It’s a question of some import: How do you improve upon the most bad-ass 911 the Porsche factory has ever produced? A car that carries the marketing tagline “Respect required” and has earned the ominous nickname of “Widowmaker.”

After attending my share of tire launches, I’ve become accustomed to the routine. Wake up early, sit through a presentation highlighting the latest and greatest technology, then get handed the keys to a car for a test drive. While these presentations are informative, I’m often left wondering if it’s all just a case of a placebo effect. Did I really experience a novel and innovative technology when I drove the car, or did it seem more fantastic since they told me it would be?

According to the company, Pioneer’s AppRadio is the first in-vehicle product designed to utilize the processing power, storage capacity, network connectivity and applications of Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch. It also features a capacitive touchscreen that enables control of most functions using similar touch and motion gestures as many of today’s most popular smartphones, but in a larger 6.1-inch screen designed for safe in-vehicle operation. AppRadio also has a built-in Bluetooth capability for hands-free calling and an input for an optional rear-facing backup camera. $399

Years ago I had the pleasure of spending a day with the Forza Motorsport development team at Microsoft Game Studios—now Turn 10 Studios—before the sequel was released. I learned that not only were Dan Greenawalt and his team very talented programmers and designers, but that many were actively involved in the enthusiast lifestyle and had extensive experience in various motorsport disciplines.

Designed to work in conjunction with the company’s Stage II+ ECU upgrade, APR’s 3.0 TFSI supercharger pulley allows the factory Eaton supercharger to spin faster, increasing boost levels throughout the rpm range all the way to redline. When combined with APR’s RSC exhaust and APR/Carbonio intake, the result is a claimed power increase of 80 lb-ft of torque and 108 hp at the wheels on 93 octane fuel. The kit includes a properly sized supercharger belt, e-coated black pulley for a factory look and a free software upgrade for existing Stage I ECU customers. $549

Taming the torque

With its new Azenis PT722 A/S, Falken Tire claims it intends to set the stage for a new category in ultra-high-performance (UHP) rubber. Since the company believes emphasis on tread life has been overlooked in the UHP category, the PT722 touring tire is targeted at drivers looking for a smooth and quiet ride without sacrificing either performance or tread life. To back it up the claims, Falken backs the tire with one of the best warranties available in UHP tires—60,000 miles in sizes featuring a 600-A-A UTQG rating and 40,000 miles for sizes with a 440-A-A UTQG rating. The Azenis PT722 A/S is available in 44 sizes encompassing series 30 to 60, and wheel fitment diameters from 16 to 20 inches, as either an original equipment replacement or a plus-sized aftermarket alternative.

The N55 engine was released in 2011 and labeled by BMW as the next generation of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six. The new-generation powerplant replaced the dual-turbo setup with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger. In spite of the change from twins to a single turbo, horsepower and torque figures were the same as on the outgoing N54 twin-turbo engine (300 hp, 300 lb-ft). The engine redesign brought forth a whole slew of challenges for tuners and raised a lot of questions—like can the same types of modifications create the same performance increases?

Designed to eliminate the restrictions found in the factory VW 2.0 TDI airbox, AWE Tuning’s TDI C|C|B intake is designed to provide a smooth, unobstructed path for air entering the engine to increase efficiency and power. This intake system comes with a large washable cone filter that’s surrounded by a carbon-fiber box engineered to shuttle fresh, cool air from the factory grille directly into the combustion process.

Ultimo coilovers from Raceland are designed for drivers seeking better suspension performance over stock while retaining the ability to lower their vehicle to their desired ride height. According to the company, they have been improved over the standard kit to allow a better ride quality at lowered ride heights. The larger and shortened shock pistons, along with stiffer spring rates and stronger shock valving, ensure you get the stance you seek without sacrificing ride quality. Powdercoated shock bodies and gold-anodized spring perches add an extra level of corrosion resistance to extend the life of the coilover.

It isn’t often that I go completely gaga over a given product, but when the product blows my expectations out of the water and does something almost magical, it’s time to tell all.

With nothing less than a twin-turbocharged V12 shoehorned into this engine bay, the Mercedes S600 is an iconic car to modify. This was going to be a fun test, and our friends at Renntech knew it.

True story: On a recent cross-country trip I was approaching a red-light camera trap when my Passport iQ warned me of approaching danger. After taking a quick glance at its clear and informative screen, I spotted the oncoming traffic light changing from green to yellow, so instinctively I slowed down and stopped. The car in front of me didn’t and the strobe went off. In California the fine would be $351, just over half of the Passport iQ’s $649 retail price. And that’s not to mention the increased insurance rates that would compound the pain of the infraction for years to come.

Integrated Engineering has released a new I-beam connecting rod design featuring extra-fine tolerances at each end of the rod. Each is finish-machined in the USA on a Sunnen hone machine, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used for optimization of the beam to produce a superior strength-to-weight ratio. According to the manufacturer, Tuscan I-beam rods have been proven to withstand 1,000+ horsepower on four-cylinder applications. Tuscan I-beam rods are available in select applications for VW, Audi and BMW.

We are all looking to slim down these days, even cars have joined the ranks of those trying to shed a few pounds. Weight is the key to performance, and the less you have the better thing perform. Neuspeed is like the Weight Watchers of the racing world - always looking for ways to make a car lighter and go faster.

You bought a Porsche because it is the pinnacle of sports car performance. Because there’s no way you could possibly make the car better, right? We’ve got a couple of ideas to prove that theory wrong.

Our little 2.0T Tiptronic Quattro is back. Our testing began a few years ago with APR software and a Carbonio intake netting us 60 wheel horsepower in the midrange and even greater torque, and peak power went from 146 whp to 195 whp (Proven, July ’07). Shortly after, the factory plastic bypass valve took a dive and we replaced it with a Forge Motorsport aluminum unit.

The Modulare M24 is a three-piece forged wheel available in 18-, 19-, 20-, 21- and 22-inch diameters. Each M24 is custom-made to order so it is applicable to most five- and six-lug applications and can accommodate virtually any offset. The spoke pattern is Modulare’s interpretation of the classic mesh pattern with exposed rivets beneath the polished lip for extra visual flare. Various finishes available, inquire for pricing.

Building on the success of the original Eagle F1 Asymmetric, Goodyear has introduced its second-generation, ultra-high-performance tire: Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2. Incorporating technology derived from racing, this new tire features ActiveBraking Technology and a tread compound that blends unique high-molecular-weight polymers, a very high silica content and race traction resin. These two elements, combined with various additional Goodyear motorsport-derived technological innovations, give the new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 reduced rolling resistance, enhanced grip and increased stopping power in both wet and dry driving conditions.

Perusing the car care aisle at the local auto parts store can be a daunting task. How do you choose the right combination of products to keep your vehicle looking its best? Meguiar’s offers a solution with its Brilliant Solutions line of pre-assembled care kits, one of which is the New Car Kit that combines an array of Meguiar’s products to keep your new-car finish looking fresh. All you need to do is add water and supply the bucket. The kit contains enough product to wash, dry and wax your car two to three times. The kit includes a Meguiar’s MicroFiber Wash Mitt, Ultimate Wash and Wax, Ultimate Wax, Endurance Tire Gel, a foam applicator pad, Water Magnet microfiber drying towel and a Supreme Microfiber towel. MSRP: $26.99

The GoPoint Technology GL1 diagnostic cable turns your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad into an OBD-II scan tool, allowing you an all-access pass to your car’s hidden data. It works on all ’96 model year and newer gasoline and diesel vehicles sold in the USA. When used in conjunction with the free goLINK app interface, you have the ability to view and decode vehicle fault codes, reset that pesky check-engine light and access real-time vehicle data. The GL1 Diagnostic Cable has been certified to meet Apple’s stringent quality standards, and as a bonus, the internal patent-pending technology will recharge your iPhone or iPod Touch while the vehicle is in use. $99.82

Typically, the most difficult thing about upgrading your vehicle’s ECU is not making the decision to do so but finding the time to actually have it done. To address this issue, Neuspeed has released its Power Flash—a DIY unit that gives you the ability to program your vehicle at home and on your own schedule. This eliminates the need to ship the ECU and having your vehicle incapacitated in the meantime, or having to take a drive to the nearest tuner. You also have the freedom to return the car to stock yourself at any time, and the Power Flash lets you flash the car as many times as you want. Available for Audi, MINI and Volkswagen vehicles.

I’m all for making routine automotive jobs easy so I can spend more time enjoying myself behind the wheel. Depending on your location, weather and environmental conditions may require you to wash your pride and joy more than once a week. That’s a heck of a lot of washing, especially if you have more than one beast in your stable. But remember that drying is a step easily overlooked if you want your car looking its absolute best in the years to come; this step is just as important as the washing itself.

Now that summer is in high gear, it’s time to get out and do stuff with your stuff. Here are a few of our favorite storage systems designed for virtually every European car chassis. There’s no excuse now. Go outside and do stuff.

Having heard that a third child was on the way, Project Editor Mazlumian was saddened that his E36 M3 sedan wasn’t going to be the family hauler any longer. After all, this car (bumped by an extra 60 whp) has been both fun and reliable, but sadly, there’s no room for three child seats in the back row.