Nitto Tires makes its presence known in the enthusiast community, interacting with motorsport fans and weekend warriors. However, the company now feels it’s time to break ground with consumers by offering more mainstream products. Working closely with its enthusiast base, Nitto has managed to deliver a pair of new tires, the first designed to be a solid replacement for your OEM all-seasons and the second to be your savior in the snow.

We recently had the chance to try out two different tires from Nitto: the Motivo all-season tires and the upcoming NT90W winter tires. Nitto’s offerings were compared Goodyear’s Eagle RS-A, the factory tires that come equipped on the Infiniti G37x. Instead of just testing these tires in dry or wet conditions, we went to Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah to drive a fleet of Gs on some ice, snow and slush.

MOTIVO: Ultra High-Performance All Season Tire

Consumers are looking for reliability, performance and value. This, says Nitto, is what you’ll get with the Motivo, which is backed by a 60,000 mile warranty – the best in the business. While pricing is determined by individual dealers, Nitto also claims the Motivos can be found for a lower cost than OEM replacements.

Featuring an asymmetric design, the Motivo tires have different tread patterns on the outer edge of the tire, than on the inner. In the middle of the tire is spine designed to improve initial steering response. Moving to the outside edge of the tire is a tread pattern with larger blocks that’s optimized for handling and features siping to prevent water-planing. The inner edge features construction that Nitto says improves braking, as well as grip.

FAST FACTS: Motivo UHP All Season
1. The Motivo is available in 50 sizes in 17- to 20-inch diameters and from 205 to 315 widths.
2. With a UTQG treadware rating of 560, the Motivo receives an A for traction and an A for Temperature and is performance rated as a WY tire.
3. The Motivo is available with a 60,000 mile limited treadware warranty.

PUT TO THE TEST

We engaged in several tests to showcase just how the Nitto fared against the OEM Goodyears.

In acceleration and braking test, the all-season tires showed off distinctly different characteristics. While the Goodyear tires slipped about during launch, the Motivo’s hooked up sooner, and got the car moving without much drama. When it came to stopping distances, the two tires were about even, although the Goodyear’s felt uneasy under hard braking, and it proved to be a handful to keep the sport-sedan straight. Meanwhile, the Motivo’s stopped straight and generally around the same distance as the Goodyears, proving that Nittos can keep up.

Of course, both tires were completely outclassed by the new Nitto NT90W winter tire, which hooked up immediately, and stopped about a car-length sooner.

On a handling course, the Motivo showed that not only could it keep up with the Goodyear Eagle RS-A, but actually provide better response time and handling feel. The Goodyear tires felt uneasy, and could break loose easily during emergency lane changes on the snow and ice. The Motivo’s didn’t exhibit the same uneasiness, and while they still weren’t as quick to respond as the NT90W winter tires, they felt far better than the Goodyear tires.

On the other hand, when the tires did lose traction, the Goodyear’s felt far more predictable, and controllable than the Motivos. This same trait was exposed again on a snowy skid pad.

The most eye-opening test came on a snowy hill climb, where the Motivo tires could keep up with the NT90W winter tires when climbing a 30-percent grade. While the winter tires managed with little hesitation, the all-seasons needed both the perfect combination of speed and the right path up the hill. Still, the steep-hill climb was certainly an accomplishment that the Motivo should be proud of.

Overall, the Motivo’s proved that they can hang with one of the best in the biz, at least in terms of light-snow and ice. Due to the climate we did not have the ability to test the tires for dry performance, something that’s equally important in an Ultra High Performance All Season tire.

A STEP ABOVE: NT90W SNOW TIRES

As expected, the Nitto NT90W winter tires thoroughly trounced the all-season tires that were also on hand. The dedicated winter tires provided excellent traction, acceleration; braking, handling and most importantly gave the greatest sense of confidence no matter the surface.

Thanks to its innovative design elements the NT90W features a surprising amount of grip. By using 3D interlocked multi-wave siping with crushed walnuts and bamboo in the compound the tires are clearly on the cutting edge of tire construction. Look for the NT90W’s to go on sale later this year in sizes best fit for sedans and crossovers.

FAST FACTS: NT90W Winter Tire
1. The brands first dedicated winter tire, the NT90W is designed for crossovers, SUVs and passenger cars and uses crushed walnut shells and bamboo charcoal in its construction.
2. The NT90W is available in just 8 sizes in 16- to 18-inch diameters, ranging from 215 to 235 widths.
3. The NT90W will go on sale later this year.

THE VERDICT

For those looking for an alternative to OEM all-season tires, the Nitto Motivo will certainly do the job, featuring light snow and ice performance on par with factory offerings. Drivers will also appreciate the added grip that the Motivo’s offer over OEM tires, giving extra peace of mind when the mercury drops, while the available 60,000 mile warranty is just extra incentive to consider Motivo replacement tires on your car.

LOVE IT 60,000 Mile Warranty Steady under braking Ice/Snow Performance

LEAVE IT Difficult to reel back in Motivo still no winter tire Wet/Dry performance TBD

 GALLERY: Nitto Tires Motivo, NT90W Tire Test

Still scrambling to find the perfect gift for the car lover on your list? Here are a few items that can be quickly ordered online and would impress even the biggest of car snobs. The selection here is pretty diverse, so it will be easy to find something for anyone.

Automakers may talk a big game about preventing distracted driving and improving safety, but at the same time they continue to provide distracting infotainment systems.

Arguably a response to consumer demand, a recent Harris Poll study of 2,000 drivers suggests there’s serious apprehension on the part of car shoppers too, with more than three in four car owners reporting that they believe in-car connectivity technologies are too distracting and even dangerous to have.

Despite advancements in touchscreen technology, voice-recognition software and the success of mobile platforms like Google’s Android or the iOS system used on Apple’s iPhone, driver’s find the software in modern cars is cumbersome, slow and confusing.

They’re not the only ones either. Countless AutoGuide.com reviews point out the drawbacks of touch-screen infotainment systems, like the slow and buggy MyFord Touch system (seen at the right), or the great-in-theory, but confusing-in-practice Cadillac CUE system.

There is, however, one software maker that is certain it has a solution that is innovative and intuitive, while giving the driver what they want.

“We looked at the critical response to MyFord Touch and CUE,” Andy Gryc says. Gryc is a marketing manager at QNX, a software arm of BlackBerry owner Research in Motion. QNX is at the heart of the Playbook tablet, as well as automotive infotainment systems in many cars today, including Audi, BMW, Land Rover and Porsche . Today, Gryc is speaking about the next step of its platform, CAR 2, and how its going to combat distracted driving.

“[Infotainment systems] need to be something that look, smell and act like the car,” Gryc says.

QNX has just finished up the final touches on its new CAR 2 platform, but what is the company doing to instill confidence in the world of infotainment systems?

For starters, the QNX Car 2 platform is highly customizable. That’s why automakers like it so much. An automaker can grab the system, personalize and brand it, so it can look and act different than another automaker’s QNX based system.

The vanilla (non-branded) CAR 2 system currently looks simple and clean with a consistent design. Outside of the traditional features like a media player, navigation systems and climate controls, the CAR 2 platform has its own apps, much like a smart-phone or tablet.

For example, the system can have vehicle-centric apps, like an interactive manual or service appointment scheduler. For the driver who loves to be connected, there’s social media integration for Facebook and Twitter. QNX showed off a few other useful apps like a weather information app, which provides much more information about the weather than just the temperature. Another cool app was a parking spot locator for lots which are using the “BestParking” service.

To make things even more familiar with drivers, the system can have different profiles for different drivers, ensuring that whoever is driving the car is set up appropriately, just like memory seating.

Gryc explains that QNX’s system runs on something called HTML5, the same core technology behind many of the popular web-based apps you likely use on your internet browser. This means that QNX’s system is future-ready, and that developers can modify existing iPhone or web-based apps for the car platform.

MAKING THE DRIVER HAPPY

In all, QNX is a more versatile, and customizable system, and familiarity can reduce distracted driving. But after several focus groups and studies, QNX found some better ways to make the driver happy.

“A lot of people want to use the phone in the car unfettered,” says Gryc. “A lot of people think that they’re perfectly safe using their phone in the car, but get scared when other drivers are using it.”

He explains one way QNX’s CAR 2 will help. “The systems inside the car will provide access to the same things that they’re used to.”

The goal is to maintain the driving experience. “For example, the driver will say a voice command, and the car can update their Facebook status, and post what you’re listening to,” Gryc explains.

Voice recognition keeps coming up as an important part of solving distracted driving, but in practice it becomes even more difficult to stay focused, since you need to remember many key words to perform the right action.

DESIGN TO BLAME FOR DISTRACTION

Thanks to great tablets and smart-phones, the expectations of a touch-screen system have changed greatly. Compare the design and interface of a car’s infotainment system to that of a mobile device like an iPhone or iPad, and it’s easy to see why consumers are confused, and critics frustrated. The design isn’t consistent, engaging or intuitive.

“These ‘distractions’ could be eliminated by improving UI design,” says Victor Tang, a freelance graphic designer and user-experience expert. He adds, “There are too many bad designs that really cause confusion and frustration to the user.”

Tang argues that there needs to be a better range of customization options, to cater to the different levels of tech-savvy consumers out there.

“Not everyone has the same needs or skills and should be able to personalize according to their lifestyles,” he says. He argues that the customer should be in charge of the features they wish to include or leave out depending on experience levels.

QNX is on a similar wavelength. While the actual car owner won’t be in charge of the interface, QNX’s client (the automaker) will be.

That means QNX based systems can vary in design and interface depending on the intended demographic of the vehicle. So while both Lexus and Toyota vehicles could have a QNX based system, the Toyota system might have a design and include features that are easily accessible to its target audience, like that Facebook, or Twitter integration, while the Lexus might have features that are used more for its audience, like integration into a restaurant rating system, to find the best local eats.

Gryc explains that there’s a fine-line to walk when it comes to car-infotainment design. “What you have to design for a car is a lot more boring looking,” he says. “Things have to look drab in order to make it less compelling, so the driver is looking at the road.”

A SERVICE CENTER IN YOUR CAR

So while your phone and tablet are aiming to provide a rich and animated experience, your car will be much more sedate. However, QNX might be borrowing a successful idea from your iPhone: an app-store.

“We’ve been talking about the possibility of hosting an app-store,” explains Gryc. “We want to give developers a platform, but some automakers might not want that, and there might not be enough volume.” There are still questions to be answered: would you want there to be a huge selection of apps available for the QNX based system, or only apps that have been verified or made specifically by your automaker? “We’d like to control that ecosystem if it gets to that point,” he says.

The thought of having a slew of apps that might not be fully compatible with all variations of cars that QNX will be on, raises some concerns. Gryc acknowledges that the added hardware and computing power of these new infotainment systems adds complexity to the overall vehicle. However, the other proposed solution of having a screen which mirrors a smartphone isn’t more reliable. “In that case you have to think about so much more like battery life of the device, and connections,” he says. A phone or device providing constant information to a screen through Bluetooth would affect battery life pretty significantly, and cable standards aren’t always stable, like when Apple released a new connector for its devices which is incompatible with past ones.

The decisions made with the CAR 2 platform seem to be in line with a lot of what both the consumers and automakers are hoping for. Thanks to a focus on clean interface design and versatility, cars equipped with QNX can help establish a confident relationship between infotainment system and driver. If that does happen, ‘distracted driving’ might be hard-parked once and for all.

The Holidays are here and we have a few ideas for what to get the gear-head or car-nut on your list. With a bit of help from the folks at eBay Motors, we’ve managed to find something for just about every budget, and for anyone, from the enthusiast to the everyman.

Apparel:

For those who wear their automotive heart on their sleeves, nothing will be more exciting than some new merchandise. This cool leather wallet sports BMW and M logos and would be perfect for the BMW fan in your life. If you’re looking for something less brand-specific there’s this carbon-fiber wallet that should appeal to those looking to drop some weight in the new year.

Don’t think a wallet will do for the car-fan in question? Why not a watch? This watch sports a design that mimics the rims on an AMG Mercedes.

Around the House:

Your car-friendly pal might have a whole room dedicated to their hobby, be it a garage, or just a room with posters and models. Help add a few touches to their cave, like this Jeep clock for any off-roading fan. Admirers of motorsports legend Carroll Shelby will appreciate this Shelby clock which sports the ultra cool logo of the famous American brand. There’s a huge variety of these kinds of clocks available on eBay, so you can find something for just about anyone.

Another unique gift idea is this iconic movie poster for Steve McQueen’s LeMans. The famous movie resonated with fans of cars, film and the Porsche-Ferrari rivalry.

Motorsport Fans:

Speaking of LeMans, your particular enthusiast might be a fan of motorsports. Think that a race watcher would be harder to find a gift for than a basketball or football fan? Think again, with these trinkets from the Inaugural Circuit of the Americas Formula 1 race.

NASCAR fans should also commemorate Brad Kesolowski’s championship win, especially with Dodge pulling out of NASCAR. This spiffy shirt will suit the NASCAR faithful, and for the true NASCAR fan, why not surprise them with this Brad Kesolowski cooler?

Formula One fans might be feeling a bit left out, so why not spring for this hat celebrating this year’s Champion, Sebastian Vettel? It’s a fitting addition to a mantle, or race-fan’s head.

Model Cars:

A gear-head’s gift is incomplete unless cars are involved. There’s a large selection of scale model cars to find at eBay Motors, but we’ve managed to find a few important or interesting selections.

For those who respect the engineering prowess of the 1,000 hp Bugatti Veyron, there’s this display, for when Top Gear Magazine deemed the Veyron to be the car of the decade.

This display of the new Porsche Boxster and its predecessor is also interesting, showing the lineage of the German sportscar. Or there’s this model of the upcoming Porsche 918 Spyder, which is a highly anticipated supercar.

Movie fans will love this model of the BMW i8 which appeared in the latest Mission Impossible movie. And it doesn’t come with a miniature Tom Cruise figurine, so the interior is all exposed in its futuristic glory.

For the DIYer:

If your gear-head is a secret mechanic, there’s no question that a set of wrenches with a wide assortment of sockets and sizes, like the ones from Gear Wrench or Blackhawk.

Some car cleaning equipment will also be appreciated, as most enthusiasts love to detail their own cars. There’s this quick kit filled with Meguiar’s products, or this buffing and polishing kit for bigger jobs. A pressure washer is also appreciated, especially for those who like to get salt and sand off their rides.

Another good idea is a service manual, to help get all the information on repairs and maintenance. There’s a huge list of manuals available on eBay, and some are expensive, like the OEM manuals from the manufacturer. To save some money consider a Haynes manual, like this one for the last generation C-Class.

Accessories:

Car fans love to show their dedication, so iPhone cases and iPad covers will be sure to delight. For your buyer who has a touch-screen in their car, some gloves that work with the screen will be a great present.

Overall, there are more than a few options out there to please any car fan on your list. By now you should be well equipped to give your favourite car enthusiast a memorable holiday with some unique and useful gifts.

This post is part of eBay Finders, a new partnership that presents collections of items curated by a carefully selected group of motors experts. Meet more of the Finders at ebaymotorsblog.com [http://bit.ly/VVLO94]. #eBayFinders

During the unveiling of the Stout Racing Pirelli World Challenge Scion FR-S today at the 2012 SEMA Show, the folks at Scion had a surprise for everyone present.

Stout Racing announced that it is working with TRD to produce a supercharger kit for the hot FR-S, which will undoubtedly please all FR-S owners worldwide. Since the Stout Racing FR-S is competing in the Pirelli World Challenge GTS class, the TRD supercharger must be made available for the public in order for the race car to compete with it.

Unfortunately no specifications were released beyond that point, but the team is hoping to finish the R&D phase on the forced induction soon as it gets ready for the season opener on March 2013.

Ford Racing is revving things up by introducing a brand-new livery. The color scheme will be a prominent addition to all cars supported by the company and powered by its engines.

The decision is part of a move to unify all of Ford’s global racing efforts. A prominent blue and black identifier stripe will debut at next year’s Daytona 500 on the 2013 Fusion running in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It will also be found on NHRA drag racers, WRC Fiestas and everything in between.

Beyond the signature stripe, cars will also feature a similar motif and color scheme on their flanks.

Ford Racing prototypes are not excluded from the company’s latest livery. The Mustang Cobra Jet Twin-Turbo shown at the 2012 SEMA Show show is finished in white with an offset black and blue stripe running from bumper to bumper.

The idea of this unified look it to make it easy for fans to identify cars that are directly supported by Ford Racing.

With the world’s largest aftermarket parts expo, the SEMA Show, kicking off tomorrow, it’s going to be easy to catch the modification addiction. But don’t just slap a bunch of stickers and neons to your car and call it a day. Why not give your ride an extra boost of adrenaline? Consider these performance modifications and browse to eBay Motors to see what’s available for your car.

Rims

Its easy to go overboard in this subject, as some people love to put big shiny rims on their rides. Rims can come in head-turning finishes like chrome. But if you’re looking for performance rather than looks, then weight should be your primary concern. Cutting weight is ideal in performance modifications, so any chance you get to reduce unsprung weight will help your car feel quicker and respond better. These gorgeous Enkei rims have a great silver finish, and will certainly spice up the looks of your ride. Other mainstream companies like Konig and Motegi provide a great variety of rims, but if you want something really unique, look to BBS and HRE. Need some help with fitment? Check out the eBay Motors wheel fitment tool.

Tires

Tires are another popular modification, not just for performance, but for safety. Sportier, tires have less tread, and are stiffer, making them responsive on situations like the track. If you want to show off your new rims, consider getting spiffy low-profile tires, but be warned, ride-quality will suffer. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is known for its superb handling, as is the Goodyear Eagle F1. Another great option comes from General tires with the Altimax HP, which are great value. eBay Motors tire fitment tool can help you get the right size tires for your ride,

Sway Bars

Reduced weight is a great overall modification for performance, but if you want a better handling feel, it’s going to take some work. Sway bars (also called anti-roll bars, or stabilizer bars) provide a great advantage in regards to handling. Sway bars mainly help reduce the amount of body lean a car experiences during cornering. This helps adjust the car’s weight balance helping to dial out oversteer or understeer. Cusco makes a wide variety of front and rear sway bars.

Lowering Springs

Another great idea is to lower a car’s center of gravity, which can be done with lowering springs. While these also help deliver a more aggressive look, they can also disrupt a car’s comfort level on the streets. Eibach has built a solid reputation on springs. Some might think that cutting springs is a good cost-effective solution for lowering a car, but it can mess up the manufacturer’s spring rates and result in poor handling and an unsafe ride.

Sport Shocks

To maximize your handling and ride quality, any spring upgrade should be paired with new shocks. A shorter spring is more likely to bottom out with soft factory shocks and so aftermarket shocks will help match up properly to deliver the ideal ride. Look to Bilstein or Koni to provide adjustable shocks.

Air Intakes

The most appreciated modifications add power, and while turbocharging or supercharging an engine tends to yield the most impressive results, its not easy, and it’s not cheap. Instead look to modify other parts of the car’s powertrain to improve airflow. Intakes essentially are like breathing strips for your car, and allow more air into the car’s engine. They assist with power and efficiency. Airaid is a company that specializes in performance intakes, and has a lot of options for different vehicles. For those looking for a simple change, K&N has air-filters that you can use in your stock air box, just drop it in. For more impressive performance additions, look to an all new air box. For example, an AEM cold air intake helps move the intake away from the engine. This gets cold air coming into the engine which allows for a more complete combustion and therefore more power.

Headers

Exhaust headers are another handy modification you can make to increase performance. These help eliminate back pressure, which in turn allows the engine to complete its cycle without wasting power. Borla and Hedman both make sets of impressive headers to help unleash your cars power.

Exhaust

Finally, modified exhausts assist in eliminating back pressure, and can drastically change the sound of your car. Exhaust systems have a different set of bends and diameters that affect the way gas is removed from the system. By reducing restrictions, the exhaust would flow freely and reduce backpressure, which increases performance. There are a wide range of systems to choose from, from these MagnaFlow cat-back setups or more budget conscious axle-back setup like this one from Flowmaster.

Short Shifter

A short-throw shifter might not add power or change the looks of your car, but it is a noticeable upgrade in terms of driving feel. Your shifts will be quicker, and without a doubt, your car will be more engaging and enjoyable to drive. Look to B&M for short-throw shift kits, they’re the top of the class in this segment. If you’re on a budget, Ralco might be a good option.

With SEMA happening this week, there will be a ton of great ideas and options on how to personalize your car. There are plenty of items out there that will make your car feel sportier, drive faster and look unique. Hopefully with this list you’ll be better prepared how to get exactly what you want out of your car when you start modifying it.

This post is part of eBay Finders, a new partnership that presents collections of items curated by a carefully selected group of motors experts. Meet more of the Finders at ebaymotorsblog.com. #eBayFinders

Got yourself a 2010-2012 Chevrolet Camaro but wish it had more of the authentic 1969 muscle car look? Lingenfelter Performance Engineering felt the same and developed a new Retrokit for the new-age Camaro to give it that retro muscle car appearance.

“Many Camaro fans were disappointed when the design of the fifth gen Camaro didn’t look as much as the ’69 Camaro as, say, the new Mustang looked like the original,” said Owner Ken Lingenfelter.  “With our Retrokits package, enthusiasts can have the best of both worlds – the technology of today paired with the muscle car styling of the past.”

The Lingenfelter Retrokit comes with a 1969-style non-RS system front bumper, or an RS system front bumper with hideaway headlights. In addition, the conversion kit comes with a lower spoiler, standard chrome bumper, grille assembly with SS badge, headlight assemblies, lower running light assemblies, all required mounting brackets, and wiring harness assembly.

Of course interested enthusiasts can purchase the conversion kit from Lingenfelter directly or drop off their car at the Lingenfelter facility to have it transformed. The non-RS system is priced from $6,850 without installation, while the RS starts at $8,150. Installation from Lingenfelter is $1,700 for the non-RS system while the RS will cost an additional $1,600.

More goodies for BMW‘s M Performance division will be making their way to this year’s Paris Motor Show, including a new suspension package and power kit for the 2.0-liter diesel engine. 

The German automaker will bring a 335i with all the bells and whistles M Performance has to offer, from 20-inch wheels to exhaust, bigger brakes to aerodynamic changes. But new to the package will be new suspension for both the 1- and 3-Series. Details weren’t announced, but it’s safe to assume that it will come with stiffer spring rates, thicker sway bars, and a lower ride height.

While it’s ultimately exciting that there’s a good chance the suspension package will find its way to American soil, a power kit will also be on its way for the 335i model.

But those looking forward to the inevitable release of the 2.0-liter diesel model in America, will also get to look forward to an M Performance power kit for that powerplant. Included with the package will be a larger intercooler and a revised ECU tune, that brings horsepower from 181-hp to 197-hp and torque from 280 lb-ft to 310 lb-ft.

Stillen has kicked off the voting process for its Scion FR-S Body Kit design contest, selecting its top five entries and asking its Facebook fans to vote on the ultimate winner.

Over 100 designers submitted their ideas to the contest and now the company has narrowed it down to its favorite five. Greg Thompson got himself two entries, while the remaining three were submitted by Paul Kim, Mohamad Irfendy, and Michael Caneda.

The requirements were simple: design a lip kit for the new Scion FR-S (no full bumper replacements) and the top winner will see his design born. In addition, Stillen will give the winner a two-night stay in Las Vegas for this year’s SEMA Show along with a single pass to the show. The production winning body kit will be unveiled on the show floor in Vegas this year.

GALLERY: Stillen Scion FR-S Body Kit Design Contest

As if Pagani‘s vehicles weren’t expensive and exotic enough, the Italian automaker looks to be dabbling with some lifestyle accessories to complement its vehicles.

Perhaps Pagani is just taking a page out of Koenigsegg‘s book; the Swedish exotic automaker recently announced its accessory line with products varying from teddy bears and keychains to clothing. Nonetheless, details are bleak but clearly this man bag has been heavily influenced by the automaker’s exotic models. From the carbon fiber to the aluminum details, it’s undoubtedly the ultimate accessory for a Pagani owner… if you’re into carrying this sort of stuff around.

[Source: Carscoop]

Brembo, the little Italian company known for its performance brakes, can officially claim more than 100,000 fans on Facebook.

“Brembo has achieved success right across the web,” the company said. “News items and posts are published every day in at least 7 different languages, and the reaction from fans is unfailingly positive, with “likes” and comments indicating their appreciation for the information they find, and confirming the popularity of Brembo products.”

One of the automotive parts industry’s great success stories. Founded in 1961, it specializes in high-performance braking systems that today have become synonymous with sports cars. By now, having Brembo brakes serves as a watermark for performance on new cars as one of the best-known brands used in factory production.

Other names with similar recognition include Recaro, which makes racing seats often found in high-end sports cars or performance wheel manufacturer HRE. In its press release, Brembo bragged that the milestone gave it “absoute leader status” in social media among the automotive component manufacturer world. That isn’t really true, though. In fact, HRE embarrasses Brembo’s following with almost 300,000 fans.