German tuner Steinmetz presented at the Essen Motor Show its own interpretation of the new Opel Astra GTC. The model uses a specific body-kit featuring a re-designed front grille, lip spoiler and rear wing, a new exhaust system and 19″ alloys fitted with 245/40 tyres and a ride height lowered by 30 mm.

The tuning is completed by a number of subtle details such as chrome finishing on door handles and wing-mirror shells. As for the interior, the most remarkable features are a Steinmetz electronic speed indicator, floor mats with the tuner’s logo, polished stainless-steel sill plates and a bumper protection for the trunk.

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Startech presented a new tuned-up version of Range Rover Evoque at the ongoing Essen Motor Show. Following a first rendition introduced at the Dubai Motor Show, the German tuner showed up at the Essen event with a new package for the 3 door configuration of the English SUV model. The tuning comprises a new front apron with bigger air intakes, a re-designed rear bumper with integrated diffuser hosting two pairs of mufflers as well as a small roof wing and other little details made of carbon fibre, while ride height has been lowered by 30 mm.

The car visual approach uses a mainly black two-tone color scheme featuring a red roof and four 22″ black/red alloys with other smaller red inserts around the car. In the passenger compartment the red/black theme continues with the leather upholstered seats and side panels as well as the dashboard. The model also uses a sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob and Alcatara finishing for the ceiling. Startech is planning a performance kit for the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine of the model, confirming that similar packages for Evoque’s diesel variations are also in the works.

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Germany’s AC Schnitzer will present present a tuning of BMW 650i Coupe called ACS6 at the imminent 2011 Essen Motor Show (26 November - 4 December). The standard 4.4-litre V8 engine delivering 407 hp has been heavily revised with unspecified modifications and now boasts an output of 540 hp at 5,800 rpm with a torque of no less than 750 Nm. This unit makes AC Schnitzer 650i Coupe go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4,3 seconds with 325 km/h (200 mph) of self-imposed top speed. This means that, in comparison to the M5, the ACS6 is a tenth of a second quicker on the 0-100 km/h sprint time and has a far superior maximum speed. Obviously, in order to manage all the power, AC Schnitzer had to upgrade the braking system (now featuring 8-piston calipers) as well as providing the car with a lower high performance suspension.

The ACS6 package also uses beautiful and ultra-light 21″ forged alloys (front pair weighing in at 11.5 kg, rear pair at 11.9 kg), a new ‘M-looking’ front bumper, chromed front grille with matching fender trim pieces, rear bumper with built-in diffuser and optonal rear spoiler. As for the interior, AC Schnitzer’s latest package includes a new steering wheel, embossed aluminum pedal covers, customized floor mats, a “Black Line” aluminum cover for the iDrive controller and some more aluminum trim.

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German tuner Wimmer RS will introduce its own Mercedes C63 AMG BlueGreen Eliminator at the upcoming Essen Motor Show. The tuning uses a matt half green/half blue paintjob that surely won’t let it go unnoticed: the livery also features a massive logo of the tuner on the two sides, the logos of the suppliers of some special part (i.e. KW suspension, K&N filters, Dunlop tyres) and even some technical data of the models, namely the output of 601 PS (592 hp) with 720 Nm (531 lbs/ft) of torque, the power-to-weight ratio of 2.79 kg/PS (2.83 kg/hp) and top speed of 329 km/h (209 mph).

These figures have been obtained through a few interventions on the standard AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine, which has been provided with modified camshafts, new cylinder heads, sporty air filters and a new stainless steel exhaust system. Moreover, the ‘BlueGreen Eliminator’ is equipped with KW suspension, 19″ alloys by BBS fitted with Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 235/35-19 and 265/30-19 performance tyres and ceramic braking system. This tuning provides the C63 AMG with some impressive figure, but if you think that its flashy color scheme doesn’t really fit your liking you don’t need to worry: that’s a 3,000 € optional extra.

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Following a first wave of upgrades for BMW 1-series F20 that AC Schnitzer presented a while ago, the German tuner will introduce a full tuning package for the bavarian hatchback at the imminent Essen Motor Show (26 November - 4 December 2011) called ACS1. The package includes a power-kit that initially will be available for 4-cylinder diesel units only: it will boost the output of the 118d from 143 to 171 hp while the 120d will go from 184 to 210 hp. The package also uses a re-calibrated ECU as well as a new exhaust system with chromed racing tail pipes and lowered ride height.

AC Schnitzer ACS1 also uses a new front bumper, new roof spoiler, special graphics on the sides and comes with either 18″ or 19″ alloy wheels. As for the interior, we have a gear knob with optional digital gear display, aluminum pedals, a new handbrake lever, customized carmats, and even an aluminum cover for the i-Drive system. AC Schnitzer said they will probably top it all up add a customized steering wheel.

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