On Sunday the first race of the 2014 MotoGP gets underway at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit, and Bridgestone says it “has not forgotten the growing army of fans attracted to MotoGP” in its sixth year as official series tyre supplier. To aid spectator involvement, the tyre maker has introduced a new sidewall colour marking system into the series and will debut this in Qatar.
Tuning parts supplier JMS has launched its 2014 Mercedes Tuning & Styling catalogue. Coinciding with the start of the new season, the catalogue includes: aerodynamic parts, car alarm systems exhaust systems, spacers, suspension kits, chiptuning, speedpedal, strut braces, headlights, taillights, spacers, windstops, floor mats and sport seats within its 48 pages. JMS says the catalogue […]
Vredestein and German tuner Carlsson have agree to extend their cooperation agreement for a further three years following the signing of a new contract on 3 December. This partnership is part of Vredestein’s Premium Styling concept and has already resulted in unique Mercedes-Benz models styled by Carlsson. In the coming years, the cooperation will move up a gear, focusing on the development of models such as the new Mercedes-Benz S, E and ML. Vredestein is the strategic tyre partner supplying its range of premium designer tyres to Carlsson within the partnership.
Northampton power train supplier Cosworth has announced the completion of the first part of its multi-stage power package for Subaru’s FA20 powertrain. The Stage 1 upgrade brings together a fully tuned stainless steel exhaust system, a bespoke four into two into one exhaust manifold, a high-flow sports CAT, a high performance panel air filter and a specially mapped ECU program to ensure all these components work together in perfect harmony while conservatively improving power by approximately 24hp over the original equipment. The FA20 features in the Scion FR-S (Toyota GT86) and the Subaru BRZ. Cosworth is currently exhibiting the Stage 1 Power Package at Booth #23324 at Las Vegas’ SEMA Show.
Hankook says it is rejuvenating its line-up for the refitting/tuning market and in spring 2014 will introduce a new high performance wide tyre, the Ventus V12 evo². In addition to considerable improvements in all performance parameters over the prior-generation Ventus V12 evo, the manufacturer reports that environmental characteristics were also a key element for the development team when creating the V12 evo².
Latin Expo Group LLC, the event organiser behind the Latin Tyre Expo, have announced plans to hold the 2014 Latin Auto Parts Expo between 9 and 11 July 2014 at the Atlapa Convention Center, Panama City, Panama. The exhibition it pitched at providing manufacturers and distributors direct access to the Latin American and Caribbean OEM, replacement parts and tuning markets in a warm and personal setting that forges long lasting commercial and personal relationships.
Interstate Tire & Rubber Co. increased its already large program with 46 sizes. The total number of sizes of their summer tyre range is now more than 300.
Milltek has released details of its new performance exhaust system for the new BMW M135i. The latest F20 chassis car features BMW’s twin scroll turbo engine, which Milltek says suits its extraction technology and craftsmanship. Initially launched as a cat-back only set-up, Milltek will provide the additional option of a turbo-back system, complete with large bore downpipe and high-flow cat configurations.
The words “sporting Volvo diesel” may have seemed paradoxical not long ago, but exhaust supplier Milltek believes the manufacturer’s new C30 R-Line 2.4 and 2.5 T5 respond well enough to tuning and enhancement that it has added an exhaust system for both models to its burgeoning portfolio. The company has also created a tailored system for the V50 model with the same engine options.
Lassa Tyres presented its latest winter tyre, the Snoways 3 at Autopromotec. In addition Lassa showcased 21 different models, which are marketed and sold in more than 60 countries.
Despite the launch, the main focus of Lassa stand was the flagship Phenoma UHP tyre, which is said to be a popular choice in sport and prestige segment for upper class automobiles and tuning vehicles. The Competus H/P, Impetus REVO and Greenways, Lassa’s eco-friendly passenger tyre line, were also on-show.
Avon Motorsport has taken its place alongside Pirelli as one of two tyre companies sponsoring the Time Attack series in 2013. At the first event of the year at Cadwell Park Avon tyres were used to claim the overall fastest lap, a new Time Attack lap record in qualifying, and second place overall in the intensely close Pro Class final, thanks to the Mitsubishi Evo of Gareth Lloyd. Time Attack organiser, Andy Barnes praised Avon for recognising the potential of the championship, and the good fit with the brand’s products provided by the series.
Michelin has announced that it will fit its specially developed Pilot Super Sport ZP as original equipment on the full 2014 range of Chevrolet Corvette Stingray models. Michelin reveals that the deal has come about as a result of its relationship with Chevrolet at the American Le Mans Series. The French tyre giant previously gained fitments for the 2009 Corvette ZR1 and 2011 Corvette Z06.
Tarox F2000 brake discs have been made available to the Golf GTi Championship, a staple on the MSVR calendar. Competitors can choose to run an OEM style ‘smooth’ disc, or benefit from the improved cooling and pad-facing ability of the Tarox F2000 control option; the choice is left up to the teams. For 2013, competitors can also spec up to the larger 256mm set-up from the later GTi models. A combination, when fitted with a suitably aggressive pad and F2000 disc, that should see lap times falling amongst the quicker cars.
Hofmann Power Weight has shared some details of its plans to exhibit at the Essen Motor Show from 1 – 9 December 2012. Amongst other things, automobile enthusiasts will be able to purchase the appropriate adhesive weight for their wheel rims from the Hofmann stand. Exhibiting at the 2012 show will be Hofmann’s first appearance at the event, which is seen as a key meeting point for the tuning fraternity.
German tuning specialist Gemballa has entered into a supply arrangement with Vredestein; the tyre maker refers to the result as the “ultimate winter tyre package.” Under the partnership with Gemballa, Vredestein will supply winter tyres that accommodate the levels of performance Gemballa vehicles are known for; first tyre to be provided to the tuner is the Wintrac Nextreme SUV, a tyre Vredestein says can “perform as a winter tyre on snow and ice, handles well on dry roads and is able to cope with speeds of up to 300 km/h.”
