2013 xXx-Performance Audi R8 Biturbo

The German tuning company xXx recently announced their upgrade kit for the Audi R8.

Generically named the 2013 xXx-Performance Audi R8 Biturbo, the car comes with a few visual tweaks to complement some its major engine rework.

The company improved the V8 model to compete with its older brother, the V10 R8.

Engine

The tuning team attempted to get more power out of the V8 engine. Successfully, what you get is a twin-turbo system added to the stock 4.2 liter V8 engine, increasing the horsepower to 707.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph comes at 3.6 seconds while the top speed has been electronically limited to 194 mph. The additional power required a new gearbox as well. xXx uses a new 6-speed manual gearbox and a new clutch.

Handling

The upgraded rims and tires offer better road grip and more stability when cornering. Its aerodynamic lines increases the downforce in the frontal part of the car giving it better stability at higher speeds.

However, due to the fact that the car is relatively close to the ground and its bigger rims make it difficult to drive on pock-marked roads.

Exterior

xXx did very little work on the exterior. It features the same large frontal grille to go with the additional air vents beneath the headlights. The air intakes on the side of the car are painted in black.

The rear received a few decals. On the sides, the twin-turbo manufacturer’s name has been painted on the lower half of the door. The stock wheels have been replaced by the 20 inch Oxigin 14 Oxrock rims.

The company will be offering three different upgrade packages but the twin-turbo version offers the highest power output gain. xXx’s kit adds a significant performance boost that gives the car the ability to compete against V10 engines.

2014 Lexus CT 200h

 Lexus added a new model to their 2014 lineup, securing its position as a leader in the hybrid market.

The 2014 Lexus CT 200h claims to be a luxury hybrid that combines performance with eco-friendly technologies, wrapped in a redesigned exterior.

Performance is comparable to other models especially since it can be used as a family car.

Drivetrain

The engine used for the model is similar to the one used for the Prius. It is a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine with a max output of 98 horsepower and a 105 lbs ft of torque.

The electric motor adds 36 horsepower for a total of 134 horsepower. A CVT transmission system is used in order to ensure that fuel consumption remain low.

Performance

The car has a relatively lower stance when compared with other hybrids. This gives it more stability. The coil springs have been adjusted to provide better agility and responsiveness to road conditions. Cornering at high speeds is decent even at high speeds.

Exterior

It’s front grille has the center pushed forward to give it a multi-dimensional and more aggressive look. The long headlights have been pushed back while the rear received a bigger bumper giving it an imposing profile.

Interior

The central dashboard features a 4.2 inch TFT screen that it controllable via the steering wheel. All additional controls have been located within arms reach.

Chromed elements were used on the doors, dashboard and steering wheel. Overall, the interior is spacious while the controls are located ergonomically around the wheel and central panel.

Lexus managed to build a luxurious hybrid with impressive fuel efficiency. The interior follows the quality standards of the brand while maintaining an attractive appearance.

The visual upgrade and performance tweaks make the 2014 Lexus CT 200h one of the coming year's most anticipated vehicles.

2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe

The 2015 Jaguar F-Type is a seriously hot looking coupe.

The F-Type roadster is beautiful in its own right, but the hard top version looks even prettier.

The Coupe version has been long anticipated, and now Jaguar has showcased the same at the LA Motor Show.

Engine & Performance

In the F-type coupe, you find the introduction of a new engine in its line-up, for its top of the line R Coupe. The V8, 5.0 liter supercharged engine will perform the duties in the R Coupe which delivers 550 horsepower.

The base variant and the S Coupe will be powered by a 3.0 liter supercharged V6. The V6 delivers 340 horsepower in the base variant whiles its tuned version will deliver 380 horsepower in the S Coupe. The performance figures are impressive.

The F-type base variant can do a 0-60 mph dash in 5.1 sec, while the S Coupe and R Coupe goes 4.8 seconds and 4 seconds respectively.

The 340 horsepower V6 has an electronically limited top speed of 161 mph, the 380 horsepower V6 at 171 mph, and the 550 horsepower V8 with a top speed of 186 mph.

Exterior

The coupe has all the stylings of the convertible, but with an aluminum or panoramic glass roof. To design is smooth with uniform body lines achieved by the F-Type coupe’s body using pressed aluminum.

The aerodynamic front fins give it a sporty look. The R Coupe features side sill extensions, aluminum window-frames and chrome side air vents. Wheels come in the standard 20 inch sizes; however, ultra-high performance tires are optional.

Interior

Like any F-Type, the Coupe comes with a driver focused cabin. The material and textures exude a premium feel. The seats are finished in leather.

The R Coupe comes with various leather finishes and other interior elements. The 'R' badging is used in the vehicle.

The Jaguar F-type coupe comes with a starting price tag of $65,000; S Coupe at $77,000; and the R Coupe at $99,000.