LupiniPower, a local tuner from South Africa, has taken upon itself to introduce a hotted-up version sporting a 6.0-liter supercharged V8 with 535-hp and a massive 590 lb-ft (799 Nm) of torque. That's an increase of 173-hp and 200 lb-ft over the stock Ute with the naturally aspirated V8 engine.

Thanks to the added power, LupiniPower's SportUte completes the 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) sprint in 4.4 seconds instead of 6.0 seconds, while 0-100 mph (160km/h) goes by in 9.9 seconds, close to 4 seconds faster than the standard Ute.

Furthermore, the SuperUte reaches 125mph (201 km/h) in 15.5 seconds or over five seconds quicker than stock, boasts a quarter-mile time of 12.7 seconds at 113mph (182 km/h) and runs the standing kilometre in 22.8 seconds at 150mph (241 km/h), while top speed is up 25mph to 175 mph (282 km/h).

The South African tuner also improved the Chevrolet SportUte's stopping power with bigger race-specification front disc brakes and callipers, as well as the suspension setup. Optionally, buyers can add a full Bilstein suspension and a sporty limited-slip differential.

Finally, the supercharged Ute rides on new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped around Bridgestone Potenza RE050 ultra-high performance tires.

The LupiniPower Chevrolet SuperUte can be had as complete new vehicle in South Africa for R639,900, equal to around US$94,000 / €67,400 / GBP58200 at today's rates.

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To bestow over 120 HP on top of the already potent naturally aspirated V8, Wimmer RS made a series of upgrades including the addition of a reprogrammed ECU, air filter from K&N, air induction optimization, a new sports catalyst and optimized cat-back all-stainless steel exhaust system.

The tuner also fiddled around with the the electronic speed limiter allowing the C63 AMG to reach a limited top speed of 305 km/h or 190 mph.

As an option, Wimmer RS offers a KW-Club Sport Suspension and high performance Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires.

The cost of the full performance level 3 kit is set at €9,900 (about US$13,800 at today's rates) including installation.

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CFC Styling Station was in charge of the custom paintjob, an "effect-rich silver finish" combined with a black stripe that runs from the front grille to the end of the roof. The rear bumper has been modified in order to incorporate a Golf R32-style two-pipe exhaust system, specially conceived by Fox Sport Exhaust Systems for this project.

To improve handling, engineers at H&R developed a new lowered coilover suspension system (-55 mm at the front and -60 mm at the back).

No tuned car is complete without a nice set of alloy wheels. HS Motorsport offers two different designs, the ASA GT1 in a black matte finish with silver accents, and the "edgier" ASA GT2 in anthracite, both measuring 18-inches. Vredestein and Hankook provide the 215/35 R18 tires. Buyers can also opt for a more powerful braking system from Brembo.

The project car's 122 hp (91 kW) 1.4-liter TSI engine was left untouched, but the German tuner can accommodate power-hungry customers by installing a power kit that increases output to 147 hp (110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque.

Inside, there are two-tone Recaro Sportster CS seats and an optional Alpine sound system.

By Csaba Daradics

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Taking inspiration from another in-house project and in particular the Range Rover Sport RS600, the self-proclaimed "king of aesthetic conversions" created a complete body kit for the German SUV, alongside a few interior appointments.

The so-called Kahn Wide Arched Body Kit features extra-wide wheel arch extensions, front vented wings, redesigned bumpers and a discrete, roof-mounted wing, all painted in Pearl Soft White. A set of 22-inch Kahn RS-X alloywheels complete the exterior updates.

Inside, Project Kahn has wrapped the Q7's interior in black quilted leather with red stitching. Other interior goodies include aluminum sport pedals, a Panoramic Glass Roof and a custom speedometer and rev counter.

The entire package costs £12,000 (or £56,875 with the car included), with all of the aforementioned accessories also available as standalone pieces.

By Csaba Daradics

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As with other crossover and SUV models, Cobra Technology's first line of order is to fit a stainless-steel front grille guard that is said to meet European pedestrian safety standards. Optionally, buyers can add a pair of LED daytime running lights.

The kit also includes tubular side steps with integrated plastic steps, a sports exhaust system with twin tail pipes and the choice of 19- or 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels.

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The German tuning house starts by upgrading the station wagon's looks with the addition of a front spoiler, new upper and lower grilles in a honeycomb design, side skirts and a roof spoiler.

The car's suspension is also dropped by 30mm while the kit is rounded off with larger alloy wheels available in various designs and sizes 18- or 20-inches. More parts are expected to be released at a later date.

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So Seth Rogen and Jet Li are remaking it as a comedy, which is...good? Anyways, the Chrysler Imperial is back, reprising the role it played in the '60s original. Which is fine, but I think it should have had a bit of a remake as well. No, I'm not saying it should be replaced with a Chrysler 300C with green tinted headlights (God forbid).

What I think it should be replaced with is this: Vaughn Gittin Jr's RTR-X Mustang from the 2010 SEMA Show. Here are four reasons why:

-1. It's based on a Dynacorn late '60s Mustang, perfect for the period.

-2. It's black and green, with green headlights - just like the Hornet's ride should be.

-3. It has a 440hp V8, making it the perfect vehicle for catching crims.

-4. Just look at this thing: it's menacing.

So all in all, perfect. A fast, mean-looking two-seater that can be fitted with all the crime-fighting gadgets a millionaire playboy could ever want or need. There's just one thing that bothers me: do you think we have time to reshoot all the vehicle scenes before January?

By Tristan Hankins

Photos: Need for Speed - Facebook

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