Monday, July 13, 2009

Techco reveals 600 horsepower supercharger for Corvette


Techco International is a company on the rise, based out of Anaheim, that earlier this year introduced performance parts for the Chrysler LX platform as well as the Ford Mustang. The latest car in their vision for improved performance is the Chevrolet Corvette.

Thanks in large part to a reverse-revolution twin-screw supercharger system, Techco was able to squeeze 600 horsepower and 535 lb-ft of torque out of a C6. Designed and engineered by the same team that created the Series VI supercharger for the Saleen Mustangs, the Techco Corvette supercharger displaces 3.0 liters and features a standalone 8-rib drive system, patented dual A-Frame Intercooler system, high-volume fuel rails with 54 lb/hr injectors, and more.

The supercharger fits under a stock hood for extra sleeper potential, and the package costs $8500. Check out the full details in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE:

Anaheim, CA, June 15, 2009 – Techco, "The Technology Company," has released a new Reverse-Revolution Twin-Screw Supercharger kit for all 2005-Current (C6) Corvettes equipped with the LS2, LS3 or LS7 V8s.

The unique Techco supercharger features reverse rotor lobes to allow front inlet induction for a shorter, more direct passage of air into the supercharger, resulting in cooler air and higher volumetric efficiency. This revolutionary supercharger, designed, engineered and manufactured in-house by Techco's talented team, made its debut in a supercharger kit for Dodge/Chrysler 5.7-liter and 6.1-liter V8s last year, followed by an application for Ford Mustang 4.6-liter 3-valve V8s in February 2009.

Like the Ford and Dodge/Chrysler designs, the Techco supercharger kit for the Corvette combines a large displacement blower with an ingenious dual-stage intercooler system featuring single-pass coolant flow. The Techco supercharger's 3.0-liter's of displacement is the largest among all Corvette twin-screws, pumping approximately 50 percent more air into each cylinder during every intake stroke. This highly efficient design produces the most horsepower and torque per psi of boost pressure (6 psi) of any supercharger on the market today, approximately 600 bhp/535 lb-ft versus the stock Corvette V8's 430 bhp/424 lb-ft.

And it fits neatly and cleanly under the stock Corvette hood. No other twin-screw or Roots supercharger can make that claim.

"The ground-up design is advanced in every way," says Techco Chief Engineer Bill Tally. "From the in-house manufacturing of our Reverse Revolution rotor screws; front intake system; long, high-flow runners; stand-alone 8-rib drive system; and our patented dual AFrame Intercooler system, no area of the supercharger was overlooked or taken for granted. This is a complete rethink and a clean sheet design that will take the industry by storm," Tally continued.

"Our TECHCO Twin-Screw Supercharger Kit for the Corvette is the culmination of everything we've learned in design and development since we first began supercharging V8 engines more than a decade ago," adds John Spruill, Vice President of Engineering. "With our large 3.0-liter displacement supercharger, the throttle response on-boost is amazing. It's a real blast to drive!"

What makes the Techco 3.0-liter Reverse-Revolution Twin-Screw Supercharger so revolutionary is the unique design (patent pending), which optimizes airflow efficiency throughout. Incoming air is fed into the front of the supercharger, not the back like conventional designs. This ensures that the incoming air has minimal turns, eliminating restrictions, before entering into the supercharger housing. Additionally, without the need for a complex inlet tube, the largest possible orifice size is maintained, maximizing airflow efficiencies. The air then flows into the lobes of the Reverse-Revolution asymmetric multi��lobe compressor screws, where it is compressed, not merely moved, as in other forms of supercharging. The compressed air then flows into the intercooler housing, which contains two intercoolers, mounted in an A-frame configuration to ensure the airflow is evenly distributed to each runner bank. The patent pending Twin Intercooler design results in higher cooling capacity and greater thermal efficiencies as the cooling water only has to pass through the intercoolers once, keeping the charge air cool. A further benefit of the front Inlet Design is the additional package space above the supercharger that is used for long high flow Intake Runners, which increases lowend torque. The resulting design of the Techco Reverse��Revolution Twin-Screw Supercharger allows air to move through the supercharger quickly and efficiently, without significant heat buildup, and at the highest resulting airflow volume and air density at low boost output. The performance result is maximized horsepower and torque output.

And for extreme power-hungry enthusiasts, Techco is also offering Optional Boost Upgrade Kits (starting at 10 psi), which offer increased power output from 650 bhp on up.

Price $8,500 (Optional Polished Upgrade: $10,000)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

News bits: Pontiac G8 to live on, Z28 dead again, Viper alive, NHRA loses GM

A busy day for news coming out of Detroit.

First, as you all well know, Bob Lutz has returned to GM, which has emerged from bankruptcy. The boss wasted no time informing Automobile Magazine that the Pontiac G8will live on in the form of a Chevy Caprice destined for the U.S. "The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet. It is kind of too good to waste," Lutz told the mag.

On the subject of the on again, off again Camaro Z28, Lutz somewhat denied the fact that the car will live on to see the light of day, though he didn't deny it.

It has also been reported that GM is pulling the 'chute on it's NHRA funding, which should come as no surprise. The company is trying to slim down in size and trim it's spending. "I knew it was coming, I was forewarned," Ken Black, NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock team owner told CompetitionPlus.com. "That's why they filed bankruptcy ... to get rid of all of this stuff."

Lastly, we look to GM's bankruptcy partner in Chrysler for our last news bit of the day. It appears that the Viper brand is no longer for sale, and is safe to live on for now. Chrysler reportedly only received one, rather lowball offer from Devon Motor Works. Check out the brief press release below for more info.

PRESS RELEASE:

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that production will continue for the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10.

Originally slated to cease production in December 2009, the Chrysler Group Connor Avenue Assembly Plant -- the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995 -- will continue to build the V-10 powered sports car. Chrysler Group is no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets.

"The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe," said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Brand. "We're extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand. "

Introduced as a concept car in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge Viper was designed and engineered to test public reaction to the concept of a back-to-basics, high-performance, limited production sports car.

The reaction was so overwhelming that customer orders began to flow in even before the auto show was over. Chrysler Corporation immediately decided to determine the production feasibility on transforming the crowd-pleasing Dodge Viper show car into a limited-production sports car in no more than three years.

In May 1990, after months of intensive study and testing, Chrysler Corporation announced that the Dodge Viper, powered by an aluminum V-10 was a "go."

Dodge Viper production began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue in October 1995. Viper V-10 engine production transferred from Mound Road Engine to Conner Avenue Assembly in May 2001. In 2008, Dodge introduced the all-new, fourth generation Dodge Viper SRT10. With more horsepower, more torque and more than 30 exterior and interior color combinations, the latest Viper gives enthusiasts the performance they expect on the track and off, with more factory customization options than before.

For 2009, the Dodge Viper SRT10 offers outrageous power, with an 8.4-liter, 600-horsepower (450 kW) V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in less than four seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the low 12-second range), setting an American sports car benchmark.

To date, more than 25,000 Dodge Vipers have been built.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Video: Bugatti Veyron takes on McLaren F1


Two of the rarest, fastest cars in the world go head to head in this video, an excerpt from Episode 2 of Top Gear's 13th season. It's not often you see a Bugatti Veyron or a McLaren F1, let alone both of them together. Let alone both of them together racing each other.

Top Gear took the cars to Abu Dahbi, a place that sees virtually no rain or freezing weather, and has nice long roads. Watch the video to see which one comes out on top.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Hurst Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger


Hurst has just announced it's latest version of the Dodge Challenger at the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, CA. Dubbed the Competition/Plus package, it's not sporting the typical white and gold colors that have become synonymous with the Hurst brand.

The Competition/Plus package was developed in an effort to provide a more economical way for Challenger owners to upgrade their rides, and for those who wanted to have a Hurst that didn't necessarily have to be gold. The package is named after one of the company's legendary shifters.

Only the essentials are present: Hurst 20-inch alloy wheels, color-matched leather inserts and stitching for the interior, matte black exterior accents, and of course a Competition/Plus shifter. Pricing has yet to be announced, but full details should be available soon.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

2010 Hennessey Z700 Corvette ZR1


Hennessey Performance Engineering makes a living off taking fast cars and making them ultra fast. It was only a matter of time before they got their hands on the ultimate American performance car, the Corvette ZR1, and worked some magic (or horsepower) on it.

The Z700 has a worked over LS9, raising output from a factory stock 638hp to a more stout 705hp. HPE has also shed some pounds from the car, adding lightweight carbon fiber seats and carbon fiber wheels wrapped in a Michelin Pilot Cup Sport tires. The wheels alone save 60 lbs. of rotating weight.

Other enhancements include Hennessey's Z-Aero carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler, and an alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

Hennessey is planning to fly the car out to the famous Nürburgring in an attempt to best the stock car's best lap time of 7:26. Only 24 examples will be produced, and customers who order a Z700 also get a one-day performance driving instruction course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. Total cost for a base Z700 will start at $207,150, which also includes the cost of a donor ZR1.
PRESS RELEASE

Hennessey Throws Hat in the "Ring"

Announces Limited Edition 705 hp Z700
Nurburgring-Tested Track Upgrade for the 2010 Corvette ZR1


SEALY, TX – The world's fastest and most powerful production Corvette, the 638 bhp ZR1 has become the pinnacle of American sports cars. For most ZR1 owners, having a car capable of Nurburgring times of 7:26 is more than enough to satisfy performance to satisfy their need for speed. However, for the select few who subscribe to the mantra of "Too much horsepower is never enough" Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has something special in store for them in 2010. HPE is happy to introduce the company's 705 bhp Z700 upgrade package for the 2010 ZR1.

Porsche 911 owners wanting the ubber Porsche can order the GT3 RS. Dodge Viper enthusiasts wanting the ultimate road race Viper have the ACR. Now ZR1 owners can opt for the Hennessey Z700 upgrade for their Corvettes.

Hennessey's Z700 performance package starts by upgrading the engine supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems and is dyno tuned to 705 bhp. But this is just the beginning. Additional upgrades include lightweight carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which reduce rotating weight by nearly 60 lbs. Hennessey's Z-Aero ™ carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler also add over 300 lbs of down force helping to put the added power to the road and track. Rounding out the Z700 upgrade package is a revised interior with lightweight carbon fiber seats, Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

HPE will be throwing its hat in the Ring – literally – and plans to begin testing the Z700 at the famed Nurburgring in Germany later in 2009. The company plans to build just 24 copies of this limited edition Corvette ZR1 for the 2010 model year. Each buyer gets 1-day of performance driving instruction in his or her new Z700 at Hennessey's own private test track, Lonestar Motorsports Park. Lonestar, which is located next to the company's facility, is located just west of Houston, Texas and has a full ¼ mile dragstrip as well as a 1.1-mile road course, which will soon be under construction.


2010 Hennessey Z700 - Corvette ZR1 Specifications

Power:

705 hp @ 6,400 rpm
717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm

Performance:

0 – 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
0 – 100 mph: 6.4 seconds
¼ mile: 10.6 @ 134 mph
Skid pad: 1.08 lateral G
Note: HPE VBox preliminary test data.

Z700 Package Includes:

Supercharger Modifications (15 psi boost)
Intercooler System Upgrade
Air Induction System Upgrade
Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrades
Hennessey Light Weight Carbon Fiber Wheels
Front: 19 x 10.5 inches; Rear: 19 x 12.5 inches
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup
Front: 265/35-YR19; Rear: 325/35-YR19
Sparco Carbon Fiber Seats in Alcantara (Driver & Passenger)
5-Point Harnesses with Harness Bar
Alcantara Steering wheel & Shift Knob
Lowered Factory Suspension
Corner Weighted with 4-wheel Alignment
Z-Aero ™ Carbon Fiber Body Parts: Front Splitter, Canards, Rear Spoiler, Vented Factory Hood, Vented Front Fenders
Hennessey & ZR700 Interior & Exterior Badges
Limited Edition Serial Numbered Plaque
1-Day Driving Instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park
3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
Total Cost Including New 2010 ZR1: $207,150 US Dollars

Optional Upgrades

Z750 – 755 bhp Upgrade
Z1000 – 1,000 bhp Twin Turbo / Supercharged Upgrade
Custom Exterior Colors
Custom Interior Upgrades & Colors
German Delivery - Nurburgring Delivery & Driving Instruction

Monday, July 6, 2009

2010 Fesler Moss Camaro

2010 Fesler Moss Camaro Take II from chris fesler on Vimeo.


While we already have a zillion different variations of tuned Mustangs, we are likewise starting to see the new Camaro play catch up. The latest we have laid our eyes on is the Fesler Moss Camaro, a car that is sort of an homage to the 1969 Camaro.

For your hard earned $55,000, you get features like an adjustable coilover suspension, special 22-inch wheels and tires, as well as stainless steel struts. If you're looking to spend $90,000, you also get a supercharger that bumps power up to 600hp. For the total package you can drop $150,000 and get an astounding amount of upgrades.

If you feel so inclined, Fesler is also offering a package that includes a matching 1969 Camaro, so you can have a nice little set. Check out the video to see some footage of the car in action.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

2010 Steeda Sport Edition Mustang


The tuned versions of the new 2010 Mustang keep on rolling out. The next in the line of hopped up Mustangs is Steeda's new Sport Edition. While we await the debut of their "Q" edition, they are wetting our appetites with this car, which features several parts from the Steeda Autosports catalog.

The Sport Edition is built to handle, with upgraded billet lower control arms, sport springs, and 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with Nitto NT05 high-performance tires. Other modifications include a sport shifter, underdrive performance pulleys, a performance air cleaner, and distinctive Steeda graphics. The price of admission is $6,995.

PRESS RELEASE:

While work is progressing at a feverish pace for the upcoming launch of the 2010 Steeda Q-Series Mustang, we have been flooded with requests from those that just cannot wait wanting us to make available a special "Steeda-ized" version of the 2010 Mustang. To respond to these many requests, we are proud to announce the immediate availability of the 2010 Steeda Sport Edition Mustang.

Using a donor 2010 Mustang GT as a sound foundation to build upon, the Steeda Sport Edition provides for an immediate injection of power and increased handling that only the Team at Steeda Autosports can provide. With a MSRP of just $6,995 (not including the cost of the Mustang GT), the Steeda Sport Edition elevates the overall vehicle's performance to an entirely new level of performance.

Equipped with a bevy of Steeda performance parts made especially for the 2010 Mustang, the 2010 Steeda Sport Edition includes the following special equipment:

* Steeda hood paint treatment
* Steeda sidewinder stripes
* Steeda underdrive performance pulleys
* Steeda performance air cleaner
* Steeda Sport Springs
* Steeda Billet Lower Control Arms
* Steeda Spyder Wheels-Chrome (20x9.9 front and 20x11 rear)
* Nitto NT05 High Performance Tires
* Steeda Sport Shifter