Max Auto Updates - 11/06/2009

9ff introduces new BT2 with 625kW



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German tuners 9ff have released a new tuning package for the Porsche GT2, advancing on their previous design. The new 9ff BT2 (bi-turbo 2) gives the driver access to a ridiculous amount of power: 625kW, and a maximum 920 Nm of torque.

Perhaps this will send American tuning company Switzer Performance back to the drawing board. That company released an 588kW GT2 package just a few days ago.

Although no details yet on engine modifications the BT2's numbers will get the Porsche fanboys salivating. All that power gets the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. 200 km/h can be achieved in 8.7 seconds, while getting to 300 km/h takes 18.5 seconds. Eventually, the car will hit its massive top speed of 386 km/h.

If you want something that is even quicker, 9ff has you covered. The company is willing to modify the gearing to increase acceleration, while decreasing the car's top speed.

Seen here honoring in its Gulf Livery glory, the car uses lightweight alloys and carbon fiber body panels to keep weight to a minimum. New body panels include a hood, doors, and roof, all custom built for the project, and all using the original mounting points. The company claims that the new Aero kit provides an additional 70 kg of downforce at the front, and 90 kilos more at the rear.

Those of you wanting to buy the new 9ff BT2 will have to fork over R3.22 million. This amounts to R1.08 million over the starting price for a GT2 direct from Porsche.

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Chrysler Fiat Deal Now Cleared by Supreme Court



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In a two-page, unsigned order, the court wrote that the Indiana pension funds had not given the court substantial cause to extend the delay further.

Chrysler, Fiat, and the U.S. Department of Justice all filed briefs with the High Court asking the court to reject the case. Although Fiat has the right to walk away from the deal if it is not finalized by June 15, the Italian automaker had said it was committed to the buyout.

Over the weekend, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg issued a temporary halt to the sale, presumably to allow the court more time to investigate the situation raised by the Indiana funds. Directors of those funds believed their firms were getting shortchanged by the government-backed deal, authorizing the buyout of the secured Chrysler debt held by the funds. As the deal stands, the funds would get less than $0.30 for every dollar of debt they hold. This makes their $42.5 million investment worth just $12.3 million. The funds were also frustrated that the deal prioritized unsecured creditors above the secured ones, believing this violated previous agreements.

However, the funds only represented about 8% of Chrysler's debt. Those firms holding the remaining $6.86 billion in debt accepted the deal.

Chrysler released a statement after hearing about the ruling, saying, "The transaction is expected to close very shortly ... enabling the previously announced global strategic alliance, forming a vibrant new car company, to proceed."

Emerging from 40 days in bankruptcy court will be a new company, called Chrysler Group LLC. The new automaker will be managed by Fiat S.p.A., which will own 20% of the company. For the time being, a health care fund owned by the United Auto Workers will own 68%, with the American government taking eight percent. The remaining two percent will be held by the Canadian government. If Fiat makes early progress both in financial and manufacturing targets, the Italian group can raise their stake to 35%.

One of these targets is the development and release of a 40 mpg petrol vehicle. If Chrysler Group LLC repays their U.S. government loans on time, Fiat can take a 51% stake in the American automaker.

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Caractere styling kit for Audi A5 Cabrio



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After unveiling their sexy body kit for the Audi A5/S5 coupe last year, Caractere has decided to offer a similar series of styling accessories for the new A5/S5 Cabrio.

The most noticeable change is an aggressive front bumper which features massive air intakes and integrated fog lights. Out back, the sporty styling theme continues as Caractere offers a bold rear diffuser with optional tailpipe exhaust tips. The company also markets their unique CW1 wheels which are available in 19" and 20" sizes.

Although pricing information wasn't released, the styling accessories are currently on sale.