RENM performance was formed with an objective: improve the performance of each vehicle without compromising design, safety, reliability, and driveability. Their focus is on the improvement and individualization of performance cars. We like their website and their two new videos are impressive.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Their design, development and sales division is based in Melbourne, Australia, and they have partners and dealers operating world-wide.

Shift down a gear, come to rest – TECHART has organized the turn of the year very differently. After TECHART’s full size SUV speed record in the Italian Nardo, the TECHART GT Street RS based on the 911 GT2 broke the former lap record at the Sachsenring race track. High speed, pace, uniqueness – 100 % TECHART.

In the comparison carried out by AutoBild SPORTSCARS, TECHART impressively asserted its superiority over the competitors. Already before the record drive on the 3,671-meter circuit, the TECHART GT Street RS impressed spectators and proved its unique versatility. Apart from the sprinter qualities demonstrated several times, which were once more unheard of (from 0 to 100 km/hh in only 3.5 sec), the sports car displayed another quality that was just as important: A 36-yard braking distance at a speed of 100 km/h is looking to find its match. Once again, TECHART’s basic principles were confirmed: TÜV-tested and approved components as well as OEM quality in every detail.

For the conclusion of the extensive test program, the TECHART GT Street RS was able to crown once more the performance achieved on this day. With a lap time of 1:31.94 min, the winner of the Tuner Grand Prix 2008 and 2009 repeatedly demonstrated the TECHART winning gene. With more than 1.95 sec of head start, it left not only the competitors far behind, but improved the current AutoBild SPORTSCARS lap record at the Sachsenring by an unprecedented 4.47 sec.

Results – TECHART GT Street RS based on 911 GT2

2010 – Auto Bild SPORTSCARS lap record Sachsenring
2009 – Winner Tuner Grand Prix – GT Turbo Klasse
2008 – Winner Tuner Grand Prix – GT Klasse

GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG from Leonberg near Stuttgart extends its steering wheel programme by a new product development which fits all Porsche Cayenne models with automatic transmission.
Measuring only 365 millimetres in diameter and an ergonomic shape for extra grip, it is most suitable for dynamic drivers.

For the extra amount motor sports feeling, GEMBALLA practicably placed F1 rocker switches in the classical switch scheme behind the steering wheel rim – up right and down left. An integrated full size airbag guarantees the accustomed safety.

The new steering wheel also convinces visually. With its modern 3-spoke design, it perfectly integrates into the current Cayenne interior. The customer can chose from numerous colour variations in order to match each serial or optional configuration.

In precise hand work, the GEMBALLA upholsterers cover steering wheel rim, – airbag, – pot and hub with leather and if desired they combine it with carbon segments. Harmonically added horn keys and the black anodised rocker switches perfect the high-quality overall impression.

GEMBALLA – the specialist for high end Porsche refinements and innovative engineer design offers the steering wheel for all Porsche Cayenne with automatic transmission for an introductory price from € 1,680. Of course, the steering wheel is approved by the Technical Control Board (TÜV).

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

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.

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.

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.

The tuning industry is often accused of peddling ‘motorsport technology’ like modern day snake oil with style and no substance. Make a pit-stop at Cargraphic’s stand No. 103 in Hall B5 at Tuning World Bodensee trade fair, from April 30th – May 3rd, though, and you’ll find it takes a different line.

There Cargraphic will present a pneumatic ride-height control named Airlift Suspension, personally approved by living legend Walter Rohrl. Considered one of the best rally drivers of all time and the consummate professional, Rohrl would never make this judgement from a desk. So he put the system to the acid test at Hockenheim on April 15th in front of the World’s press. After a series of scorching laps of the GP course in Cargraphic’s Porsche 997 Turbo GT RSC 3.6 (459kW/624PS) on Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tyres, setting a best time of 1m54.4s, Rohrl gave his approval. But let’s start at the beginning.

Airlift Suspension – the Starting Line

“The Airlift Suspension adds a pneumatic ride-height system so the front axle can raise 55mm at the push of a button to sneak over kerbs, pavements and parking ramps with ease, and drop back to a race ready stance in seconds,” explained Cargraphic’s CEO Michael Schnarr. But pumping the suspension full of air has to hurt the driving dynamics. That’s the conventional wisdom. Now, thanks to Cargraphic, it is wrong.

Because in normal conditions the Airlift relies on a Bilstein B16 DampTronic® coilover with gas pressure damper and spring. There is no extra rubber between the spring and mounts, it’s metal on metal and track-ready dynamics all the way. It is only when presented with a previously insurmountable barrier that the driver blows up additional bellows courtesy of a remote control. That’s the theory, but would the Airlift Suspension pass the practical part of the exam? Emphatically yes.

The 1m54.4s Mr Rohrl achieved early in the day with perfect conditions and fresh tyres suggested he was on form, but then this was true motorsport – and anything could happen.
…
Policed by an onboard video and data-logging system from Leitspeed in Munich, there would be no hiding the result if things went wrong. “There was a big turn out of press and everyone was welcome,” said Cargraphic co-founder, Michael’s brother Thomas Schnarr. “We wanted the test to be as transparent as possible, this was an acid test, under glass.”

Everyone knew Rohrl could not match the time he set in the crisp morning air on crisp new tyres, but after lunch his time of 1m55.5 was the perfect benchmark, the real target for the day. Then the mechanics stormed into a race of their own, fitting the Airlift Suspension in just two hours to put the car back on track in time for the last stint of the day. This was the big one, and as Rohrl pulled back into the pits after a flat to the floor blast round Hockenheim, nervous faces greeted his return.

“No different at all”, was the swift conclusion, and the 1m55.7s lap, an almost exact repeat, backed up his expert analysis. A second lap just two-tenth of a second off proved his own metronomic consistency and the system’s skills and the Airlift Suspension gained the ultimate seal of approval. This is motorsport technology as it was meant to be.

The Cargraphic Programme on the Tuning World Bodensee

The Airlift Suspension will be presented on a Porsche 997 DFI RSC 3.8 Cabriolet along with other highlights from the Cargraphic range at the Tuning World Bodensee in Friedrichshafen. As well as the wheels produced in-house, Cargraphic will show exhaust systems, performance kits and parts for Porsche. Not only the wheels “Made in Germany” will be displayed but Cargraphic will also show the monoblock forged wheelseries, and as highlight the brand new developed carbon fiber wheel with forged star from US-Manufacturer HRE Performance Wheels. The Airlift Suspension is also under development for the Audi R8. And they’ll reveal their plans for the other marques like Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari and more.

And just one look at the sophisticated products will make visitors understand just why the firm from “Landau in der Pfalz” is known as the Performance Company. This is motorsport technology in the true sense, developed and proven on a race track, and they’ll leave the snake oil to the competition. More information: Cargraphic