Max Auto Updates - 09/06/2009

Switzer releases 588kW tuning package for GT2



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=745

American based tuner Switzer Performance is becoming a familiar name in the game. Their new Porsche GT2-based package puts out a hefty 588kW and it achieves this running on 93 Octane. Imagine its fury on 102 Octane racing fuel!

"We were very happy to hit our target numbers," says the main man Tym Switzer. "Of course, but the best part is that the car is still so manageable on the street, at this power level. It is an everyday hyper-performing exotic, and I can't wait to get it out on the track and see how it performs in the hands of a pro driver."

Switzer says this is a truly bolt-on system because the Porsche factory DME has been kept in tact. In fact all the hardware installed is still managed by the stock ECU but running Switzer-specific DME software calibrations.

The Garret GT30R-based turbochargers have been upgraded. They compress massive amounts of air and generate plenty of heat which is cooled using custom Switzer intercoolers. The engine gets its air from larger injectors and custom intake airlets. One of the tuner's proudest pieces is the exhaust system which has been upgraded to handle all this extra power.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VW Golf GTD launched in Germany



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=746

Volkswagen is touting the new Golf GTD, launched in Germany today, as the GTI of diesels. That's because the GTD is based on the petrol GTI but with one fundamental difference: the engine. The car uses a 2.0-litre direct injection common rail turbo diesel motor good for 125kW at 4,200rpm. While this may not exactly match the GTI's 155kW the GTD excels where most diesel-heads expect it to and that is in torque delivery. Peak pulling force is 350Nm made between 1,750rpm and 2,500rpm.

Performance is said to rival that of more powerful petrol-driven cars. The 0 - 100km/h sprint takes place in 8.1 seconds and top speed is 220km/h. When fitted with the standard 6-speed manual transmission the GTD returns a fuel economy figure of 5.3 litres per 100km which goes with a C02 figure of 139g/km. The quick-changing DGS version has a claimed fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100km, equating to C02 emissions of 147g/km. Theoretically then the GTD can travel for over 1,000km on a single tank of diesel from its 55 litre tank.

The car's sporting intentions are clear even from a visual point of view. GTI-inspired bits include the chrome horizontal stripes on the front grille, standard fog lights and twin chrome tailpipes. The chassis has been lowered by 15mm and 17-inch wheels with 225 section tyres.

Inside the GTD features sports seats similar to those in the GTI but feature the same "Jacky" fabric pattern with a light grey colour diamond stripe pattern instead of a red like in the GTI. A three-spoke leather steering wheel is featured. Other equipment includes an RCD 210 radio system, automatic climate control, ESP with countersteer assist and VW's ParkPilot system.

Prices start at R312400 for the 6-speed manual and R333500 for the DSG version. The five-door will cost an extra R8700 over the three-door prices.