Hyundai Launches Canadian Performance Parts Division

By Anthony Fontanelle

Automotive enthusiasts have always been obsessed with taking stock cars and improving their performance to match more expensive vehicles. The movies Fast and the Furious and its sequels show how an ordinary Honda or Toyota can be tuned to become supercars. The most popular brands of cars for tuners are Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen. But a newcomer in the said segment is making waves and has recently launched a division for performance parts in Canada.

Hyundai, the Korean automaker known for its economy cars, is slowly moving up the ranks when it comes to popularity among performance enthusiasts. The sporty Tiburon coupe is an example of Hyundai's achievement in the said department. The Accent is also becoming a favorite for performance enthusiasts.

The Canadian arm of the Korean automaker recently announced that they will be counting on the growing number of Canadian youth becoming more and more interested on tinkering with their vehicles. As part of that expansion, Hyundai will introduce Hyundai Performance Parts in the country. The said marketing arm of the Korean automaker will be offering a wide variety of aftermarket performance parts to Canadian consumers.

Some of these performance parts are performance clutch assemblies and brake upgrades. Other parts that Hyundai Performance Parts will offer to Canadians are B&M short shift kits, suspension upgrades for better handling and ride stability, lowering spring kits for better aerodynamics and better balance and even cold air intake which are designed to improve a Hyundai's engine performance. These performance parts will be available to Canadian consumers just like shocks Canada.

Aside from parts designed to improve the performance of Hyundai vehicles, Hyundai Performance Parts will also offer aftermarket components designed to improve the aesthetics of a car. Some of these parts for exterior styling includes chrome exhaust tips, rear wing, and alloy wheels. These components combined with performance-enhancing parts can give Canadian consumers what they really want for their vehicles. For finishing touches, Hyundai Performance Parts also offers interior trim kits to stylize the cockpit of any Hyundai car. A high-end Clarion audio system is also being offered by Hyundai in the country for those who want to have a good audio system to go along with their souped up Hyundai.

These parts will be available to Canadian consumers through the wide network of Hyundai dealerships in the country. Customers can also order the said parts from Hyundai's Canadian website. The current listing of parts is expected to grow as Hyundai plans to expand their offerings. The reason for this is that the company wants to make more and more of its cars tunable. Installation of the said performance auto parts will not void the lengthy warranty offered by the automaker.

This offer is surely a good thing for Canadian tuners. For those who are only beginning to be hooked to this hobby, they will have a major automaker backing their passion. With the use of performance parts backed by a major car manufacturer, tuning a car for Canadians surely was made easier.

Audi Pulls Out Of Race

By Anthony Fontanelle

Most of us would certainly think that Audi is one company that can dominate a motorsport. For two years in a row, the automaker has competed at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans with a diesel race car and won. The automaker's winning streak now stands at four straight victories at the said endurance race. And one will count the win by Team Bentley in 2003 when Audi supplied the team with its engine - the automaker's streak will extend to eight straight wins. At the American 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, the result is pretty much the same. Audi Sport North America fields the diesel Audi R10 and has won all events in the LM P1 class.

But in the most recent event of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, the Audi team was forced to withdraw all of its cars from the track after the team management decided that the race was getting rough between Audi and Mercedes drivers.

The race was marred by incidents early on as Mika Hakkinen of Mercedes and Martin Tomczyk collided in the first corner. The former Formula One champion was out on the spot and Tomczyk retired later on in the race. The toughness of the battle between Audi and Mercedes drivers can be attributed to the fact that the latest race is the penultimate event of the season.

As can be expected, Audi's decision to withdraw all of its drivers with ten laps remaining was met with disgust from spectators. But Audi was quick to defend the decision saying that it is necessary for things to change. Audi is calling for fair racing especially that the last race will decide who will win the championship. Audi's Martin Tomczyk and Mattias Ekstrom are expected to battle it out with Mercedes' Bruno Spengler at the last event of the season with the help racing parts as reliable as Audi OEM parts.

Audi's chairman Rupert Stadler said: "What happened on the race track today was simply unacceptable. We're proceeding from the assumption that emotions will cool down again before the Hockenheim race and that spectators will see a finale with fair sport. It's also clear that we continue to be committed to the DTM. But a few things will probably have to change."

Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich, the head of Audi Motorsport, was also infuriated by the actions of Mercedes drivers La Rosa, Hakkinen, Matthias Lauda, and Bruno Spengler. He said that the decision of withdrawing the remaining Audi drivers from the race is necessary. "We wanted to see a tough, but fair touring car race today," said Ulrich. "But we had to get the impression that the Mercedes drivers used every opportunity to eliminate our cars. This is not the style in which we want to conduct motorsport. We want to see tough and fair duels but nothing of the kind we had today."

"That's why we took the decision to withdraw all of our vehicles. That was not an easy decision, and it cost us points, and maybe even the title. But we wanted to send a clear message for fair motorsport," added Ulrich.

Subaru Says Goodbye To Rally Superstar McRae

By Anthony Fontanelle

"We are saddened that former Subaru world champion rally driver Colin McRae and his son Johnny have died following a helicopter crash in Lanarkshire, Scotland," says Subaru on their website.

The man who is behind the success of Subaru in the World Rally Championship is now dead but his Legacy will live on. Colin McRae who in the past others think is a virtual racer due to the popularity of his Dirt racing game passed away last Saturday, September 15 after their Squirrel helicopter crashed. Along with the rally superstar and his son was Johnny's friend six-year old Ben Porcelli and Colin's lifelong friend Greame Duncan.

Colin McRae will always be remembered perhaps for his aggressive driving style. He drives like he is immortal and his car is invincible. Many claim that McRae single-handedly made the World Rally Championship a household name. At age 27, his give-it-all-you-got driving style earned him the title of being the first British World Rally champion.

The Subaru World Rally Team managing director Richard Taylor has this to say about the late driving great: "All of us at the Subaru World Rally Team are shocked and upset by the tragic news of Colin McRae's death, which was announced on Sunday." Taylor also pointed out that McRae is not only the first British World rally Champion but is also the first Subaru rally driver to win a championship.

"Colin was Subaru's first World Champion and a man who almost single-handedly brought the sport of rallying to the attention of millions around the world. He was an inspiration to motorsport fans and remained a close friend to many of us in the team," he proclaimed. Taylor also extended his condolences to Colin's wife Alison and the rest of the McRae family. "At this terribly sad time our thoughts are with his wife, Alison, and the rest of Colin's family."

Subaru has been known for equipping their WRC drivers with reliable cars and parts such as Subaru control arms. And Colin McRae used his Good-given talent with the world-class Subaru cars to reach the summit of the sport.

David Richards, the owner of the team McRae which won the championship in 1995, praised the legendary driver saying: "Colin was an amazingly talented driver. He had a passion and commitment for the sport which I have rarely seen in anyone else. You knew that whenever he got behind the wheel of a car that he would extract every ounce of its performance. And it was this all or nothing approach to driving that won him so many fans."

"Despite his success he always remained a very approachable person, someone who would always take time to talk to his fans and who continued to support the sport which brought him his fame."

"On a personal note he was also great friend. I have known him for more than 20 years since he was a teenager, sitting in the service park watching his father Jimmy compete in one of our Porsche rally cars. While it is a very sad day for motorsport, we should remember that Colin was a family man and I know I can speak for everyone at Prodrive and Subaru when I say that all our thoughts are with his wife and family at this very sad time," he shared.

Subaru To Offer SRS CS Auto In Impreza

By Anthony Fontanelle

Subaru of America, Inc. partners with SRS Labs Inc. to offer cutting-edge SRS Circle Surround Auto to the new Impreza.

The new feature delivers surround sound from any audio source including surround encoded content, stereo and mono radio broadcasts, satellite radio, standard CDs and compressed music files. CS Auto overcomes many of the challenges inherent in automobiles to present a realistic and immersive surround sound environment, CNN reported.

SRS Lab, a leader in the manufacture of quality surround sound voiced and audio technologies, recently announced that the SRS CS Auto will be offered as an optional feature in the 2008 Subaru Impreza.

"The sound quality offered by SRS Circle Surround Auto is amazing," said Tim Colbeck, the vice president of sales of Subaru of America, Inc. "It's a smart and extremely effective way of producing premium quality sound in a vehicle."

The optional feature does not only deliver awe-inspiring in-car surround sound experience but also yields an overall higher quality of sound from various audio sources such as surround encoded content, satellite radio, HD Radio, mono or stereo radio broadcasts, standard CD and compressed music files from a portable media player.

"Subaru understands the unique challenges that can limit audio performance within the interior of an automobile, which is why they choose SRS to be their audio processing partner for the 2008 Subaru Impreza," said Chris Sabbarese, Product Manager for SRS Labs. "With CS Auto consumers will experience high-end surround sound, with enhanced audio fidelity, along with an expansive sound field and rich, deep bass."

CS Auto is especially engineered to meet the unique challenges of modern car interior. CS Auto includes processing to elevate the sound image to ear level, even from speakers located in some car-doors and under the dashboard. Also, the innovative feature creates a "phantom center speaker" to efficiently pull out and clarify vocals in the audio track.

CS Auto also includes a channel-mixing feature that enables car occupants using the front and rear seats to clearly hear all vocals and be engrossed in a thrilling audio experience. What is more, CS Auto incorporates SRS Labs' patented bass enhancement system to produce a virtual subwoofer to finally complete the gratifying surround experience.

All new and available in Subaru dealer showrooms across the country, the 2008 Subaru Impreza and the company's performance flagship the Subaru Impreza WRX boast more sophisticated styling, along with enhanced comfort and utility, while still delivering the handling and performance of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the report added. Also new for the model year 2008, is the availability of stability control or Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).

The automaker, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan, is focusing on improving its lineup, offers, as well as auto parts accessories such as the Subaru coil springs, engine, upholstery, and the like.

Saab Celebrates 3 Decades Of Turbocharging

By Anthony Fontanelle

At the Frankfurt Show in September 1977, Saab astonished the auto industry by launching its very first turbocharged model. Thirty years after, the Scandinavian automaker celebrates the milestone by introducing an ultimate performance car.

It all began exactly three decades ago, at exactly the same place, when the first 99 Turbo model was presented by Saab to the world media. At that time, the Swedish automaker was alone in pursuing turbocharging as a reliable and realistic means of extracting more power as well efficiency from a production engine.

A turbocharger develops more power by harnessing the energy from an engine’s exhaust gas flow. What made it appealing? Well, it recycles energy that was otherwise wasted.

It can be recalled that turbocharging was the suited key to the automaker’s ‘rightsizing’ engine philosophy: less is more. It means getting ‘more for less’ in terms of both power and environmental performance. The philosophy is reflected by the Saab BioPower’s number one position in the emerging ‘flex-fuel’ segment in the United Kingdom.

The new Saab Turbo X, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will be making its world debut tomorrow at the first press day of the auto show. Its public debut will mark a new aura to the 9-3 range of the automaker.

The Turbo X is a driver-focused, all-wheel-drive vehicle that sets new performance standards for the brand. It is equipped with a bunch of interesting features. To note, the Black Limited Edition radiates the iconic appeal of the automaker’s first black 900 Turbo.

According to the automaker, the car features an innovative XWD for greater driver involvement and dynamic chassis control, active torque split between both axles and rear wheels, tuned suspension and electronic chassis settings for optimum handling, 2.8 V6 turbo engine that generates 280 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, and distinctive styling additions for improved aerodynamics. These features are added without compromising trusted parts such as Saab brake rotors, radiators, filters, and more.

The new Saab 9-3 range, on the other hand, features bold, more assertive looks inspired by Saab’s Scandinavian design tradition and the award-winning Aero X concept car. Saab said that the car boasts of an all-new bodywork forward of the A-pillars, cleaner looks, new doors, light and bumper assemblies front and rear, two-stage, 1.9 turbo diesel that generates 180 horsepower for class-leading power and efficiency. Additionally, for extra horses, the automaker is offering BioPower (E85) engine that produces 200 horsepower.

As Saab’s leading expert, Dr. Per Gillbrand, dubbed the ‘father of the production turbo’, used to say: “A turbocharged power plant is really ‘two engines in one.’ There is a ‘small’ engine for driving in everyday traffic conditions and then a ‘large’ one, giving more power and performance, when the turbocharger joins the party at higher throttle openings.”

“All engines have an oil pump, a fuel pump and a water pump”, Gillbrand noted. “So why not an air pump, which is all a turbo really is. I think it's odd that all engines don’t have one!” Nowadays, thanks to the power of such independent thinking, an increasing number does.

Saab developed technology to ‘tame the turbo’ by using a by-pass valve to control the build-up of boost pressure. It did not take long for the world to appreciate what had been achieved, reported The Auto Channel. At present, in an era when the need to save energy and achieve greater fuel efficiency has never been this stirring and the future of the Scandinavian automaker’s turbocharging has never been more intense.

Porsche Injects 911 Power Into The Cayenne

By Anthony Fontanelle

Porsche AG, the maker of remarkable supercars, has decided to inject more 911 power into the Cayenne in the form of a new variant called the GTS. The new variant will be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The performance-oriented Cayenne is based on the S variant but is lowered by nearly an inch. The Cayenne GTS features the advanced Porsche Active Suspension Management system in combination with steel springs. The system features a suspension setup that was previously reserved for Porsche's cars only. To enhance the handling, the German automaker is also offering the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active anti-roll system and optional air suspension.
The S' direct injected 4.8-liter V-8 gets a timely boost to the tune of an additional 20hp, bringing its output to 405. Torque, however, remains unaltered at 369 lb-ft. The GTS comes standard with a six-speed manual, with a Tiptronic automatic optional. Aside from the engine and other systems, the new variant also flaunts enhanced auto parts that are far from the aged Porsche 924 radiator.

The Cayenne GTS is fitted with the Turbo's front and rear fascias and rides on 21-inch wheels. It comes in two distinct colors: Nordic Gold Metallic and GTS Red. The colors are in addition to the existing colors available throughout the Cayenne Range. Inside are new 12-way adjustable sports seats upholstered in a mix of leather and Alcantara.

The Cayenne, a mid-size luxury sport utility, has been built since 2002. The SUV is the first V8 engined vehicle built by the German automaker since 1995, when the 928 was discontinued. According to the automaker, the sportiest of Porsche sport utilities, comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and a shorter axle drive ratio than the Cayenne S. The GTS can thus accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds - precisely 0.5 seconds quicker than the Cayenne S.

The new Cayenne GTS, positioned above the S, but below the Turbo, is instantly identifiable: the front and rear look similar as the Turbo, and the 14mm wheel-arch enlargements offer plenty of space for the standard 21-inch alloy rims.

The new Cayenne, with Tiptronic S transmission, has an average consumption of 13.9 liters/100 km in accordance with EU standards, the automaker added. The Cayenne GTS will go on sale in February. In Germany, it will cost 76,725 Euros including 19 percent VAT and country-specific requirements. The base price is 64,300 Euros. The base price for the USA is $69,300 - $11,400 more than the S variant.

With a sticker price like that, the automaker is still all the wage. Porsche is anticipated to remain as the much-adored car of higher earners. The Glasgow Daily Record reported that the 2007 "Rich Car List" shows Porsche keeping the top spot from last year, followed by, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Saab, Audi, Jeep, BMW, Smart and Alfa Romeo.

Craig Staniland of swiftcover.com explained: "The car is a status symbol but smaller and greener cars are becoming popular with higher income earners."

Audi Sets Forth Its Most Powerful Production Ever

By Anthony Fontanelle

Audi AG will be pulling the wraps off its RS6 – its most powerful production ever built. The car features a twin-turbo 5.2-litre V10 that produces 572bhp – 145bhp more power than the previous model. The new RS6 will break cover at the Frankfurt auto show next week.

The launching of the high-performance car will bring Audi back on top of supercar manufacturers. Powerful German cars include Merc's E63 AMG produces 503bhp whilst the BMW M5 generates a mere 500bhp. The RS6's 572bhp peak power arrives at 6250rpm whilst torque is up to an internal-organ-squashing 480lb ft available from just 1500 rpm. The RS6 also outpowers the M5 Touring, which is priced at £67,075.

The RS6 features Quattro four-wheel drive with a 60 percent rear bias, and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox. The standard wheels are 19-inch alloys, and ceramic brakes are an optional extra. With the rear seats folded the boot capacity is a whopping 1,660 liters. Traditionally, the RS Audi's have been available in wagon, sedan or sedan bodies, and the smaller RS4 can already be ordered in each of these configurations.

Supplementing the power bolstered by the engine, the Dynamic Ride Control can be fixed to the car’s sport suspension to deliver ideal balance between long-trip comfort and stunning lateral performance which the driver can choose at the push of a button. According to some aficionados, the new car is likely the only machine with so much power to also offer 1,660 liters of luggage space. The automaker claims a 0-60 feat in 4.6 seconds from the 4,400 lb rocket wagon.

The powerful production from the automaker also boasts off the traditional luxury and style associated with Audis. From the captivating Audi grille, striking lines and curves, to the pampering amenities, the car is unmistakably awesome.

The interior promises to pamper occupants in sporty luxury and is trimmed in leather, aluminum, suede and carbonfiber. Audi’s MMI system is also installed. Additionally, the rest of the cabin flaunts sport pedals and embossed seats which can be wrapped in either Silk Nappa or Valcona leather.

Visual enhancements entertained by the new model include fat wheels, air diffuser, oval exhausts pipes, flared wheel arches, bonnet and front wings made from aluminium. Inside, Audi’s engineers give the car a flat-bottomed steering wheel and carbonfiber panels.

But makes it more remarkable is the new-found performance. According to Reuters, the key performance figures of the new RS6 go like this: 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, 0-124mph in 14.9 seconds, with top speed of course limited to 155mph. The German automaker said that the Quattro system has a 40:60 rear-drive bias, which should help to improve the handling and allow for some super-saloon drift action.

No price for the new RS6 is revealed yet. But experts in the industry said that the car is expected to cost from £70 000 when it becomes available next year. The car will be available for orders in Europe from November.

The sedan version of the RS6, on the other hand, will arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of next year.

VW Launches New Formula 3 Engine

By Anthony Fontanelle

The new Volkswagen Formula 3 engine has made its successful racing début during the DTM weekend at the Nürburgring.

In the Formula 3 Euro Series race on Saturday, Maximilian Götz in his Dallara F306 VW from Team RC Motorsport finished sixth thus immediately accumulating points in the début race. Additionally, on Sunday, Götz claimed ninth place, thus finishing in the top ten for the second time. During the practice, Götz and teammate Jonathan Summerton, with positions 8 and 13 respectively, have already etched a stimulating and positive start for the German team.

Götz, 21, has nothing but good things to say about the two-liter engine that produces 210 horsepower. "The tests had suggested what potential the engine has but now we know much better where Volkswagen stands compared to the competition: We’re very close already,” he told Paddock Talk.

In the first race, Götz advanced from grid position eight to sixth place. "A perfect début and a great reward for everyone involved in this project," he said. Götz started the race on Sunday from third place – the top eight in the first race start to the second event in reverse order. "After the start I hit the brakes too late, which cost me five places. After that, I was able to keep the pace of the experienced drivers very well."

For Summerton, the 19-year-old driver who finished in 15th position, the DTM weekend in the Eifel did not go according to plan. "In the first race I was hit after the start. My car was damaged in the incident and, as a result, very difficult to drive,” the American summed up the event after finishing in 18th place. The start to the second race was similar to the first one: "I was hit again, this time the rear wing was damaged. Nevertheless, my car had very good balance and my laps were fast and consistent,” he said.

"We’re highly satisfied with the début of our new Formula 3 engine. It’s competitive straight from the start. This was also proved by our fastest race lap, we were separated from the absolute best time by merely three tenths of a second. A big compliment to our engineers, teams and drivers who made this good start possible by working so intensively," said Kris Nissen, the VW motorsport director. "Our goal is to equip six racing cars with our engines next year and to contest all races of the Formula 3 Euro Series. The results of this season’s events give us the opportunity to assess where we stand and to pursue the engine’s evolution for 2008."

A third Dallara "powered by Volkswagen" driven by Marco Holzer, 19, is fielded by Team AM Holzer Rennsport. "Our weekend wasn’t off to an optimum start. But the collaboration with Volkswagen is paying off: in the end, we came up with a good set-up,” said Rennsport who occupied places 20 and 14.

With the launch of the powerful 210-hp engine mated to trusted race parts such as the VW strut and radiator, the team is expected to generate equally-powerful performance.

Separately, VW is showing its complete motorsport lineup in the Eifel. Aside from the races of the Formula 3 Euro Series – in which the Wolfsburg-based automaker is making its comeback – and the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup, the other racing projects are represented at the Nürburgring as well. According to the Paddock Talk, the Golf GTI, which clinched class victory and the spectacular eighth place overall in the 24h-race in June, and the Race Touareg, which will be fielded by Volkswagen in January in the 2008 Dakar Rally, are on display.