Since the S2000 is Honda's only rear-drive machine it was the natural subject for RealTime sliding adventure, but the roadster is notoriously short on tire-frying torque. So the team developed a supercharger system using a Vortech centrifugal blower for the vehicle to prep it for drifting. The team had some experience with supercharging, having campaigned a blown NSX in the World Challenge GT division during the '90s, so it wasn't a complete mystery to them. In fact the RealTime supercharger system lashed to the S2000's 2.2-liter four, though developed in conjunction with Vortech, isn't based on any existing kit. The rest of the car got the typical drifting modifications (more steering angle and some tweaks to accommodate the larger wheels and tires), but not many were needed considering the fundamental soundness of the S2000.
The team is only committed to participating in a couple of Formula D events this year and made its debut in Chicago this past May. Kleinubing's rawness showed during the event, but the guy has spectacular car control skills and it's only a matter of time before he catches up. "The Chicago event felt more relaxed than a World Challenge race," he says, "and I didn't feel as much pressure. But it was fun. The drivers, at least my buddies, were trying to help me out." Will his buddies still help him if he starts winning?
And Kleinubing is ultimately still a road racer. "They are so different," he says comparing road racing and drifting. "But my heart is still in road racing. The challenge of trying to go around the whole course in the fastest time possible is still my favorite."
Honda Wins Indy! And Finishes Last TooWhen the pace car led the field around for the start of the 90th Indianapolis 500 this past Memorial Day there were 34 cars on the track-and 33 of them had Honda engines aboard. If Chevrolet hadn't supplied the Corvette pace car, there would have been nothing but Hondas out there.
This was the first time in the history of the 500 that all the cars entered in the race were powered by one manufacturer's engine...hence the first time one engine manufacturer swept the field, literally finishing first and every other position. That's because Honda is the only engine supplier to the Indy Racing League this year, but it's a weird fact nonetheless.
So our congratulations go out to Honda on its impressive and inevitable sweep. A big thank you also goes out to Sam Hornish, Jr., who drove to the win in his Penske Team Marlboro Dallara, proving that an American can win the 500 during the 21st century.
Here's hoping that next year some manufacturer rises to Honda's challenge and takes it on at the Brickyard. Yeah, we're talking about you Kia.
TrifectaDoes the world need yet another car show? No-unless it's run by our sister publication Car Audio and Electronics and sponsored by another, Lowrider, and companies including Arc Audio, Alpine, Morel, Kicker, Kenwood, Acoustic Edge, Audison, Focal, Pontus, Crossfire Audio, A3, Icon-TV, Extreme Autofest, SEMA, IAS, and Carsponsorships.com.
Trifecta is a little different from your typical lame-ass car show. The guys from Car Audio and Electronics gathered some of the top builders and automotive-related designers in the country to judge the rides. These guys judged not only the overall car in terms of aesthestics and build quality but also the sound quality of the audio systems. Just for fun (and some bonus points) they measured the SPL (sound pressure level) as well. Winners picked up cash and trophies for their efforts while the top two received invites for an onstage showdown at the SEMA Show.
The first leg of Trifecta's three shows took place at SEMA's Auto Salon in Philadelphia, PA. Thirty cars were assembled for the invitational, including some high-end demo vehicles such as Rob Ida's Tucker, Dave Fowlkes' '69 Buick Riviera and Dave Johnson's (of Acoustic Edge) Cobra. Not to be out-done, some of the competitors had cars that stacked quite nicely against the demos. The diverse field included everything from a Chrysler 300M to a Ford F-350 to a Nissan Skyline.
The judging came down to five cars, but the winner was no surprise. Justin Efkowtiz and his 300M packed with Focal and Audison gear took $500, the invite to SEMA '06 and a feature in Car Audio and Electronics. Second place went to a bit of sleeper. Dave Hary's Audi S4 with Rockford Fosgate amps and subs picked up the max SPL points and scored very high in sound quality to earn $250 and the invite. Third place and the $125 went to Ryan Shutt's Civic with a Polk Audio-equipped system. For more information check out Car Audio's website at www.caraudiomag.com.
Undercover SubaruAre you thinking of committing a crime in Kitsap County, Washington? If you're like us, of course you are! After all, no one deserves to be victims of our turn toward the dark side like all those Kitsapians! But we have to keep an eye out for this: the Sheriff department up there has acquired a new Subaru Legacy GT Turbo as an unmarked prowl car.
"We chose the Subaru Legacy because we were looking for an all-wheel-drive vehicle with solid performance and handling capabilities," said Sergeant Mike Merrill in a press release. "We also needed a vehicle that could perform in all types of weather conditions that we experience here in the Northwest, and we ultimately were impressed with the Subaru Legacy's active safety features and its high safety ratings."
The world was a lot easier when all the cops drove Crown Vics.
Pressurized LotusNo car is more beloved around these plushly carpeted offices than the Lotus Elise. After all there's practically nothing to it: just four skinny tires, a composite body and a mid-mounted Toyota four-cylinder engine. Even with just 190 horsepower aboard, the minimal mass means it can rock to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. So imagine it with double the power.
ForcedFed (www.forcedfed.com) of Livermore, California, is now offering a comprehensive package of components it calls the Race 380R Turbo. For a mere $44,995 ForcedFed will rebuild your Elise into a turbocharged beast whacking out 380 horsepower that will, the company claims, smack to 60 mph in an obscene 3.1 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 10.89 seconds at 121 mph. In short, it takes an Elise and crams the performance of a second Elise into it-for about the cost of a new Elise. Got that?
The 380R parts list is impressively long, raging from forged pistons to a revised suspension and Alcon oversize brakes. All we want to do is drive it.
Our request has been submitted.