Ferrari F430 Spider Tuned up by Inden Design

Moving on to its next project, German tuner Inden Design has presented a new sports package for the Ferrari F430 Spider. Performance-wise, changes are limited to a new stainless steel-made sport exhaust system and a reworked ECU that up the output of the 4.3-liter V8 engine to 525 HP, a 35 horsepower increase over the factory figure. The kit also includes a sport spring set that bring the F430 Spider a few millimeters closer to the ground as well as new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 325/25 R20 high-performance tires.

In typical Inden Design fashion, the tuner dresses up the F430 Spider with a new bodykit that comprises of a new front spoiler, side-flaps and a carbon-fiber rear diffuser.

For the interior, the German tuning firm offers various upgrades including special leather trims for the dashboard, the center console, the door panels and the steering wheel covers.

RDX Racedesign Styles up the VW Golf VI

Sometimes vehicle owners don't feel like dealing with the hassles and increased costs of mechanical upgrades on their cars preferring to focus their attention on the styling aspect of tuning. If you happen to agree with the above and own a sixth-generation VW Golf, then you may want to take a look at the latest offerings from RDX Racedesign.

The tuner has launched a new bodykit for the Golf VI that comprises of a front spoiler (€149), side skirts (€149), rear apron (€149), roof spoiler (€149) and headlamp covers (€49.95). The overall cost for the aero kit is €646 which comes to around $920 US at today's exchange rates.

Ferrari 599 GTB Handling GTE Sport Kit now available as Aftermarket Package

Leaving no stone unturned in order to make a buck or two, Ferrari is now offering its recently launched Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) sport package for the 599 GTB Fiorano also as a genuine aftermarket kit to existing owners of the V12 supercar. Depending on the customer's specific requirements and the age of vehicle, buyers can choose between two available packages.

According to Ferrari UK, the first HGTE pack is for pre-2008 599 GTB Fiorano cars and costs £17,213 ($28,300 US or €21,000). It consists of handling modifications, an exhaust system and a styling upgrades.

The second package, which is for post-2008 models equipped with the F1 transmission, is priced at £19,703 ($32,400 or €23,000) and comes with an additional performance kit. Mind you none of the above prices include VAT.

HGTE PACKAGE SPECS

1) Handling, includes:

• Lower suspension (10mm)
  
• New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino SPORT and RACE configurations
  
• More rigid suspension springs (front + 17%, rear + 15%)
  
• More rigid rear anti-roll bars (diameter increased to 25mm)
  
• HGTE specific tyres with improved compound (8% more grip)
  
• 3-piece modular rims with reduced weight (forged spokes) and special new design
  

2) Performance (only available for post-2008 cars, from engine no. 122779), includes:

• New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
  
• Enhanced F1 gearshift actuation, with response times reduced to 85ms
  
• New accelerator logic with modified mapping for improved throttle response
  

N.B. The Performance kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes.

3) Exhaust, includes:

• New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
  

The Exhaust kit is designed for:

• vehicles that cannot receive the software updates listed in the Performance kit since the engine was produced before assembly number 122779 (pre-2008)
  
• all cars with manual gearboxes
  
• clients who are only interested in modifying the styling and sound of their own cars
  

N.B. The Exhaust kit is included in the Performance kit, for cars post-2008.

4) Aesthetic, includes:

• New design front grille with a special chromatic treatment
  
• Burnished finish to Prancing Horse symbols on the front grill and rear boot lid
  

Hartge Presents New Tuning Program for the BMW 116d

If you're looking for a bit more oomph for your new BMW 116d, you may want to check out Hartge's latest tuning program for the entry-level diesel version of the three- and five-door 1-Series hatchback. The specific package consists of performance improvements that come in the form of an upgraded ECU that boosts the 2.0-liter turbo diesel's output from 115HP and 260Nm of torque to 143HP and 315Nm (232 lb-ft).

There's also a sport suspension kit that adds new springs which lower the 116d's ride height by 25mm as well as a sport exhaust system. And if you're still not content, Hartge will have no problem upgrading your bimmer with a numerous aero parts and a new set of alloy wheels and tires.

New VW Golf GTI VI Tuned to 260HP by MR Cardesign

With the sixth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI already available for sale in Europe, German tuners are readying a horde of goodies with the enthusiast in mind. Following ABT's recently revealed sport package, MR Cardesign form Erftstadt is the latest German firm to apply its tuning knowledge on the Golf GTI VI. First up is an engine kit that includes an ECU upgrade which lifts output from 210HP and 280Nm of torque to a punchy 260HP and 380Nm.

The additional 50HP and 100Nm helps reduce the GTI's 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time from 6.9 seconds to 5.8 seconds while the hot hatchback's top speed is increased from 240km/h to 263km/h or 164mph.

In addition to powertrain upgrades, MR Cardesign offers a sport suspension from KW that lowers the car by 50mm up front and by 40mm at the back, along with a high performance brake system from Sportech and 19-inch alloy wheels shod in Vredestein tires size 225/35 R19. Customer may also opt for a more sonorous sport exhaust system.