Autoblog

Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST

Lotus Elise - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone who's picked up a Lotus Elise or Exige before the kids from Hethel began offering a factory supercharged engine, help is at hand. Drivers of normally aspirated Lotuses can now get a factory style blower kit from Lotus Cars USA. The system is completely emissions certified, warrantied and legal in all 50 states, and includes higher flow injectors, a supercharger with integrated intake manifold and new ECU calibrations. Any authorized Lotus dealer can sell and install the kit that bumps the output of the 1.8-liter Toyota engine from 189 hp/133 lb-ft to 218 hp/155 lb-ft. Although the torque gain is minimal, twist now peaks at a more usable 5,000 rpm rather than 6,800 rpm. You can get all the details in the press release below the fold, but don't look for a price -- Lotus hasn't announced the cost for the kit yet.

Gallery: Lotus Elise

Continue reading Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges

Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fesler Camaro taking shape, smoking tires [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet

Click above to watch video after the jump

High end tuner Fesler has created its own 2010 Fesler Moss Camaro; a tuned-up version of the hot-selling coupe that's been designed as an homage of sorts to General Motors' 1969 Bowtie. For about $55,000, you can get features like an adjustable coilover suspension, special 22-inch wheels and tires, as well as stainless steel struts. Bump the price up to $90k, and you'll get a supercharger that bumps the power quotient to an even 600 ponies. The fully loaded model stickers for a stout $150,000, and includes more equipment than we can reasonably add here. Fesler is even offering a package that includes a matching 1969 model(!) if you've got the garage space and the financial wherewithal.

Hit the jump to watch video of the supercharged version of the car in action. As you can probably guess on your own, the video includes burnouts and donuts. We wouldn't have it any other way.

[Source: Fesler]

Continue reading Fesler Camaro taking shape, smoking tires [w/VIDEO]

Fesler Camaro taking shape, smoking tires [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Novitec gets ambitious, builds "own" supercar, the TuLesto

Chris Paukert — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Europe, Supercars, Ferrari

Novitec TuLesto - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Novitec has long been regarded for their ability to produce streetable tuner Ferrari models with massive power and generally well-integrated aesthetic and aerodynamic modifications. And while this car, the Novitec TuLesto that see before you clearly has a lot of Ferrari 430 in it, this is a far more ambitious piece than what has come before it. Built in Bavaria by the German tuner, this mid-engined supercar is something of a celebratory affair, designed to mark the company's 20th anniversary.

Just 11 examples are planned, each brandishing 777 horsepower - enough to push the slippery carbon-fiber and aluminum shape to 60 mph in 3.4 ticks before topping out at more than 350 kmh (217 mph). Power comes from a 4.4-liter four-valve V8 (.10-liter larger than that of Ferrari's 430) with a pair of superchargers strapped on to yield the aforementioned 777 hp (at 8,200 rpm), along with a peak torque figure of 536 pound-feet at 6,300 rpm. The sole transmission choice is a six-speed semi-automatic paddleshift setup.

While probably a trackday monster, there is some streetability to the TuLesto, as well. The Luca Serafini Stile-designed front-end can be lifted four inches to accommodate speed bumps and aprons without incurring expensive scraping noise. Perhaps at full height you'll get a better look at the fully tweakable double-wishbone suspension, which includes adjustable dampers and swaybars.

The available 20- or 21-inch wheels are sinister-looking Novitec pieces that strike us as a bit Lamborghini-inspired, not necessarily a bad thing, and they house a set of ceramic composite brakes hatted by six-piston fixed calipers.

Funnily enough, our 20th celebrations weren't nearly as interesting as this. Happy Birthday, Novitec! Now... can we help you to blow out the candles?

Press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Novitec TuLesto

[Source: Novitec]

Continue reading Novitec gets ambitious, builds "own" supercar, the TuLesto

Novitec gets ambitious, builds "own" supercar, the TuLesto originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2009: White Lightning - Jaguar shows 510 bhp XKRs [w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Jaguar

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Jaguar XKR

Emerging from Jaguar's press conference yesterday from a cloud of manufactured smoke and amidst the too-loud blare of the Gallagher Brothers were the stonking new XKR Coupe and Convertible.

While the exterior receives subtle changes (new front and rear bumper designs, LED taillamps), the real news is under the hood. More than just an augmented supercharger, the blown XKs receive Jag's all-new Gen III AJ-V8 that's supercharged and features direct injection, which makes it good for 510 brake horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. That newfound power helps the 3800+ pound XKR reach 60 miles-per-hour in just 4.6 seconds. The new XKR also enjoys the same interior theater experience upon startup that debuted in the XF, including air vents that rotate around and the flush JaguarDrive gear selector.

In our time with the current XKR, we always enjoyed the shape and the interior as well as the ride, but were somewhat underwhelmed with the performance and handling. The new R promises to rectify at least the power deficiency versus some other European performance luxury coupes, so we're hoping that the handling comes along for the ride. Check out the gallery of live shots below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Jaguar XKR

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XKR

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: White Lightning - Jaguar shows 510 bhp XKRs [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: White Lightning - Jaguar shows 510 bhp XKRs [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Stealth 1,000 HP Nissan Patrol

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, SUV, Etc., Videos, Nissan

Click above for image gallery and follow the jump for the video

We just told you about Nissan's next-gen Patrol SUV and the fact that it might be coming to North America. While rumors have the engine options including a first-ever V8 for the model, the big news is the diesel engine co-developed with Renault that's slated to put out 405 ft-lbs. of torque. While that sounds enticing, apparently that won't be good enough for a certain impatient Dubai businessman. He went to tuner HKS and had them turn up the wick a bit on a current-generation Patrol while he's waiting for the new one.

The result is more than 1,000 PS, or roughly 1,000 HP. And the best part is that the exterior remains mostly stock looking, though the giant hood scoop is admittedly a tipoff. We'd suggest tracking down some Pirelli Scorpions at least, though they're not likely to be as useful for track duty. Sure, a Bugatti Veyron might be more stylish and yes, it has about the same horsepower. Heck, it even has all-wheel drive, but it doesn't have nearly the ground clearance or the cargo room as this Patrol, so the decision was obvious. Apparently, this stealth bomber SUV was just featured in an issue of Option Magazine in Japan. If anyone has more details, please share. Until then, check out the gallery and the video after the jump.

Gallery: HKS Nissan Patrol

[Source: The Real JDM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Stealth 1,000 HP Nissan Patrol

VIDEO: Stealth 1,000 HP Nissan Patrol originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 goes autocrossing

Chris Shunk — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above to view video after the jump

The Corvette ZR1 is the fastest, most ridiculously cool production Corvette ever produced. After taking the ZR1 for several hot laps of the Lutzring in Milford, we'd go as far as to say it's one of the fastest vehicles we've ever driven. Journalists aren't the only ones who have driven the ZR1 either, as a select few General Motors employees get to drive the 638-hp supercar as their daily driver. One GM worker by the name of Karen took the ZR1 to an autocross event in Ohio and put the supercharged LS9 Corvette through the cone gauntlet. Hit the jump to see and hear the ZR1 zip through the course. Unfortunately, the camera operator didn't zoom in on the Vette or follow it very well, but it's worth your :58 to watch if only to listen to the ZR1 come off the line. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: VetteTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 goes autocrossing

VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 goes autocrossing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jaguar XFR to debut in Detroit

Chris Shunk — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Tata, Rumormill

The Jaguar XF has been a shot of adrenaline for the perpetually struggling leaping cat, as sexy lines and ample performance are adding new customers to the brand. We love the balance of the naturally aspirated V8 and the ample bite of its supercharged sibling, but we'll always be agreeable with the prospect of more power. Spy photos have shown us that an even more vicious feline is on the horizon with a blown 5.0L V8 that cranks out north of 500 ponies.

The folks over at Auto Telegraaf are reporting that the XFR will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next January, which would give Jaguar a big introduction at North America's biggest auto show. We liked what we saw when the XFR made its cloaked debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (that graphic on the side should so be an option), and we're looking forward to seeing Tata's most powerful vehicle when it hits Detroit.

Gallery: Jaguar XF-R

[Source: Auto Telegraaf]

Jaguar XFR to debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

High gas prices mean more superchargers. We're okay with that

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Green, I.C.E., Technology

Click above for more shots of the GM LSA V8 and its Eaton supercharger

The ongoing debate between the supercharger camp and the turbo boys isn't likely to die along with large, fuel-thirsty performance engines. In fact, Eaton believes that the market for both power-boosters will continue to grow at an extremely fast pace along with the rising price of gas. Because manufacturers are looking to downsize their engines, power-adders like the supercharger are becoming increasingly necessary in order to deliver the kind of performance new car buyers have come to expect along with the low fuel consumption that is becoming increasingly necessary.

Unlike the high RPM power generally associated with heavily-boost turbocharged engines, superchargers produce added power at all engine speeds. The downside is that engine power is used to drive the compressor, which reduces the available power gains somewhat. In order to make up some of that lost power, Eaton is developing variable-speed superchargers, which will allow for good power from idle through redline with a reduced strain on the engine. For our part, we fully support the use of both turbochargers and superchargers on any and all new cars. Solely in the name of fuel economy, of course.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: GM LSA V-8

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

High gas prices mean more superchargers. We're okay with that originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: First Corvette ZR1 delivered to proud papa

Chris Shunk — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the Corvette ZR1 at Barrett-Jackson

The very first Corvette ZR1 has rolled off the assembly line at General Motors' assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and the proud owner of the 638-horsepower hellraiser was there in person to claim his prize. Chevy dealer and Corvette aficionado Dave Ressler won his supercharged Vette at the Barrett Jackson auction back in January for the astronomical sum of $1 million dollars, which equals about 10 times the ZR1's base price of $103,300. Ressler was allowed to sit behind the wheel of his rarified Vette as it completed its assembly run and exited the factory, and let his granddaughter, Ayden Lynn, ride along shotgun. The special ZR1 is set apart from other Blue Devlis with a unique VIN number and a LeMans Blue paint job that will appear on no other car.

After being performance tested, the ZR1 was put in a trailer and carted back to Montana where it will be put in a museum with Ressler's 45 other Vettes, including his #003 1953 Corvette. We know, that's no way to treat a thoroughbred like the ZR1, but at least Ressler's million bucks went to a good cause.

Check out a local news report of the occasion after the jump.

Gallery: Barrett-Jackson 2008: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 #1

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Continue reading VIDEO: First Corvette ZR1 delivered to proud papa

VIDEO: First Corvette ZR1 delivered to proud papa originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA Preview: Mopar supercharger for Dodge Challenger

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge Challenger SRT-8.

Mopar can't let Speedfactory have all the fun supercharging the Dodge Challenger SRT-8, so when the SEMA show rolls around this November, the in-house tuners of all things pentastar will unveil a blown Challenger of their own.

The Mopar-modified SRT-8 will be fitted with all the show-going kit you'd expect at the world's largest aftermarket expo, including a cold-air intake, high-flow cat-back exhaust and a variety of wheel designs and sizes. The details of the blower are still unknown, but with Speedfactory boosting the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 from 425 to 630 hp with its Stage 2 mods, we'd suspect similar figures from the Mopar kit.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

[Source: InsideLine]

SEMA Preview: Mopar supercharger for Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Auction Action: Reynolds' "Tobacco King" Rocket Axle Car on the block

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Auctions, Ford

Click on the image for more shots of the '64 Galaxy with Rocket Axle

We're pretty pumped-up about this auction for a 1964 Ford Galaxy from Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic, running from May 15-18 in Indianapolis, IN. Even if we didn't love the '64 Galaxy as an A/FX drag-car, which we do, the rare Latham axial flow supercharger induction system with quad Carter single-barrel carbs that feed the 425-horsepower 427 Ford big block race motor would seal the deal for us.

Still not impressed? Perhaps you didn't notice the FREAKIN' ROCKET ENGINE hanging off the rear axle! For those unaware, this adds historical significance to this particular Galaxy. The Turbonique Corporation from the roaring-'60s, when literally anything seemed possible, offered what it referred to as a "Turbo Drag Axle" that could add as much as 1,000 horsepower to a drag car using a snail-housing supercharger spinning at up to 92,000 RPM and force-fed N-Propyl Nitrate liquid rocket fuel. Yes you read that right... rocket fuel.

The Galaxy in this auction was built and owned by tobacco heir Zachary Reynolds of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco fame and is referred to as the "Tobacco King". The Turbo Drag Axle hanging off the rear end offers 850 additional horsepower in this application and the car has been souped up to handle the juice with chassis and suspension stiffening. While it's not likely to ever make another pass down the 1,320, with just 3,611 original miles and all of the period-correct modifications, this is one vehicle that deserves to be appreciated for years to come. Thanks for the tip, Trevor!

Gallery: 1964 Ford Galaxy with rocket-axle

[Source: Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction]

Auction Action: Reynolds' "Tobacco King" Rocket Axle Car on the block originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

No Hyundai logo on Genesis grille, supercharger may be coming in the future

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

It's official. After gauging public reaction, Hyundai has decided not to slap on the automaker's swoopy "H" logo onto the Genesis sedan's front grille.

Two versions of the sedan were on display in Detroit, one with the aforementioned badge prominently placed in the center of the fascia and the other, which has been around since the introduction of the Genesis Concept, sporting the krill-grille sans logo. We're evenly divided about which looks better, but the general consensus is that the debadged front end had more of an upscale air.

Speaking with Automotive News, Hyundai's vice president of product development, John Krafic, said that Hyundai is expecting about 20-percent of buyers to opt for the 4.6-liter V8. Interestingly, Krafic said that cylinder deactivation and direct injection could be added on future models and that a supercharger could find its way under the hood to boost performance. No word on when either of these features would be added to the Genesis after it goes on sale this summer.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis

No Hyundai logo on Genesis grille, supercharger may be coming in the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Twin turbos return to the next generation Audi S4?

Dan Roth — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi

There is awesomeness to the prefix "twin-turbo." It could be a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine (awesome in its own right) that you're talking about, but prepending any engine designation with the modifier "twin-turbo" can suck all of the air out of a room. Owners of lesser cars just nod in acknowledgment of their inferiority. Audi fans have lamented the evolution of the S4 from a twin-turbocharged V6 in the B5 version to V8 power for the two most recent iterations. Many feel that the V8 powerplant doesn't have the addictive frenetic nature of the old S4. For the next generation, Audi is returning the S4 to its roots as a more refined version of what you'll find in the Evo or the STi. The B8 S4 has reportedly been lapping the Nurburgring with a force-fed six-shooter underhood.

With the A5/S5 joining the lineup, the S4 doesn't have to worry as much about serving customers who'd rather have a GT than something more serious. Thus, an artificially-aspirated V6 displacing three liters and employing VW/Audi Group's FSI direct-injection technology and Audi's Valvelift actuation system can be parked in the S4 without fears that the hardcore nature of such a powerplant would be off-putting. Whether the external compressors are turbos or a supercharger is the subject of rumor. Also open to speculation is the horsepower output, but it'd be safe to bet that something slightly higher than the 300 HP packed into the BMW 335 can be expected. Also expect the S4 to employ Audi's Sport Differential to offer tweakable chassis attitude, as well as the obligatory styling tweaks and sumptuous cabin, too. Click the Read link below to view a couple renderings of what the next S4 might look like courtesy of Fourtitude.

[Source: Fourtitude, Rendering: Fourtitude]

Twin turbos return to the next generation Audi S4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2007 Spotlight: Cosworth, you had us at low compression VQ35DE

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show

Click the image above for more engine pr0n from Cosworth.

If you had the good fortune of being at the Cosworth booth in Vegas two years ago, all you'd see is a few Formula One engines and a number of talkative engineers. Oh, how 24 months and a development center in Torrence, CA can change things.

Gallery: Cosworth at SEMA

Continue reading SEMA 2007 Spotlight: Cosworth, you had us at low compression VQ35DE

SEMA 2007 Spotlight: Cosworth, you had us at low compression VQ35DE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Diesel tunage: Abt AS6 Avant

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Hybrid, Wagon, Audi

Click the image above for a duo of high-res shots of Abt's AS6 Avant.

When we envision the most quintessential European conveyance we normally imagine something diesel-powered with a hatch. The Audi A6 Avant springs to mind immediately, but with only 233 HP and 332 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, it could hardly be defined as sporty. Enter Abt.

The German tuner has done something remarkable to Audi's mid-sized people mover, modifying the turbo on the three-liter TDI and reprogramming the stock ECU to create 300 HP and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. That's 100 HP per liter... from a diesel.

While performance remains relatively unremarkable, with a run to 60 taking a somewhat leisurely 6.9 seconds, we can only imagine the wave of torque that lucky owners will get to experience on the way to taking their collie to the dog park.

Included in Abt Sportline's package is a new front spoiler, rear diffuser and side skirts, along with upgrade brakes, an adjustable suspension and Abt's customer AR20 alloy wheels.

It's a sweet piece of kit that we're hoping we'll have access to soon, as Audi plans on bringing more diesel-powered vehicles Stateside in the next few years.

Abt's full press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt AS6 Avant

Continue reading Diesel tunage: Abt AS6 Avant

Diesel tunage: Abt AS6 Avant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota TRD Aurion sales suspended Down Under

Chris Shunk — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Toyota

Toyota just released its performance TRD Aurion, but sales have ceased while the Japanese automaker investigates a potential engine failure issue. According to Toyota, the problem with the 323 HP V6 engine is unrelated to its supercharger or high output, and that the issue is likely a one-off. Toyota has 150 demo vehicles at its dealerships, and the automaker plans on inspecting each of those vehicles over a week's time to verify that a larger issue isn't at play.

Caution is always key when customer service and safety are at risk, so Toyota is doing the right thing by thoroughly investigating the issue before continuing sales. Assuming the engine problem is no big deal, we do hope that Toyota takes this sales break to consider selling a Camry version of the TRD Aurion here in the States, as the boring midsize sedan is anything but down under.

[Source: Drive]

Gallery: 2007 TRD Aurion 3500S (AU)

Toyota TRD Aurion sales suspended Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Australia: TRD Aurion engine exceeds performance targets

Alex Nunez — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Toyota

Click for gallery of the TRD Aurion

It's no secret that in Australia, the cars seem to, well, rock. You've got the Holden Commodores, the Ford Falcons, the rodded-up stuff from HSV and FPV, a dizzying selection of Utes, and a fair amount of imported goodies from Europe and Japan. While we make do with the utterly blandtacular Toyota Camry, our Aussie friends get not only the Camry, but the locally-built Aurion. We reviewed an Aurion Sportivo SX6 back in April, and determined it to be a "great Camry" with demonstrably better looks at the end of the day. Something better's on the way, however.

TRD unveiled its forthcoming version of the car at the Melbourne show back in March, and this week announced that the performance of the engine it's developed for the TRD Aurion has exceeded the targets set for it. The 3.5L V6 gets force-fed via Eaton's new twin-vortices supercharger, which makes its production vehicle debut in this application. TRD's Australian arm hasn't released hard numbers yet, but indicates that the engine's planned output of 235 kW / 320 HP is among the specs that have been exceeded. Acceleration times are also likely to be better than expected, and it's all wrapped in the sweet-looking package shown above. Naturally, we'll never see it here. Sigh...

[Source: Toyota Australia]

Gallery: TRD Aurion

Continue reading Australia: TRD Aurion engine exceeds performance targets

Australia: TRD Aurion engine exceeds performance targets originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

White Fang: Novitec's 656-hp F430 Evoluzione

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

Nobody defines the terms "wretched excess" and "gilding the lily" quite like Novitec. Whereas countless other aftermarket tuners make their mark by transforming ordinary road cars into fire-breathing monsters, Novitec starts with the already-hottest-performing cars to grace black asphalt and then endeavors to improve upon them. In this case, the German tuning house is improving upon its own improvements with the Novitec Rosso Ferrari F430 Bi-Compressor Evoluzione.

"Evoluzione" is the magic word in both the Ferrari and Novitec houses, denoting the ludicrous taken to the extreme. (Think of insane examples like the Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione and you're on the right track.) In this case, the latest release from Novitec Rosso starts with their previous twin-supercharged 636-horsepower F430 and raises the stakes by an additional 20 horses, bringing total output up to an Enzo-rivaling 656hp.

In addition to the power spike - resulting from the twin Rotrex superchargers, intercoolers and remapped ECU - Novitec arms its monstrous creation with a full aerodynamic package, wheel and tire upgrade, bigger brakes, beefed-up suspension and the works. If you're the kind of customer who'd be interested in improving upon a Ferrari in the first place, chances are you'd likely be up for re-doing the interior, and Novitec offers a full range of custom leather retrofits that will turn the rare into the positively unique.

Want more? We've got the technical specs after the jump, and a batch of images in the gallery below.

[Source: Novitec via Carscoop]

Gallery: Novitec F430 Evo

Continue reading White Fang: Novitec's 656-hp F430 Evoluzione

White Fang: Novitec's 656-hp F430 Evoluzione originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Screw You, Top Gear! - Kenne Bell pumps up the GT500

Dan Roth — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Ford

click the image above for the gallery

Here's Top Gear's cure for their idiot dyno test that proved nothing. As much as we love Top Gear, their derision of the GT500 for producing a "mere" 447 horespower on a chassis dyno is pure BS. A 10-percent loss through the drivetrain is stellar, yet the spin from our snarky British friends was that it was somehow subpar. Kenne Bell has the antidote, and it's available in several stages of tune, from streetable to antisocial.

Since the GT500 is factory-equipped with a supercharger, the engine internals have been beefed up for boost, and a water to air intercooler is in place. The Kenne Bell system replaces the stock Eaton blower with its trademark Twin Screw system. The throttle body is also upsized to 75 millimeters versus the stock 60, but the rest of the intake tract remains stock. Rounding out the Stage 1 tuning is an ECU flash, and the end result is 606 horsepower at the rear wheels. Take that, Hamster and Clarkson! Changing out a few other intake components and fiddling with the drive pulley's diameter will net you Stage 2 or 3 tuning, delivering up to 692 horsepower on the rollers. Maybe this kit will serve to quiet some of the carping from the Top Gear pundits, but we think they just don't understand muscle cars. It's a different flavor of performance, that's for sure, and the Kenne Bell upgrades add even more spice.

Thanks for the tip, Drew

[Source: Mustang Life]

Gallery: Kenne Bell Shelby GT500

Screw You, Top Gear! - Kenne Bell pumps up the GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jag's stillborn supercharged savior

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Jaguar

Autoweek wrote up a compelling exposé on an internal movement at Jaguar that might have boosted profits and added some sporting credentials to the troubled marque.

The entire report is well worth the read, but the quick-and-dirty version involved slapping superchargers onto every model in the Jag lineup and pushing these high performance models as the new face of Jaguar. The rationale for this plan was simple: Jaguar's R-badged offerings made more money per unit, for both the automaker and the dealers, than any of their other models and if they could make Jag the "supercharged" brand, there might have been a light at the end of the financially troubled tunnel.

During the exploratory phase, Jag's engineers worked up a few supercharged X-type prototypes while the marketing crew was hard at work trying to gear advertising towards their new mission statement.

In the end, the X-types were either crushed or thrown into storage, numbers didn't crunch as intended, executives began getting squeamish -- especially at the prospect of the inevitable comparos between Jaguar and other high- performance luxury brands (ahem, BMW), and eventually, the entire plan was shelved. Considering that the goal was to make Jaguar a niche player, selling a small amount of unique vehicles at a profit, it's disappointing to see that the brand is now just selling a small amount of vehicles.

[Source: Autoweek]

Jag's stillborn supercharged savior originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments