* The KTM X-Bow has garnered serious attention after its unveiling almost two years ago. Sales have begun abroad and the first driving reports suggest that the X-Bow is giving the Ariel Atom a run for its money. While KTM has never announced plans to bring the X-Bow to the U.S., the bike manufacturer's marketing chief, Hubert Trunkenpolz, told U.S. dealers that after receiving over 600 requests for the X-Bow from American residents, it will finally begin the long process of getting the track toy federalized for sale in the States. With a drivetrain cribbed from Volkswagen/Audi, KTM will need both automaker's help and some leniency from local authorities to bring the X-Bow across the pond. As the old adage goes, the squeaking wheel gets the oil, and in this case, the entire car.
* Spoon Sports' American arm is in the process of converting U.S.-spec Acura NSXs into authentic recreations of JDM NSX-Rs. The list of upgrades is extensive, beginning with the suspension, which includes stiffer springs and shocks, larger anti-roll bars and forged, 17-inch wheels. From there, Spoon will install a shorter final-drive gear ratio, slotted rotors, a smaller battery, carbon fiber seats, hood and spoiler, along with new underbody trays, thinner rear window glass, manually-adjustable mirrors and lightweight carpeting, The NSX-R will ditch the standard model's sound deadening material and the spare tire will be replaced with a can of puncture-sealing goop. Pricing hasn't been revealed, but expect to see the first batch of retrofitted NSX-Rs making an appearance in time for the new NSX's launch in 2010.
Knowledge Is (Horse) PowerGM's Reconfigurable Performance Display
It's taken automakers some time to realize that pistonheads are desperate to know what's going on under the hood. And while Nissan's Polyphony Digital-designed in-dash information system for the GT-R is impressive, it's out of reach for mere mortals. Thankfully, General Motors has stepped up the plate with its Reconfigurable Performance Display that integrates with the automaker's line of Ecotec engines through the OBDII port.
The system displays data in gauge form, including boost, air-fuel ratio, cam phase angle, timing and other OBDII-derived information, along with allowing traction control to be switched on and off, providing horsepower and torque estimates, displaying shift lights for individual gears and giving readings for lateral Gs. The system is currently being marketed to Chevrolet Cobalt SS and HHR SS owners, but it shouldn't take much to port the display over to the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline.
The Reconfigurable Performance Display is a $295 dealer-installed option and should be on sale by the time you read this.
Aston MartinNrburgring Test Center now open
The famous Nrburgring racetrack again solidified its reputation as the home of OEM testing with the opening of Aston Martin's new Test Center. Initially unveiled in May of this year, the Test Center is now fully operational and is to be used as a base of operations for development and durability testing. The Test Center will primarily serve as a headquarters for engineers who will be testing prototypes as well as current Aston Martine vehicles on the infamous track. Of course, being the high-end ride of choice for James Bond, the facility will also be used for fancy customer appreciation events.
Aston Martin has also taken the next step and announced their intention to build a new showroom and VIP business lounge that will be housed on the to-come area of the planned Nurburgring expansion, which is scheduled to be completed in June 2009.
According to the Aston Martin press release, "the DBS, DB9, V8 Vantage and forthcoming Rapide and V12 Vantage have all benefited from development at the Nrburgring. A key part of the sign-off process for all new Aston Martins is a 10,000km durability test on the famous circuit. The Test Center, converted from a simple industrial building into a functional workshop and showroom provides 2400m2 of space to support Nrburgring racing activities for the factory and its customers."
Since we'll never be able to afford even the simplest of Aston Martin keychains, much less the cars themselves, our biggest interest is in their racing side. GT-class machines transcend all boundaries of price and we want to see more companies participate in motorsport events. We say bring on the V8 Vantage N24s, DB9Rs, and anything else that may get developed with the Nurburgring as their backyard.