Red Hot Silvia

The Nissan 200SX, or more popularly known as the Nissan Silvia, has gotten a bit of a surge in popularity over the past few years. The emergence of drifting, as well as the anime Initial D, has made the 200SX a legend. Here in the Philippines, 2nd hand units are commanding high prices despite the car being around 10 years old. Being a 2 door coupe and seeing as how Nissan Philippines only imported a limited number of units, making a Silvia stand out from the crowd should not be too difficult of a proposition.

The S14 Silvia you see here is the result of meticulous attention to detail. Starting life as a completely stock green unit, the car has transformed to a red hot coupe that is bound to turn heads. Since most units imported by Nissan were equipped with an Automatic Transmission, the first order of the day for this Silvia was a Manual Transmission conversion. With that taken care of, careful attention was paid to extracting the most power out of the already potent SR20DET. A Turbonetics T04E turbine is matched to a Greddy 24R Intercooler and Greddy E-manage to force feed the engine. A Sard fuel regulator and Sard 550cc high flow injectors take care of the fueling needs. Finally, a full 3-inch exhaust system with titanium Espelir muffler finishes off the engine work, yielding an astonishing 308 horsepower and 298 lb-ft of torque at the wheels.

Power is nothing without control, but in the case of the Silvia, people usually want to lose a bit of control by drifting. Tein Type HE Drift Spec Coilovers were installed on all four corners to better instigate oversteer. Tein, Nismo, and Greddy bars and braces add to the stiffness of the chassis. A Brembo brake system from a R34 Nissan Skyline GTR was installed at the front and coupled with Endless brake pads to ensure that if the going gets too tough, the brakes will always bite.

Arguably, the thing that sets this Silvia apart from most is the exterior. A full M Sports widebody kit including front and rear bumpers, front and rear oversized fenders contribute to the hulking stance of the car. M Sports carbon fiber front canards and diffuser adds to front downforce while a Sard carbon fiber GT Wing adds downforce to the rear. Finishing touches include M Sports carbon fiber hood and C-West GT style carbon fiber mirrors. A bright shade of red was painted over the car by the professionals from Alex Car Restoration. Finally, a set of rare and wide 18 x 9.5 Volk Racing CE28N wheels were mounted on the front while an even wider pair of 18 x 10.5 were mounted on the rear.

The interior is kept simple but all parts installed are of the highest quality. BRIDE ZETA II seats ensure that the driver and passenger are kept snuggly in place during wild oversteering maneuvers. A Nismo JTC Steering wheel and Nismo GT shift knob is utilized while Sard gauges ensure timely monitoring of engine vitals.

With a Silvia that looks and performs like this car, it’s no wonder that Nissan’s sports coupe is as popular as ever.

StreakZ of Yellow

When the Nissan 350Z was first introduced in 2002, it quickly became an instant hit. The combination of its striking good looks, adequate 3.5 liter V6 engine, and very competent chassis drew praises from the automotive world. With the demise of the inline six engines due to emissions, tuners also found a new market with the V6 engine of the 350Z.

This particular 350Z is a special 35th Anniversary Edition that Nissan built to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the debut of the Datsun 240Z. It has a slightly more powerful engine than normal Z’s, with other changes mostly with aesthetics.

The owner of this yellow example certainly wasted no time in upgrading an already potent car. On the engine side, a Blitz exhaust manifold is partnered with an Espelir JGT500 exhaust system to produce a sound that rumbles at idle, but screams up top. Additional modifications to the VQ35 engine include Skunk 2 high rise plenum spacer, HKS oil cooler, ARC Titanium Radiator Cooling Plate, as well as a custom titanium airbox built by the people at Autoplus Sportzentrium in Mandaluyong.

The 350Z already has very good handling as attested to by different publications. But to make this Z handle even better, a set of Tein Type Flex coilovers was added. Since the car already came with Brembo brakes, only a set of Project Mu brake pads were added to make stopping distances a little bit shorter.

With an already gorgeous car, some aesthetic modifications were added including Mine’s Carbon Fiber front lip, Mine’s carbon fiber air inlet, Nismo carbon fiber B pillar garnish, as well as a menacing Esprit carbon fiber rear wing.

With the Z’s already wide stock body and RWD platform, nothing less but the biggest and lightest wheels will do. In this regard, a set of staggered 19 inch Volk Racing TE37 wheels were used; they measure 8.5 inches up front and 9.5 at the back. These are paired with 265/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Front Tires and 285/30R19 Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Rear Tires.

On the street, the car rides like a dream. The suspension is firm but very compliant even in rough roads. It is on the track that this machine really stands out. Body roll is kept to a minimum while the torque of the engine ensures adequate power going out of corners, even in low rpms.

Drift Toy

Once regarded as an executive’s car, the Nissan Cefiro was a popular car in the early nineties when it was released. But now, the car is seen in a different light or in drift terms as a different approach angle. The once reserved and serious car is now being used as a project car for drifting because of its long wheelbase and rear wheel drive configuration.

Also in a different light is Atoy Llave of A-toy Bodykits who is more often known for his wild bodykit creations and extreme aesthetic modifications who is now into the performance scene as well. Being bitten by the drifting bug recently after he joined one of the drift clinics organized by the DMF Drift School, Llave has built his own drift car from a Nissan Cefiro.

However, a plain looking Cefiro would not be enough for him, so a custom widebody FRP aerodynamic bodykit and ground effects were added to the car to put the A-toy trademark on the car, while carbon-fiber aero mirrors and a carbon-fiber rear wing adds some contrast. Custom graphics made by Winner Graphics were also added to further enhance the car’s drift car appeal. The look is finished off with white ROTA P45Rs wrapped with Avon ZZ3 tires.

Under the hood is an RB25DET engine transplanted from a Nissan Skyline R32 GT-S. The intercooler from the R32 was also used and custom intake and exhaust pipes were done by Fremuff. Some additional parts are an HKS Super Mega Flow filter, Blitz blow-off valve and an Apex-i AFC Neo for instrumentation and minor fuel delivery tuning.

In the roadholding section, suspension is handled by a set of TEIN Type HA coilovers and a custom built rollcage. To further stiffen the chassis, it was also seam-welded by DMF. The brakes from the R32 were also transplanted to compensate for the engine’s extra power.

This is one mean car inside and out, and goes sideways. What more could you ask for?

Ondelios Flax Car

Ondelios Flax Renault Concept Car, revealed today as a new eco concept car partly made from flax.

The Ondelios is a 6-seater diesel hybrid that Renault says represents the "medium term future" of motoring. It'll be on show at next month's Paris Motor Show. Renault claims the flax bodywork is there for "for greater recyclability." Flax is certainly a renewable resource - unlike oil-based plastic - but I'm sceptical it has great potential for recycling in the car industry.

A more credible eco claim is the use of carbon fibre and polycarbonate in the car's bodywork, which should reduce its weight and fuel consumption (like, say, the Axon).

Renault reckons the car will manage 120g/km CO2, thanks to its aerodynamic design, light body, low resistance tyres and stop-start technology that saves fuel when you stop at lights. 120g would be pretty impressive for a car this size.

The hybrid tech inside is of the 'mild' variety, meaning it'll assist your diesel driving for fuel efficiency. You can't, however, run on 100 per cent electric alone. The lithium-ion battery recharges when you brake, and the car has electric motors front and back.

The Ondelios certainly looks nice for a concept car -- I'm a sucker for roof-hinge doors -- but the eco claims are a tad oversold. It's basically a luxury concept with decent fuel economy and okay performance of 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds.

My favourite 'eco' element is the promise of a Samsung multimedia gaming gadget for every passenger. Maybe Renault didn't notice, but people already one iPhones and PSPs. If a son of the Ondelios ever sees the light of day, let's hope the Samsung gadgets are an optional extra.

Mansory Linea Vincero Veyron: Extra Extreme

Just when you thought that the peak of performance has been reached by the hypercar known as the Bugatti Veyron, out comes this new breed of animal. British luxury tuners Mansory decided that the stock Veyron isn’t extreme enough so they wanted something more out of it. The Linea Vincero Veyron powers out of the block with 1109 crazy horses of power and 1310 Nm of torque. That’s much, much more than the unmodified 16.4 engine. The carbon fiber hood has been shortened and the front fascia redesigned with the striking “V” clearly showing. Daytime running lights notify everyone around the car that it isn’t to be messed with. Price is definitely in the stratosphere but we can still appreciate the car even if we’ll own it only in our dreams.

Toyota F1 Engine Cover: High-Tech Toy

Like it or not, Formula 1 will still be at the pinnacle of motorsports. The future may be bleak for the most watched sporting event in the world but that’s no reason not to have some F1 memorabilia. Toyota, being one of the few teams who supply both chassis and engine to a racing team, has loads of surplus parts they want the public to have. Several items are available on their online store, the biggest (and most expensive) of which is this engine cover with underfloor and rear wing. Made of carbon fiber, the entire rear half of the car can serve several purposes, it’s all up to you. Convert it to a high-tech gaming station or a simple decor, you be the pit boss.

Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio

Mansory, car tuner from Germany, has revealed its second appearance kit for the Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio with a two-tone, black and white, color scheme.




The Black and White Mansory Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio is equipped with lighter components such as the ultra-light forged wheels and lighter carbon fiber body parts to reduce the weight.


The front apron was designed to channel air to the intercoolers while the rear apron with an integrated diffuser provides additional downforce. The car is also equipped with new side skirts and rear wheel arch extensions.


Inside, the car receives leather and carbon fiber trim and new aluminum pedals and illuminated door tread plates. The Black and White Mansory Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio is powered by a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 700 hp (522 kW) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. The power increase is made possible with the installation of Mansory custom supercharger, high flow exhaust system and a reprogrammed ECU.

With the power increase, the Renovatio is two tenths faster than the stock model from 0 to 100 km/h with the top speed of 340 km/h.

Body Kits – Why You Need One

The entire purpose of tuning your car is to gain comprehensive benefits in terms of both power and style. Quite a few ways exist that offer you some of this, though body kits are perhaps the best way to get the best of both worlds. What are body kits? These are accessory kits that allow you to change the look and shape of your vehicles exterior. You can add greater aerodynamics with these kits, as well as the hot street look that you covet.

Why do you need a body kit? What can these kits do for your ride? The best way to find those answers is to understand what a body kit includes. Most kits include a front bumper, a rear bumper and side skirts. Other kits include those pieces, as well as fender flares and/or a wing spoiler. Your budget and the type of vehicle that you drive will limit the type of kit you get. Before you drop a wad of cash on any body kit, you must ensure that it is made specifically to fit your vehicle. Kits with a "universal" fit will result in a sloppy look, loose body panels and a waste of your cash.

Ground effects, body kits, spoiler kits, bumper kits and aerodynamics are all terms that mean the exact same thing. Here is a description of some bodykit components:

Fender Flares – Some body kits include fender flares. These fit over your OEM fenders and extend the side of your ride. This results in a more aggressive look, especially when coupled with coilovers and side skirts. Fender flares can be colored, or they can be made to blend with your vehicle's paint. Black and gray are the two dominant colors fender flares are available in, though you can find others.

Bumpers – Most body kits come with a front and rear bumper. In most cases, these simply cover your OEM bumper, though some will require that you remove your original bumper. The new bumpers will offer you a different style, breaking from the bland OEM tradition that stamps out generic looking bumpers. Grille insert are also usually included and will go a long way towards giving you that custom look.

Side Skirts – Side skirts fit over your OEM rocker panels and give your car a lower, more aggressive stance. These are included in most almost all body kits and usually bear the maker's insignia at the back end of the panel. If your vehicle has been lowered significantly from its original ride height, you may need to raise it prior to installing side skirts.

Front Lip - Attaches below the front bumper or on the bumper without removing the OEM bumper or bumper cover.

Grille - Replacement front grill between your bumper, headlight, and hood area. The other grilles are used universally on your fender for styling purposes.

Spoiler - Rear Wing/Spoiler usually attached onto your rear trunk. Different styles are attached differently.

There are lot of options in more elaborated bodykits. Here are some of the parts that you may also find on some kits: hoods, mirrors, splitters, Wings, spoilers, scoops, difusers, replacement trunks, bumper lips, etc.

Most custom cars have some sort of extra body components and almost all tuner cars seen at car shows have some sort of aftermarket body kit. It's one of the most popular modifications on car tuning.

Wide bodykits
If you want to stand out and want to show off your ride, then wide body kits is the way to go. These style of body kits ground effects usually require extensive modifications to your car including custom front fenders, doors, rear quarter panels and more. In addition, expect to upgrade rim sizes to accommodate your wider stance. Widebody kits are recommended for the hardcore enthusiasts.

Materials

In the aftermarket industry of aerodynamics, consumers are given many options in choosing a desired tuning style, different quality of products, and ultimately personalization for their vehicle. However, most consumers are not aware of the different types of materials used to create the bodyparts, and the differences between those materials.

Fiberglass (FRP)

The majority of the aerodynamic products in the industry today are made of some form of fiberglass due to its relative inexpensive nature and its ease for mass production. Fiberglass (FRP) advantages include low cost, light weight, and its relative ease for customization. However, the disadvantages in today’s “low cost” fiberglass market include increased shipping damages, low quality products, fitment issues, and ultimately more money spent at the local body shop for consumers. Many aerodynamic companies today have been able to offer “low cost” aerodynamics at the expense of a poor quality product in which consumers are not aware of until they receive the product. The conventional fiberglass is recommended for the consumer with a low budget as long as they research the company they are buying from and avoid buying a low quality product.

Poly-Urethane (PU)

Another option consumers may consider is aerodynamics made of a high quality Poly-Urethane material. Urethane (PU) products are made with a closed mold process and the finished product resembles an OEM product on your vehicle. Advantages for the consumer include a high quality product, OEM fitment, and virtually no damage during transit. However, urethane products are known to be extremely expensive, sometimes resulting in two to three times the cost of a fiberglass product. Also, urethane aerodynamics consists of pliable plastics which make the ground effects heavier and more susceptible to heat, causing it to lose its shape, warp, and even tear during usage. Keep in mind that once urethane parts lose shape or rips, it is not repairable leaving consumers no other choice except to spend more money on another product. Urethane aerodynamics is recommended for the high end consumer who does not mind spending more money for a high quality product. there should be references also to PU-RIM. PU-RIM is an abbreviation for Polyurethane Reaction Injection Molding. Polyurethane is the material used and reaction injection molding is the technology used to mold the part. This is the same material/process used by OEMs for bumpers skins (skirts), spoilers, and other components. The process is expensive to tool up for (requiring elaborate molds) but it produces components of exceptional quality.

Duraflex (PFRP)

Duraflex is a combination of fiberglass, plastic, and flex resins resulting in the best of both worlds. Duraflex (PFRP) products have a higher durability rate, reducing damage rates up to 75%, while still retaining its flexibility and staying true to form. Every Duraflex product is inspected through a rigorous quality control process giving consumers the highest quality product available with superior craftsmanship. This process ensures that Duraflex products are free from normal fiberglass deficiencies including waviness, spider cracks, chips, and gel coat damage. Duraflex products come finished with a shiny black gel coat, high quality mesh, hardware kit, and an installation guide. Duraflex products include many advantages of both fiberglass and poly- urethane aerodynamics, while leaving out most of the disadvantages. Duraflex aerodynamics is recommended for the consumer with a medium budget and wants to get the best value for the amount of money spent.

Carbon Fiber (CF)

Carbon fiber is a material consisting of extremely thin fibers about 0.0002–0.0004 inches in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in microscopic crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber. The crystal alignment makes the fiber incredibly strong for its size. Fiberglass and urethane body components have long been the standard for altering the appearance of your factory body style. But if you really want to be on the bleeding edge of automotive fashion, you definitely want to check out carbon fiber. Most carbon fiber parts are ready to install right out of the box! They are also protected by a high quality clear coat and UV coating from the manufacturer. Another benefit that carbon fiber offers is a substantial weight savings over factory metal, aftermarket urethane, and even most fiberglass body parts!

KTM X-Bow

Motorcycle maker KTM built its first car, the exotic X-Bow concept which is on display at the Geneva auto show. The lightweight body is made of carbon fiber.