Autoblog

Click the image above for a high-res view.

The Redline Time Attack series has been growing steadily since its inception a few years ago. The events follow a format similar to the qualifying portion of a typical race -- essentially fastest time wins. Redline events have been the stage for several exciting top lap time battles, such as one between James Sofronas (of SCCA Speed World Challenge fame) piloting his GMG Porsche GT3 against XS Engineering with their R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R (of Speed's Street Tuner Challenge fame). Recently we caught up with the Redline Time Attack series at California Autoclub Speedway to see what sort of competition Southern California could stir up. On top of the normal schedule, the event featured the first Live Sockets Circuit Battle competition. Circuit Battle differed from Time Attack in that it paired two cars together for a lead and chase race over 3 laps for best average time. Hit the jump to find out some of the results and check out all the photos in the gallery below.

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the GT Street RS

The Porsche 911 GT2 has 530 horsepower, 505 lb-ft of torque and is capable of going 204 mph. And it's not enough. Not for TechArt, at least. You know TechArt. They take Porsches that already push the limits of performance and go all Chuck Yeager on them, probing for new and more crazy limits. Generally they find them, then they package them up and offer them to the moneyed public. Case in point: the new GT Street RS. What begins as a "normal" GT2 turns into a 700-horsepower, 634 lb-ft (860 Nm) warp-enabled street predator when the TechArt people are through messing with it.

The myriad changes include new bodywork that improves the car's aerodynamics, updated chassis components, a customized and caged interior, and a laundry list of underhood modifications. The turbos, intercoolers, headers, electronics, pressure sensor, air filter and exhaust system all get updated by TechArt, facilitating the transformation from factory supercar to ballistic missile with wheels. Now, where'd we leave those launch codes...


[Source: TechArt]

When we think of shaker hood scoops, our minds conjure up images of classic muscle cars with rumbling V8s. The current Mustang's retro design looks pretty darn good with a shaker installed as well, as Saleen proved with the Parnelli Jones Mustang. The only problem is that a shaker hood doesn't combine well with one of Saleen's best selling aftermarket parts, their Series VI twin-screw supercharger. Since both take up the same space, Mustang owners have to either choose between classic good looks or a boost in horsepower. Until now. Speedlab, the aftermarket arm of Saleen, has developed a new product called the Super Shaker that is the best of both worlds. Not only does it combine a shaker hood and a supercharger, but the direct injection of cold air from outside the engine bay actually improves horsepower and keeps the motor running cooler. A variety of kits are available, including full systems as well as upgrade kits for both Saleen S281 Supercharged Mustangs and even the Parnelli Jones Mustang. Follow the jump for full details on the Super Shaker in the press release from Saleen or get ordering info on Saleen's web site.

[Source: Saleen]

For 20 years, a mass of automotive enthusiasts has descended upon Atlanta Motor Speedway for the NOPI Nationals Motorsports Supershow. NOPI, a Georgia-based aftermarket parts and accessories dealer, built a loyal following with their Nationals Supershow, attracting upwards of 90,000 attendees each year. Through the success of their car and trucks shows the company also took on the task of running a nationwide drag race and drifting series more, but this year NOPI won't be filling Atlanta Speedway's infield for the 21st year this September, as the Nationals Motorsport Supershow has been canceled. In fact, all remaining 2008 NOPI events from car shows to drag racing and drifting, have been called off.

According to NOPI, the rationale behind the decision is due to the tough times currently being endured by the automotive industry. With vehicle sales in the dumpster, one can only image that accessory purchases are also being cut from most consumers' budgets. Compounded with the rising fuel prices and reduced event attendance, finishing out the event schedule did not make economic sense for NOPI. It is sad to hear of such a staple event forced to shutter. Hopefully NOPI can weather the storm and bring back the debauchery another season.

[Source: NOPI]

One of the easiest ways to customize a car is to yank out that factory radio and stick in something with more snazzy looks and more jazzy sound. Unfortunately, thieves know how easily your new stereo can be yanked out.

There have been many variations on the concealment method of stereo protection through the years. One of the most popular being to hide the newer unit behind a nest of wires to fool would-be crooks into thinking someone had beaten them to the prize. But over at Instructables, there's a new twist to the trick.

The key to the hack is to conceal your upgraded stereo behind what looks like your car's OEM unit. There are step-by-step instructions showing you how its done, from mounting the old radio's faceplate on a removable fascia, to making the fakery look even more unappealing by halving a cassette tape for added realism. They used "Christmas With the Brady Bunch," which might work in a Geo Metro in December, but would be probably guarantee your G35 getting busted open in July.

[Source: Instructables via Gizmag]

We got our first peak at ROUSH's new TVS2300 supercharger system under the hood of the P-51A Mustang last year at SEMA, and we knew it was only a matter of time before they put it on sale as a separate kit. Available in several versions, the upgraded ROUSHcharger can be purchased as a complete kit with all the accessories or as a replacement kit for those with an existing ROUSHcharger system. Depending on its calibration, the upgraded supercharger can produce up to 700 horsepower from the Mustang's 4.6-liter V8. A warrantied version version with a ROUSH-assembled shortblock will be available shortly. Full details can be found in the press release from ROUSH after the jump.

[Source: Roush]

Click above for a high resolution image

With BMW giving the 6-Series a refresh for 2008, it was just a matter of time before the tuners brought out the new goods. Hamann has announced its new line of products for the 6er starting with two different styles of aerodynamic packages that including the basic kit and a race edition version. As always, a variety of wheel options are available in 20 and 21 inch sizes. Performance upgrades are also available, including engine tuning for the 630i, 650i and 635d, a sport exhaust system, an adjustable coilover suspension system, and a sport brake system. Full details are in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Hamann]

Click above for a high resolution image

After proving in May that its GT9 supercar could run with the world's fastest supercars by topping out at 409 km/h at the Papenburg oval, 9ff is offering a limited production run of twenty cars. Loosely based on a Porsche 911 GT3, each GT9 comes with a heavily modified twin-turbo 3.6-liter flat-six producing 973 horsepower and 711 lb-ft of torque. Other unique items include a chopped roof line, integrated tubular roll cage, six-speed sequential transmission, an adjustable suspension system, and special Continental Vmax tires good for 410 km/h. The price? The GT9 starts at €498,000. What's interesting is that the press release issued by 9ff declares the GT9 as the world's fastest road car, saying it "breaks the new Vmax world record for road-going vehicles", completely ignoring the SSC's two-way top speed run that averaged 255.83 mph, or 411.72 km/h. Yes, fast enough to beat the Veyron, but not quite enough to take the top spot.

[Souce: 9ff]

Click above for a high resolution image

The standard Mosler MT900S is a supercar by anyone's standards. It's got a sleek body made of carbon fiber, a 7.0-liter V8 with 550 horsepower, and can hit 60 mph in just over three seconds. But for one of Mosler's customers it just wasn't enough. The owner of this MT900S enlisted the help of Nelson Racing Engines in Chatsworth, CA to build the ultimate motor for his supercar: a twin-turbo 427ci V8 producing up to 1800 horsepower on race fuel and around 1100 horsepower using 91 octane. To help make the car more streetable, boost can be controlled every 100 rpm in each gear. The first few gears are limited to around 6-8 psi, while higher gears can take full boost -- over 30 psi! We recently got the chance to see the car in person at the NRE facility where they were doing final testing on the engine. The dyno run we witnessed netted nearly 1600 horsepower before the intake collapsed from the pressure. We were told that the car should be completely finished in the next couple weeks and that we could come back for a ride. We'll be sure to take them up on the offer!

Click above for a high resolution image

The M division is a natural choice for anyone who wants a high performance BMW, but that hasn't stopped G-Power from offering go-fast parts for Bimmer owners who want an extra kick in the pants. Their latest offering is the EVO III supercharger package for the Z4 3.0i that boosts horsepower from the standard 231 to a whopping 375. Good enough to run with the Z4 M Roadster, the G-Power Z4 can reach 60 mph in under five seconds and tops out at 186 mph. Other upgrades are available, including aerodynamic body panels, 20-inch wheels, adjustable coilovers, 15-inch brakes, and a quad exhaust system. More info on this M-fighter in the press release after the jump.

[Source: G-Power]