Mitsubishi Evo FQ-400 Unveiled

Although we may never see this model in it’s true form stateside, it sure is something to marvel at. Evo FQ400 Front

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.

Evo FQ400 Rear

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.

Hey Santa… Part 4

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.

Sabelt DB9R Shoes

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.

2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback

New Mazda3 Hatch

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.

Seriously? ANOTHER Magazine Off the Racks?

Man, I hope you guys didn’t have too many issues left on your subscriptions. A few weeks ago it was Turbo, last week was Sport Compact Car (and also a Truck Mag) and now rumors are circulating around the demise of Modified Luxury and Exotics?

LuxuryExotics

So what was Source Interlink thinking when it went on this shopping spree about a year back? Was it part of the plan or did they really not see the direction print sales were going? The good news, it’s not only Auto Mags taking the hit (PC Magazine just went to online online). The bad news, this is the 4th Industry mag to bite the dust in the past month.

Is This The Future of Our Industry?

Altima Eco Racer

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 GT-R Suspension Tuning

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

Coilover 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

Sway Bar Kit

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.

Another One Bites the Dust…

Not to long ago we were talking about the end of Turbo Magazine and now, Source Interlink, the umbrella that owns most of your favorite car mags is pulling the plug on Sport Compact Car.

Sport Compact Car

Say what you will, but Sport Compact Car had the most useful and insightful content of any of the mags and it’s sad to lose such a cornerstone. For whatever reason, I’;m not feeling too sentimental, I guess this just shows the changing world of print media, and it seems to be going the way of the dinosaur and Delorean.

Honda Concept FC Sport

Well, look at that. At this year’s LA Auto Show Honda decided to pull a fast one, with a fast one of their own.

Honda FC Sport Press

The Honda FC Sport shows off Honda’s vision of an enviromentally friendly sports car. The “FC” stands for “Fuel Cell”, as in hydrogen fuel cell – the same technology powering the Honda FCX Clarity, which are currently on the road in California (and beyond).

Who knows if the FC Sport will ever hit the roads. Currently this concept is being touted as stricty a design study, but from what I see Honda might be onto something.

The Evora has Landed…

The mysterious Lotus ‘Eagle’ had caused quite a buzz some time ago, but the ‘official’ version of that concept has landed at the LA Auto Show in the form you see below: The Evora.

Lotus Evora

Being the Elise/Exige fan I am, it’s great to see Lotus step it up a notch on the luxury scale. Not only did they stretch the platform a bit to fit an extra set of seats in the back, they also covered the interior with leather and added some much needed 21st Century gadgetry.

As with the Elise/Exige, power comes from another Toyota sourced engine; a 3.5L V6, producing 276HP. Weighing in at a hair under 3,000lbs, that power should be good for 5 second 0-60 and 160+ top speed. Talks of a convertible and even a supercharged version are already circulating, but I’m just happy to this car will see the light of day.