JB2 installed in the 335….

I purchased a Stage 2 Juice Box (JB2) from Burger Motorsports and installed it in my 335 last weekend.  I must say that I’ve been beyond pleased with this tuner’s performance so far.  The price was right, installation was not difficult, and best of all there are no fault codes or check engine lights.  Most importantly, the JB2 delivers a genuine and substantial seat-of-the-pants increase in power.

Brabus Bullit Black Arrow

Death Proof.  That’s what comes to mind when I see the Brabus Bullit.  To describe cars by way of superlatives, you’ve got “cool,” “nice,” “awesome,” “sweet,” “sick,” and for special occasions “boss”.  But the Bullit is beyond even “boss;”  it gets another adjective: Death Proof.  Just look at it.   

 

Volkswagen Scirocco–Why Can’t We Have It?

The 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco promises to deliver what the original Scirocco did: GTi performance in a stylishly-wrapped body.  It will offer three engines, possibly even VAG’s 1.4 litre “Twincharger,” a turbo-and-supercharged four-banger that doles out around 210bhp.  The other two powerplants will be the 2.0 turbo four with 207-240 bhp depending on what VW does, and possibly a 280bhp V6 or VR6.  Couple that with the GTI’s handling and balance and VW’s top-notch interior, and we have a home run. Right?  Well, if “we” consists of the U.S., then no.  “We” don’t get the Scirocco, according to VAG management.  That’s too bad, because the previous Scirocco’s and the Corrado were all fairly successful here. 

The 2009 VW Scirocco

BMW M3 vs. The Indomitable Prius

Hilarious!  The guys from BBC’s Top Gear pitted a Toyota Prius Hybrid against the BMW E90 M3 on a track, to determine which car gets the best mpg.  Try and guess who wins.  If you want to find out, click the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLgwiQwGRcU

Viper Near-Hit at VIR

This video was taken at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) by a driver named Chuck Grafton who was driving his E30 M3 at a Mazda DriverS event.  You’ll notice the Viper without a doubt.  Close one! Click the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb8gKQJQoN4

BMW 335i Software Tuning

Everybody knows the E90/91/92/93 335 with the N54 twin-turbo engine (now also the E60 535 and E82 135) is a tuner’s dream car.  It’s a simple formula:  if you have turbo(s), you can increase their boost output by changing the electronic codes that govern them.  This means you can achieve big power gains with only software modifications instead of altering the engine’s internal mechanical components.  And now that the engine has been in service for a good while, we’re seeing more and more software modifications on the market.  There are two basic types: downloads to the ECU, and “piggyback” systems.  Downloads actually modify the ECU software while the piggyback systems change the information going to the ECU, resulting in more boost, among other things. I’ll try to cover as many as I can, and bear in mind I don’t know nothin’ bout them newfangled computer thingys. 

BMW M1 Concept Car

After Mercedes produced its SLR McLaren and Audi its R8, one would expect BMW to join the supercar fray.  Hell, anything with Mercedes’ twin-turbo torque-monster V12 runs like a supercar.  Well, BMW is finally taking steps in the right direction: behold the M1 Hommage concept car.

Great Track Cars

I’ve always said, “Need to get out to the track,” or “Gotta go to one of those high performance driving schools the Club does.”  Yeah, yeah.  Well, I did it.  Now I’m addicted.  Here’s the problem, however.  I have a car that cost almost fifty grand, and it would be the only thing in my current sparse stable I could take out to the track that could “hang.” I really don’t want to replace the brakes, the brake fluid, the tires, possibly the rear floor (Mike?), my bank account, my ego, my engine (hey look, anyone is at risk of money-shifting).  So I’ve been looking for a track car.  Something that can be modified with a proper roll cage if I get that that far into it; something that I won’t care if I ding up.  My results are set forth below, and they are just off the top of my head.  Feel free to add more cars via “comments”:

Automotive Maintenance

I’ve given a few hints about well-maintained cars in previous posts.  However, I won’t just hint in this one.  Maintenance is of paramount importance.  I am not just talking about taking it in for dealer “scheduled” maintenance or the occasional oil change in your driveway.  Drivers need a maintenance regime with respect to all fluids, filters, and rubber items.  You need to properly wash, wax and maintain the paint, keep the interior in shape and all the components functioning properly.  Otherwise, no matter what you buy, you’ll end up with a piece of crap that also looks like crap.  I’ll start with mechanical and end with cosmetic maintenance. 

Used All Wheel Drive Rides

As promised, here is the review of some used all wheel drive cars.  Many of these can be had for fairly reasonable prices, some are still quite dear, and others, well let’s say you wouldn’t want your friends to catch you driving them, but they’re still loads of fun.  I didn’t include the obvious Subarus and Mitsus.  It is indeed possible that your experience is different, but I haven’t seen a used Subaru or Mitsu that wasn’t beat to hell.  I’m sticking to the Germans on this one, with one exception.

Run-Flat Tires–and No Spare!

My 335 came equipped with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A run-flats.  Apparently BMW thinks that if you have run-flats, you don’t need a spare. We’ll see why that’s a total myth in a second.   The ‘Stones had a lot of grip in the corners, but not much else.  They were heavy, expensive, and in my opinion detrimental to the car’s ride.  After 20,000 miles, the rear tires were worn out, and no, I didn’t do a lot of burnouts.  Not too many burnouts.  Just a nice, reasonable number of burnouts.  Anyway, I replaced the ‘Stones with a set of vastly superior Continental ContiSport Contact 3’s.  The ride improved, grip stayed the same, and road feel was actually better.  The Conti’s are cheaper and they last longer than the ‘Stones.  To top it off, I bought a Continental inflation/foam kit in case I got a flat. 

GPS–the World’s Best Solution

Navigation Systems (or GPS’s) are a very popular option these days.  People like a Navigation System because it helps them find their destinations, and they can show their passengers how they shelled out for a new gadget.   Some GPS systems even guide their drivers with an automated voice.  The voice is especially credible if it speaks in a British accent, much like Kit on the old Knight Rider series.  I know I’d much rather have Kit telling me where to go than David Hasselhoff sitting in my back seat.

All Wheel Drive Rides at Reasonable Prices

I must say, with so many good all wheel drive cars out there today I almost don’t know where to begin.  Almost.  This post may evolve over time, and as always, I welcome additions and comments (especially from any of you rally people–yes that means you, Satch).  Let’s go…

Audi R8…

What can I say about this work of art that hasn’t already been said?  This thing is unbelievable to look at, especially with the stainless, silver, or carbon “blades” on the sides.  Get it in dark grey with the silver or even carbon blade.   I thought the superbowl commercial was dead-on, as well.  This car is really going to put Audi back on the map especially as a real alternative to Porsche (despite Porsche’s threatened cross-pollination with VAG).  I’d love to see the planned RS8 go up against the Porsche 997 Turbo and Ferrari 430 in a head-to-head competition.  I just bought a Powerball ticket.

REVIEW: Best Luxobarges Over $65K

I was also asked to rate the bigs, and here are my impressions in no particular order: 

LEXUS
Lexus LS460 and LS460L.  It will be a fairly reliable car, with an excellent quiet ride, lots of luxury goodies and a lot of wowee-neato electronic features that actually work quite well. The 4.6l 380bhp V8 and 8-speed auto work well together; all those gears really do improve performance and economy. Yet it’s handling leaves a lot to be desired, it is boring, and its braking performance is actually quite atrocious: it’s 70-0 distance was about 30 FEET LONGER than the next competitor. It was even longer than that of an Escalade. 30 feet is huge when you’re trying to stop. Figure paying about $68K-$75K for one with decent options. Lexus Site

INFINITI
Infiniti M35/M45, which is going to be smaller than the Lexus. Both cars will be fairly reliable, comfortable, and user-friendly, especially in the navigation and climate control interfaces; the interior is also quite understated and tasteful.  Performance-wise, the car has had rave reviews with good handling and a gem of an engine with the V8.  The VQ 3.5 and 3.7 literV6 is good too, but starts to sound like a John Deere at high revs. Downsides are that the car may not be as big as you want, and Nissan does have some occasional reliability issues. Pay about $46K for the V6 and $56K for the V8 with decent options, but again, I’m afraid the biggest Infiniti is still a little too small.  Infiniti Site