Ferrari 612 widebody by Imola Racing

It takes a special kind of confidence to modify a new Ferrari. After all, who wants to mess with what many people regard as perfection. However, Imola Racing, a member of the DIMEX Group of Wiesbaden, Germany, specializes in doing exactly that. We've got some photos (but unfortunately, not many details) of the latest tuned Ferrari to roll out of Imola Racing's garages in Germany. This widebody 612 Scaglietti sports a full body kit, monster wheels and a unique paint job.

The body kit includes a new front spoiler and rear diffuser, as well as widened fenders and a tiny rear spoiler. The two-tone paint uses a contrasting color in the body scallops and is reminiscent of a classic Corvette. The lighter gray is also used on the roof panel. Blackout wheels with ultra-low profile tires complete the tuned look. The Imola Racing 612 Scaglietti also includes an upgraded interior, though we don't know if the powertrain or suspension have been modified at all. Imola's mechanical upgrades have generally been exhaust- and suspension-based, so it's a good guess that this 612 Scaglietti has benefitted from some of the shop's expertise in that regard.

Nissan GT-R COBRA N+ Tuning Concept

One of Germany's foremost Nissan tuners COBRA N+ has been working on one of their most prized projects, the Nissan GT-R. It's a well known fact that the GT-R's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 develops a potent dose of 485hp / 357kW in standard form, pushed along by a 4WD system.

COBRA N+ believes power can only be substituted with more power, and therefore during the first tuning stage the brand expects to yield a more meaningful 550 hp / 410kW. Torque will go up to a maximum of 680Nm. At these levels the car will sprint from 0 - 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, with a top velocity of 320km/h. The second stage at some point will see the GT-R producing 620hp / 462kW and peak torque of about 800Nm. Then they will call it RACE PERFORMANCE.

COBRA N+ reckons it will achieve these first stage performance numbers through reprogramming of the electronics, boost pressure of 0.15 bar and modified air intakes fitted with sport air filters.

Other performance enhancing features are 21-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, 8-piston brake calipers, front end lift reduction mechanisms through an aerodynamic part and an integrated diffuser.

Inside the car is layered with carbon fiber bits and pieces, leather/ Alcantara materials and a roll cage. COBRA N+ will offer their modified GT-R as soon as the European market launch happens in 2009.

Porsche 9ff GTT 900 based on Carrera GT

9ff is a specialist Porsche tuner, so if anyone knows how to work a Porsche engine it is these guys. The Porsche Carrera GT is one of the most accomplished, if severely undermarketed road cars built in the past few years. That 5.7-litre V10 produces 612hp/ 456kW and 590Nm of torque, both of which can whirl the car from standstill to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds topping off at a limited 334km/h (207mph).

The tuner 9ff thought this might not be enough. Luckily they had got themselves one of the 1,270 units of the Carrera GT sold and modified it to 900hp/ 671kW. A carbon fibre rear wing was fitted, an electronic suspension system that lowers the car, 19-inch magnesium wheels and a ceramic dual-disk clutch were all added.

Performance improvements are evident in that the car's 0 - 100km/h spring time now sits at 3.2 seconds with top speed upped to 390 km/h (242 mph).

You can get this car from 9ff for 452,000 Euros or 635,000 USD.

Nissan GT-R 600hp Godzilla Package by Hennessey

Hennessey Performance Engineering has just made us even bigger fans of the Nissan GT-R. The Texas-based tuner released a 600 hp (441 kW) upgrade to the car just in time for the holidays.

Called the Godzilla 600, the tuning package also provides up to 570 ft-lb (773 Nm) of torque.

This is not the first GT-R specific upgrade from the company. They have a tweek to the on-board computer software that adds 65 hp (48 kW) and 75 lb-ft (102 Nm) of torque after only 10 minutes.

The Godzilla 600 is not as simple. This package includes an upgrade to the air induction system, electronic boost control, an improved wastegate actuator, and front-mount intercooler system. Also included are turbo down pipes, mid-pipe exhaust, and rear section exhaust all in stainless steel.

Hennessey will install the package for $14,500, or ship the items to you for $11,500.

We wonder how soon you will notice the difference as you try to outrun Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol as you race down I-10 away from HPE headquarters.

Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT Racecar by Reiter Engineering

With racing cars come roadgoing versions. It's as predictable as the changing of the seasons. Now that the Lamborghini Murcielago has taken to the track in R-GT form, there's a way to get a similar vehicle for the street. Reiter Engineering, the German firm responsible for the Murcielago R-GT, showed a road-ready version of the lightened track car at the Essen Motor Show.

The show car's specific modifications are unknown, but if it's like the track car then it's got a standard Murcielago V12 engine and two-wheel drive. The obvious exterior modifications include a carbon-fiber spoiler up front and a new diffuser and spoiler at the rear, as well as a distinctive high-mounted dual exhaust outlet that's in line with the taillights. Black O.Z. Racing wheels set the yellow show car apart. The Murcielago R-GT shown at Essen will be sold as a one-off car, and Reiter says it will offer some of the components as limited-edition aftermarket pieces.

Lotus Elise styling package by Project Kahn

One of Project Kahn's major missions when transforming a normal Lotus Elise into what you see here was to help owners of the car stand out from a possible sea of other Elise owners out there. As a 60th anniversary project for Lotus, Kahn went even sportier with the Elise, installing a full aerodynamic body styling package.

Front spoiler, ventilated front wings, side sills, rear spoiler and larger side intake ducts are some of the exterior alterations done. Interior also received some attention with a full leather compliment fitted. In addition Kahn provided a sports exhaust system to improve engine breathing and then improved handling with a lowered suspension with 28 stage dampeners. Improving the handling of an Elise is quite a tall order, given the car's established high credentials on a track, but Project Kanh is confident they have done it.

New Honda Accord tuned by Mugen

Honda specialist tuner Mugen has released details of a new package for the Honda Accord in Japan, only a day after its launch in that country. The enhancements can be purchased as a complete kit or ‘a la carte'. It includes front, rear and under spoilers, side sills, a bunny-tooth grille and a big rear wing. The Japanese Accord is the same as the Acura TSX and comes with a 2.4-litre four cylinder engine with an exclusive 5-speed automatic gearbox.

A list of four alloy wheel designs is on the menu in two sizes 18 and 19-inch. The performance aspect includes upgrades in suspension, high performance brake pads and rotors, as well as a sports exhaust system.

Europe received the new Accord in the summer of this year after a show debut in Geneva. Mugen was founded by its former CEO Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Honda founder Soichiro Honda.