November 30, 2009

All in One

Heffner-tuned R8 has got it all.

Nope. A V8 is not enough

Nope. Twin turbos do not only belong to its lesser V6 brother.

A combination of V8 grunt and Turbo spool and whistle gives the ultimate sound.

Enjoy.

November 29, 2009

Benchmark Supercar

The prancing horse has always been a work of fine Italian art and an epitome of success. Well before the days of the f40 and f50, Ferrari has been accused of lighting the passion of petrol heads not only in Maranello, but around the globe.

Ferrari's latest edition to their already star studded stable will be the 458 Italia. Radical, fierce and full of Italian flair.

But currently, the F430 has to be the benchmark Supercar for rivals to emulate. It is, IMO, the ultimate Supercar.

Yes, the Gallardo's looks can kill, the 911 can be driven anywhere and and driver will arrive at the destination equally fresh, the Godzilla can smoke just about anyone, but they don't carry the Prancing Horse badge. I don't think anyone associates Ferrari with failure. Maybe just that both words start with the same letter.

Spotted a gunmetal F430 recently. I've always wondered why owners won't choose a red paintwork, but after taking a close up look at this grey beast, a subtle colour choice can be rather inviting as well.










Airplane inspired air vents feed air into the huge engine. I don't think this design will ever look outdated.










Delicious curves on the mirror and doors dictate the primary styling from the side.










Rear diffusers, quad tail lamps and pipes, what more does she need?










This is where the magic happen. Mid-engined V8 pumping out well over 450hp, less than 4.2 sec from 0 to 60.

November 22, 2009

One of my favouraite 3dr hatch

Happened to browse through the web for some Audi tuning info. One that caught my eye was surprisingly one of the cheapest in the tuning industry's lineup.

The 3 Dr Audi A3 has always been one of the most understated car. With its Quattro and compact frame, handling would be a brisk affair. Even the longer 5 dr Sportback looks rather Sporty to me.

This entry will be dedicated to the 3 Dr variant













This ABT - tuned "AS3" with quads looks like a car for the young executive with an R8 wallpaper on his notebook and a whole range of Audi die cast models in his bedroom.

Sporty yet tame, this is one of the ore "sleeper cars" on the road.















Black rims go really well with white cars, more so when the whiteness brings out the curvature of the car, as seen in this S3.














Looks subtle, not overdone, but onlooking petrol heads will know that the owner knows something about beautifying his car. Stickered bonnet and fiberglass eyelids add a masculine touch to the car.




Whythiscar?

- Rather rare in Singapore. people would rather go for the more practical Sportback version.

- Endless potential for mods.

- Quattro AWD handling provides plenty of grip round corners, especially when paired with such a compact and well sorted chassis.

November 14, 2009

Sweet tests

Tried 2 stage 2 GTIs today

Stage 2 MTM black GTI and Stage 2 APR dark blue GTI

- Very different feel from the stock.

- Both have effortless acceleration throughout the rev range; low end suffers a bit but not significant.

- Boost gauge looks cool but i don't think i have the time to look at the needle while the turbo is spooling haha.

- Arqray quads sounds SWEET. Not too loud but noticeable.

- AP 6 pots is the ultimate BBK. What you pay is what you get. Impossible to hit something unless you lose concentration. It stops when you tell it to stop.

- Sparco buckets were rather uncomfortable but i can imagine bringing it for a track day. No Ocean Park - like water ride when pulling a few Gs round Sepang.

- the doors on the 3 Dr feels solid. But had to reach quite far back for the seat belt.

- I guess a stock car can be as enjoyable as tuned cars. More than happy with my ride at the moment.

November 2, 2009

Weight > Power

Sat in a Lotus Elise today.

At first glance, this baby monster has the looks of a Supercar. The curves are uninterrupted and bulging wheel arches provide a ferocious stance. Huge air intakes provide ample cooling to the mid mounted 1.8 litre Toyota engine.



Once inside, you will know why this 2 seater weighs 860kg. Everything which should be inside is inside. It even has a radio and power windows for heaven's sake. This is certainly not for the claustrophobic.



The high revving engine is a joy for driver for passenger. Power is instantaneous and gear changes are short and crisp. Although it has only 134 hp, its ridiculously lightweight frame propels the car like how high performance cars should be. There is no point fitting a turbo here as it will cause lag, and thus lose its purpose of being a pure raw driver's car. I have to say that the 1.8 litre engine is more than enough. I just cant imagine how the Elise R, fitted with a supercharger, will feel like.



Handling is out of this world. Who needs good brakes when you can corner the car with such high Gs. There is tremendous grip even in the wet, a pleasant surprise judging by its weight. Nonetheless, its 50 - 50 weight distribution played a monumental role in ensuring that traction is present all the time.












This had got to be one of the most enjoyable 5 mins of my motoring life. The rawness of the engine, superb handling and exhaust rumble from that twin pipes put a smile on my face even after stepping out of the car (Yes, I got out of it on my first attempt).

Damn, I have to study hard. =)

Verdict: 9/10

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