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.

Miss Tuning Bodensee 2009 Wallpapers

These aren't exactly the sort of wallpapers that you'd like your upti(e)ght boss seeing on your desktop, but what the heck; with so many hours that most of us spend in front of a PC, we should at least try to make our 'working environment' as more pleasing to the eye as -legally- possible. Those of you that are planning to visit the Bodensee Tuning World show in Germany will have the chance to see all these lovely ladies (we know, we're spoiling you) that made it to the final for the Miss Tuning Calendar 2009 up close and in person.

Mcchip VW Golf GTI VI with 252HP to Premiere at Tuning World Bodensee

If the new Volkswagen Golf GTI's 210 horsepower turbocharged four pot isn't powerful enough for you, the tuners at Mcchip have readied a rather straightforward performance package that will be officially revealed at this week's Tuning World Bodensee in Germany. A quick ECU tune that has been priced at €849 (around US$1,150) adds another 42HP and 100Nm or 74lb-ft bringing the total output of the 2.0 TSI to 252HP and 380Nm or 280lb-ft of torque.

In addition to the engine software upgrade, Mcchip's tuning proposal for the 2009 VW Golf GTI also includes a sport suspension kit from H&R that brings the hot hatch a few inches closer to the ground as well as beefier 19-inch alloy wheels in a black finish from OZ plus a set of 'racing-stripes' available in various colors.