Ferrari FF Maximus by DMC

German tuner DMC has announced a new package for the Ferrari FF it calls Maximus. But the optics proposed here are appealingly subtle.

Using a 3D scanner to match its carbon body panels perfectly to the FF, DMC will add a new aerodynamic kit set to include new bumpers, side scoops, rear diffuser, trunk spoiler and a rear wing. The front nose will also be longer and sharper and the weight savings will amount to a substantial 70 kg (154 lbs) as the 3D scanner allows for the carbon parts to replace existing panels instead of being bolted on.

The real maximization takes place under the hood where DMC says it will add twin superchargers to the 6.0 liter V12 engine of the Ferrari FF. Coupled with a stainless-steel sport exhaust with 90 mm tailpipes, a new intake manifold, larger fuel-injectors, high-flow air filters and a large intercooler, the FF Maximus will boast a total of 888 PS (653 kW / 876 hp) and 862 Nm (636 lb-ft) of torque - up a whopping 222 PS (160 kW / 225 hp) and 179 Nm (132 lb-ft) over the series edition.

0 to 100 km/h will take just 3.2 seconds and 200 km/h is reached in 9.1. Top speed will be beyond the 340 km/h (211 mph) mark.

For the ride, DMC plans on lightweight rims - 21-inches at the front and 22-inches at the back wrapped in Pirelli Pzero tires - lowering springs and a front-axle lift system.

BMW 1-Series M Coupe tuned by TechTec

German tuner TechTec has a series of power-upgrade stages for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe that can take output up to 450 PS (331 kW / 444 bhp).

But TechTec starts things off slow with an initial stage that will only set you back €1,500 for an extra 40 horses - with total output getting dialed up to 380 PS (280 kW / 375 bhp) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque from the series' 250 kW (340 PS / 335 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.

For €2,500 TechTec will make that an even 400 PS (294 kW / 395 bhp) for you.

From there, it is only an extra €800 stretch, including a new air cooler, for a power rating of 450 PS (331 kW / 444 bhp) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque on the nimble 1-Series M that will make it good for a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of just 4.1 seconds.

TechTec can also remove the top-speed limit for you and offers a KW club sport suspension as well as a titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic.

Volkswagen Touareg II: Royal GT 470 by Hofele Design

Hofele Design has unveiled a new tuning program for the Volkswagen Touareg II.

Dubbed the Royal GT 470, the package features a revised grille, modified fascias, wheel arch extensions and a stainless steel four-tailpipe exhaust system. Customers can also order an electric lowering module (which reduces the ride height by 40mm when parked or traveling at speeds less than 80 kph /50 mph) and 20- to 22-inch alloy wheels.

Under the hood, the 3.0-liter TDI engine can be equipped with a revised ECU which enables it to produce 275 PS (202 kW / 271 hp) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 35 PS (26 kW / 35 hp) and 80 Nm (59 lb-ft). Thanks to the extra power, the SUV can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 229 km/h (142 mph).

The Audi A1 by Senner Tuning

Following its previous package for the A1, Senner Tuning has a new program for the Audi A1 that boosts power even higher than on its earlier make-over.

This time, output on the 1.4 TFSI (coupled with the S-Tronic 7-speed, dual-clutch gearbox) is boosted up to 165 PS (121 kW / 163 bhp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. The previous tuning was good for 115 kW (156 PS / 154 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).

Senner Tuning also adds a new exhaust system with double 90 mm end pipes and a KW suspension lowering kit.

This particular tuning job pictured here has the A1 dressed in brown with Amalfi White accents for the mirrors, roof arches and those 19-inch rims - called the Barracuda Tzunamee (Tsunami) which come in dimensions 9 x 19 inches wrapped with 225/35R19 tires.

For the interior upgrade, Senner Tuning provides a multifunction steering wheel, a finish in velvet beige and black as well as floor mats with their own logo.

The total package, car included, cost €36,590.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK by Carlsson

German tuner Carlsson has a new tuning program for the Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Starting things off under the hood of this iconic cabrio, Carlsson has developed a new C-Tronic kit, with different stages of output boosts, for the new range of CGI engines that go into the SLK.

For the SLK 200 CGI with a standard output of 184 PS (135 kW / 181 PS) - the C-Tronic tuning can dial that up to a maximum of 224 PS (165 kW / 221 bhp). There's also a less powerful boost up to 211 PS (155 kW / 208 bhp).

For the SLK 250 CGI - power gets bumped up to a maximum of 239 PS (176 kW / 236 bhp) from the series' 204 PS (150 kW / 201 bhp).

For aerodynamics/styling Carlsson has a new front lip spoiler and grille inserts made from electropolished stainless steel. At the rear there's the diffuser insert and rear spoiler which increase contact pressure at the rear axle.

Carlsson also lowers the suspension on the SLK by up to 30 mm and adds new wheels with rims offered between 18- to 20-inches in size.

On the inside, Carlsson provides personalized matching beading and stitching with a choice of leathers that include Carlsson Nappa, Carlsson Nappa Exclusive and Carlsson Nappa Exclusive Heavy Weight. The basic upholstering package does the seats, headrests and inside door panels. Carlsson also adds brushed-aluminum pedal pads with its own logos, as well as its own gear shifter. Accent trims come in "Alcantara appliques", carbon or fine wood inserts.

BMW Z4 sDrive35is by Kelleners Sport

German tuner Kelleners Sport has turned the BMW Z4 sDrive35is into a real rager.

The power upgrade involves a tuning of the 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder unit up to an output of 405 PS (298 kW / 400 bhp) and 539 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. That's quite a gain over the already impressive series output of 340 PS (250kW/ 335 bhp) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque - 500Nm (369 lb-ft) with overboost.

Wheels are available in 19-inch and 20-inch dimensions in either Hamburg or Berlin rims. Special lowering springs reduce the ride height of the Z4 by 20 mm at the front axle and 10 mm at the rear.

On the inside, the tuner adds a three-spoke sport steering wheel, aluminium pedals and foot rests along with velour floor mats. Bespoke interior finishes in leather with wood trims are also on offer by individual customer request.

BMW Recall Notice FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL: PRE-HEATER

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr's Report Date: AUG 18, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V441000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL: PRE-HEATER

Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,120

Summary:

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 X5 XDRIVE35D VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 12, 2009. THE FUEL FILTER HEATER, WHICH IS USED FOR WARMING UP THE DIESEL FUEL DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AT LOW OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES, COULD EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD CONDITION AND BECOME PERMANENTLY ACTIVATED.

Consequence:

THE FUEL FILTER HEATER COULD REMAIN ACTIVATED EVEN WHEN THE IGNITION IS OFF AND LEAD TO A DEAD BATTERY. THE UNIT COULD ALSO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy:

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER HEATER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes:

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .