WINTERLINGEN, Germany — Lumma Design has focused mainly on enhancing the appearance of the BMW M6 coupe and convertible with its CLR600 S body kit, a follow-up to last year's CLR600 tuning kit. Lumma has reworked the M6 inside and out. The exterior package includes a front spoiler and side sills with air intake ducts, plus a rear apron with an integrated diffuser. Buyers can opt for a rear spoiler or a full rear wing. The tuner has paid special attention to the engine bay, providing carbon-fiber air intake plenums and air filter housing, as well as red laminated valve covers. A sport exhaust system exits through quad tailpipes. Lumma lowers the suspension by 1.2 inches with a set of H&R performance springs. Three-piece wheels in aluminum and stainless steel come in 20- and 21-inch sizes, and can be fitted with Toyo performance rubber.

Chrysler Unveils 2005 300C SRT-8 At Pebble Beach

CARMEL, Calif., Aug. 13--So you say Chrysler's regular 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the 300C just isn't enough? It's too wimpy? Well, next spring you'll be able to get even more muscle--85 more hp and 30 more ft.-lb. of torque.

And as you'd expect, the cylinder heads, and intake and exhaust systems have all been redesigned for increased flow. The SRT-8 exhales through two giant 3.5-in. exhaust tips. The high-performance 6.1 is backed by an A580 5-speed automatic that sends its juice to a beefed-up rear axle.

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BASE PRICE: $16,005 for base LS with manual transmission; $16,160 for base panel wagon with manual; $17,005 for LT with manual.

OPTIONS: 2LT preferred equipment group (includes 2.4-liter engine, chrome-finished exhaust tip, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, high-performance audio system with seven Pioneer speakers, automatic-dimming rearview mirror) $1,800; four-speed automatic transmission $1,000; power, glass sunroof $750; leather-trimmed, front bucket seats $750; one-year OnStar Safe notification system $695; head curtain air bags $395; 17-inch, polished aluminum wheels $395; XM satellite radio service fee with three free months of service $199.

Mercedes Launches E300 Bluetec in Europe

STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz has launched the E300 Bluetec, the first of its passenger cars to employ the clean-diesel technology in Europe. The automaker, which has been selling Bluetec-equipped models in North America for the past year, said the E300 Bluetec meets future Euro 5 emissions standards. The car is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 common-rail turbodiesel that develops 211 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. The car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in less than 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 152 mph, yet returns 32 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The Bluetec system employs advanced technology, including a multistage exhaust-gas treatment system and a diesel particulate filter, to cut emissions without compromising performance or fuel economy. Mercedes plans to apply the system to nearly all its passenger-car diesels over the next two years.

BASF Podcast "The Chemical Reporter" - How Does an Automotive Catalytic Converter Work?

Despite exhaust fumes from millions of cars, the air in our cities is relatively clean; thanks to the catalytic converter - better known as 'cat'. It transforms an astonishing 98 percent of related pollutants into non-toxic substances. But, how does the 'cat' succeed in making such a clean transformation? Listen to our Chemical Reporter.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF's high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities.