Ringers Impact-Resistant GlovesGel gloves? We're in. Designed to minimize impact from air tools (or machine guns if you happen to be hunting Bin Laden) with 3mm of shock-absorbing gel padding in the palm, these gloves from Ringers can't possibly suck. We've used Ringers' conventional gloves and can vouch for their durability and fit. Plus, they come in seven sizes and six colors and retail for $29.99.Ringers(800) 421-8454www.ringersgloves.com
Auto Meter Nexus Gauges We like data logging gauges and Auto Meter's Nexus line takes that idea to the next level. With the ability to record data and play it back in real time through the gauges or on a computer using proprietary software, the Nexus line is a thoroughly thought out design. They also have more conventional features like user-definable warnings and peak review, plus seven color-illumination options. All of these features are controlled via a remote, which has an SD memory card for expanded data logging abilities. The gauges utilize a 270-degree sweep controlled by a microprocessor and stepper motor. Modular cable connections make expansion simple.Auto Meter(815) 895-8141www.autometer.com
Sttus SeatsSttus Racing entered the street/race seat market with 9 new shell-type seats at SEMA and the promise of a full line of adjustable seats in 2005. All Sttus shells are available in FRP, carbon fiber or Kevlar, and utilize memory foam cushioning. Other cool features include enough production flexibility to allow customers to order any combination of shell style and material, fabric material, fabric color, cushion type and color stitching. Sttus seats also come with a lifetime shell warranty and are pending FIA homologation.Sttus Racing(866) 453-8527www.statusracing.com
Epod Gauge ClusterHow about putting the aftermarket gauges right next to the O.E. gauges? Now there's a novel idea. That's exactly what the folks at Auto-tech Interiors have done with their new ePod. Most ePod applications house two aftermarket gauges (52mm or 60mm) directly on top of the steering column. The ePod is treated with UV protection to keep it from warping or fading and is injection molded from ABS plastic. Plus, the gauges rotate in case you want you passenger to see them! Amazing. Actually, the ePod seems fairly smart to us. SEMA throught so to and gave the ePod the "best new interior accessory" award. What an honor.
The ePod is available for the Acura RSX, BMW 3 Series, Dodge SRT-4, Mitsubishi EVO VIII, Nissan 350Z, Subaru WRX and WRX STi and the VW Golf and Jetta.Auto-tech Interiorswww.autotechinteriors.com
Koso GaugesKOSO is offering a line of 10 value-priced gauges with peak-replay and user-definable warnings. Gauges included are water temperature, boost, EGT, fuel pressure, oil pressure, oil temperature, air/fuel ratio, vacuum, amps and voltage. The gauges use white needles against a black face and come with their own sensors.KOSO North America(877) 777-0604www.kosonorthamerica.com
PilotiCorsa (left)The high-end racing shoe from Piloti is finally here. The Corsa is Nomex lined and utilizes a foldover-style tongue to protect the laces. It's constructed with top-grain leathers and a suede upper. It uses Piloti's roll-control heel and will be available in two color combinations through high-end race shops in limited numbers. Piloti is seeking SFI certification and FIA homologation. Price is yet to be determined.
G16 (right)Named after one of Northern California's most bad-ass driving roads, the G16 is designed for enthusiast applications where fire protection isn't a necessity, like autocrossing or track days. It uses the roll-control heel and has reinforced heel and toe pads on the outside of the right shoe-design features, which actually make it a practical driving shoe. It will be available in five color combinations starting next month.Piloti(805) 494-0756www.piloti.com
Progress Group 240SX Drift-Spec Anti-Roll BarsDesigned for the S13 chassis, The Progress Group's new anti-roll bars are three-way adjustable front and rear to allow a huge range of chassis tuning possibilities.Progress Group714) 575-1193www.progressauto.com
Baer Monoblock Caliper Brake KitsBaer's new 6R and 6S brake calipers are constructed from a billet monoblock similar to other high-end, race-type calipers. They utilize six pistons and come in two designs. The 6S is designed with an integral bridge and the 6R has a removable bridge for quick pad changes. Baer 6S kits retail at $2,295.00 and 6R kits retail at $3,295.00. Applications include Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Subaru WRX.Baer Brake Systems(602) 233-1411www.baer.com
JIC FLT-A1Can't afford the full-on, top-of-the-line JIC FLT-A2? No problem. JIC is now offering the twin-tube FLT-A1 at significantly reduced cost. With the FLT-A1 you get five-way adjustable compression and rebound damping. The FLT-A1 comes with a basic spring rate per each application, but JIC offers custom spring rates per customer request. The cost is between $900 and $1,300 dollars depending on application. The FLT-A1 is available for a huge range of vehicles, including Nissan S13, S14 and B15, GC8 and GDB Subaru Imprezas, EVO VIII, second-generation Eclipses, Mazda Proteg and Lexus and Infiniti models as well as most popular Hondas.JIC USA(562) 803-6122www.jic-magic.com
Nagisa Auto EVO VIIIControl ArmsJapan's Nagisa Auto makes a pile of bitchin' adjustable control arms for many Japanese cars. Its latest bits for the EVO VIII are very impressive. Designed to reduce bumpsteer and improve response in aggressively lowered EVOs, the bars use pillow-ball mounts at all pivot points and look like they could withstand a small-scale thermonuclear blast. Nagisa also offers stainless-steel adjustable control links for the rear of the EVO VIII.Nagisa Auto(310) 618-0600www.more-japan.com
Tein Circuit Master Super Racing Coil-oversWith separately adjustable ride height and preload, Tein's new Ultimate Spec Circuit Master Super Racing coil-overs combine the best features of other Tein coil-overs into a new high-end unit. They're fully rebuildable and strut applications utilize an inverted design for added strength and are available with camber plates. Available for the Honda S2000, Acura Integra, Mitsubishi EVO and Subaru WRX and WRX STi, the new dampers are also independently adjustable for compression and rebound damping. Prices start at $2,220.Tein USA(562) 861-9161www.tein.com
Falken Azenis RT-615With the reign of the Azenis sport-our favorite intermediate tire-coming to an end, Falken has introduced its replacement, the Azenis RT-615. Finding its niche carefully between ultrahigh-performance street tires and all-out R-compound race tires, the RT-615 has big shoes to fill. We'll let you know how they work as soon as we can get a set on one of our project cars.
Falken will release the RT-615 in 17 sizes ranging from 14 to 18 inches in early 2005, with more sizes later in the year.Falken Tire(800) 723-2553www.falkentire.com
Hotchkis Adjustable Camber And Toe Links For 350ZIf you've lowered your 350Z, you've changed your suspension geometry and, with the Z's stock bits, you add serious camber in the rear. To dial that out and allow aggresive toe adjustments Hotchkis is selling these camber and tow links. The links come with greasable urethane bushings and have gorgeous CNC-machined, anodized centers. They're also on-car adjustable.Hotchkis Performance(877) 466-7655www.hotchkis.net
Cusco 350Z Adjustable Upper Control ArmThe fact that the 350Z doesn't have adjustable camber is a major pain in the ass for any road racer or track dork. Not anymore. With Cusco's adjustable upper control arm you can dial camber in to your heart's content. Plus it's blue. Who doesn't want blue control arms? Very cool.Cusco/nukabe automotive(217) 235-6060www.cusco.co.jp
H&R Coil-Overs For Scion TcEvery other booth at SEMA had a Scion tC inside it. We like H&R's. Plus, the company makes a respectable coil-over kit for the pseudo Toyota. The front ride height is adjustable between 1.2 and 2.6 inches lower than stock, while the rear can be lowered between 1.0 and 2.0 inches. There is no damping adjustment. The coil-overs retail for $1,650 and are available now.H&R Special Springs(360) 738-8881www.hrsprings.com