Autoblog

Meet Dick Eytchison and his '65 Chevelle autocrosser

Zach Bowman — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Classics, Sedan, Videos, Chevrolet, Racing

There are few things we love more than seeing well-sorted classic cars being put to task. It seems we're in good company on that front. Dick Eytchison shares our belief that, "you just don't appreciate them unless you get out there and drive them."

Over the years, Dick has whipped his 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle sedan into an autocross terror. With a breathed-on 383 crate V8 spitting out around 400 horsepower, the Chevelle has no deficit of grunt. Of course, getting a mid-sixties muscle bruiser to sprint in a straight line has never been an issue; it's getting the machine to go right and left that's the challenge.

The 68-year-old weekend racer ditched the factory rear end for a stout Ford nine-inch with a Truetrac limited slip, and a set of Baer brakes on all four corners bring the machine down from speed. Up front, 13-inch rotors get pressed by four-piston calipers, while the back axle makes due with a couple of 12-inch discs.

A full suite of Hotchkis goodies, including A-arms, sway bars and spindles, help keep the machine planted, as do Bilstein shocks on all four corners. The finished product looks right at home dodging cones. We dig it. Check it out in the video below.

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Meet Dick Eytchison and his '65 Chevelle autocrosser originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a closer look at the Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Hyundai, Specialty

There are few things in this realm or the next that can't be cured with the judicious application of forced induction. Just ask the engineers at the Hyundai Technical Center. They were able to take the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and wring more than 450 horsepower from the vehicle's 3.8-liter V6 engine. The result is the Genesis Hurricane SC we saw at this year's SEMA show, and Hyundai has turned out a new video of the high-performance coupe to show off every last detail.

As you may recall, the Hurricane SC is more than a blower. The vehicle features a liquid-to-air intercooler, Bilstein monotube shocks coupled to adjustable ride control springs and Brembo six-piston calipers squeezing cross-drilled rotors. The vehicle also received a full aesthetic makeover to go with its impressive innards: a new front bumper, grille, hood and side skirts.

If you like what you see, you're in luck. Hyundai says that Rhys Millen is planning to produce a range of aero pieces for the Genesis Coupe similar to what's on the Hurricane SC. Follow the jump to check out the video.

Continue reading Take a closer look at the Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC

Take a closer look at the Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007 Spotlight: Bilstein offering more stiff selections

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show

Although the big news from Bilstein is the upgrade from its PSS9 system to the PSS10 (essentially, adding one more level of damping to their struts), more impressive is the firm's new Electronic Ridecontrol system. Essentially, it's similar to Porsche's PASM system, without integration between the ECU to gather inputs from the throttle position sensor, traction control and steering angle sensor. Pushing the dash-mounted blue backlit button changes the strut's firmness from "Comfort" to "Sport," all within fractions of a second. The "Comfort" selection is still about 50-percent stiffer than stock, and currently it's available for the BMW E46, E90 and E60, along with the Mercedes E-Class (W211). Bilstein plans to develop the system for a number of other high-end applications, specifically the entire Porsche range, from the Boxster to the 996 and 997 911s. MSRP is just a few bucks over $3,000.

Gallery: Bilstein at SEMA

SEMA 2007 Spotlight: Bilstein offering more stiff selections originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda unveils Prodrive RX-8

Stuart Waterman — Mon, 08 May 2006 21:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mazda

Mazda Motors UK unveiled Monday a limited edition RX-8 coupe for the U.K. market. Developed jointly with legendary motorsports company Prodrive, the Mazda Rx-8 PZ is an appearance and handling upgrade for the 230 hp RX-8.

According to Mazda, Prodrive was tasked with creating a more involving driving experience, with enhanced ride and handling. Unique PZ features include:

18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels
Eibach springs, 60 percent stiffer than stock
Bilstein gas shocks
revised suspension geometry, with ride height reduced 15 mm
sport mirrors
grill inserts
rear spoiler
Prodrive and "PZ" badging

While Mazda hasn't released any road test figures for the RX-8 PZ, the cornering shots of the PZ "at speed" (as they say in the motoring press) after the jump show minimal body roll. Only 800 lucky U.K. drivers will get their hands on Prodrive's version of the RX-8, and no exports to other markets are planned. The MSRP for the PZ before taxes is 21,912 (about $40,614). The nicely done, if a little pricey, RX-8 PZ goes on sale July 1.

More pics after the jump...

[Source: Mazda Motors Europe]

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Mazda unveils Prodrive RX-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 May 2006 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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