autos sport

After unveiling its Nissan 370Z and Audi A5 Cabriolet kits in September, German tuning firm Senner is at it again with its treatment for the Mercedes-Benz ML500. The company's engineers first turned their attention on the SUVs 5.5-liter V8 engine by optimizing the ECU module and lifting output from the factory model's 388HP and 530Nm, to 412HP and 560Nm [416 lb-ft] of torque.

Other go-fast features include suspension upgrades and a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes. A set of 22-inch aluminum wheels are also part of the package, shod in Vredestein "Wintrac Xtreme" high-performance winter sized 295/30 R22.

Prices for the complete kit start from €9,800 in Germany.

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Senner Tuning, probably best known for last year's disastrously named "White Power" RS6, has released pictures and details of its latest project car: the Nissan 370Z Asphalt Surfer.

The German tuning house has modified the 370Z with an ECU tune, sports air filter and cold air intake, boosting power to 365 hp (272 kw) and torque to 400 Nm. Twin 63.5 mm (2.5 inch) sports exhaust, door mirror caps / B-pillars capped in carbon fibre and black painting front / rear splitter round out the exterior package.

Senner has also added 20-inch Barracuda alloys by Tzunamee Racing, which are available in either white or black and wear 9x20" 245/35 R20 rubber at the front and either 10x20" 275/30 R20 or 11x20" with 285/30 R20 rubber at the back.

The interior modifications are more subtle, with carbon fibre added to the instrument barnacle and additional (dash top) gauges.

While you can build up your own 370Z Asphalt Surfer, Senner Tuning said it also offers completed examples of the car.

By Tristan Hankins

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Senner Tuning, which recently tuned Audi's little diesel A1, has opted to showcase some of their A5 products in this gorgeous, 'chocolate' A5 Cabrio.

The car receives some new intake and ECU tuning to bring the turbocharged 2.0-liter's output to 275 horsepower and 430 Nm / 317 lb-ft of torque, while a Senner stainless steel exhaust system is there for aural pleasure and to get rid of those exhaust fumes. The car rides on KW's Inox coilovers, which slam it down hard on those 20-inch Varianza TIS alloys.

As you can see, the body gets an RS-style nose, tail, and mirrors, which only make a great-looking car even greater. Personally, I'd love to see the rear bumper insert in carbon fiber, but that would add to the already exorbitant price.

All told, the package seen here can be had for a hair under €20,000. While I'd pass on spending that much on such run-of-the-mill modifications, that shade of chocolaty goodness is definitely something to consider if picking a custom color for an Audi.

By Phil Alex