This may be the weirdest piece of news I’ve been able to put out in a long time; while car sales are falling off in virtually every category, there’s a bright spot in the car market–after market parts sales.

Things like car stereos, in-car video, car speakers and other such items look to top well over nine billion dollars in total sales this year.

And frankly, this makes a whole lot of sense.  Given that the car sales market is falling off, people are looking to make their old car last longer and run better and be just plain old more enjoyable.  So they’re looking at better stereos and navigational gear and all these new and interesting gadgets designed to improve the quality of life in the car.

Since fewer and fewer are looking to buy, more and more are looking to keep, and keeping means a brisk market for improvements.

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Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo itself is an absolute beast with it’s 550HP and 0-60MPH time of 4.7, it’s definitely not your grandmothers SUV.

However, a French car stylist by the name of Jeremie Paret saw some room for improvement in the Cayenne Turbo’s aesthetic deparment recently announced that he has whipped up a body kit for the vehicle. The body kit will add a new grille, angel eye fog lights and a new set of side lights in addition to an updated bumper easing the work of the intercooler.

The body kit will also feature wider fenders for larger sized wheels, a rear spoiler and diffuser and side skirts. How much is it, you ask? Well, just like with the Reventon Roadster, if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.

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German tuning firm Carlsson has recently announced that they are are ready to bring a tuning kit for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to market.

The kit is entitled the RS and will feature aethstetic changes such as a new grill, stainless steel trim and a body kit. Additionally it will feature LED daytime running lights, 22-inch allow wheels and and suspension work for improved handling.

In terms of power, Carlsson will throw in a a sport air filter and an updated ECU thus upping the vehicle’s horsepower from 388 to 435.

via WorldCarFans

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Yesterday we showed you the Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro that was modeled after the Autobot Bumblebee. One thing Bumblebee lacks, however, is the ability to drop the top and enjoy the summer sun. In fact, GM doesn’t even have a convertible offering.

Enter Newport Convertible Engineering who tout the ability to transform your 2010 Chevy Camaro into a convertible.

Sure, it’s probably not cheap, but did you expect it to be?

via Jalopnik

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Just as they did with a Porsche 911 back in January, Switzer has taken a Porsche GT2 and beefed it up way past stock. Just how far past stock? Well, it pumps out an amazing 800hp but the real thrill of it all is it does it on 93 Octane pump gas.

Tym Switzer has this to say about the vehicle:

We were very happy to hit our target numbers. Of course, but the best part is that the car is still so manageable on the street, at this power level. It is an everyday hyper-performing exotic, and I can’t wait to get it out on the track and see how it performs in the hands of a pro driver.

The magic is with some Switzer software calibrations to the ECU along with upgrades to the Garrett GT30R turbochargers. All in all, this car is an absolute beast so be sure to check it out above.

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It seems that automotive tuning firm AC Schnitzer has turned to the Mini Cooper S as their latest project, the result? A R57 Mini Cabrio.

You can buy the whole R57 Cabrio tuning package which will net you a horsepower increase from the stock 175HP to either 208 HP for the domestic market or 226HP for export. Additionally buyers of the tuning kit will be able to opt for a limited slip differential, adjustable suspension upgrade and/or a sport exhaust.

If that’s not enough AC Schnitzer will also offer an array of different body kits to upgrade the look of your Cooper S.

Read (Autoblog)

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