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  • Video: Switzer R850 Nissan GT-R Tuned For Race Fuel

    Video: Switzer R850 Nissan GT-R Tuned For Race Fuel August 21st, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, August 21st, 2009 Kenneth Hall 3 Comments

    Video: Switzer R850 Nissan GT-R Tuned For Race Fuel

    Tuning a twin-turbo, 480-horsepower V-6-powered AWD sports car might seem like an exercise in futility - after all, where are you going to open it up - but when you look beyond the street and to the race track, it becomes a bit more reasonable. And for those that like to spend their weekends pushing their skill and equipment to the limits, Switzer Performance's latest Nissan GT-R is an intriguing toy. Today's update brings confirmation of the 850 horsepower crank rating and more details on the car, including a dyno plot.

    The standard P800 Nissan GT-R manages its name-giving 800 horsepower at the crank on standard 93-octane pump gas, but...

    Tuning a twin-turbo, 480-horsepower V-6-powered AWD sports car might seem like an exercise in futility - after all, where are you going to open it up - but when you look beyond the street and to the race track, it becomes a bit more reasonable. And for those that like to spend their weekends pushing their skill and equipment to the limits, Switzer Performance's latest Nissan GT-R is an intriguing toy. Today's update brings confirmation of the 850 horsepower crank rating and more details on the car, including a dyno plot. The standard P800 Nissan GT-R manages its name-giving 800 horsepower at the crank on standard 93-octane pump gas, but some owners and enthusiasts wanted to see what Switzer could do when higher octane race gas was used. Switzer was happy to oblige, as the video below demonstrates. "We've bent a bit to the demands of those customers that are using their GTRs primarily as trackday cars, and developed a new 'R' package specifically for them," said Tym Switzer. Hitting a delivered 740 horespower and 715 pound-feet of torque at the wheels, the car earns its R850 name, with an estimated 850 horsepower at the crank based on a pretty standard assumption of 15% drivetrain loss. Switzer explained: "We're seeing consistent dyno results in excess of 740 all-wheel-horsepower and 715 pound-feet, pull after pull. Most everyone seems to agree that the GTR has about a 15% driveline loss. Based on that, this kit is making well over 850 horsepower and 820 pound-feet at the crank." But enough talk - check out the video to see for yourself what it sounds like when 850hp is uncorked in an enclosed space. Hint: it's loud.   Switzer's R850 Nissan GT-R hits the dyno Read More

  • Video: Switzer Performance P800 package Porsche 911 hits the dyno

    Video: Switzer Performance P800 package Porsche 911 hits the dyno August 3rd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, August 3rd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Video: Switzer Performance P800 package Porsche 911 hits the dyno It's a classic recipe: take one high-performance sports car, add power to taste. How powerful you like it depends largely on your budget, but this time Switzer has made one for people not only with large bank accounts, but also with a huge appetite for speed. Starting with a stock Porsche 911 997 twin-turbo, the tuners end up with a car capable of sub-3-second 0-60mph runs and consistent 10.5-second quarter miles.

    That's nothing to sneeze at, and it's all the more impressive considering how much wasn't changed from the standard car. For instance, it still runs on standard 93 octane pump gas. It still uses the stock intake manifold and... It's a classic recipe: take one high-performance sports car, add power to taste. How powerful you like it depends largely on your budget, but this time Switzer has made one for people not only with large bank accounts, but also with a huge appetite for speed. Starting with a stock Porsche 911 997 twin-turbo, the tuners end up with a car capable of sub-3-second 0-60mph runs and consistent 10.5-second quarter miles. That's nothing to sneeze at, and it's all the more impressive considering how much wasn't changed from the standard car. For instance, it still runs on standard 93 octane pump gas. It still uses the stock intake manifold and throttle body, and it's an easier install process than the Switzer 911 GT2 Sledgehammer package it's based on. Delivering the power through a more street-friendly AWD system doesn't hurt things either, but once the twin Garret GT30 turbochargers - with custom billet compressor wheels - are strapped on and gases are piped through Switzer's custom exhaust and headers, the engine generates a full 800hp, giving the P800 package its numerical significance. Other upgrades include a carbon clutch, electronic boost control, Monster brand intercoolers, and custom ECU software. The P800 package is now available through Switzer Performance dealers, but you'll have to contact them yourself to find out how much it costs. To see and hear the car in action, check out the video of a testing dyno run below.800hp Switzer Performance P800 Porsche 997TTSwitzer Performance L5 800 package Porsche 911 hits the dyno Read More

  • Mercedes AMG Driving Academy coming to the U.S., bringing 2011 SLS AMG

    Mercedes AMG Driving Academy coming to the U.S., bringing 2011 SLS AMG June 24th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 24th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Mercedes AMG Driving Academy coming to the U.S., bringing 2011 SLS AMG If you're an AMG fan or just a fan of driving fast cars fast, you're probably aware of the Mercedes AMG Driving Academy. Unfortunately, those of us in the U.S. had to travel to Europe to take advantage of it - until now.

    Mercedes is bringing the AMG Driving Academy program, including Stage I, Stage I SLS,and Stage II, to Lime Rock Park, Palm Beach International Raceway and Laguna Seca Raceway. That gives the AMG school coverage of the northeast, southeast and western U.S. Some of the cars students will get to drive include the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series.

    Stage I schools are a one-day program... If you're an AMG fan or just a fan of driving fast cars fast, you're probably aware of the Mercedes AMG Driving Academy. Unfortunately, those of us in the U.S. had to travel to Europe to take advantage of it - until now. Mercedes is bringing the AMG Driving Academy program, including Stage I, Stage I SLS,and Stage II, to Lime Rock Park, Palm Beach International Raceway and Laguna Seca Raceway. That gives the AMG school coverage of the northeast, southeast and western U.S. Some of the cars students will get to drive include the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series. Stage I schools are a one-day program designed to teach the fundamentals of performance driving dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises that emphasize the power and handling capabilities of AMG vehicles. Drivers get to test their skills on-track and during a performance course competition. The Stage I program fee is $1,895 per driver. The SLS version of the Stage I academy will only be offered at Laguna Seca Raceway November 17-20, and offers a chance to be among the first to drive the all-new 2011 SLS AMG. This special version of Stage I includes a night's stay at the InterContinental Hotel in Monterey, CA and is priced at $2,295. Finally, Stage II is a two-day program for drivers that have complete Stage I. It provides a deep level of technical driver training both on and off the track. The main changes to Stage I are significantly more track time and use of a computer driver training and evaluation system via on-board diagnostics and in-car cameras. The Stage II fee is $3,495 per student. If you're interested in getting behind the wheel at one of these events, you'll have several opportunities: Lime Rock Park hosts its event September 9-15, followed by Palm Beach International Raceway September 22-27, and Laguna Seca Raceway with the standard program November 7-8 and the SLS program November 17-20. Read More

  • Lexus IS C gets F-Sport makeover

    Lexus IS C gets F-Sport makeover May 16th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, May 16th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 3 Comments

    Lexus IS C gets F-Sport makeover Lexus recently expanded its F-Sport Performance Accessories line to include parts for the GS sedan and IS AWD, and this week the company revealed full details for new parts for the IS C convertible that has just gone on sale. Previously the performance range was only applicable for the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans but Lexus has always maintained that parts would eventually be developed for other vehicles in its lineup.

    The new IS C F-Sport accessories include performance enhancing parts such as forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more. The parts were developed with help from Toyota Racing... Lexus recently expanded its F-Sport Performance Accessories line to include parts for the GS sedan and IS AWD, and this week the company revealed full details for new parts for the IS C convertible that has just gone on sale. Previously the performance range was only applicable for the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans but Lexus has always maintained that parts would eventually be developed for other vehicles in its lineup. The new IS C F-Sport accessories include performance enhancing parts such as forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more. The parts were developed with help from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and will be available at North American Lexus showrooms from June 1. The new range includes 19in forged alloy wheels designed in a dark graphite finish, six-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors, braided stainless-steel brake lines, sports pads, and a new shock absorber and suspension spring set. The shock absorbers and springs were co-developed with Bilstein and provide a firmer ride, increased stability and reduced body roll. Body roll and chassis flex is further reduced with the adoption of the sway bars and a chassis brace. Engine performance is lifted with a new sports exhaust and intake system consisting of stainless-steel mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips and high-flow filters. Other pieces include a carbon-fiber engine cover, a performance clutch for manual models, as well as a quick-shift gearstick that decreases shift throw by approximately 35%.Lexus F-Sport Performance Accessories range for GS, IS, and IS Convertible2010 Lexus IS C F-Sport Read More

  • Daytona Coupe lives on in new Le Mans Edition

    Daytona Coupe lives on in new Le Mans Edition May 12th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, May 12th, 2009 James Martinez 2 Comments

    Daytona Coupe lives on in new Le Mans Edition The original Daytona Coupe was a race car based loosely on the AC Cobra roadster that was produced in an extremely limited run of just six cars during the 1960s. The cars were created in collaboration with a number of racing legends including Carroll Shelby, Peter Brock and Bob Negstad, and with a top speed in excess of 187mph it was certainly no slouch.

    In 1965, the Daytona Coupe went on to become the first and only American car to win the FIA GT World Championship, cementing its legacy in motorsports history. Now Exotic Auto Restoration, based out of California, is allowing car enthusiasts to bring the legend of Le Mans to their own... The original Daytona Coupe was a race car based loosely on the AC Cobra roadster that was produced in an extremely limited run of just six cars during the 1960s. The cars were created in collaboration with a number of racing legends including Carroll Shelby, Peter Brock and Bob Negstad, and with a top speed in excess of 187mph it was certainly no slouch. In 1965, the Daytona Coupe went on to become the first and only American car to win the FIA GT World Championship, cementing its legacy in motorsports history. Now Exotic Auto Restoration, based out of California, is allowing car enthusiasts to bring the legend of Le Mans to their own driveway. Based on the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe built by Superformance and also designed by Peter Brock, the Le Mans Edition has been upgraded in the spirit of the original race car. This particular model is based around the design of the Daytona Coupe that won in its class in the Le Mans 24 Hour race back in 1965. Exotic Auto Restoration, however, has added a few unique elements, both inside and out. These include Group 5 fender flares front and rear, wider 18in wheels and tires, Bilstein shocks and H&R springs, billet aluminum top and side hood louvers, Alcantara trim, aircraft-style toggle switches, a suede Momo steering wheel, and “Le Mans Edition” gauges. Customers can choose from a variety of engines based on the Ford 351 Windsor block. Powering this particular Daytona Coupe Le Mans is a Roush 402R V8 producing 530hp (395kW) and 515lb-ft (697Nm) torque and mated to a Tremec T56 6-speed transmission. In addition, a track-oriented version is also available. Only six will be built (two have been pre-sold, leaving four available) in this configuration to commemorate the six original race cars, each featuring an authentic Shelby-built V8. These cars will be powered by a more potent V8 engine with 560hp (418kW) and 530lb-ft (718Nm) of torque on tap. Incidentally, one of the original Daytona Coupes, the CSX2601 that won the FIA GT World Championship in 1965, will go on auction on the 15th of this month and is expected to bring a record price for a car sold in the U.S.Gallery: Shelby Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition Read More

  • Avus Performance takes on the Mercedes C63 AMG, pushes power to 585hp

    Avus Performance takes on the Mercedes C63 AMG, pushes power to 585hp May 7th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 7th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    Avus Performance takes on the Mercedes C63 AMG, pushes power to 585hp After a very unfortunate naming/translation incident with their Audi RS6 'White Power', Avus Performance have followed up with two more strong contenders for the tuning market's elusive 'most tasteful' award. Proving they have what it takes to build on - but not screw up - high-performance German machinery, Avus has broadened its scope and taken on the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

    The last two examples from Avus were Audi machines, equally reserved and powerful. But the Mercedes C63 AMG adds another measure of flash to the package, as befits the more flamboyant AMG line of vehicles. Starting with such a solid base package makes improvement tough,... After a very unfortunate naming/translation incident with their Audi RS6 'White Power', Avus Performance have followed up with two more strong contenders for the tuning market's elusive 'most tasteful' award. Proving they have what it takes to build on - but not screw up - high-performance German machinery, Avus has broadened its scope and taken on the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The last two examples from Avus were Audi machines, equally reserved and powerful. But the Mercedes C63 AMG adds another measure of flash to the package, as befits the more flamboyant AMG line of vehicles. Starting with such a solid base package makes improvement tough, but Avus has kept its approach simple. Starting with a range of three power stages - topping out at 585hp (436kW) and 547lb-ft (740Nm) of torque - and adding a reworked front grille, roof, mirror covers, blacked-out logos, and lowering springs the Avus C63AMG offers a clean but convincing upgrade. Big eight-piston, 380mm brakes shut the potent V8 down when the time is right - an important element in a car capable of 199mph (320km/h). The sounds coming from the rear of the car should be solid as well, with a full stainless system fitted to replace the factory unit. Pricing and availability haven't been revealed yet.Avus Performance Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Read More

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