Mercedes DTM driver David Coulthard explains the differences between the 2011 and 2012 Mercedes DTM race cars

Thu, 17 May 2012 21:30:00 -0500

The Mercedes DTM cars in 2012 have been very, very fast. It is rumored they are making the most horsepower but power is not the only change from 2011. The 2012 season is incredibly competitive with BMW entering the fray so Mercedes looked at several things to make sure they would be at their absolutely best and in compliance with updates regulations. Coulthard first hits on the most obvious and one of the most important which is the tires.

The new tires are 2 inches wider for 2012 than 2011 and they are also heavier due to this. The added weight is a factor especially on a race car where every additional gram is scrutinized. It is also tougher on pit crews who have to deal with a 10% heavier tire and wider/heavier wheel.

Introducing the 2013 BMW E82 135is coupe and the E88 135is convertible

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:52:00 -0500

Here we go, this is more like it. The new BMW 135is models based on the previous generation (but still in production) E82 and E88 1 Series. The 135is gets a sport tuned suspension, exclusive 18 inch wheels, and a 20 horsepower bump in horsepower for the N55 turbo inline 6 to 320 horsepower. It also gets trick new differential that although is not an LSD (limited slip) it will electronically brake to maintain power distribution to both wheels. This is exactly what an "is" mode should be and with a manual or dual clutch option we actually prefer this vehicle over the new M135i.

2014 Porsche Macan entry level SUV (baby Cayenne) rendered

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:42:00 -0500

With the spyphotos of the Macan hitting the web last week we knew it would not be long for someone to take a stab at the rendering. PS-Garage stepped up to the plate and did a front rendering which we think is likely very close to the real deal. They left out the rear which is taking the easy way out (top graphic design artists do front AND back) but it still gives you an idea. This pretty much will just like a Mini-Cayenne from what we have seen so far.

Gintani Stage 2+ supercharged E92 M3 takes on a bolt on C6 Z06

Wed, 16 May 2012 20:36:00 -0500

The C6 Z06 is a very fast car in stock form. It is lightweight with a big motor that also revs for a strong top end. A Stage 2+ Gintani supercharged M3 with meth injection will put out close to the 600 wheel horsepower range depending on the transmission making for a very strong top end car. The Z06 has a fast intake, tune, and longtube headers along with no cats. The M3 is making more power and has the quicker shifting transmission although the Z06 is lighter with more torque down low.

In the first race the Z06 loses traction. The M3 is in the wrong gear for the second race going to show that even if one has a lot of power high in the rev range a mistake like this means game over. The third race is a clean run with the M3 pulling up top. Check out the

Group B Rally Racing is back! Sort of. The legendary Audi S1 Quattro rally car to be raced again

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:43:00 -0500

If you do not know what Group B is (how can you not?) please do a quick search on YouTube and watch videos of the rally cars (we picked one for you below) that were deemed too fast and dangerous to be raced. Now, Audi had one of the most badass vehicles in all of Group B with their S1 Quattro rally car. We will get to see the legend back in action in August with the Michelin Group B five venue rally event taking place in England.

The event is open to Group B cars but also others such as WRC cars as well as additional historic classes. So, it is not exactly the return of Group B but nice to see the cars getting run in an event once again. The chance to see Group B cars in person is a must for any Motorsport fan. We just wish this was happening in the United

The F20 M135i is official, preview trailer - Too much dilution of the M brand?

Wed, 16 May 2012 06:42:00 -0500

We do not see the need for this vehicle to have an "M" anywhere in its name. It is not a true M car, it really does not offer anything over the 1M (more of a step backward), and just seems to be a cash grab by BMW. Frankly this is one BMW car with the letter M in the name that we are not at all upset over not being sold in the United States. For all intents and purpose, the BMW 1M is a superior vehicle to this and that model caused more than enough of a stir with M purists.

Whether we like it or not, BMW built the car and will continue their new M Performance line the goal of which seemingly is to make money at the expense of the M division. It gets a 320 horsepower N55 turbo six cylinder and some more aggressive body work. A manual transmission

The G65 AMG with the M275 twin turbo V12 will not be coming to the United States

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:31:00 -0500

This is not exactly surprising news. The V12 twin turbo powered G65 AMG will not make it stateside. There are several reasons for this and the most likely deciding factor was simply the cost. The G63 AMG will already be over $130,000 and the new M157 V8 twin turbo motor does not give up much to the older M275 V12. Considering the G65 would be over $200,000 the market would be incredibly limited. The Euro price tag in a direct conversion puts it at around $500,000. Nobody is paying that for a G-Wagon in the United States.

GIAC testing Porsche Panamera Turbo software, +58 wheel horsepower on 91 octane

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:26:00 -0500

The vehicle here is a Porsche Panamera Turbo tuned by GIAC on 91 octane pump gas. The car is also outfitted with the Vorsteiner V-PT aerodynamic package. The tuning gains with software only are very impressive on a Mustang dyno. The baseline was 413 horsepower at all four wheels and tuned the number is 471 at all four wheels. That is a 58 wheel horsepower gain along with 51 pound feet of torque, graph and video below.

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