2010 RENM PERFORMANCE BMW E92 M3 AGITATOR BREAKS COVER

RENM performance’s re-working of the BMW E92 M3 is known as the ‘Agitator’. The Agitator transforms the BMW M3 into a true performance vehicle with vastly improved driving dynamics.

The M3 Agitator transforms the M3 into a true performance vehicle with vastly improved driving dynamics. The tuning program consists of an ECU re-calibration, inconel high-performance exhaust, carbon fibre air-intake, sports filters and adjustable ride height/dampening suspension.

The M3 Agitator uses inconel Formula 1 exhaust technology, which is exceptional in terms of its extreme stability and heat resistance. The rear silencer is twelve kilograms lighter, a 40% weight-reduction over the production model, and incorporates internal design which increases performance significantly.

The visual and dynamic improvements to the M3 Agitator include customised T6 forged 3 piece wheels, adjustable coilover suspension, Eisenmann hallmark-designed 76mm diameter tail pipes, aero carbon fibre front spoiler, boot lid and rear diffuser.

2010 G-POWER BMW X5 M TYPHOON

First there was the “small” TYPHOON body kit; now here comes the “big” TYPHOON wide body kit for the BMW X5 M. Thanks to optimised air flow and up to 15 % more cooling, the G-POWER body kit clears the way for an increase in the base output of the 4.4 l V8 bi-turbo power unit of 170 hp to no less than 725 hp.

G-POWER X5 M TYPHOON

-725 hp / 533 kW at 6,000 r/min (+ 170 hp / 125 kW)
-890 Nm at 1,500 r/min (+ 210 Nm)
-V max – more than 300 km/h
-0-100 km/h – 4.2s
-TYPHOON aerodynamic package starting at € 12.185,– (net)

Muscular flared wheel arches plus distinctive skirts and spoilers on the front and rear trimmed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency define the look of the G-POWER X5 M TYPHOON. The body kit in original equipment quality made from PU RIM was developed by G-POWER designers using state-of-the-art CAD technology. The base vehicle was fully digitised in-house with a 3D scanner.

The elegant sweep of the flared G-POWER wheel arches front and rear – which, of course, come with perfectly matched inner panels – give the X5 M seven centimetres more width, making room for extra-wide 23-inch wheels and tyres. The top-end version comes with G-POWER SILVERSTONE RS forged wheels developed specifically for the TYPHOON, with 11Jx23 format up front and 12Jx23 on the rear. Each corner sports 315/25 ZR 23 high-performance rubber from development partner Michelin, delivering optimum traction and sporty handling that is further enhanced by the G-POWER sports suspension and a 30 mm lower ride height.

Together with the flared wheel arches, the face of the exclusive SUV is distinguished largely by the G-POWER TYPHOON front skirt designed entirely in-house. The large air intakes not only improve overtaking prestige, they also guarantee optimum cooling of the engine and front brakes. Moreover, design refinements succeeded in reducing aerodynamic lift on the front axle.

The sills on the TYPHOON serve not only as aerodynamically efficient transitions between the front and rear flares, they also house five LED units on each side that illuminate the ground on each side of the vehicle when activated either by remote control or by pulling the door handle. Along the upper surfaces, stainless steel inserts integrate a G-POWER logo also illuminated in blue.

Like the front section, the rear skirt on the TYPHOON is conceived to completely replace the production-standard bumper. The diffuser has an imposing impact on the rear view, as do the two distinctive 114 mm tailpipes on the G-POWER stainless steel sports silencer. Together with the spoiler fixed to the rear hatch, which adds visual length to the roofline, minimal lift has been achieved at the rear axle, too. A further example of the detailed refinements in the design of the G-POWER TYPHOON Wide Version for the BMW X5 M is the four-part underbody panelling.

In keeping with the dynamic look, G-POWER offers a mighty power unit for the BMW X5 M. Thanks to the enlarged air intakes in the front skirt and the outlet vents in the bonnet, there is an improved flow of cooling air to the radiator and oil cooler at the front of the vehicle, increasing cooling performance by around 15%. This establishes the basis for a thermally balanced performance increase achieved by electronic optimisation developed by G-POWER and involving changes to the engine mapping including removal of the top speed limiter. On the exhaust side, a fully stainless steel G-POWER system delivers the necessary reduction in exhaust back pressure featuring a set of sport catalytic converters and most important a set of flow optimized G-POWER exhaust manifolds connecting the turbochargers. In addition, optimised connection pipes have also been installed between the turbochargers and the cylinder heads to minimise pressure and thermodynamic losses. The outcome is an additional 170 hp, taking the overall output to an impressive 725 hp at 6,000 r/min and 890 Nm of torque at 1,500 r/min. The maximum torque is electronically limited. In combination with a reinforcement of the standard BMW X6 M automatic transmission a torque maximum of 1000 Nm can be provided.

The enormous potential of the G-POWER modified BMW V8 bi-turbo power unit endows the X5 M with on-the-road performance that catapults it into the elite group at the very top of this vehicle class. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h lasts only 4.2 seconds, with the top speed at over 300 km/h.

G-POWER has refined the interior of the BMW X5 M with exclusive accessories like an ergonomically designed sports steering wheel, a G-POWER speedometer and fine carbon-fibre trim on the side panels, centre console and dashboard. Further preferences can be fulfilled with exclusive interiors in all shades of leather and Alcantara.

Pricing for the TYPHOON aerodynamics package starts at € 12.185.00,– plus installation by G-POWER in Autenzell. The price for the 23-inch G-POWER SILVERSTONE RS or EDITION wheel set with MICHELIN tyres is € 8,865.55,–. The G-POWER power boost to 725 hp including complete exhaust system and modifications to the turbocharger installation is available for € 18,000.00,–.

2010 Toyota FT-86 Concept

The speculation is over, the Japanese automaker Toyota has finally shown the world the highly anticipated successor to the original AE86 "Hachi Roku" with the FT-86 Concept. The old Toyota Corolla was celebrated for its lightweight fun to drive layout. The new project has previously been referred to as a Toyobaru because the affordable sports car was developed in collaboration with Subaru and is scheduled to make its world debut in just a few weeks at the Tokyo Motor Show. We are happy to report that even though this is just the concept, the production model will look a lot like it, with the only revisions being done to the cars interior. However we won’t know for sure until the end of 2011.

The Flash Red FT-86 Concept is inspired by the Corolla based AE86 sports coupe from the 1980s, and carries a very strong resemblance to the FT-HS Concept that was revealed back in 2007 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The FT-86 is a compact, rear wheel drive sports concept powered by a 2.0 Liter horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated four cylinder gasoline burning engine supplied by Subaru. In its non boosted form, the flat four make a maximum output of 150 HP, but the automaker is toying around with the idea of a more powerful super charged version depending on consumer demands, but for now we will have to settle for a simple boxer engine connected to a 6 speed manual transmission and equipped with ADVICS brakes.

When designing the FT-86 Concept Toyota’s engineers wanted to give the car a very low center of gravity for improved handling and efficient aerodynamics so that it can cut through the air with ease. So the four passenger FT-86 ended up being 4,160 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,260 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. Toyota’s design team has also included quite a few sporting touches to the concept’s interior; starting off with a flat bottom steering wheel, aluminum pedals and red stitching to accent the leather wrapped steering wheel and parking brake lever. The grey instrument panel is seamlessly molded into the darker dash and from the looks of things, is ready to hit Fuji Speedway.

Updated 05/03/2010: Toyota revealed new images of the FT-86 (Future Toyota-86) during the concept’s European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Check the gallery to see them all!

AUTO SALON MAGAZINE 2010 JAPAN TOUR

Here’s your chance to take part in the ultimate tour of Tokyo, tailored specifically for car enthusiasts. Get in quickly as there are only 20 places available for this rare opportunity!

If you’re reading this magazine, chances are you’ve dreamt about going to Japan on more than one occasion. However the language barrier, culture shock and complex maze of streets compounded by the isolated locations of the top tuners mean many will never get to sample Tokyo’s world famous car culture. A $400 round-trip taxi fare from Tokyo to Top Secret? That alone will be enough to scare most enthusiasts! 

The Auto Salon team is proud to announce our 2010 Japan Tour, tailored specifically for the modifying diehard. With three years of planning, the Auto Salon Magazine 2010 Japan Tour takes you right into the heart of automotive mecca with unbridled access to the cars you’ve previously only been able to see in magazines.  

Incorporating a two day visit to the headlining Tokyo Auto Salon event (including advanced Friday entry), comprehensive tours of six of the world’s best workshops and manufacturers, and access to Japan’s underground street culture, this most certainly is a once in a lifetime experience.

As we strive to provide every attendee with special attention and a truly memorable experience, we have deliberately limited tour numbers to just 20 places. Act now as spots on the tour will go quickly, and will be secured on a first come, first served basis. 

PACKAGE PRICE
Book now and receive a $500 early bird discount (available until 30th September 2009), bringing the package tour price to just $5,490 per person double/twin share inclusive of return airfares, accommodation, coach transfers and two-day entry into TAS. With the tour package valued at nearly $8000, be sure to act fast! 

FLIGHTS
The tour package includes return economy flights to Tokyo, Japan from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. You’ll depart Australia on Wednesday 13th January allowing you to jump straight into Japan’s scene first thing Thursday morning. Our action-packed itinerary will combine all of the great elements Japan has to offer before you return home on the 20th January.

HOTEL
Considering Tokyo’s expensive accommodation, most tours opt for cheaper hotels in obscure locations, away from the action. However the Auto Salon Magazine Japan Tour includes 3 star accommodation right in the heart of buzzing Shibuya, with the Hachiko crossing made famous by Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift just one minute’s walk from the hotel doorsteps. 

Each double or twin share room features a flat screen TV, satellite television, own bathroom and complimentary high-speed internet access. A full buffet breakfast for each morning on the tour is included in the package. 

TRANSFERS
From the moment you land at Narita airport until it’s time to head home, you’ll be whisked around Tokyo in the comfort of a private coach. For all travel to itinerary destinations you will have a guaranteed seat on our coach, which is equipped with air-conditioning, LCD screens and DVD player. 

TOKYO AUTO SALON
Tokyo Auto Salon, included in ASM’s ‘The 50 things to do before you die’ list, is one of the most famous car shows in the world. Drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators, the event is used by the world’s best car builders to unveil their demo cars for the new year.  

Spanning Halls 1 through 8 of the enormous Makuhari Messe exhibition centre, the once a year Tokyo Auto Salon event features over 600 of the planet’s most insane rides along with 300+ exhibitors and 3117 booths. Combined with a vast outdoor arena, you will get the chance to see the best cars of D1GP and Japanese motor sports in action!

On the 2010 Japan Tour you’ll have two days to explore the endless rows of elite modified cars created by heavyweights such as HKS, JUN, RE-Amemiya and Top Secret. Be the first to see the latest 2010 developments for the new age of hero cars, such as the R35 GT-R and 370Z. You will of course experience the scene’s ‘race queen’ culture, where models have become so popular they’ve reached celebrity status in Japan.  

WORKSHOP TOURS
On the trip you will visit no less than six best-of-the-best workshops, seeing firsthand how some of the most famous modified cars are built. Also included in the itinerary are guided factory tours, where our exclusive access will lift the lid on the build quality and product innovation that has made Japanese parts so desirable. 

THE REAL TOKYO DRIFT
Forget the movie and Hollywood magic; let us show you Japan’s real street culture. Too hot to print, all we can say is that you’ll have the opportunity to witness Tokyo’s underground scene in person! 

BUY PARTS!
This is your chance to buy some of the very best components for your car at jaw-dropping prices. That’s right, we’ve organised private openings at the same stores we use to source parts for our project cars! In addition to that, with select purchases you’ll receive exclusive discounts and tax-free shopping. 

SHOPPING
When it comes to fashion, few cities can beat Tokyo. Whether your style is street, sneakers or brand name labels, Japan is the ultimate destination; famous for having the rarest colourways, JDM exclusives and limited edition releases.  With a ‘free day’ included in the itinerary, we’ll be able to take you through the maze of streets to some of the coolest stores you’ve ever seen. 

TOKYO NIGHT LIFE
Staying in ultra-trendy Shibuya means you’re right in the centre of Tokyo’s pulsing night life. Whether you want to experience an authentic izakaya bar, hit one of Japan’s famous nightclubs or just want a spot of evening shopping, we’ll be able to assist. 

AT YOUR SERVICE
ASM’s Editor in Chief and the editorial team will be your personal hosts for the duration of the tour. Get to know the crew responsible the magazine as they show you the insider’s perspective on the world’s most famous car scene. 

For those who prefer to travel light, you don’t have to miss out on capturing every moment of the trip as we’ll also have ASM’s resident gun photographer, Mark Pakula, covering the entire tour. At the end of the tour you will receive an exclusive set of high-resolution pro shots for you to keep forever. Complimentary of course!

Our translator – fluent in both English and Japanese – is also a knowledgeable car enthusiast, making ordering parts at any of the multiple workshops you’ll visit a total breeze. And if you want to buy bulkier parts don’t fret; affordable shipping can also be organised! 

On your free day, take advantage of our translator’s knowledge of Tokyo. Whether you want to go sight-seeing at traditional temples, view Tokyo’s stunning skyline or even if you want to witness the Goths and cosplay at Harajuku’s infamous Jingu Bridge, we can help! 

BONUS INCLUSIONS
A limited edition ASM 2010 Japan Tour jacket will be your complimentary gift, and for those who register before 30th September 2009, you will receive a $500 early bird discount off the package price. In addition you will receive a complimentary six-month subscription to Auto Salon Magazine (or six-month extension for existing subscribers). Register now!
Email: tours@autosalon.com.au 
Phone: (02) 9667 8300 Download registration form now

Tour subject to change. Itinerary will be issued closer to departure date. For full terms & conditions click here.

2010 Lotus Exige Stealth

A new limited-edition Lotus Exige may be a certainty, but its nomenclature is anything but.

Lotus used the 2009 Tokyo motor show to unveil the Exige Scura. Still, that moniker will only be applied to cars sold in Europe, Australia, and other select countries. Those sold in Japan, however, will wear nameplates reading "Exige Stealth." We've yet to hear an official explanation from Lotus as to the name game, but our best guess is scura -- Italian for "black" -- is too close to shura -- Japanese for "a scene of carnage."

Such a violent translation may worry corporate lawyers and product planners alike, but it does adequately describe the car's performance. Lotus hasn't tweaked the powertrain for the Scura/Stealth, but it still packs a 253-hp, supercharged 1.8-liter I-4 into a car weighing 2020 lbs, allowing a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds. If that's not carnage, we don't know what is.

For the most part, the Scura/Stealth is simply an S260 with a paint job that would make Bruce Wayne proud. Lotus is quite proud of the matte black paint liberally applied to the car's exterior -- unlike other matte finishes, this one has a rubberized "soft-touch" feel, which reportedly helps prevent chipping and scratching. The finish is highlighted by three stripes painted in a glossy "phantom black," along with wheels finished in a similar hue.

Lotus plans on building only 35 examples of the blacked-out Exige, but it won't bring the car -- be it the Scura or Stealth -- to North America.

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Debuts With 550 hp, Little Fanfare

Ford launched its 2011 Shelby Mustang GT500 this morning at the 2010 Chicago auto show to nearly no official fanfare. The hot new snake appeared on the show floor shod in SVT Performance Package trim showing off its new stripes and wheels.

Sporting just 10 more horsepower than the 2010 model, the new car's strengths lie in the fine tuning, not the overall output. Ford has dumped the heavy iron engine block in favor of an aluminum one, shaving 100 pounds off the nose of the car. Replacing the hydraulic power steering with an electric system further reduces weight and power drain.

For the truly track-oriented, Ford has also introduced an SVT Performance Package that tosses the heavy stock wheels in favor of a set of lightweight shoes wrapped in GT500-only Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 tires that should greatly improve the Shelby's ability to put the power to the ground. Stiffer springs, a Gurney Flap spoiler and a 3.73 rear axle complete the package.

We'll have to wait for more details, as Ford hasn't released performance, pricing or curb weight numbers, nor has it given up an on-sale date. In fact, the company didn't even mention the new snake in its press conference this morning, so we'll remain in the dark a while longer.

"Transformers" Bumblebee Edition 2010 Chevy Camaro

Chevrolet plans to offer a Bumblebee appearance package for Camaro LT and SS models, a GM salesperson said on the Camaro5 forums today. Jason Drees of Symdon Chevrolet, who posts under the username "Kvapil28," said that GM just announced the package to dealers via live broadcast.

According to Drees' post, the package consists of Rally Yellow exterior color with black "Bumblebee" stripes and "Transformers" badging on the wheel center caps. The option will be available to order June 1, about a month before "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" arrives in theaters. But, Drees claims, production is limited, starting on June 24 and running through December. 

PROTON SATRIA NEO R3 (LIMITED EDITION)

The Satria R3, based on the original Satria (which itself is based on the Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg), was introduced in late 2004. It was conceived as a run-out model of the successful Satria GTi, and was positioned at the top of the Satria range. Original Stage 1 R3s utilises the same Mitsubishi-sourced 1.8-litre, inline-4 engine as the Satria GTi (albeit with a new free-flow exhaust system), producing 140bhp (105kW) and 168nm of torque. Power is channeled to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, also sourced from the GTi.

The main modification that separated the R3 from the GTi was its double stitch welded chassis, which meant the car was welded twice for increased structural rigidity, aided by the inclusion of front and rear suspension strut braces. The R3 was also stripped of its sound-deadening material and driver's airbag, which helped bring the weight down to just 995 kg. Suspension improvements included uprated springs and dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and lower ride height.

The brakes were also modified to have Anti-lock braking system removed as well as the original ventilated front discs and solid rear discs and replaced by cross-drilled and slotted DBA (Disc Brake Australia) discs all round. M1144 series brake pads were supplied by Mintex Racing.

Externally, the R3 is differentiated from the GTi by its lightweight 16-inch Advanti alloy wheels. Although they are the same size as those on the GTi, they have a five-spoke design with a gunmetal finish and wrapped in Yokohama Advan AD07 tyres. Also, the headlamps are smoked and the roof spoiler is now made of carbon fibre. Inside, the R3 has a three-spoke MOMO Tuner steering wheel, carbon fibre gearknob, titanium-effect trim and Recaro SR4 seats.

All R3s came in Incognito Black with R3's signature red and silver stripes on the sides, while the interiors of all cars were trimmed in black and red fabric. Only 150 units were ever produced.

Later, R3 introduced staged hop-ups for the Satria R3. The two stages (Stage 2 and 3) included a plethora of more hardcore upgrades for the powertrain and chassis.

The carbon fibre parts on the R3 are prone to theft. Many owners resorted to removing these lightweight parts and replacing them with those from the GTi, refitting them only during special events.

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera

Lamborghini's latest Gallardo Superleggera model adds horsepower and subtracts weight to create a menacing track-ready supercar that will hit 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds and top 200 mph. Read all about the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera premiering at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in this article from the automotive experts at Motor Trend.

Lamborghinis have long stood for sheer, menacing speed, usually courtesy of a monster engine. It's a solid formula, but any engineer will tell you that you eventually reach a point of diminishing returns. How, then, do you make an even more insane Lamborghini? Make it lighter.

Lamborghini first applied the "lighter is better" approach to the compact Gallardo back in 2007, aptly naming the special model the Superleggera, or "super-light." Extensive use of carbon-fiber and the deletion of such frivolities as a radio and cup holders knocked more than 200 pounds off of the curb weight, allowing the stripped-down, road-legal track car to hit 62 mph in 3.8 seconds. The lack of creature comforts didn't scare away buyers -- Lamborghini moved 618 Gallardo Superleggeras during its one-year production run.Built on the success of the original and with lessons learned in the new, one-make Lamborghini Super Trofeo racing series, Lamborghini is bringing back the Superleggera, and it's lighter and wilder than ever. The speed freaks in Sant'Agata went over the Gallardo, now in a new generation known as the LP 560-4, with a fine-tooth comb and managed to shave 38 more pounds over the first Gallardo Superleggera, dropping the curb weight to just 2954 pounds and making it the lightest Lamborghini available.

To strip 154 pounds from a standard Gallardo LP 560-4, Lamborghini engineers first turned to the original Superleggera's bag of tricks. The exterior mirrors, the new rear diffuser and side sills, the wing, the engine compartment lid and parts of the underbody are all carbon-fiber, as are the interior door panels, the transmission tunnel, the shifter surround, and the seat shells. Where the last Superleggera used polycarbonate instead of glass for the engine window, the new model uses the lightweight material for the rear and side windows as well. In all, 88 of the 154 pounds lost came from the carbon-fiber and another 28.6 pounds were lost in the 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels.