Tag: Greg

The SHO is GO!

The new 2010 SHO is finally revealed. With 365 force-fed ponies, paddle shifters and the aid of All-wheel-drive, the new Ford Taurus SHO is sure to excite…Ford guys with families need to have their fun too, right?

Using the 3.5 Ecoboost motor, the SHO delivers V6 fuel economy with V8 performance. While the car is pretty heavy, 365 Horsepower is no joke. All of that power is routed through a 6 speed automatic with selectshift.

That means that the usual slushbox won’t be too much of a tragedy, as up and downshifting can be controlled via paddle shifters. The selectshift tranny automatically revmatches on downshifts and will hold whichever gear you select even if you’re bouncing off the rev limiter.

Moving on to the Interior, it’s been updated quite a bit. The seats are leather trimmed and two-tone with Suede inserts. The dash and door panels are made out of bits of brushed aluminum, and SHO badges adorn the floormats and dash panel. No longer a bland and unappealing interior, inside the Taurus SHO is a nice place to be.

Base price for the Taurus SHO will be $37,995 when it goes up for sale during this summer. Even with a big price tag, you have to consider what you’re getting with that. High performance luxury doesn’t come cheap nowadays, and the SHO is a performance bargain when compared to it’s competitors. Ford is making a good choice reintroducing the SHO to the market, so let’s see how this plays out.

February 12, 2009
Turn Your Car Into Furniture

Ever thought about placing a Motor in the middle of your living room? How about putting YOUR rear end in the rear end of a car?...in your kitchen. In order to get as much automotive paraphernalia as you can in your life, you need to bring some of these unorthodox contraptions into your home.

First up is an awesome way to give new life to an old clapped out motor. Forget putting it into scrap, use it as a ‘friggen coffee table! If you intend on doing this yourself, do yourself a favor and use a V arranged motor, as opposed to an inline…that probably wouldn’t do very well, stability-wise.

Price for something like this? Well, grab an old busted block, clean it up real nice and get a glass slab. There you go. Grab an old Jag V12 and go for broke.

Alright, so you got the table…now what? Take a seat and kick back your feet on your Aston Martin Couch. This replica Aston Martin DB6 is offered in multiple color combinations and is brought to you by the Master Craftsmen over at Aston Martin Heritage Designs. Price for this ultimate living-room accompaniment? Only $7,300.

Last is something really Special. Eccentric, perhaps, but still very cool. Designer Dale Mathis crafted a glass tabletop showcase intertwined with interlocking kinetic gears that all work. While they don’t necessarily do anything but spin, I can’t think of many furniture that function (or rather, don’t function) like this one. This desk art piece conglomeration Thingamajigger can be yours for the low price of $21,000. You can take out your spleen a loan and be the talk of the town!

February 10, 2009
Are Wheel Vinyls The Newest Trend?

While viewing coverage for this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, I’ve noticed a few trends that might take off here in the States.

The main thing that I’ve seen is wheel vinyl…As in printed vinyl on the lips of wheels. Printed Graphics on cars is nothing new of course, but putting this type of thing on wheels directly is new. On the right vehicle, with the right pattern, it can look cool. What I see happening, however is this getting played out faster than tirefly’s or lambo doors. This trend is going to be abused and die out very quickly, I imagine. I can see one advantage to this technology, however, and that would be the ease of changing rim color. How many of you have thought about getting some different colored wheels? With vinyl, you could just recolor your lip as you please.

Personally for me, I stand on the fence as far as this goes. I’m not too sure what to think about it. On one hand, I think it’s a great idea and it’s definitely innovative, but on the other hand, it can only go downhill from here. I know that there will be a few JDM fanboys that try this and epically fail. There is something dramatic about such a style clash from a Badass track/drift car with Floral print wheels. I don’t see how practical this could be though, and I’d be curious to see how well these lips work in real world conditions with all the heat and grime associated with driving.

All in all, these wheel vinyl’s are pretty cool, but I don’t see that lasting for very long. I have a feeling it’s going to get played out really fast, but who knows…I’ll be curious to see where it goes, if anywhere at all.

[Pictures Courtesy of BulletProof Automotive]

January 23, 2009
Worlds Fastest Trailblazer SS For Sale

Tired of getting punked on the way to the Grocery store? Wanting to run 9’s at the dragstrip but take the kids too? Trying to take a weekend roadtrip and smash on a few turbo Corvettes along the way? Folks, if you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, I have your answer.

The LSX Gods at RPM (RyansPerformanceMachines) in Garner, NC are selling their 4 door creation for a low, low price of $97,000. (zOMG!) That’s quite a bit of cash, but what do you get? Well first off RPM started with a pretty neat base, the rather Slept on Trailblazer SS. While coming stock with a 400 horsepower LS2, there is always room to improve. If I try to type out the mod list of what RPM did, I will run out of room on this page so I’ll stick to the most important bits.

427LSX Fully built Motor, cams, 2 stage Direct Port Nitrous, routed through a TH400 with transbrake and a stall. All of this equates to “Enough” horsepower and a 1/4 time of 9.27 @ 145. Woah now. I suppose I forgot to mention that this thing has a full interior and weighs in at a whopping 4625lbs. Regardless of all that weight, it still pulls out a 1.34 60‘ with the transbrake.

What makes this Trailvette(Or is it Corblazer?) awesome to me is the fact that all of the factory options work. Yes that means if you want to blast Micheal Jackson with the sunroof up and windows open while running 9’s, you can. (Please dear God don’t take that seriously, I’m sure the wind resistance at 145mph isn’t so nice.) Not only that, but it has 4 Kirky Fab racing seats with 5 point harnesses so you can charge for 9 second roller coaster rides. I imagine it’s street legal, due to working lights all the way around, but I’m sure street manners with the big stall and lumpy cam aren’t very fun unless you really get on it.

There’s a pretty nasty video of the TBSS in action.

Official Sales Ad Link:

Racing Junk Ad

January 2, 2009
Even MORE Carbon Fiber Stuff

Holy Carbon Fiber Crap, Batman!

Yesterday’s article wasn’t nearly enough to cover the wondrous objects constructed out of this woven greatness. I found a few more things that are a little….out there.

First on this list is something completely unnecessary, yet completely badass if you can afford it.

Carbon Fiber Stairs. Say whaaat? This thing is a giant concoction of glass stainless steel and ridiculously thin Carbon Fiber Treads. I can’t imagine that this is fat people friendly, but Carbon Fiber has come a long way in the past 10 years. While beautiful, I can only imagine that these stairs cost more than you want to even think about. EeStairs created this beast, and it can be yours for a low low price of……..We actually don’t know yet. I don’t want to know.

Next on the list is a ‘Fricken Carbon Fiber Corset. Yes folks, that’s right. Carbon Fiber Lingerie. All of these pieces are a custom one-off deal, which means yes, you have to go to Kyrone itself and get a custom mold made(teeheehee). As of now, only 8 have been made since 2001 so these suckers are limited. As stated earlier, these are $250. I guess that’s not too bad, but I can’t imagine it’d be comfortable. Kryone also makes a lot of other interesting stuff too so be sure to check ’em out.

Now for something even more out there. The Marc Newson Black Hole Table. Usable, sure, but Holy Crap. For the price, I’m not sure if i’d want to use it or be afraid to scratch it with my ogling eyes. This is a one piece three legged concoction of master godliness. Created all as one piece, each on of these 10 limited pieces are estimated to sell at $300,000. You think you are baller? Throw up the cash for one of these and then come talk to me, punk. Good luck finding one to buy in the first place. God knows when and where they go up at auction, but I’m sure it is a sight to behold.

December 30, 2008
Buying a Premodded Car: Not always the smart choice

Most of the time, buying a car with some minor mods isn’t a problem. It’s only later down the road when you wish you would’ve spent the extra money doing something yourself.

It’s not so bad buying a vehicle Pre-modded, but of course that goes into how deep the car has been tampered with before you got it. It’s different if you had a hand in building it or knew the people that built it, and sure you’ll save money by buying Pre-modded…but in the long-run it’s almost ALWAYS better to do it yourself.

Trying to fix something when you have no idea who or how someone else installed something is pretty agitating. At first it’s not too bad, but after a while you start to notice that whoever installed certain things might not have been exactly up to par with what you originally thought.

If anything, the satisfaction of doing something yourself should be worth it. Being able to take a step back, look at your car and realize that everything that’s been done to your car was of your own doing is an awesome sensation. My advice to you is even though you can save money by buying something already built, you’ll have a lot more appreciation for your vehicle in the long run by doing it all yourself.

December 23, 2008
Running on Fumes: Grassroots.

This is to you true grassroots guys (and gals). This is to those of you who scrounge up every last dollar and cent just to go visit the racetrack every month. This is to the autocrossers, roadcoursers, drifters, dragracers and rallycrossers. To those who value ducttape and zipties more than anything. To those of you who take a car worth a tenth of the cars you destroy at the track.

Sure, there are enthusiasts of all types. There are Multi-million dollar factory backed raceteams, but I don’t personally think of them as “Enthusiasts”. Grassroots motorsports is all about having fun with what you got. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your backyard built driftcar or daily driver, it’s all about just going out. It’s understanding what makes a car not just an appliance. It’s about appreciation. Throwing your hoosiers in the backseat, filling the trunk with tools, driving across state lines for an event, kicking ass and driving back.

In my opinion, Grassroots drivers are the REAL enthusiasts.

This is to you.

To our readers, What’s YOUR grassroots discipline?

December 19, 2008
Running on Fumes: Automotive Appreciation

There’s no technical jargon or breaking news in this blog today folks.

It’s Friday, my brain is fried and I’ve come to realize something lately.

With everything automotive that I’ve been surrounded with in the past year or so, I think I’ve really taken it for granted. Once in a while everyone needs to slow down and realize how impressive some things are around them. I walk into work every morning and barely nod my head at the twin turbo ford GT, big singled Supra, or the RHD R32 Skyline I’ve gotten accustomed to seeing. If this was me a year ago, I’d be in pure awe of what I was seeing. It happens to everyone, but I never thought I’d see the day.

A quick glance into the parking lot and it’s a manufacturer fanboy’s dream. I’m not jaded, but I have noticed it lacks the usual “punch”, if you will. Whenever I drive around I barely notice the stares, double takes and occasional cameraphones being whipped out anymore. I don’t understand why someone would be interested in my car until I realize it looks like a purple and green children’s concoction.

I think every now and again everyone needs to take a look around and really appreciate what they see. Sure, 500hp is the new 300hp but it still takes work to get there. Far too often I see clean work often go unnoticed just because of a power number. Today, everyone needs to go outside to their car/truck/bike and appreciate it. Chances are you’ve forgotten how much it means to you.

Enjoy your weekend readers,

Greg Martin

December 5, 2008
New Nissan GTR Spec-V specs leaked?

Over the weekend, the Spec-V’s modification list was leaked to GTR-world. According to the leaked information, engine output for the Twin turbo 6 cylinder will increase from 478 to 520 forced induction ponies. The transmission select mode has been removed, leaving only the “Race” setting.

One of the biggest downfalls of the Nissan powerhouse has been it’s weight. Weighing in at 3,814lbs, the GTR hasn’t exactly been a lightweight car. This problem has been somewhat addressed by the replacement of the backseat by a carbon fiber shelf, carbon fiber front seats, interior accents and aerodynamic aids. While it may drop weight a little bit, I don’t think that it will shed all that it needs to be considered a lightweight vehicle. Hopefully the new power and new overboost function will help out with that.

Ditched as well are the stocker brakes, being replaced by a carbon ceramic set hidden behind Rays 20 inch wheels wrapped in super sticky Dunlop tires (the same ones that set the supposed 7:29 Nurburgring lap time). The already very good stock suspension has been retuned by Bilstein and is claimed to be superior to the NISMO Clubsport package offered.

One thing that will be hard to cushion unfortunately is the price. Coming in at an estimated $165,000 before tax, that’s a whopping $95,000 more than the current GTR. Is it $95,000 better than the current GTR? Only time will tell until a truly official spec list comes out.

December 2, 2008
National Speed Christmas List: Performance Parts for Subaru Owners

With Christmas time right around the corner, we here at National Speed have compiled a list of gift ideas specifically for Subaru owners.

Factory Top Mount got you down? Stock Blow off valve just not cutting it? Perhaps you’re looking for some coilovers to slam your car and go terrorize a road course. Whatever your fancy, the National Speed eStore has what you’re looking for.

Perrin Front Mount Intercooler

One problem with the EJ series motors is that the factory Top Mount Intercooler is inefficient with any aftermarket compressors. Don’t worry, we have what you’re looking for. We now carry a full line of Perrin products and one item in particular is the Perrin Front Mount Intercooler relocation kit. You can not only gain horsepower and torque from a more efficient design, but give your Subie an aggressive smile as well. These kits support up to 1000 Horsepower and offer less than a 1/4psi drop across the core at 20psi.

GT35R Kit

I know what you’re really looking for… How does 500 All Wheel Horse Power sound? Agency Power has released arguably the best GT35R kit for any WRX or STi, and we have it in stock. The Agency Power GT35R kit is designed to maximize performance for street, drag, or road racing. The oil and water cooled Garrett GT35R is a ball bearing turbo that has a .63a/r for a quick spool, and includes a 84 trim wheel. The kit includes all the necessary lines and hoses needed to fit the factory connections. Not only will this kit make huge power, but it is also compatible will all of the popular Front Mount and factory Top mount intercoolers.

StopTech Big Brake Kit

With all that AWD power, now you need something to stop all of it. Utilizing massive 380mm rotors and six pistons, the StopTech Big Brake Kit has enough power to stop a freight train. Not only will this give your Subaru ultimate hard parking status, but you will get vastly shorter stopping distances, better brake modulation, firmer brake pedal feel and less brake fade when you take it to the track. We have many different size brake kits to suit specifically what you need.

COBB Tuning Pads

If you aren’t willing to fork out the cash for a full Big Brake Kit, you can still gain braking force by upgrading to a set of COBB Tuning brake pads. Designed for street use, COBB Tuning Street Formula Brake Pads are the best balance of performance pad without excessive noise, brake dust, or rotor wear.

STIFFI

For you STi guys that still have the factory spoiler, want something to help that annoying vibration out? We now carry the very helpful Perrin “STIFFI” to eliminate wing flex. Add 4 or 5 to get that authentic WRC look! Plus…Who doesn’t want a STIFFI?

This holiday season, the National Speed eStore has you covered, check us out!

November 7, 2008