AMS Performance, based out of West Chicago, IL are no strangers to the track. They have dominated all facets of motorsports from road racing to drag racing. They’re known for building some of the strongest engines known to mankind, perfecting their techniques across several makes and models. While the Nissan GT-R, much like many Porsche bodies, weren’t made for drag racing, some owners take the opportunity to shoot down the quarter mile at blistering speeds. Yes, the GT-R was made to carry itself through the winding twists of any road course, and at ridiculous times, but why can’t the GT-R be built for straight line drag racing?

The team at AMS thought the same and brought their brilliant minds together to set a landmark – build the first 9-second Nissan GT-R in the world. There have been several GT-R’s trying to this task with some getting in the mid to low 10-second range, but AMS has finally entered the 9-second range at the recent TX2K10 event. Their best ET of the day was a 9.89 @ 145-mph, though they did achieve a higher-mph pass with 146.96. Just by looking at the time slip there’s clearly more to the car given its less than perfect 0-60 foot time.

This 9-second GT-R is equipped with AMS’ SR850 upgrade package which will be available to the general public shortly. The tuning package includes upgraded bolt-on turbos, upgraded actuators, HKS blow-off valves, Cobb AccessPORT for tuning (with a custom AMS race map) and a collection of AMS goods: 90mm downpipes, resonated midpipe, exhaust, front mount intercooler with 3-inch intercooler piping; large MAF intake pipes and fuel system upgrade.

We’ll be keeping our eyes out for the video of this record setting pass and will be sure to update this post as soon as it hits the Web.

[Source: GTRblog.com]

GALLERY: AMG GT-R

Earlier this month we reported about Samuel Hubinette’s plans for 2010. What some may not remember is that merely three years ago, celebrity and son of Hulk Hogan, Nick Hogan, was actually competitively drifting alongside Samuel in a Dodge Viper SRT-10. Clearly the fame that came with Nick Hogan and fast cars wasn’t from his short drifting career. Instead, it was from the tragic accident that proved that there is such thing as too much horsepower. Nonetheless, the kid’s back out on the prowl and has committed to the Xtreme Drift Circuit (XDC) campaigning a black turbocharged Nissan 350Z.

The good news out of all this is that Nick Hogan will be involved with a group called “Keep It On The Track”, promoting and educating Americans the consequences of participating in illegal street races and driving without a seat belt. Perhaps it’s a day late, especially for the unfortunate passenger during Hogan’s Supra accident, but hey whatever it takes to keep it off the streets.

We couldn’t help but to include one of Hogan’s highlights from his last drifting endeavor, taking a champion-caliber car and finding the wall at Irwindale Speedway. That’s after the jump.

[Source: Motorworldhype]

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They don’t call BMW the “ultimate driving machine” for nothing. Or do they? According to a new statistic released by BMW, the company’s rear-drive performance philosophy might not be all that important to buyers. Or at least buyers of the entry-level 1 Series.

In a recent conference call, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said that 80 percent of 1 Series drivers think their car is front-wheel drive.

While this statistic certainly says something about 1 Series buyers, Reithofer was using it to show how BMW believes its customers will accept front-drive models. Currently BMW does not offer any front-drive models (although BMW’s MINI brand does), but BMW is planning to introduce a front drive vehicle to its lineup in the near future. This new platform would be shared with the next-generation MINI Cooper and would be used by BMW to compete with the recently released Audi A1 – itself a front-driver.

Traditionalists might scoff at the notion of a “wrong-wheel drive” BMW, but considering the incredible handling BMW has managed to deliver in its MINI models, we’re pretty sure the German automaker will keep its tag-line.

[Source: Automotive News via WCF]

Recently Ford released its fuel economy numbers for the new V6-powered Mustang and in the process one-upped the Chevrolet Camaro in both the fuel-economy and engine output comparisons. But that isn’t likely to last for long.

John Fitzpatrick, Camaro and Corvette marketing manager, told Automobile Magazine that new numbers for the 2011 model year Camaro will be announced in a few weeks, hinting that Chevy will respond in kind. Currently the Camaro V6 makes 304-hp and gets 18/29 mpg (city/highway), while the new 3.7-liter V6 Mustang makes 305-hp and gets 19/31 mpg.

Eeking out a few extra horsepower certainly wouldn’t be hard and improved fuel economy is as easy as using different transmission gearing. However, might we suggest the best way to improve the Camaro’s fuel economy would be to put it on a diet.

[Source: Automobile]

The next BMW M3 will toss it’s naturally aspirated V8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. This news comes from a report by Automobile Magazine, with plenty of other insight into the next generation 3 Series – code named F30. But before we get to that… back to the M3. Likely not due out until at least 2013, the M3 will get a bump in power from the current 420 ponies to around 450. And because it’s turbocharged, we can expect a significant increase in torque.

As for the standard 3 Series, it’s due in 2012 and will be offered with five body styles. The usual sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon will continue on and BMW will add a Gran Turismo hatchback model, much like with the current 5 Series. The 3 Series GT, however, will be targeted more towards sport than luxury. Automobile claims the 3 Series sedan will be less dramatic looking, while the coupe will get completely different sheetmetal that’s more dynamic looking.

In terms of engines we don’t have much into about powerplants for North America, but in Europe the F30 3 Series will come with more powerful versions of the current 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline engines and two more powerful diesel engines. Automobile claims the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder will make 252-hp, which might make it powerful enough to be the base engine in the 3 Series.

In unconfirmed news, BMW is also considering two other models. The first is a three-door hatchback (often called a “shooting brake”). The second is a Speedster model, using a soft top convertible roof rather than a hard-top, to keep weight to a minimum. This would likely be built by BMW’s M division.

[Source: Automobile]

[*UPDATE*] Official info available after the jump, with official images added to the gallery [*UPDATE*] Several images of a GT3-style version of the Mercedes SLS AMG exotic have surfaced online, reportedly showing the upcoming racing version of the flagship performance model from Mercedes. No details are yet available, but much can be surmised from the photos. Along with specially designed aerodynamics replacing much of the standard bodywork, there’s a big carbon front lip spoiler, special cannards, a vented hood and massive rear spoiler.

Inside the car is a true racer with carbon fiber racing seats, a carbon center console and racing digital dash – which even has lights to notify the driver when to shift.

There’s now word on engine modifications, but we don’t expect a bit increase from the already potent 563-hp, 6.2-liter V8.

According to the Mercedes-Benz-Passion blog, full details are set to be released on March 27th, with the car set for its racing debut in the Spring of next year.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 Race Car

Source: Mercedes Benz Passion via WorldCarFans]

Official release after the jump:

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After missing the mark in 2008, Subaru continues to add higher levels of performance to the WRX, bumping the power output to 265-hp in 2009 and now announcing that for 2011 all WRX models will come with the STI’s wide-body. And it’s not just for show either. Starting in 2011, those flared fenders will make room for a track that is 1.5-inches wider in both the front and rear. Inside each fender a set of 17×8-inch wheels come mounted with wider 235/45/17 tires – which can only add to the all-wheel drive grip.

In addition, the WRX also gets a new front lip and larger blacked-out grille and air intakes, not to mention the addition of the STI’s rear subframe bushings. Subaru will continue to offer the WRX both as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback.

“The new wide-body designs mark another major step on the continuous evolution of the WRX to give driving enthusiasts an even more compelling all-wheel drive performance package,” said Tom Doll, executive VP of Subaru of America.

Subaru will officially unwrap the 2011 Impreza WRX at the New York Auto Show next week and we’ll be on hand to bring you plenty of photos, with live coverage starting March 31st.

Click the link below to see our NY Auto Show coverage with live updates starting March 31st.

2010 New York Auto Show Coverage

GALLERY: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

Official release after the jump:

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The first ever “Sports Activity Coupe”, the X6 is quite the interesting vehicle from BMW. It’s been a controversial crossover since its release, especially with the addition of the M-moniker to the car. The X6 M features more aggressive styling than the standard-issue model while being powered with BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8. With 555-hp and 501 ft-lbs of torque, the X6 M is a perfect competitor to Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S at a more affordable MSRP of $89,000. So it’s not surprise that the aftermarket has jumped on this hot new crossover with the carbon-fiber experts at Vorsteiner leading the way.

In recent years, Vorsteiner has made a huge name for itself with fantastic tuning packages for multiple BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Bentley models. From performance to wheels to aesthetics, Vorsteiner’s trademark has been a nice blend of carbon fiber to its mild aggressiveness. The BMW X6 M aerodynamic package from Vorsteiner comes complete with a front spoiler, vented hood, roof and deck lid spoilers and a rear diffuser. Vorsteiner claims the vented hood is 40-percent lighter than factory and adds some big vents for cooling. Vorsteiner is also pushing its 23-inch V-102 wheels on their demo car. The VRS X6 M aero kit will be available in the summer of 2010.

[Source: Vorsteiner News]

GALLERY: Vorsteiner BMW X6 M

After its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show just a few weeks back, MINI will show its Countryman crossover for the first time on U.S. soil at the New York Auto Show on April 1st. The very first crossover from the brand, MINI expects this four-seater to be the most fuel efficient crossover in the U.S.

Looking still very much like a MINI, the British brand promises the sort of handling you’d expect from a MINI, but with added functionality. The Countryman will also be the first MINI to come with an optional all-wheel drive system – called ALL4. Four seats are standard, but a three-seat bench will be offered at no charge. But knowing MINI, the rear will probably be close-quarters for even just two. MINI says the Countryman has a storage capacity of 12.2 to 41.0 cubic feet.

A MINI Cooper Countryman model will be the standard choice, while a top-level MINI Cooper S Countryman option will have a 1.6L turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection and fully variable valve arrangement, claiming 184-hp.

We’ll be sure to bring you more on this exciting crossover (the only compact crossover to offer AWD and a manual transmission) with live coverage of the NY Auto Show starting March 31st.

GALLERY: MINI Countryman Crossover

Next week Mitsubishi will launch a new compact crossover in North America called the Outlander Sport. Already unveiled in Japan (as the RVR) and in Europe at the Geneva Auto Show (as the ASX), the new crossover gets yet another name for North America. We have to wonder what the marketing folks at Mitsu are thinking with all these different names, and why they would want to confuse customers with the Outlander Sport name – considering Mitsubishi already sells the Outlander and the Outlander GT (which are completely different models).

In Europe, the Outlander Sport/ASX comes with either a 150-hp 1.8-liter turbo-diesel engine (the first with variable valve timing), and a 116-hp 1.6-liter gasoline engine. We expect, however, that in North America it will be offered with the company’s 168-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder.

We won’t know for sure until next week and we’ll be sure to spill all the goods once we get them, with live coverage of the 2010 New York Auto Show starting March 31st.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi ASX Debut in Geneva