2009 JE Design Seat Leon FR

At Seat, FR stands for Formula Racing. But that was not exciting enough for the JE DESIGN engineers. They turned the new Seat Leon FR into a real sports car which has significantly gained power and also shows it.

-Performance rises up to 270 hp with the TSFI and 204 hp with the TDI
-Entire aerodynamics pack and four-pipe system
-LED daytime running lights and wing doors
-Interior refinement with two-colour leather equipment

The Seat two-litre petrol engine produces 211 hp (155 kW) in the serial model. Due to an optimisation of the control unit, JE DESIGN increases the performance of the TFSI-engine by a good quarter to 270 hp (199 kW). The maximum torque leaps from 280 to 355 Newton metres. Instead of 7.1 seconds, the JE DESIGN-Leon reaches the 100 kph barrier in already 6.2 seconds. JE DESIGN offers the performance enhancement for 1499 Euros including VAT, assembly and a one-year warranty.

Also the Diesel engine becomes brawnier after JE DESIGN engineers put the finishing touches on their work. The additional electronics Can-Tronic boosts the two-litre TDI from 170 hp (125 kW) to 204 hp (150 kW) and the maximum torque from 350 to 380 Newton metres. Therefore the sprint from 0 to 100 kph is reduced from 8.2 to 7.6 seconds. The price is 1339 Euros and also includes VAT, assembly and warranty.

The Leon FR by JE DESIGN proudly presents this newly acquired power with bold headlight blends (89 Euros), LED daytime running lights (299 Euros) and its aerodynamics pack. The front spoiler with the double lip (279 Euros) draws the vehicle to the road. The side skirts (299 Euros) calm down the air flow which derives from the new rear skirt attachment (299 Euros) and the centre diffuser attachment (99 Euros) at the rear. There, the end muffler with its mighty four-pipe system (899 Euros) unmistakably confirms that this is no serial Seat.

By lowering the vehicle, the car receives a sportier look and a better handling at the same time. Owing to the lowering springs (159 Euros), the Seat is 35 millimetres closer to the road. With the coilover suspension (979 Euros), an individual lowering from 15 to 40 millimetres can be achieved. Therefore, the new 19-inch wheels look especially impressive. The elegant and dynamic design of the Multispoke wheels glows in black and has a polished rim bead. Sport wheels measuring 225/35R 19 ensure a safe contact to the road (entire wheel set for 2930 Euros).

The most significant difference between the JE DESIGN Leon and its serial counterpart shows as soon as the driver opens the doors. The wing door hinges (1499 Euros) first open the doors outwards before they safely glide upwards.

And as if the refinement of the engine and the exterior were not impressive enough, JE DESIGN additionally enhances the interior. Seats, door linings and the centre armrest are all wrapped in noble leather (1599 Euros). Thereby, the colour combination between leather and stitches can be chosen without any additional charges. A two-stage seat heating (379 Euros) is offered as well as an adjustable lordosis support (319 Euros). But the highlight of the interior refinement is not visible: the driver and the passengers can indulge in the luxury of the massage system in the seats which offers twelve programmes (429 Euros). Moreover, the refiner offers to embroider a logo into the back rests (79 Euros) according to the wishes of the customer.

Moreover, the refining experts from Leingarten also offer noble leather for the steering wheel (399 Euros), the gear shift skirt and the hand brake cuff (together for 179 Euros).

With the Leon FR, JE DESIGN once again confirms its competence in refining Seat automobiles. With the performance enhancement, the entire aerodynamics pack and a keen eye for details, the engineers developed a dynamic and overall harmonious automobile.

2010 BMW M3 GTS

Even when you see it from a distance, you are instantly electrified. As a BMW M enthusiast, every step you take towards the orange painted concept vehicle of the BMW M3 GTS with its numerous matt black applications raises your adrenaline level a little more.

Exclusive 19-inch wheels with ample 225/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 at the rear catch your eye.

All this is certainly nice looking and sensible, but what you glimpse through the spokes of the aluminium wheel rims is even more exciting: a generously sized fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four at the rear.

The wheels almost fill out the wheel arches, but if you look closely you discover the next highlight. Yellow springs with a small M logo provide the crucial clue: a threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound. "The rear axle support is bolted in place," adds the responsible engineer.

The expert will also spot the adjustable front splitter and rear wing. One thing is clear: this car is serious stuff. Not only can a high level of downforce be generated but it also precisely adjustable at front and rear. Fast bends can look forward to welcoming the BMW M3 GTS - but they won't get to see it for long.

Which brings us to the next question: what does it weigh?

"The serial production BMW M3 is already weight-optimised with a whole range of measures reserved for the BMW M3 CSL in the last model - the striking carbon lightweight roof, for example."

So the engineers had to get back to work again to come up with more. Light body-contoured seats are a must.

A cluster of lightweight construction measures such as optimisation of the insulation, the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car's windows in the back, the lack of air conditioning, navigation and radio and the entire rear seat also gets the scales the down.

And the new titanium rear silencer not only looks great and contributes to the thrilling sound of the BMW M3 GTS, it is also much lighter than its serial production counterpart.

Indispensable for safety reasons: the lightweight construction body has been prepared for installation of the 6-point seatbelt included for use on the race track. There are also mounts for the roll-over protective structure bolted on from the B column. A fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation do not make the car lighter either - but safer.

So the BMW M3 GTS concept vehicle puts the scales up to around 1490 kilograms - causing the engineer to give an appreciative nod.

And the drivetrain? The heart of the BMW M3 GTS?

The car is fitted with a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics. But an absolute highlight is to be found under the bonnet. Exclusively for the BMW M3 GTS, the engine builders of BMW M - recent winners of the Engine of the Year Award once again - have developed a power unit based on the M high-performance engine of the current BMW M3: with a capacity of 4.4 litres and an output of some 450 bhp, it will catapult the light BMW M3 GTS into a whole new sphere.

After all, the aim is to clearly beat the lap time of the legendary M3 CSL on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And test runs certainly give grounds for optimism.

The BMW M3 GTS is manufactured to order on an individual basis at the BMW M production workshops.

The price of the BMW M3 GTS with the features shown is expected to be EUR 115,000.- for delivery in Germany, including 19% VAT.

The first vehicles are due to be supplied in May 2010. For technical reasons relating to registration, the first vehicles to be produced will be those for individual registration in Germany. According to current planning, registrations in other countries will be possible from summer 2010.

If you are interested in the BMW M3 GTS, we recommend registering for our competition, in which you can win a place to attend the exclusive vehicle presentation.

2009 VIP Auto Salon Lexus IS 350C

While many custom-car builders prefer extreme designs, VIP Auto Salon and JTuned.com took a more subtle approach with their IS 350 C. Requiring approximately $15,000 and about one and one-half months of hard labor, the Matador Red IS C features a carbon-fiber hood, carbon-fiber trunk spoiler, a high-performance exhaust system, and custom tires and wheels..

Highlights

• Joe Z intake pipe and Performance Tube Systems Joe Z series True Dual Header back exhaust system
• TOMS drop in air filter, linear throttle system and fuel map controller
• Work Gnosis GS3 MDB finish with Hankook Tires Ventus V12
• Down Force, Inc. carbon fiber lip kit, eye lines and trunk spoiler
• Seibon carbon fiber hood, matte black emblems, grille and mirror trim
• Black leather accents supplied by Katzkin with stitching by Coach Auto Style