Rumors & Lies
* It was a rumor last month, but now it's been confirmed: BMW will begin to offer performance parts inspired by the 1 Series tii concept. The new line of products will include upgraded brakes, aerodynamic enhancements and full range of interior parts from seats to steering wheels. Although there's no mention of a full tii-equipped model on the horizon, BMW has made it clear that there won't be an M version of the 1 Series, so the tii equipment will have to fit the bill until BMW changes its mind. It will.
* In an effort to spare the air, California State Senator Dean Florez is proposing legislation that would remove the smog exemption from pre-1976 cars in the San Joaquin Valley. Those who enjoy Sunday drives in their 510, 240 or 2002 should remind Senator Florez that models built before 1976 are a drop in the bucket when compared to the majority of gross polluters, most of which were built in the last 20 years.
* Filming for the fourth installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise is currently under way. And in addition to the new Subaru STI playing a prominent role, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe might get some time on the big screen. Universal has taken delivery of a red, turbo'd 2.0-liter Genesis SE and, despite the coupe's potential, it looks like its name will be sullied even before it hits showrooms later next year.
* On a Friday night at the end of March, 150 enthusiasts hanging out at the Canyon Crossing shopping center in Riverside, California were surprised when 50 police vehicles from Riverside County, Irwindale and Ontario descended on the group and began issuing citations and impounding cars. Apparently, nothing illegal was taking place-it was one of many meet-ups that take place across the country. In spite of this, cops handed out tickets for illegal modifications, window tinting and missing front license plates. Twenty vehicles were impounded after suspicions arose that they were equipped with stolen parts.
The Lotus Exige GT3: More Hardcore
In true, obsessive, Colin Chapman fashion, Lotus spent the off-season updating its Exige GT3 racecar to take on Astons, Ferraris and Lamborghinis competing in the GT Championship. That meant increasing output of the supercharged, 1.8-liter four-pot and revising the aero kit to eke out every last bit of top-end performance.
After months of spending 20 hours each day in the shop, Lotus engineers were able to boost the blown 2ZZ to produce 350bhp at 7000rpm and 224lb-ft of torque at 6000rpm. Although they didn't give up all the details on how this has been accomplished, it's likely that a liquid-to-air intercooler is used in conjunction with an increase in boost to around 16psi. But power figures only tell half the tale. They widened the front end to accommodate a larger wheel and tire combo, stretched the nose by an inch and revised the front radiator inlet and outlet areas to reduce drag. While the changes up front are somewhat minimal, the rear received the lion's share of the wind tunnel testing. The carbon fiber bodywork has been lengthened by three inches and widened by four inches, while the rear deck has been shaved by an inch. The roof scoop was removed to smooth out airflow traveling over the rear clamshell and a new deck lid with integral rear wheel arch vents avoids disrupting airflow. We'll see how well the new Exige GT3 fares this year, but it's looking good so far.
The Cost Of Competition: 2008 Fairlady Z 380RS-Competition
The new GT500-class Nissan GT-R is dominating Super GT, but another model set to compete in the Super Taikyu series is just as mouth-watering. The Fairlady Z 380RS-Competition was designed by Nismo to be the ultimate race-ready Z car. As its name implies, the 380RS packs a stroked version of the VQ35 V6 displacing 3.8 liters, while producing 350bhp and 321lb-ft of torque. A Nismo Super Coppermix clutch sends power to a close-ratio, six-speed manual gearbox and down to a mechanical limited-slip diff. The front air dam, wings, rear spoiler and carbon fiber body work all meet Super Taikyu regulations, as does the roll cage, Recaro seat, six-point harness, fire extinguisher and required catalytic converter. Well-funded teams can contact Nissan's motorsport arm with a check, cash or money order for 28,350,000 yen (around $285,000).