According to the company, NM Engineering brings a combined total of 153 years' worth of automotive engineering and enthusiasm to MINI motoring, and it has introduced one of the first items in its line of performance products, a complete intake system for the R56 Cooper S. The intake incorporates a larger turbo inlet tube and features CNC mandrel-bent piping, stainless steel brackets and silicone couplings designed, engineered and manufactured for this specific application. Contact for pricing.
NM Engineering
800.388.7171
www.nm-eng.com
With its responsive steering and abbreviated wheelbase, the Smart Fortwo is a surprisingly agile street car. But if there's one thing it could really use, it's a tighter suspension. B&G has released its S2 series lowering springs for the '08 Fortwo that lower the car about an inch front and rear. The springs are progressively wound and come covered with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
B&G Suspension Systems
858.587.9555
www.b-gsuspension.com
License plates and fashion plates usually don't coexist. Most car-related clothing falls into two categories: extremely expensive O.E.-branded stuff, or shirts that are free (and worth every penny). Liquidcrack shirts come in both fitted and loose cuts and are tailored, high-quality designer pieces. Several varieties are available with line drawings of cars like S4s, RS4s, E46 M3s, and other popular European vehicles. Men's and women's lines are both offered and new designs are constantly being added to the company website. These make great gifts for that car guy or gal in your life seeking a little automotive couture. Prices start around 25 bucks.
Liquidcrack
213.784.8665
www.liquidcrack.de
Supersprint has developed a high-performance exhaust system for the E92 M3, Munich's latest hot rod. The complete system includes left and right forward sections incorporating high-flow HJS metallic catalysts, a center X-pipe section, connecting pipes (designed to fit the O.E. center section) and a rear section with a single integrated muffler. Alternatively, customers may select a racing kit for the rear, which includes individual left and right muffler sections. In Supersprint's independent testing, claimed power gains upwards of 28 hp have been shown. Contact for pricing.
Supersprint North America
800.648.7278
www.supersprintna.com
Wheel Of The Month
A Classic Mesh Design Is A Staple Of The BMW Enthusiast.
Beyern Wheels' aptly named Mesh features a hub-centric design for vibration-free operation, and is engineered to accept O.E. center caps as well as interface with the factory tire pressure monitors. Available sizes range from 17 to 22 inches in diameter with up to a 3-inch lip. Finishes include gloss black, chrome or silver with a mirror-cut lip. From $230
Beyern Wheels
888.766.7775
www.beyernwheels.com