ST has unveiled a new performance package for the Audi S5 Sportback.

Designed to give the engine a healthy kick in the pants, the package consists of a revised ECU, a sport air filter, and a stainless steel exhaust system. Thanks to these modifications, the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 produces 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) and 495 Nm (365 lb-ft) of torque - increase of 42 hp (31 kW / 43 PS) and 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). While the company declined to release performance specifications, they stated the V-Max limiter is also removed as part of the conversion.

On the styling front, Senner decided to play it safe and not equipped the S5 with a body kit. Instead, they offer lowering springs (which reduce ride height 35-40mm) and 20-inch T1S Work VARA Diamond alloy wheels. Inside, the only change is the addition of carbon fiber trim around the instrument cluster.

Mini Rocky IV - watch more funny videos

The video is the latest in a ten-day back-and-forth between MINI USA President Jim McDowell, a former Porsche executive, and Porsche North America President and CEO Detlev Von Platen.  It began with MINI placing a full-page ad in the New York Times challenging Porsche to a race at Road Atlanta, near Porsche NA headquarters.  Porsche politely declined, saying that they are in motorsports to challenge themselves, not for publicity stunts.  MINI fired back twice, first by flying a banner over Porsche NA that simply read, "Dear Porsche, Bring it!  Love, MINI."  The second is this video.

Will Porsche accept the challenge, in the spirit of Rocky v. Drago, Seabiscuit v. War Admiral, and Daniel v. Cobra Kai?  Stay tuned!

At what point does a conspicuous display of wealth become obscene?

Well, a solid gold, diamond-encrusted model of a Bugatti Veyron, if it doesn't cross the line, certain comes close.

It is called, officially, the Bugatti Veyron Diamond Limited Edition and it's a scaled replica of a true Veyron (1:18) in solid 24-carat gold, platinum and adorned with 7.2 carat single cut flawless diamonds.

The model is a creation of Munich-based Robert Gulpen and Stuart Hughes from Liverpool (UK), both known and respected figures in the world of bespoke luxury design.

The doors and hoods are functional, meaning they open and close, and the steering works too.

Only 3 will be made.

Cost/Value? £2 million (€2.4 million).

Fans of the 24 Hour Le Mans race got to see a prototype of the Audi e-tron electric supercar first hand when it opened the race with a demonstration run this past weekend. The car was driven by racing legend Frank Biela and is meant to showcase Audi's future direction in terms of fuel sources and performance.

Its battery sits behind the passenger cabin to optimise its centre of gravity, thus achieving a 42:58 weight distribution.4 motors drive the front and rear axles and maximum power is quoted at 230 kW (308 bhp/ 313 PS), while peak torque is an astounding 4,500Nm (3,319 lb-ft). About 70% of power goes to the rear. Audi says the R8-based e-tron will accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

Its face is dominated by the single-frame grille with its two unneeded large air intakes on the flanks. It measures 4.4 metres (14.53 ft) long, 1.90m (6.23 ft) wide, 1.25m (4.1 ft) high and has a wheelbase of 2.65m (8.69 ft).

The battery can be recharged via normal household sockets putting out 230 volts in about 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively it will get partly recharged during driving using the car's energy recuperation system.

A combination of luxury and racing feelings are evoked by the interior atmosphere which features things like a graphic display to show the driving mode.[WCF]

The Spirra is almost here. South Korea is about to introduce its first supercar, nine years after the Proto Motors PS-II prototype was first revealed to the press. After navigating through rough seas, including being bought out by a company called the Oullim Group, Proto Motors (now Oullim Motors) is confident of a 2010 summer market introduction.

Maximum power will come from a V6 motor with four different outputs. At its meekest, it will produce 129kW (173 bhp/ 175 PS) and torque of 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) at 6,000rpm. The second configuration features a small turbo that helps it push 243 kW (325 bhp / 330 PS) and 471 Nm (347 lb-ft). At the third-highest level is a power output of between 294 kW (395 bhp/ 400 PS) and 309 kW (414 bhp/ 420 PS), assisted by a bigger turbo. Peak torque for this engine is 490 Nm (361 lb-ft).

The most powerful of them all is persuaded by two turbos encouraging between 331 kW (444 bhp/ 450 PS) and 368kW (493 bhp/ 500 PS). The maximum torque is 539 Nm (398 lb-ft). Drive is through the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. At its quickest it goes from 0 - 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Top speeds range from 212 km/h to 310 km/h.

Road grip is provided by 225/40R 19 front and 275/40R 19 rear tyres. The Spirra has a mid-engine layout and is constructed by hand.

The body is made from carbon fibre, enclosing a tubular spaceframe. It is all lightweight but very stiff at the same time. The Korean auto industry does not yet have a well-developed supercar heritage and as such, these manufacturing technologies are not common for the general market.