V8 diesels are a rare sight on the market, so when we heard that German tuner specialist MTM has developed an aftermarket package for the 4.2-liter V8 TDI of the VW Group, we wanted to share the news with you.

The unit, which can be found on the VW Touareg, Audi Q7 and Audi A8, produces 350 hp and 800 Nm (591 lb-ft) when it leaves the factory. MTM starts with an ECU remap, which takes the engine to 410 hp and 930 Nm (686 lb-ft), figures that will fill the cabin with adrenaline when the driver... [...]

The Volkswagen Beetle has just received a new modification package, with the tuning gift this time coming from JE Design and covering both the tech and visual sides of the car.

The Bug's 2.0-liter TFSI unit, which produces 200 hp and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque when it leaves the factory, has received an ECU remap and now allows the driver to play with 240 hp and a peak torque of 310 Nm (229 lb-ft).

On the road, this is translated to a 0.6 second reduction for the 0 to 62 mph sprint time ... [...]

Hennessey Performance announced it is working on a HPE800 Twin Turbo package for the McLaren MP4-12C. As its name says, the package will bring the British supercar to 800 hp, a hefty increase from it's factory 608 hp.

All the extra power also has to be tamed, so the US tuner will also offer an aerodynamic package with pretty serious downforce additions, with the goodies using carbon fiber to keep the weight down.

Here's what Hennessey will gift the supercar's 3.8-liter V6 with:[...]

If there's one thing the stock McLaren MP4-12C has in abundance it's power from the mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine which is rated at 600PS (592HP) and 600Nm (442.5 lb-ft).

However, Texas-based tuning firm Hennessey Performance begs to differ as it believes the MP4-12C could do with some additional horses under the hood ? 200 of them, to be precise.[...]

The most impressive model in Hennessey’s line-up at this point is without a doubt the Venom GT, but with Hennessey, the best always seems to get one-upped by their next project. The vehicle ready to take on the challenge is the new HPE800 Concept based on the new McLaren MP4-12C. As its name suggests, the HPE800 will get a power upgrade to the tune of 800 HP - up from the current 592 HP. Next to this, the tuner will also be offering a more aggressive aero package, new wheels, and interior changes.

Hennessey was able to massage more power out of the McLaren’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 by adding an upgraded intercooler system, air intake system, and ball-bearing turbochargers, as well as ECU updates and, of course, a new Hennessey titanium exhaust system. These updates will allow the MP4-12C to push out the aforementioned 800 HP.[...]

Has John Hennessey ever found a fast car he didn't think he could make faster? His next target is the McLaren MP4-12C, which he's planning to turn the power dial up to a stonkin' 800 hp. Better reach for the fireproof suits, boys, because the flames are comin' this way! [...]

As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, Mopar revealed a new limited edition version of the Chrysler 300 that will go on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show from February 10-19 before it arrives in dealerships this summer with a starting price of $49,700, which includes $825 for destination.

The Mopar '12 300 will be built in a limited run of 500 units, all of which are painted in a black exterior finish with bespoke Mopar appointments such as the black chrome grille and accents, tinted lights, blue pin stripes on the profile and hood, plus ?Mopar 75? fender badges and a set of color matching 20-inch forged alloy wheels.[...]

Mopar is releasing four special vehicles to celebrate its 75th anniversary and for this piece of news we'll focus on the tiniest customized ride of the club, the 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger.

The vehicle's 1.4-liter MultiAir engine has been gifted with a cold-air intake and a cat-back exhaust (Mopar hasn't released the power increase), a more potent braking system, as well as a set of 17-inch Abarth Hyper Black lightweight rims that use 205/40 tires.

The vehicle has been dressed in Giallo (Italia... [...]

Yesterday, we told you that Mopar, the parts and accessories division of the Chrysler Group, would release four custom vehicles in order to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Now that Chrysler is connected to the Fiat Group, the customization wing's activities can spread further than ever before and Mopar will demonstrate this at this year's Chicago Auto Show, where the four vehicles will be displayed.

We'll skip past the Fiat 500 Singer, the Jeep Compass 'True North' and the Mopar '12 300, to f... [...]

The Jeep Compass recently got a makeover which gave it the face of a Grand Cherokee, and so the new kid was a prime target for the team at Mopar when they wanted to create their celebratory edition models, all heading to the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The collective name of the parts you'll be able to choose from the Mopar catalog is the ‘True North' edition. The exterior features a cool makeover that combines the contrast of the shiny paint finish with matte black on the roof, wheel flare... [...]