Elite Carbon Tunes the Maserati GranTurismo

U.S.-based Elite Carbon has released details on a new tuning package it has developed for the Maserati GranTurismo which will be available from around mid-2009. Promising to improve the vehicle's looks as well as its aerodynamics, Elite Carbon's bodykit includes a new front bumper with exposed carbon fiber lip and brake intake surrounds, a rear deck spoiler, side skirts with exposed carbon fiber lip and lower sections, and a rear diffuser.

On top of the carbon fiber bodykit, the American firm's tuning package for the Italian coupe also includes an array of other modifications such as the 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in sport tires, a sport exhaust system, high performance headers and cats, a carbon fiber interior package and an upgraded braking system.

New Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X FQ-400: Limited Edition with 405HP

The Brits have developed a special fondness for tuning Mitsubishi EVOs the past few years with the most impressing version being the FQ-400 - and yes, FQ actually does stand for F***** Quick as it's an internal code which somehow passed into "production"... For those of you that missed the FQ400, you'll be happy to learn that Mitsubishi UK and its race team builder ADR Motorsport is bringing back the iconic nameplate on the latest iteration of the Lancer EVO.

In what promises to be the fastest (and most expensive) EVO yet, the Lancer EVO X FQ-400 will pack a souped-up version of the standard car's 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a new ECU and exhaust system to produce around 405HP and 400lb-ft of torque. That should be good enough to propel the EVO from standstill to 60mph (96 km/h) in around 3,5 - 3,7 sec. Comparatively, the 354HP EVO X FQ360 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4,1 sec.

As with the FQ-360 version, Mitsubishi UK will offer the FQ-400 exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox as the company is still reluctant to match the engine's 400 lb-ft of torque with the quick and efficient dual-clutch SST (Sports Shift Transmission).

Along with the engine upgrades, the FQ400 will also benefit from a new body kit with additional cooling intakes and vents, 18-inch alloy wheels and larger brakes with six-pot calipers at the front.

Mitsubishi has yet to (officially) release details, but according to Autocar magazine, the Japanese firm indicated that the car will cost somewhere north of £45,000 with only 100 units planned to be produced.

Via: Autocar

Ford Announces U.K pricing for New Kuga 2.0 FWD and 2.5 Turbo

Ford is expanding the range of its European market crossover, the Kuga, with the addition of a 2.0-litre TDCi 2WD (diesel) and a 2.5-liter Turbo gasoline engine. Retaining the existing Kuga's 136HP 2.0-litre diesel unit but with a CO2 output of just 159g/km, the new front-wheel-drive version delivers both enhanced fuel economy (46.1 UK mpg for the 2WD vs 44.1 UK mpg for the AWD) and cost benefits from the legislation changes in the U.K. in April next year.

Priced from £18,595.64, the Kuga 2WD will especially benefit business customers who will be eligible for a 20 percent write down allowance against Corporation Tax for a car with less than 160g/km CO2 (compared with 10 per cent over 160g/km). Private buyers will also profit from the model's improved fuel economy as it falls into the new sub-160g/km banding for Vehicle Excise Duty.

The new performance flagship model for the Kuga range, pairs AWD with the a detuned version of the Focus ST's 2.5-litre Turbo engine. With an output of 200HP and torque of 320Nm (between 1,600 and 4,000rpm) the five-cylinder petrol-engined Kuga powers from standstill to 62mph in 8.2sec and on to a top speed of 129mph when mated with the six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic transmission is alternatively available with this engine. U.K. market prices for the Kuga 2.5T begin from £23,788.30.

FORD KUGA ZETEC

2.0l Duratorq (136PS) TDCi, 2WD - £18,595.64

2.0l Duratorq (136PS) TDCi, AWD - £20,460.64

FORD KUGA TITANIUM

2.0l Duratorq (136PS) TDCi, 2WD - £20,553.09

2.0l Duratorq (136PS) TDCi, AWD - £22,418.09

2.5 Duratec 6-spd manual (200PS) AWD - £23,788.30

2.5 Duratec 5-spd auto (200PS) AWD - £24,962.77