Top times for TECHART at this year’s Tuner Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring race track. Behind the wheel of the TECHART GTstreet RS based on Porsche 911 GT2, racing driver Jörg Hardt left the competition with no chance and won the duel in the GT Turbo class. This meant that he was able to repeat last year’s victory. The sport auto Tuner Grand Prix is the world’s largest trial of strength in the tuning sector.

The TECHART-modified 911 GT2 won with an average lap time of 1:08.037 minutes over five laps driven around the small circuit of the Hockenheimring race track. This means that the team drove precisely 0.604 seconds faster than the team in second place, and went on to claim overall victory for all the classes entered. Thanks to modified VTG turbochargers, the engine generates 700 bhp / 515 kW at 7,000 rpm and puts down a maximum torque of 860 Nm onto the tarmac at 4,500 rpm. The car is capable of top speeds of up 350 km/h.

Besides the driving skills and high-performance engine, the decisive factor for this victory was above all the perfectly tuned suspension. In collaboration with the technology partners Bilstein and Michelin, the height-adjustable TECHART sports suspension was perfectly tuned to the circuit.

tuner grand prix 2009

For the time trial, the TECHART team opted for high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires on account of the summer temperatures. Running on the single-piece TECHART Formula GTS light alloy rims in the dimensions 8.5Jx20 at the front and 12Jx20 at the rear, the Michelin tires ensured outstanding grip. The winning driver, Jörg Hardt, who has been racing successfully in motor sports for years, was utterly impressed: “The car had been prepared extremely professionally for the event. The tires performed steady and kept a very high level during the whole competition”.

In addition to the victory in the GT Turbo class, Jörg Hardt and the TECHART team also performed exceptionally well in the Coupé / Cabriolet-turbo class. The TECHART GTstreet R Cabrio on the basis of the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet took first place like last year. Achieving a time of 1:09.601, the car had a 3.186 second advantage over its competitors.

Jörg Hardt perfected the triumph by coming first in the SUV class. The TECHART Magnum, based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, was entered into the race. Equipped with the 550 bhp of the production vehicle, an aerokit and sports air suspension module, TECHART achieved the winning time of 1:16.939 for the first time in the heavyweight class. The necessary grip was ensured by the Michelin Diamaris sport tires fitted on 22 inch TECHART Formula rims.

techart 911

“With the victories also racked up this year, TECHART is underscoring its outstanding position in the automotive individualization sector”, says Marc Herdtle, Marketing Director at TECHART Automobildesign GmbH, in recognition of these achievements.

GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG is located in Leonberg near Stuttgart and fulfils the wish of many Porsche drivers who are looking for an earthy sports car sound. Especially for the current models 997 Turbo and GT2, the Porsche-specialist offers an exhaust system with a significantly more powerful sound across the entire speed range.

Also technically, the GEMBALLA exhaust system is compelling. As it is made of extremely heat-resistant and ultra-light titanium alloys, it is approximately 40 percent lighter than its serial counterpart made of stainless steel. Due to its improved exhaust flow and included 200-cell catalysers, also the engine performance rises by approximately 20hp / 15kW and 25Nm torque. Moreover, the response behaviour significantly improves in the lower speed range.

Individually adjusted to the requirements of the models, are the two GEMBALLA-end pipes versions. Both models have the engraved GEMBALLA nameplate, but otherwise they are completely different. The turbo version has a double end pipe measuring 80 mm in diameter, while the GT2-counterpart has a single oval pipe measuring 85mm
x 125mm.

GEMBALLA – the specialist for high-end Porsche refinement and innovative interior design offers the GT RACING TITAN sport exhaust systems for the Porsche models 997 Turbo and 997 GT2 at an introductory price from 8,980 euros. .

Also in the programme are stainless steel sport exhaust systems for the models Porsche 911, Cayman, Boxster and Cayenne.

For more information about the extensive GEMBALLA refining programme, please visit the web site www.gemballa.com

It was only a matter of time before Clutch Masters built the ultimate clutch kit for the Porsche 996 and 997 Turbo. With the success of their Stage 3 OEM replacement kits holding 700 horsepower with daily driveability, Clutch Masters wanted to step up their clutch game and release this new 8.5 inch twin disk clutch with flywheel for the Porsche 911 Turbo. The complete clutch weighs an astonishing 23lbs. The stock flywheel alone weighs about 40lbs!

The lightweight flywheel helps improve turbo spool up by reducing rotational weight. As a kit, it is a complete bolt on for the factory clutch and flywheel. This kit is still a push style like the OEM unit. Other systems are a pull type which requires changing the factory clutch hydraulic system. All made in the USA, this clutch kit uses a combination of ceramic and Fiber Tough material to provide excellent driveability. The larger 8.5 inch disks provide a better engagement then the other systems currently on the market.

These disks last much longer because of the material and sizing. If you are the type that likes to abuse your car on the road course or drag strip, these disks will last much longer then carbon ones. And if you still beat it up that bad, a complete rebuild kit with all the parts and hardware you need is only $995. Twin disks are generally used for those with high horsepower cars. With this clutch kit, we are talking almost 900 horsepower that it can withstand. Because of the use of precision engineered bearings and the larger diameter twin disks, the clutch relatively has NO chatter compared to those running a standard clutch and lightweight flywheel.

Clutch Masters has been testing these in the market on the much heavier Audi S4 cars with some running over 700 horsepower and almost 25,000 miles with great success. Vivid Racing also uses Clutch Masters on many of our Project Cars including our Porsche 997TT and Porsche 996TT.

About Manufacturer: Clutch Masters
Clamping Force vs. Pedal Pressure

Designing heavy duty and high performance clutches with a very high clamp load and incredible coefficient of friction is a fairly simple engineering task. To do so without increasing pedal pressure has not been so easy. Even the education process of changing opinions that an increase in pedal pressure must accompany a high performance clutch with increased clamping force has been difficult.

Clutch Masters, after 28 years as a premier manufacturer of fine quality clutches, has taken this experience and a clean sheet of paper to re-engineer their line of performance clutches to address these problems. The proof of this success is now available from Clutch Masters as a complete line of clutch systems for high performance street and racing use. It is the first major breakthrough in performance clutches in over two decades.

2009 has been a busy year for Switzer Performance. In January, Switzer’s thousand-horsepower, 9-second SLEDGEHAMMER project car introduced the world to the Ohio-based tuning house, which followed up its debut act in February when a number of Switzer’s customer cars run 10 second 1/4 miles in 700 hp fully-automatic 997 turbo Porsches. March saw the introduction of Switzer’s Nissan R35 GTR performance upgrades, good for up to 800 hp on 93 octane pump gas.

This week, Tym Switzer is introducing his latest customer-ready performance packages for Porsche’s outstanding 997 GT2. The new GT2 packages range from a simple software revision to Switzer’s comprehensive flagship offering: the $39,000, 800 hp GT2 PKG shown (installed) in these pictures. “This 800 horsepower pump-gas package has evolved from those first SLEDGEHAMMER builds,” explains Tym, “but unlike the SLEDGEHAMMER, which used a stand-alone system, we’ve been able to keep the factory DME, making this a true bolt-on package. Everything else that went into the SLEDGEHAMMER builds is in this package, running on pump 93.”

Switzer’s 800 hp GT2 package makes use of custom Garret GT30R-based turbochargers with custom billet compressor wheels on ball-bearing center sections in lightweight stainless turbine housings. Switzer’s upgraded turbos compress massive amounts of air, while generating heat than the stock units – heat which is channeled to the engine through Switzer’s own MONSTER intercoolers. The engine itself is fed air and fuel through larger injectors and a custom intake plenum with an oversized throttle-body. All this hardware is managed by the stock ECU, running Switzer-specific DME software calibrations. Perhaps the most controversial part of Switzer’s package, however, is the exhaust system. Switzer’s GT2 exhales through a GT2-specific version of the company’s existing 997 TT exhaust. “As much as we would have liked to stick with the GT2’s titanium canister, there was just no way to hit our power goal on pump gas with the stock system. It was just too restrictive and not designed to handle this much airflow.”

Switzer’s stated goal for the GT2 project was 800 crank horsepower on 93 octane pump gas with an efficient, linear power curve that efficiently put power to the ground and didn’t punish the driver with sudden spikes in torque and power. One look at the final dyno results reveals those goals have been met. “We were very happy to hit our target numbers, of course, but the best part is that the car is still so manageable on the street, at this power level. It is an everyday hyper-performing exotic, and I can’t wait to get it out on the track and see how it performs in the hands of a pro driver.”

The Switzer Performance 800 hp GT2 Porsche package is available now through Switzer Performance dealers.

Targa Trophy, North America’s premier automotive lifestyle rally event, plans to zip through Southern California’s finest cities as it gears up to launch its first ever triple crown series. The unique proceeding will provide sports car enthusiasts the opportunity to showcase their vehicles during an energy-charged day incorporating competition, luxury automotive exhibitions and A-list parties, produced by Overell, Inc.

“Targa Trophy captures the characteristics of yesteryear’s motorsport events with a fresh twist,” explains Jason Overell, owner of Overell, Inc. and founder of the third annual road rally. “This is an unparalleled automotive driving exhibition, infused with excitement, and boasting an extremely impressive spectacle of exotic and specialty sports cars.”

Targa Trophy caters to the West Coast’s sports car aficionados, supplying them with a unique platform to celebrate and exhibit their passion for supreme driving machines. Each event is comprised of 300 miles of adrenaline-pumping rally competition with 100 cars driving in and out of luxury destinations, creating an unparalleled luxury automotive experience for thousands of awe-inspired spectators. A strategic point system challenges the skill of both drivers and navigators to hit a series of check-points in predetermined times. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bugattis, Porsches and more will maneuver the course in each leg of the series with the promise of a visually stimulating experience.

Following the success of the 2008 production that took Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara and West Hollywood by storm, the 2009 series will commence on May 30 in Orange County. Drivers will take off from renowned shopping destination, South Coast Plaza, enjoy a scenic route to Imago Gallery in Palm Springs and, finally, cruise through the finish line in front of a waiting crowd back at South Coast Plaza.

The ralliers travel to San Diego on June 27 where the start and finish festivities will take place at the W San Diego. Drivers will spend their day riding from San Diego to a mid-day check point at Harrah’s Rincon Casino and back to an after party at the W Hotel.

September 19 will be the grand finale for Targa Trophy 2009. Entrants will be sent off from Fred Segal and travel to Big Bear Mountain for a beautiful scenic drive. The highly-anticipated culmination of the series will be held at an undisclosed location in Los Angeles.

In each city, the finish line festivities will be followed by a private award ceremony for rally participants and an after party featuring top music entertainment and lifestyle sponsors that is open to fans and spectators.

To learn more about Targa Trophy 2009, register for any of the upcoming rallies, receive email updates or join our automotive and lifestyle sponsoring brands, visit www.targatrophy.com

ABOUT OVERELL INC.
Overell Inc. is known for developing and producing a wide cache of exclusive lifestyle events targeting the lifestyle consumer market. Founded by marketing and concept visionary Jason Overell in 2002, Overell Inc. has fast become a beacon in the luxury marketing and event planning industry. Innovative concepts and cutting edge design have brought demand from notable brands and entities ranging in such diverse categories as nightlife and entertainment promotions, hospitality, retail, film production and commercial real estate. Some notable clients include Lamborghini, Bentley, Armani Exchange, Fred Segal, Revlon, Wasatch Yachts, Moet Chandon Champagne, Grey Goose Premium Vodka, Westfield Malls, Starwood W Hotels, 60 Thompson Hotels, Symbolic Motor Car Company, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Oliver McMillan Commercial Development, San Diego Film Festival, 944 Magazine and Modern Luxury Publications.

Engine output at its best: Wimmer Rennsporttechnik Solingen traditionally turns cars into faster and hotter models than they already are in series. At the moment they target the new Porsche 997 GT2 Biturbo. Thorsten Wimmer shows the ropes with a 680 hp Porsche 997 GT2 Evo – delivered with 530 hp. The new competitive athlete from Wimmer RS is hot, tenacious and has a super cool visual appearance.

The sportive Porsche GT2 from Wimmer RS wants to get on the race track. It feels at home in tricky chicanes as well as on the streets. Full 680 hp and -remarkable 870 Nm are achieved by the following conversions:

* a bi-turbo engine
* an improvement of the engine management in combination with two optimized Wimmer turbochargers
* a custom-built Wimmer sport exhaust system with two 100 Zeller sport catalysts
* a development of the cylinder head
* sport camshafts
* a sport clutch

The all-inclusive-price rather complete engine conversion prices at 29.800,00 Euro, fitting and left-lane-guarantee included.

According to Wimmer the acceleration to the speed of 100 is 3.4 sec. 200 km/h is reached in only 9.78 sec., and 300 km/h reaches the hp-monster in spectacular 25,8 sec. Concerning maximum speed there are hanging 356 km/h in the air – depending on conversion and clearance of the tires!

DTM-approved race technique appoints the genes of the Dunlop tire, which therewith opened a new product segment: the MaxxPerformance-tires. The Sport-Maxx GT – in 235/30-20 and 325/25-20, fitted on beautiful Sportec-rims, makes sure of an excellent stability of the maximum speed. Even in areas far over 300 km/h.

The optical appearance is spiced up by exterior mirrors and rear spoiler lip made of carbon. Upon request of the customer all parts can be made of carbon. The chassis has been improved by H&R- components, to cope with the increased driving performances.

The beautiful, handmade, and back pressure optimized sport exhaust system from Wimmer RS lets the whole power, hid under the hood, sound in a wonderful tone.

“Racing performance without the daily grind.” That’s the simple point of the retro-fit Airlift Suspension from Cargraphic. On the demanding Grand Prix circuit of the Hockenheimring it took 17 curves, 6 straights, a Cargraphic-Porsche 997 Turbo GT RSC 3.6 (624PS/459kW) and the legendary Walter Röhrl to prove the system works. But let’s start at the beginning.

The system is available now for various Porsche 997 models and soon the Audi R8 and other models will feel the benefits of pneumatic suspension that lifts the front axle up to 55mm at the touch of a button. So steep parking ramps or high pavements, a real horror scenario with low cars, can be conquered without cracks to the nerves or spoiler. Critically, though, this flexibility cannot hurt the handling and the handling relies on BILSTEIN B16 DampTronic® adjustable suspension. “A super sports car shouldn’t end up as a cafe racer or a boulevard cruiser”, says Michael Schnarr, Manager of Cargraphic along with his brother Thomas.

So over to the man himself, widely considered the greatest rally driver of all time Walter Röhrl. “First, we’re going to drive on time with the system, then we’ll swap to normal suspension”, he explains. “Then I’ll try it again and only then will I be 100 per cent convinced.” So that’s the plan, but will there be a happy ending for Walter Röhrl and the Airlift Suspension?

Tune in on www.cargraphic.com or use the following link to find out:
www.cargraphic.de/sources/videos/VideosAirlift-ENG.html

Popularity turned the Porsche Cayenne into quite a common presence on the roads. This explains why the german model features in the portfolio of so many car tuners. Unfortunately, the big sales volume made the aftermarket industry follow in the foot steps of the stock car manufacturers. And this is because they started producing the so called exclusive, unique body kits in large series.

For all these reasons, MAFF Tuning developed the Muron project such as to offer the alternative of a truly custom interpretation of the super SUV. Thus, the Muron package represents a complex stylistic approach, which makes it more than sufficient for seriously amplifying the already powerful personality of the Cayenne.

But what really sets Muron apart from other tuners’ body kits is that MAFF proposes it as only the base on which the clients can build their fantasies. This is what actually means to offer custom services. This is what defines MAFF Tuning.

The Muron body kit is built of fiber glass components, in which elements of carbon fiber can be implemented. The package comprises of the following: front and rear spoilers, front grille with integrated LED daytime running lights, side skirts, roof spoiler, bonnet with dramatic scoops, masks for the head lights and tail lights, a discreet adornment for the boot lid, inserts of carbon fiber for the door handles, rear view mirror carcases with integrated LED signal lights and exhaust tailpipes covers. Each of these elements are a MAFF design and this is why the cars are adorned with the MAFF and Muron logos.

Even the light alloy wheels are a special MAFF design. And their dimensions vary according to the request of each and every client.
Also dedicated to the exterior of the car, the clients can choose a unique color or nuance for the paint, under the assistance of the specialized MAFF painters. The color mix and the painting process itself take place in the MAFF workshop, which is equipped with a high class painting booth.

For the interior of the car one can configure a virtualy unlimited number of layouts. This is possible due to the liberty MAFF gives to its clients regarding the choice of color, combination of materials, stitching design, embroiderments and inserts (carbon fiber among others). Only the finest leather types, like Alcantara, are used to tailor the cockpit. Even exotic alternatives like leather with a surface that imitates the carbon fiber texture have been selected by our customers. And the design, as well as the entire tailoring process are the work of the specialized department of the MAFF workshop.

The general feel of the lavishly styled cockpit is further nuanced with the help of ambiental lights, like the ones in the door sills which light up the Muron name.

And because every MAFF concept is meant to flatter each of the human senses, the configuration of the sound system is as elaborate and quality focused as the rest of the Muron project. So, depending on what the clients desire, there can be installed varied sound systems with first class components from brands like Alpine. MAFF tunes them and incorporates them in the cockpit’s design with great attention to detail and in a very elegant manner. For example, the subwoofer placed in the boot of the car is inside a resonance box upholstered like the rest of the cockpit. This box may even include a hidden storage aria.

There is also a multimedia kit, which includes the navigation system and is compatible with any audio or video format. On its main display, which can retract in the dashboard, are also shown the images captured by the video cameras integrated in the front and rear bumpers. Of course, the multimedia unit is correlated with the auxiliary displays, which can be implemented in the head rests, in the ceiling or in any other place, if the client’s fantasies dictate so.

The Muron project means personality, refinement, fantasy but we can not omit the fact that our object of work is a Porsche, a name acknowledged as being synonymous with performance and racing. Thus, MAFF set free even more of the potential this massive sports car has. Regardless of the engine version we work on, we can raise the power with up to 100 HP, without affecting the endurance of the engine. The power bonus is the result of the reconfigured electronic management of the engine, the fitting of bigger turbines and sportier admission systems and all the additional components for these.

The MAFF portfolio includes some unique models able to develop over 700 HP. This is why MAFF engineers also adjust the suspension of the car, aiming to improve its dynamic behavior. The ride height is consequently reduced by up to 8 cm. This is done by tuning the electronic management of the stock suspensions.