15 <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/2009_zr1_1.jpg" alt="2009 Corvette ZR1" />Coming this January to the Detroit Auto Show, GM will be unveiling the new ZR1 Corvette. Not only will this Vette be the most powerful ever produced, but also one of the quickest production cars available today. GM has said the final tuning is not complete, but to expect at least 100hp per liter giving this powerhouse at least 620hp.<!--more--> <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/2009_zr1_2.jpg" alt="Chevy Corvette Blue Devil" /> <a href="http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette/zr1/" target="_blank">The 2009 Corvette ZR1 </a> is not just a pumped up Z06. Starting with the Z06's aluminum and magnesium frame, the ZR1 has been thoroughly re-engineered. For its skin, the ZR1 sports extensive use of carbon fiber in the front splitter, hood, fenders and roof, achieving exception weight savings and low center of gravity. The splitter and roof panel are unpainted carbon fiber, exposing its weave pattern. One of the problems with using unpainted carbon fiber for bodywork is that the resin oxidizes over time, often turning yellow and even cracking. To overcome this, GM engineers developed an additive for the clear coat that could be applied over the carbon fiber to preserve it. The ZR1 is the first car ever to have a carbon fiber clear coat that will last the life of the car. The chemical additive costs $60,000 a gallon and the clear coat with the additive mixed in comes to $2,000 a gallon. <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/2009_zr1_4.jpg" alt="Corvette ZR1 LS9 Engine" />The ZR1's LS9 engine gets a drop in displacement from the current ZO6's 7.0L engine back to the 6.2L of the current base Corvette. However, the new LS9 engine adds an Eaton supercharger nestled in the valley of the block with an air-to-liquid inter-cooler sitting on top. Backed by a Tremec 6060 6-speed manual transmission, this combination should be good for something in between 620hp and 650hp. Power is put to the ground with Michelin Pilot Sport 285/30ZR19s in front with the rear getting 335/25ZR20s. <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/2009_zr1_3.jpg" alt="Chevy Corvette ZR1 Carbon Fiber Roof" />As wonderful as the suspension on the <a href="http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette/" target="_blank">ZO6</a> is, owners complained that it's a little too stiff and often difficult to smooth out at low speeds. The ZR1 actually has softer springs than the Z06 but uses the same magneto-rheological dampers as the Ferrari 599. The fluid in these units is filled with iron particles and by varying an electric current, can instantly change the viscosity. Sensors in the car take measurements every 0.001 seconds and adjust the dampers every 0.002 seconds. Hadling and grip should exceed the Z06 on the track while being much more comfortable on the street. <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/2009_zr1_5.jpg" alt="Corvette ZR1 Interior" />Sporting some of the biggest brakes around, the ZR1 gets carbon ceramic 15" rotors in the rear and 15.5" in front. That's a half-inch larger than an Enzo Ferrari. The brake linings are squeezed around the rotors by bright blue Brembo 6-piston calipers in front and 4-piston units in back. Priced at about $100,000, the new Corvette ZR1 should post 0-60 times in the mid-to-low 3-second range and a top speed of over 200 mph. 0 2007-12-23T22:18:01-05:00 249 chevy, corvette zr1, zr1, corvette, chevy corvette, carbon fiber, 2009 corvette, 2009 zr1, ls9 the-2009-zr1-is-the-most-powerful-corvette-ever 2007-12-23 active /uploads/blog_images/0000/0009/2009_ZR1_thumbnail.jpg 2008-07-29T02:48:58-04:00 4 22441 14 <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/ringbros_copperback_1.jpg" alt="ringbros_copperback_1.jpg" /> "Copperback," a low, sleek 1967 Ford built by the Ring Bros of Spring Green, Wisconsin has been selected by Jack Roush himself as the national winner of the 2007 Ford in a Ford award. As winners, the Ring Brother's will receive a 515- horsepower Roush 402R motor as well as two leather letterman's jackets courtesy of Roush Performance. <!--more--> <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/ringbros_copperback_2.jpg" alt="ringbros_copperback_2.jpg" /> Copperback, which gets its name from the custom blend burnt orange color, a custom mix by the <a href="http://www.ringbrothers.com/" target="_blank">Ring Bros</a>, was built as a personal car for Jim and Mike "to enjoy and beat on." Powered by a Fuel injected 427-IR <a href="http://www.roushperformance.com/engines/engines.shtml" target="_blank">Roush Racing engine</a>, Copperback features over 70 custom machined parts (including the the super trick side vents, taillight bezels, hinges and lots more trick parts!) Air Ride bags all around, a Chassis Works total control front end & steering rack, a heavy duty Tremec 5 speed tranny, I Forge wheels, Baer 6-Piston brakes, a nice leather interior with Rockford Fosgate sound system and of course an ample supply of Ring Brothers carbon fiber body components including the hood, deck lid, front & rear bumpers and quarter extensions. <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/ringbros_copperback_3.jpg" alt="ringbros_copperback_3.jpg" /> The car was selected as the <a href="http://www.good-guys.com/news/newsStory.aspx?newsid=881" target="_blank">Ford in a Ford regional award winner </a> at this year's 18th Great Lakes Nationals held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin before being crowned as the national winner this week. Roush Performance will again present the Ford in a Ford awards program at all 2008 Goodguys national events. 2 2007-12-20T00:38:22-05:00 243 ford, mustang, ring brothers, roush, 1967 mustang jack-roush-selects-ring-brothers-for-2007-ford-in-a-ford-award 2007-12-20 active /uploads/blog_images/0000/0015/RingBros_Copperback_thumbnail.jpg 2009-05-19T14:47:08-04:00 4 4515 14 <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/knight_rider_1.jpg" alt="knight_rider_1.jpg" /><br />Although not official, it certainly does appear that the Shelby GT500KR will be the next K.I.T.T. in the upcoming Knight Rider TV movie. The Knight Rider version of the GT500KR will be black with dark gray stripes. <!--more--><p>K.I.T.T.'s trademark red grill lights will be located in the Shelby's twin hood vents. There is also a rumor that the original Pontiac will make a brief cameo in the new TV series.<br /><img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/knight_rider_2.jpg" alt="knight_rider_2.jpg" /><p>NBC has tapped soap star Justin Bruening to headline the <a href=" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1114258/" target="_blank">Knight Rider TV movie</a> that could serve as a pilot to a revived series based on the campy '80s action-adventure series featuring <a href=" http://www.hasselhoff.com/" target="_blank">David Hasselhoff.</a> Per the Hollywood Reporter, the 28-year-old actor will play the son of Michael Knight. The Hoff himself is expected to make a cameo as well.<br /><img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/knight_rider_3.jpg" alt="knight_rider_3.jpg" /> 0 2007-12-07T11:34:28-05:00 239 ford, shelby, gt500kr, knight rider, kitt, k.i.t.t., hasselhoff, ford mustang, shelby gt500 fords-shelby-gt500kr-to-be-the-next-kitt 2007-12-07 active /uploads/blog_images/0000/0016/Knight_Rider_thumbnail.jpg 2008-07-29T02:50:39-04:00 4 1287 10 <img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/stillen_header.jpg" alt="stillen_header.jpg" />For 20 years <a href="http://www.stillen.com/" target="_blank">STILLEN</a> has been designing, engineering and manufacturing performance and aesthetic products for import and domestic cars and trucks. STILLEN's newest products include an exhaust upgrade for the 2008 Nissan Altima coupe and performance sway bars for the Infiniti G37 coupe and G35 sedan.<br /><!--more--><br /><img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/stillen_altima_exhaust.jpg" alt="stillen_altima_exhaust.jpg" /><p>STILLEN Rear Section Exhaust System - 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5L <br />Enhance the sound and performance of your 4 cylinder <a href=" http://www.stillen.com/newproducts.asp?id=104" target="_blank">Altima Coupe with this dual muffler</a> - rear section exhaust from STILLEN. All STILLEN exhausts are constructed from high grade stainless steel that will stand up to the elements. The restrictive factory cross-flow muffler is elimated and replaced with dual high flow mufflers for the perfect combination of sound, style and performance. Mandrel bends provide superior flow and CNC cut flanges provide a precise fit with no leaks. <p>STILLEN Exhaust systems are designed, engineered and manufactured to the most stringent quality standards, are dyno-tested in house, then carefully tuned to the unique characteristics of each individual model. Add a nice exhaust note along with increased performance and styling to your 2.5L Altima Coupe today. <p>The STILLEN Altima exhaust kit is priced at $507.71. <br /><img src="/images/blog_archives/2007/12/stillen_infiniti_swaybars.jpg" alt="stillen_infiniti_swaybars.jpg" /><p>STILLEN '08 Infiniti G37 Coupe and '07 Infiniti G35 Sedan Adjustable Sway Bars <br /> STILLEN's <a href=" http://www.stillen.com/newproducts.asp?id=99" target="_blank">front and rear sway bar kits </a> allow owners of the new Infiniti G37 and redesigned G35 Sedan to improve handling while retaining the factory ride characteristics. The sets include a non-adjustable front bar and 3-way adjustable rear bar. The adjustability of the rear bars allow drivers to tailor the handling characteristics to their driving style. <p>The front bars are 30% stiffer than stock. The G37 rear bar can be changed from 20%-70%stiffer and the '07 G35 Sedan bar can be adjusted from 33%-70% stiffer based on driver preference. These bars provide sharp turn-in response without any other changes to the suspension. Attain sharper handling without sacrificing ride quality. <p>Infiniti G37 and G35 sway bar kits are available from STILLEN for $310.95. 0 2007-12-01T07:41:13-05:00 235 Stillen, stillen suspension, infiniti, nissan, g35, g37, altima, altima coupe new-stillen-performance-parts-for-the-nissan-altima-coupe-and-infiniti-g37 2007-12-01 active /uploads/blog_images/0000/0017/Stillen_thumbnail.jpg 2008-05-15T20:33:15-04:00 4 9478