It’s not a production model yet but the Honda CR-Z will be making an appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. This latest ‘concept version of the production car’ should give fans and pretty darn good idea of what the future holds.

Power comes from a 1.5L mated to Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (automatic) transmission OR a six-speed manual, which should provide a bit more driving excitement.  Looks like it’ll be just about 20 years after the CRX was killed that a proper replacement will rise from the dust… at least Honda made sure they got it right.

When developing a true function-over-form product for the Nissan GT-R R35, sometimes the end-result happens to be extremely aesthetically pleasing as well! We had to put our thinking caps on when bringing a real “game changer” rear seat delete alternative to market… the premise for the design and build was to delete the rear seat and delete all the stuff required for the rear seats. this premise came about since we find the factory rear seats near useless by design. There was hardly any leg room, so why even bother. Reducing as much weight as possible without making this car look bare and naked has been our agenda since day one. The PWJDM Rear Seat Delete project has followed this directive to a T.

To maintain and forever perpetuate the infamous PWJDM baller reputation, we definitely had to build the Rear Seat Replacement out of 100% dry carbon fiber and mold them to fit both the body and the car like a glove. Building upon the successes of the Tecnocraft ‘T1′ racing seats from the premium side of Password Industries, Inc. We also kept in mind the interior “race bucket seat” theme and wanted a continuation of this effort for the rear seat deletes. What’s shown here is a true testament to PWJDM’s commitment to the platform as well as our abilities as a true tuner and developer of great products.

The first thing to notice would be the organic curvature of the PWJDM Rear Seat Delete, which provides structural strength and rigidity over just a simple flat design. Secondly, they have been molded in such a way to provide a tight, drop-in fit, and have eliminated the rear passenger seatbelt hardware – yes, you are correct, this weight-saving upgrade is strictly for off-road use only!

Liven up your engine bay and give yourself some peace of mind while you’re at it with one of Skunk2’s all-new Silicone Radiator Hose Kits. Unlike OEM rubber cooling hoses that must be periodically replaced because of deterioration caused by heat and pressure, Skunk2 silicone hoses will outlast the life of your engine. And with their glossy black finish, red interior, and Skunk2 logo, they’ll look good while doing it.

Skunk2 Silicone Radiator Hoses are handmade using high-quality, automotive-grade silicone and feature cutting-edge, multi-layer, embedded fiber linings that’ll resist even the most abusive engine temperatures and pressures. Each application has been test-fitted for accuracy, as well as for an OEM fit, and has been subjected to rigorous tests and inspections to ensure years of worry-free operation.

All Skunk2 radiator hoses are compatible with each vehicle’s OEM water housings, radiator necks, and OEM hose clamps. You’re going to have to replace those OEM radiator hoses sooner or later. Do your engine bay a favor and upgrade it with a Skunk2 Silicone Radiator Hose Kit.

StopTech has introduced a Big Brake Kit for the 2007-2010 Mazdaspeed3. The front kits (part #83.553.4600.xx) feature 332×32 rotors with a choice of red, black or silver ST-40 four piston calipers (yellow & blue available as special order).

The Mazdaspeed3 is a sport compact hatchback introduced by Mazdaspeed for the 2007 model year, as a performance-enhanced version of the Mazda3. Mazda unveiled the Mazda3 MPS at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and as the Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan.

The new 2007-2010 Mazdaspeed3 brakes join prior StopTech front BBKs for the 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege. One kit (part # 83.550.4300.xx) features two ST-40 four piston calipers with 328×28 rotors.

StopTech’s Big Brake Kits provide shorter stopping distances, better brake modulation, firmer pedal feel and less brake fade resulting in stronger, more reliable performance on and off the track. The 2007-2010 Mazdaspeed3 BBK from StopTech comes with a pair of slotted or drilled floating directional AeroRotors with billet aluminum AeroHat, billet aluminum mounting brackets with stainless steel hubs, DOT-compliant stainless steel braided Teflon brake lines, high performance street pads and forged, high performance, patented calipers.

The Mishimoto performance aluminum radiator for the 2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon is the ideal upgrade to the stock Tiburon radiator. Designed and engineered to maximize cooling efficiency by up to 30%, boost engine functions and most importantly protect your car from overheating.

The Mishimoto Hyundai Tiburon radiator features a lightweight dual core, 100% brazed aluminum, and polished end tanks. Every Mishimoto Performance Radiator is a direct OEM fit making installation effortless, no cutting or modification is required. All Mishimoto radiators come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Ugh.

Gran Turismo: Prologue just isn’t cutting it anymore.  The ‘pre-production’ teaser of what Gran Turismo 5 had in store hit as one of the first Playstation 3 games, and impress it did.  But this was just supposed to be a platform to show what the PS3 could do, and more specifically, what the Gran Turismo series could be on PS3.  The ‘Quarter 4 2009′ release date has again been pushed, and this time the boys at Polyphony Digital, makers of Grant Turismo, sound pretty solid about a March 2010 release *in Japan*.  So when can US gamers expect a copy?  Who knows.  The list of “release dates” as stated by Polyphony Digital, and compiled by GT Planet has suspiciously grown, so anything ‘official’ should be taken with a grain of salt.

November 30, 2008 – Sony executive in Europe mentions GT5 will “arrive at Christmas” during an interview with a financial magazine.

June 4, 2009 – Kazunori Yamauchi states: “We can release Gran Turismo 5 whenever we want.” during E3 interview.

August 2, 2009 – GTPlanet acquires internal company documents which clearly outline the date that Sony expects to release the game (and it was well within 2009).

August 22, 2009 – Kazunori Yamauchi states that “GT5 will be released shortly after this date [October 1st]” during an interview.

August 23, 2009 – Printed material distributed by Sony at the GamesCom 2009 conference clearly indicate the game will be released during the fourth quarter of 2009.

The infamous Honda Civic… this car has been around for as long as most of us can remember. Honda first introduced the Civic as a two-door coupe in the early 70’s and ever since its release the Civic has been one of the best-selling compact cars of all time. Fast-forward almost 40 years and the Civic attracts a variety of drivers. You can see the Civic being driven by anyone from young adults that recognize its sporty side to elderly folks that want a car with good MPGs.

Well, a small displacement engine such as the Civic’s 1.8-liter four cylinder that gets good gas mileage (~29 MPG) often leaves the driver with a desire for more power. In the case of the Civic, there happens to be additional horsepower ready to be unleashed. AEM recognized the car’s need for an air intake system and designed a Cold Air Intake System for the 2006-09 Honda Civic with the 1.8-liter engine (part number 21-686C). During the design phases, AEM was able to not only design a more efficient air intake system that looks and sounds great but also squeeze additional horsepower from the 1.8-liter powerplant.

The new AEM 21-686C Cold Air Intake System completely replaces the restrictive factory intake system of the Honda Civic. By replacing the factory airbox and air filter with a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube that optimizes airflow and filtration more power was gained.  AEM’s’s dyno tests have recorded a 4 horsepower increase at 3,800 RPM on the 2006-09 Honda Civic 1.8L. This increase in horsepower brings the stock baseline power of 98 wheel horsepower up to 102 wheel horsepower with the AEM 21-686C Cold Air Intake System installed.

The 21-686C intake routes an AEM Dryflow 21-201DK air filter in the wheel well where the air filter can draw cool air safely. The 21-201DK air filter features a flange inside diameter of 2.5-inches (64mm) and an overall height of 5.125-inches (130mm). The oil-free DRYFLOW technology is extremely durable and easy to clean.

The boys over at Jalopnik managed to get their paws on some killer shots of the Lexus “Yes, we’re making it. No we’re not. Yes, we are again” LF-A.  With a price tag of $400,000+, it’s not a surprise that Lexus is seriously debating releasing this car into a trembling marketplace, but these shots give gear heads a bit of solace that the first Lexus Supercar may be closer then we think.  Still holding true, the Lexus LF-A will be powered by a 4.8L V10, pushing out an excess of 500HP – and rumors are circulating that this same V10 will also power the upcoming 2012 Lotus Esprit.

Who says the Aussies don’t know about American Muscle?  They are actually responsible for one of the more exhilarating muscle cars to ever hit our shores – the Pontiac G8.  So to show their support and expertise, DBA proudly introduces the latest addition of Performance Brake Rotors for the exciting new 2010 Camaro & Mustang.  DBA didn’t stop at just the base models either, these new 4000 Series Rotors and 5000 Series Rotors will give both the 426HP Camaro SS and 540HP Mustang Shelby GT500 the stopping power it deserves!

The Progress Group has developed a front and rear anti-roll bar set and sport lowering springs for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.  The front anti-roll bar is 27mm solid, alloy steel and has two adjustment points.  The rear anti-roll bar is 24mm solid, alloy steel with a non-adjustable design.  The bars are designed for use with the OEM end-links and we recommend that these be installed as a front and rear set to achieve optimal performance.  The hardware includes low-deflection polyurethane bushings, new brackets, and synthetic grease.  This new anti-roll bar system will improve chassis balance, quicken steering response, and minimize body roll while cornering.  All Progress anti-roll bars are manufactured in-house, feature precision MIG-welded ends, and are powder coated metallic gray.

Hyundai really did their homework for their first RWD sport coupe!  Whether you’re working with the turbo-charged I4 or the naturally aspirated V6 this car has plenty of power and we’re here to make sure you can put it to the ground!  The springs feature sport-tuned rates and a modest drop of 1″ in the front and 0.8″ in the rear.  They have been developed for use with the OEM or sport dampers.  The springs are cold wound, shot peened, load tested, and include a lifetime warranty.

Progress Spring rates:

• 210 lbs/in. front (3.7 kg/mm)
• 420 lbs/in. rear (7.5 kg/mm)