The history associated with the Silver Arrows of days past, most notably those with the SL moniker, is undeniable. These cars came on the scene in 1954 and set the world ablaze. My opinion is that this is the car that singlehandedly set the bar for what a true GT car is all about. The classic ’54 Gullwing is what every GT hopes to achieve when it’s launched. Sultry good looks, built for speed, with enough performance and comfort to suit the gentleman driver during his commute, and the racer on the weekend. It’s a theme well represented in the modern era by a variety of manufacturers. From Aston to Jaguar, Audi to Infiniti – all offer their interpretation of the GT coupe.
Often times, a beautiful street car does not translate into a beautiful race car. With the SLS, I think Mercedes has done what often is elusive: created a race car that is more beautiful than it’s road going sibling. It’s simply stunning. Well proportioned, sounds the business, and goes like stink. A true world class GT race car.
This new wheel is the ultimate for sports and GT drivers, seeking an all in one solution. It combines critical engine data via the engine ecu, combined with GPS track data, and camera data, in a series of customizable pages. Allowing you instant access to multiple channels of critical data. In addition, it features customizable shift lights at the top of the rim, as well as customizable alarms for various user-programmable warning thresholds. There are also user-customizable multi-function buttons allowing you to enable/disable various functions such as traction control, pit speed limiter, radio communication, etc). Using a sequential transmission? No problem – optional paddle shifters are also offered for a seamless integrated solution. Data derived from lap times, speeds, etc can then be played back by the driver at the end of a session right on the wheel display. It’s thoughtfully produced in either 320mm or 350mm diameters, with carbon, Alcantara, and leather for the ultimate combination of strength, weight and grip. The leather features a special cool system design, which reflects sun rays and keeps the grip surface cool to the touch.
Contact z1sales@z1auto.com for purchasing information
Audi B7 Avant on a fresh set ADV1 ADV005. While I’m not a real fan of the tucked look, I just know that with maybe a 1/2 ride height rise, this car would be an awesome daily driver. The wheel design looks awesome with the long lines that the Avant’s have. Contact z1sales@z1auto.com for all your ADV1 custom wheel needs.
You’ll notice a lot of German, and specifically Porsche content on the blog lately. As time has gone on, I’ve found myself more and more drawn to these timeless sports cars, and the culture surrounding them. It’s something I wish the “JDM” crowd would more readily adopt. Or rather, perhaps it’s that there’s always been this element to the “JDM” scene too, it’s just not either widely embraced or reported. Instead we end up often seeing the same old same old. Build it with an online signature filled list of sometimes random parts, dyno it, get it in a magazine or plaster pics all over, sell it. No desire to take the time and build it slowly. No real plan in place. Or worse, the ill-advised practice of building it with parts based purely on budget, without any consideration (or understanding) of the actual differences between Brand A and X.
No matter what scene you’re in, there are always dividing lines. Built vs original, real vs replica, genuine vs tribute, show vs race. The Japanese car scene will always be my first love. There are many iconic Japanese sports/performance oriented cars, and they deserve all the love that those who are consumed by their bloodline can bestow upon them. What I find the most intriguing thing about some of the European firms, is there are still firms trying to meld old and new. Classic styling with modern manufacturing techniques. Going forward, I think there is a lot to be learned from this direction of the hobby.
I also readily appreciate how fanatical many in the European scene are about the motorsport history of their favored brands. We all have heard of Alfa-holics, Porsche-philes, Tifosi. Guys that are seemingly walking encyclopedias for all things related to the car or brand that keeps their heart pumping. Let’s not forget, the Japanese similarly have a deep rooted car culture. One that has risen to the top of the motorsport realm in Rally, Sports Car, and Endurance racing. It’s something to be appreciated and preserved. But often is ignored. So to those out there who keep that candle lit; hats off to you.
Anyway, just some random musings on a Saturday morning. I recently saw an article on a DP Motorsport project 911 that really struck a chord with me. DP has an extensive history building, racing, and modifying Porsches, most notably, 911’s. This new project combines parts that span 4 decades. From the ’73 911T shell, to the modern carbon bodywork (carbon, not carbon stickers). It was built to deliver fun and reliable performance. Not built to set a dyno record, not built to win shows (though it easily could). The attention to detail is what I find most impressive. The car is cohesive. Everything in it’s right place. The design and parts classifications on the outside match those on the inside. Sure, it’s a bit raw (and expensive!) for a daily car, but it would easily serve it’s master for fun weekend jaunts and track days. While it certainly plucks at the heartstrings just looking at it – the execution is clean. It’s low, it’s wide, it’s loud – but it’s still subtle, at least till you drive it. It makes a substantial amount of power, particularly for a non turbo motor. But it’s the way that power is installed in an ultra lightweight chassis (ala the famed RSR) that makes the whole more than the sum of its parts. Which I personally think is a box that many “JDM” project cars fail to tick.
Now, I fully understand taste is subjective. Always will be…and I wouldn’t want it any other way. But when you’re building your car, no matter what it is, don’t be afraid to draw inspiration from different scenes. Be willing to look at a different canvas and see how and where you can apply some of the themes to your project. The car is an extension of it’s owner afterall. As such, it pays to be forward thinking. It pays to imagine yourself 10, 20, 30 years down the road and see if you can picture yourself still driving the car, as it sits. Do you view the car as a stepping stone? Do you view the project as a way to embrace a current ‘fashionable’ trend, or do you view the car as a almost an heirloom? Take your time with it, do it for you, and not for the feature, and most importantly, build it to drive it.
Anyway, I’ve drawn some inspiration from this video – I hope you enjoy it too. A detailed article on the car can be found in the current issue of Excellence for those interested.
Tomei Japan has just released 2 new items for the Subaru WRX and STi.
First up is an all new manifold design – a 4-2-2 setup for twin scroll cars. This will fit the GDB, GRB and GVB chassis. The primaries are 42.7mm, and the up-pipe collector is enlarged vs stock at 45mm. it also weighs 7.49 lbs less than stock as well! Like all the Tomei Expreme Exhaust products, it comes with all quality gaskets and hardware (no cheesy paper crap here!), heat wrap with ties. This is a true motorsport grade part, without the exotic price tag. Full details are on the attached PDF flyer
In addition, Tomei has released their new Expreme Titanium exhaust for the GR/GV STi (hatch and sedan). Thoughtfully produced in both JDM spec and USDM spec, so there is a version for everyone, regardless of your downpipe spec, and regardless of where in the world you live! This is the ultimate in lightweight, high power exhausts for these cars. Traditionally, Titanium exhausts elicit want and fear in a customers eyes. Everyone loves the look, loves the weight, loves the sound…and hates the price. Tomei has broken that mould. Their titanium exhausts are of exemplary quality, intelligently designed, expertly manufactured, and are far more affordable than many lesser exhausts. The US Spec exhaust weighs 34.8 lbs LESS than stock, the JDM exhaust weighs 35.3 lbs LESS than stock – and this is just for the catback! It’s a slip fit design, so no drama with leaking gaskets. But like many modular motorsport level exhaust components, it uses spring clamps to ensure a tight, neat seal. For those who are using this on the street, it includes a removable silencer to keep net volume at a tolerable level. Or, run it without the silence, and wake the devil.
For best pricing on both of these components, or a combo with a Tomei downpipe, turbo, or any other item, drop us a line at z1sales@z1auto.com
Kwame
Z1 Performance
Jonathan
Corner Balance 