Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X-rated

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As I am an only child I have a bit of a problem when it comes to attention – I’m always seeking it. This however is socially accepted as ‘only child syndrome’ so I think I can get away with it. Unfortunately I can’t seem to get away from the fact that I am the most un-photogenic person on the planet, so I won’t be draped over the bonnet of a new Mitsubishi anytime soon. In any crowd, at any party or social occasion you can think of I’m there, in the front gurning uncontrollably in front of the camera.

Just a few years ago this wouldn’t have been much of a problem as the photos would be condemned to the family photo album or remain imprisoned on a friends’ memory card. Nowadays with the advent of social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook I’m splattered all over the place looking ugly as sin. Continue reading →

Remap or Tuning Box for more power and better fuel economy

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Today’s engines are run by computer. The ECU (engine control unit) makes thousands of decisions per second about fuelling, how much air to supply, how much turbo to use etc., affecting the power and economy of your engine. For many reasons including marketing, poor fuel quality in some parts of the world (and poor maintenance), manufacturers ‘de-tune’ your engine before it even leaves the factory, meaning 99% of us never get the performance or the economy our engines are truly capable of. You will notice this when you’re driving and you get ‘flat spots’ or lack of responsiveness when you pull out to overtake, or when you struggle up hills or round sharp bends.

A remap (chip tuning) or a tuning box can release the power and economy that are built in but repressed by the manufacturer.

Remapping

A ‘remap’ is a replacement program for the ECU. It can change all of the instructions that determine the way your engine runs. Remapping can be applied to petrol engines and diesel engines, though it is most effective on turbo-diesels and turbo petrol engines. The average turbo-diesel can expect a gain of 30hp to 50hp as well as up to 20% more torque. It is common for this extra power to actually deliver MPG improvements; typically around 5% to 10%, but in the case of some commercial vehicles up to 20% is not unheard of. Many drivers get an extra 50 miles or more per tank of fuel. Most modern vehicles can be remapped in an hour or two through the diagnostic port inside the car. Continue reading →

Acura ZDX: From Prototype to Production

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Among the many new cars and concept vehicles that were rolled out at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, the Acura ZDX created some of the most buzz. What Acura calls a four-door sports coupe, visitors to the show have named it one of the most impressive looking new vehicles among scores introduced, a true game changer for the Acura brand.

The ZDX was designed to include rousing styling, contemporaneous luxury and fastidious refinement. Featuring aesthetic curves, an aggressively raked roofline and conspicuous fender flares, the ZDX embodies the design traits found in a coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle. Continue reading →