Torque Of The Town
*Being German, Carlsson isn't afraid of rolling up its metaphorical sleeves and getting into tuning diesels. This was once a plain Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI. That was before Carlsson's C-Tronic diesel power kit upped the V6 engine's output to a claimed 269 hp and a lusty 451 lb-ft of torque at 1800 rpm, which is always useful in an off-road vehicle. We'll forgive Carlsson's engineers for not being too imaginative when it comes to names, because the C-Tronic suspension lowers the ride height by nearly two inches and imits body roll. It can sense when spring rates need to be stiffened for optimum ride comfort and control. In addition to the aero kit, four tailpipes lend a sportier sound, while the company's 1/11 BE (standing for Brilliant Edition) 22-inch wheels provide visual impact as well as being lightweight.


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Putting The Burn Onto Oil-Burner
*A diesel car faster than the Audi S5. That's MTM's claim for its A5 V6 TDI tuning package. Independent tests held at the Hockenheim circuit showed the MTM car holding a full second's advantage over a stock S5. With 50 hp less. The MTM A5 has 300 hp, but also a considerable 369 lb-ft of torque that sends it sprinting to 62 mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds. The extra grunt comes from engine management reprogramming and a four-pipe exhaust system that has also been tuned to sound as tough as the car is fast. Suspension and brakes also get the MTM treatment. Altered axle geometry brings about a higher camber, while eightpiston calipers squeeze massive 15-inch semi-perforated brake rotors.