Category Archives: Announcements

Skunk2 PR: New Product – Skunk2 Sport Shocks

shocks_-_small.jpg

Skunk2 Sport Shocks is our new line of high performance factory replacement shocks that use many of the same technologies and manufacturing processes as some of our more advanced damper systems. The dual-tube design features a hardened, chrome-plated and super finished ground shaft, and precision valving resulting in added durability, reliability, long seal life, and smooth operation.

By offering the Sport Shock, Skunk2 is taking an integrated approach to suspension tuning even at the most basic level. Sport Shocks are specially designed to work in conjunction with Skunk2 Lowering Springs and coilovers. Sport Shocks are designed with shorter shock bodies and short strokes so they will perform better and have more travel and be more durable at lowered ride heights. When used with Skunk2 Lowering Springs or Coilovers, Sport Shocks offer exceptional control, handling performance, balance, and comfort at a price that can’t be beat.

Key Features

  • Super Reliable Dual-Tube Design
  • Shortened Bodies and Stroke To Maintain Proper Travel On Lowered Vehicles
  • Works Well With Skunk2 and Other Performance Lowering Springs and Coilovers

Subaru Gettin’ Official

wrx_sti_f.jpg

Subaru’s brand new Impreza WRX STi has been released in all it’s hatchy glory. 304HP and 311Ft/Lbs are ‘official’ numbers, and features such as a twin-scroll turbo mated to a 6-speed manual, new SI-DRIVE, multi-mode Drivers Control Center Differential (DCCD) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) will be sure to send this boxer around the track in a hurry.

Tons of Evo X pictures

lancerevox_official_001.jpg

Our buddies at AutoBlog really know how to get people excited for the Tokyo Auto Salon (not like we don’t already have enough reasons). Cruise on over there for a gallery of hi-res Mitsubishi Evolution X pics, including shots of the Beautiful New Recaros, Sweet In-Dash Screen (navigation? vehicle metrics?), and even a Cut-Away of the New SST Transmission.

More GTR and Evo X Pics

With the Tokyo Auto Show only a month away – the buzz is relentless and the fire is being stoked from all the manufactures…

EvoX.jpg

The Mitsubishi Evo X looks, well, how we expected. Im not sure the blue does a whole lot for it, but power figures of 295HP/300TQ defiently makes this beast quite desirable.

09_GTR.jpg

The GTR pics show little snugger (and revealing) front cover an unpainted (production?) front end with GTR badge exposed on the front (and rear). A new interior shot is also floating around and I can’t wait for it’s debut at the end of October. Rumors are also flying that the GTR ‘to-do’ list is starting to get shorter by the day:

  • Beat Porsche Cayman S around Nurburgring
  • Beat Porsche 997 Turbo around Nurburgring
  • Beat Porsche Carrera GT around Nurburgring

Welcome Race Fans

I know we have a handful of clients in my hometown of Detroit Michigan, so any of you there (or close) should really plan to be on the Detroit Riverfront May 31st and June 1st.

Red Bull AirRace

The Red Bull Air Race race will be staged along the Detroit River, which is one of the world’s most trafficked international shipping lanes. Downtown Detroit between the General Motor’s Renaissance Center and Bell Isle Park along the newly renovated Detroit RiverFront is where Detroit race fans can catch a piece of the action on May 31st and June 1st. The race will be the third stop in a 10-stop world series tour, and the 2nd (and last) race in the U.S.A.

You can catch the action from the Detroit side or Windsor side (aka Clean Detroit) and tickets start at $15. No excuses for missing one of the most exciting things to hit Detroit since the Gran Prix left, oh wait, that came back, right?

ACT PR: New ACT Clutch for 05-07 Mustang

ACT_Stang_Kit.JPG

Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has released a new high performance clutch kit and components for the 05-07 Ford Mustang GT.

ACT’s new clutch kits for the Mustang GT feature a Heavy Duty Pressure Plate that incorporates hardened diaphragm fingers for decreased wear and provides a 36% increase in clamp force over the stock unit.

The ACT Street Clutch Kit combines the Heavy Duty Pressure Plate and a Performance Organic Disc, a disc that features special performance organic friction materials to withstand increased heat and abuse, steel backed linings for high burst strength and modifications engineered for quicker shifting. The ACT Street Clutch Kit provides a moderate and consistent pedal feel, smooth engagement, significantly improved durability and increases the torque capacity up to 566 ft. lbs.

ACT Race Clutch Kits will hold 724 ft. lbs. of torque. Metallic Ceramic Xtreme Discs are available in 6 puck sprung and un-sprung hub designs and are very durable while allowing for quick shifting. The Xtreme Discs are design for high power engines and is recommended for track use only.

  • ACT Heavy Duty ‘HD’ Clutch Kit (Street Disc) – FM2-HDSS
  • ACT Heavy Duty ‘HD’ Clutch Kit (6 Puck Solid) – FM2-HDR6
  • ACT Heavy Duty ‘HD’ Clutch Kit (6 Puck Sprung) – FM2-HDG6
  • ACT Heavy Duty ‘HD’ Clutch Kit (Street Disc) – FM5-HDSS – 26 Spline Input Shaft
  • ACT Heavy Duty ‘HD’ Clutch Kit (6 Puck Solid) – FM5-HDR6 – 26 Spline Input Shaft
  • ACT Heavy Duty ‘HD’ Clutch Kit (6 Puck Sprung) – FM5-HDG6 – 26 Spline Input Shaft

KUMHO Introduces World’s First “Aroma Tire” For Select Passenger Vehicles

KUHMO

Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. — KUMHO Tire USA, announces the introduction of the world’s first fragrance automotive tire, the ECSTA DX. The project is the “fruition” of more than a year’s worth of research and development to deliver an alluring aroma tire that replaces the normal “black rubber” smell with heat-resistant oils in the scent of lavender, and in later versions, neroli (orange) or jasmine. Visitors to www.kumhotireusa.com can find the nearest dealer and TireRack.com will ship them for installation.

According to Rick Brennan, Brand Director for KUMHO, the company is selling the DX aroma tire to help build brand awareness and highlight KUMHO’s tire technology expertise in the highly competitive automotive marketplace. The tire is targeted at female consumers who drive such sedans as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback, Chrysler Sebring and Ford Taurus.

In addition to a unique aroma, the ECSTA DX is engineered to deliver low noise levels and ride characteristics on par with the leading tire brands. Ride comfort is maintained throughout the life of the tire through the use of tread elements designed to provide uniform linear stiffness. Optimized pitch sequence and variable pitch lengths help minimize noise, while a straight center rib provides high-speed stability.

The DX features four wide grooves that help evacuate water, while a silica compound improves all-weather performance and wet traction. High tensile steel belts and a jointless nylon cap ply also help improve noise, ride comfort and durability, while an undertread reduces unwanted heat buildup for consistent performance.

The ECSTA DX Aroma tire will be sold starting in the first quarter of 2007 in three sizes: 205/60R16 (MSRP $119), 215/60R16 (MSRP $125) and 235/60R16 (MSRP $138).

VR38VETT Engine Confirmed for GTR

gtr1.jpg

Well – It looks like at least a little more light has been shed on the debate on what exactly will be powering the GTR once it hit the streets in about 2 months.It’s reported that the VR38 is actually a recreation of the famed VRH35L V8 powering the R390 Le Mans Car albeit in V6 form.

gtr2.jpg

Reports state that power output is going to be around 475HP@6800RPM and 475TQ@6000RPM… Combine that with an advanced AWD system prepare yourself for one wild ride in this 3800lb beast.

S2000 + V8 = SV2008?

s2000ls1_450.jpg

If you thought RX-7 Guys were pissed about V8s in the FD – just wait till this circulates the S2K community.

It seems GM did everything right with the LS1/6/7 – except they put it in the wrong car – and everybody’s out to correct them. The latest “LS Remix” is going to S2000 and LS1 Forum member hboy7777 and his LS1 swapped S2000.

So what are the end tallys?; About 500HP before Nitrous in 2800lbs of metal, all while keeping the 50/50 weight balance.

The Arms Race Has Begun…Again.

Looks like Mitsubishi and Subaru both have their new Turbo AWDs on the test track.

Evo_X.jpg

STI.jpg

The New Evo X and WRX STI will both be a nice shot in the arm for our industry, and you can be sure RPMWare will have the latest and greatest parts up and available before these two even hit the showroom floor.