and finger protection, does, however, provide the essential rigidity of the body.
The aluminium structure for the roof was likewise cut from the solid. To save weight, the roof’s outer skin panel is made of synthetic carbon-fibre material. The roof’s interior trims were re-designed, and covered with original quality Rolls Royce materials. By simply pressing a button, the driver or passenger can activate the specially developed electronic controls, and raise the hydraulically powered roof segment with practically no sound whatsoever. Modification of the roof structure has had no effect on either the car's handling or its interior acoustics.

Audi A3 Body Kit by RDX Racedesign

German tuning specialist, RDX Racedesign has introduced a new styling kit for the Audi A3 8L. Meant to give the A3 an aggressive sporting attitude, the kit gives first generation models a breath of fresh air. Costing a little over 615 euros, the kit features a front bumper spoiler with Audi S6 daytime headlights, extended side skirts, and a new rear apron.

The kit uses high quality materials that offer excellent paintability and are TUV tested and certified. Components are also available for purchase separately, but without the kit savings of 70 euros. Also note that the pictures include a separate RDX Racedesign grille that is not part of the package, but is offered for 91.50 euros.

Press Release

Audi A3 Body Kit by RDX Racedesign

Sporty muscular look
Aerodynamic construction kit Audi A3 model 8L (except S3) for 615.56 euros
Front bumper spoiler ready for combination with Audi S6 daytime headlights
Custom-fit for single-frame grille use on Audi A3 / 8P Sportback
Precisely fitting; in high-quality robust GRP
Body-styling parts with TÜV-parts approved certificate/TÜV cleared

A new aerodynamic body-styling kit for the Audi A3 8L is being put on the market as from today by the tuning specialist RDX RACEDESIGN Automotive, Germany. It brushes up the first-generation A3 with rejuvenating body-styling at the same time giving it a really sporty appearance.

The aerodynamic kit comprises a front bumper spoiler (299.- euros), intended for use with a single-frame grille. It can be combined with the original Audi grille for the A3/8P Sportback as well es with various other single-frame grilles* supplied by RDX RACEDESIGN. In addition it can also be used on vehicles with or without headlight washing systems. The final detail, so-to-speak the "crowning" detail, is the chance to have Audi S6 day lights fitted, which can be ordered from Audi dealers.

Optical lowering and more side "muscles" are provided by a side skirt set (129.95 euros), which shows off the sporty air scoops on each side The new appearance is finished off by a new RDX RACEDESIGN rear apron fitted with an attractive design fold for 255.00 euros. The rear part is supplied without openings for the exhaust unit. They can be cut out to size as required.

The kit is available as a set for 615.56 euros. A price advantage of around 70 euros!

All RDX RACEDESIGN components display excellent custom-fitting, good paintability qualities and are of course TÜV tested and certified. The front part is supplied with TÜV parts approved certificate, the side skirt and rear with TÜV clearance.

Mutec Stretched Rolls-Royce Phantom

Feeling frustrated that your Rolls-Royce Phantom doesn’t have enough room for you and your entourage, forcing you to take a less glamorous vehicle with seating for six? If so German coachbuilder Mutec has created the solution, by introducing a version of the Phantom that has been stretched 43 inches.

As an official Rolls-Royce coachbuilder, Mutec features world class craftsmanship with modifications that look like they came straight from the factory. The rear bench has been replaced by two sets of seats from the Phantom’s theater seating package, to create individual seating for four. Completing the interior are extended privacy curtains, modified center consoles, and a retractable partition that separates rear passengers from the driver.

Caractere Styling Kit for New VW Golf Variant

It may be your average mama’s vehicle of choice when it comes to transporting odd items such as groceries, baby cotbeds and school children. But Caractere will not let mama be caught dead inside the standard Volkswagen Golf V Variant.

A brand new kit is on offer to the mama whose desire for space means as much to her as her style. Caractere has completed a look to suit such a mama, and indeed a daddy, with body kit made to leave the Variant looking more like a touring version of the GTI. There’s a complete front GTI STYLE version, roof spoiler and a set of side skirts. Skirts of course, ones that anyone can wear. The styled Variant rides on fat (or phat, depending on who’s asking) 19-inch “mirror polished” wheels.

Manufactured in ISO 9000 methods, and approved by the German TÜV, these are finished in PURim or PUR, which bring a number of advantages like flexibility of material for easy mounting and Euro pedestrian-safety standards.

Nissan GT-R Performance Kits from Japan's Top Tuners

With every can fan on the planet still awestruck by Nissan’s new GT-R supercar, news that top Japanese tuning firms are already offering upgrades may be enough to send them over the edge. Here are the highlights of the upcoming raft of aftermarket bolt-ons for Nissan’s new supercar:

Mines have developed adjustable coilover suspension, a 400mm brake kit, high-flow catalysers and a more freer-flowing titanium exhaust system. This has already seen a 20bhp hike in dyno tests and the firm is busying itself working on the ECU to allow the car to run higher boost levels.

Sunline Racing have also been hard at work, replacing the standard wheels with staggered 19in and 20in Volk Racing items and working on their own adjustable coilover suspension kits.

Amuse showed their larger carbon fibre rear wing, carbon front bumper lip and titanium cat-back exhaust system at the recent Tokyo Autosalon.

JUN are developing stronger engine internals and larger turbos to be released later in the year, while legendary Skyline tuners Top Secret already have a full carbon fibre aero kit in the pipeline.

Caractere Styling Kit for Audi A5/S5

The already stunning Audi 5-series coupes didn’t need much improvement, but Belgian tuning company Caractere has decided to give it a try. To give the A5/S5 an aggressive new appearance, designers have made a body kit which includes a new front bumper with larger air dam openings, a rear spoiler with or without exhaust pipes, and a boot spoiler.

Made in Germany to meet ISO9000 quality standards, these kits take advantage of the latest technology in injection-molding to create easily mountable products which are compatible with the new European pedestrian safety standards. The kits will be available in June.

PPI Ice based on Audi Q7

PPI Automotive Design GmbH is used to providing even better looks for Audi products, as it has already shown with the R8, the previous TT and even the A8, although its favorite is really the Q7. After presenting the PS Q7, PPI has come up with the Ice, a cool looking SUV with loads of power.

First of all, there is the bodykit, composed by a new rear bumper with an integral diffuser, side sills, side wheel arch extensions that widen the vehicle by 110 mm, carbon-fiber roof spoiler and a lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced bonnet and a new front bumper that help increase fresh air intake to the engine. Afterall, the style of the Ice may be cool, but its engine can surely be hot, as the four tailpipes demonstrate.

The enhancement kit for the engines (both diesel and gasoline powered) basically consists of the sports exhaust system, sports air filter and optimized engine management systems. The minimum improvement that can be achieved from these changes is a 47 bhp and a 45 Nm increase, but it is possible to reach up to 600 bhp if the 4.2-liter V8 engine is the kit’s beneficiary.

In this case, the PPI Ice can go from the stationary state to 100 km/h in only 5.9 s. Top speed skyrockets to 295 km/h. Considering the frontal area of a Q7, even heavy vehicles will be sensitive to the air this piece of machinery will move, a real V8-produced windstorm.

Stopping such a vehicle is evidently not an easy task, but the braking system with 405 x 34 mm brake discs and six-piston callipers in the front and the 380 x 28 mm brake discs and four-piston callipers in the rear are said to be up to the challenge. Michelin 4x4 Diamaris 295/30 ZR 22 XL tires, able to reach speeds as high as 315 km/h, will have to be good companions in the stopping effort.

Press Release

By presenting the Q7 at the IAA in September 2005, Audi extended its product range with a luxurious and sporty SUV model. It was only a short while after its market launch that PPI Automotive Design presented an enhanced version of the 7-seater entry-level model, namely the PPI PS Q7. PPI is now presenting the technically and visually further advanced PPI ICE®. More dynamic, more luxurious and even more exclusive than its predecessor. Certainly no impostor, but rather a car to satisfy the highest requirements when it comes to driving pleasure and active safety. This bold car makes you feel like you own the road.

Impressive design package
Perfect surface quality and precision-fitting workmanship are the defining features of the lift-reducing PPI bodyshell design. By adding the wide bodykit, the PPI ICE® becomes a real head-turner both on- and off-road. One component of the striking front end is a far sportier front apron with enlarged cooling air inlets. An extra lightweight, carbon-fibre-reinforced bonnet allows additional fresh air to be supplied to the front engine through its ventilation ducts. The side wheel arch extensions lend the PPI ICE® a unique touch. Complemented by the side sills, they widen the production bodyshell by 110 mm and convey a sense of sheer power even when stationary. The PPI rear apron with an integral diffuser accommodates the four tailpipes of the sports exhaust system and blends seamlessly into the overall package. The carbon fibre roof spoiler creates additional downforce and enhances the stability of the car at high speeds. Additional carbon fibre trim components, such as the door mirror housing and door handle trims are available with the option of a polished or matte finish as well as in an aluminium look.

More torque for enhanced driving pleasure
The impressive appearance of the PPI ICE® is supported by a range of performance kits. The first stage for all diesel and petrol engines is a kit comprising a sports exhaust system, sports air filter and an optimised engine management system. This produces a power increase of up to 35 kW/47 bhp and an additional 45 Nm torque compared with the standard production version. The top engine is a turbo-charged version of the 4.2L V8 engine. 600 bhp / 442 kW and a top speed of 295 km/h being the outcome of the PPI development. A further requirement from the design brief of the PPI development crew specifying that the car should accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds was satisfied in impressive style by the engine technicians. At 5.9 seconds, the PPI ICE® performs this sprint 1.5 seconds faster than its production counterpart. And what is more, it is acoustically accentuated by the powerful, sonorous sound of the PPI sports exhaust system with its 4 tailpipes.

Stop & Go
The generously dimensioned sports braking system is perfected to ensure the outstanding braking performance of the PPI ICE®. Brake discs in the dimensions 405 x 34 mm (front) and 380 x 28 mm (rear) are applied by the front six-piston and rear four-piston brake callipers. The brake force is transferred to the road by means of a special wheel and tyre combination. Equipped with single-piece 10Jx22 PPI Formula alloy wheels and Michelin 4x4 Diamaris size 295/30 ZR 22 XL tyres. This tyre was jointly developed with Michelin specifically for this car and is authorised for speeds of up to 315 km/h.
For cars with air suspension, there is the option of fitting the PPI sports module. Compared with the production function, this increases the road clearance by
70 mm and can also lower the car by 40 mm as an option.

PPI-Identity design. Interiors without limits
One highlight of the interior is the newly designed – in terms of its ergonomics – PPI “Identity” sports steering wheel. An absolute must for all technology fans is the special PPI console for the iPhone, Treo and Blackberry. Whether customers are looking for a stylish or sporty finish, such as the new PPI “Identity” interior, PPI offers the perfect design to suit every taste in interiors. Custom made for you, and integrated into your car by expert hands. Upon request, PPI’s own saddler’s workshop can offer everything to the heart beating, from a set of personalised floor mats through to full leather upholsteries – and everything is precision hand-crafted.