DalyMotor.com – A Guide to Vehicles and More

Honda USA was on a roll in the ’90s; the B series, what type R, the NSX, as well as to some degree, your fourth-gen Prelude. The Prelude brought about Honda’s big-block using the H series, and this particular Prelude continues to be bringing home podium finishes for more than two decades! Scott Zellner and the crew at King Motorsports are no strangers to Honda building. They’ve been churning out winners since 1984. Fast-toward 1991, and this exact Prelude was among five pre-production VTEC edition test mules to make its way to the U.S.

After its arrival, it saw its way into Honda USA’s press fleet. Scott said, These were the cars that magazines got to test, and a lot got turned into race cars after that. When this ‘Lude was completed getting flogged by automotive journalists, it switched hands through several SCCA drivers and more than one class from the SCCA taking top spots along the way. By 1998, the Prelude’s owner converted it into a SCCA E Production-spec car, which included pulling the original H22 for the non-VTEC H23, and through 1999, it had won every race in its division, including the SCCA Runoffs at Mid Ohio that same year. After switching owners and being put through its paces for a decade, it was picked up by Scott Zellner along with theso when Scott reviewed the rules for your season, he knew he had some very specific boxes to check on. He adds, The SCCA has to create an even playing field, it has very stringent guidelines to what is and what is not acceptable, and it also really creates an even playing field for those cars involved. The Prelude would be run in the SCCA E production class, allowing certain modifications as long as the auto maintains the first structure, drive layout, and in Scott’s case, the original H23. When asked about the apparent engine limitations, Scott says, We’d want to run an H22, but the rules don’t allow it for us. Even though the H23 is kind of old-school, it’s incredibly reliable and has an incredible powerband. Would we love to run a K swap? Of course, it’s hardly allowed within the class spec. The H23’s existing exhaust manifold and cat-back system were substituted with King Motorsports’ one-off pieces, accompanied by a handbuilt intake. The rulebook limitations did allow for some block and headwork, which King satisfied with some Mahle pistons and Crower valvetrain. SCCA guidelines allowed for modifying the stock camshafts mildly, which the King guys did in-house. Throughout the workbench, a Mugen LSD was installed.

While the ‘Lude’s powerplant put out a scant 160 hp when it rolled off the factory floor, Scott knew that traction could be key, so he opted for a set of 15×7 Volk TE37’s wrapped in Hoosier Slicks, a pairing Scott was quite familiar with. The ‘Lude won the Runoff in ’99 wearing Hoosiers’ new rain slicks at the time. They created a huge difference; and they’re so effective, they’re still getting usedAccording to Scott has as many connection points as we were allowed. A custom dash with integrated gauges and matching Sparco controls and racing seats are common that the interior was treated too, the prior owner had already stripped the inner, so the team simply installed an updated rollcage, which.

Suspension modifications were severely limited, only allowing Scott and the King crew to set up a set of (Penske) coilovers and a new rear sway bar. Additional downforce is achieved through a custom front air splitter and air dam, virtually really the only exterior modifications allowed.

Scott and the crew at King are actively racing the rejuvenated Prelude, and as this is penned, the King crew has already locked down a podium place at Mid Ohio and they are making a push for the Runoff 2013 trophy. Even though Scott and his team are limited to what they can do, they’re determined to get this veteran Honda racer back on top of the leader boards where it belongs!

With all the crazy and wild cars in the 2013 SEMA show sometimes its refreshing to see a vehicle that doesn’t have any wild paint job or massive blower sticking out of the hood. Instead, clean and understated is the name of the game and this Audi S4 may be the epitome of just that. Having a stock body, the focus for this car is its stance and rather stylish wheels. The real gem is the center lock conversion. That’s right these wheels bolt onto this S4 via a race spec centerlock system. Very cool and also clean. Just the way we enjoy it.

If you are in college or have a loved one who does, you know that there is a lot more that goes into back to school than just books and pencils. Now college students need all sorts of things to help them out on campus so that they can get through every day. Here are three great things for every college student in your life.

1. A Tablet

A tablet, such as an iPad, has gone from a luxury to a necessity on campus. With the number of eBooks or other materials that a college student has to deal with, a tablet can be the best and latest way to carry all their learning materials. Not only will having a tablet help with school itself, but it will also be one of the best ways to keep up with friends from home by having the ease of having Facebook on a student’s fingertips.

2. A Car

A car is one of the best ways that a college student can get around town and is especially helpful if a student needs to get back and forth to a job or even get to campus if a student lives in a regular apartment. With the Nissan Versa Note from Temecula Nissan, a college student can get anywhere they have to go and still have a car that is small enough to deal with crowded on-campus parking. With the Versa Note, you don’t have to worry about high monthly payments because of its reasonable price tag either. Find out more about the Nissan Versa Note by going to Metro Nissan Redlands.

3. A Bicycle

If a car is too pricy, think about getting a good bicycle for being on campus. Most colleges offer bicycle parking at every building, making it one of the best ways to get around. Not only that, with a bicycle, you don’t have to worry about payments for gas or oil changes like you would with a car. A bicycle is a must-have for those living on any campus.

Audi engineers must have worked overtime. The new A3 family is composed of the sporty Sedan, the plug-in hybrid e-tron and TDI, rounded out with the Cabriolet convertible and performance-inspired S3 Sedan. In order to make the all-new 2015 Audi A3 – not simply did the German automaker unveil a fresh sedan with the 2013 La Auto Show, but a whole lineup was conceived.

In an effort to dominate the compact luxury car segment, Scott Keogh, President of Audi of America said it best in the press conference, “We didn’t just dip a toe into the compact luxury car segment – we absolutely dove directly in.”

We didn’t just dip a toe in the compact luxury car segment – we absolutely dove right in.

2015 audi cabriolet left close up

2015 audi a3 e tron side

2015 audi a3 s3 front

2015 audi a3 lineup

2015 audi a3 s3 front close up

2015 audi a3 s3 side

Additionally, as opposed to designing a vehicle exclusively for younger automotive consumer, Audi chose to appeal to “Generation Audi,” a name the automaker created to describe a range of demographics.

Regarding competition, the latest 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is as close as it gets. Both the A3 and CLA have the same base MSRP of approximately $30000 but perhaps most importantly: Will the A3 have to take on a vehicle that sits closer to home – the current A4?

Joe Jacuzzi, Chief Communications Officer responded with:

“Not really. I do believe there’s always some crossover, but the reality is that the A3 is in a segment whereby all of the vehicles in that segment have moved up. In the event you look at the BMW 3 Series, the Audi A4, along with the Mercedes C-Class, they have all become bigger vehicles to put the demands of the customer. The A3, much like the Mercedes-Benz CLA fits in the segment where folks are looking for a smaller more price-positioned vehicle, so the A3 and A4 complement one another very well.”

It was announced at the press conference that November will be Audi’s 35th consecutive month of record sales; however, in order to survive, the company must keep growing, as for the German automaker’s current financial profile. In an effort to accomplish this, the automaker created the A3 lineup and designed it for American taste, composed ofa fresh sportback plug-in hybrid into its lineup, the 2015 e-tron. Based on Audi, sustainable mobility was the main focus when designing the four-door hatchback, as well as an alternative drive system. It comes down equipped with a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine incorporated into a six-speed automatic transmission. Impressively, it comes with a combined production of 201hp and 258 lb-ft of torque when the 100hp e-motor is likewise engaged. Audi has not specified its electric range capability. It won’t be available until early 2015.

Lexus LF-LC May Succeed LFA Details:

LFA chief engineer goes on record to endorse LF-LC as replacement for Lexus LFA

LF-LC Concept uses 500-horsepower hybrid powertrain

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic used throughout LF-LC Concept chassis

New Lexus F model debut scheduled for Detroit Auto Show in January

Nearly 1 year after the final LFA supercar of a 500-unit run rolled off the assembly line, word has come out that Lexus is seriously thinking about a follow up. What could possibly fill the sizable shoes of aabout the LFA project for Lexus, who has gone on record to say he’s expecting a successor towards the brand’s first supercar and hopes it will likely be based on the LF-LC, the coupe concept that debuted with the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The story additionally pointed out Mark Templin, managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation and executive vice president of Lexus International, even offers suggested in past times an LFA replacement is with theAnother Lexus supercar will likely be another FR two-door coupe, powered this time not by a V-10 but the decidedly less sexy Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive from the concept, if Tanahashi-san has his way. This hybrid system features a combustion engine mated to an advanced high-energy battery pack; combined, the LF-LC concept’s gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain develops within the neighborhood of 500hp.

Lexus LF LC could succeed LFA red driver side profile

Lexus LF LC could succeed LFA blue rear fender

Lexus LF LC could succeed LFA red rear roof

Expect design cues to range from blue and red concept exercises currently working the auto show circuit. Don’t be surprised to view the maw house one spectacular spindle grille, and also the car’s lines to convey the same type of sharp, taught athleticism because the LFA. The cabin looks to house some pretty cutting-edge tech, too, as well as comfort, opulence and organic shapes.

Lexus LF LC could succeed LFA blue front three quarter black background

Lexus LF LC could succeed LFA red passenger side profile

Lexus LF LC could succeed LFA blue rear three quarter sydney opera house

You may probably also bet you will see a fair amount of carbon fiber infused into whatever follows the LFA, considering how much it flossed; as we’ve seen with a lot of other range topping sports cars, CFRP is now par for the course in chassis design.

Lexus LF LC could succeed LFA interior driver side

Lexus LF LC could succeed LFA interior gauge cluster

Lexus LF LC could succeed LFA interior passenger side

Whichever direction planners at Lexus opt to go, they’ve got a wealth of successful expertise behind them, from mass-producing hybrid econo-boxes to engineering elite, pure exhilaration driving machines. Might it be a supercar or something less, though sources speculated dating back to March on this year how the LF-LC is in production? And will it have anything to do with Lexus’s vague threat to unleash its next F model at the 2014 NAIAS, January 14 to 27? Grab some popcorn and stay tuned – this should actually be good.

www.lexus.com

Knowing whether to buy a car outright or to finance it over time can be a tough decision to make on your own. If you’re lucky enough to be able to pay for your vehicle outright, you may wonder if financing it would help out your credit history. If you’re not looking to establish a credit history, or don’t want to have a monthly payment, you may be considering saving up so that you can purchase your vehicle outright. Both options are good for different reasons and different situations. At fiat Los Angeles, our finance department staff is glad to talk to you about your options and help you assess what’s the best way for your family to buy a new car.

One of the first steps toward making this decision is to find out whether or not you qualify for financing of a vehicle. Visit the website of OC Fiat, or your local dealership, and find out if you are pre-approved in just seconds. A quick form online can save you a trip to the dealer, and you’ll be on your way to knowing what your options are for buying. Once you’ve been approved, you can talk to an expert about your situation and they can help you decide the best route for you. You can also find lots of additional information on the finance department’s web page. Among other things you can learn about leasing vs. buying, tips for budgeting for your big purchase, facts about how financing works, and more. But we always encourage you to come in and talk to a real person. Let us see just what we can do to make your car buying experience as stress free and easy as possible. We want to help you make the right decision.

2013 has been a busy year for the European side of the auto industry; From celebrating anniversaries to unveiling insane concepts and emerging technologies that place computing power above driver response.

Below you will discover the milestones of Lamborghini, Porsche and Aston Martin. WhileBMW and Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and VW unveiled highly anticipated production and concepts models. Tuner topics impossible to overlook include the outrageous builds of Japanese Liberty Walk that took SEMA and the car meet scene by storm. Last but not least are advancements in driving technologies. Developments that will change the way you all drive or approach the action. Let us know in theThere is however more towards the British automaker than Bond and his countless conquests. Aston Martin has become innovating and creating stunning automobiles for 100 years.

This coming year, Aston celebrated in a big way. The CC100 Speedster Concept left us breathless and longing for a production version even close to the concept’s beautiful design. And there were also the car shows and parties. Monterey Car Week celebrated the automaker at a number of events including Gordon McCall’s Motorworks Revival where the Quail Rally made aWhilst the claim a hundred years of innovation in half time may seem rather pretentious, Lamborghini isn’t kidding. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the raging bull automaker has gone through the stunning 350 GT, the very first mass produced Lambo, towards the incredibly fast and exclusive Veneno Coupe. Today, it released a successor to the Gallardo known simply as being the Huracan.

Lamborghini celebrated all year round with unveilings and shows. The million-dollar Veneno Coupe was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show as well as the early morning exclusive preview at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in the Monterey Car Week before parking by using an Italian Naval Carrier ship – only nine Roadster’s will be produced. The automaker teased us with the incredible Egoista Concept, resembling a jet plane rather than a car as well.

Lotus Elise S Cup R Details:

Global debut at Autosport 2014, in Birmingham UK January 9-12

Equipped with mid-mounted, transverse, 1.8L engine

2.2 mile lap over 4 sec. faster than the road-going Elise S

Base MSRP $66,650 plus $1,500 destination

Simplify, then add lightness. Those are the words of Colin Chapman, the person responsible for the inception of Lotus. Today, those standards still ring true, specifically in track only versions from the automakers cars.

Introducing the all-new US track legal Lotus Elise S Cup R. Even if this model evolved from the road-going Elise S, this variant is all track-car. The Elise S Cup R is equipped with a mid-mounted, transverse, 1.8L engine, motorsport-specific map in the engine control module (ECM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) aero pack that ensures a powerful all-around track car.

An aero-minded body kit along with a revised front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing improve downforce and stability at speed. Outfitted in bespoke livery, the Elise S Cup R rockets through a 2.2 mile lap over 4 seconds faster compared to road-going Elise S, thanks in part to adjustable dampers and springs.

Rupert Manwaring, Head of Lotus Motorsport commented, Developing the Elise S Cup R was a natural step following the success of the Exige V6 Cup and Cup R; because of so many new markets becoming enthusiastic about motorsport, the Elise S Cup R gives us the perfect entry level track-car. Whether the focus is racing or simply growing your driving skills over a race circuit and having fun, the incredible handling and ease of use with low running costs create the Elise S Cup R an intelligent choice.

This car will make its global debut at Autosport 2014 in Birmingham, UK January 9-12th alongside its big brothers, the Exige V6 Cup, Exige V6 Cup R and the Evora GT4. This track-only model will be available in the US.

MSRP starts at $66,650 plus $1,500 destination.

It’s the time of the year when the college kids or any other kids or the parents with kids start thinking about school, about the new year, the promise of increased education, furthering your life experiences, and being more in tune with the world around you. Yes, it’s Back to School time, as every office/school supply store will let you know; as ever Target or WalMart will tell you. It’s time to gear up for another year and try to pretend it’s not just more of the same, a distraction from the ticking of the clock closer and closer to the final zero which corresponds with your last breath. So when it’s time to go back to school, it’s time to zest things up a bit. Here are some things you can do.

Get Yourself a New Car

Nothing says new beginnings or turning over a new leaf or starting a new chapter quite like getting a new car. You owe it to yourself. Ask anyone about the cars they’ve owned, and unless they’re that weird type that gets a new car every year, they can probably tell you all about what car they had and for how long and how they got it and the things they loved about it. Cars are oddly personified in that way. So you’ll want to find something cool and sporty, and nothing is cooler or more sporty than a Jeep. Go to jeep san juan capistrano and you won’t be disappointed by the selection they have of fun cars. You’ll roll up to that first day of college or high school (whether you’re a student or a teacher!) and be ready to take on the challenges of another school year. Check out the Jeep selections at OC Auto.

New Sunglasses

A lot of people underestimate the importance of sun glasses to their overall image. You can’t just get any old pair of aviators or ray bans and stand out, show casing your cool and unique personality. Unless you want to be just another stupid face in a stupid crowd, you better get yourself a really cool pair of sunglasses that are unique unto you and not just another way to demonstrate how you’re a sheep. You can judge a lot about a person based on their shades, so head into a good store or a beach side shop and get something that really stands out, protects your eyes, and demonstrates your personality.

Sweet Pair of Kicks

You can also get your school year off right, whether an adult in a position of teaching, or a student in the position of learning, by getting some fanciful footwear that will show how you want to be comfortable and you want to be stylish. Maybe it’ll be a killer pair of snake skin cowboy boots that sets you apart from the sneaker wearing folks. Or maybe it’ll be an awesome pair of the five-toe shoes that, though they look absolutely ridiculous, are nonetheless unique. Get something!

In Volkswagen speak, R designates only the most capable version of a given platform. Through the years, we’ve seen two generations of R32 and, more recently, the revered Golf R. However, VW’s large sedans have never been anointed with such R-ness. And while a Passat R might not exactly sound like something we’d pay for, the CC isn’t exactly a Passat…

We were first introduced to the CC whenever it debuted in the Detroit Auto Show in January ’08. It was initially dubbed the Passat CC, but was mercifully shortened to CC (which represents Comfort Coupe).

Although clearly built on the Passat chassis, it’s slightly larger and has coupe styling with more dynamic performance. And when looking at the CC you can’t help but be reminded of your Mercedes CLS, which isn’t a bad thing…

When driving the CC it’s a competent but slightly uninspiring experience. So, vW’s handsome sedan has always begged to get more performance.An extended-time VAG enthusiast, whose previous project – a 400whp Mk1 Audi TT – never quite came to fruition. So, when the CC was announced, he was determined to have another go, and enlisted the team at 3ZERO3 Motorsports in Wheat Ridge, CO for aid in the build.

I wanted to complete something that is in-line with the original vehicle but that would be a complete makeover, Peter explained. 3ZERO3 have built some great concepts, so we met to discuss the master plan. I don’t care about stance or AWD, but wanted something that was fast, sexy and drivable. So we fleshed out what we’d call the CC-R concept and so i fell deeply in love with the idea. And achieving the ‘R’ status was what motivated all aspects from the project.

The goal was to make a CC-R by using a hardware list the VW engineers would be proud of. It would be fast and agile, without compromising the car’s reliability or civility, just as Peter requested.

The 1st modifications involved an HPA Motorsports K04 turbo kit along with an ECU, FMIC, downpipe and DSG tuning software. This was enhanced with a cat-back exhaust from Milltek that used twin tips and was the first of its kind in the US. The group also sourced a gorgeous stage 2 carbon fiber intake from Carbonio.

With more than 350hp expected, HPA also provided its six-piston front brake kit. Finished in a bright blue and including 355mm slotted two-piece rotors, these almost do as much to the aesthetics as they do to thegetting the nod. These products are remarkable for their power to retain factory levels of ride comfort while allowing the vehicle to be lowered. It has ten settings for damper adjustment, allowing Peter to dial-within the ride quality he wanted.

The last items selected were the wheels because the owner was struggling with the decision. Initially, he needed something that conveyed more luxury than sporting intentions, but ultimately trusted in the advice of the 3ZERO3 team.

I needed my mind set on some nasty 20 dished wheels, but when I was ready to pull the trigger, Max Gerson (service advisor) at 3ZERO3 almost slapped the credit card out of my hand. Eventually I was compelled to drink the Kool-Aid and order some wheels I wasn’t totally convinced of during the time. We had to order two sets because we weren’t content with the fitment of the first set actually. But at the conclusion of the day, I adore the 20 BBS CH-R we chose. The finish and spoke detail perfectly match the theme of your car, Peter told us.

Inside, it had been the owner’s decision to wrap the trim in white carbon fiber vinyl from 3M. He also added HPA-inspired blue stripes for the shifter surround and passenger-side trim for any sporting splash of color.

Around the driver’s side, a digital boost gauge was ordered from P3 Cars to monitor the latest turbo create. This was another excellent addition because it’s neatly integrated and it is even able to read fault codes if necessary.

Exterior upgrades were similarly subtle and OEM . They included a VW trunk spoiler, European-spec turn signals and three R badges, which were painted blue to complement the brakes.

The car went from bone stock to totally built in about one month, all while the odometer was reading less than ten thousand miles. Yet Peter was adamant his CC-R could be built early in the car’s life so he had all the time to savorfrom the K04 turbo kit, 3ZERO3 Motorsports had built several similarly equipped TSI cars. They were confidently expecting no less than 300whp, as they strapped it to the dyno one warm afternoon in June to see what the CC-R had.

Unfortunately, high summer temps inside the facility limited boost, and even though the P3 gauge didn’t see more than 14.8psi, the car made an impressive 309hp and 317 lb-ft at the wheels.

Using a 15% calculation for drivetrain loss from the DSG transmission, the tuner estimated power on the crank was close to 355hp and 360 lb-ft.

What was most impressive about this K04 kit was that it used the stock fueling. If Peter could behave himself and avoid the boost, the CC-R could still return 30mpg in mixed driving, that meant. You have to admit that 350hp and 30mpgthanks to HPA K04 kit, downpipe, FMIC plus Carbonio intake and Milltek cat-back

Driving

Driving impressions didn’t disappoint, either. Once on the throttle, the Carbonio intake made some great induction sounds on part throttle – hissing and sucking as air was drawn through the carbon fiber pipe.

We took it easy for the first few miles to earn Peter’s trust and, operating on part throttle, the automobile behaved nearly as stock. Perhaps there was a whisker more lag through the larger K04 turbocharger, however, these units spool so quickly it was never a reason for contention.

The boost came on smoothly but the traction control light was flashing as the front tires clawed for traction, as we found some open road and transitioned to WOT.

The exhaust tone was throaty, yet restrained. But the most popular noise was the DSG-induced ignition cut between shifts.

We manually downshifted into second at 25mph, then stood on the throttle, as we came around a slow corner. The CC-R delivered tenacious acceleration therefore we can attest that its 355hp was present and accounted for.

After several gurgles and upshifts from the DSG, we looked down and discovered we wereThe coolest feature of stage 2 tune was the launch control, even though the HPA DSG software seemed to enhance the shift logic in auto mode. Following Peter’s instructions, we disabled the traction control, left foot about the brakes, then went WOT. Once the throttle was pinned for a second time, we released the brakes along with the car rocketed off the line. With the windows down, the cabin was filled with tire smoke and the sound of grown men giggling. Launch control is wildly entertaining.

Needless to say, the lack of AWD makes this a flawed masterpiece, while the factory Scirocco R is additionally FWD… And Peter’s CC-R represents a daily driver with a reliable 350hp which enables no compromise for reliability or economy, yet can shred tires at every stop sign.

And despite those rubber-band 30-series tires, the VW remained surprisingly compliant. We expected the tires to rub on the fenders, but it never happened. The suspension also coped with city potholes and broken pavement, with all the Passat chassis clearly skilled at accommodating larger wheel and tire combinations than earlier versions. It was far away from the case, despite the fact that and with the Bilstein struts adjusted to level six all round, we were expecting a slightly harsh and choppy ride.

So, we can verify the prowess and suppleness of this R-themed VW sedan that again makes us question why VW has never created their own performance version of this cool coupe.limited to trunk spoiler, clear signals and R badges

View Photo Gallery (8) Photos

2012 Volkswagen CC

Engine 2.0L four-cylinder TSI 16v with HPA Motorsports K04 turbo kit, exhaust downpipe, front-mount intercooler and software, Carbonio stage 2 intake, Milltek cat-back exhaust system with twin tailpipes

Drivetrain six-speed DSG transmission with HPA Motorsports stage 2 DSG street and software density dogbone mount

Brakes HPA Motorsports six-piston calipers, 355mm two-piece slotted rotors f, stock r

Suspension Bilstein PSS10 coilovers

Wheels & Tires 20×9 BBS CH-R wheels in matte anthracite, 225/30 R20 Falken FK-452 tires

Exterior VW trunk spoiler, Euro-spec turn signals, R badges painted blue

Interior P3 Cars boost gauge, 3M white carbon fiber vinyl

Thanks Max, Desiree and Jason at 3ZERO3 Motorsports (3zero3motorsports.com), Keir at HPA Motorsports (hpamotorsports.com), Robert at BBS (bbs-usa.com)