Tuner Edition: Hartge BMW 135i
By Jeff | September 24, 2008
When I hear the word “tuner”, I think about a low budget car and some DIY modifications that have been slapped on to it. I am certainly not complaining, but the BMW 135i is above and beyond the usual “low budget POS that many of us have driven”. Even so I still get chills when a car, which from the factory is an absolute beast, is taken to a completely new level of power, look and fun.
Hartge took the 135i and overloaded it with some power and style upgrades that are going to get your wallet in a tizzie but allow you to enjoy this car much more than you could have stock. Total you will need to shell out a little over $70,000 for the full upgrade but you will definitely be rewarded with some serious modifications.
Engine Upgrades:
- ECU upgrade
Exterior Upgrades:
- Body kit(front/rear diffusers, side skirts, rear roof/deck lid spoilers)
- Hartge’s Classic 2 multi-spoke wheels
- Lowered suspension
Interior Upgrades:
- Three-spoke leather steering wheel
- Aluminum pedals
- New instrument cluster
Despite there being mostly style related parts with this tune, Hartge managed to bump the power output of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 to 350 horsepower and 354 lb ft of torque. Hopefully an extra 40+ horses is something to get your pulse racing. It should because this allows the 135i to sprint from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. Nice work Hartge…keep ‘em coming.
Topics: Tuner Edition | No Comments »
2010 Audi S4 Hits Paris’ Auto Show
By Jeff | September 22, 2008
I just love me an auto show. Not only do we get to see what is out there in the automotive market but also get the new releases from our favorite automakers. As we all know, one of my favorites is Audi. They debuted their new A4 performance variant in the S4, that will be released in 2010, at the Paris Auto Show.
The new Audi will be sporting a re-engineered front end with new 18 inch wheels to roam around town. Making those wheels spin is a 3.0 L supercharged V6 that is running with about the same power as the outgoing model at 333 hp. They did boost up the torque though from 302 lb ft up to a more respectable 324 which will more than make up for that marginal loss in power. The new model can accelerate from 0-60 in about 5 seconds, which has become the standard really for any car that is going to be taken seriously. This is all while keeping a estimated 24 mpg with a combined city and highway driving.
They have also fitted the S4 with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system along with the new Drive Select, which can modify the steering, suspension, differential, and throttle responses based upon presets that you can select from(Comfort, Automatic, or Sport). The Drive Select sounds like something that will change the driver experieince a great deal, which is good. Being able to revert from Comfort(when your girl is in the car) to Sport(when you are ready to get some speed) will go along way with car enthusiasts. I know we have all taken a bit of heat sometime or another about the comfort of the ride. I know in my car, the ride is a bit harsh, but the springs I use are good for the performance of the suspension and that is what matters to me. Seems like Audi is taking care of what matters to us car folk and it’s right on the money. I really need to find an Audi dealer near me and becomes friends with the staff. 
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Just Driven: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE
By Jeff | September 19, 2008
So I finally got a chance to drive the new Challenger SE(the SRT8 was not available). From the very start of the rumors that this car may make it to production, I was intrigued. The car just has a special something that makes me want to put some slicks on it and hit the quarter mile.
Just walking around the car, I got excited. I may have blacked out at that point while running my finger down the side panels. It definitely has an “X” factor and I think it lies in the lines of the body. With the keys in my hand I opened the door and sat down. The seats were comfortable compared to my stripped down WRX and it didn’t immediately hurt my bruised tailbone(amusement park incident). The door closed and I immediately flashed to the early 70’s(no I wasn’t born yet) with the feel of a powerful tank around me. Then I started the car.
Mean, just plain mean. This car purrs really nice but I could have used a little more from it. With a car this large, I just feel like it needs to sound nasty to give a good first impression. In any case, I still couldn’t wait to get this thing on the road.
Pulling on to the main road, I began accelerating and could hear the single pipe exhaust growling but don’t let this fool you yet, as it did lack in power despite the 250 hp. The 3.5-liter V-6 has never been a favorite of mine and this did not help it’s case too much. As I approach my first corner in the SE, I was happily surprised though. At the outskirt of the turn, I punched the gas and to my amazement, the body stayed in place. It was a real fighter out of the turn, which is uncommon for such a large car. The rest of the twisties continued to show me that this car could perform. It may not have been the power monster that the SRT8 appears to be, but I wouldn’t write it off.
For the remainder of my ride, I mainly just cruised. This is where I enjoyed the sound of the exhaust. It did not drone but was still noticeable when you wanted it to be. It became a very enjoyable ride, especially if used as a daily driver. The price tag on my test vehicle was a couple thousand over the $20,000 mark but to me was worth every penny. The look of the engine also led me to believe that a host of bolt-ons could be added to make this a real track star if your budget does not fit with the price tag of it’s older brothers.
As a daily driver, this car shines. The look alone is enough to make you invest in this vehicle and for the low price it is a win-win. I really enjoyed the ride and am now that much more anxious to try the SRT8 out. I am really impressed with Dodge and their new headliner. I can’t wait to see what is up next for them. I have something in mind. Can we say Roadrunner?
Topics: Just Driven | No Comments »
2009 Audi S3 Sportback: Audi’s New Hatch
By Jeff | September 18, 2008
I talk about Audi like it’s my job and I realize this. I would like to say that I don’t know why I have such a love for them but I do know the reason. It’s the style and power that they give every car. They are always on top of market in both of those areas.
The power for the S3 rings in at about 261 hp for the 2.0 L engine which will be propelled with ease using the 4WD that is spinning it’s wheels through a corner. There is also an optional Magnetic Ride suspension available, which will make the S3’s suspension dynamic. A button can toggle the ride’s feel from stiff to sporty depending on your preference.
The S3 is beautiful, but also practical as you have the space and luxury. This comes at a price though, especially with an Audi. The S3 is going to be had for a tad over $40,000. If you have that type of cash and are looking for a more “grown-up” look then you should consider this vehicle. You can appear classy all while accelerating from 0-62mph in less than six seconds and maintaining an astonishing 30mpg. Wicked!
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Ford Focus ST Offers Dealer Installed Performance Kit
By Jeff | September 16, 2008
Now, I mentioned a while back about the possibility of the new Focus changing the face of Ford(for me atleast). Well they sure are trying hard to get my attention.
When a dealer or manufacturer decides to make a number of parts available when purchasing a car, I get happy! An exhaust, or an intake just makes the purchase that much more enjoyable. Looks like Ford is really doing itself some justice here.
Modifications:
- Recalibrated ECU
- Bigger intercooler
- High-flow air filter
The factory installed kit adds 34 hp to bump the power output from 222 hp to 256 hp. The jump in power seems to claim a drop in 0-60 down to a respectable 5.9 seconds. This makes the Focus ST a competitor with the new Lancer Ralliart and the new WRX(the Focus RS was already in this category). Will it hold it’s own? Let’s hope it does. As we all know, competition fuels development.
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Tuner Edition: MTM Audi R8
By Jeff | September 12, 2008
Each any every week there are a number of performance parts companies that come out with kits for the hottest cars on the planet. These could be any handful of Porsche’s, BMW, or Lexus. Very rarely is this done for a super car that has the stature of the Audi R8. It has the capability to rival Lamborghini and Ferrari if Audi plays their cards right. We all know that the public is not satisfied with stock cars though. We always need more. That’s why the performance company that we know as MTM has put together a huge list of parts in a package that is going to bump the status of the R8 from “Hot” to “DAMN!”.
They have included performance and aesthetics in this long list of parts that will make you forget that you aren’t being chased. It becomes a part of who you are when you invest your time and money into something like this, and being that this has the style and power from the “get-go”, you are in for a treat.
Power Upgrades:
- Remapped ECU
- Inter-cooled twin-screw supercharger
- Upgraded radiator
- Oil cooler
- Upgraded exhaust system
The power is bumped from the stock 420 hp up to 552 hp with a whopping 428 lb ft of torque. Thus, changing the 0-60 acceleration to a neck-breaking time of less than 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. So the power has us hooked, but that can’t be it, can it? No, it just simply is not.
Visual Upgrades:
- Full MTM aero kit(carbon-fiber front splitter, side skirts, diffuser)
- Glass engine cover
- 20-inch MTM Bimoto wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires
- Carbon-fiber sport seats.
All these modifications add up to a price of $55,000 for the complete conversion. This seems like chump change when adding it to the large amount of money you have already paid to own this car. This is going to make the few that have a wallet to purchase this car, extremely happy.
Topics: Tuner Edition | 1 Comment »
2009 Dodge Caliber SRT4: Forget about the Neon
By Jeff | September 12, 2008
Being that I am an avid Subaru fan, I frequently see people speaking about Dodge’s original SRT4(fancy words for “People hate Neons”) in a way that would lead you to believe that they were below par. I plead the fifth. What I do know is that the Neon body style of the SRT4 is a great tuner car and definitely has the ability to be a mean machine. Sadly, it still looked like a Neon.
Apparently Dodge realized the potential of this type of edition for one of their models but they knew it wasn’t with the Neon’s body style. They turned to a more muscular body and a more practical installation of an SRT line that already make it’s mark.
The Caliber already had a really clean look to it, but with the added scoop, power, and style they were able to make something that appealed to the tuner crowd but with some sophistication.
My step-dad currently owns a base model Caliber that really is a fun car to drive. Pump another 140 hp into the car and you have a turbocharged engine pushing 285 horsepower. Sound fun? It is, but the issues do not arise from the engine, it is from the rest of the car. The cheap feel of the car is carried over from the original SRT4 that this sport Caliber replaced. At least Dodge has a reason to stick around, and hopefully they are able to get this right soon.
Personally, I am not in need of an amazing interior or a luxury feel. This is why I chose the TR(Tuner Ready) version of the 2006 WRX. Basically it is stripped of the sound deadening material, nicer seats, and some electronic options. It’s just not something I long for…but power is and this SRT4 is packing it.
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Nissan’s Super Car GT-R Has Strong Aftermarket
By Jeff | September 4, 2008
So it has only been a couple weeks since the first Nissan GT-R has been delivered and it seems that performance companies are wasting no time at all. Both Nismo and HKS have put out some parts for the super car that Nissan hopes to use for it’s “fun” and long awaited revival.
I personally used to own a Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V. I am by no means comparing this to the GT-R(believe me), but I did like the parts that Nismo made back in 2004. It also seems like they understand what is important to owners that have purchased a car that from the factory is already the “cream of the crop”.
The package includes:
- Upgraded chasis
- Race-spec Bilstein Damptronic adjustable dampers
- Stiffer Nismo springs
- 20in Rays forged aluminum wheels
- Nismo-branded Recaro bucket seats
- Titanium muffler set
- Carbon-fiber under tray
This package from Nismo(which currently is only available in Japan) is set at a little over $50,000 above the price of the car but has many features included. This specific package is specifically for handling and looks for the most part though. The price is steep too but it is backed by a serious warranty that is covered even if you track the car, as long as you have it inspected by an authorized Nismo center after each session. Very nice indeed, but I want some power man!
That is where HKS comes in…
This is where the fun starts. HKS has created this package, deemed the GT570 package, with enthusiasts in mind. The features are a plenty and so is the power.
This package includes:
- New wastegate actuators
- Electronic boost controller
- Aluminum intercooler piping
- Silicon hose couplers
- Straight pipes replacing stock catalytic converters
It isn’t often that you see a package that includes wastegates and straight pipes, but that is probably because this package prevents the car from being street legal. Still, some people are going to strictly track this car and damn if the 562 hp and 540 lb ft of torque at the wheels doesn’t get you where you want to be, you won’t ever get there.
What it comes down to is that this car is going to be a winner, guaranteed. Companies do not produce packages like these that quickly for just a “ho-hum” ride. I am anxiously awaiting my test drive in this car but dealerships just don’t have them. Whether you have driven one or not though, the Nissan GT-R will be talked about for a long, long time.
Topics: New Parts, News, Tuner Edition | No Comments »
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS: Official Pics
By Jeff | September 3, 2008
Over the past few weeks there have been numerous reports of the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS pics being scattered across the internet but GM has finally made an official release of those images. THANK YOU!
There is no question that this car will be a fan favorite. Huge wheels, smooth lines but also a distinct rigidness make this a true modern muscle car. The SS will be crammed with a 6.2L LS3 V8 producing 422 hp and 408 lb ft of torque for it’s debut, which will run with the big dogs that are going to be it’s competition. Anything less than this seems dismal to own. This car is a show-stopper and I think the Camaro crowd is going to run wild for this one.
The Camaro is back for 2010 and you can count on American Muscle to bring you top of the line Chevrolet Camaro Performance Parts.
Topics: News | 2 Comments »
SEMA Preview: Limited 2009 Hurst Hemi Dodge Challenger
By Jeff | September 3, 2008
At this year’s SEMA show, HURST is going to release the new Limited Edition 2009 HURST Hemi Dodge Challenger. I have always been a fan of HURST and the reason is that their upgrades are not based on quantity but mostly quality. By placing some huge parts on the interior, exterior, and engine they completely change the car but with only a few parts.
The new features will include:
- Polished five-spoke HURST alloy wheels
- “Pistol-Grip” HURST shifter
- Supercharger
These options give the look of a beast, the interior that a driver wants, and pushes the base Challenger’s power above 500 hp. Even with just these three parts added to the car, you should have a much smoother and exciting driving experience. The price the style and power for the limited edition(which includes four versions of the package) will be set at a minimum of $10,000 to a max at around $20,000 for all options included.
I am so excited for this car. It seems like it will be such a blast to drive, maybe not a daily driver but a great car to build or just have fun with. It is also cool to see a Limited Edition already that isn’t just a lame excuse to get more money out of the public. A bonus too, for an inexpensive price of just over $21,000, you can get a base model Challenger where mere bolt-ons can boost your car to a track star.
AmericanMuscle.com is now happy to be one of the only suppliers to bring you 2008 Challenger Parts for the new Dodge Challenger SRT8.
The full article can be read here at The Torque Report.
Topics: News | No Comments »