APS of Brackley, UK importer for the Swiss Sportec range of exclusive vehicle enhancements, is delighted to announce a new performance upgrade for the 2009 onward models of the Audi S5 quattro coupé and cabriolet using the 3.0-litre supercharged, V6, TFSI powerplant.

Labelled the ‘Stage One’ upgrade, Sportec’s S5 performance enhancement package consists of a free flowing air filter element and a carefully developed ECU remap. In combination this has a dramatic effect on the power characteristics of the supercharged 2995cc Audi engine, with peak power increasing from 328 bhp at 6000 rpm to 425 bhp at 6640 rpm, a significant gain of 97 bhp.

Similarly, Sportec’s Stage One upgrade delivers a prodigious increase in torque output on the Audi S5, producing a maximum of 520 Nm (379 lb.ft) at 4250 rpm, compared to peak figure of 440 Nm (325 lb.ft) from the factory.

Careful development by Sportec’s technicians ensures that over 80% of the maximum torque output is available from 2750 to 6250 rpm, which both perfectly suits the characteristics of the car’s 7-speed S-Tronic transmission and highlights the user-friendliness of the conversion.

The additional power and torque output realised by the Sportec Stage One upgraded Audi S5 considerably enhances the in-gear and fast cruising performance of the car, in keeping with its luxury GT credentials. However, when exercised to the full, it reduces the 0-62 mph (100 kmh) by 0.5 seconds to 4.6 seconds, while top speed is limited at 155 mph for safety reasons.

Suitable for coupéand cabriolet models of the 3.0-litre TFSI supercharged Audi S5, the Sportec Stage One upgrade is available now from APS Sportec priced at £1950.00 fitted including VAT.

Source: APS Sportec

A BMW M5-based G-Power Hurricane RR has just set the world speed record for the fastest saloon car, at 232.5mph (372.1km/h), fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.

Built by German tuning specialist G-Power, the Hurricane RR is powered by a twin supercharged V10 engine which produces 800bhp and was fitted with 19 inch Pilot Sports for the record-breaking run, in place of the standard 20 inch fitments.

A weight of two tonnes and a top speed of 232.5mph naturally places extreme demands on the tyres and as a technology partner to G-Power, Michelin provided high-performance Pilot Sport tyres in the dimensions: 255/35 ZR 19 at the front axle and 305/30 ZR 19 at the rear axle for this reason. For everyday use the G-Power Hurricane RR runs on 20-inch rims with 245/35 ZR 20 and 285/30 ZR 20 Michelins front and rear.

The G-Power Hurricane RR not only set new performance standards for top speed. With acceleration times of just 4.35 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, 9.5 seconds up to 200 km/h and 25.8 seconds up to 300 km/h the car is also leading the class in this area too.

Source: Michelin

Gentex Corporation, the automotive industry’s leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and camera-based active-safety systems, has announced that its SmartBeam high-beam assist system is now being offered on nine Volkswagen vehicle models. This is the first time that SmartBeam has been offered on Volkswagen models.

Specifically, the Gentex SmartBeam feature is now available as an option in Europe on the VW Eos, Golf, Jetta, Jetta Sportswagen, Passat, Passat CC, Scirocco, Touran and Sharan.

SmartBeam uses a miniature camera-on-a-chip combined with algorithmic decision-making to automatically operate a vehicle’s high beams in order to optimise their usage according to surrounding traffic conditions. The system maximises forward lighting while eliminating the repetitive task of turning the high beams on and off manually.

SmartBeam is integrated into a Gentex auto-dimming mirror, which automatically darkens to eliminate glare from the headlamps of vehicles approaching from the rear.

“Gentex’s SmartBeam system was the first of its kind, and it continues to gain popularity around the world,” said Gentex senior vice president Enoch Jen. “This rollout across the VW Group shows how the feature is helping to improve forward lighting and driver safety on vehicles in every market segment, including compact cars, SUVs and minivans.”

Gentex’s SmartBeam was designed to optimise high-beam usage on any type of vehicle. In the case of the VW Group, SmartBeam is controlling the auto high-beam function on a range of vehicles, from the VW Golf compact car to the spacious, multi-purpose Sharan.

“SmartBeam’s success is the basis for a whole new category of adaptive lighting technologies that are currently being developed,” continued Jen. “The product’s debut marked the first time a camera system was successfully used to optimise forward lighting, and now it’s rapidly becoming a ‘must-have’ feature across all vehicle segments.”

The next generation of SmartBeam products will not only automate high- and low-beam switching, but also will produce continuously variable low-beam patterns, and control “constant ON” high beam systems that require “next-generation” headlamp hardware currently being developed by various headlamp manufacturers. For these future systems, SmartBeam generates “block-out” or “glare-free” zones around oncoming and preceding traffic, allowing light to be cast around surrounding traffic for maximum forward lighting.

“Gentex develops and manufactures its own custom-engineered, automotive-grade imagers designed specifically for forward lighting optimisation,” continued Jen. “This allows us to offer our automotive customers a fully integrated, scalable, highly functional, and competitively priced system that drives value.”

The value of improved forward lighting is well documented. Studies in the U.S. and Europe suggest that drivers significantly underutilise their high beams. Whether it’s out of fear of blinding other drivers, annoyance at constantly turning them on and off, or just plain forgetfulness, studies show that drivers often don’t use their high beams even when conditions would justify their use. SmartBeam optimises forward visibility by automating high-beam usage, which allows drivers to better identify and react to potential hazards in the road ahead.

Gentex has shipped more than 1.5 million SmartBeam units since the feature debuted in the U.S. in the 2005 model year. Last year alone, the company shipped approximately 437,000 SmartBeam units compared with approximately 295,000 units in 2008. Gentex expects SmartBeam unit shipments to increase by approximately 30-40 percent in calendar year 2010 compared with 2009.

Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select Market: GNTX) is an international company that provides high-quality products to the worldwide automotive industry and North American fire protection market. Based in Zeeland, Michigan, the company develops, manufactures and markets interior and exterior automatic-dimming automotive rearview mirrors that utilise proprietary electrochromic technology to dim in proportion to the amount of headlamp glare from trailing vehicle headlamps. More than half of the company’s interior mirrors are sold with advanced electronic features, and more than 97 per cent of the company’s revenues are derived from the sale of auto-dimming mirrors to nearly every major automaker in the world.

* ECU remap boosts performance by 65 bhp / 93 Nm
* Peak performance figures increase to 401 bhp / 551 Nm
* Over 500 Nm of torque available from 2500 – 5700 rpm
* Available now on Superchip’s Bluefin ‘plug and go’ platform

Buckingham, United Kingdom, 28th June 2010

Boasting a five cylinder, 2.5-litre turbocharged direct injection TFSI engine and trademark Quattro four wheel drive system, the 335 bhp Audi TT RS is the most powerful TT yet.

Yet thanks to the efforts of Superchips, TT RS owners seeking additional pace can now benefit from the latest ECU remap from the Buckingham based performance electronic experts.

Thorough examination of the TT RS’s Bosch ME9 ECU by Superchips’ technicians revealed scope for performance improvements, realised through a combination of fine tuning ignition, fuelling and turbo boost settings on the Audi’s 2.5-litre TFSI powerplant.

The results, even for a company with Superchips’ track record, are extremely impressive, because the TT RS Superchips remap increases peak power from a tested standard output of 338 bhp to a stunning 401 bhp, with a maximum power gain of 63 bhp at 5989 rpm.

All Superchips’ ECU remaps place a strong emphasis on driveability and user friendliness and the new TT RS release is no exception, with torque jumping from a measured 466Nm to a mighty 551 Nm. More impressively the Superchips ECU remap ensures that the TT RS delivers over 500 Nm of torque between 2500-5700 rpm, ensuring searing, effortless, supercar style progress.

While not yet proven in independent testing, the Superchips remapped Audi TT RS is expected to better the standard car’s 4.6 second 0-60 mph sprint time, with considerable improvements to the car’s in-gear acceleration, driveability and throttle response. For safety reasons the 155 mph speed limiter is left untouched.

Audi TT RS owners can also be reassured that the Superchips ECU remap delivers a minimal fuel consumption penalty. Indeed if driven in a ‘like for like’ manner with the standard car, owners will experience no fuel consumption penalty, despite the extra performance.

And it’s never been easier for Audi TT RS owners to enjoy the extra performance and excitement of a Superchips ECU remap, thanks to the firm’s market leading bluefin ‘plug and go’ handset.

No technical skills are required as Superchips’ customers plug the bluefin handset into the Audi TT RS’s OBDII diagnostic port and then follow the simple on screen instructions, a process which takes a matter of minutes.

As part of this process, the original factory Audi TT RS ECU map settings are stored within the bluefin handset for future use, which means converting the car back to standard is a swift and simple ‘plug and go’ DIY task.

Alternatively, customers can visit one of approximately 100 Superchips’ dealerships in the UK who will undertake the remap procedure.

With both available installation options, customers can be assured the Superchips conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.

Suitable for all Audi TT RS Coupe and Roadster models produced from 2009 onwards, the Superchips ECU remap is available now directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £445.00 including VAT @ 17.5%.

Superchips – don’t compromise, optimise.

Source: Superchips

AP Racing, the leading manufacturer of performance braking and clutch systems for road and race use, has introduced a new Formula Big Brake Kit for a selection of performance road cars, including Audi, BMW and Volkswagen.

Using design features and technology derived from AP Racing’s motorsport pursuits, the Formula Big Brake Kits are suitable for both everyday road use as well as weekend track days. Large discs and multi piston calipers considerably increase the stopping power, making the brakes more responsive which results in increased levels of confidence in late braking techniques when used on the track. Developed to resist fade after repeated high speed stops, the Formula Big Brake Kits are fully adapted for day-to-day motoring use with dust seals and a durable anti-corrosion finish.

Each of the front kits features AP Racing’s new heavy duty Strap Drive mounting technology. Using a series of stainless steel straps to locate the disc to the mounting bell, this alternative for the current floating systems readily available, produce a flexible coupling between the hub and the disc faces, allowing the disc to run true in the caliper under all conditions, also allow for unrestricted disc expansion and contraction.

All Formula Big Brake Kits also come complete with AP Racing Brake Pads, developed and tailored to suit AP Racing Calipers. The APF404 compound is an excellent High Performance Road and Track pad, offering consistent performance over time, good feel with low wear, low noise, low dust and low fade characteristics.

Audi S3
The latest offering from the AP Racing Formula Big Brake Kit range is made for 2006 and newer models of the Audi S3. The 6 Piston Front Kit (CP5575M1011) is designed to fit both 18” aftermarket wheels as well as 18” OEM wheels that have been fitted with a 3mm spacer. The kit comes with either a red or black finish on the calipers (RH: CP5575-804S4 and LH: CP5575-805S4), strap drive mounting system (CP6895-03.MCG12) with grooved brake discs (CG12) and AP Racing Brake Pads (CP5070D54-APF404).

* 6 Piston Front Kit (Black: CP5575M1011BK.CG12 and Red: CP5575M1011R2.CG12)

BMW M6 E63 & E64
The 6 Piston Strap Drive Disc Front Kit (CP5555T1045) and 4 Piston Rear Kit (CP6635-1000) are now available for 2005 and later models of the BMW M6 E63 and E64 models. The 6 Piston Front Kit feature the strap drive brake system with Ø378x36mm/72 vane grooved brake discs. The kit comes with AP Racing Brake Pads (CP3894D54-APF404) and is available with a red or black finish on the brake calipers (RH: CP5555-830S4 and LH: CP5555-831S4). The 4 Piston Rear Kit features AP Racing brake calipers (RH: CP6635-2S0 and LH: CP6635-3S0) finished in either black or red, Ø366x26mm/48 Vane grooved brake discs and as well as AP Racing Brake pads (CP6600D55-APF404) and has been designed to fit the standard BMW wheel.

* 6 Piston Front Kit (Black: CP5555T1045.T2 and Red: CP5555T1045R2.T2)
* 4 Piston Rear Kit (Black: CP6635-1000.T2 and Red: CP6636-1000R2.T2)

Volkswagen Golf Mk5 R32
A 6 Piston Front kit is now available for 2005 and newer models of the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 R32 (CP5575M1011). The kit features the AP Racing’s strap drive brake disc system (CP6895-03.CG12), AP Racing Brake Pads (CP5070D54-APF404), calipers in either a black or red finish (RH: CP5575-804S4 and LH: CP5575-805S4) and is made to fit 18” aftermarket wheels.

* 6 Piston Front Kit (Black: CP55751011BK.CG12 and Red: CP5575M1011R2.CG12)

As well as calipers, discs and brake pads, each of these high performance AP Racing brake kits includes bespoke mounting bracket and bolts, a braided hose kit, and Dot 5.1 brake fluid.

Source: AP Racing

Advanced mechanism-less Clarion audio head units boost efficiency

Demonstrating its commitment to developing technologies within in-vehicle infotainment, Clarion’s current range of ‘mechless’ (no-moving mechanical parts) audio head units fuse efficiency and ease-of-use with sought-after features, to deliver a state-of-the-art in-car audio experience.

The FZ709E and FZ409E units feature full dot OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) screens that are lighter, smaller and more energy efficient – 60-80% of the power consumption of conventional liquid crystal displays.

Much like the technology utilised in home entertainment, this type of screen emits its own light (no backlight), to create a display that is easier to read from wide angles and even in bright sunlight. Crucially, as it’s easier to read, it’s also easier to operate, which means the driver can keep their eyes on the road for longer, resulting in a safer in-car audio experience all round.

The FZ709E and FZ409E incorporate USB/MP3/WMA/AAC playback, whilst built-in Bluetooth hands free control and audio streaming (HPF & A2DP) – including direct phone list access via the head unit controls – is added as standard to the FZ709E, with the FZ409E supporting the optional addition of a Bluetooth interface (BLT373).

Direct iPod control (no additional leads needed) is offered via a USB slot on the rear of the head unit, and iPod video also supported (optional CCA723 cable and universal monitor required) with the optional addition of stand-alone screens.

Each model also features built-in high pass and low pass filters and a 4 x 50 watt internal amplifier, whilst BBE MP (Minimised Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation) restores the subtleties of sound traditionally lost during digital compression of MP3 and WMA audio files.

Both FZ models utilise a sophisticated GUI (Graphical User Interface), using capacitive sensor technology to remove the need for physical buttons, and deliver a more intuitive operating experience as a result.

Clarion boasts two additional mechless units in its extensive audio range, with the FB288RBT (White) and FB289RBT (Black), also benefiting from built-in Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP & AVRCP) and Bluetooth Hands free calling technology (HFP & HSP), whilst MP3 (including ID3-TAG display) playback is made possible thanks to an SD card slot behind the flip-down control panel.

The bold, futuristic looks of both models are created through a 728 variable colour display, whilst indirect lighting on to the unit makes each of the four, acrylic arched buttons either side of the central rotary volume control, appear to float like fins…creating a ‘Metal Shark’ design.

Source: Clarion

Distinctive lightweight forged aluminium wheels reduce unsprung weight to enhance steering, braking and suspension behaviour

Cleveland, OH (March 16, 2010) – Alcoa Auto Wheels is providing advanced lightweight wheels for the V12 Vantage – billed by Aston Martin as its most exhilarating sports car.

“The forging technology behind these wheels enables significant weight savings directly benefiting handling performance, ride quality, acceleration and braking,” explains David Yates, marketing manager for Alcoa Europe. “Our forging process results in a superior metal structure that also improves strength and durability, allowing finer wheel detailing and lighter weight.”

The exclusive diamond-turned, ten-spoke design is one of the key visual features chosen by Aston Martin to differentiate the V12 Vantage. Wider than the V8 Vantage wheels, at 19”x9” front and 19”x11” rear, they accommodate wider tyres which enable higher cornering forces than any previous Aston Martin – up to 1.3g. Lowering the unsprung mass at each corner results in more responsive steering, braking and suspension behaviour while improving straight line acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Alcoa has been at the forefront of developing, producing and supplying forged aluminium wheels to the global automotive industry for over 60 years, with the V12 Vantage being one of their latest applications. Alcoa also supplies Aston Martin with other high technology aluminium components.

Source: Market Engineering

London, 18th December 2009

Bentley is proud to announce the launch of ‘one-of-a-kind’ zai for Bentley Supersport skis, handmade in Switzerland with collaboration from the Styling Studio in Crewe, the home of Bentley Motors.

The handmade skis, poles and ski bag have been designed exclusively for Bentley, with design input from Bentley’s own team. Most excitingly, unique and patented technology confirms the product range is truly ‘one-of-a-kind’. New materials deployed in the skis will be a world first.

The skis will be a limited edition of 250 numbered pairs. Zaiìra® is a novel composite material containing carbon fibres specially developed by zai in co-operation with a partner. Zaiìra® is used on the skis’ top layer in combination with natural rubber in the central part as well as carbon fabric in composition with chrome steel in the torsion part. Additionally, long carbon fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites (LFRTP) are being used in the zai for Bentley Supersport skis.

The ski poles also demonstrate a new technology, ExoGrid®, used solely for the first time in the Bentley skis. A unique combination of the materials titan and carbon fabric reduces weight and guarantees high stability, and is currently used for golf shafts. The ski bag is also custom-designed and custom-manufactured by zai.

Zai was formed in 2004, based in the Swiss village of Disentis. The high-end manufacturer of ski products, helmets and goggles, with a focus on hand built craftsmanship and the use of unique materials and patented technology.

Zai launched the world’s first and only skis containing a stone core, “zai Spada”, followed by ‘Hublot All Black by zai’ skis featuring a natural rubber top layer.

In 2008-9, the company sold 900 pairs of skis (’09 season) and this year is expecting to sell 1,000 pairs. About 20 per cent of all sales are direct from the factory with a focus on offering a factory tour, after sales service and insight into the production process.

The zai for Bentley ski range will be a limited quantity only, numbered 1/250.

The skis will be priced as follows:
6,800 EUR
9,800 CHF
9,800 USD
5,900 GBP

Source: Bentley

Growth in the number of portable electronic items such as laptops, Blackberrys, mobile phones and PSPs has changed the way we work and play. More of us now work away from the office, using our cars as a mobile office.

The most common problem encountered whilst travelling and using portable devices is that the more you use them the more they run out of power. Adaptors are available for keeping such gadgets fully charged. However, buying multiple special in-car adaptors for all your electrical equipment can be an expensive option.

The best solution to keeping gadgets powered while on the move is an inverter. An inverter provides 240v AC main power from a 12v DC supply. Simply plug an inverter into your cigarette lighter socket and you have 240V AC mains electricity supply for charging all your gadgets in-car.

New from Ring Automotive comes the MP:120 compact inverter.
Ring Automotive has combined its award winning inverter technology in an ultra slim design that provides 120w power output.

The compact design along with a coiled DC cable allows the inverter to be positioned in a variety of places that are convenient, safe and discreet.

To securely fix in position the MP:120 is supplied with optional hook and eye tape.

The MP:120 also comes with a USB charging point to recharge mobile phones and MP3 players while at the same time as using the 240v AC mains power.

Another clever design feature is a spring tension switch on the DC plug to ensure a secure connection for different sized cigarette lighter sockets.

The unit is manufactured from scratchproof, shock-resistant ABS to match quality car interiors.

For safety the inverter incorporates overload circuit protection to protect the vehicle, the powered appliance and of course the consumer.

Commercial Manager Simon Harvey says “The MP:120 takes inverter technology to another level. Combining a sleek compact design, flexibility of positioning and a powerful output makes the MP:120 an ideal match for the top-range gadgets being charged.”

MP:120 Part Number RINV120 has a Suggested Retail Price of £34.99. For Stockist information please visit our web site.

Source: Ring Automotive

A flawless 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 has been selected as the ‘Best in Show’ by a panel of independent judges at the 2009 Meguiar’s Club Showcase. The event brings together the crème de la crème of vehicles from 16 major marquee specific events that the company supports throughout the year and was once again a major feature at this year’s Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Finished in Ferrari’s iconic yellow, Giallo Modena, with a Nero leather interior, the 1967 275 GTB/4 owned by David Moores had previously won the HR Owen Trophy for Car of the Day at the 2009 Ferrari Concours earlier in the year. It featured in the Showcase with fifteen other sensational vehicles, each having already been awarded top honours at one of the marque specific shows through the year. Once again the judges were faced with a tough decision due to the exceptional quality of the vehicles taking part in the showcase, with ultimately only 6 points separating first and second place.

Steve King, Meguiar’s UK Managing Director commented: “The Classic Motor Show is our biggest event in the UK and is the perfect place to exhibit the Meguiar’s Club Showcase. This year’s event was a real spectacle and it was great to see so many people over the weekend enjoying everything that the classic car scene has to offer. The Meguiar’s Showcase features a fantastic and diverse selection of vehicles, and we are proud to continue working closely with the show organisers and our many friends from various car clubs across the UK.”

Meguiar’s is also pleased to announce that it will be extending the official partnership agreement with the Classic Motor Show for a further 3 years, up until 2012. The Meguiar’s Club Showcase will continue to be a main attraction when the Classic Motor Show returns to the NEC next year. For information on the Classic Motor Show, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.

Source: Automotive PR