2010 Cadillac CTS

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, General Motors is recalling 44,117 units of the 2009 – 2010 Cadillac CTS for a loose joint condition that could cause the rear-wheel to become unstable. GM said it has no reports of any injuries or fatalities related to the issue.

The Detroit automaker has been studying the issue since May when it received four complaints. Most consumers complained of metal clanging sound coming from the rear of CTS.

GM said that it will start notifying customers to bring in their CTS to Cadillac dealers. Once inspection is completed dealers will clean the rear suspension toe link, replace the jam nuts and replace the rear toe link if needed.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

When the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 made its comeback in 2009, dealers were able to bank off of exorbitant markups since the demand for the supercar was so high. However, two years later, demand for the ZR1 has dropped and General Motors is now offering incentives to help dealers move them off the lots. The incentives are available for both the 2009 and the 2010 model years.

For the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, GM is offering a $5,000 cash back and zero percent financing for 72 months. That would bring monthly payments on a fully loaded 2009 ZR1 to $1,700.

For the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, GM is offering buyers $3,000 cash back or zero percent financing for 60 months. If you finance the car, your monthly payments should come in just under $2,000 for a fully loaded model.

2009 Chevrolet Corvettte ZR1:

- By: Omar Rana

Known by many as “˜The Poor Man”s Porsche”, the mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, Porsche Cayman was introduced in 2006. Derived from the Stuttgart automaker”s second-generation Boxster convertible, the 2-seater Cayman is the third-most affordable option to those who long to own a Porsche; only the Boxster and Cayenne are more modestly priced. So when it comes to buying a more affordable Porsche coupe than the 911, the Cayman is your choice.

We were able to test-drive the Cayman for a week, though our test-car was only modestly equipped. We were not afforded amenities like Porsche”s Active Suspension Management (PASM), Sport Chrono Package, or Sport Chrono Package Plus. We did however, get to experience Porsche”s new 7-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, which did have us a little excited and allowed us to have a better time with the car than anticipated.

Make the jump to read more and to view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2009 Porsche Cayman PDK:

2009 Porsche Cayman Specifications:

Base Price: $51,400.
Price as Tested: $54,295.
Engine: 2.9L inline 6-cylinder – 265-hp / 221 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed PDK automatic.
Curb Weight: 3,104 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 5.4 seconds.
Top Speed: 165 mph.
Fuel-Economy: 20/29 mpg (city/highway).

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Exterior:

As is typical of Porsche, there has been no dramatic aesthetic change between the current model and the out-going, but some subtle details do serve as to distinguish the car. The air-intake is accented on either end by positioning lights and fog-lamps, and although the headlamps maintain the typical Porsche aesthetics, the fog-lamps stay separate and positioned low and away from the car”s centerline.

The rear tail and brake lights boast LEDs, which Porsche says improve safety due to instantaneous response time and improved clarity, and are segmented into three distinct pieces on either side of the rear.

Optionally available are BI-XENON headlights which feature an integral daytime running light function, dynamic curve lights, headlight washing system, and automatic headlight range control. Wheels options on the Cayman are strangely configured; 17-inch Boxster III wheels can be had for an additional $390, while 19-inch Carrera Sport Wheels will run about $3,620. Colored wheels are available and come in black, yellow, white, and red. A metallic paint option (our test-car was Metallic Macadamia) is also available for $710 with special colors and costs a whopping $3,140.

Interior:

Our test-car was extremely standard equipped; manually adjustable seats, no iPod connectivity (AUX input only), no navigation, non-heated/cooled seats, and no ambient lighting. We expected more from a car that carries a starting MSRP of $51,400. In fact just to convert the seats to fake-leather power seats one will have to pay $1,550, and real-leather will bring that figure to $3,935. Heated seats can be had for $510 while cooled seats will run you an extra $800. A Bose surround system, Bluetooth functionality, and Navigation will run an extra $1,690, $695, and $3,110 respectively. Five minutes in the Cayman was all it took for us to realize that Porsche pays little concern to the convenient standard features expected by many in a luxury sports car.

Performance:

The 2009 Cayman derives its power from a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine that puts out 265-hp at 7,200 rpm and attains a maximum of 221 lb-ft of torque from 4,400-6,000 rpm. When mated to the standard 7-speed manual these numbers equate to 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph. The PDK transmission (a $3,420 option) will drop the 0-60 time to 5.4 seconds, and the Sports Chrono Package (a $960 option) will drop the time to 5.2 seconds. The top test-track speed for a Cayman equipped with PDK is 163 mph.

Whatever you do, do not purchase this car if you live in a snowbound area; we were barely able to move an inch during a snowstorm. That being said, the Cayman is a great sports car as performance goes; it handles well, accelerates hard, and brakes on a dime.

The biggest upside to the Cayman is the fuel-efficiency that it offers for a sports car. The “09 Cayman delivers an EPA estimated 19/27 mpg (city/highway) with a manual transmission and 20/29 with the optional PDK transmission.

Overall:

After all is said and done, there are much better uses of $51,400 than spending on a bare-bones Cayman and not even having the ability to use it as an everyday car. If you absolutely must have a 2-seat rear-wheel-drive sports car, we advise that you look into the 332-hp Nissan 370Z. It is a much better option given that it reaches 60 mph in 5 seconds flat, handles impeccably, comes loaded with options , and demands a starting MSRP of $29,990. If you were so inclined the 350-hp NISMO 370Z could be had for $39,190 and leave any Porsche Cayman owner regretting their waste of $51,400.

Review: 2009 Porsche Cayman:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Seems likes Toyota isn’t the only one having recall issues. The 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo and the 2009-2010 BMW 7-Series are both being recalled by the German automaker, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It’s nothing as serious as Toyota’s pedal and brake issues so don’t get scared if you own either of the BMW vehicles.

Basically, the recall is due to a failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard No. 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.” The tire pressure label on the vehicles incorrectly indicates the vehicle”s seating capacity as five passengers when its actual seating capacity is four. In the 7-Series the recall refers only to the luxury package that adds the option of “rear comfort seats,” which adds power seats and reduces rear-seating capacity from three to two.

BMW hasn’t set a date on when the recall will begin but owners can call BMW at 800-831-1117 for more information.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: KickingTires

As 2009 winds down and 2010 rears its head around the corner, we thought it appropriate to reminisce about our favorite drives of ’09. Of course it only makes sense to compare apples to apples, so we picked our favorite test-car in each of seven categories. The consensus of our staff is below – click through to read the original review for each and see how the specs measure up.

Sedan: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO
Crossover: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
Sports Car (Coupe): 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Hatchback: 2010 Volkswagen GTI
Compact Car: 2010 Mazda3
Hybrid: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Convertible: 2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible

- By: Stephen Calogera

The new Kia Borrego SUV will not see any upgrades for the 2010 model year. A Kia spokesman tells TheCarConnection that the Borrego “won’t be sold as a 2010 model” and that “the company could not rule out a future return–leaving its fate ‘TBD.’”

The Kia Borrego, which arrived in the U.S. market in 2008, was expected to sell up to 20,000 units annually. However, high gas-prices and the financial crisis have hurt sales. Through the first 11 months of 2009, Kia sold a total of 9,510 Borrego units in the United States. In November 2009, Kia sold 825 units of the SUV.

Prices for the 2009 Kia Borrego start at $26,245. It is available with two engine choices including a 3.8L V6 making 276-hp and a 4.6L V8 making 337-hp.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: TCC

Mitsubishi Motors of North America is offering 0 percent financing or reduced-price lease deals on some 2009 and 2010 models through the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program, reports Automotive News. The program will run through Feb. 1 and will offer 0 percent for 60 months on the 2009 Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder, Lancer and Outlander. The 2010 Galant and Endeavor are also available.

The new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and the 2010 Outlander will be offered with low-lease plans but will not be offered with 0 percent financing. Sam”s Club members can get the new Outlander at $226 a month for 48 months, with $1,999 down.

Mitsubishi Motors Credit America will be handling the financing for the deals.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Don’t act so surprised (okay actually act as surprised as you want). The Dodge Challenger has been ranked as the car most loved by its owners, according to a survey of 380,000 readers by Consumer Reports.  92 percent Challenger owners said they would definitely buy another one given the opportunity.

“That doesn’t mean hybrids have fallen far from grace, however,” said Consumer Reports. “The second most satisfying car, with 91 percent of respondents saying they would definitely buy another, was the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

The Toyota Prius hybrid dropped to fifth place in the survey this year, behind the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911.

The survey asks car owners whether or not they would buy their vehicle all over again considering all factors including price, performance, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Consumer Reports

Want to be teased early in the morning? Volkswagen is here to help. The automaker just dropped more than a dozen pictures of the new 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R to make us jealous since we won’t be getting the sexy hatch in the U.S. anytime soon (if ever).

Refresher: Power for the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R comes from a 2.0L TSI 4-cylinder making 265-hp with a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph time in less than 6.4 seconds.

Click through for the updated high-res image gallery.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R:

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW showed off its 2009 7-Series M Sports Package. The package adds additional chrome trim on the front and rear aprons, illuminated M entry trim, BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line, exclusive Carbon Black Metallic paintwork, 19 to 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, electronically controlled BMW Dynamic Drive and an M leather steering wheel.

European Auto Source didn’t seem too satisfied with BMW’s M Sports Package and decided to add their own touches. Their conversion includes OEM M-sport front bumper conversion with matte black trim, OEM BMW 21-inch wheels in matte black, matte black side grilles and kidney grilles, body color door handles, body color trunk trim and a matte black rear diffuser.

Worth it? You decide.

EAS 2009 BMW 7-Series M Sport Package with Matte-Black Trim:

- By: Kap Shah

Source BMWBlog

When Ford first introduced the new Focus RS to the European market, it had planned to produce only 1,200 units. However, due to high-demand, Ford of Europe has decided to build an additional 400 units of the 305-hp Ford hatchback – exclusively for sale in Germany.

Ford said that this is the final decision and that there won’t be any more Focus RS units build after the 400 units are completed.  If you live in Germany and you’re interested, you can order the car now and expect delivery in the early part of 2010.

Click here for more news on the Focus RS.

Refresher: Power comes from a 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec engine with a large Borg Warner K16 turbocharger. That makes a total of 300-hp and a peak torque of 324 lb-ft.

2009 Ford Focus RS:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Ford (via CarScoop)

Our favorite segment during the premier of Top Gear season 14 was watching James May being driven by The Stig in the 2009 BMW 760Li as he raced the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. You can check out the clip after the jump.

Refresher:

2009 BMW 760Li: 6.0L turbocharged V12 making 535-hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic, 0-60 mph comes in just 4.5seconds with a top speed of 160 mph.
2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG: 6.2L V8 producing 518-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic and assists with a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph.

Click through for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

When releasing a convertible version of a luxury-performance coupe, there is much risk that the aesthetics of the car will suffer. This crisis was averted however, by the Infiniti design team with regards to the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. From certain angles, the convertible looks better than its sibling, the coupe.

The three-piece power retractable roof provides for an extremely stylish and sharp looking vehicle with roof either up or down. “This new G has dual beauty ““ it looks as good with the top up or down ““ along with a beautiful, leather-appointed interior that is meant to be experienced wide-open,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing at Nissan.

The G37 Convertible is Infiniti’s answer to the BMW 3-Series Convertible and the Lexus IS-C. How does it compete? Let’s take a look:

Click through to read more and to view the high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible:

2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible:

Base Price: $43,850.
Price as Tested: $51,865.
Engine: 3.7L DOHC 24-valve VVEL V6 ““ 325-hp/267 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with Drive Sport and Manual Shift mode.
Curb Weight: 3,642 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 5.3 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 17/25 mpg (city/highway).

Exterior:

We were not impressed by the styling of the Lexus IS-C. When compared to the BMW 3-Series Convertible however, the G37 Convertible stands up fairly strong. Both cars are hard top convertibles and offer sleek drop-top designs.

With the top up, the G37 Convertible is not very discernible from the Coupe. With the top down however, the Coupe barely stands in comparison to the Convertible. The roof retracts in about 30 seconds with the simple push of a button located just below the gearbox. We did however, have one gripe with the retraction process; instead of a simple one-touch button, the motor requires the driver to hold the button down throughout the entire retraction process.

Infiniti’s Scratch Shield paint, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual chrome tip exhaust, chrome front-grille, LED taillights, and HID bi-functional head-lamps all come standard on the G37 Convertible. Our test car came equipped with a $1,350 optional Sports Package which upgrades the 18-inch wheels to 19-inch ones and adds W-rated performance tires, sports tuned steering, sport brakes, and aluminum pedals. Our test-model was also equipped with optional illuminated kick plates, available for $300.

Interior:

The interior does not sway much from that of the Coupe, save for the optional Bose Open Air Sound System designed to dynamically change the equalization settings based on outside noise coming into the car. The system offers great sound quality via its 13 speakers, two of which are embedded into the driver and front-passenger headrests.

When compared to the 3-Series Convertible and the IS Convertible, the G37 Convertible Coupe takes best-in-class, hands down. Interior features that come standard on the G37 Convertible include:

• 8-way power heated front leather seats with adjustable lumbar support
• Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
• Adaptive Climate Control System
• Rear-seat heater ducts under front seats
• Power windows with one-touch auto-up/down Remote power door locks with auto-locking feature
• Illuminated entry system with delayed fade-out
• Dual front cup holders and door bottle holders
• Front and rear carpeted floor mats
• 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM, AUX audio jacks, in-dash 6-disc CD changer with MP3 playback capability and XM Satellite Radio.
• Infiniti Controller with 7-inch color display for audio, fuel economy, maintenance and comfort and convenience systems. It also acts as a display for the Rear View Camera.

The $3,250 Premium Package adds:

• Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System.
• The Bose Open Air Sound System featuring noise adaptive technology with 13 speakers, including Bose front seat personal speakers with iPod connectivity
• Advanced Climate Control System with the cleaner Plasmacluster air purifier.
• Memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors.
• 2-way power lumbar support for driver’s seat.
• Cooled-seats.
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.
• Rain-sensing wipers.

The Navigation Package, which runs $1,850 and is available with or without the Premium Package will get you:

• Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with Lane Guidance and 3-D building graphics
• XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic information
• 9.3GB Music Box hard drive with CompactFlash slot
• Infiniti Voice Recognition for climate control, audio and navigation systems

Infifniti also offers for the G37 Convertible, the Technology Package, which is available without the Navigation Package, but (ridiculously enough) not without the Premium Package. This package adds:

• Intelligent Cruise Control with Preview Braking
• Adaptive Front lighting System
• Pre-Crash Seat Belts

The only real complaint we have concerning the interior of this car is the structure of the options package. It is a bit ridiculous that the the most expensive options package is a prerequisite for the least expensive. Aside from that, the power seat switches are a little hard to access without the door closed.

Performance:

Dropping the top of the ’09 G37 Convertible really enables the driver to experience the sounds put out by the 325-hp, 3.7L V6 engine that puts out a maximum torque of 267 lb-ft. Either the 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic will see this car through to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. That’s .2 seconds faster than the BMW 335i Convertible and a full half-second faster than the Lexus IS-C.

As is generally an issue with any hardtop convertible, the weight of the 457 pound folding steel top compromises handling in spite of the revised rear-suspension.  Structural rigidity is also compromised – another common issue with convertibles – with the top down, and this makes for a very noticeable (though not terrible) rattle when driving with the top down.

Overall:

One thing is certain; the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible is one good looking topless vehicle, compared to the competition.

Given the starting price $43,850 (before the $865 Destination and Handling fees) the G37 Convertible is a car definitely worth checking out. This is the best price in class as the BMW 335i starts at $50,700, and the Lexus IS-C starts slightly above the Infiniti at $44,390.

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Techart has introduced a modification program for the new 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S that offers up to 35 more horsepower.

The modification includes a new exhaust system with two manifolds and a stainless steel Sportkatanlage, muffler with exhaust flap control unit and an exhaust valve doppelovale tailpipes in gloss black or chrome. All that results in an increase from 385-hp to 420-hp.

To enhance aerodynamics, Techart added a new front spoiler, a roof spoiler and rear wing, a new rear diffuser and new side skirts.

Check out more details after the jump.

Techart 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S:

Press Release:

TECHART Program for Porsche 997 – new performance kit for significantly more power

Leonberg, November 2009 – In an unmistakable look at the IAA be presented TECHART program for the current Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. The individualized Porsche brings perfection of form, sportiness and dynamism, and once again embodies the basic principle of all TECHART products: OEM quality – made in Germany. Available now in the program with this is the new Performance: The components include the exhaust valve “Racing” and a new engine electronics for a notable increase in output by up to 35 hp.

New TECHART performance kit
For the Porsche Carrera S and 4S all-wheel version of one developed TECHART performance kit for listening and feeling. The kit includes a new engine management software and an exhaust valve in the variant “Racing”. The exhaust system includes two manifolds and a stainless steel Sportkatanlage, muffler with exhaust flap control unit and an exhaust valve doppelovale tailpipes in gloss black or chrome. The driver can thereby switch between a sporty-production sound or a powerful racing sound. Overall, the new performance kit provides a clearly noticeable performance increase of 35 horsepower – in the upper rpm range. Optionally, a pure exhaust valve of the variant “sport” is available which, although not a performance boost, it also provides the individual sound experience. The facility consists of muffler with exhaust valve, exhaust valve control unit, and doppelovalen tailpipes in gloss black or chrome.

Aerodynamics and Design
The TÃV-certified Aerokit I is the successful result of intensive development work in the wind tunnel. This increased to improve the use PUR-RIM components of downforce on the axles and also the stability. The front spoiler I, highlights the dynamics of the 911 Carrera and provides by streamlining the flow of air for effective cooling of the brake system. Side emphasizing the powerful sidelines. A roof spoiler and rear wing, three different variants, depending on the requirements to enable an accurate aerodynamic set at the rear. Thus, the variable rear wing IV pitot-air channels and integrates an additional adjustable trailing edge (Gurney flap). The dynamic nature are further complicated by decorative screens for the outside mirrors – made from carbon fiber painted in desired color, Scheinwerferzierblenden, a deep-seated rear diffuser and the new sport exhaust systems emphasized.

TECHART suspension
For sporty, tight handling makes next to a sports spring kit also TECHART TECHART threaded chassis VARIO. For vehicles with PASM, the variant VARIO PLUS is available. Both systems are equipped with threaded shock absorbers with adjustable train and rebound as well as specific main and auxiliary springs. TECHART Formula II and Formula light-alloy wheels, a five-spoked wheel in one or multipieced design underline this sportiness. For the new 911 models is also the TECHART Formula III forged light-alloy forged in the twin-spoke design Available in sizes 19 – and 20-inches. Optional is also the TECHART Noseliftsystem available to overcome curbs or other ramps. By pressing a button the car can be increased by up to 60 millimeters – even while driving up to 60 km / h.

Independent to the last detail: The interior
A wealth of different leather interiors, matching 3-spoke airbag sports steering wheels, aluminum pedals and trim are just a few extras. Custom design is limited by the TECHART-Manufactory almost no limits. The silver-colored accents are inter alia in the dashboard and Türzierteilen, placed at the aperture of the infotainment system in the center console, seat-back trays and coat hooks.

- By: Kap Shah

A new and improved version of Specter Werkes’ latest Corvette C6 GTR will be distinguished by its unique BASF Pearl Blue exterior color and HRE CF40 carbon fiber wheels next week at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Based on Corvette Z06, the new Corvette GTR is a result of a collaboration between Specter Werkes and Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. Lingenfelter provided a twin-turbo system that takes power of the 7.0L LS7 engine to a whopping 800-hp. 0-60 mph and top speed figures were not released but we’re pretty sure they’re nothing short of impressive.

Other than that, Specter Werkes added some styling kits that makes this Z06 look much more aggressive than the stock Corvette ZR1.

Click the ‘Continue Reading’ button for the press release.

2009 Specter Werkes Corvette C6 GTR:

Press Release:

NEWEST CORVETTE GTR FROM SPECTER WERKES/SPORTS DEBUTS AT SEMA WITH HRE CARBON FIBER WHEELS AND LINGENFELTER TWIN-TURBO SYSTEM

TROY, Mich. ““ The latest Corvette GTR by Specter Werkes/Sports debuts Nov. 3 at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Distinguished by its unique, BASF Pearl Blue exterior color and HRE CF40 carbon fiber wheels, the newest GTR will be on display outside the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Hall, as a feature vehicle for HRE.

Based on the Corvette Z06, this new GTR also represents a collaboration between Specter Werkes and Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, with a Lingenfelter twin-turbo system powering the car ““ and pumping its 7.0-liter LS7 engine to 800 horsepower.

“Specter GTRs have been featured at SEMA for many years and we’re excited to debut the most unique example to date at this year’s show,” said Jeff Nowicki, president of Specter Werkes/Sports. “From the BASF pearl paint and HRE carbon wheels, to the Lingenfelter engine, there’s never been a GTR like this one and we think it will resonate with sports car enthusiasts of all stripes.”

Featuring dramatic bodywork and carbon fiber details, the GTR blends racing-inspired design cues with uncompromising luxury and performance. The Specter Werkes/Sports GTR package is available on all C6 Corvette models, including the base coupe and convertible, the Z06 and ZR1. The new, Pearl Blue example’s carbon fiber wheels and other carbon accents are complemented by a matte black rear fascia.

The use of HRE carbon fiber wheels is a first on a GTR. They weigh only 22 pounds apiece and are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Zero Pressure tires. Additional features on the new GTR include:

• StopTech STR big-brake package, featuring six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers
• Mobil 1 synthetic fluids
• Corsa exhaust system with GTR-specific exhaust tips
• Spinneybeck hand-tipped leather interior accents
• Matte-finish carbon fiber accents, including the headlamp housing, front splitter, outside mirrors and more

Specter Werkes/Sports is an automotive prototype and fabrication facility based in Troy, Mich. It specializes in race-proven engine performance enhancements and creating specialty accessories for the C5 and C6 Corvette, the Cadillac CTS and more.

For more information, visit www.spectergtr.com or call 248-583-9559.

- By: Omar Rana

Many would agree that at 300-hp, the 2009 Ford Focus RS is already one of the hottest high-performance hatchbacks on the road. However, if you’re Loder1899, the Focus RS could use a little more horsepower.

Loder1899′s 2009 Focus RS pumps a total of 345-hp from the 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine, an increase of 45-hp over the base model.

Loder1899 also added a stainless-steel exhaust system, which consists of a Y-pipe, Sportkats, and there is Vorschall silencer. The tuner says that the system provides an increase of 20-hp and a deeper sound than the original Focus RS. A 35mm suspension-lowering package is also part of the whole package along with 20-inch “Vertigo Viginti” wheels.

Loder1899 2009 Ford Focus RS:

Press Release:

As Ford’s professionals are the men from Loder1899 course, clear that the power development at Focus RS is sensational and you had better not be too obvious to fuck with a whole development team.

But the Loders is forgiven, because without the Focus RS Loder1899 there would be no and no RS-Tuning the young pioneers not exciting accessories. 2003 Loder1899 developed a small fine for the Focus RS exhaust system and took it for the first time with Jost Capito team. The Focus fans thanked him with great demand. This time there were specialists in today’s Ford, Land Rover, Jaguar and Aston Martin, the initial spark.

Today Loder1899 Focus hidden under the hood in the form of a syringe, a doping control and sports performance via the air filter. She brings out the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine further out 45 extra horsepower. Moreover Loder1899 offers the specially-bred athlete for the Focus RS more sophisticated stainless-steel exhaust system, which consists of a Y-pipe, Sportkats, and there is Vorschall silencer. It provides for more rapid 20 horses and a deeper sound than the original Rally-conditioning.

With the brand new designer wheel “Vertigo Viginti” in 20 inches is the perfect appearance of the top athletes from Ford is no more obstacles. Loder1899, known for its custom wheel and tire combinations, provides the perfect finish on request in car boots or special colors. For a crisp finish, the curve provides Loder1899-lowering (-35mm).

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Loder1899 (via WCF)

Las Vegas and most of the tuner industry is getting ready for the 2009 SEMA Show next week. The folks at SpeedFactory will come to the show with their new supercharged, all-aluminum 440 HEMI-powered Dodge Challenger.

SpeedFactory took the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1L HEMI Mopar aluminum block and increased the displacement to 440 cu. in. (to 7.2L). With a Vortech V3 centrifugal supercharger and other modifications, output was increased to a whopping 700-hp.

Complimenting the increase in performance is a Mopar Performance NAG 1 transmission, Mopar Performance fuel rails, Moroso coolant tank and oil pan, Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts, Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system, performance springs, sway bars, and additional strut tower braces, 15-inch Brembo 6 piston front disc brakes and Bridgestone R Compound tires mounted on 20-inch BS Black Edition CH-R wheels.

Hit the jump for the press release.

SpeedFactory 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with 440 HEMI:

Press Release:

SpeedFactory to Debut the First All-Aluminum, Supercharged, 440 Hemi- Powered Challenger at the 2009 SEMA Show

Atlanta, GA – SpeedFactory, a top-tier modern muscle car builder, will introduce the first modern supercharged, all-aluminum, 440 Hemi-powered Challenger at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nov 3-6, 2009.

The SpeedFactory prepared 2009 SRT8 Challenger is powered by a bored and stroked 6.1L Hemi Mopar aluminum block, increasing the displacement to 440 cu. in. (7.2 liters). It includes CNC ported Mopar aluminum heads and a completely forged rotating assembly. A Vortech V3 centrifugal supercharger boosts the output of this reliable, modern Mopar power plant to 700HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel.

SpeedFactory performance modifications include Mopar Performance NAG 1 transmission, Mopar Performance fuel rails, Moroso coolant tank and oil pan, Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts, Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system, performance springs, sway bars, and additional strut tower braces, 15″ Brembo 6 piston front disc brakes and Bridgestone R Compound tires mounted on 20″ BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels.

SpeedFactory’s Signature interior package includes logo-embossed seat backs, matching door panel stripe with logo, custom floor mats, Mopar door sills and T-handle shifter. Visually, the exterior of the car has also been enhanced with a race-inspired, matte-finish, full carbon fiber hood and rear deck spoiler, as well as SpeedFactory Signature badging and graphics.

This car is part of SpeedFactory’s research and development platform for its line of tuned, advanced engine, and supercharged modern muscle cars.

The SpeedFactory Challenger will be on display at the MOPAR Booth, #43127 , from Tuesday, Nov 3rd thru Friday, Nov 6th at the SEMA Show.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: SpeedFactory (via WCF)

Yesterday, we returned our 2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible loaner after a week long test-drive. That means it’s time to close it up with some fun facts before our full-review due out next week.

Fun Facts about the 2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible:

- Starting MSRP comes in at $43,850: Our 2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible carried a final price-tag of $51,685 after being fitted with a Premium Package ($3,250), Illuminated kick-plates ($330), Sport Package ($1,350) R-Spec high-friction brake pads ($370) and a Navigation package ($1,850).
- Power: 3.7L V6 producing 325-hp/267 lb-ft ““ mated to a 6-speed manual or an optional 7-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds
- EPA fuel-economy estimated at 17/25 mpg (city/highway): We averaged a combined fuel-economy of 17.6 mpg over the full week.
- Key competitors: BMW 335i Convertible ($50,700) and the Lexus IS C 350 ($44,390).

Look out for the full-review coming next week.

2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible (Weekly Test-Drive):

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Stephen Calogera ““ egmCarTech.