Slim Hid Kits
NiWalker USA * MSRP: Website
Info: www.niwalkerusa.com
Think the piercing, icey-white HID headlights found on many expensive Euros is only reserved for the elite? Think again! NiWalker introduces its new line of affordable HID kits that range in intensity from 3000-12,000K and come with everything for a plug 'n play affair. Another neat feature of the NiWalker kits is their ultra-thin ballasts that make mounting super-easy as the credit card-like ballasts will sneak into just about any location. To brighten your nights check out NiWalkers new bright ideas.
BMW M3 Pricing
The long-awaited BMW E92 M3 finally goes on sale this month. The fourth generation M comes to the US with a 4.0 liter V8 capable of 414hp. The weight distribution is also ideal for the driving enthusiast as it preserves a 50/50 ratio. Wary that its excellent sibling, the twin-turbo 335i, might overshadow the new M3, pricing was surprisingly released under $60000. The Coupe will be sold at a base price of $57275, while the Sedan is a little cheaper at $54575. With such an impressive automobile at a decent price point, we suspect plenty of E92 M3s on the road and in future pages of et.
2.0T Upgrades
O.CT Tuning * MSRP: Website
Info: www.stratmosphere.com
Austrian tuner O.CT Tuning announces its Mk5 Golf GTI 2.0T project car. It features its stage three software upgrade, sports exhaust and race cat resulting in 270hp. Additional power upgrades include a carbon intake, modified fuel injection system and front-mount intercooler. O.CT also designed its own coilovers, 19" wheels, 14.6" big brake kit with eight-piston calipers and short shift kit for the Mk5 2.0T. If you're interested in their products, contact the US distributor Statmosphere for more information.
MK4 Transmission Mounts
034Motorsport * MSRP: $300
Info: www.034motorsport.com
Excessive drivetrain movement can result in muted throttle response and constrained shifting, among many other pitfalls. To curb the movement 034Motorsport introduces two new transmission mounts for VW Mk4 five-speed 1.8T applications that will eliminate drawbacks from the stock mounts. The street mounts are 25% stiffer than stock and the track ones are 90% stiffer resulting in zero drivetrain movement. The drawback with the track mounts is slightly more vibration from the engine, but still manageable for the performance enthusiast. Stay tuned to et in the future as we test a set on Project Silverstone.
Audi TTS
We already know the new Audi TT looks sharper than the first generation. But TT fanatics will be even more excited about this new Audi TTS concept, which has a serious performance focus. Revisions to the 2.0T motor have boosted power to 272hp. A six-speed manual transmission also allows the factory TTS to reach 62mph in 5.2sec. While an S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission will also be an option, resulting in even quicker acceleration times. Other upgrades include a new bi-xenon headlight design with LED daytime running lights, larger air intakes in the front apron, deeper side skirts and exclusive 18" wheels. A revised rear bumper also is new with four tailpipes exiting the rear diffuser.
Spark Plugs
Pulstar Spark Plugs * MSRP: Website
Info: www.pulstarplug.com
Fuel, spark and compression make your car go; and in case you didn't know, a better spark makes for a lot more go! Pulstar's new fire-makers take spark plugs to a new level with the addition of an internal capacitor that's said to make the spark 20,000 times more powerful than a typical plug. Not only is the intense spark said to increase power and fuel mileage, but it's claimed to outlast a typical plug as well.
Hybrid Navigation
Pioneer * MSRP: Website
Info: www.pioneerelectronics.com
Meet the new gateway to any car's audio; the Pioneer AVIC-F500BT combines an in-dash nav unit and media center into a portable package. By hooking into your car's factory system, the Pioneer unit becomes a nav unit as well as your jukebox. Features include voice commands, iPod, Bluetooth and SD memory card compatibly as well as upgradeable navigation info. It's like having your own personal guide and band at your fingertips.