Modified Cars

More to come.

Karting as the training ground for racing

From the editors of Modified Magazine.

There's never been any reasonable doubt as to Karting's place as the proving ground for high profile drivers (F1's Lewis Hamilton, Tanner Foust, drift king Tarzan Yamada). But let's take a look at what Karting teaches in terms of driver on track prowess:

• The true importance of braking (uh yeah, at 2 inches off the ground)


• How precise movements are required for machines with ultra quick reflexes


• How to properly leverage "grip" without overusing the tire


• How to read another driver's on track behaviors

So, don't dismiss at mere lawn mower racing...it's the real deal.

F1, Indy, IRL Technology Meets Daily drivers

It seems nearly everyday we read more and more about racing technology being integrating into the engineering of everyday cars. Here are just a few...

The Evolution X sports what is called Twin Clutch SST (or better stated, gears 1st, 3rd, and 5th operate on one clutch; and 2nd and 4th on the other). What!



Here's the blurb....
New TC-SST Automated Manual TransmissionExclusive to the Evolution MR model for 2008, the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick upshifts with no drop-off in engine power. The TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.Essentially, the TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, awaiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made - either manually or automatically depending on mode selected - when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are "swapped," which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.The TC-SST offers three drive modes - Normal, Sport and S-Sport - and within each, the driver may choose automatic or manual shifting. Sport mode uses higher shift points (in Automatic) and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. Sport mode is also useful for driving in mountainous areas or when engine braking is required. The S-Sport mode can be selected for performance driving situations, such as track events. For the entire post, click here.

Gullwing Benz?

Who would have guessed that a half million dollar Merc would have trouble selling. I mean do you see many Saleen S7's or McLaren's on the street. In a defensive move to to not have to discontinue the SLR, Mercedes is planning on bringing back the original gullwing in 2011. The powerplant, nothing short of wicked. An AMG 6.2 liter making 750 hp. A possible 1000hp version could follow. Yes indeed, the ultimate Bond car.

Porche's Risky Business: 928 Returns

Dubbed the two door Panamera GT (the Panamera is Porche's answer to the four door sports car craze), the longer bonnett is reminiscent of the 928 that Tom Cruise drove off the pier in one of our favorite flicks of all time. In case your wondering how the power plant will compare to the Boxter or 997, the V-8 should pump out 520 hp (uh, that's GT3 status). Of course you could go green and opt for what should be a 400 hp V-6 hybrid.

Open Letter to Subaru: Death of a Tuner Car?

To the head of PR at Subaru:

First, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Dominick Infante, first I gotta ask, are you a hardcore automotive enthusiast? If so, you'd find yourself disagreeing with yourself. There isn't a fine line between satisfying the hardcore car guy who doesn't by into "Marketing" (coming from a guy that represented Ford Motor Company once on the agency side) and building a car for middle America. You can't do both (unless your M Power, AMG, and S-Audi)...hint, Japanese makers don't do it very well, at least not stateside anyway. Honda killed off the Accord from the Import scene with it's new found mid luxury appeal; the recent generation has been completely absent for nearly a decade (again spoken from someone who had 2 modified Accords). VW killed off the Jetta with yet again it's mid-luxury appeal (and yes, that was my first ever modified car); again the recent generation is completely absent except for the recent induction into the Speed Touring Challenge competition.

And yes, Subaru may have just done the same (or need we not speculate since the blogsphere of Subie enthusiasts who drive the current iteration just told you so). Subie owners are as passionate as APPLE/Mac computer owners. Wow, imagine if Mac took the Windows approach to make more money. Subaru may have also solidified those three letters, I speaking E-V-O language now, as the most desired mid-level priced sedan to import tune. Did I mention that Honda, VW, likely Subie have fallen from the ranks (that's why I snatched up a 4 door Integra to modify). You have to realize no one wants to just modify average looking cars (that thing looks like something KIA could design) otherwise we'd be driving KIA's with Garrett and Edlebrock turbos! The new look as we say isn't "ownable or unique" like the current version for import tuning.

The last nail in the coffin will be the aftermarket. Read again, limited mods for the Jetta, new Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion, hence why we don't by them and trailer queen them to shows, we don't drift in them, track race them, drag race, or even consider them street racing worthy. The reason your Legacy doesn't sell like hot cakes, is (as I clear my throat), limited mods; I've seen 1 or 2 body kits???? Has Subaru paid attention to current tuner trends; everyone wants widebody fenders - your response - get rid of them; everyone wants a fender well to run 19 inch 255 series tires - your response - eliminate them; everyone wants a car with an aggressive stance - your response - getting the picture?

It's like the record labels pissing off urban/popular culture to satisfy middle America when Pop culture is the influencer, not the influenced.

But I understand, it was a "business" decision. But you may lose your identity as being "authentic." Lastly, all the thing mentioned in the article like more shoulder room, more cargo space, as I laugh out loud, we don't car about that stuff - Read, we gut the interiors for show and race! Oh, and did you opt out of the automotive industry's HORSEPOWER WAR going on? BMW's forthcoming 1 series will have 300 ponies! Time to invest in some trend watching.

Best of luck maintaining the interest of the passionate enthusiasts and we'll see if those sales numbers rack up.

Confirmed: BMW M1

After much discussion as to whether the folks at Bavarian would bring an entry level Bimmer to the states, the 1 series will makes it's debut in 2008. But the 1 series is less about an entry level product and more about a return to it's roots, via the inspiration of the 2002.

Combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created. On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque (very credible). The 135i Coupe features BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm (yikes!).

It was only a matter of time before tuners got a hold of it. The Breyton Team has taken the 1-Series and turned it into something to be reckon'd with. Bigger wheels, aggressive stylish body kit and a boost in horsepower and torque are all part of the package. Breyton offers 9.0 x 20? and 225/30 wheels. Niccccceeeeeee!

If BMW's Mini is already a standout in the compact segment, with the forthcoming 1-Series what will the Japanese automakers do against a formidable one-two punch. But let's be real, all we care about is if there will be an M Powered version. And yes, there will. The BMW M1 gets the old BMW M3 6-cylinders with 343 HP. With 343 HP, the famous 3.2 Liter 6-cylinders engine from the BMW M3, adjusted in the meantime, the future BMW M1 could accelerate in 5.2 seconds from 0-60. Really, really, niccceeeeee!