Sunday, August 2, 2009

Attention All Porche 997:Get the Switzer Performance P800

After reading this week’s article from Autoblog, “Switzer Performance P800 997 Twin-Turbo: The World is never enough” by Jonny Lieberman from Autoblog.com, I was baffled to find out that the 2009 Porsche’s 997 turbo is very slow. As Jonny himself writes in his review, “They’re like German tortoises. Just kind of clumsy and always in the way”.

Of course, at first I could not believe it since Porsches have a good reputation for their performance, but after doing research on the exact specifications, I agree with Lieberman’s take on this Porsche’s slow turbo. The 997’s stock turbo comes with 480 horsepower and 457lb-ft of torque, which is usually a very decent amount of power for many other cars except this Porsche.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel, and Porsche’s 997 owners should not be worried thanks to the Switzer Performance P800 997. This performance kit single handedly upgrades this outstanding sport ride to a whopping 800 horsepower and according to Lieberman’s review, a zero-sixty mph in less than three seconds.

This entire package of extra horsepower is gained by adding this insane performance kit that comes with two custom GT30 turbochargers, as Lieberman puts it himself, “Switzer MONSTER intercoolers”, electronic boost controller, headers and exhaust, along with a carbon clutch pack.


The sleek bundle of 320 extra horsepower is definitely the answer to the Porsche’s 997 slow stock turbo, so the owners that are looking for a bit more output in their nice ride can now feel much better. The other great factor about this Switzer performance package is that it also applies the same amount of power to the all-wheel-drive 997TT. I know many people, including myself, will be very thrilled just to have the stock 2009 Porsche 997, but there is always the more need for speed.





Friday, July 31, 2009

A Dream Come True: The New Ferrari 458 Italia


After being a huge Ferrari fan since I was a kid, I was very interested when I read this week’s review in Autoblog.com about the official announcement of a new overwhelming model. This review called “Officially Official: Ferrari 458 Italia Announced” by autoblog’s journalist, Sam Abuelsamid, was very appealing to me since it surprised me with the very good news about the latest work of art by the Italian car manufacturer. Ferrari officially announced its top secret project they have been working on after many rumors had been heard about an upcoming model. The all-new Ferrari 458 Italia is the eight cylinder replacement for the Ferrari F430, but of course with an astonishing difference in power compared to its previous type.

Ferrari’s new work of art will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, which I honestly think it’s too far away. This is the type of car that every car enthusiast want to see right away. Unfortunately, we have to wait until then to witness the stunning 458 Italia, which has a new direct-injected 4.5 V8 with an output of 562 horsepower and 398 pounds of torque. As Sam Abuelsamid puts it in his review, “A screaming 9,000 rpm”, which is a high and insane, red line even for this flying machine. I have mixed feelings with this fact since I love its 562 horsepower and high red line, but at the same time I feel this new Ferrari 458 Italia should have way more horsepower than that.

The new Ferrari 458 Italia has the particular feature seven-speed dual clutch gearbox that sends its torque of power to the rear axle. This 7-speed dual clutch is an overwhelming factor to the 458’s performance since it also has improved aerodynamics in an all-aluminum structure. As Sam states in his Autoblog review, “Acceleration to 100km/h (62mph) takes just 3.4 seconds, and this will be the first volume production Ferrari V8 to top 200mph barrier”. This is a mind blowing fact that makes all of us want to drive this high flying beast and feel as we are in the cockpit of a plane.


I can not wait for the release of this car since even just looking at it would give me and anyone else a great feeling of power and domination. The price is still unknown and I am very sure it will give us another type of feeling when we know how much this futuristic like Ferrari costs. I agree with Sam’s review about the all new Ferrari 458 Italia, a work of art that just as Ferrari puts it, “is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion, and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation, is well-known”. Of course, even though the new 458 Italia will be a thrilling experience every time you strap that seat belt in that plane like seat, I still insist it should have more horsepower.



Tuesday, July 21, 2009

A Luxurious Rocket: The 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost



Rolls-Royce has always been known for all its luxurious line of vehicles which have blown our minds with its incredible high class models, and not so much for high performance capabilities. As you all know, my blogs are mainly about sport cars with a lot of performance, but after checking out the luxury category from Autoblog.com, I was extremely interested and bewildered after I read the article “Rolls-Royce give up the Ghost…performance numbers” by Jonathon Ramsey. It turns out that the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost is an incredible performance machine camouflaged under all that luxurious body that can outrun many high performance cars out there.



This 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost comes with a whopping 6.6 liter, twin turbo V12 engine, which will have you back against the seat every time you press that pedal as if you were in a space rocket. The new 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost has an input of 563 horsepower and 563 pounds of torque in that beastly twelve cylinder twin turbo engine, which must feel as if you are driving a Ferrari or a Lamborghini instead of one of the most, if not, the most luxurious car in the world. Also, the Ghost has a top speed of 155mph, which is electronically governed.




It is almost unreal to see such a luxurious sedan having so much high performance power while providing a high class smooth ride. As Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering Helmut Riedl says, “This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery. This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience”. Driving this sweet high performance and luxurious ride would a thrilling experience for many of us.




This incredible luxury and high performance Rolls-Royce will be available for sale later on this year and begging of 2010 for not less than $271,000. Even though this is a one and only luxury high performance ride from Rolls-Royce, I find the price a little bit outrageous, but I guess Rolls-Royce’s wealthy customers will not mind paying the high bills for this incredible beast and maybe I will have to test drive this new baby to change my mind about the price.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Nissan develops a new Dual Injector System

There are many vehicles, usually older cars, that are often having problems with the fuel system mainly because of worn down, clogged fuel injectors, or just not getting enough gas into the engine. Fuel injectors distribute the right amount of fuel to the combustion chamber in order to make the engine run. Based on my own personal experience and many of my customers from my job (Advance Auto Parts), the fuel system in cars tends to give problems due to the fact that the engine does not get enough fuel through the injector ports.


Fortunately, there is finally hope out there that will help solve these problems at least for one famous car maker. I was extremely surprised after reading a new technology article, “Nissan unveils new Dual Injector System to boost efficiency”, by Jeremy Korzeniewski from Autoblog because it is about time for this great capability to come out. Therefore, I will review this upcoming technology that hopefully will be incorporated in every new car from now on.



Nissan designed this modern dual injector system for small four cylinder engines in order to improve gas mileage. According to Jeremy, “Nissan believes its new Dual injector System will offer a fuel mileage increase of roughly four percent, a small but important improvement”. In addition, this new system will cost 60% less than its competition, direct injection technology, which is a very advance technology that many new cars manufacturers are using.




Even though Nissan believes this new system will help improve gas mileage, I am a little skeptic from this new dual injector system due to the fact that instead of using one injector per cylinder like most engines, Nissan will double the number of fuel injectors per cylinder. Of course, I agree that the engines will benefit incredibly from this latest technology by getting more fuel and preventing lack of gas or clogging. As Nissan Motor Co. states, “This reduces the diameter of the fuel droplets by 60%, resulting in smoother and more stable combustion”.


The new Dual injector System is great technological development by Nissan since it will encourage many other auto manufacturers to apply this efficient system in their new line of cars. I am really excited about this new technology because it would also be an amazing upgrade to high performance cars that are turbo or supercharged. The more fuel they get, the more torque and power they will produce. I just hope Nissan is accurate when it comes to the gas mileage improvement in its new system because it will be of tremendous help, even if is 4%, in these days where gas prices continue to rise.





Wednesday, July 15, 2009

From Transformers to the Streets: The new 2010 Camaro RS


After getting one of the first looks at the new Camaro in the movie “Transformers”, there was huge buzz and reaction from the automotive community. Many people fell in love with the modern Camaro including myself because of its aerodynamic and futuristic new style, which makes us realize that we are really into the future. That is why I was extremely interested when I read Alex Nunez’s review called “Hot or Not? 2010 Camaro RS with factory accessories [w/Poll]” on Autoblog.com in order to find out the many qualities that make the modern Camaro an irresistible sport ride as well as the not so good qualities missing from Chevrolet’s new baby.


I agree with Alex’s take when he criticizes the new Camaro by saying, “the Dubs+1 hoops seem overly big, the body kit isn’t painted the body color, and the new rear bumper with its squared off, integrated exhaust outlet is a little excessive”. At first, I had not realized these specific body details from the new 2010 Camaro RS until I read this Autoblog review, but I definitely agree with Nunez’s point since the Camaro’s body kit should definitely be the same paint body color, it makes it look like a cheap aftermarket upgrade to such a great looking sport vehicle.

On the positive side, the new 2010 Camaro RS come with a 21-inch two tone wheels as one of its best factory accessories, which has sleek look when the car is parked and I bet an insanely great illusion when it’s flying in the highway. All these factory accessories like the six-speed automatic, the sunroof, the same body color engine cover, and the nice looking rims that make the car, just like Alex Nunez said, “look like a life-sized Hot Wheels car”. Even though this was a good review from Autoblog that specifies the Camaro has a six cylinder engine, the author fails to acknowledge more engine specs for this hot ride which would make us all more interested not only on the outside looks of the car, but also on the power under the hood.


That is why I did more research into the 2010 Chevy Camaro RS and it turns out it comes with a whopping 3.6 liter DI VVT V6 engine, displaying about 300 horsepower which will have you flying everywhere you go. Also, this amazing sport ride comes with a six-speed transmission on the LS and LT models. The RS comes with a 6 speed automatic TAPshift. Of course, for those of us who are looking for more fun, Chevrolet made the incredible 6.2 V8 engine 6-speed automatic with the TAPshift which has an output of 400 horsepower. I would definitely get the 6.2 liter V8 with a 6-speed manual transmission that produces 422 horsepower and contains an active fuel management technology, which can help us save a little bit on gas. This is an unbelievable machine that would be a perfect buy for most muscle car fanatics that also like the modern and futuristic style of the new HOT 2010 Camaro.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

The new Subie on the block: 2008 Subaru WRX STI



Today I will be reviewing autoblog’s take on the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, a sweet sport ride which has many of its owners against their seat. After, being in the passenger seat of my friend Chris’ 2005 Subaru STI, I was impressed by the amount of power displayed by this four door sedan. Of course, my friend had invested about eight-thousand dollars under the hood by upgrading all of its main engine components. As a result, his WRX STI went from 214 horsepower to about almost an amazing 500 hp. For example, he put performance pistons, rings, racing fuel injectors, headers, a stage 3 clutch, and a of course a more powerful turbo; making it extremely fast and fun to drive.

Therefore, after such an thrilling experience just by being in the passenger seat, I had to drive this Subaru STI and experience on my own the rush and adrenaline that every STI driver experiences everyday they strap that seat belt on and hear that blow-off valve on every shift. After looking at many reviews from different car magazines and online blogs, I saw the incredibly positive response from its owners and car analysts. Shortly, after acquiring more information about this rally sport car, I test drove a 2006 STI model which was being sold at that time in Autotrader.com by a private owner. Of course, the newer STI had a little bit more power than the model from the previous year. However, when I test drove the 2006 model, I realized that for being bone stock factory car, it was as powerful as my friend’s hooked up WRX from 2005.



There were many emotions and feelings felt when I was test driving the 2006 Subaru WRX STI because of the thrilling ride that comes when you drive one of these turbo charged engines. After driving it for while, I realized the smoothness when shifting all of its six gears, the great traction from its all-wheel drive system, and the comfort in its spacious inside. Furthermore, after reading autoblog’s review on the 2008 STI, it makes me realize that the newer model is so much more advance, that is does not even compare to the older Subies. According to Autoblog’s review, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI comes with a 2.5 liter boxer turbocharged engine which develops 305 horsepower and 290 lb. ft. of torque. This is a huge increase in horsepower compared to the 2005 and 2006 WRX models. However, the newer STI model changed its outside look completely by having a 5-door model hatchback design which makes it a more “familiar” based sport car.




Even though the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI has almost 90 more horsepower than the previous models, I do not celebrate the fact that it comes in a 5-door hatchback model since it takes much of its aerodynamics away from its previous sedan model. Of course, by containing such an increase on the horsepower and on the torque, the 2008 STI reaches 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds according to Autoblog’s review. This is an incremental achievement compared to the older Subaru models. This amazing speed makes the Subaru Impreza WRX STI one of the favorites in professional racing tracks around the country, and even more when racing modifications are done to its already powerful motor.This new STI comes with a great drive train, inter cooled turbocharged engine, an awesome suspension, and a really nice interior. Personally, one of the best features that I love from the 2008 STI is its digital gauges which display a really well lid up dashboard.



The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI has a Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS), which creates 305 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. In addition, it comes with a Drive Control Center Differential (DCCD) of symmetrical all-wheel drive system. This feature is what makes the STI so difficult to beat when racing from a dig. Many of its opponents have experienced this in many tracks all over the world, and sometimes in the streets too. This four-wheel drive system allows the STI to immediately launch after that clutch is let go off! Not only that, but the new model offers many more new technological capabilities which make the driving experience a whole lot more exciting. For example, it offers a new suspension with special STI tuning which allows better responses due to its stiffer platform on every handling situation.


I believe the getting the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI would be a great acquisition for those drivers who love fast sport cars (with a killer turbo) and enjoy comfort and luxury at the same time. The Autoblog’s review on the 2008 STI explains all of the vehicle’s details in a very precise and concrete way that allows us to foresee the joy and passion that we would get from driving this great JDM sport car.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Nissan Excels, Honda Develops, and Hummer Struggles


Nissan came out with its domestic improved version of the JDM NISMO 370Z proceeding the release in the USA. In discussions of this amazing sport ride, the two models offer the same features. On one hand, the U.S. model has a 332 horsepower engine and it is offered only on a 6-speed manual gearbox. On the other hand, the Japanese version comes with a factory-tuned 350 horsepower engine and the option for a 7-speed automatic transmission. Also, the NISMO version includes better upgrades like a stiffer suspension, a more aerodynamic outside stying, and racing brake system. I believe the fact that the JDM NISMO edition would be a great acquisition for most sport car fanatics and it would be a perfect scenario for going turbo.


Also, the new Civic Type R Mugen concept has created a lot of buzz in the automotive industry after some photos were released along with a teaser video. A number of car experts believe this is not just a "concept car". Instead, they believe this "hot Civic" is very close to production. Not only did Honda confirmed the release of the concept Civic, but also mentioned the Civic is being tuned by Mugen Euro, which is Honda official tuning arm. As the Vice President of MUGEN EURO, Hiro Toyoda, puts it, "It is a fantastic base model which we hope to develop one of the quickest point to point front-wheel-drive road cars in the country." I celebrate the fact that Honda is finally trying to improve the front-wheel drive's performance since it needs it badly. This new modified version of the Type R will have 240 horsepower, however, some object that the new Civic still will not be that fast compared to its competitors like the STI and EVO. Although, I concede that this new Civic could be pretty quick, I believe Honda could have upgraded it to over 300hp. This would definitely be a huge release if this concept Civic goes to production since it offers a huge amount of internal and external upgrades.


On the other hand, due to environmental concerns, Tengzhong, a manufacturer of heavy machinery equipment, would not be given permission to buy the Hummer company. However, Tengzhong is still attempting to get the deal since the Chinese government regulatory body is not the issue. In discussions of Tengzhong buying Hummer, a controversial issue is whether these heavy duty trucks would be a hazardous to the environment. While some argue that it would create more harm to nature and its bonded areas, others contend that this has a good business potential. I believe this would be a great investment for this Chinese manufacturer and that way they could rescue Hummer from its financial struggles.










































































Monday, July 6, 2009

Sport Cars Frenzy and Speed Passion

After being an incredible automotive fan since I was a little kid and now working as an Assistant Manager at Advance Auto Parts, my blog will be based on everything about cars and the automotive community. For example, I will discuss and review many different makes, models, styles, performance, features, specifications, and the response from the people that own them. Also, I want to discuss what type of make and model cars are being sold the most right now based on either efficiency or looks. Not only that, but I will also review many different sport and luxury models based on other blogger’s reviews from a different variety of the best automotive blogs on the web. In addition, I will research and review many different categories about the automotive technology on the latest and newest vehicles on the market. As a result, my reviews will specify the pros and cons of the different makes and models from a variety of automakers from the United States and many other countries around the world. Furthermore, there are a lot of different opinions about the automotive technology that is out there right now from many different people within or outside the automotive industry. My automotive blog will review, criticize in a constructive way, and further analyze many other blogs about the different automotive technology from a wide variety of the newest cars and not so new cars out there. On the other hand, one of my automotive categories will be about people working on their particular car projects. For example, last year I had a project of my own where I did an engine swap on my car and it was a great experience to accomplish my personal project as one of my hobbies. Therefore, I want to be able to discuss some of my on hand experience on building a motor, doing an engine swap, and customizing a car with many other bloggers on the web and see the differences and results from their car projects. Finally, I want to be able to learn about many different perspectives, opinions, and points of view from the automotive blog community and be able to share my thoughts, opinions, and reviews about the automotive passion that we have. Of course, we all love upgrading all the many different components to our vehicles and sometimes we keep putting more and more upgrades until we reach that accomplishment and that is when the enjoyment and freedom begins. However, even having the most stock factory car can still offer us that same enjoyment as the most hooked up ride since it can still take us there and give us the freedom that we love.