We like stuff. We like cars. It should be implicit, then, that we especially like stuff for cars. To this end, we've collected a bunch of stuff that European cars will love. Although automotive enthusiasts in the United States will spend several billion dollars modifying their automobiles, a lot of that "stuff" isn't necessarily very good. The products on the next several pages, we feel, are.
We choose products based on fairly simple criteria--that is, we'd buy these items for use on our own cars. That this hardware is well-engineered should be implicit in that statement. Consequently, so is the fact that these products will do what their respective manufacturers say they'll do. More than just a list of great products, this is a list of great companies--companies that have gained our seal of approval. And we see a lot of stuff roll through the office during the course of a year, so hopefully we know what the hell we're talking about.
In any case, happy browsing.
AWE Vent-Mounted Boost Gauge
A common fascination exists among drivers with turbocharged engines: watching a needle bounce around as the throttle pedal is mashed to the floor. Common problems have always been installing gauges that didn't look tacky and didn't block other vital instrumentation. AWE solved these issues by building the gauge into one of the A/C ducts, without interfering with vent airflow.
$189.95 (Audi A3)
$259.95 (Audi A4)
AWE Tuning
(888) 565-2257
www.awe-tuning.com
The Original California Jelly Blade
Drying a car after a wash can now be done in a third of the time and with just a flick of the wrist. Manufactured of surgical-grade silicone, the blade will not scratch vehicle paint and produces less friction for a streak-free shine. The flexible handle allows the blade to hug curves, while allowing for maximum water removal.
$19.99
California Car Duster Company
(800) 282-8828
www.calcarduster.com
AFE Air Intake Kit for BMW M3
From the factory, the M3 engine already has a nice tone. The AFE air intake system gives the vehicle a distinctive growl that is truly race inspired. If you're not impressed by the amazing sound, perhaps the 10-hp gain will make you sit up and take notice.
$964
Advanced FLOW Engineering
(951) 493-7100
www.afe-filters.com
Second-Generation Haldex Performance Unit for A3 and Passat AWD
Though these cars are labeled AWD, they are set up to deliver most of the power to the front wheels. The Haldex unit recalibrates the power distribution, allowing for more power to be delivered to the rear wheels for maximum handling and performance.
$TBA
Haldex Traction AB
(734) 737-0435
www.haldex-traction.com
Mothers Powerball Polishing Tool
This is a high-quality, easy-to-use polishing device that only requires an electric drill. The PowerBall is constructed of professional grade closed-cell foam, making it soft and highly absorbent. This foam can be pressed into tight spaces and conforms around corners, making it extremely versatile.
$29.99
Mothers Polish
www.mothers.com
Evosport Performance Underdrive Pulley Kit for Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz performance upgrades usually bring to mind one thing: $$$$. But for under $400, Evosport's pulley kit reduces parasitic drag on the engine and allows engine rpm to move more freely. Can't beat that.
$379
Evosport, Inc.
(888) 520-9971
www.evosport.com
Bilstein PSS9 Coilover Kit
The PSS9s are height adjustable and have nine selectable settings for compression/rebound. The perfect comprise between comfort and performance, you can have a comfortable drive to the track and then, with a simple turn of the dial, have a spirited race around the track.
From $1,799
Bilstein
(858) 386-5900
www.bilstein.com
Neuspeed Race Series RS10 Forged Wheels
Finding a high quality wheel that looks nice and that won't break the bank seems like a daunting task these days. Neuspeed's new wheel line for VW and Audi fits the description of the perfect rim: lightweight, high quality, and reasonably priced. As for looks, two words: rolling art.
$549 (18-inch), $599 (19-inch)
Neuspeed
(800) 423-3623
www.neuspeed.com
Neuspeed Optician Software for 2.0 FSI
Beyond the smooth power delivery and large horsepower and torque gains, the Neuspeed Optican process allows for a complete back up of the original ECU program, including all of the vehicle specific information. The OEM and Modified program is then burned to a CD and given to the customer as a back-up copy.
$499
Neuspeed
(800) 423-3623
www.neuspeed.com