Motor Authority - blog Tag: Aftermarket

No matter how far the carmakers take the horsepower wars - or how much they back down from them - the aftermarket is always prepared to go farther. Too much is never enough for a determined tuner, and the latest example is mcchip's Audi TTS.

Rolling off the factory floor with 272hp (203kW) from its 2.0L TFSI engine, the small and svelte TTS offers impressive performance from day one. But the Germans at mcchip wanted more, so they applied a quick ECU tune to get another 43hp (32kW) and 66lb-ft (90Nm) out of the four-banger, bringing totals to 315hp (235kW) and 325lb-ft (440Nm) of torque. Top speed rises to 171mph (275km/h) as part of the... No matter how far the carmakers take the horsepower wars - or how much they back down from them - the aftermarket is always prepared to go farther. Too much is never enough for a determined tuner, and the latest example is mcchip's Audi TTS. Rolling off the factory floor with 272hp (203kW) from its 2.0L TFSI engine, the small and svelte TTS offers impressive performance from day one. But the Germans at mcchip wanted more, so they applied a quick ECU tune to get another 43hp (32kW) and 66lb-ft (90Nm) out of the four-banger, bringing totals to 315hp (235kW) and 325lb-ft (440Nm) of torque. Top speed rises to 171mph (275km/h) as part of the package as well. That's still well short of rival tuner MTM's TT-RS-beating 380hp car, but it's more than enough for most folks to call the mcchip TTS a screaming daily driver. In addition to the ECU tune, mcchip delivers a custom appearance package so people know you've got something special before you smoke them at the next stop light. Nineteen inch black OZ alloy wheels clad in Continental SportContact3 tires in a low-profile 235/35 size offer plenty of grip and a clean, mean look. Pricing is fairly reasonable as well, at €849 ($1,115) for the tune and another €2,990 ($3,930) for the wheel and tire setup.Audi TTS by mcchip Read More

After Steve Saleen resigned from Saleen, Inc. in 2007, the company, under its new leadership, sold the majority of its aftermarket business to MJ Acquisitions on February 2, 2009. About a month later, the new ownership decided to shut down Saleen, Inc. after selling off the supercharger, aftermarket and high-performance parts business.

That meant that all warranties on parts sold by Saleen, Inc. through February 2, 2009 would be worthless - effectively voided. So rather than see the brand he created - though he no longer owns it - go down in such a manner, Steve Saleen has stepped in and announced he'll be backing those warranties through... After Steve Saleen resigned from Saleen, Inc. in 2007, the company, under its new leadership, sold the majority of its aftermarket business to MJ Acquisitions on February 2, 2009. About a month later, the new ownership decided to shut down Saleen, Inc. after selling off the supercharger, aftermarket and high-performance parts business. That meant that all warranties on parts sold by Saleen, Inc. through February 2, 2009 would be worthless - effectively voided. So rather than see the brand he created - though he no longer owns it - go down in such a manner, Steve Saleen has stepped in and announced he'll be backing those warranties through his new business, SMS Supercars. "I was saddened about the way the current owners of the proud company I founded, and which held onto my name after my departure two years ago, have now dealt with my loyal and longtime customers," said Saleen in a statement. He continued, "The ones who have been left out in the cold are the loyal customers of Saleen products. While my new company, SMS Supercars, has no legal or moral obligation to take up any of the warranty claims against Saleen Inc. or MJ Acquisitions, Inc., I would like to make a bold statement on the right way to treat customers." "If any Saleen customer in the United States who purchased a Saleen Inc. product up until February 2, 2009, has a warranty claim, they can directly contact my new company, SMS Supercars," continued Saleen, "We will honor their remaining warranties as if they were SMS Supercars warranties." The move is one not often seen these days, and it says a lot about the man and how he does business. It might not be the right thing to do by the corporate bean counters, but it's definitely the right thing to do by Saleen's customers. And in the long run it may very well result in a loyalty that pays SMS back with interest.Saleen SMS 570 Dodge Challenger series Read More

Saleen Automotive announced last November that it was seeking a potential buyer, with management acknowledging the firm has suffered financially from the economic downturn and rising fuel prices. In February Saleen announced the sale of its supercharger, aftermarket and high-performance street vehicle business elements to MJ Acquisitions, and now Saleen, Inc. has ceased operation and declared all warranties on Saleen cars and parts - no matter whether new, used or unsold and sitting on dealer lots - are void.

All warranties created before February 2, 2009 were to be serviced by Saleen, Inc., but with the company's cessation of operations,... Saleen Automotive announced last November that it was seeking a potential buyer, with management acknowledging the firm has suffered financially from the economic downturn and rising fuel prices. In February Saleen announced the sale of its supercharger, aftermarket and high-performance street vehicle business elements to MJ Acquisitions, and now Saleen, Inc. has ceased operation and declared all warranties on Saleen cars and parts - no matter whether new, used or unsold and sitting on dealer lots - are void. All warranties created before February 2, 2009 were to be serviced by Saleen, Inc., but with the company's cessation of operations, that leaves those buyers out in the cold, and responsible for their own warranty costs. Future warranties on parts purchased after February 2, 2009 from the new Saleen owned by MJ Acquisitions will carry a full 12 month/12,000mi warranty, however, said Jim Dvorak of the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club in a letter to members this week. Saleen's sale to MJ Acquisitions earlier this year resulted in essentially complete unemployment for Saleen's workforce, though the new company did hire back some workers. Not sold in the previously announced deal were Saleen's S5 Raptor and S7 supercars and the company's paint operations. "We are working with the talented team from Saleen and our own experts to continue the quality, delivery, and performance the customer base and dealership network have come to expect from the Saleen brand," said Mike Shields, President and CEO of MJ Acquisitions, at the announcement of the acquisition. Saleen was a specialty vehicle manufacturer and a long-time tuner Ford tuner, and most recently unveiled its own concept vehicle, the Raptor S5S. The company has close links Ford and its dealer network, and is responsible for part of the assembly of some of the Detroit carmaker's limited production vehicles. In 2004 controlling interest was sold to investment group Hancock Park Associates in an effort to raise capital, however there were reportedly a number of major conflicts within the company, mostly between the Saleen family and the new management board. The company has faced a number of hurdles since then, having lost its founder Steve Saleen, who chose to start another venture, dubbed SMS after his initials, in 2007 and CEO Paul Wilbur in August of 2008. September saw additional departures of many senior officials and a freeze on production of many major product lines. Saleen has also been selling its office and factory equipment in a clearinghouse style auction, with more than 20 brand new 2008 Mustang GTs, tools, cabinets, office equipment, and factory machinery all going under the hammer toward the end of last year. Read More

Sometimes more isn't a good thing, and that's often the case with aftermarket mods. Even BMW's own factory designs have come under fire for adding needless elements - the recently-released 5-series Gran Turismo being a prime example. But none of that has fazed the likes of Lumma, which has moved forward with an update to its already aggressive X6 CLR X 650 package.

The new vehicle, dubbed the CLR X 650 GT, gets many of the same design elements of the original, particularly in the materials department where carbon fiber plays a leading role. But new features, such as bi-color 23in rims, LED running lights, carbon fiber grille inserts, a... Sometimes more isn't a good thing, and that's often the case with aftermarket mods. Even BMW's own factory designs have come under fire for adding needless elements - the recently-released 5-series Gran Turismo being a prime example. But none of that has fazed the likes of Lumma, which has moved forward with an update to its already aggressive X6 CLR X 650 package. The new vehicle, dubbed the CLR X 650 GT, gets many of the same design elements of the original, particularly in the materials department where carbon fiber plays a leading role. But new features, such as bi-color 23in rims, LED running lights, carbon fiber grille inserts, a re-worked front fascia and sideskirts - and of course the obligatory wing - make the GT variant its own vehicle. Lowered ride height (by 35mm) and the big wheels give the GT a mean stance, while the fat 315 section-width tires give sports car levels of grip to the big hatch/crossover/SUV/mutant. Inside, the usual Alcantara and leather treatment pairs with yet more carbon fiber for a high-tech look. No details have yet been released on any engine tuning that might be included, nor has the price been disclosed. Full details can be expected next week on the floor of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.Lumma Design BMW X6 CLR X 650Lumma BMW X6 CLR X 650 GT Read More

Less than two days after Chrysler confirmed that it had received three offers for its Dodge Viper sports car business, the investors who just purchased most of the assets of specialty-car maker Saleen Automotive have revealed that they have also considered adding the Viper business to their portfolio.

The investors include Cyltec, Arrow Racing Engines, Control-Tec and Power-Tec Engineering. Grouped under the name MJ Acquisitions, they bought Saleen's street-performance car, aftermarket and supercharger business late last week.

Speaking with Automotive News, MJ Acquisitions representative Mike Shields confirmed the interest in the Viper... Less than two days after Chrysler confirmed that it had received three offers for its Dodge Viper sports car business, the investors who just purchased most of the assets of specialty-car maker Saleen Automotive have revealed that they have also considered adding the Viper business to their portfolio. The investors include Cyltec, Arrow Racing Engines, Control-Tec and Power-Tec Engineering. Grouped under the name MJ Acquisitions, they bought Saleen's street-performance car, aftermarket and supercharger business late last week. Speaking with Automotive News, MJ Acquisitions representative Mike Shields confirmed the interest in the Viper business but wasn't willing to give any details due to the touchy nature of the deal. On Tuesday, Chrysler co-president Jim Press revealed that his company was currently completing due diligence on the three bids it had received but that a decision was unlikely to come until after the viability presentation planned for the U.S. Treasury later this month. As for MJ Acquisitions recently acquired Saleen venture, Shields said he expects to continue with the aftermarket and supercharger business but commented that the Racecraft and flagship S-Line brands were currently under evaluation. Read More

Infrared nightvision displays have up to now only been available as an option on the highest-end luxury vehicles, police helicopters and military devices. Now it's available for installation on any car or motorcycle thanks to FLIR's PathFindIR.

Though the PathFindIR system may not be as cleverly integrated or as fully-featured as some Mercedes-Benz or BMW installations, it is in fact the same core hardware found in the Mercedes NightVision Assist system.

Pricing of the system in a one-off aftermarket setting hasn't yet been announced, though some resellers are offering the PathFindIR unit without a display for about $4,000 - a hefty... Infrared nightvision displays have up to now only been available as an option on the highest-end luxury vehicles, police helicopters and military devices. Now it's available for installation on any car or motorcycle thanks to FLIR's PathFindIR. Though the PathFindIR system may not be as cleverly integrated or as fully-featured as some Mercedes-Benz or BMW installations, it is in fact the same core hardware found in the Mercedes NightVision Assist system. Pricing of the system in a one-off aftermarket setting hasn't yet been announced, though some resellers are offering the PathFindIR unit without a display for about $4,000 - a hefty premium over the charge by most OEMs to install the system, complete with display and warning systems. But those willing to forge ahead will have the ability to completely customize their installation, taking advantage of the unit's 320x240 resolution, 1000ft (300m) visibility range and 36-degree field of view (FOV). For more details on how the PathFindIR works or how it can be installed in your own car, check out the video below.Installing the PathFindIR nightvision system by FLIR Read More