2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe by TechTec

We’ve already seen a tuning package for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, but whereas the "Clockwork Orange" was made exclusively for one client, this latest package from TechTec will be the first offered to the general public.

BMW’s little sports car already comes with a new twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers total of 335 HP, but German tuner, TechTec, has reworked that engine to come up with three different power stages. The first stage will bring the pony power up to 380 HP and the peak torque to 427 lb-ft, all for 1,000 euro (about $1,4000 at the current rates). Throw down another 1,500 euro (about $2,100 at the current rates) and that power increase will jump by 20 to 400 HP, but at this point, TechTec would also recommend that the buyer gets their upgraded air cooler for another 800 euro (about $1,120 at the current rates).

The third and final stage for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe will boost power all the way up to 450 HP, allowing the BMW to sprint from 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.1 seconds. This is also accomplished due to the fact that the tuner removed the top speed limiter, bringing the top speed up to 186 mph. Additional throaty growls from the M Coupe can be attained with a new titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic and handling can also be improved with the club sport-suspension by KW, both offered by TechTec.

For comparison’s sake, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe by TechTec lapped the Hockenheim circuit in 1:13:59, whereas the standard 1-Series M Coupereportedly did it in 1:14.1 and the BMW M3 followed at 1:14.2. It’s not a tremendous difference, but if that slight lead will get the driver’s juices flowing then the top version of the TechTec package is the way to go.

Factory Five 818 Sports Car Design Winners Announced

Replica cars are nice and all, but originals are, and will always be, the way to go.

Factory Five, one of the finest replica makers of Cobras and Daytonas in the business, is working on building their very own sports car, a new and original design that will be the basis for the very first "818 Sports Car" to be built.

To help in the brainstorming process, Factory Five and its co-sponsor Grassroots Motorsports, held a design-making contest for the future 818. The rules were pretty simple: each contestant was given a donor Subaru WRX, a space frame with a 95" wheelbase, and a target weight of just 1,800 lbs. Similarly, the design of the two-seater sports car had to give way for it to be built with a budget of just under $15,000.

After the contest, Factory Five and Grassroots Motorsports singled out Nouphone Bansasi as the winner of the competition with a design that offers a classic look on a modern two-seater sports car. For beating out over 700 entries, Bansasi pocketed a cool $5,000 for his efforts. In addition to Bansasi’s winning work, Factory Five and Grassroots Motorsports also awarded Rodney Olmos second place, and Xabier Alibizu third place for their entries while a number of other awards, including several sponsor awards were given out.

Full specs and details of the future 818 Sports Car are still being kept under wraps, but at the very least, we have a pretty good idea on what to expect as far as the design language of the car is concerned.

Check out the video of Factory Five President Dave Smith presenting the winners of the Factory Five-Grassroots Motorsports Project 818 Body Design Contest after the jump.

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It’s been over a year since the last Hummer rolled off the production line, ending the gas-guzzling era of the oversized and intimidating vehicle. Now, in a production more ironic than Congressman Anthony Weiner actually showing off his wiener, General Motors has unveiled an electric golf cart version of aHummer for all of those men in plaid pants that want to display their machismo on the course. The MEV Hummer HX is now on sale for a bargain price - when compared to a full size Hummer - of $16,000.

The MEV Hummer HX electric golf cart was named after the HX conceptrevealed by GM in 2008. It is powered by a 3.75hp electric motor, but a $1,475 5.5hp electric motor is also available as an upgrade.

The model comes standard with upholstery embroidered with the H2 name, a custom floor kit, polished chrome wheels, side rails, a rear license plate, a painted front grille, H2 logos on the sides and rear, a HUMMER stamped rear bumper, and an H2 body kit licensed by General Motors. The HX MEV can also be ordered in a 6 passenger limo version for $3,874 or an 8 passenger version for $4,974.