Ferrari 599 GTB Handling GTE Sport Kit Now Available as Aftermarket Package

Leaving no stone unturned in order to make a buck or two, Ferrari is now offering its recently launched Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) sport package for the 599 GTB Fiorano also as a genuine aftermarket kit to existing owners of the V12 supercar. Depending on the customer's specific requirements and the age of vehicle, buyers can choose between two available packages.

According to Ferrari UK, the first HGTE pack is for pre-2008 599 GTB Fiorano cars and costs £17,213 ($28,300 US or €21,000). It consists of handling modifications, an exhaust system and a styling upgrades.

The second package, which is for post-2008 models equipped with the F1 transmission, is priced at £19,703 ($32,400 or €23,000) and comes with an additional performance kit. Mind you none of the above prices include VAT.

HGTE PACKAGE SPECS

1) Handling, includes:

• Lower suspension (10mm)
  
• New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino SPORT and RACE configurations
  
• More rigid suspension springs (front + 17%, rear + 15%)
  
• More rigid rear anti-roll bars (diameter increased to 25mm)
  
• HGTE specific tyres with improved compound (8% more grip)
  
• 3-piece modular rims with reduced weight (forged spokes) and special new design
  

2) Performance (only available for post-2008 cars, from engine no. 122779), includes:

• New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
  
• Enhanced F1 gearshift actuation, with response times reduced to 85ms
  
• New accelerator logic with modified mapping for improved throttle response
  

N.B. The Performance kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes.

3) Exhaust, includes:

• New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
  

The Exhaust kit is designed for:

• vehicles that cannot receive the software updates listed in the Performance kit since the engine was produced before assembly number 122779 (pre-2008)
  
• all cars with manual gearboxes
  
• clients who are only interested in modifying the styling and sound of their own cars
  

N.B. The Exhaust kit is included in the Performance kit, for cars post-2008.

4) Aesthetic, includes:

• New design front grille with a special chromatic treatment
  
• Burnished finish to Prancing Horse symbols on the front grill and rear boot lid
  

German Tuner Thinks Louis Vuitton-esque MINI JCW with up to 252HP Looks Kewl

We're no luxury handbag experts, but the first thought that comes to mind upon seeing CoverEFX's MINI John Cooper Works [JCW] tuning proposal is a....Louis Vuitton bag on wheels. For obvious reasons, the monogram canvas is different than the one found on the products of the famous French design house, but its styling as well as the colors and the leathery texture of the special foil wrap all point to an inspiration that come from Louis Vuitton.

The new look is complemented by a set of matching matte black and matte gold metallic 17-inch OZ LM alloy wheels surrounded by Toyo R888 205/40 R17 84W tires.

In the performance department, CoverEFX says it offers two stages of tune for the 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo engine. The first adds an ECU upgrade along with a 2.5-inch exhaust system with Milltek downpipe, sports catalyst and extra large sports air filter to lift output from 211HP and 280Nm to 236HP and 350Nm. The second stage includes a more aggressive software tune pushing output to 252HP and a maximum torque of 382 Nm.

A short shift kit for the gearbox and a stainless steel KW Variant 3 suspension round off the performance upgrades.

Ferrari F430 Spider Tuned up by Inden Design

Moving on to its next project, German tuner Inden Design has presented a new sports package for the Ferrari F430 Spider. Performance-wise, changes are limited to a new stainless steel-made sport exhaust system and a reworked ECU that up the output of the 4.3-liter V8 engine to 525 HP, a 35 horsepower increase over the factory figure. The kit also includes a sport spring set that bring the F430 Spider a few millimeters closer to the ground as well as new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 325/25 R20 high-performance tires.

In typical Inden Design fashion, the tuner dresses up the F430 Spider with a new bodykit that comprises of a new front spoiler, side-flaps and a carbon-fiber rear diffuser.

For the interior, the German tuning firm offers various upgrades including special leather trims for the dashboard, the center console, the door panels and the steering wheel covers.

RDX Racedesign Styles up the VW Golf VI

Sometimes vehicle owners don't feel like dealing with the hassles and increased costs of mechanical upgrades on their cars preferring to focus their attention on the styling aspect of tuning. If you happen to agree with the above and own a sixth-generation VW Golf, then you may want to take a look at the latest offerings from RDX Racedesign.

The tuner has launched a new bodykit for the Golf VI that comprises of a front spoiler (€149), side skirts (€149), rear apron (€149), roof spoiler (€149) and headlamp covers (€49.95). The overall cost for the aero kit is €646 which comes to around $920 US at today's exchange rates.