P.D. Cunningham has been racing at Lime Rock since 1985, and the story on the tight, 11-turn Connecticut road course is always the same: traffic.
"Traffic is always a big thing at Lime Rock with 40 cars on a 1.53-mile track and you're pretty much constantly in traffic," says Cunningham right after the 43-lap event. "Lapped traffic is always fighting for your attention, as if staying on the road isn't hard enough. I had one incident when I was lapping someone and we sort of found one another. I was just trying to get by and he was trying to get out of the way."
Despite that minor smack, Cunningham brought the Sport Compact Car-sponsored Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V home third on Memorial Day in the second round of the Speed World Challenge Touring Car series. Except for that minor shunt, Cunningham's climb throughout the 50-minute race was almost surgically precise, textbook racecar driving.
"We were fastest in practice, but in qualifying I didn't get a great lap in, so we started seventh," Cunningham explains. "In the race we worked our way up and finished third. We were fighting for second and just ran out of time. The ebb and flow of traffic helped us at first and then hurt us. To be on the podium was a pretty good day. We didn't win this race, but the car was working very well and it was reliable."
Finishing first was Bill Auberlen and his BMW 325i. Auberlen is two for two so far in the season. Nic Jonsson in another BMW finished between Auberlen and Cunningham, inheriting second from Pierre Kleinubing when he spun his RealTime Racing Acura TSX late in the race. Justine Marks in yet another BMW finished fourth. Kleinubing, who was racing for his fourth consecutive win at Lime Rock finished a dispiriting 21st.
About the only change TeamRTR had made coming into Lime Rock was the fitment of a new clutch.
"The new clutch is still a Tilton, but a different style," says Cunningham. "It was a balance issue and the new clutch made the car much more driveable. We're confident our transmission issue from Sebring has been cured with this new clutch. It was just a harmonic thing that wasn't making the gears very happy." Testing also inspired the team to vary the suspension alignment slightly.
"I've won six races there over the years," Cunningham says about Lime Rock. "It's one of my better tracks; one of the great ones. It's not like Nelson Ledges, which is just in the armpit of the world. Lime Rock is in the top 10. There were no real surprises this weekend."
The World Challenge Touring Car series moves to Mid-Ohio next with the top four drivers in points all driving BMWs. But Cunningham is optimistic. "We were fast at Mid-Ohio last year so we're looking forward to it again," P.D. tells us. "I think we can do well there and we'll find out in less than three weeks."
Lisa Kubo Slays AllIn the short history of sport compact drag racing, there's never been as dominating a performance as Lisa Kubo's in the NHRA's Pro FWD Class this year. Four events into the season, she and her Saturn ION Quad Coupe have won all of them, destroying Nelson Hoyos in the finals each time. And as if that weren't enough, at April's BFGoodrich Sport Compact Nationals in Florida she ran a stunning 7.963-second e.t. in qualifying to become the first front-driver into the 7s. (She backed up the time with an 8.003 at 186.87 mph in the finals.)
Kubo has been helped by the fact that the Pro FWD fields have been thin this year. For instance, only four cars qualified at the BFG event with such notables as Christian Rado, Shaun Carlson and JoJo Callos all missing. Still, if you go back to last season, Kubo is up to five straight wins and breaking the 8-second barrier is impressive in every way.
If there's anything that's become obvious this season, it's that records are going to be falling practically every weekend. At the same race Kubo burst into the 7s, George Ioannou set a new speed record with a 207.13-mph pass in his Bullish Racing 2K2 Solara. And two weeks later at the Nitto Sport Compact Nationals at Englishtown, N.J., Kubo dropped her own e.t. record with a 7.838 at 189.55 mph and set a new speed record with a separate 190.30 mph pass, while over in All Motor Jesus Padilla set another record with a 9.927-at-131.97 pass in his '85 Mazda RX-7.
Will this be the year a Pro FWD car runs 200 mph? A 210-mph Pro RWD car seems inevitable and who knows what could happen in the sportsman categories?
Bad-Ass BenzHere's the best argument for moving to Germany: You can buy a new Mercedes CLK DTM AMG over there and you can't over here.
Mercedes will produce just 100 CLK DTM AMGs this year, all powered by a supercharged, 582-hp version of the company's 5.5-liter V8 and none slated to make their way to North America. Inspired, obviously, by the German Touring Car race version of the CLK, the street-going version features all those good DTM things like a deep front air dam, big fender flares, 19- and 20-inch AMG wheels and an interior shorn of its rear seat and fitted with two lightweight AMG buckets. This is, after all, a car so very nasty that it carries a full nine letters in its name.
Beyond the heavy-breathing V8, the DTM uses an AMG Speedshift five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifting and a suspension incorporating height-adjustable coil-over shocks and separate coil springs. The diff uses a multiple-disc limited-slip system and the Dunlop tires are 225/35R-19s in front and 285/30R-20s out back.
The first of the 100 CLK DTM AMGs is scheduled for delivery this fall. And while no prices have been announced, take whatever number you have in your head, double it, and you might be close.
Cadillac Gets RadicalGermany's Nrburgring is apparently being overrun with Cadillacs. Recently caught in testing were new V-Series performance versions of the XLR roadster and upcoming STS large sedan while even more radical versions of the CTS-V are also apparently in the works. Remember, this is Cadillac. Three years ago, the only reason to ride in a Caddy was because you were embalmed.
Unlike the CTS-V, which relies on a 400-hp version of the 5.7-liter LS6 OHV V8, the XLR-V and STS-V will rely on a supercharged version of the 4.6-liter, DOHC, 32-valve Northstar V8 making somewhere around 425 hp. Cadillac isn't talking yet, but rumors are the supercharger itself is an Eaton Roots-style blower positioned in the valley between the cylinder banks blowing through an integrated intercooler. Don't expect the CTS-V's rather raw Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission to make it over to STS-V (top) and XLR-V either, as they're likely to get trigger-shifted versions of GM's new six-speed automatic transmission. The same mechanical package is likely to find its way into an SRX-V version of Cadillac's crossover sport 'ute eventually, too. Expect the XLR-V to hit showrooms late next year with the STS-V coming in early 2006.
The CTS-V caught in this photo (bottom) is a well-used test mule, so expect detail changes (that hood scoop will go), but a CTS-V Plus is on the way. The Plus will likely get a version of the 6.0-liter LS2 OHV V8 being stapled into the 2005 Corvette C6 with a bump in output to nearly 500 hp as Cadillac seems determined to face the challenge of the upcoming V10-powered BMW M5 head-on. Keep in mind the CTS isn't much larger than an Infiniti G35 and the potential of the CTS-V Plus is apparent. And it will be even better once dealers add the landau roof and whitewalls.
Just Driven 2005 Toyota Corolla XRSThe current Corolla is the perfect small sedan if you're the type of guy who doesn't read this magazine. But in late April, Toyota finally put the Corolla back on the performance track with the introduction of the 2004 XRS powered by a revised version of the 2ZZ 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, VVTL-i engine used in the Celica GT-S.
From the outside, there isn't much to distinguish the XRS from the Corolla S. The XRS uses the same plastic lower body extensions and rear deck spoiler of the S. For the keen-eyed, the XRS has a unique perforated grille texture and new, 16-inch five-spoke wheels rewrapped in 195/55R-16 Michelin Pilot Primacy tires.
The interior is almost as subdued as the exterior, but more substantially modified. The big change are new front seats that are more aggressively bolstered and covered in a thicker weave upholstery that's attractive in a faux-Kevlar kind of way. Throw in a neat chrome-and-leather shift knob, a leather-wrapped wheel, electro-luminescent instrumentation and a matte-black finish across many surfaces and the result is one of the best small car interiors around.
But all that is just gloss over the mechanical substance. Rather than dropping in the 180-hp version of the 2ZZ used in the Celica GT-S, Toyota sacrificed 10 hp for additional low-end torque. The torque peak in the Corolla occurs at 4400 rpm instead of the 4800 rpm it does in the Celica and Toyota says torque production is broader across the midrange. However, the peak 127 lb-ft is actually down 3 from the 130 lb-ft in the Celica. And the standard 130-hp Corolla 1.8-liter, DOHC, VVT engine makes 125 lb-ft of twist at an even lower 4200 rpm.
Supporting the 2ZZ in the XRS is the same six-speed manual used in the Celica. As in the Celica, throws are extremely short and engaging reverse brings with it an annoying beep like that of a UPS truck.
Keep the 2ZZ below 6000 rpm and the XRS drives pretty much like any other Corolla. But when the tach needle swings past 6000 and heads toward the 8400-rpm redline, the car opens up in a vivid wail that's part Formula 1 car and part chain saw.
Toyota claims a 0-to-60 time of less than 8 seconds for the XRS and mid 7s seems about right. But if the driver doesn't stay in the amphetamine zone between 6000 and 7600 rpm, forward velocity drops off profoundly.
With the suspension dropped a 1/2 inch and increased rate coils and shocks aboard, the XRS is also the best-handling Corolla. The steering isn't particularly quick and understeer comes pretty early, but it's all predictable and the ride is limo comfortable. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard and work well enough.
The XRS is easily the best Corolla-even if it isn't as hard-edged as, say, the more powerful WRX and Neon SRT-4. But it's also a bargain with prices starting at just $17,455.
Rumors &Lies* Nissan head honcho Carlos Ghosn has again reiterated that the Skyline GT-R will make it to the United States in next-generation form by 2007. Until then, continue gnawing at your wrist.
* According to reports, singer Jessica Simpson has been offered the role of Daisy Duke in next year's big screen version of "The Dukes of Hazzard." Current chances of this movie sucking: 82 percent.
* Hyundai has confirmed it will return to WRC rally competition by the 2006 season. The company will open a rally shop at its new Russelsheim, Germany, research center. Hyundai may even run selected rallies during 2005.
* Honda is rumored to have re-upped with BAR through at least the 2007 Formula 1 season.
* Universal Pictures has green-lighted a third installment of 'The Fast and the Furious," rumored to star Vin Diesel returning as the character he played in the original. This next movie supposedly takes place in Japan, where Diesel meets up with the street racing scene there. Current chances of this movie sucking: 81 percent.
* In the latest J.D. Power initial quality survey, Hyundai was the most improved of the 37 nameplates, moving up 16 places to finish seventh.
* The last Oldsmobile was built in late April. It was about time.
It's A Free Civic!For the past couple of years, Honda has sponsored the Civic Tour, which features some emerging, superstar mega-band as it tours the country, and it gives away a customized Civic as part of the experience. Of course, you remember 2003's Civic Tour with the band ... er, we forgot. Or the 2002 tour when, um, those guys with the tattoos performed across America.
This year's Civic Tour ended back at the end of June when the band Dashboard Confessional played the last stop in Pittsburgh, Penn. But the chance to win the customized Civic continues until August 31 at the tour's Web site, www.civictour.com. Since it's free to enter, and you're going to have to pay for your Internet access anyhow, you may as well enter.
The Civic you're going after is a 2004 EX coupe that carries an Alpine IVA-D300 DVD Multimedia Station that includes an AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3/WMA receiver that can apparently receive everything except STP, GQ or EI-EI-O and display it on a seven-inch motorized widescreen monitor that retracts into the dash. The system can also accept satellite radio system and includes an Apple iPod-ready interface and an Alpine navigation system. The 500-watt system powers a pair of massive subwoofers that should provide enough bass to crack open walnuts.
Performance modifications are, however, minimal. There's a set of Knig 18x7.5-inch Next wheels encased in a set of ZRi performance tires from Bridgestone's Fuzion brand, the car has been lowered 2 inches using Sprint Performance pieces, and the titanium exhaust tip comes from Villain Racing, but otherwise it's pure Civic. The custom paint probably won't make the car any quicker, but it does include airbrushed stripes that reflect the tats on Chris Carrabba's arms, and Chris Carrabba's autograph is featured on the driver's-side front fender. If Carrabba becomes a big-time, Elvis-like star, imagine how much you could get for that fender on eBay! And if he fades into obscurity, a respray won't be that expensive.
So log on and enter. It's a chance to win a free car.
Tuners BashedBecause spring break always passes through Florida practically unnoticed by residents or the media, Import Showoff Mainstream Productions brought the first annual Spring Break Tuner Bash to Panama City, Fla., this past March 13 and 14.
The event, which featured no entrance fee, a car show, a two-day bikini show (with actual women in the bikinis) and a lot of freebie merchandise from sponsors, attracted just about everyone in Florida not actually in the digestive tract of an alligator.
Judges picked from a bumper crop of 150 cars at the event with first place ultimately being awarded to a carbon-fiber-cloaked JDM Mazda RX-7 with second being snagged by a dark blue Acura NSX wearing a Sorcery body kit and Grupe M supercharger system. With alcohol flowing freely, the mood at this event was particularly festive and the reception for eventual bikini contest winner Nikki Zeno was a bit slurred, though robust.
Still, of all the events contained within Tuner Bash, none was as well received as the drink-to-win event staged by Nitrous Express, which awarded a new nitrous system to the contestant who could guzzle down their margarita the quickest. Hey, they were walking, not driving.
All this will happen again next year and Panama City's Miracle Strip Park will be the place to be.
H&R Builds A TSXAcura's TSX is proving popular among tuners (sorry, "tunerz") and the latest proof comes in the form of H&R Springs' Project TSX.
The suspension was H&R's main concentration while building this car since (duh) it sells suspension stuff. So on went a set of H&R's Sport Springs, which lowered the TSX 1.4 inches in front and 1.3 inches in the back while, claims the company, maintaining driveability and improving handling. The wheels are BBS RSGT pieces in 19x8-inches upon which are mounted 245/35R-19 Bridgestone S03. The body kit is the latest assemblage of plastic from Mugen. Mugen also contributed a titanium exhaust system and carbon-fiber air box to the program while Power Slot slotted brake rotors burn off speed.
With such simple modifications, the 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine may be making slightly more than the stock 200 hp, but nothing that should cause nosebleeds during acceleration. But the TSX has plenty of potential and every day a little bit more of it is realized.
Magna Flow Opens UpMagnaFlow threw open its doors in May and more than 3,000 people rushed in for the MagnaFlow Nationals, a one-day extravaganza of manufacturer seminars, plant tours, equipment installation demonstrations, dyno tests, displays, celebrity autograph signings, a car show, music, prizes and gut-busting torrents of food and beverages. It was enough to make Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., seem exciting.
MagnaFlow President Jerry Paolone brought along such lustrous celebs as Mario Andretti, Ivan "Iron Man" Stewart and Terry Borcheller, while such luminous personalities as Boyd Coddington, Rod Millen and designer Chip Foose were spotted wandering about. Displays were on hand from CenterForce, Eibach, K&N, Baer Racing, Hotchkis Suspension, Bilstein, Denso Sales and Optima Batteries.
The most fun, though, was inside MagnaFlow's high-tech dyno room, where they simultaneously tested a 387-hp Panoz Escalante GT-S racecar, a 325-hp '73 Chevrolet Camaro, a 391-hp Honda del Sol, a 372-hp Z06 Corvette, and finally, a 241-hp MagnaFlow-equipped Chevrolet SSR. There's something particularly satisfying when they put five cars on chassis dynos and the most powerful one is a del Sol.
A full 184 custom musclecars, trucks, hot rods and imports were on display with first- through third-place trophies awarded in 13 categories and a full dozen Best of Show trophies also handed out, making a total of 25 trophies. We'll have more fun with math later in this issue!
Magnaflow will continue holding these events semi-annually, meaning the next one should be happening just about now. For more info, try its Web site at www.magnaflow.com.
WebsideIf you spend as much time as we do staring into a computer monitor, you've likely come to hate the damn things with a fiery rage that can only be extinguished by random violent outbursts. So channel one of those outbursts into an e-mail and tell us about the Web sites that are haunting your automotive psyche. We're e-mail ready at SCCNews@Primedia.com. Feel free to vent.