Building a show car – I

When building a show car it is important to spend your money wisely and fix up the right things on the car. In this article we will look at rims, which some would argue are the most important part of a show car.

Building an award winning show car should be for you, and not for anyone else. Who cares what anybody else says as long as you are happy with your creation.

Deciding what size rims are right for your car

If your car has more of a racy/drifting look you should go for 14 inch or 15 inch lightweight rims. A racing car is not going to have 19 inch chrome rims as they would be too heavy and the performance would be worst than having lightweight rims.

If you have a wide body kit on your car 17 or 18 inch rims that are only 7 inches wide would be no use. They would not fill up the gaps. You would need 17 or 18 inch rims that are wide like 8 or 9 inches to fill up the gaps, as there is nothing worst than seeing the wheel arches of a car not used up fully by the wheels. Getting wide rims might add to the price, but it’s a must if your car has a wide body kit fitted.

The style of the rims matters too, they should match the cars general look. If your car has a clean look, an exotic rim might not match the style. If you have an aggressive and exotic body kit on your car you want to get a wild and exotic rim to match it up. For example a Vauxhall Corsa with gold rims that have 500 spokes or whatever probably wouldn’t work.

The colour of the rim is very important too. The colour should match the colour of your car, suspension parts, undercarriage and even parts on the engine that might be chromed etc. For example if your car is black, black rims would work, as would chrome. If your car is silver, chrome rims would work as would black. Yellow rims on a silver car probably wouldn’t as the contrast would be too great. A red car with yellow rims could work, as they would blend in nicely. If the rims you like don’t come in the colour you want, get them powder coated there are literally thousands of colours to choose from!

If you’re not sure something would work as you’ve never seen it done before, play it safe unless you are totally sure you want it.

Author: Jim Haskard, More car articles can be found at www.cruisegb.com

STARTECH Refines the Dodge Caliber

Tuning ‘Made in Germany’ for the Dodge Caliber: STARTECH offers a strikingly styled aerodynamic-enhancement program, and engine tuning for the diesel model.

To add more sporty emphasis to the characteristic appearance of the Dodge Caliber the STARTECH designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit that adds to the compact car’s striking design.

The STARTECH front fascia not only visually upgrades the front; it also reduces lift on the front axle.

The sides are given a more homogenous appearance with the STARTECH side body cladding that gives the Caliber a lower and sleeker appearance.

The rear of the Dodge can also undergo sporty modifications: The custom-tailored STARTECH lift-gate attachment continues the bullish contour of the rear fascia over the entire width of the rear. The rear fascia with stylized tailpipes left and right gives the Caliber a more powerful look. The fascia can be complemented with the STARTECH sport exhaust system. The rear spoiler is attached to the liftgate and stylishly rounds out the STARTECH designer suit.

For the Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD with common-rail turbodiesel engine STARTECH offers powerful and reliable power tuning that ups power output by 40 hp / 29.4 kW. The STARTECH SD3 performance kit consists of a plug-and-play control module that can be installed by any authorized Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer in half an hour, thanks to an included custom wire harness. Like the production models the STARTECH-tuned Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD meets EURO IV emission limits.

With STARTECH SD3 tuning peak power output of the 2.0-liter common-rail four cylinder engine with Diesel particulate filter jumps from standard 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW at just 4,000 rpm. Even more important for everyday driving is the increase in peak torque from 310 Nm to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Thus equipped sprint time from 0 – 100 km/h is shortened from 9.3 to 8.6 seconds. Top speed of the tuned Caliber diesel model increases to 201 km/h.

STARTECH offers a stainless-steel rear muffler with one oval tailpipe on either side for all engine variants of the Caliber. There are two versions, one to be combined with the STARTECH rear fascia and one for installation in combination with the stock bumper. The exhaust system lends the Caliber not only a more thrilling rear appearance but also a more powerful exhaust note.

STARTECH offers more driving fun in the form of custom-tailored modifications to the suspension of the Dodge. Progressive-rate springs precision-calibrated to the standard shocks lower the ride height of the vehicle by some 30 millimeters.

Wheels make a car and STARTECH offers various custom-tailored STARTECH Monostar tire/wheel combinations with 19- and 20-inch diameters for the Caliber. The palette of suitable Monostar IV five-spoke wheels ranges from size 8.5Jx19 all around with tires up to 245/40 R 19 in size to an especially exclusive version with size 9Jx20 wheels and 245/35 R 20 tires.

The STARTECH program also offers numerous customization options for the interiors of all Caliber models: The STARTECH Lifestyle interior package will go on sale in the near future.

Extravagant highlights can be added with striking STARTECH accessories: Polished aluminum serves as the material of choice for door-lock pins, shifter and foot pedals. Also available are high-quality floor mats with STARTECH signet.

Seat Altea XL by JE Design

Whoever admires minivan look would do well deciding on a Seat Altea XL. JE DESIGN provides a clearly sportier version for its mid-size family car through its Spanish alterations. A car body kit completes the aesthetically pleasing form. In addition, JE DESIGN offers amongst other options a lowering, a sports exhaust and new rims.

Facelift by JE DESIGN
A complete facelift procedure is performed by JE DESIGN on the front of the SEAT Altea. A new grill with grid inset – in contrast to the original version minus brand labelling – is available in Matt Black or by request in matching vehicle finish and is just the first step offered. Next are headlight eye brows providing the Altea series-produced headlights with a much more serious look. The third step is a new front spoiler available to optimise aerodynamics. Naturally, JE DESIGN dedicates its attention as well to the other side of the Seat Altea. Side skirts set provide this and thanks to the new rear apron fitting, an optical lowering of this vehicle ensures a rear sporty look. The single parts for the Seat Altea XL are also available as a complete kit.

Further optical measures pertain to the doors as JE DESIGN provides an 8-component highly polished door handle set in chrome. Matching to this the Leingarten, Germany, based tuner offers the B-pillar in “3D Chrome”.

More power
Even a mid-sized family van can have the liberty of a power boost. JE DESIGN increases the 2.0 TDI engine from series-produced 103 kW/166 PS to 130 kW/176 PS with 4000 U/min. Improved elasticity values follow this procedure maximizing the torque to 405 Nm compared to the series-produced 320 Nm. The power surge effects high-speed as well. With 210 km/h the Altea runs a quick 9km/h faster than the series-produced version. The sprint from 0-100 km/h is performed in just 8,9 seconds versus 9,9 seconds. As required for any serious tuner, JE DESIGN supplies the power enhancement with TÜV parts approval.

Better vehicle handling, improved brakes
More agility is promised through a lowering set lowering the „Altea XL” by approximately 35 mm. Optionally offered by JE DESIGN is an adjustable coilover suspension with preset damper setting.

For those who prefer sustained deceleration, JE DESIGN installs a 330×28mm 4-piston sports brake system on the front axle providing more safety.

19-inch and more sound
Absolute mandatory are new rims. For example, offered within the complete wheel sets is the design „Multispoke”in 8.0 x 19 ET 45 with tires 225/35 R19 This wheel also comes in Chrome-look in sizes 17 und 18-inch. Alternatively JE DESIGN offers the design „Masterline” in 17-inch.

Tuning of sound is modified by JE DESIGN for the Seat Altea in way of powerful sound equipped through a rear silencer. It is composed of four anti-corrosion stainless steel 90mm tailpipes two on the left and two on the right providing an even more sporty look.

Alfa Romeo Autodelta GT 3.7 Super Announced

Following a successful 2006 programme, Auto Italia magazine is set to kick off its 2007 events with the always-popular Spring Italian Car Day at the Brooklands Museum, Surrey, on Saturday 5th May. London-based aftermarket design and tuning house Autodelta has always been committed to supporting Auto Italia events and so we will be present at this Saturday’s Italian car extravaganza with a brand new bespoke model to lead out our comprehensive line-up, as well as offering information on the Autodelta European Tour 2007.
Autodelta is pleased to present for its première, at Brooklands, the most dynamic and powerful version of the Alfa GT Coupé yet – the 405 bhp supercharged Autodelta GT 3.7 Super. This car builds on the market success of the 320 bhp GT 3.2 Super (2004) and the 341 bhp GT 3.2 Super Evo version (2005), by pushing the Alfa V6 engine and chassis package to even more extreme performance levels – achieved without compromising practicality and drivability. The new car sees the 3.2-litre engine’s capacity increased to 3.7-litre, coupled to the addition on the space-efficient Rotrex C38-81 centrifugal supercharger. The result is maximum power of 405 bhp and 375 lb/ft of torque.

The Autodelta range at Brooklands will also feature the ‘jewel in the crown’ – the new 348 bhp supercharged Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C – a car that quite simply transforms the exciting Alfa Romeo sports car. Previewed last autumn the Brera J5 3.2 C was commercialized earlier this spring and demand for this potent conversion programme has already far exceeded our expectations. This model will be joined at the event by the Autodelta GT 3.2 Super, 147 GTA AM 3.2 Super and 147 GTA AM 3.7 Super. Finally the supercharged Autodelta 146 2.0, which recently won the ‘Chairman’s Choice’ award at the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club Spring Day, will complete the line-up.

The Autodelta team, including Managing Director Jano Djelalian and General Manager Andrew Smith, will be on hand to explain in detail all our models and offer advice; as well as introducing the Autodelta European Tour 2007, for which some places still remain. (Auto Italia is also an ‘Official Partner’ of the Tour). We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

With its dramatic surroundings this event is always very popular, and new for this year visitors will be able to savour a superb new feature: now you can experience the excitement of the challenging new Mercedes-Benz World test track…in your own car! This will be the first time that the public will have the opportunity to enjoy this thrilling new circuit in their own cars. The acclaimed track is part of this exciting new state-of-the-art automotive complex that is set to enhance the Brooklands ‘experience’.

This new feature will compliment the long running and highly popular runs up the historic Brooklands “Test Hill”, still one of the few places in the UK where you can see and hear exotic cars in action at very close quarters. Enjoy the roar of a classic Ferrari V12 or high revving Abarth as the cars prepare for the short 1 in 4 sprint.

The combination of car demonstrations, club displays, aviation exhibits (including Concorde) and motoring exhibitions, and of course the Italian trade village makes this a great family day out. Also – and special for this year – will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Fiat 500. For more information on Spring Italian Car Day please visit Auto-Italia or Brooklands Museum.

Rinspeed Le Mans 600 based on the Porsche 997 Turbo

The Swiss Porsche specialist Rinspeed launches its new and exclusive accessories program “Le Mans” for the latest Porsche 997 Turbo models

The body

The “Le Mans” front skirt with integrated Carbon splitters appears eye-catching and produces a higher aerodynamic down force at the front axle. This increase results in a better road handling. The bigger and re-shaped air intakes for the radiators and the brakes improve the cooling of them considerably. Additional headlights with day light driving lights and the inboard moved fog lights guarantee a sporty yet elegant appearance. The newly – especially for the Turbo developed – side skirts connect optically the front and rear fenders in a maximal way. It follows the new body lines harmonically. Further appearance improvement is achieved by the Carbon covers for the rear view mirrors. The “Le Mans” rear skirt with integrated exhaust tips also increases the down force on the rear axle and esthetically supports the high performance exhaust system with integrated metal catalytic converters. Eye-catching yet not separable element is the rear wing which sits tightly above the rear hatch. The wing profile is also available in a Carbon finish.

The propulsion

For the first time the Swiss tuners have also addressed the engine output. The 3.6 liter power pack produces in the “Le Mans” breathtaking 600 hp (441 kW) at 6′700 rpm, the torque is increased to almost unbelievable 800 Nm at 4′000 Nm. The engine conversion includes two special VTG turbo chargers, a new Carbon air intake ram-air system with sport air filters, improved intercoolers as well as a high performance exhaust system with metal catalytic converters.

These modifications allow the Rinspeed “Le Mans” to be accounted amongst one of the fastest street legal sports cars. The sprint from 0-100 km/h is achieved by the super sportsman in just 3.3 seconds, the 200 km/h mark is reached in 10.9 seconds and the top speed is clocked at 343 km/h.

Further equipment of the “Le Mans” consists in an adjustable suspension which is based on the original PASM damper system. It has been developed in cooperation with Bilstein and assures a precise road handling in the top class. Maximum braking is achieved by an efficient and stable high performance brake kit with 8 pistons aluminum calipers and 380 mm x 34 mm at the front axle and 6 pistons calipers with 360 mm x 32 mm at the rear axle.

A close contact to the road is ensured by the typical and well sold Rinspeed 20 inch aluminum wheels in the C5/1 design. The rear wheels have been widened to the size of 12 x 20″ especially for the Turbo. The tires sizes of 245/30-20 at the front axle and 325/25-20 at the rear axle hug the road for sufficient grip for the Swiss super sportsman.

Mercedes Performance Parts – The Building Blocks of Every Mercedes Benz Car

Mercedes Benz, or what people call today as either “Mercedes” or “Benz” is a German automobile car brand that has fast become a status symbol for the rich and famous.

Daimler Benz AG, the company that used to produce Mercedes Benz Cars was formed from the merging of two companies namely Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) and Benz & Cie in June 28, 1926. These two companies started to work together due to the arising need that rooted a troubled German economy during the World War 1. They finally merged in 1926 and became Daimler-Benz AG. Today, Mercedes-Benz cars are already owned by DaimlerChrysler AG.

The name “Mercedez” poses a lot of questions about where it really originated from. In 1899, DMG built automobiles at Unterturkheim, which were successfully raced by Emil Jellinek, an automobile dealer and enthusiast. His daughter’s name was Mercedes and this name was painted on the automobiles for good luck. Jellinek somehow inspired the creation of the first in the DMG Mercedes series which is the seminal 1900 DMG model.

Mercedes Benz cars are known for their technological innovations and their emphasis on safety. They were first to introduce the safety cage, anti-lock brakes, airbags, traction control and many other safety features that are standard in every car they produce.

With this rich history, it’s a guarantee that every Mercedes Benz car produced represents the company’s priority features, which are luxury, safety and technology.

But a Mercedes Benz without its performance parts can never be a real Mercedes Benz. These Mercedes performance parts are the ones that make-up this car. Without them, this car won’t even function at all.

Mercedes performance cars include any part that performs a specific function that contributes to the overall performance of your Mercedes Benz car. These performance parts may be your ignition coil, spark plugs, radiators, oxygen sensors, fuel injectors, fuel filters, A/C condensers and other performance parts. Each of these parts has a vital function that should never be taken for granted.

It is best to know when to replace these parts in order to prevent future car troubles. You would not want to be stuck on the road just because the parts you bought were defective or didn’t last that long enough. Choose only reliable Mercedes performance parts for greater satisfaction.

Author: Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This 31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.