Ninco April newsletter

2008 Mitsubishi Concept-RA Concept

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme. Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment.

Design

Developed as a technological showcase for Mitsubishi Motors, the Concept-RA displays athletic sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that provide a powerful and compelling showpiece for the car's advanced, high technology features. Broad, muscular wheel arches house 21-inch wheels and lend graphic expression to the high degree of road control and tenacious grip afforded by the next generation S-AWC system. Meanwhile, an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car's high output, efficient, clean diesel engine design. The Concept-RA's inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille fascia reinforce Mitsubishi Motors' new design identity, albeit suitably revised to reflect the concept's sporty coupe attributes.

Concept-RA's deep red exterior hue graphically accentuates the coupe's fluid, muscular body lines, and offsets a matte black engine hood that helps impart the vehicle's strong mechanical flavor. The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit's wraparound control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimizes the switch and control layout. This reduces the driver's physical and mental workload, allowing full concentration on driving. The interior also makes extensive use of fine-quality natural materials in a design that delivers the utmost control, confidence, and vehicle involvement to the driver.

Mechanical

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA's Super-All Wheel Control driveline is a next generation all-wheel-drive system that adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD1, AYC2, ASC3, and Sport ABS components that comprise the highly capable system used on the 2008 Lancer Evolution. Concept RA's S-AWC system integrally manages these components to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque, steering input, vehicle roll, and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. Such capability affords Concept-RA intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent by reacting instantly, under a variety of driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA is powered by a new, high output, high-efficiency 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine with MIVEC4. This clean diesel's MIVEC system incorporates valve lift control with low and high-speed cam profiles actuating the intake valves. A Piezoelectric injector, common-rail direct fuel injection system allows the engine to use of a lower static compression ratio. The new diesel showcases a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger whose internal vanes can control airflow over the turbine and compressor surfaces to produce optimum boost characteristics at all times. The efficient, low emissions diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 bhp and maximum torque of 310 lb-ft. For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States, the clean diesel powerplant relies on a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.

In an effort to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety, Mitsubishi Concept-RA features a new, rigid body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components. In addition, the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from lightweight, impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.

Lotus Exige S by 'Union Jack'

The Lotus Exige must be one of the most curvy car designs pounding our roads at present. So when Discovery Channel’s popular series ‘How Do They Do It?’ needed a donor car to show how a professional team wraps vehicles in all manner of advertisements and murals, they chose a difficult specimen in the Exige.

A team of four expert technicians took 10 hours to completely wrap the Exige in its new red, white and blue livery and the Lotus is said to be a real crowd pleaser on the track.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus commented, “At Lotus we pride ourselves in spearheading the development of technology in the vehicle market and working on this project was a truly unique opportunity. Lotus Design captured a very special element of our heritage with the brief, ‘great British racing’. The Union Jack theme and the flying flag concept perfectly embody the Lotus spirit”.

Lotus intends to show the unique Exige at a number of UK dealers over the next few months as part of its ‘Lotus Roadshow’.

Press release:

'Union Jack' Lotus Exige 'S' hits the great British roads
It’s not unusual for a Lotus Exige ‘S’ to turn heads, but one particular car is rousing more curiosity than most. Covered in a patriotic red, white and blue Union Jack design, one Exige ‘S’ is the recent star of the Discovery Channel’s popular series ‘How Do They Do It?’.
With its voluptuous curves and cut-away details, the Exige is one of the most distinctive and unique cars on the road, so it was a perfect choice for the ‘How Do They Do It?’ team who were looking for a challenging case study for their vehicle wrapping feature. ‘Totally Dynamic’ who specialise in the application of vinyl wraps were assigned the project and took 10 hours to transform the iconic Exige for the documentary which follows the project from brief to the finished car making its track debut.
The scheme was developed by Lotus Design to move away from the traditional static Union Jack to that of a flying flag to show the essence of movement and speed. The finished car is a real attention seeker and has amazing track presence.
Lotus has a fantastic history of producing one-off and collectors-edition cars and Union Jack Exige sits amongst Lotus most exceptional and extraordinary looking vehicles. Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus commented, “At Lotus we pride ourselves in spearheading the development of technology in the vehicle market and working on this project was a truly unique opportunity. Lotus Design captured a very special element of our heritage with the brief, ‘great British racing’. The Union Jack theme and the flying flag concept perfectly embody the Lotus spirit”.
‘Totally Dynamic’ supplied the expertise for the intricate process in which a team of 4 installation technicians expertly applied a vinyl wrap to the Exige ‘S’, transforming the car in just 10 hours. The process was exciting but extremely complex, as ‘Totally Dynamic’ MD Adrian Rope explained, “Our whole team was excited by the challenge that the Lotus Exige’s stunning contours presented us. It was a pleasure working on such a thoroughbred car and our experience with high performance vehicles was crucial to creating the professional finish it deserved.
“It was a real privilege to have been chosen out of all the vehicle wrapping companies in the UK by the Discovery Channel and Lotus and their faith in us demonstrates why Totally Dynamic is the cutting edge choice for vehicle transformation.”
For a limited time the Union Jack Lotus Exige ‘S’ will be joining the Lotus Roadshow which consists of the latest Lotus models and is visiting the UK network of Lotus dealers.

New Scalextric Street Sliderz set

New Scalextric Gallardo

New SCX 550 Ferrari and STCC Volvo

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Roadster

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a fourth member of its iconic SL sports car family – the SL63 AMG. Perhaps the sportiest SL roadster ever, the new SL63 AMG is powered by a 6.2-liter, 518-hp, all-AMG V8 engine that’s coupled to a newly developed MCT transmission.

Featuring an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter, the seven-speed MCT (for multi-clutch technology) transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car. Topping off the SL chassis is an even more agile AMG sports suspension based on the Mercedes-Benz ABC active suspension.

MCT Transmission – The Best of Both Worlds

Providing the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience of an automatic, the new seven-speed MCT with AMG Speedshift is an all-new design available only in the new SL63 AMG. Featuring seven speeds, four shift modes and a double-clutching function, the MCT transmission offers impressive versatility and even faster shift times.

At the heart of the new AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sports transmission is a new start-up clutch, which runs in an oil bath and replaces a conventional torque converter. Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps the transmission respond instantaneously and dynamically with no slip.

Fitted with four drive modes: “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), the transmission provides customized shift control for maximum driving pleasure, and does so with no interruption of power. In Comfort mode, smooth shifts coupled with a “soft” accelerator response are set up for silky smooth power transfer. In Sport mode, the engine and transmission interact quicker – upshifts and downshifts take place at higher engine speed. Gearshifts are around 20 percent faster than in Comfort mode. Switching to the Sport Plus mode cuts another 20 percent off shift times, while the sportiest mode, Manual, reduces shifting times by another 10 percent – a total reduction of 50 percent compared with Comfort mode. In Manual mode, the gearshifts take just 100 milliseconds.

Ultra-fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts are another forte of the new MCT sports transmission. For instance, kickdown will shift directly from seventh down to fourth gear or from fifth to second. In the “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) modes, an automatic double-clutching function is active. Every manual or automatic downshift is accompanied by precisely metered double-clutching – from “S” through “S+” to “M” incrementally. Not only does double-clutching make driving more fun, but virtually load-free downshifting minimizes any jerking, a special benefit when braking into a curve.

The First Engine Developed From the Ground Up by AMG

The SL63 AMG is powered by an AMG 6.2-liter V8 engine that features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold. Sharing no parts with Mercedes-Benz V8 engines, the 6.3-liter engine was a completely autonomous development at AMG.

Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the cylinder bores make use of a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders.

The 6.3-liter engine block boasts an especially rigid bedplate acting as the overall support of the main bearings (similar to a one-piece set of main bearing caps), cast-in steel reinforcements and a sturdy closed-deck layout in the cylinder head area. The high-flow intake and exhaust ports form a vertical straight line, helping the 6.3 AMG engine rev freely to more than 7,000 rpm, yet the highly flexible AMG engine still produces nearly 90 percent of its peak torque at only 2,000 rpm.

A finely balanced crankshaft with six counterweights spins in five main crankshaft bearings. The crankshaft counterweights feature heavy metal plugs – a detail usually found only in racing engines – which means they can be significantly smaller, increasing power by reducing rotational inertia and oil drag.

Each forged connecting rod is precisely “cracked” with the help of a laser beam, so the irregular fracture contributes to its strength when the two halves are clamped around the crankshaft. The connecting rods and lightweight pistons are matched for extremely close weight tolerances that contribute to smooth running at high speeds. Small nozzles in the engine block spray cooling oil onto the underside of each piston crown.

“Bucket” Followers Instead of Rocker Arms

Twin overhead camshafts in each cylinder bank open the 32 valves via bucket-type followers. In other words, instead of rocker arms, the cam lobes sweep across the flat top of the followers, which sit directly on top of the valve stems. This space-saving design provides a very stiff valve train that allows for large valve openings and dependable high-speed operation for maximum horsepower and torque. However, in contrast to racing engines, each bucket incorporates a hydraulic lifter that automatically maintains valve clearance, which allows for long service intervals and low costs.

The AMG V8 makes use of variable intake and exhaust valve timing to maximize efficiency and torque over a wide RPM range. Valve timing can be automatically adjusted within a range of 40 degrees using electro-hydraulic vane-type adjusters on each camshaft. At part throttle, the valve timing adjuster keeps the exhaust valves open as the intake valves are opening, using this valve overlap for internal exhaust gas recirculation, reducing exhaust emissions and improving fuel economy. However, approaching full throttle, the camshaft adjustment optimizes valve timing for maximum power. The intake cams are driven by a double chain from the crankshaft, and small gears on the intake cams in turn drive the exhaust cams.

The SL63 Gets Unique Styling Touches

The SL63 comes with a distinctive AMG front hood that’s noticeably different from other SL models, as well as a new front apron with a more pronounced wedge shape, larger cooling air intakes, and a black grille. Bi-xenon headlights with black surrounds and large round fog lights ringed in chrome and set well to the side emphasize the vehicle’s width.

Hot air from the engine exits through side air outlets in the front fenders and from the “gills” behind the front wheels. Trim panels finished in matte silver with “6.3 AMG” lettering catch the eye, as do new outside mirrors with arrow-shaped LED turn indicators.

SL63 AMG body styling also includes deeper AMG side sill panels and a beefy-looking rear apron that incorporates a large black air diffuser and two pairs of chrome tailpipes. An AMG rear lip spoiler on the trunk lid reduces lift, especially at high speeds.

Finished in nappa leather and genuine carbon fiber, the interior features standard AMG sport seats, an AMG three-spoke steering wheel and a sport instrument cluster with red tach and speedometer needles that swing to the max position and back whenever the ignition is turned on.

Optional Performance Package for the SL63 AMG

An optional Performance Package is also available for the SL63 AMG, which includes even higher-performance components that are well suited for sporty-minded drivers:

· Top speed raised to 186 mph · Vented ceramic front brake discs that are 15.3 inches in diameter · Multi-disc limited-slip rear differential with a 40 percent locking factor of for enhanced traction · 19-inch AMG twin-spoke forged light-alloy wheels · Staggered-width tires: 255 / 35 R 19 in front and 285 / 30 R 19 at the rear · AMG high-performance suspension based on ABC active suspension · Smaller AMG sport steering wheel with a flattened underside and silver-aluminum shift paddlesv

AIRSCARF Around the Head and Neck

All 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters are now available with AIRSCARF, an innovative feature that can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Another technological first from Mercedes, AIRSCARF is an extra heating system built into the driver and passenger seats. At the touch of a button, warm air flows from vents in the head restraints, acting as an invisible scarf around the head and neck.

Testing revealed that warming just a relatively small area around the neck dramatically improves comfort in cooler weather. The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system blows warm air from the head restraints of the driver and passenger seats, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in colder weather. AIRSCARF uses a heating element made primarily of barium titanate, which heats up in a matter of seconds when electrical current is applied.

Optional on the V8-powered SL AMG model and standard on the SL65 AMG, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system even compensates automatically for changes in air temperature and vehicle speed. AIRSCARF comes with a three-speed switch and an electronic control module that monitors data from the speedometer as well as from inside and outside temperature sensors. AIRSCARF automatically adjusts the fan speed based on this information, and at the same time, the switch can override the automatic settings.

New Audio Technology

With its 6.5-inch color display screen, the standard COMAND system with GPS navigation has been refined with a new MMI interface and a four gigabyte hard drive as well as an integrated six-disc CD-DVD player and a Music Register for around 1,000 MP3 tracks. The interface makes it easy to connect an iPod, USB stick, memory card and other devices. Music tracks can be indicated on the COMAND display located on the center console as well as a smaller display in the center of the instrument cluster, and they can be selected easily using the buttons on the multi-function steering wheel.

Any Bluetooth-enabled cell phone will work hands-free – even with the phone in a pocket or purse, the audio is automatically muted when a call is made or received, and callers are heard over the audio system speakers. In addition, phone address book info can be displayed by the COMAND system

From Coupe to Roadster in 16 Seconds

At the push of a button, the SL’s retractable hardtop can be fully opened or closed in just 16 seconds, transforming the car from a quiet, weather-tight coupe to a top-down open-air convertible. A hydraulic pump and 11 computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders power the system, and roof operation is controlled by a switch on the center console. A clever folding design allows for a surprisingly large cargo area of 7.2 cubic feet when the top is down. With the top up, the trunk holds 10.2 cubic feet.

The World’s Safest Convertible

Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s safest convertibles, the SL provides sports car performance with all the built-in safety that’s expected from Mercedes-Benz. Since an open car can leave its occupants vulnerable in a rollover, Mercedes engineers met the challenge in the SL with the world’s first automatic roll bar.

Normally part of the interior’s rear-compartment surround structure, the padded, leather-covered bar pops up, locking in place in a third of a second if sensors detect an impending rollover. The driver can also raise and lower the bar by a switch on the console.

Shoulder belts are integrated directly into the seats for greater occupant protection, especially in roll­overs. The Mercedes SL was also the first car with side airbags, which are part of a safety system that includes dual front airbags and emergency tensioning retractors that tighten the seat belts in a collision.

V8 and V12 Power

The two AMG SL roadster models for 2009 feature a choice of V8 and V12 power. The SL63 AMG is powered by a 6.2-liter four-valve-per-cylinder V8 with 518 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, while V12-powered SL65 AMG, makes 604 hp and a monstrous 738 lb.-ft. of torque.

AMG High-Performance Braking

Excellent stopping power for the SL is provided by large, four-wheel disc brakes enhanced with four-channel ABS anti-lock control. Matched to its power and speed capability, the SL63 AMG comes with large 14.2-inch vented rotors up front and 13.0-inch vented rotors at the rear, while the SL65 AMG boasts vented discs that are another 1.2 inches in diameter.

Also new are 19-inch AMG staggered-width alloy wheels – 8.5 and 9.5 inches wide – fitted with 255 / 35 R 19 (front) and 285 / 30 R 19 (rear) tires. With triple-spoke styling and a titanium grey finish, the AMG alloy wheels complement the new AMG body styling.

ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility

The SL chassis uses a fully independent, double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. All SL models come with second-generation Active Body Control (ABC), the Mercedes-Benz active-suspension technology that virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking.

Each SL uses software programming specific to the model, akin to tuning the spring rates, shock damping and roll stiffness of a conventional suspension. Special AMG struts with firmer damping and fully reworked systems such as ABS anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, ASR traction control and ESP stability control complement the enhanced AMG chassis.

Mercedes-Benz engineers use ABC’s interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent (compared to the same vehicle with a conventional suspension), providing the driver with needed feedback through the vehicle chassis. A ‘Sport’ switch on the center console can make it 95 percent reduced roll, along with tighter shock damping. Active suspension solves the usual tradeoff between ride comfort and handling precision, so SL roadsters offer excellent comfort and league-leading handling.

Artin Bomber Series Builders Guide

Wanted to share with the readers of SCN an article on how we go about building a Saturday Night Bomber car using the Artin Chassis as a platform. Home Racers across the country have been building these for quite some time now and the popularity of them seems to keep growing.

Soon an Artin Stocker Series will be organized Nationwide where several classes of Artin Stockers will be raced along with this class of Bombers.

So if you enjoy good old American Saturday Night dirt track racing, we hope this article will help you create your very own bomber!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

- Harry

Nascar's ready for Martinsville

Raid Slot World - video

Somehow I think I've missed out on a really great aspect of slot racing every time I see a cool rally slot video like this one. I saw it on Raid Slot World and I just couldn't resist posting it.

WALD Black Bison Edition Sports Line

WALD has developed a hot-looking Mercedes-Benz S-Class-based WALD special, developed for W221. Called the Black Bison Edition Sports Line, the car is said to be for serious status seekers, all in black. WALD is known as one of the leading tuners in Japan specialising in German marques.

Black forged wheels make the main statement, along with different looking side skirts, front grille, side gills and rear air diffuser. No official word on power or stats yet, these will become available as they get released by WALD. Even if it is stock standard 386 kW/525 hp high-tech engine that accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, we don’t mind. You will agree though that aggression seemed to be the main brief when turning this thing inside out.

New archive and new contributors

I've begun to reorganize the archives a bit. Now if you look near the bottom of the page you will see a "How To" archive has been added. Articles are going to be linked there so they're not lost in the shuffle of all the news posts. Since Steve Sawtelle (Slot Car Corner) has joined Slot Car News as a contributing writer, it makes sense to have a How To archive as its own distinct section.

Steve will be writing on a number of topics as well as posting the news that he has from his own line of niche products that he produces... products BTW that are made here in the US.

Philippe Marchand has joined Slot Car News as well. Philippe is a respected 1/43 enthusiast... as well as a fan of the larger scales as well, eh Philippe?

And...Harry Wise of Home Racing World has joined as well! Harry's contributions to the world of slot cars here in the US is, to say the least, substantial.

Soon more writers will be added to Slot Car News to add to the range of slot-voices heard here.

Dave Kennedy
Publisher, Slot Car News

SCX SEAT 131 - more photos

More photos to show today of the SCX SEAT.

SCX Nascar Road Enduro...Hello Louisville!

Louisville's Bullitt Speedway is hosting a race. Info from the thread posted on Home Racing World:

"SCX NASCAR Road Course Enduro and Tri-Oval Race at their tracks on this Saturday, March 29 - track opens at 8 AM, qualifying at 11 AM, and plans to wrap up in early evening (6 PM-ish). A $15 entry fee applies for each of the two races. No cars are necessary to bring - the races will be run IROC style, with the cars supplied by Bullitt Speedway, staying on each lane while drivers rotate, so it will be a test of driving style, and no laborious car setup before race day. An SCX representative will be present to provide support and observe the success of such events (so show up and support it!), with prizes given out, plaques, and lots of stuff. The 155 foot, 8 lane Blue King wood road course will be run using 2-man teams (fast and slowest qualifiers teamed together), with the 110 ft. wood High-Banked 8-Lane Tri-Oval run solo.

If you have any questions, you can call the Speedway at (502) 955-5509. "

SCX's own Bryan Young will be there doing demo's and showing photos of the latest Nascars too.

DaveK

BMW AC Schnitzer ACS3 Sport

When beads of perspiration form on the brow of experienced sports car drivers, it's not necessarily down to a faulty air conditioning system. With the 420 bhp V8 of the BMW M3, the ACS3 Sport catapults even its keenest challengers into the rear view mirror. The sporting coupe is ideal for anyone seeking to gain advantage on twisting tracks. A normal M3 would be a tough competitor here, because in comparison with the "civilized" 3-series Coupe it has a totally different axle construction. With racing suspension developed on the legendary Nürburgring, AC Schnitzer has succeeded in refining the handling potential of the chassis even further. And fitted with the Short Shift from Aachen, the ACS3 Sport becomes the automotive hero of the day: No-one is changing gears faster!

Best of all: The vehicle loses nothing of its qualities as a daily driver. Instead, AC Schnitzer inserts even more M-otion into everyday life, for example when the Aachen exhaust system plays its bewitching baritone in a road tunnel. The left/right system with two tailpipes per side, linked into a horizontal figure of eight, is however a visual work of art. In a play on the mathematical symbol for "infinity", at the same time it symbolizes the powerful reserves of the vehicle which reaches 60 mph from a standing start in an effortless 4.6 seconds. No less carefully arranged are the aerodynamic attachments, which for AC Schnitzer are always more than mere visual decoration. At the rear, a diffuser of visible carbon presses the car down onto the tarmac as if there were magnets below the road surface. The front spoiler is also made from this high quality material, and is supported against the front skirt with alloy struts as in motorsport. Further downforce is provided by a subtle rear roof spoiler and rear wing which also give the body exciting new contours. Side skirt extensions, in particular when combined with the white paint of the photo model, give the profile an aura of stature and dynamism. Finally the AC Schnitzer racing rims Type VI embody pure culture, on the ACS3 Sport in sizes 9.0J x 20" on the front and 10.5J x 20" on the rear. The combination of Y-spokes and contrasting five fork spokes superimposed in two planes, produces a design that is as exciting as it is elegant.

Further highlights of course include the forged wheel Type V in 20". With its strikingly curved, interrupted spokes, it not only looks superb but thanks to the lightweight construction method, keeps the unsprung weight to a minimum. A no less attractive alternative is the Type IV racing wheel in silver - and with trendy black finish as "Magic Black”.

And naturally AC Schnitzer continues the theme of sports performance in the driver's workplace, offering attractive and ergonomically perfect aluminum controls for the gear knob, handbrake
handle, pedals and i-Drive controller. A carbon interior trim and sports airbag steering wheel are also available on request.

Reworked Golf R32 by Abt

German tuner Abt Sportsline have gone to town on Volkswagen's fastest Golf model. The Abt R32 is the ultimate expression in performance for the everyday. Compact Golf dimensions and the R32's renowned sporting setup, the model is an 'ideal basis' for the tuner. "Whoever wants such a Golf wants an extremely fast compact car," says Hans-Juergen Abt. And it's evident the clientele won't go disappointed.

Horsepower raises from a leisurely 250 hp in production form to a rather more Abt 370 hp, the 120 hp hike achieved via a modified motor management system and the introduction of an Abt compressor kit with supercharger and air cooling system. The upgrades power a hike in top speed to over 270 kph (or 168 mph), while acceleration to 100 kph or 62 mph decreases from 6.2 seconds in production form to just 5.0 seconds.

The same dynamic performance is delivered both on the Autobahn and on winding country roads thanks to Abt's sports suspension kit, 'perfectly harmonising' with all 370 horses of the Abt R32's V6 engine.

An extraordinary vehicle is kitted out as such, primarily featuring 19-inch wheels and Abt decals but otherwise including only subtle bodykit modifications. A new side skirt and blackened once chrome dual exhaust pipes are the principle alterations. No details on any interior upgrades or kit release dates have been announced.

BMW X6 Concept

Luxury German marque BMW went through the effort of shipping over the X6 Concept for the Australian International Motor Show in October.

Billed as a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC), the X6 Concept is based on the popular X5 SUV with which it shares the same wheelbase amongst other things. In the metal, the X6 looks somewhat like a moon buggy and is unlike anything else you see on the roads today.

Image keywords: bgmw, bm x6, bmsw, bjmw, bma, vmw.

The overall shape and styling of the front-end is a cross between the X3 and X5 while the sloping roof is similar in profile to the Z4 coupe!

If the X6 Concept makes it into production - which seems very likely at this stage - expect it to create a niche market for itself.

Image keywords: bmws, bmvv, bmv, bhmw, bmwa, bmnw.

BMW x6 on the road

BMW x6 hq photos

BMW x6 aggressive design

Bushing Alignment

Steve Sawtelle of Slot Car Corner has put together a video which demonstrates how to install and align aftermarket bushings into a plastic 1/32 RTR chassis. Proper bushing alignment is an example of a "little thing" which when combined with other "little things" can make a big difference in how well your car performs. The bushing alignment procedure shown in this article can be performed by virtually all 1/32 slot car racers - no special skills are required. The whole process takes just a few minutes to perform and there is minimal one-time investment required to purchase a burr bit and pin gage like those shown in the article.

The chassis used for this demonstration is a Scalextric Monte Carlo (Nascar); however, this same technique can be applied to a wide variety of 1/32 slot cars which come stock with Scalextric-style nylon or brass bushings.

For those of you who prefer the convenience of a pre-packaged kit, you can purchase bushing alignment kits in the Slot Car Corner Online Store.

Note: The video is broken down into 3 segments because of length restrictions imposed by YouTube.

Bushing Alignment - Part 1




Bushing Alignment - Part 2




Bushing Alignment - Part 3

New SCX Nascars