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Lotus Engineering, the world renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus, has developed technologies to synthesise external sound on electric and hybrid vehicles to counteract the growing concern these ‘quiet’ vehicles pose to pedestrians and cyclists. A simulation of a real engine sound is used on the ‘Safe & Sound’ Hybrid technology demonstrator vehicle, making it instantly recognisable that the vehicle is in motion.

Once again spy photographers have stumbled across the new 5-series-based BMW Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS), also known as V-Series or RFK, in the American desert and showing frameless doors for the first time.

In its early stages of development BMW's PAS was falsely pegged as Munich’s answer to the Mercedes R class, much in the same way the X6 was falsely pegged as a Mercedes CLS competitor. But now, these spy-shots of the PAS clearly show it’s a true fastback, allowing more headroom than in the X6 while being significantly smaller than the Mercedes R-Class. This car-like approach seen on this prototype seems better-suited to BMW’s values than a full-size van, and although these spy-photos do not reveal all of the car’s design, enthusiasts might be a bit disappointed by the car’s rational coupe like design.

The V-Series, PAS, RFK or whatever you want to call it, is expected to debut in September 2009 at IAA in Frankfurt.

[Source: AUTOMEDIA]

Abt's off-the-shelf tuning products for the 2.0 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI engines available for the Audi A3 Cabriolet put the new Audi rag top in four stages of upgraded power. The first offering for the 2.0 TFSI add a healthy portion of horsepower from 200hp (147kW) to 240hp (177kW) while the second Power S upgrade brings the rag top on par with the Audi S3 with 270hp (199kW). Most likely to be the more popular engine choice, the 1.8 TFSI engine also gets bumped up from the standard 160hp (118kW) to a very respectable 200hp (147kW), or to 240hp (177kW) with ABT Power S.

In the styling department, there's not much to be seen yet. Besides the two sets of Abt Sporsline wheels, Abt will surely have something more stylistically presentable in the near future, hopefully, soon.

Tuning companies are catching on to the all powerful teaser image, and German tuner, Lumma Design, have issued theirs - with the controversial BMW X6 model. Love it or hate it, the BMW X6 Coupe Crossover is an interesting car and Lumma's CLR X650 is no different – yet in a different character.

With a beefy front bumper fascia, which contains no less than 6 air vent openings, the entire kit gets a dash of aggression with side skirts and quarter panel leg vents plus revised mirrors, however, the added attitude comes from the 40mm suspension drop with the 23-inch arch filling black dished wheels.

As one of the first tuning companies to put together a dramatic styling kit for the X6, the CLR X650 takes the whole X6 hatchback coupe vibe and molds it

The Ferrari F430 Scuderia is one car most people would have no problem in adding to my fantasy garage, the 510 horsepower supercar capable of doing 320km/h is more than sufficient to to satisfy most of our lusts. But should you wish for something a little extra why not enlist the help of specialist Ferrrari tuner Novitec Rosso who have just released their own tuning package boosting the engine up to a monstrous 717 horsepower bringing the top speed up to 348km/h and the 0-62mph time down to just 3.5 seconds.

Following the tuned Murciélago LP 640, edo competition presents its second Lamborghini project with the Gallardo Superleggera.

Through high flow breathing components such as a massive air box and newly designed high flow catalytic converters plus a recalibrated engine control unit, the Gallardo SLE produces 30hp (22 kW) more to 560 hp (411 kW) at 8,250 rpm. Top speed is bumped up to about 6 km/h (4 mph) to 320 km/h (199 mph) and 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) arrives in 3.7 seconds and 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.7 seconds.

Also, 19-inch three piece racing wheels shod in stock-sized or 245/35 ZR 19 (F) 305/30 ZR 19 (R) Dunlop Sport Maxx tires plus 15mm lowered suspensions and smoked side turn signals round out the package, except for one last detail.

The exhaust system's sound volume can be adjusted at the press of a button via remote control. Check out the video above for demonstration.

The Volkswagen Fox may not be on the top of your list for an aerodynamic make-over, but RDX Racedesign caters for a niche market of Fox fans. RDX designed a new front spoiler with integrated grille, side sills and a new rear apron to give the rather conservative small car a brand new look.