K&N Engineering’s KW equipped time attack Infiniti G35 gets featured on the cover of Performance Auto and Sound magazine’s April 2010 issue. 

Read the article here K&N time attack G35 or see it this and other related stories online at http://www.pasmag.com/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=1482&Itemid=105

Images and text courtesy of Performance Auto and Sound Magazine

Read the coilover article here st coilovers or the ST anti-sway bar portion of the article here st bars.

Images and articles courtesy of Project Car Magazine

euro tuner Magazine’s new project Audi S4 treads the fine line between building a performance brute the B5 chassis is known to be and a civil everyday driver it was originally designed as. Take a look at this first build including wheels, tires and of course KW Variant 3 coilover suspension.

Read the article here euro tuner Project Audi S4 or see it online along with other related stories at www.eurotuner.com/techarticles/eurp_0911_project_car_b5_audi_s4/index.html.

Images and text courtesy of euro tuner Magazine.

August Man Magazine, a new men’s lifestyle magazine dedicated this feature to the look at the future of automotive tuning. Inside they examine some top trends and market leading products including KW suspensions.

Read the full story here Tune-in for more

Images and text courtesy of August Man Magazine

With the mass appeal of time attack, DSPORT Magazine, a leading import tuning magazine took it upon themselves to build a street legal race car for themselves. Starting with Honda’s legendary S2000 platform, DSPORT editors began the process of turning this stock car into a time attack champion. In this installment, the S2000 receives more power with a supercharger and better handling from a set of track capable KW Clubsport Coilovers.

 Read the entire article here DSPORT S2K KW Suspension or see it online along with other related project car build articles at www.dragsport.com/issue/2009/1009_tech.shtml

Images and text courtesy of DSPORT Magazine

Few can argue the track capabilites of Mitsubishi’s newest generation Lancer Evolution. Its argueably one of the most affordable high performance cars avalible thats track ready straight off the dealer lot. Even so, the staff at DSPORT saw it fit to throw out the brand new factory suspension in favor of KW’s Variant 3 double-adjustable coilover suspension in their July 2009 issue. With the help of KW, suspension setup tricks from Robert Fuller of Robispec, the DSPORT crew set out to redefine the meaning of a track capable streetcar.

 Read the entire article here DSPORT EVOX 4 KW Suspension or see it online along with other related project car build articles at http://www.dragsport.com/issue/2009/0709_tech.shtml

Images and text courtesy of DSPORT Magazine

As one of the leading tuning magazines for import sports cars, Modified Magazine naturally chose the Acura NSX as one of it project car tuning platforms. In this installment in their July 2009 issue, they go over the instalation and testing of the new KW Clubsport suspension for the NSX as well as talking about the factory tour of KW Germany and its coilover development program.

Read the entire article here Modified magazine Project NSX, KW Clubsport or see it and related articles online at http://www.modified.com/tech/modp-0907-acura-nsx-kw-v3-clubsport-suspension/index.html

Images and content courtesy of Modified Magazine

Check out FenderMedia and 2 Guys in a garage’  blog for more details and images on the build.

http://2guysinagarage.blogspot.com/search/label/Belltech

Images and video courtesy of FenderMedia.com

With the release of the 2010 TTRS, Audi had completed its TT trifecta along with its new TT and TTS coupes. Similarly, German suspension specialist KW automotive has finished its own trifecta of performance coilover products for the TT line including the all new top of the line TT RS.

Starting with the entry level, KW created its Variant 1 height adjustable coilover suspension for the Audi TT RS with MSRP starting at $1750.00. Variant 2 coilovers  also offer a low speed rebound damping force adjustment in addition to the Variant 1’s height adjustment. This allows drivers to custom tune and adjust the ride quality . Both versions are available in the “Basic“ version at a even more favorable entry level price. Variant 1 and 2 are also available in stainless steel technology “inox-line“. This technology guarantees that the individual component parts remain permanently flexible even during intensive use and winter conditions.

The version Variant 3 “inox-line“ allows full control of the set-up and comes with independent low speed  adjustments for both the rebound and compression damping forces. This is the ultimate in adjustability for die hard drivers with specific tastes for the street and track. For racing purposes, KW offers the KW Clubsport coilover suspension for only 1999 Euro including strut mounts. The Clubsport is built on the same technology as the Variant 3, but tuned for the rigors of track use.  

For the best of both worlds, KW offers even more versatility with its Hydraulic Lift System (HLS). This unique suspension lifting system is fully automatic and remote controlled to lift the Coupe by 40mm at the front and rear axles for additional ground clearance over driveways, ramps and speed bumps, while not affecting normal suspension operation and performance.  

All KW products are TUV certified for street use and carries KW’s lifetime warranty. For more information about the extensive program by KW automotive including coilover springs, dampers,  sport- and coilover suspensions as well as application lists, please visit  www.kw-suspension.com/flexshop/

No charge for printing * Copy requested

This press release is also filed at www.tuningpress.com/7885

Contact

KW automotive GmbH

Melanie Feucht

Aspachweg 14

D-74427 Fichtenberg

+49 (0) 7971 / 9630-541

Melanie.Feucht@KWautomotive.de

Press release Courtesy of TRC Italia and Marangoni Tires

Z-HYDRO is the name given to the new demo car for 2010 by Marangoni Car Tyre, the Marangoni Group division that manufactures and markets tyres completely “made in Italy”.

Following huge media success in the last two years with the previous demo cars (Alfa MiTo M430 and the Fiat 5.0.0.), Marangoni has once again developed a very high level show car for 2010. The tuning project was, as before, handled by the Florence based TRC Italia in an astonishingly short time, given the recent market launch of the Nissan 370Z R34, the vehicle that the Z-HYDRO is based on.

Naturally, the 2010 car would not have been complete without the now traditional colored tyres, and following last year’s red, the choice this time was blue, the colour of water, as well has having always been the Marangoni Group’s corporate colour.

For this captivating vehicle, Marangoni has developed a 20” concept design tyre, which will be the source of inspiration for the Marangoni M-Power, the new ultra high performance product to be released on the market at the start of next year. Z-HYDRO is thus shod with “M Power – Blue” concept tyres, created by Marangoni, in 245/30R20 and 285/25R20 sizes, using a special compound with a very high silica content that minimises rolling resistance and consequently fuel consumption.

The Marangoni 2010 show car is not however just about design, style and power, but is also a demonstration of technological advancement and ecology.

The main technological advancement, and the inspiration for the name Z-HYDRO, is the inclusion of a process which produces a gas called HHO or Oxyhydrogen, and uses an innovative “energy from water” supply kit. This advanced technology works in symbiosis with the car’s original engine and minimises harmful emissions and specifically unburned hydrocarbons, which are practically eliminated. Yet that’s not all, as Oxyhydrogen also significantly decreases the vehicle’s fuel consumption, without compromising on engine power. Amazingly this system relies on one basic raw material…. water!

A dream? No! Simply further testimony of the Marangoni Group’s drive to innovate, through researching new solutions, verifying their feasibility and promoting them, just like in the case of this new and fascinating interpretation of high technology represented by the Z-HYDRO.

The Marangoni Group: from tyres to advanced technological research

The Marangoni Group, operating in the tyre business for over 50 years, has always given priority to advanced technological research and the development of new technologies to reduce usage of energy resources and protect the environment. Marangoni operates businesses covering the complete life cycle of the tyre: from production and marketing of tyres, retreading systems and machinery, to recovery of energy from the disposal of tyres at the end of their life.

Proving that Marangoni are much more than just a “tyre company”, their diversified production is accompanied by high level synergies, especially in research. In recent years, as in the past, the company’s innovative projects have been as intense and significant. These include:

• the futuristic automated Modular Tyre Machinery laboratory for the production of high performance tyres; 
• the Sirio solar parabolic concentrator that coverts solar energy into electricity, with 30% higher efficiency than the current standard; 
• the HYGen II Generator, which produces pure hydrogen by extraction from LPG, to increase the life cycle of fuel cells (from the current standard 1,000 to 3,000).

MARANGONI Z-HYDRO: events

The Marangoni Z-HYDRO will make its worldwide debut at the upcoming Essen Motor Show, in Germany, to be held from 27 November to 6 December 2009 (Hall 5 Stand 124 Oxigin Wheels). Throughout 2010 the Z-HYDRO will be shown at the main European tuning events, over 10 in total.

For details on which events Z-HYDRO will be at, see the Marangoni website (http://tyre.marangoni.com) or sign up to the Z-HYDRO group on Facebook.

MARANGONI Z-HYDRO: technical details

Starting from a brand new Nissan 370Z R34, the Z-HYDRO is an almost total reworking of the car, with substantial changes made to the body, engine, interiors, braking system and trim.

Hydro Kit

The big news is the revolutionary Hydro supply kit that independently produces HHO (oxyhydrogen) and works in perfect symbiosis with the original engine. The HHO created is injected by the system into the engine’s intake, bringing a drastic reduction in HC, unburned hydrocarbons (practically eliminated) and harmful emissions in general, plus significant improvements in fuel consumption.

This trial, coordinated by TRC Italia in collaboration with HydroMoving and Mariani Engineering, maintains the vehicle’s original horsepower and, as confirmed by the engineer Lorenzo Errico, the designer of the system, will in a subsequent stage be able to increase it considerably.

Body and design

It’s not hard to deduce the origin of the Z-HYDRO design, being clearly similar to its big brother, the Nissan GTR Skyline R35.

The TRC Performance front bumper in fact has the same centre design, with two wide air grills sending the air flow directly to the now much more powerful braking system. As regards the rear, the original diffuser has been removed and replaced with a new carbon component made by MB, with highly evident air extractors for better outflow. Carbon has also been used to make the pair of mirrors, the spoiler on the boot, some of the interior panels and the logos. The aluminium doors are now fitted with special LSD hinges, further modified to make the doors open wing-style, just like on the most prestigious supercars.

All the components designed for the Z-HYDRO will be marketed in 2010 by TRC Italia.

Other features

Z-HYDRO has been lowered around 4 cm using KW threaded strut housings that allow height adjustment as well as adjustment of the shock absorbers in compression and extension. The front suspension is fitted with the new HLS system that allows the front to be raised 5 cm by simply pressing a button in the centre of the vehicle’s dashboard. The already powerful standard braking system has been replaced on both axles with the innovative Tarox B350 12-pot calipers and composite 400mm diameter discs, resulting in maximum, yet progressive braking power. The gearchange mechanism has been fitted with a special selector to reduce travel and make gear changes even faster.

Engine power delivery has been improved by adopting new exhaust manifolds and 200 cell stainless steel catalytic converters. The intake on the two rows of cylinders bas been modified by removing the original casing and adopting cotton air filters with direct intake and a new carbon-look cover.

The front seats and the door panels have been meticulously lined with leather and Alcantara, strictly blue in colour, by the able hands of Luna supercar.

Completing the look of this stunning project car, are “M Power – Blue” concept tyres, especially created by Marangoni, and fitted on Oxigin Vierzhen Ox rock black full polish wheels, 8.5×20 front and 11×20 rear.

Italy, November 2009

Black Widow Tundra

Few things set apart a truck like a lowered stance and an aggressive unique grille work. The people at T-Rex Grilles know this and that’s why they chose the all new Toyota Tundra as one of the many platforms to exhibit their new line of T-Rex X-Metal Grilles.

Starting with a 2008 Toyota Tundra meant for display and work, the T-Rex staff created their Black Widow Tundra concept. Built in black and subtly accented in red, this truck can do double duty for show or work. External body work was kept minimalist and functional to be relatable. The highlight is of course the all new T-Rex Billet X-Metal Series Grille trimmed with a studded lining dominating the front fascia.

Offsetting the brutish front look is the slightly lower stance given by the Belltech Complete Lowering Kit. Belltech’s Complete Kit offers an out of the box  lowering solution that  which consists new sports calibrated Street Performance shocks on all four corners and a real flip kit. The complete solution drops the front and the rear ride height by 2 and 4 inches respectively. Filling the remaining wheel gap are a new set of MHT 24-inch wheels.

While the outside is all about stealth, attitude and function, the T-Rex staff went all out on the interior with new PECCA leather covering much of the interior as well as new carbon fiber accents. Hidden in the corners of the interior is a serious sound system topped off with three Kicker subwoofers.

See the interview with the T-REX Black Widow Tundra Builders

Interview courtesy of  www.tuningsuche.de for cooperation

This event is the culmination of a year long qualifying series where the fastest tuned street cars and dedicated time trial cars come out to compete for the fastest lap. Cars are broken into three overall competition groups including Street, Limited and Unlimited Classes. Each class is limited to different levels of race preperation (primarily interior and weight reduction) and tire ratings. Within each class cars are also classed within a front, rear or all-wheel drive class, but the overall goal is to be the fastest of your class.

Billy Johnson and the FXDM Acura NSX did just that. Even with the limited traction of the smaller DOT spec Yokohama tires (instead of the usual slicks.) FXDM was able to set and maintain the overall fastest lap of 1:45.247 for the majority of the day. Johnson was finally edged out of the overall Unlimited class title by all wheel drive car by less than two-tenths of a second. Regardless, FXDM was still able to win and set a new lap record for the RWD Ulimited class.

In addition to the Superlap Battle Finals, the two day event also included the annual Evo vs. STI challenge hosted by Import Tuner Magazine and Continental tire. The competiton is a fast-lap spec-tire contest between tuned Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions and Subaru Impreza WRX STIs only. KW equipped cars were able to take two of the three podium spots.

Take a look at our event video for interviews and more from the 2009 Super Lap Battle finals.

2009 Formula D Falken Drift Team video with KW drivers Dai Yoshiara and Calvin Wan

KW drift test day photogallery

D’Vanz Motorsports Drift Mustang

The world of drifting isn’t Domestic friendly. It’s a sport founded in the back hills and industrial parking lots of Japan and built on small turbocharged compacts. But anyone who knows a thing about sliding around also knows that just like at the quarter mile, torque is king and there’s still no replacement for displacement. Pioneers like Doug Van Den Brink and his 2004 Ford Mustang are out to show the true potential of domestic drift machines. 

Just as drifting gained mainstream acceptance in America, we started putting our  own unique spin to the sport. Van Den Brink, or D’Vanz as he’s know in drift circles, is one of the firsts to bring domestic power to the sport of professional drifting. Starting with a 2004 Mustang body, D’Vanz completely re-engineered the machined to perform in the art of drift. Much of the technology comes from a odd mix of old fashion go fast parts, road racing chassis setup, and setup tricks exclusively used for drifting.

Starting with the engine, the Mustang is powered by a Frankenstein motor based on a 4.6-liter aluminum block and built with low compression internals and special high flow 2 valve heads and intake manifolds. Combining the torquey response from its V8 displacement and the high-rpm power of a turbo, D’Vanz found the competitive solution for his over head cam engine.

Taking a car that originally came with a solid-axle into a competition also took some tricks.  D’Vanz started by fabricating his own custom control arms and adding a set of custom built Belltech competition coilovers at each corner. Body stiffness was increased with Extreme Matrix sub-frame connectors and finally the alignment was topped off with components from Maximum Motorsports.

Little of the original Mustang remains in the vehicle. Although the sheetmetal is original, much of the chassis has been stripped and caged and the suspension and powertrain modified for drift duty. But D’Vanz kept the car’s heritage true and stuck with technology and tricks all developed for the Pony car.

See our interview with D’Vanz as he talks about his Mustang and the challenges he faced in building it.

Interview courtesy of www.tuningsuche.de

Photogallery:

Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday

It’s an adage that goes beyond cars or parts. In the case of the OctaneReport.com and its Street Class time attack Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9, the idea is to win on Sunday and drive more web traffic on Monday. The Octane Report is a web-based automotive enthusiast site that’s all about fast cars and the technology behind the scene. There’s no better way to generate interest and drive web traffic than winning events and races.

The key to this recipe is to build a car that’s relatable. OctaneReport.com chose the Mitsubishi Evo 9 platform for its tuning potential and mass appeal. The goal was to tune the car with simple parts that the average reader and consumer can find and afford, and to measure just how effective these modifications can be by going out to the track and racing competitively. Keeping it street legal and everyday driveable was also a priority. Time Attack offers the ideal setting to spotlight on-track performance, while being loosely regulated for tuned street cars and drivers with a modicum of experience.

The Octane Report Evo starts with the basic premise that horsepower isn’t the absolute when it comes to going fast. Through better tuning, the right parts and proper set up, a car with a stock engine and a bolt-on Tuning Technologies turbo can compete with the best of them. Teaming up with M1 Fabrication and Development, the OctaneReport.com crew invested most of their money and effort into wheels, suspension, aerodynamics and, most importantly, proper setup. Spending when necessary and saving where they can was the motto.

Understanding the importance of suspension, The Octane Report wisely invested in a set of KW 2-way Motorsports coilovers. The coilovers were specially valved and sprung for the abusive, high grip conditions of the track, even though the basic construction of the suspension is similar to KW’s standard twin tube street coilovers. Whiteline roll-center adjusters were added to the front as well as a Progress rear anti-sway bar to help reduce the car’s understeer tendencies. On throttle balance was changed with the addition of a Carbonetic 1.5-way LSD in the rear as well as a Gruppe-S ACD reflash, which controls the front to rear torque distribution bias so that the rear wheels do more of the work in cornering.  

M1 Fabrication and Development also helped greatly with much of the aerodynamic development for track use. Starting with an INGS+1 N-Spec front bumper and APR GTC-300 rear wing as the basis, the team spent much of their time working out the aerodynamic balance at the track. A lightweight carbon-fiber honeycomb splitter and aluminum dive planes and air fences were made by M1FD and added to the car for additional front grip.

Much of the remaining modifications are nearly completely bolt on. Under the hood, the intake and exhaust plumbing have been changed but the TTech 600 turbo is a direct replacement, based on a factory core. Similarly, the factory ECU is still in place, reflashed with a custom tune by Tuning Technologies. Brakes remain stock other than track capable pads, lines and air ducting. Similarly, the complete interior is nearly stock. Racing hardware like steering wheels, seats, harness and harness bar are modular and used only for the track.

On the surface, the car may seem unimpressive in terms of power or number of parts, but it shows its true potential on track with consistently top ranked performances, even with a 150 horsepower deficit. An overall victory at the 2009 Evo vs. STI Shootout is only its latest win. The OctaneReport.com Evo 9 might just be a hit when it comes to showing tuners how to really go fast for cheap.

Read more about this car at http://octanereport.com/news/438/24/Project-Evo-IX-Part-13-Evo-vs-STI-Shootout.html

See our SEMA Show interview with Editor-in-Chief of The Octane Report, Joey Leh

 Interview courtesy of www.tuningsuche.de

See the Octane Report Evo 9 on track at Spring Mountain Raceway in Pahrumph, NV

In car video of the RMR Genesis at Autoclub Speedway

Building over the top cars isn’t always the case at SEMA. In many cases, cleanly built and subtle vehicles can also be show stoppers. This is the case for Rotora’s Mercedes Benz C350 display vehicle. As the daily driver for Taeko Kobayashi, CFO of Rotora Inc., the C350 was built as a company showcase with looks, comfort and street reliability in mind. 

Marketing Director Noel Burgos directed the build. His vision was for a lowered car with a stand out body work that didn’t compromised drivability. Wald International was approached for a kit that included front and rear bumpers as well as side skirts. The wheel wells were filled with rare dark chrome 19-inch Advan F15 wheels and super thin 25 series tires. The wheel gap was eliminated with KW Variant 3 coilovers that lowered the car, improved the factory ride and also maintained plenty of wheel travel. 

This gave the look to best show off the Rotora 355×32mm two-piece rotors and  six and four-piston brake systems in the front and rear. Rotora also exhibited it second generation carbon-ceramic brake rotor system and the assortment of calipers that they made.

2009 Undefeated Redline Time Attack Unlimited RWD Class Champion

Las Vegas, NV (Sunday November 15, 2009) FX Motorsports Development, Billy Johnson, and the Cricket/Yokohama Tire Unlimited NSX overcome disaster this weekend to take the Overall win at Auto Club Speedway and set another track record for a production-based car. 

Coming from an Unlimited RWD class victory and record at the 2009 Super Lap Battle Time Attack event at Buttonwillow the previous Wednesday, FXMD came to the Redline Season Finale at Auto Club Speedway with high hopes. With new untested changes made to the FX750 NSX before Buttonwillow, FXMD was looking to further shake down the car on Saturday in preparation for Sunday’s Time Attack.

Saturday’s testing proved to be successful despite losing the right rear tire on the banking at 150mph. Driver Billy Johnson stated “I simply set the tire pressures too low for how cold the track conditions were and I didn’t let the tires get up to temp before the banking. It was not a tire failure by any means but rather a misjudgment in pressures. Thankfully I was able to keep the car off the wall and in one piece”. Unfortunately the down tire took out the remote reservoir canister of the KW 3-way motorsport dampers along with it. Thankfully KW North America was there and helped get the situation under control with a replacement set of competition coilovers.

As Sunday rolled around, testing couldn’t have gone better with the new Performance Friction “Z-Rated” Forged Monoblock Calipers with multi-pad technology (1 brake pad per piston) and 2pc floating rotors. “These brakes are amazing” Johnson said, “The pedal remained rock-solid and consistent lap after lap with zero signs of fade. The combined stiffness of the caliper and multiple pads per caliper make modulating the brakes almost telepathic, you have to truly experience it yourself to believe brakes can be this responsive and communicative”.

Despite the good start, the day was not going to be easy for the FXMD team. A snapped input shaft in the transmission looked to end their chances of competing and clinching the Unlimited RWD Championship. Crew Chief Radomir Banda said “Failures happen when making this kind of power. While we have made steps to increase the strength of the transmission, we have never seen a failure like this before. The fracture was so perfect it looked like it was cut on a lathe”.  The team had three hours to swap transmissions before the last timed session of the day. “These guys are amazing” said Johnson, “Whenever we are thrown a curveball that would make other teams pack up and go home, the whole team comes together. Against overwhelming odds they put the car together in time to give me one last shot.” 

For the final run, the team installed a bone stock transmission that had a less than ideal gear ratio and final drive, and the factory limited slip differential. They increased spring rates and raised the ride height to prevent the right front tire from bottoming out into the fender on the banking. They re-aligned the car, put on new tires, upped the boost, and fixed a cracked header. With all these changes and no practice time, the team wasn’t sure what the result was going to be.

As the sun started to set over the Southern California mountains, the last run group was the Unlimited class. With a best lap of 1:37.7 seconds during testing, Billy had to shave off nearly 2 seconds to beat the current record set by the AMS EVO X which turned a 1:36.230 in the first timed session.  On his second lap, Billy was able to edge AMS out with a record-setting lap of 1:36.103, just a tenth quicker than the EVO.

This result marks the 5^th Overall Victory and 5^thTrack Record for the team out of 5 races attended this year.  An undefeated record clinched the 2009 Unlimited RWD Championship for the FX Motorsports Development team.  We would like to thank Redline for a great year and special thanks to Sierra Sierra Enterprises for welding our header back together, they are a class-act.

We would like to thank all of our sponsors for their superior track proven products and unwavering support throughout the entire year.  Without their support this undefeated season would not have been possible.  Special thanks to Sam Kwa from Yokohama Tire for providing us with valuable advice via phone throughout the entire weekend and Chris Marion from KW Automotive for the on site product support.

Cricket Wireless
Yokohama Tire
Performance Friction Brakes
KW Suspension
NEO Synthetics
Brian Crower
WPC Metal Treatment Co.
Uehara Motowerks
Downforce.biz
RC Fuel Injectors
Race Engine Development
Applied Motorsports
Tial Sport
STMPO
FIX & STACK Restaraunt in Las Vegas
Back in Balance Chiropractic
GoPro Motorsports Hero
Daliracing
Autovation
Darton International
Findly Acura
RPS Clutches
OS Giken
CP Pistons
Grafikimpact

FXMD hot lap at California Raceway during the 2009 Red Line Time Attack Finals
 

FXMD hot lap at Buttonwillow Raceway during the 2009 Superlap Battle Finals

Sergeant Nic Ashby found his automotive fame when he returned from tour of duty in Iraq with the National Guard. The life long car fanatic made his imprint with his first National Guard themed car; an Infiniti G35 coupe, dubbed The Fallen Soldier Tribute Car, a tribute to three comrades and friends who paid the ultimate price for their country.

For his second undertaking, Ashby again teamed up with the Guard, and now GM as well as many industry sponsors to create his next tribute, based around the National Guard’s The Moment Campaign. The all new 2010 Camaro SS was his canvas for creating his vision of the true successor to the original 1968 Camaro. Along with Ashby’s tuning vision, a much more subtle National Guard theme was again added in the interior. In addition to fully covering the entire interior with custom laid and stitched leatherwork, two of the seats were completely airbrushed to capture two guardsmen in their moment both in war and in natural disasters. 

To keep the street appeal of the Moment Camaro, Ashby turned to the muscle cars of old and modern race technology for inspiration. Under the hood, a CARB legal Paxton air-to-air intercooled supercharger was bolted on along with a pair of 1 5/8^th inch long tube primary headers from JBA and a three inch exhaust. All together, output came in just shy of 500 horsepower on the stock short block.

Without a doubt, The Moment Carbon Camaro, involved a lot of carbon-fiber composite work. About 70-percent of the vehicle is now skinned in the ultra-lightweight and tough material, all courtesy of aftermarket carbon fiber giant Seibon. The composite treatement also extended to the one-piece, solid, prototype carbon-fiber driveshafts from Inland Empire Drivelines.

On the handling side, Ashby and his build team approached industry giants such as Brembo, BBS, KW Suspension and Hankook Tire for help. The wheels were custom built by BBS while the hardware underneath was upgraded with a Brembo upgrade brake system for the SS as well as KW Suspensions’ new Variant 3 adjustable Inox-line coilovers.

In just one and a half months, Ashby and his team had completely revamped both the exterior and interior of this steal black Camaro SS and built something that’s both streetable and relatable for the average owner. In the process, they also created a unique car worthy of the National Guard and Camaro heritage, not to mention several GM awards and the coveted Playstation Grand Turismo Award for 2009.

See the interview from SEMA Show 2009 with Nic Ashby and his Chevrolet Camaro

See the complete picture gallery of Nic’s Camaro

Thanks for cooperation to www.tuningsuche.de

Each of the simulators are built with a race bucket seat, a high-quality Logitech force feedback steering wheel, gear shifter, and pedals. Each simulator is linked into the central system and allows everyone to drive races against each other. The integrated 22-inch widescreen monitors give drivers the full track surround experience and not only show front and side views, but also display race positions statistics. Moreover, the sound-system with the subwoofer under the seat thrusts the driver into the virtual world of the Race07 game developed by SimBin.

To show visitors how closely the KW Race Room experienced is linked to reality, the actual 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, one of many driveable vehicles in the simulator, was parked next door. With an elaborate vinyl wrap,  Car Film Components (CFC) was able to replicate exact appearance the virtual Camaro onto the actual car. KW also added OZ Rafaello wheels and LSD-wing doors for this Essen display piece. The KW specialist replaced the unresponsive stock suspension with a Variant 3 coilover suspension and therefore enabled the automobile to tackle even the most winding roads.

In addition to the Camaro, cars like the BMW M3 E92 GTR piloted by Czech driver Robert Senkyr, the KTM X-Bow GT4 by CSS and the Nissan GT-R built by KW were also on display at the Race Room. WEITEC, a subsidiary of KW Automotive was also present at the Race Room, where numerous suspension applications are offered.

KW main exhibition in hall 10/11, Stand 112

The main KW exhibit inside Hall 10 showcased KW equipped vehicles of just about any purpose. The Raeder Ford GT had its KW suspension perfected on the ultra-modern 7-post driving dynamics test stand and was able to achieved  pole position at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. The Ferrari Enzo Evolution by edo competition also relies on a KW coilover suspension, as does the Manthey-Porsche GT3, for which the KW engineers developed a special suspension. The lifting system HLS provides more room space within only seconds and with its help the Porsche can easily pass speed bumps and other obstacles.

As a private refining representative, Alex Wöhr presents his Alfa Romeo 147 GTA in Essen. This car is enhanced with a KW Variant 3 coilover suspension, the lifting system HLS on both axles and LSD wing doors.

Back to the basics

DC Sports has been one of the pillar companies of the import tuning industry since its inception and has earned a reputation for top notch exhaust products. The company’s heritage comes from tuning naturally aspirated Hondas, but has products for most modern import platforms. You can find the company’s products from the most basically tuned street Civic all the way to top level touring cars. For 2009, DC Sports decided to go back to its roots and build a relatable street driven vehicle to showcase the versatility of its products.

As the only currently produced Honda available in the Americas targeted for the driving enthusiast, the 8^th generation 2009 Honda Civic Si (FA and FG chassis codes) was a natural platform for DC to showcase its tuning products. Out of the box, the Si might fall short in power out when compared to other turbocharged or large displacement contemporaries, but the chassis has excellent dynamics. Along with that, Honda’s tradition of robust and race capable engines gives DC the opportunity to show off how good its products are.

The heart of the new Civic Si is the K20Z3 engine, an all aluminum, 1998cc, naturally aspirated inline-4 that is rated at 210hp at the flywheel and puts down 190 wheel-hp on a chassis dyno. The K-series engine has enormous power potential and as DC has shown through some simple bolt-on modifications. With the addition of DC’s short ram intake, 4-2-1 stainless-steel race header and exhaust, and a retuned ECU from Hondata, the car was able to make and additional 44 wheel-hp and peak out at 234 horses. That’s just a few ponies shy of a stock Lancer Evolution with the same displacement and a turbocharger!

With most of the power modifications under the hood and out of sight, DC threw in some inconspicuous cosmetic additions to give the car some flavor. A light weight Seibon Carbon Fiber Products hood, trunk lid and adjustable rear wing were added for looks and weight reductions. KW Suspensions was also approached to prototype a single low-speed rebound adjustable coilover suspension for the platform for an ideal street suspension that is also track capable. Brakes were upgraded with a big brake kit from Fast Brakes to make the most of the added grip of the new Toyo T1R tires and the light weight 18-inch Volk Racing RE-30 forged aluminum wheels.

There are plenty of other cars tuned to higher extremes, but DC Sports 2009 SEMA booth display vehicle is a great way to reach out to the average consumer and show what can be done with some simple tuning parts.    

View video interview at the SEMA Show 2009:

View image gallery:

Thanks for cooperation to www.tuningsuche.de

This year’s show stopper was without a doubt the new 2010 Chevy Camaro. We lost count after 40, but it could be said that one out of every five cars at the show was the Camaro, which mean domestic tuning is still strong. On the import side, the Hyundai Genesis and Nissan GT-R still represented strongly as well as the new BMW M3.

Since SEMA isn’t just about the cars, we also added in a girls of SEMA for those interested .

Even with the downturn, the KW hype has managed to grow with representation on race cars, show cars and street sedans alike. In a strategic partnership with Seibon Carbon Fiber Products, the two companies worked together with car builders to create some of the top favorites at the show including Nic Ashby’s Sony Grand Turismo award winning National Guard Carbon Camaro, Hankook/Dynamic Autosports’ Drift GT-R and Rhys Millen’s mid-engine V8 Hyundai Genesis.

Not interested in the cars? Then click here to see just the Girls of SEMA 2009.

Thanks to German tuning site and online community www.Tuningsuche.de, we have some special show coverage and interviews with KW equipped vehicles at this years SEMA show.

More than a day job

Few realize the type of people that make up a company like K&N Filters. They are much more than just air filter gurus. The company’s new all out G35 time attack car is proof that the staff at K&N are all passionate car guys that go above and beyond for performance.

In a previous life, this same Infiniti started off as a SEMA caliber show car with all the bolt-ons and flashy paint. It was a beautifully built car, but just the tip of the ice berg when it came to showing off the capabilities of K&N as a company and the resources its staff had. Led by Nestor Cabrera, Sports Marketing Representative for K&N Engineering, the old car was completely stripped down past the primer and rebuilt as a track worthy time attack car.

This wasn’t some contracted out race shop ordeal either. The project was a labor of love and built during off hours. In addition to their daytime responsibility, the K&N team built the car after hours over the period of a year. With few exceptions, all of the fabrication, assembly, testing and even composite work was performed at their on premises race shop.

The heart of this build started with the stock VQ35DE engine. The block was stripped and sent to Cosworth Racing USA for machining and assembly using new CP pistons and Pauter rods. Displacement was kept at 3.5-liter and compression was dropped to 8.5:1 to handle the additional boost. The short block was dressed back over at K&N’s race shop with a Jim Wolf Technology twin turbocharger kit . The K&N staff decided to go one step further and re-plumb the turbo kit with their own intercooler, boost piping as well as an in-house custom fabricated intake manifold. All this resulted with an impressive 511hp @ 6500RPM and 440ft-lb @ 4400RPM on K&N’s Superflow chassis dynamometer.

Much all the chassis work was also performed in house. After being stripped, the original show cage in the car was cut out and replaced with a race compliant cage with full crash-beam door bars. The factory sheetmetal was also cut to remove weight and then reinforced with addition stitch welds. Outside, K&N approached Seibon Carbon fiber products to build light weight carbon fiber doors, fenders, hood and trunk for the car. Other body components like the Anceltion bumpers and side skirts came directly from Japan thanks to Mackin Industries. K&N also threw in some of its own composite expertise by building a custom splitter and many of the auto-claved dry-carbon interior components.

Long before K&N decided that this all out G35 was going to be their display car at the 2009 SEMA show, the car had already been the after work play project for many of the talented staff at K&N Engineering. Now that the car has done its show and magazine tour, its ready for some seat time at the track and maybe even some top speed runs at the Silver State Classic.  

View the video interview at the SEMA Show 2009:

View the image gallery: 

Calvin Eng, owner of Auto-Tech Interiors Inc. is one of the few and firsts. Instead of going overboard like many, and un-engineering all the M-powered goodness that BMW’s guru’s put into the car, he simply took his M3 to the next level without the budget constraints imposed by lawyers and bean counters.

To start, the stock, mass production, heavy exhaust plumbing was taken out for a lighter and louder option from Active Autowerks. The crossover pipe was also replaced along with some of the pulleys and an ECU reflash for more power.

But power wasn’t really the goal behind Eng’s SEMA showcase. As his daily driver, Eng wanted better handling and some flashy rollers. The M3 was outfitted with KW Clubsport coilovers, 20-inch Advan RS-D wheels shod in Pirelli tires and dinner plate sized 15-inch Brembo brakes. The hardware combination offered the grip, performance, looks and comfort to one up the already capable M3.

Inside, this M3 showcases the ATI product line with functional and classic gauges mounted in prototype guage pods. The stock M3 seats were also replaced with leather wrapped Recaro Pole Positions seats. The crowning jewel of Eng’s M3 build is the audio system by Focal Car Audio. This prototype system was created to integrate with the existing M3 systems and is operated through the existing controls. While the system looks completely stock, the audio hardware uses a single AGW processor and is now purely digital. Three Mosconi amps built into the trunk floor now power the 6 different cabin speakers and the single 13-inch subwoofer.

Even though Eng’s M3 isn’t the typical over the top build, the nicely crafted interior, custom sound system and special footwork make the car a pure pleasure for daily driving and something that maintains the M3’s character while taking things up just a personalized notch.

 View the Interview with Calvin Eng at the SEMA Show 2009:

View the picture gallery

Thanks to www.tuningsuche.de for cooperation

He’s decided to go with a Dodge Challenger, built to the theme one of the most sought after muscle cars of all time – The Plymouth Cuda. Though the brand has passes on, Adam hope to resurrect the enthusiasm for the vehicle by offering “Cuda Accessories” via HXC Performance. More information can be found on Adam’s website – www.hxcperformance.com

Here’s a quick overview of the Q&A we posed to Adam regarding his project:

Co-owned: HXC Performance LLC / Drop Top Customs LLC         

Owner: Adam Geake (27, President/CEO, HXC Performance LLC) / Jeff Moran (Owner, Drop Top Customs LLC)

Vehicle Info: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 (6-speed) / RWD V8

Occupation:  HXC Performance LLC; specialty vehicle design and marketing group. / Drop Top Customs by Convertible Builders LLC; custom convertible conversions   

Purpose/goal of build? To promote the debut of the 2010 ‘Cuda Accessories offered by HXC Performance LLC and co-developed by Autoform Development, as well as production of the Drop Top Customs LLC Convertible Conversion for the Dodge Challenger.        

When did you start this project/How long did it take to build? In concept, HXC Performance LLC started work in Summer 2005, after spy photos were released online of the Dodge Challenger concept car. Prototype parts were developed at Autoform Development over a 3 month period from July 08-Sept 08 and shown in their concept form at the 2008 SEMA Show in the Vortech Superchargers booth, as well as at the “Mopars at the Playboy Mansion” event hosted by Mopar Collector’s Guide (Oct 08).

What KW automotive products are you using? KW Variant 2 Coilovers              

Why did you choose them? We wanted a very high performance suspension application

What do you like about them?  Adjustability 

Cost to build? ~$70,000 (including car, not including sponsored parts)

Estimated value? ~$90,000 (including 2009 Challenger SRT8)                   

Trophies/honors/awards? Chrysler Design Excellence Award (SEMA 2008, Drop Top Customs by Convertible Builders LLC; Dodge Challenger Convertible Conversion.)

What are the most unique features about your vehicle? 2010 ‘Cuda Accessories and Convertible Conversion                                       

Future of vehicle?  Promotional Vehicle (all pending); National Auto Show circuit, TV spots, Magazine exposure, product endorsement partnerships.             

Body Kit/Styling: HXC (HXC Performance LLC) / ‘CUDA – (‘Cuda Shaker Hood, ‘Cuda Grill, ‘Cuda Fender Gills, ‘Cuda Taillights, ‘Cuda Retro Bumper)

Additional Body Parts:  Hood Pins (Classic Design Concepts) 

Vehicle Engine: 2009 Dodge V8 RWD / Stock Engine Displacement (liters) 6.1L

Dyno Or Estimated Horsepower / Torque: Stock, 425hp / 420lb-ft

Transmission: Stock 6-speed manual (year) 2009

Other Driveline Modifications: Hurst Competition/Plus 6-speed shifter                 

Coilovers, Springs, Shocks: KW suspensions V2 Coilovers, Lowering (inches) 1.5” front and rear 

Other Suspension/Chassis Modifications: Extensive chassis reinforcement to support the convertible conversion. 

Wheels: BBS CH-R (black) 20×9 front, 20×10.5 rear

Tires: Pirelli Pzero 255/40 ZR20 front, 305/35 ZR20 rear. 

Brakes:  Brembo; 6 piston monoblock front calipers (yellow), 4 piston monoblock rear calipers (yellow), 15” drilled rotors front and rear

Interior Work Modifications: Katzkin white leather interior, Hurst Pistol-Grip Shifter

Vehicle In-Car Electronics: Stereo & additional Electronic Components (stock)

View the interview with Adam Geake at the SEMA Show 2009:

View the complete image gallery of Adam’s Challenger:

Thanks to www.tuningsuche.de for cooperation

In November of 2003, while driving his brand new 2004 SVT Lightning home from the dealership, Ed Martinez found an open stretch of road, dropped the hammer, and the tires went up in smoke.  By the time he arrived to his Supercharger shop he realized it wasn’t enough so the transformation began.

With only 600 miles on her, the engine was removed and professionally built with the best racing parts available at that time.  Both the front and rear suspension were completely removed and replaced with tubular components.  The rear suspension was beefed up with heavy duty traction bars that are over 4 feet in length. The transmission has been modified with electronic programming, and valve body.  The new Precision Industries 2,700 stall converter definitely improves the launch.

In March of 2008, the decision of converting the Lightning to a 4 valve cylinder head and twin Lysholm 1600AX Superchargers was made using the professionally built 5.4 block with Manly Rods, C.P. custom pistons and a balanced and lightened forged crank.  The timing cover is from a heavily modified Navigator and the pulley idler support is OE. Numerous parts and pieces to make this conversion were purchased and most all pieces were modified or reengineered.  Knowing that this achievement had never been performed 320 hours of engineering time was needed to precision R&D each component to be perfect.  The cylinder heads are 2006 Ford GT Supercar that have been stage III ported and flow 345 CFM @ .475 lift.  Cam shafts are stage III supercharged from Crower.  The intake manifold is from a 2007 Shelby GT-500 that has over 24 hours of porting and machining.  The upper intake is a Whipple Quad Rotor used in the marine industry that also has over 55 hours of machining.  The Twin Lysholm Superchargers were mounted atop custom made adapter plates. Twin Kenne Bell Corvette supercharger inlets were modified and mounted in place and a pair of 75mm throttle bodies are used.  Modified Shelby GT-500 injectors flowing 78lbs were made by Spay-It-Racing.  Twin air intakes were designed and twin mass air sensors mounted in place.  The air filters are mounted below the front bumper where the air is nice and cool.  To handle the fluid reservoir needs, Canton Racing Products provided the aluminum tanks for the supercharger intercooler, engine coolant and the power steering fluid.

To finalize the project, Belltech 2” drop Spindles were added to the front suspension to accomplish a total of a 4” drop. The spindles are perfect as they don’t change the O.E. steering geometry. Back in the rear additional lowering was provided by the Belltech shackles and hangers, totaling a 6” drop.  To smoothen out the ride, 4 brand new Street Performance shock absorbers were installed. 

“At 165 MPH, Controlling a 4300 Lb SVT Lightning with 960+HP can be a handful. That’s why PSE Superchargers chooses Belltech Sport Truck Suspension Products. Quality engineering ensures correct steering geometry for stable control”    Ed Martinez, PSE Superchargers Inc.

Owner: Ed & Marlene Martinez Owner’s Age 46 

Vehicle: 2004 Ford SVT Lightning F-150 5.4 S/C                 

Occupation: President, PSE Superchargers Inc

Purpose/goal of build? To build the most unique and powerful street/strip Lightning using no nitrous oxide

When did you start this project/How long did it take to build? April, 2007-June, 2009

What KW automotive products are you using? Belltech 2 Inch drop spindles, Street Performance Shock Absorbers and 3 inch rear drop shackles.

Why did you choose them? The quality of product, the finish and fit.

What do you like about them? All O.E. geometry is retained.  The strength of the forgings is usually stronger than O.E.

Cost to build? 30k for the truck new, and 30k for modifications over the last five years

Estimated value? 75k

Trophies/honors/awards? Approximately 20 to date, including 3-Best of Engine and 12 Best of Class.

What are the most unique features about your vehicle? The engine is the only Twin Supercharged, 4-valve per cylinder ever made in a SVT Lightning.

Future of vehicle? Continue to attend different car shows and add small improvements through time

Here is the interview with Edward Martinez at the SEMA Show 2009:

Courtesy of www.tuningsuche.de for cooperation

Picture gallery:

Here are some videos as well:

streetfire.net: PSE Superchargers - Twin supercharged SVT Lightning Part 1

streetfire.net: PSE Superchargers - Twin supercharged SVT Lightning Part 2

streetfire.net: PSE Superchargers - Twin supercharged SVT Lightning Part 3

The RM 460 is Rhys Millen’s vision of the ultimate Hyundai Genesis super car. Having built and raced the Red Bull Racing Genesis based off the production V6 coupe in the Formula Drift series and at the Pikes Peak hill climb, Millen and his team at RMR Motorsports wanted to show the world what could be done with Genesis Coupe in street form for the 2009 SEMA show.

The recipe starts with a standard Genesis Coupe, yank out the front mounted 3.8L V6 engine and graft in a longitudinally mounted  4.6L V8 (Tau engine) from the Genesis Sedan, attach a Mendeola S5 sequential transaxle to the engine, and build the rear subframe and structure around the stock rear subframe and suspension pick up points.

But the details reveal quite a bit more. The RMR guys also increased the compression ration and power output of the stock Tau motor with a set of 11.0:1 compression JE pistons and a custom set of individual throttle bodies based on a TWM design. The fuel tank was removed and replaced under the hood with an 18 gallon fuel cell as well as a spar tire and trunk. Between the now new engine bay and cabin, a structural firewall was built and also separated by a piece of glass pillaged from an old Toyota pickup truck. The entire rear bay was lined with custom cut and formed carbon fiber panels to seal off the rest of the car.

Few people realize that while the RM 460 is a great concept and show car, the machine actually runs, drives and is structurally sound. RMR went to great lengths in the build process to ensure the chassis and frame all stayed within stock Genesis dimensions. Even with the structural firewall, the rear subframe was further stiffened with two additional pickup points. And with all this weight shifting, the car actually comes closer to a 50/50 weight ration compared to the stock 60/40. Everything was kept so true to the original car that the KW Variant 3 coilovers for the OEM car bolted directly back into the car using the original spring rates. Even the Stoptech Trophy Sport big brake kit was a direct bolt on for the front and rear wheel uprights. And to manage all this, an AEM EMS version 2, was piggybacked onto the stock ECU to run the engine, transmission, variable cams and the ITBs, while the ABS, traction controls and all the CAN-BUS chassis controls still remain functional through the OEM computer.

Even with the massive overhaul of components in the rear, the RMR team insisted on OEM hardware in front. Aside from the custom rear carbon-fiber trunk and wing, the RMR Signature Edition and Alcantara wrapped Sparco Chrono Sport seats all bolt on to the stock locations.

So whats next for this Hyundai Supercar? Obviously it will make the show circuit, but its built so well and functionally that there are talks about putting it out on the track just to see what it can do. The problem is finding the right class to put the car in… 

View the interview with Rhys Millen at the SEMA Show 2009

View the complete picture gallery 

Thanks to www.tuningsuche.de for cooperation.

What is a surprise is that this time the Americans were first to step up to the challenge. In a cooperative effort between Hankook Tire, Nissan North America and the team at Dynamic Autosports in Irvine, California, preparations for the Hankook Nissan R35 GT-R drift car have already begun. Unveiled this year at the 2009 SEMA show, the GT-R will prove to be an interesting evolution in professional drift.

Fortunately, there is already a wealth of experience in the hands of Hankook and Dynamic Autosports when it comes to drifting. Currently, they already campaign a RWD Subaru WRX STi (piloted by Irish driver Eric O’Sullivan) and a Nissan 350Z (piloted by Japanese mechanic and driver, Robbi Nishida.) The plan is to have the car ready and sorted out by the beginning of the 2010 Formula Drift season with Robbi Nishida behind the wheel. With any luck, the GT-R will live up to the legend even on the drift course.

While previous generation Nissan Skyline GT-Rs have proven their worth as viable drift platforms, the new R35 presents is own share of design and engineering challenges. Unlike previous GT-R platforms, where two wheel drive operation can be as simple as a matter of unplugging a fuse for the transfer case controller or removing a half shaft, the making the R35’s run on two wheels is a totally different challenge. The new GT-R uses a rear trans-axle design which integrates the transmission with the rear axle and the final drive. This means the transmissions is not only located in the back of the car, but the entire rear-wheel driveline comes as one piece.

The team at Dynamic Autosports have the challenge of replacing the rear trans-axle with an alternative manual transmission and axle in place of the stock GT-R’s dual clutch design. This means that much of the rear subframe will have to be reworked to neatly tuck in the new hardware while retaining the near stock suspension pickup points (per Formula D regulations.)

Another major challenge is the near 4000-pound curb weight of the R35. While much of this comes from the luxury amenities that will undoubtedly be dumped, the sheer size of the car means that there will be a lot of sheet metal. We’ll have to wait to see whether or not the Dynamic team will be able to take the car down to a competitive weight.

Few details have been released thus far but we’re sure the engine will be capable of the much needed power required of a top level car. The major advantage of the GT-R’s new VR38DETT engine is its instantaneous torque which will help it compete against other V8 powered vehicles in the field. What few details we do have is that the car will be clad in a light weight  dry carbon fiber skin courtesy of Seibon and run on KW 3-way adjustable competition coilovers.

checkout the video interview from SEMA Show 2009

view complete picture gallery

Thanks to www.tuningsuche.de for cooperation.

But in a soft economy, Lexus knows that fast cars don’t sell. So instead of scaring away its typical soft comfort loving clients with pure sports cars, Lexus commissioned the staff of the popular performance and tuning magazine 0-60 to build and showcase a one off, but more masculinized version of its new IS 350 convertible. While the original car is loved by sissys and grandfolk alike, the 0-60 rendition seems to hint of the fangs found Lexus’ Toyota pedigree.

The undertaking isn’t easy and for now, stage one consists of undoing some soft potpourri and ribbons motif of the original IS convertible and filling in the gaps by infusing some testosterone and sofistication. Gordan Ting and the 0-60 team knew the key started with the exterior. First to go were the stock skinny OEM wheels and tires, which were replaced with much wider Yokohama Advan wheels wrapped in Continental tires that fully filled out the wheel arches. Knowing there’s nothing worse than big wheels and wimpy brakes, Ting also filled in the depths of the wheels with a custom offset Brembo brake package that speaks volumes when it comes to making a performance statement. Behind the massive rotors, Ting chose a set of KW coilovers for both performance as well as mature comfort.

On the body, the original pearl white color was offset and accented by harsh black features to make a conservative but serious statement. Black details like the blacked out front grills, rocker panel call out, front splitter and various dark voids from the front bumper to the vented carbon fiber hood all tactfully hint at the true intent of the driver.

If these accents weren’t enough of a suggestion for the ignorant masses, the roll over hoop that breaks the emptiness where there use to be a roof and pillars hopefully does the job. Just to be sure there’s no mistaking this for a oversized Miata, leather wrapped Sparco bucket seats drive the true intent of this IS home.

Unfortunately, stage one doesn’t dive into the engine much. For now, there is only a bolt-on Greddy intake and exhaust to help this IS make the right noises. But looking in the custom interior and guage clusters, will hint to the future of this build as a Greddy engine management system and display are already in place, just waiting for the right hard parts and power adders.

See interview from the SEMA Show 2009 with Gordon Ting talking about this project:

View the complete picture gallery:

Thanks for cooperation to www.tuningsuche.de.

The KW sponsored drivers where fresh off their setup day the week before. Their goals where shared amongst each other as they  aimed for a podium finish at the last event. Justin Pawlak driving the Bergenholtz RX8 set the tone of the day during qualifying as he lit the track on fire with his 96.8 point score to capture the #1 qualifying position. Daijiro Yoshihara driving the Discount Tire Nissan 240SX captured 6^th spot and Robbie Nishida driving the Hankook Tire 350Z rounded off the top 10. Eric O’Sullivan qualified 13^th, Rhys Millen  – 17^th and Calvin Wan 32^nd.

With all 6 KW sponsored drivers KW chances for the podium faired pretty well. Going from the Top 32 in to Top 16 Tandem battle, we saw Justin Pawlak advance against Calvin Wan,  Robbie Nishida defeat Katsuhiro Ueo and Daijiro Yoshihara win against Ross Petty. Unfortunately, Pawlak was eliminated going into the Great 8, but Yoshihara and Nishida kept KW’s hopes alive. The Great 8 tandem battles produced some of the most dramatic showdowns of the night as the crowds cheered for “One more time” battles amongst the drivers numerous times.  Unfortunately for Yoshihara and Nishida it was not to be, as they where eliminated. We applause the efforts of the KW sponsored drivers and all the drivers of the series for their dedication to the sport of drifting.

KW suspensions would like to congratulate Ryan Tuerck for his 1^st place podium finish and Chris Forsberg for capaturing the series Championship. Great work guys!

Thanks to www.urbanracer.com for providing pictures.

Qualifying results – Oct 16/2009
1 J. Pawlak 13 96.8
2 R. Tuerck 44 88.5
3 T. Foust 1 87.5
4 T. Suell 777 86.1
5 K. Mohan 99 84.6
6 D. Yoshihara 9 81.8
7 C. Forsberg 64 80.8
8 J. Maeng 51 80.6
9 S. Hubinette 77 80.1
10 R. Nishida 31 78.3
11 D. McNamara 8 77.6
12 V. Gittin 25 76.3
13 E. O’Sullivan 35 74.9
14 M. Essa 101 73.9
15 K. Gushi 5 73.7
16 T. McQuarrie 17 73.4
17 R. Millen 6 71.5
18 T. Aono 86 68.3
19 K. Hayashida 33 66.7
20 M. Powers 11 66.5
21 A. Pfeiffer 88 65.1
22 K. Yamanaka 7 64.2
23 K. Ueo 15 63.3
24 F. Aasbo 21 62.2
25 C. Parkhouse 562 60.1
26 D. VanDenBrink 19 59.6
27 R. Petty 808 59.1
28 J. LeJeune 333 57.6
29 Y. Kondo 52 57.3
30 T. Brakohiapa 18 55.4
31 M. Waldin 24 54.6
32 C. Wan 3 54

Formula D Final,  Results – Oct 17^th, 2009 Irwindale, CA
1. Tuerck, Ryan Gardella Racing / Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice
2. McQuarrie, Tyler Falken Nissan 350Z
3. Foust, Tanner Rockstar / Hankook Scion Racing tC

Formula DRIFT Professional Championship 2009 Point Standings
1. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z 527 Points
2. Tuerck, Ryan Gardella Racing / Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice 521 Points
3. McQuarrie, Tyler Falken Nissan 350Z 485 Points
4. Hubinette, Samuel NuFormz Dodge Viper 462.25 Points
5. Gittin, Vaughn Falken Tire Ford Racing Mustang GT 451.50 Points
6. Foust, Tanner Rockstar / Hankook Scion Racing tC 447.50 Points
7. McNamara, Darren Falken / Sears Auto Center Saturn Sky 426.50 Points
8. Nishida, Robbie Hankook Tires / Dynamic Autosports Nissan 350Z 425.25 Points
9. Pawlak, Justin Bergenholtz Racing / Nitto Mazda RX-8 416 Points
10. Gushi, Ken RS*R Scion Racing TC 388.50 Points
11. Yoshihara, Daijiro Discount Tire / America’s Tire / Falken Nissan 240 381 Points
12. Brakohiapa, Tony Cooper Tire Ford Mustang 379.25 Points
13. Petty, Ross Garage Boso / Falken Nissan S15 377.25 Points
14. Aono, Taka Technosquare Toyota AE86 Corolla 369.75 Points
15. Verdier, Stephan Cooper Tire / Crawford Performance Subaru STI 364 Points
16. Miki, Ryuji APEXi / Hankook Mazda RX-7 341.75 Points

• Suspension specialist KW applies Variant 3 including approval by the Technical Control Board
• Perfect road holding for the Muscle Car
• Individual lowering and set-up adjustment possible

With the Chevrolet Camaro, a legend from the 60s and 70s comes back to life. A long bonnet, an aggressive front section, a voluminous engine with 3.6 and 6.2 litres cubic capacity and the rear wheel drive characterise the US-American sports car.

One can sense that the serial version was made for the broad and straight American roads, as on German streets, the car lacks driving comfort and renders strong car body vibrations. Moreover, the steering precision is not sufficient and the strong understeering in curves yearns for improvement as far as handling and performance of this muscle car on German roads are concerned.

With the KW coilover suspension Variant 3, the Camaro significantly gains performance and an amazing driving comfort. KW achieved the optimal suspension set-up for the Camaro on its in-house innovative 7-post driving dynamics test stand.

Owing to the suspension that KW offers, the sports car dynamically tackles curve speeds which would have led to massive understeering struggles with the serial version.

The substantially more precise steering sensation renders an optimal response from the road. This allows a relaxed, fast drive even at maximum speeds, ensures more safety and gives the passionate driver more driving pleasure at the limit.

Expert drivers can not only adjust the lowering, but also the rebound-and and compression forces of the damping individually and independently. Therefore, the set-up can be perfectly adjusted to the road scenario and the preferences of the driver.

Apart from a significant improvement in safety, also the whole look of the Camaro is enhanced, as it is lowered by up to 40 mm at the front and up to 35 mm at the back.

The advantages of the KW coilover suspension already show after the first few metres. A simple glance across the bonnet confirms how calm the front remains even when the car drives over an extremely rough ground, ensuring pleasant driving comfort.

For more information about the extensive programme by KW automotive GmbH with suspension springs, dampers, stabilisers, sport suspensions and coilovers as well as application lists, please visit the web site http://www.kwsuspensions.com

Check out our R&D video and watch the Camaro 7-post driving dynamics test stand:

The hit list is pretty straight forward for the build, as is the budget. With an allocated target of $6000.00 Mark looks to outfit the vehicle with a Belltech lowering kit, custom painted aftermarket wheels and custom badges. There’s still a bit more, you’ll find outlined below. Some may ask why such a simplistic build? Mark’s comments are just a straight forward as the build – purely to drive it and why not since it’s a gas saving Hybrid, which will provide many pleasurable miles at a lower cost. 

Owner: Mark Barbee, 31

Vehicle: 2007 GMC Yukon

Occupation:  Firefighter, Paramedic / Custom Car Builder

Purpose / Goal of build? This is a build for Truckin Magazine

When did you start this project/How long did it take to build? Started Sept 2009 Finished Nov 2009

What KW automotive products are you using? Belltech drop kit and sway bars

Why did you choose them? Belltech is a top notch brand that is known for quality

What do you like about them? Very easy to install and almost self explanatory.

Cost to build? $6000

Estimated value? $35000                                                            

Trophies/honors/awards? Built for Truckin Magazine

What are the most unique features about your vehicle? Lowered stance, painted wheels, custom badges

Future of vehicle? Drive it!

Body Kit: Street Scene Equipment wiper cowl and running boards

Additional Body Parts: Custom Bodywork color matched exterior stock pieces

Vehicle Engine: stock 2007 engine GMC 5.3 V8

ECU/Fuel Management: Bully Dog

Other Engine Modifications: Airaid intake and throttle body spacer

Transmission: stock automatic 2007

Suspension: Belltech Street Performance shocks with Belltech lowering springs

Lowering: 4 inch front, 4 inch back

Antiroll/Stabilizer Bar: Belltech Anti-sway bars

Wheels: Akuza 701 22inch +35mm

Tires:Toyo Proxes 305/50/22

Brakes: SSBC

Interior Work Modifications: Suede headliner, roadwire leather, phoenix imaging plastic pieces, added factory navigation

Vehicle In-Car Electronics: Stereo & additional Electronic Components: added factory navigation, all stereo upgraded to Memphis Car Audio with hidden amps and subwoofer.

On Wednesday Oct. 7^th, 2009, KW suspensions hosted a suspension test session at Irwindale Raceway.

KW supported drivers had the opportunity to come and work first hand with KW’s lead engineer, Klaus Frank. Klaus had specifically made the trip across the pond from Germany to help dial in each driver’s drift car and provide his extensive expertise in suspension tuning to the teams.

After a short group meeting outlining the day’s itinerary and a valuable Question and Answer period with Klaus. Teams where quickly out on course relaying information of what they desired in their setup.

With the necessary adjustments made and test runs taken, all of the teams found vast improvements in the vehicle’s handling with just minor damping changes.  Drivers commented on the increased handling capabilities of the vehicle while team owners appreciated the support provided by KW suspensions.

KW suspensions goal was to familiarize KW supported teams with their suspension setups and better prepare them for the Formula D finale on Oct. 17^th, 2009.

Teams in attendance where:

Falken Tire’s – Daijiro Yoshihara, Nissan S13 (V8)

Hankook Tire’s – Robbie Nishida, Nissan 350z & Eric O’Sullivan, Subaru WRX STi

Bergenholtz Racing’s – Justin Pawlak, Mazda RX8

RMR Racing’s – Rhys Millen, Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The following links and photos provide some insight to the day’s event.

OctaneReport.com coverage of KW suspensions Test   Day:   http://www.vimeo.com/…

Hankook Tires / Gruppe-S.com Drift Subaru STi  (in car footage) http://www.drifting.com/…

Urban Racer.com article – Setup for Success http://urbanracer.com/…

For more information about KW suspensions go to www.kwsuspensions.com

Tuning fast Hondas is no new story, but Modified Magazine’s Project DC2 Integra went all out with a K20 engine swap and top notch parts including a set of KW Variant 3 coilovers.

Read the entire article here Modified Mag Project Integra  or see it online along with other related project car build articles at www.modified.com/tech/modp-0906-acura-integra-project-suspension-tuning/index.html

Images and text courtesy of Modified Magazine

The Belltech front anti-sway bar increases torsional stiffness by 100%. Belltech’s rear anti-sway bar provides 3 holes of adjustment. The furthest hole provides the same torsional stiffness as the factory antisway bar. The middle hole provides a 40% increase over stock torsional stiffness and the inner adjustment hole provides 100%.

Performance and comfort characteristics are taken into consideration with each anti-sway design. Incorporating 25 plus years of design experience, Belltech Muscle Cars anti-sway bars are manufactured from cold formed solid steel and use swedged ends for their superior strength and reliability. All anti-sway bars include high grade mounting hardware, teflon lined bushings and are powder coated for a lasting finish.

Front Bar Part# 5481

Rear Bar Part# 5581

Front & Rear Set Part# 9990

Download: Press Release Belltech Anti-Sway Bars 2009 Camaro

For more information go to www.belltech-muscle-cars.com

Each coil is manufactured from chromium alloy steel and is hot wound, shot peened then powder coated to exact specifications to assure the proper ride height and ride quality.

Belltech Coil Springs can be combined with other Belltech anti-sway bars for additional handling characteristics.

Please see Belltech catalog or website for specific applications. www.belltech-muscle-cars.com

Download Press Release: Press Release Belltech Coil Springs 2009 Camaro

Owner’s name:  Sean Kiernan, Age: 28, Occupation: Wholesale sales

What was the purpose or goal of the build? To make an enjoyable experience with the family while improving my skills and having fun. It was a first to customize a vehicle my own vehicle.

When did you start this project/How long did it take to build? It took approximately 1.5 years, I started in July of 2007.

What KW automotive products are you using? Belltech 2” drop spindles with a Belltech front anti-sway bar.

Estimated cost of the vehicle with modifications?  $25,000

Claims to fame – Trophies/Awards: Hunters Auto Exposition – 1^st 2008/2009 Best Belltech’s Choice Award, Top 5 – HAVOC 2008, 1^st NOPI, Sport Truck Magazine Nopi Coverage

What’s the most unique feature about your vehicle? The 4WD to 2WD conversion thus making it the only 2WD Yukon. Installing 2007 Tahoe Interior.

Future of the vehicle? Building the vehicle along a Pro-Touring theme in the winter of 2009. Upgrading the wheels to lighter weight wheels, stiffer air suspension and lower ride height. Engine plans include a twin turbo LS1 install once the cooler weather sets in.

Vehicle Exterior: The vehicle is sprayed with a PPG Arrival Blue Pearl finishing off all the custom body work such as; shaved doors, roof, body seams, tailgate, roll pan, GMC Denali front clip. Quarter panels and roof were replaced to OE specificiations without 4WD flares and roof rack.

Vehicle Engine: 355 Foged 4350 Scat rotating assembly, with Vortec heads and GMPP tbi intake, Electrice fan, Wysco Headers, Comp Cams, XFI cams, Tuner Pro RT Tune, Stock Engine Displacement: 5.7l   estimated HP: 400HP

 Vehicle Driveline:  Transmission: GMPP700R4 with Corvette servo upgrade, Hurst Quarter Stick

 Vehicle Chassis – Suspension:  Belltech Spindles, Monroe shocks, Belltech front anti-sway bar

Other Supension Modifications:  Slam Specities RE7 on all 4 corners. Custom front shock mounts with Monroe gasshocks, Triangulated 4 link rear with behind the axle bag brackets. Also custom shock setup on rear with the same style shocks. Air setup includes 8 Blitzluft valve, fbi electric compressor, ½ inch airline, air ride tech switches.

Vehicle Wheels: Wheels: Dip  – rebel 22×9.5 offset – 18,  Tires: Hankook Ventus 315/35/22, Brakes: R1 Concept 14” Cross Drilled and Slotted

Vehicle Interior Interior work Modifications include 2007 Tahoe Leather seats, plastic interior smoothed and painted, 7 AutoMeter gauges, Suede headliner, custom center console color matched to vehicle. Custom Wheel tubs.

Vehicle In-Car Electronics Stereo & additional electronic components:  Pioneer DVD/NAV, 10 Pioneer speakers, all custom wiring, 12 channel operating system to control all vehicle electronics and electrical equipment, windows, air, alarm, door poppers, i.e.

For more product information go to www.belltech.com

Result: KW is a quality suspension kit which eliminates body roll and makes the car stable and predictable ? really confidence inspiring.

DOWNLOAD – Redline magazine, 2009-09-02

This KW coilover kit could be height adjusted from 0.6-2.0inch (15-50mm) on the front and 0.4-1.8inch(10-45mm) rear axle.

Variant 3 inox-Line
Part no. 352 85 007

Variant 3 is state-of-the-art technology for the skilled and experienced driver. The separate and independent compression and rebound damping options allow a truly individual driving set-up

• Suspension specialist co-designs the ring°werk

• KW regarded as most successful suspension manufacturer in the Green Hell

• Theme park at the Nürburgring opens mid August

Myth, motor sports and mobility ? all of this is presented on 15,000 square metres at the new adventure park ring°werk. The large theme park which is located at the world-known race track Nürburgring also offers the rollercoaster ring°racer, a casino, an event hall, hotels, restaurants and much more.

The central part of the new ring°werk is the test°center. It combines the concept of a museum and a theme park. There, automobile history, technology and motor sports is turned into an adventure. The world of suspensions is delivered by the company KW which is regarded as the most successful suspension manufacturer at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Countless victories in the Green Hell confirm KW?s competence whether used in the 24-hour race, the endurance racing championship VLN or many other record runs are concerned.

In the test°center, KW offers interactive displays, thrilling animations, action-packed films and much more. This way, visitors can experience the history of suspension technology from the first historic experiments to today?s high technology. KW pleasantly explains the functionality, the advantages and the different application areas of shock absorbers and springs.

Moreover, visitors can experience fascinating impressions while driving an indoor race Lamborghini through the Green Hell.

Visitors who do not want to swop their own automobile with such a race car, can equip their vehicle with lowering springs, sport- or coilover suspensions at the touch screen configurator. Thus, KW creates an individual adventure for each test°center visitor.

Finally, a virtual company tour gives the guests the opportunity to look behind the scenes where research and development of KW suspensions are shown in a transparent and exciting way.

More information about the new ring°werk is available at the web site www.ring-werk.com.

Variant 2 inox-Line
Part no. 152 65 019

Variant 2 is the system intended for the experienced driver who requires to not only determine the individual lowering of their vehicle but adjust the damper setting to fine tune the system to their needs.

7 minutes, 11 seconds and 57 hundreds of a second later Gruber crosses the line again. He has proven: The GUMPERT apollo sport is officially the fastest road legal factory car ever to circle the Ring until today. With an average speed of around 106,78 mp/h (171,84 km/h) the apollo was by 3,32 seconds faster than the former record holder. And – by the way – more than 13 seconds faster than the Maserati MC 12 in 2008. And, well – I even could have gone a little faster, said the pretty unimpressed driver after coming back into the pits. And not even one drop of sweat on his brow after the record lap. The apollo sport in standard factory specification was equipped with road legal MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup tires and an adjustable coilover suspension by KW.

The conditions were good, but not perfect – so we have still got potential to go faster, concluded Florian Gruber. From his point of view, the apollo has the potential to even break the 7 minutes mark. And Roland Gumpert, former Head of AUDI SPORT and managing director of the GUMPERT Sportwagenmanufaktur, adds with a wink: It is great that we broke the record and that we were able to show the potential of the apollo – but at this stage there is no need to go faster. We don´t want to demoralize our fellow competitors by now…?

KW contributes a huge part to the lap record by its optimized suspension setup. The Apollo has been tested and adjusted on the KW 7-post test rig to be perfectly prepared for the lap record.

At a glance

GUMPERT apollo sport (700 HP)

Transmission:
sequential six-speed gear box with synchronisation and oil cooling, twin plate clutch configuration (diameter 2 x 200 mm), rear-wheel drive, differential lock by Torsen

Chassis:
Racing kits, 3-way adjustable: KW Competition 3A
long and pushrod-operated double transverse control arm suspension with fully adjustable dampers front and rear and anti roll bar in front

Brakes:
two circuit BOSCH-ABS brake system with six piston callipers, inside ventilated discs (378 x 32 mm) all around

Wheels & Tires:
Aluminium cast wheels with centre look front: 255/35 ZR19 rear: 345/35 ZR19

Dry weight:
1,200 kg (For cars with standard equipment without filling. Special eqipment may increase this value.)

Allowed total weight: 1,550 kg
Length: 4,460 mm
Width: 1,998 mm
Height: 1,105 mm
Wheel base: 2,700 mm
Wheel gauge: front: 1,670 mm, rear: 1,598 mm
Tank capacity: 120 litre

Engine:
V8-cylinder-Biturbomotor with 90o cylinder angle, light metal cylinder heads with 5 valves per cylinder, four overhead camshafts, hydraulic valve clearance compensation, double-flow exhaust system with three-way catalytic converter, dry sump lubrication

Cubic capacity: 4,163 ccm
Engine performance: 515 kW (700 HP) at 6.500 rev/min
Maximum torque: 875 Nm at 4.000 rev/min
Litre performance: 123.7 kW/Litre (168 HP/Litre)
Maximum rev.: 7,200 rev/min

Top speed:
360 km/h / 224 mph (Depending on equipment, county related specification, gear ratio and engine power)

Acceleration figures:
0-100 km/h in 3,0 s
0-200 km/h in 8,9 s

Nürburgring Nordschleife is the most popular race track for using our KW Clubsport suspension kits. High performance sports cars, modified saloons as well as classical sport compact cars are tuned in weight, engine and wheels for their use on several race tracks. These improvements are made for a better handling on track sport events, race taxi drives, visitor drives and equability tests particularly on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Due to these modifications of the car some parameters are changing. Therefore, the road setups are no longer ideal for the performance of the car. For this use we offer special clubsport kits which have been adapted to the changed requirements by changing spring and shock setup as well as the installation of racing top mounts.

Dynamic Autosports – Press Release

Lake Forest, Calif. – August 12, 2009 – Evergreen Speedway, located in the heart of Monroe, Washington, hosted the highly anticipated Round 5 of the Formula Drift Championship.  With the cars prepped after a strong performance at the Las Vegas Event, the Dynamic Autosports / Hankook Tire Drift Team arrives in full force ready to practice on the Washington State high speed course.  Eric O’Sullivan and Robbie Nishida completed several laps around the track and comfortably moved onto the qualifying round for the main 32-car event.  With a strong performance by the drivers, who are equipped with the ultra high performing Hankook Ventus RS-3 Tires, the entire Hankook Tire Drift Team qualified into the main event, securing strong positions for the main competition the following day.   

In the Top 32, Eric O’Sullivan faced off with veteran Formula Drift driver Kenji Yamanaka, with Eric leading the first run.  Starting strong O’Sullivan took a high line along Evergreen’s high speed bank, gaining a staggering lead against Yamanaka, and topping it off with a strong finish.  Changing positions, O’Sullivan chased Yamanaka, staying door to door with his competitor, scoring high and winning the Tandem bout. Robbie took on Joon Maeng; Robbie led first with a deep angled drift along the high section of the bank with Joon close by.  Robbie chased Joon on the second run, staying only inches behind, and during the infield transition Joon slipped wide on a corner and and Robbie went for the pass, sealing his victory.  Ryuji Miki faced last years 4th place overall contender Daijiro Yoshihara, but after suffering a major crash during practice Daijiro is unable to run.  Eric, Robbie and Ryuji all moved onto the Top 16.  

In the Top 16, Eric faced off with Drift Emporium’s Jodin Lejeune in his V8 Supercharged Infiniti G35.  Leading first, O’Sullivan aggressively dove into the long bank of corner one, creating a large gap between his competitor and him.  Maintaining his distance, O’Sullivan finished a strong first run.  Chasing his supercharged V8 competitor, O’Sullivan took an aggressive line through the power section, leaving no room for Lejeune to escape, earning Eric a spot in the Great 8.  Ryuji is paired to chase Tony Brakiohiapa in the first round.  After completing an impressive run, Ryuji pushed the APEX’i RX-7 to it’s very limits having led run 2, he scrubbed the wall by taking an aggressive line, finishing the event in  the top 16.  Robbie faced Ryan Tuerck beginning with Robbie chasing closely behind Tuerck, and Tuerck scrubbed the wall.  After leading a strong chase, Robbie finished in the Top 16 in the event and remains the Top Hankook Driver and a season contender for the championship in points overall at a strong standing of 7th place and Ryuji 17th place out of 45 drivers.

In the Great 8, Eric O’Sullivan took on Tony Brakiohiapa. With Tony leading the first run, Eric aggressively chased his competitor across the Washington course.  Changing positions, O’Sullivan led another strong run against Tony ending with the judges calling for a One More Time.  In their second bout, Tony led again staying high along the bank, but O’Sullivan kept a tight chase, pressuring his competitor.  Tony pitched too wide on the inner corners of the track, and giving Eric room for to pass Tony.  Leading the next tandem, Eric dove into the bank, running a high line, pulled away from Tony, winning the tandem battle and moving Eric onto the Final 4 round.

In the Semi Final Round, Eric took on Falken Tire’s Vaughn Gitten Jr., with Vaughn leading first and Eric giving chase.  Riding the wall, Vaughn takes a strong line, but Eric stays right on him, not letting up.  In the second run while Eric led, there was a major crash on the bank of the course.  After the Judges deliberated over the cause of the crash, the ruling was in Eric’s favor; he won the battle and moved onto the final round, but due to the damage was unable to participate in the final round, earning him the 2nd place win and setting him up as the major contender for the coveted Rookie of the Year. 

Congratulations to Eric O’Sullivan in the Dynamic Autosports / Hankook Tire Subaru WRX for winning 2nd place Overall and Robbie Nishida in the Dynamic Autosports / Hankook Tire 350z  and Ryuji Miki for finishing in the top 16 at Formula Drift: Round 5 at Evergreen Speedway.

Team Dynamic Autosports with the Hankook Tire/Dynamic Autosports 350z & Rockstar Energy Drink / Hankook Tire Subaru STi would like to thank all our sponsors:

Hankook Tires, Rockstar Energy Drink, Seibon, APR Performance, Brian Crower, ACT Clutches, Weds Sport, Enkei Wheels, Status, APEXi, KW Suspension, HPI Racing, AEM, C-West, Crooks and Castles, Attic Clothing, JE Pistons, Portflow, PPG, Nissan, Subaru, Raydog Graphics, Instyle Graphics and Driveshaft Shop

Team APEXi/ Hankook Tire would like to extend a special thanks to: Exedy Clutch, RMagic, Bride, NGK Spark Plugs, SEIBON Carbon, and Torco Oil

Variant 1 basic
front axle load till 860kg: Part no. 052 80 100
front axle load till 960kg: Part no. 052 80 101

Variant 1 inox-Line
front axle load till 860kg: Part no. 102 80 100
front axle load till 960kg: Part no. 102 80 101

Variant 2 inox-Line
front axle load till 860kg: Part no. 152 80 100
front axle load till 960kg: Part no. 152 80 101

Variant 3 inox-Line
front axle load till 860kg: Part no. 352 80 100
front axle load till 960kg: Part no. 352 80 101

Variant 1 is the ideal suspension for customers wishing to rely on the experience of our engineers yet determine their own degree of lowering.

Variant 2 is the system intended for the experienced driver who requires to not only determine the individual lowering of their vehicle but adjust the damper setting to fine tune the system to their needs.

Variant 3 is state-of-the-art technology for the skilled and experienced driver. The separate and independent compression and rebound damping options allow a truly individual driving set-up

Variant 3 inox-Line
Part no. 352 30 054

Variant 3 is state-of-the-art technology for the skilled and experienced driver. The separate and independent compression and rebound damping options allow a truly individual driving set-up

KW suspensions sponsored APR Performance Widebody Ford Mustang captures cover page of October issue’s of Mustang 5.0 magazine. The coverage provides an inside look to the build-up of APR’s featured 2008 SEMA vehicle. Expect the issue to reach shelves shortly.

Suspension manufacturer KW refines the Dodge Challenger

Fichtenberg – With the changing of the times and economic conditions, American muscle car production has dwindled. Only popular muscle car models have continued or older models revived with a retro-modern look. Such is the case with the Dodge Challenger. With its brawny shape, pronounced radiator grill and large cubic displacement, the car represents the true American muscle car. Sadly this applies also to its handling. KW, the “suspension specialist” looks to improve upon the Challenger’s area of weakness. With their high-quality performance oriented suspension components. KW’s expertise in suspension technology will help the Challenger to be one of the best all around performing American muscle cars.

The 6.1-litre SRT HEMI V8-engine produces 425 hp (313 kW), more then a healthy amount of power for the road. KW didn’t need to place their concentration on engine power other then a K&N filter to free up the air intake and Magnaflow exhaust system to help evacuate the exhaust gases smoothly. The powerful tone emitted from exhaust system complements the aggressive looks and styling of the vehicle. From a two-pipe system it exits the rear of the vehicle with four polished 3.5” exhaust tips.

But when it came to the handling characteristics, KW made some major changes. They outfitted the Challenger with their Variant 1 stainless steel bodied coilovers. The dampening has been preset by KW for the perfect balance between a sporty and comfortable ride quality. The adjustable height of the coilovers offer a range of 10mm to 50mm of lowering on both axles, while the stainless steel inox-line bodies protect the dampers from the elements.

In order to maximize the use of the KW coilovers, KW partnered with HRE Wheels for set of 3 piece forged alloy wheels – The HRE995R are finished with a brushed aluminium center with a satin black rim. With HRE’s expertise in wheel manufacturing they where able to produce a wheel in a 10×22” for the front and 11×22” in the rear. The appearance is striking from all angles. For traction KW relied upon Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires, 265/35 ZR 22 covered the rims upfront while 295/30 ZR 22 finished off the rear.

But KW didn’t stop with suspension, wheels and slight performance modifications. KW equipped the Dodge Challenger with LSD door hinges. Allowing the doors to open upwards. The adjustable “Guided Roller System” (GRS) combines safety and precision when opening and closing the doors. LSD-hinges has already gone through the same safety testing as factory door hinges. The lambo style doors add a unique touch to the American muscle car.

It was not an easy task for KW to remodel the Dodge Challenger. The aim was to complement a classic American muscle car without taking away from its strong and rich history. Retaining this balance is what KW had set out to accomplish.

For more information about the wide variety of products by KW automotive GmbH including running gear springs, dampers, sport suspensions, coilovers as well as application lists, please visit the web site www.KWsuspensions.com

Belltech’s springs are offered in two height options. Stock height replacement and a 1” lowering spring for the front and rear (small block engine). Each coil is manufactured from chromium alloy steel and is hot wound, shot peened then powder coated to exact specifications to assure the proper ride height and ride quality.

Belltech “Street Performance” shock absorbers offers the customer an OEM replacement quality shock absorber with performance handling characteristics. The Street Performance shock absorber utilizes a 15mm piston rod, 35mm piston and 55mm shock body, this provides added control for spirited driving while retaining a great balance of performance and comfort.

The Belltech Muscle Car anti-sway bars replaces both front and rear stock anti-sway bars with larger diameter solid construction anti-sway bars. The result is a increasing in anti-sway bar force on the front axle and on the rear axle. Belltech Muscle Cars anti-sway bars are manufactured from cold formed solid steel and use swedged ends for their superior strength and reliability. All anti-sway bars include high grade mounting hardware, polyurethane bushings and are powder coated for a lasting finish.

Belltech Muscle Cars Handling Kit for 68-72 Chevrolet Chevelle / Malibu / Monte Carlo / El Camino
part no. 5142 (front coil spring stk. height)
part no. 5108 (front coil spring 1 inch drop)
part no. 5160 (rear coil spring stk. Height)
part no. 5118 (rear coil spring 1 inch drop)
part no. 9976 (front and rear bar set)
part no. 10102i (front shock)
part no. 2209ih (rear shock)

Please see Belltech catalog or website for specific applications. www.belltechmusclecars.com

Belltechs springs are offered in two height options. Stock height replacement and a 1inch lowering spring for the front and rear (small block engine). Each coil is manufactured from chromium alloy steel and is hot wound, shot peened then powder coated to exact specifications to assure the proper ride height and ride quality.

Belltech Street Performance shock absorbers offers the customer an OEM replacement quality shock absorber with performance handling characteristics. The Street Performance shock absorber utilizes a 15mm piston rod, 35mm piston and 55mm shock body, this provides added control for spirited driving while retaining a great balance of performance and comfort.

The Belltech Muscle Car Leaf Springs replaces rear factory leaf springs to provide a lowered ride height and increase in vehicle handling. Belltech Leaf Springs utlize OEM quality rubber bushings for silent operation and maintains ride comfort.

Belltech Muscle Cars Handling Kit for 1964-66 Pontiac GTO
5132 (front coil spring stk. Height)
5134 (front coil spring 1 inch drop)
5152 (rear coil spring stk. Height)
5154 (rear coil spring 1 inch drop)
10103i (front shock)
2209ih (rear shock)

For more productinformation go to www.belltechmusclecars.com

The Street Performance shock absorber utilizes a 15mm piston rod, 35mm piston and 55mm shock body to provide the control required by larger OE and aftermarket wheel/tire packages.

Each Street Performance shock absorber features a nitrogen charged twin tube construction which provides “cavitation free” technology to avoid air from decreasing the shock absorbers effectiveness. Piston rod bushings and shock pistons are Teflon coated to provide the lowest amount of friction. Triple Lip NBR Seal provides (2 oil lips, 1 dust lip) 3 areas of contact on which rubber seals contact and seal the piston rod. This added security prevents against leaks, oil contamination or deterioration of the seals.

Belltech Muscle Cars Street Performance Shock Absorber for 1955-57 Chevrolet
part no. 10102i (front shock)
part no. 10311h (rear shock)

 Please see Belltech catalog or website for specific applications. www.belltech.com

The Belltech Muscle Car Leaf Springs replaces rear factory leaf springs to provide a lowered ride height and increase in vehicle handling. Available in two options; stock height and 1inch drop. Belltech Leaf Springs utilize OEM quality rubber bushings for silent operation and maintains ride comfort.

Belltech Muscle Cars Leaf Springs for 1964-66 Ford Mustang

• part no. 5955 (stock height)
• part no. 5957 (1 inch drop)

Please see Belltech catalog or website for specific applications. www.belltech.com

Rhys Millen is no stranger to Pikes Peak and rightfully so. It was his 17th trip up the mountain. This time in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. He completed the course in a time of 12 minutes/9.397 seconds setting a new world record for the 2WD Time Attack Record. Leaving over a minute gap to his next closest competitor.  Millen was able to execute the 156 turn course in relative ease as his race car performed flawlessly as it climbed to the 14,110ft summit. The Hyundai Genesis coupe is outfitted with KW suspensions 3way adjustable motorsport coilovers and provided the necessary control over the varying terrain.

Belltech’s springs are offered in two height options. Stock height replacement and a 1” lowering spring for the front and rear (small block engine). Each coil is manufactured from chromium alloy steel and is hot wound, shot peened then powder coated to exact specifications to assure the proper ride height and ride quality.

Belltech “Street Performance” shock absorbers offers the customer an OEM replacement quality shock absorber with performance handling characteristics. The Street Performance shock absorber utilizes a 15mm piston rod, 35mm piston and 55mm shock body, this provides added control for spirited driving while retaining a great balance of performance and comfort.

The Belltech Muscle Car Leaf Springs replaces rear factory leaf springs to provide a lowered ride height and increase in vehicle handling. Belltech Leaf Springs utlize OEM quality rubber bushings for silent operation and maintains ride comfort.

Belltech Muscle Cars Handling Kit for 1967-69 Chevrolet Camaro
  part no. 5128 (front coil spring stk. Height)
  part no. 5130 (front coil spring 1 inch drop)
  part no. 5975 (rear leaf spring stk. Height)
  part no. 5979 (rear leaf spring 1 inch drop)
  part no. 10102i (front shock)
  part no. 10309h (rear shock)

Please see Belltech catalog or website for specific applications. www.belltech.com

It was difficult to stay focused on the job at hand what with all the cool cars and trucks that kept rolling in and out of the store fronts parking lot. The spectrum was very broad and ranged from your euro’s and imports to your domestic muscle cars all the way to your full size one ton haulers!

As the sun started to set on the day the show concluded with a wholesale invitation only after hours show which drew another big crowd of customers who enjoyed a nice array of free food and spirits along with a good mix of music. More customers went home happy with raffle prizes that included all KW, Belltech and Suspension Techniques products along with other great gifts from manufacturers such as K&N, Milodon, Superchips etc.

Once the show concluded the excitement did not stop there. After the show we were treated to a awesome gathering of local hot rods put on by Hawaii independent cruise nights at the Hawaii kai towne center in Honolulu. In attendance were approximately 200 of some of the nicest rods and customs the island had to offer.  For more information regarding this and future shows you can visit them at www.hawaiiindependentcruisenights.com . There were fun times had by all and thank you to all the great people we met along the way, we can not wait to come back!

Mahalo also goes out to Leigh, Yoshi, Glen, Scott and the rest of the crew at Ron’s for a job well done!

Congratulations to Ron and from all of us here we want to wish you a wonderful retirement!

So if you’re out and about and find yourself in the need of Performance Parts, stop by and visit the guys at Ron’s:

www.ronsperformance.com
Ron’s Performance Center
345 N. Nimitz Hwy #A
Honolulu, HI 96817-5314
For sales assistance:  (808)528-2022
Neighbor Islands, call Toll FREE (888) 445-1616

Visit our productwebsites: Belltech Sport Trucks:  www.belltech.com   Belltech Muscle Cars: www.belltechmusclecars.com

The crowds of visitors saw for example the KW HLS System, a fully hydraulic operated height lift system, which can help the driver to access parking areas or drive over bump stops without the danger of damaging expensive body or under body parts of the car, in combination with a KW Variant 3 coilover kit at the KW exclusive booth. Furthermore, KW Clubsport, a rebound and compression adjustable suspension for track days and pure road performance was show to interested dealers and customers.

The two show cars