PAOLI, Pa. (January 17th, 2022) – Mustang parts authority,AmericanMuscle (AM) is back with another installment of their “Customer Builds” YouTube series.
The new video features a shadow black, 2021 EcoBoost Mustang with thoughtfully chosen appearance, interior, and performance mods. AM host, Justin Dugan chats virtually with owner Ryan C. from the Vegas area to find out which parts were first on his list and why. The video, along with Ryan’s corresponding build page gives muscle car enthusiasts food for thought when it comes to customizing their own ride at home.
Seeking that old-school styling, Ryan added aluminum louvers for the rear window along with louvered quarter window covers to complete the look. Inside, he installed a red shifter knob and some carbon fiber trim, with plans for the complete kit down the road. The Roush intake with the Borla ATAK axle-back exhaust boosted performance while delivering that ‘mean’ sound Ryan was after. Future mods for Ryan’s aptly named ‘Batmobile’ include staggered wheels, dark gray racing stripes, and a body kit.
Ryan’s Mustang “is the perfect example for guys out there who maybe just picked up something new and are looking for a great place to start,” says Justin. Right out of the gate, his choices improved not only the performance and sound of his ride but also its looks, inside and out. Viewers can head to Ryan’s build page on AM’s website to see a full breakdown of the mods he chose for his 2021 EcoBoost Mustang.
Whoever said familiarity breeds contempt has obviously never spent time with the Audi TT.
The TT’s silhouette has become very familiar since its launch, but the car itself has become more and more appealing over time.
Wife Pauline and I love the 2010 Audi TT styling and uniqueness, especially in Black duco. So upgrading to a Black Manual that she loves!
So much so, in fact, that it’s been our current TurboClub.com Hero favourite coupé for four years with no problems. All images are of both our Audi TT coupes and the eagle eyed would spot we bought both from same Awesome Dealer George.
We have not taken delivery of the TT RS yet as Pauline in hospital right now. Ambulance trip to hospital day before due to pick up the RS for blood pressure problem, I say from the excitement of getting this weapon! Going to have to Drive like Miss Daisy the 300 kilometers home after picking it up!
12/02/2022 – Just picked up Pauline from hospital today so arranging to go to Melbourne to swap the TT’s next week tue/wed maybe!
However, this isn’t about our cheaper version sitting lower down the range, or even the sportier TT S.
Which 2010 Audi TT coupe did Pauline and I Trade up to?
No, this is about the top dog with the big gun: the range-topping Audi TT RS.0-62mph in a claimed 3.7seconds.
Now, it’s excellent value for money, too. It was website What Car? Used Car of the Year winner in the Coupe section in 2017.
2022 FEB 15 – FINALLY OURS!
By Pauline Campbell
We did it. Welcome to the real thing. Audi TT RS Quattro. Super car!
Introducing the “Beast.” Audi TT RS Quattro. RS= Renn Sport = Race Sport. Our little previous Audi TT 1.8 Turbo FWD’s big brother. Big mean brother – in a civilised way. Greg did a magnificent job driving the 600klms plus, round trip to Melbourne and back. “Where are the headrests?” exclaimed the passenger. The seats are worth $7,000 in themselves. They mold to the body. We figured the lack of headrests are due to a HELMET wearing racing individual needing the space – for the helmet! That would make sense. This car was a gift. To us. For us. By us. We expected to paint the house. We are denied international travel. This decision was totally mine, Greg didn’t say a word, could not believe it. In fact he still can’t. He is so wrapt to have it. So am I.
There will be few cars currently on the road who can beat it (for 0-100 @ 3.7seconds) speed. That is what it was built for. Not that we will be thrashing it around the hills. Greg has a Jeep for that. We stuck to the speed limit of 110, with everyone flying past us oblivious to the fact that we could blow them out of the water! A beauty of a white convertible Lamborghini was parked there .”Can the Audi beat that?” I asked. ” Reversing ” he said. I gave our little Audi trade-in a gentle pat on its little spoiler. as we left it behind. Thanks for the pleasure.
Melbourne traffic is crazy. The West Gate isn’t as I remember going over it to work the Ships. The barriers (to prevent the Jumpers!) hinder any view and the traffic is so horrendous yet the City is quiet. St. Kilda is derelict, like a ghetto. This is St.Kilda. with Luna Park, cake shops, markets and loads of people around..so many visits there did we enjoy. May be busier on the weekends. I hope so . Daniel Andrews labour government has wrecked a once proud and vital City. I see it..in the empty shopfronts, the deserted streets, the lack of people vibe.
I had a drive myself today, just locally. Bit heavier on the turns because of the AWD, louder but basically very similar in feel . How did that hill disappear so quickly going up it?!
Impressing for its unbeatable combination of talents, its class and solidity and its affordability.
It’s a hardtop (Coupé) which means it offers the TT’s usual choice of practicality or al fresco thrills.
Our version has the TFSI 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine, which pumps out – wait for it – a mighty 395bhp.
Yes, you did read that correctly, and it’s all sent manage-ably to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. That gives it some seriously impressive performance figures, as well as awesome all wheel grip.
After the radical styling of the original Audi TT, this second-generation version might look a little underwhelming. However, underneath its same-again body lies a full-on sports car that’s stunning to drive and tonnes of fun.
The majority of the car’s chassis and bodywork is aluminium, making it lighter than the first car, yet it’s bigger and has slightly more room inside. This weight loss gives the TT amazing agility and, combined with the peppy engine options, it’s very fast in a straight line and grippy round the bends.
The ride is firm but not excessively so. Despite the performance, the TT RS is easy to drive and refined at low speeds.
The interior feels solid and durable, and quality materials are used throughout. The rear seats are suitable only for the smallest of children, however, but the boot is a good size for a coupe.
The standard six-speed manual gearbox is slick and well matched to the engines 400 HP and 0-62mph in a claimed 3.7seconds..
Some TTs also have the Magnetic Ride suspension system fitted, which can be used in Comfort or Sport settings, although the standard suspension is brilliant anyway.
All models are well equipped, with climate control, alloys, electronic stability control, curtain airbags and half-leather sports seats as standard. Metallic paint is essential for good residual values.
Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system can shuffle up to 100% of the TT RS’s power to the front or rear wheels as required, helping transfer all of the engine’s power onto the road’s surface with devastating effect – in both wet or dry conditions.
The Coupé is faster than the Roadster, rushing from 0-62mph in a claimed 3.7seconds. Then will then carry on to 155mph, unless you have it unshackled further by Audi for an extra cost, in which case the top speed increases to 174mph. The manual gearbox is usefully responsive when you’re driving hard and changes smoothly when you’re cruising. Ticking the sports exhaust option box is tempting, but Audi’s lovely five-cylinder engine sounds superb even through the standard tailpipes
The TT RS is quicker than the A110, 718 Cayman S and BMW M2 Competition, and the massive amount of grip it produces means it can cover ground at a staggering rate.
Every RS comes with a part-Alcantara steering wheel, which is much like the one you’ll find in Audi’s flagship performance car, the R8. Among the controls on this wheel are two large round buttons – one to start the engine and another to flick between driving modes. The steering, gearbox, accelerator and optional adaptive dampers are all made more aggressive in Dynamic mode, and it’s here that the TT RS feels best when driven hard.
Aside from loads of road noise at motorway speeds the TT RS produces very little wind noise. Switching to Comfort mode quietens the exhaust note to a sensible level, too.
The car manages a convincing split personality, though. Fitted with standard 10mm-lower springs and 19in alloy wheels, its ride is certainly firm but is also beautifully controlled, and rarely uncomfortable as a result. The same is true on the optional 20in wheels. Those adaptive dampers add greater spectrum to the ride, depending on which driving mode you select, so are worth adding.
The Audi TT RS interior layout, fit and finish
It’s a case of close but no cigar for both Porsche’s Cayman and Boxster and also BMW’s M2 when trying to match Audi’s interior quality. The Alpine A110 isn’t even close. The interiors of lesser TTs, with their soft plastics, chrome accents and beautifully damped switches, are already mightily impressive, and there’s more of the same in the TT RS. It’s the little details, such as climate controls that are integrated stylishly into the air vents, that make it feel special but also very easy to use.
Audi’s Virtual Cockpit is fitted as standard behind the steering wheel, where you’d normally expect to find analogue instrument dials. Its 12.3in digital screen displays your speed and engine revs while also acting as a hub for all of the infotainment functions, such as the stereo, Bluetooth and sat-nav.
The whole thing is easy to use while you’re driving, unlike the touchscreen systems in the Cayman and A110. Instead of struggling to hit icons with your fingers, you control the TT RS’s system by twisting and pressing a big rotary dial between the front seats, with some handy shortcut buttons available to take you directly to specific functions.
It’s a similar system to the M2’s iDrive, and works almost as well. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring are standard in the TT RS, which means you can access Waze and Google Maps through the infotainment screen.
There’s lots of adjustment to the steering wheel and the sports seats, but the pedals feel too close to you and the seat is set relatively high – more like that of a hatchback.
The view forward is good and judging where the nose of the car ends is pretty easy. However, both versions of the TT RS suffer poor rear visibility — the Coupé because of its sloping rear roofline. Front and rear parking sensors are standard, though, and a rear-view camera is on the options sheet. Effective LED headlights are standard, too, which you can upgrade to even better adaptive ‘Matrix’ units.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi TT coupe?
Owners are generally very happy with their cars, and there are few reported faults.
The leather seats can wear quickly – particularly the side bolsters of the seat base. You can help prevent excess wear by regularly applying a quality leather cream, but it can’t restore the seat if it’s already badly worn.
The front brakes can make a squealing noise, although it doesn’t appear to reduce the brakes performance. There is no exact cause and sometimes only replacing the brake pads cures it.
A few dashboard and glovebox rattles can appear over time and the door seals can whistle and higher speeds. Poor-quality paintwork has also been reported, although it is rare.
Our 2010 TT 8J 1.8 of this generation at 70K miles seems to be bullet-proof so far.
The powerful 2.7L EcoBoost® Twin Turbo V6 engine is projected to produce a best-in-class 310 gas horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque* Standard on Wildtrak™ and First Edition. Turbocharged EcoBoost available on all other Bronco series.
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control
Advanced 4×4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement Open image overlay for Advanced 4×4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement
Trail One-Pedal Drive (Requires 2.7L Engine and 10 speed auto)
Electronic-Locking Rear Axle
Electronic-Locking Front and Rear Axle Open image overlay for Electronic-Locking Front and Rear Axle
HOSS Suspension System with Bilstein PSDs, and high clearance ride height
Hill start assist
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward Sensing System
ExtremeTerrain’s (XT) Justin Dugan reports live from SEMA in this week’s episode from XT’s YouTube video series! To showcase the limitless possibilities of the new Bronco Turbo V6, Justin takes us around the floor of SEMA 2021 to show us the craziest and most unique Bronco Builds of the show!
Nissan celebrates the GT-R’s 50th birthday with a tech-packed special Anniversary edition
Special edition Nissan GT-R [ Image credit: Nissan ] The Nissan GT-R is 50 years old, and Nissan is celebrating in style with a fresh, tech-packed special edition. This new model takes its inspiration from the racetrack.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition keeps the car’s classic look. Packed with new tech, including the NissanConnect infotainment system that impressed us in the revamped Micra and Qashqai.
NissanConnect not only covers audio, navigation and communication, it also connects to a smartphone app. The app allows you to remotely lock and unlock the car’s doors, and activate the alarm. It even can contact the emergency services, and track down its whereabouts. When you’re behind the wheel, NissanConnect is controlled using an eight-inch touchscreen. The screen is set into a dashboard wrapped in a single, seamless piece of soft leather. Indeed, the interior is leather and Alcantara fabric, in a tasteful shade of gray. Nissan rather poetically likens to “the atmosphere of the night sky after the twilight hour”.
Road or track The 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R is also sportier, with upgrades including a refined ‘R’ mode. This is designed for exiting corners more quickly on the road or on track days. With gear shift paddles so you can keep your hands on the wheel.
If you’re planning on hitting the track, you’ll also appreciate the adaptive shift control. This interprets the way you steer and accelerate and changes gear shifting modes automatically to suit your driving style. It does not require any extra input from you.
Nissan is also releasing a specially 2020 Track Edition optimized for racing and decked out in carbon fiber.
Nissan has yet to reveal details of prices and availability.
Making its debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show, the 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition takes the nameplate to a level that was unimaginable when it was first introduced 50 years ago. To celebrate the half-century of the GT-R, engineers challenged themselves to find undiscovered performance potential while still making sure the car can be enjoyed by drivers at any level.
“A GT-R is about total balance management,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist for the GT-R. “It is not about chasing a power figures, but creating a new GT-R, where no aspect has been overlooked. This is appropriate to celebrate the GT-R 50th anniversary.”
2020-Nissan-GTR-Premium
A 50th Anniversary Celebration
The 2020 Nissan GT-R will come in three trim levels in most markets.
GT-R Premium, GT-R Track Edition and GT-R NISMO. In select regions, there will also be the Pure, Prestige and Black models. But it is the 50th Anniversary Edition that truly celebrates the GT-R’s rich heritage.
The special edition car will come in three heritage-era, two-tone exterior color combinations. These are meant to represent the GT-R’s liveries from the Japan GP series – of which the original GT-R was born to dominate in. Retired since the GT-R “R34” model, Bayside (Wangan) Blue makes a return, complete with white racing stripes. A four-coat, double-heat treatment process ensures a vivid blue with striking highlights and deep shadows. Blue accents on the wheel spokes are among several fine touches made to celebrate the GT-R’s milestone. Pearl White with red stripes and Super Silver with white stripes round out the 50th Anniversary liveries.
2020 Nissan GTR Premium Interior
Inside the 50th Anniversary Edition is a special gray interior color scheme. This gives the cabin a sense of luxury, reminiscent of the atmosphere of the night sky after the twilight hour. (the color is also available on select other 2020 GT-R models). Additional 50th anniversary features include unique steering wheel and shift knob trim. Special embossed seats, an Alcantara(R) headliner with unique stitching, Alcantara(R)-wrapped sunvisors, and more.
“The Nissan GT-R has been the icon of our company’s driving performance for the past half century”. Said Shinichiro Irie, program design director for the GT-R. “We were highly motivated to ensure that the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition stands out. While the exterior and interior changes may seem subtle at first glance, they’re still impactful. Especially with the new paint schemes, keeping the car’s lines and overall presence modern and edgy.”
Upgraded performance, born from racing
Many believed that the refinement and performance of the GT-R’s 565-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine. (each handcrafted by its own takumi technician) were so high that there was no room for improvement. But the car’s engineers had a few tricks up their sleeves. Among them was incorporating new turbochargers. These help increase the engine’s low rpm response due to an abradable seal. These are providing tighter clearances and a 5% increase in efficiency. Overall, they provide even sharper engine response in and out of corners. This is making the driving experience more rewarding and richer than ever before. The exhaust manifolds, inspired by racing technology, have optimized turbo flange attachment points. Allows for easier servicing and potential tuning, without touching the exhaust manifold.
GT-R features a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with a refined “R mode,” made for both road and track. It features more aggressive downshifts to better anticipate swift cornering exits, with gear selection happening during ABS engagement. Resulting in reduced understeer and a more driver-intuitive feeling. The adaptive shift control is programmed to change shift schedules to fit the user’s driving style. It is possible to drive according to the law on public roads with full brute force available on the race track. There is no need to manually change shift modes (in A mode/R mode).
The GT-R’s signature exhaust note is the product of a new titanium muffler, featuring titanium finishers with burnished blue tips.
The electronically controlled suspension has been tuned to provide better cornering stability and a smoother ride. The steering is more linear and precise than ever. Only requiring minimal corrections at speeds of up to 186.4 mph (300 kph). A new brake booster increases the initial braking response by engaging with less pedal stroke. This results in enhanced stopping power and feel.
2020 GTR Nismo Interior
A cabin worthy of GT-R
The GT-R’s cabin represents the ideal blend of luxury and sport. The distinct driver-oriented cockpit has comfortable yet supportive seats for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard is designed to convey a “horizontal flow,” delivering a sense of high stability for front seat occupants. It comes wrapped in a single, seamless piece of hand-selected Nappa leather, artfully stitched with takumi-style precision. The center dashboard integrates navigation and audio controls and an 8-inch capacitive touch-panel monitor. The large icons on the display screen inform the driving experience without distracting from it.
Mounted to the sporty steering wheel are shift paddles that allow drivers to change gears in mid-turn without taking their hands off the wheel.
All 2020 Nissan GT-Rs come with the NissanConnect(SM) integrated audio, navigation and communication system in select markets. It allows users to remotely lock or unlock the doors, activate the alarm, summon emergency services or track the car’s whereabouts using smartphone apps.
2020 GT-R Track Edition
A revised 2020 GT-R Track Edition
For those inclined to take their GT-R to a race circuit, Nissan offers the revised and very potent 2020 Track Edition. Also it comes with an optional carbon fiber roof that sports a clean, tight weave made possible by a new construction process.
The engine (for U.S. models) is borrowed from the famed GT-R NISMO. With newly redesigned turbochargers from the latest GT3 series GT-R race car. This results in a 20% increase in pedal-down acceleration reaction time and 600 horsepower.
Optional on the Track Edition are special Brembo carbon ceramic rotors and calipers. Made of carbon and silica carbide, the rotors – 16.1 inches (410 mm) front and 15.3 inches (390 mm) rear. These are nearly as hard as diamonds. Paired with the performance brake pads, they generate more friction. Which translates into better feel and control in all types of braking situations.
“With the 2020 GT-R, we kept to the car’s concept – pursuing ultimate driving pleasure,” said Tamura. “Once you take hold of the steering wheel, you will immediately know that no other car in the world delivers as much satisfaction to the driver, both physically and spiritually.”
