The new 2011 Calibre wheel range balances the best of retro-inspired designs with the latest cutting edge manufacturing techniques – and the latest release, ‘Vice’, epitomises the range perfectly.

Vice has a stunning appearance that belies its reasonable ticket price. Looking every inch the swapmeet rarity that it was based on, Vice uses flawless pseudo split-rim detailing and deeply lacquered diamond polishing to present a design that will suit a massive range of retro and modern day machinery.

For those looking to create the perfect stance, Vice comes only in 7 x 15 and 7 x 16” sizes, ready to accept a perfectly stretched tyre. Although the designers have been unashamedly looking backwards, Calibre’s engineers have ensured that this rim ticks all of the modern-day boxes with regard to finish and durability. All Calibre wheels are heat-treated and enjoy class-leading levels of surface protection.

Only one colour way and PCD is available; Gloss black against stunning diamond polishing on a 4 x 100 stud pattern. What else could you need? Prices start at £95 + VAT for the 15” version.

For more details of theCalibre range, or Alcar’s extensive portfolio of wheel designs, please click to www.calibrewheels.co.uk or call 01622 713800.

The Welsh silicone wizards at Samcosport have released a race-quality silicone hose kit for the 2009-on Renault Twingo 133 Cup model. The feisty French supermini is the perfect spiritual successor to the original Renault 5 Turbo, offering light weight, superb handling and real driver involvement. The new Samcosport kit allows lucky owners to effect a true ‘fit and forget’ upgrade thanks to their superior quality French (how appropriate!) silicone composition and entirely hand-finished construction, lovingly crafted in Samcosport’s Mid Glamorgan factory.

The Twingo is a quick car ‘out of the box’ but many are bound to be driven hard and modified, making the SamcoSport kit an essential upgrade, thanks to its almost limitless capacity to withstand heat and pressure, vastly in excess of the factory parameters.

15 different colour finishes are available for those looking to ascribe to a ‘race ready’ demeanour, or for the concours purist, the matt black ‘classic’ look. This one is all ‘Dieppe’ on the outside and ‘Monstre’ on the inside. The ideal compromise between originality and ability.

The 5 piece kit retails at £162.08+ VAT and can be upgraded to include all necessary stainless steel hose clips for just £17.52 + VAT.

Plasma Projects, the exclusive European distributor for Okada Projects, has released the Plasma Direct, ignition coils with built-in high-power amplifiers. Extensive testing has proven that the Plasma Direct will increase horsepower and torque throughout the entire RPM range, as well as reducing fuel consumption. The Plasma Direct produces twice the spark current and four times more spark energy than stock coils, and generate an ultra-fast multi-spark-discharge of 10 sparks up to highest RPM. The Plasma Direct is extremely important for turbo- and supercharged engines, and increases performance on normally aspirated engines as well. The Plasma Direct coils are all OBD II compliant. Installation is easily done by replacing stock coils.

Kia is gaining momentum – at least that‘s what the name of the practical minivan Venga suggests, which prompts the driver with a „Come on!“ or „Go!“ when they get in. The small Korean car impresses thanks to the relatively generous amount of space on offer, amazing variability in the interior and its attractive design.

In addition the Kia Venga receives extra sporty temperament from the Eibach Pro-Kit Performance Springs. The comfort level is further optimised and the appearance of the Kia Venga also benefi ts from the lowered centre of gravity.

The Eibach Pro-Spacer Wheel Spacer also promote the sporty appearance of the car and as a result the Venga looks more dominant on the road.

All Eibach suspension components, which are available through authorised dealers, are provided with a high-quality corrosion protection and are TÜV-certified.

With the 5-series GT, BMW has interpreted the classic travel car according to the style and the demands of the 21st century: with this vehicle a spacious interior and a high degree of luxury meet a sporty design.

This impression does not deceive, as despite its dimensions the 5-series GT sets standards for agility and driving enjoyment particularly in connection with the Eibach Pro-Kit Performance Springs. Due to the lowering of the vehicle´s centre of gravity, visual dynamics are further improved without affecting comfort.

Additionally, in combination with the Eibach Pro-Spacer Wheel Spacer, the outline of the 5-series GT comes across wider, depending on the size of the wheel spacer.

All Eibach suspension components, which are available through authorised dealers, are provided with a high-quality corrosion protection and are TÜV-certified.

With the Chevrolet Camaro, a legend from the 60s and 70s comes back to life.
A long bonnet, an aggressive front section, a voluminous engine with 3.6 and 6.2 litres cubic capacity and the rear wheel drive characterise the US-American sports car.

With the KW coilover suspension Variant 3, the Camaro significantly gains performance and an amazing driving comfort. KW achieved the optimal suspension set-up for the Camaro on its in-house innovative 7-post driving dynamics test stand. (more…)