Steinmetz Spiffs Up New 2010 Opel Astra

Opel tuning specialist Steinmetz introduced some tasteful mods for the new Astra hatch at this week's 'Tuning World Bodensee 2010'. These include a front spoiler and a rear wing plus new upper and lower front grilles finished in black.

Other tuning options include a new lowering kit that brings the compact hatch 30mm (1.2 inches) closer to the road and two 19-inch alloy wheel designs, both of which run on tires size 235/35 R19.

For the interior, Steinmetz offers a gear display which shows the driver the gear currently selected, floor mats with a stainless steel logo, and stainless steel sill trims.

Hamann Teases Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing Proposal

The above teaser photo that shows Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG Gullwing model wearing a new set of black alloy wheels is Hamann Motorsports' way of telling us that the company is preparing a performance kit for the German supercar.

Unfortunately, the famous tuning firm is keeping the details to itself for now, but there's a strong possibility that the Hamann-prepped SLS AMG will make its world premiere at next week's Tuning World Bodensee motor show in Germany, so stay... tuned.

Arden Teases New Range Rover AR5/10

The upcoming Tuning World Bodensee auto show in Germany that runs from May 13 through 16 will see British car specialist Arden taking the wraps off its latest proposal based on the recently facelifted 2010 Range Rover.

The tuner is keeping details about the AR5/10 under a tight lid, but apart from the cosmetic upgrades seen in these teaser photos, buyers should also expect a raft of performance enhancements.

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 G Sports Turbo Concept Kicks Ass in Gran Turismo 5

No sooner than Toyota dropped the covers on its FT-86 G Sports Concept model at the Tokyo Auto Salon today, and the makers of the Gran Turismo 5 released a video showing the souped-up prototype tearing up the virtual circuits of the much anticipated racing game.

We remind you the FT-86 G Sports is a conceptual proposal based on the prototype version of Toyota's forthcoming rear-wheel drive sports coupe featuring all sorts of aero and performance upgrades, including a turbocharged version of the FT-86's 2.0-liter boxer engine. Follow the jump for the video and a photo gallery.

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Carlsson's Mercedes-Benz E-Class Tuning Program Fully Revealed

One of the few new tuning proposals that made their world debut at this past week's Tuning World Bodensee show in Germany (April 30th until May 3rd) was Carlsson's Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Besides the complete aerodynamic kit, the German tuning boutique's treatment for the all-new 2010 Mercedes E-Class sedan includes special interior fittings, under-the-hood upgrades and a new lowering C-Tronic suspension system.

Carlsson offers performance enhancements for three E-Class models starting from the E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY diesel that gains an extra 40 horsepower for a total output of 244HP. The E 350CDI BlueEFFICIENCY diesel gets a 46 horsepower boost for a total of 277HP while the E500's 5.5-liter V8 gasoline engine receives a CM50K compressor kit along with a new sport exhaust system, high-performance catalysts and stainless steel mufflers for an extra 55 horsepower that result in a total of 443HP.

To improve handling, Carlsson has developed the C-Tronic suspension system that not only allows the driver to lower the sedan's ride height by up to 43 millimeters (1.7-inches), but also automatically adjusts the ride height based on the road conditions.

Naturally, added power and improved handling are complemented by a complete body kit that in this case looks stealthily tasty and includes a newly designed front apron with vertically positioned LED daylight running lights and a stainless steel grid for the lower grille, side skirts, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser that houses four stainless steel end pipes, fender air-vents and an unobtrusive rear spoiler. Carlsson also offers various alloy wheel designs in sizes up to 20-inches.

For the interior there's an array of options ranging from aluminum pedals and new floor mats with an integrated Carlsson logo to a tailor-made gearshift and door lock bolts made of aluminum.

Opel Insignia Sports Tourer Tweaked by Steinmetz

Having already meddled around with the sedan and liftback (five-door) versions of the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia, German tuning house Steinmetz is now completing its offerings with the introduction of a sports package for the Sports Tourer model that will premiere at this week's Tuning World Bodensee. Its appearance is upgraded thanks to the addition of a new honeycomb grille, front spoiler that complies with the European directives on pedestrian protection, new tail pipes and a two-piece roof spoiler.

The Sport Tourer's looks are complemented by a set of 20-inch alloy wheels available in white or black finish, shod in chunky 245/35 R20 rubber. There's also a lowering kit that brings the car approximately 25mm closer to the ground that further enhance the sporty look.

As far as the interior goes, Steinmetz offerings are limited to a set of foot mats and aluminum sport pedals.