It’s not everyday that I’m singing the praises of the Blue Oval, but a recent announcement peaked my interest. Word is, former Dakar Rally driver Jost Capito has been named to head the American SVT and European TeamRS divisions of Ford. Although nothing is official, with Capito pulling the strings on both operations, that might pave the way for some European only vehicles to start hitting the US Streets.

Building on the success of the Impreza WRX & Lancer Evolution, who knows maybe the dark horse of the AWD Turbocharged vehicles could be a 300HP FOCUS RS.

I’ve been reluctant to talk much about the 370Z. Truth be told; I’m not in love with it, however this new S-Tune version from NISMO may be what I need to be converted.

Although power stays about the same, the new aerodynamics package gives this 370Z the little extra ‘umph’ it needs. In addition to the body kit, larger deep dish rims, stainless steel exhaust, upgraded suspension and S-Tune brake pads are also offered. If you are in the same boat I am, give the intro video at Nissan’s Website a look and get back to me.

Although we may never see this model in it’s true form stateside, it sure is something to marvel at.

Improving on the Evolution where the engineers had left off, the new Mitsubishi Evolution FQ-400 bumps power output to 405HP and 400ft/lbs of torque. To make sure all that power in under control, new six piston front brakes have also been fitted along with new 18″ alloy rims. Additional modifications include a new front end, hood, side skirts and rear bumper.

Naught to sixty times (yes, I’ve been watching a bit of Top Gear UK) are down around 3.5 second (!!!) and this is all done with the Manual gearbox, not the SST, as the Twin Clutch is not offered on the FQ-400.

Gotta add these to the ‘ol holiday list. Sabelt started making shoes not too long ago, and they finally rolled out a design that you might not mind being seen in.

This latest model, the Aston Martin Racing DB9R, is a collaboration with Aston Martin and would compliment that DB9 or Vantage you have in the garage perfectly! If you don’t happen to have a Aston Martin in the garage, well, these are still some decent looking kicks. Yes, for €139 they are a tad on the expensive side, but at least you can be pretty sure no one else will be sporting these at the next track meet.

Last week was Drag Racing, this week it’s Gymkhana. Check out the video below for a nice dose of adrenaline (or it is Monster?) to keep your week going strong.

The new generation Mazda 3 looks to be just as fun as past 5Doors’ from Mazda, building on the success of the previous generations of the 3 and the Protege5. No word on US engines, but we can keep our fingers crossed for a Mazdaspeed version possibly sporting the 2.3L Turbo from past models.

You’re staring at the exhaust on an Nissan Altima spotted at SEMA and the LA Auto Show. Leaf Tipped Exhaust, Solar Panels on the Roof & E85 Ethanol Powered – all the while sporting Dished Rims, Carbon Fiber Goodies and Graphics fit for the Little Shop of Horrors Race Team.

Personally, I don’t mind it and even welcome it. What are you thoughts? Fertilize it or Chop it Down?

COBB Tuning has released a couple suspension tuning essentials for the Nissan GT-R; the Coilover Sleeve System and Anti-Sway Bars.

Coilover Sleeve System

COBB Tuning’s new Coilover Sleeve System gives you the ability to customize the ride height of your Nissan GT-R while retaining the factory adjustable shock absorbers. Suspension movement has also been enhanced by replacing the stock rubber bushings with teflon-lined FK spherical-bearing top mounts that allow for full articulation of the suspension while maintaining linear spring movement.

Handling is dramatically improved by utilizing 700 lb/in front springs and a 600 lb/in rear spring and helper spring combination to keep the rear spring seated through the full range of motion. Custom spring rates are also available.

Anti-Sway Bars

The COBB GT-R Anti-Sway Bar kit has multiple settings both front and rear, giving additional adjustment so handling can be tuned to driver preference. The tubular design allows significant rate increases (up to 94% over stock) with a minimal weight penalty of only 2.7 pounds. The included polyurethane bushings eliminate flex and provide immediate transient response that the driver can feel.

This kit is a direct replacement for the factory equipment and works with all of the factory undertray pieces. The mounting hardware and factory endlinks are retained while new mounting straps designed for higher loads are provided front and rear. The lightweight tubular bars are CNC bent for exceptional quality control and perfect fitment. Integrated locator rings retain the bars in their proper position and prevent walking during high G cornering maneuvers. This kit is also compatible with the ultra-adjustable COBB GT-R Coilover Sleeve system.