SEMA 2009 – Viper SmartStart iPhone App for remote start

SEMA 2009 – Interview with Tire Rack’s VP, Matt Edmonds

SEMA 2009 – Seibon’s Carbon Fiber Lotus Elise

SEMA 2009 – Ford Focus RS

Autotech 1.8t Intake Camshaft – Power Bump Stick

Volkswagen’s 1.8-liter turbo represented a huge step for tuners and enthusiasts alike. The G60 before it had given enthusiasts a taste of the potential of forced induction. The US market only saw it in the Corrado, while the rest of the world could enjoy Golfs and even Passats powered by the little blown four. Sadly the G-Ladder supercharger proved to be unreliable and VW had moved to the larger VR6 at its performance alternative for the MK3.

With the release of the MK4, car companies started to see the fuel economy writing on the wall. Small displacement forced induction engines would have to replace the bigger displacement, thirstier engines. Not only did the 1.8t deliver better economy, but enthusiasts found levels of tuning that just weren’t possible in naturally aspirated engines.

Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 star spec – Big Grip, Small Price

While most people don’t give them a second thought, tires may be one of the fastest evolving technologies on modern cars. Horsepower keeps rising, brakes keep getting bigger and suspension systems get more advanced, but all of that would be worthless without better tires. Tires from fifteen or even ten years ago don’t hold a candle to today’s best grippers. A modern high performance street tire, will outlast, outgrip and obviously be far more comfortable than anything offered in the past.

Dunlop’s new entry into the high performance segment is the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec. It’s quite a mouthful, but if you just say Zed1, most tire guys will know what you mean.