Mini's John Cooper Works to Soon be a Sub-Brand
MINI's John Cooper Works (JCW) could soon become a proper sub-brand like BMW's M division.
According to sources, MINI CEO and former BMW M boss, Kay Segler wants to position future John Cooper Works vehicles as standalone products rather than just S models with performance packages. The result could mean highly-modified engines with unique internals or a larger displacement.
But for now, models besides the Countryman will remain front-wheel drive. However, JCW variants could eventually come with hybrid all-wheel drive system which has a petrol engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor powering the rear wheels.
Despite the increased performance, upcoming JCW vehicles could also get a price drop to make them more competitive. This would be a welcome change since the entry-level Cooper JCW costs about as much as a BMW 1-Series Coupe in the United States.
TRD Reveals Accesories for 2013 Lexus GS
The Lexus GS350 F sports not enough for you, well we have some good news for you as TRD (Toyota Racing Development) have released their own set of accessories for the GS 350 and 450h.
Among the items, TRD offers an aggressive body kit that includes a front spoiler, aerodynamic side skirts, a trunk-mounted spoiler and a rear diffuser. There's also a four-tailpipe exhaust system, lowering springs (which reduce the ride height by approximately 1" / 25mm), a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch forged alloy wheels.
Kuwait to Make Way for Production Aston Martin V12 Zagato
The folks over at Aston Martin have announced plans to unleash the first production V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours d' Elegance on February 15th.
If you don't remember, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato is basically a V12 Vantage. It has an aluminum / carbon fiber body, a bespoke interior and a 6.0-liter V12 engine that churns out 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque.
Production will be limited to 150 units and the first deliveries are scheduled to begin later this year. If you're interested, be prepared to write a check for £330,000 ($518,265 / £394,770).
In a statement, Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said "We are excited to show the new V12 Zagato for the first time in production form at the Kuwait Concours d'Elegance. Over 50 years since the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the original focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity."
New Project Kahn Widebody Porsche Panamera
If you know anything about car, you would have hear of Project Khan, a British styling house who takes mad cars and makes them even more mad. For its new tune, Khan has selected the Porsche Panamera, which receives a thorough makeover inside and out.
The first thing you'll probably notice about Project Kahn's Panamera is the wide bodykit that includes the front bumper pieces encompassing vertical LED strips, the beefed up front and rear fenders with matching side skirts and the rear bumper parts with an integrated rear air dam.
The exterior package also adds a roof spoiler, a rear wing, tinted windows, billet aluminum side vents, available tinted tail lamps, red brake calipers, new tail pipes and a set of clean 22-inch Kahn RS600 wheels finished in whatever color the buyer chooses.
Performance upgrades are limited to a sportier exhaust system and a suspension module to drop the ride height.
As usual, Kahn says it can also upgrade the interior but unlike other times, it has also shared some pictures of the Panamera's cabin that gets a bespoke leather treatment with a blend of claret quilted and perforated leather.
The tuner said that the blue colored Panamera (with the 4 AK license plate) pictured next to the black model is up for sale at £86,875 (US$135,300 / €104,500).
Click Here to check out our gallery on the Project Kahn Widebody Porsche Panamera.
