Some ad campaigns are just freakin’ awesome.  TAG Heuer decided that they would put one of today’s most popular racers against a legend from the past and see who would come out on top.  Scroll down slightly and watch the prelude to what will be the most awesome thing to happen ever.  Ok maybe that was an overstatement..but just barely!

The guys at Autoblog hired a special-forces embargo ninja to get top secret intel on the next AMG monster ahead of the New York Auto Show.  What you see before you is the next incarnation of the legendary “Hammer” the E63 AMG.  One look at its sharp angular scowl and you know this thing will eat the children of all competitors while looking fresh in the process.  As you may have guessed, AMG stuffed a 6.3 liter supercharged V8 under the hood that’s good for 518 horsepower and 465 ft-lbs of torque.  If this thing was a transformer its name would be “Der Hammer” and would have a cool German accent.

Press Release:

With 518 hp and AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

The E63 AMG - a new generation sports sedan delivering top driving dynamics

Affalterbach - AMG is kicking-off the 2009 driving season with a new superstar: shortly after the launch of the new E-Class, the AMG high-performance brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars presents the new 2010 E63 AMG. This dynamic sports sedan impresses with outstanding performance, thrilling handling characteristics and advanced technology transferred from its sibling, the SL63 AMG high-performance Roadster. The E63 AMG makes its U.S. sales debut in November 2009.

The new E63 AMG distinguishes itself from the standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans with a newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping, revised front suspension and unique exterior and interior design. At the same time, Mercedes-AMG has achieved a significant reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E63 AMG, thanks to the precise application of several fuel efficiency improvements. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG further consolidates the brand’s leading position in the field of automotive safety.

The AMG 6.3-liter V8-engine in the new E63 AMG develops an output of 518 hp and a 465 lb-ft of torque, matching the outstanding figures for the SL63 AMG. The high-performance Roadster has also transferred its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model. This transmission replaces the conventional torque converter through the use of a multi-disc wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual driving modes, rev-matched shifts and RACE START function, the resulting, direct connection to the powertrain delivers an extremely emotional and high-performance driving experience.

The AMG MCT drive unit is unique in this segment, and provides dramatic performance figures: the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and high redline. The AMG V8 sound is a thrilling partner for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees renowned Mercedes long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.

Fuel consumption cut by almost twelve percent
Despite 11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the E63 AMG showcases several advancements designed to improve fuel efficiency, including on-demand delivery of fuel and alternator management with recuperation of engine power during overrun. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used to coat cylinder walls.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a multi-disc wet clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, directly and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia. The transmission is equipped with four driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection during gearshifts under full load contributes to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

In the even more fuel-efficient driving mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears with deliberate smoothness, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible. At the same time, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission met the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast and precise multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic rev-matching and RACE START function: this enables the E63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle

Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the dynamic cornering of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E63 AMG. This is made possible by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height, irrespective of the load.

A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition, the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button. The E63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, unique front axle with a 2.2 inch (56 millimeter) wider track, a tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, newly-designed bushing geometry and kinematics and new wheel location for more negative camber - thereby providing more grip when taking turns at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensures significantly more precision. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimized elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.

Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®

For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14 : 1 is 22 percent more direct (quicker) than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.

The 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL63 AMG and C63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected - with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same high level of handling safety. The ESP® key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” - with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even during performance driving is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 14.2 inch, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested compound (two-piece) construction technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of 9 and 9.5 inches and mixed tire sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

Decidedly dynamic interior and exterior

The purposefully dynamic design of the E63 AMG is fully in keeping with the vehicle’s impressive technology. The front aspect is characterized by 17-millimeter wider fenders bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering, the new AMG front apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology. In conjunction with the optional Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination, the E63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps.

The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side skirts and AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

The new interior of the E63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles. As a completely new feature exclusive to the E63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly adjacent to it in the center console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension setup and the AMG driving modes. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colors, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster - both in brushed stainless steel.

Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras

Customers can select the optional AMG Performance Package, which includes the following:

• Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19
tires at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
• AMG Performance suspension with stiffer spring rates
• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
• Top speed raised to 186 mph

Active and passive safety at a new level

The E63 AMG traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Brake Assist PLUS, eleven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. Optional safety features can bring the vehicle to a level unprecedented in this class with Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS.

Today I got a message via the ol’ interweb from my buddies at D1GP USA announcing that GENIUS Tools will be the presenting sponsor for the 2009 season!  Good stuff!  Does this mean that every pit mechanic using Genius Tools has superhuman IQs?  I prefer to think…yes…yes they do..

Press Release:

Genius Tools Announced as Presenting Sponsor for 2009 D1GP USA Season

D1 Grand Prix, America’s leading drift racing series, announced today Genius Tools will be the Presenting Sponsor for the 2009 season. Additional sponsors for this season include the United States Air Force, GReddy, VITI Water, ampm and Universal Technical Institute. FOX television has also been announced as the official broadcast partner of D1GP USA. This deal is the largest in drifting history with FOX owned and operated stations in more than 20 markets, including the top 10 markets in America, broadcasting D1GP USA events via FREE television in 47 million homes. On top of this deal, D1GP USA will race into an additional 45 million homes via cable carriers Comcast and Cox Fox Sports Net and an additional 120 million homes via Fox Sports International, which spans 65 countries. D1GP USA will also be featured on the weekly television show Steel Dreams in 70 million homes.

D1GP USA Announces Additional Driver Entries for 2009

The 2009 D1 Grand Prix season is shaping up to be an international affair as D1GP USA today announced that competing in the entire series this season will be the top three drivers from Finland: No. 1 ranked Janne Leinonen, no. 2 ranked Harri Hokkanen and no. 3 ranked Juha Rintanen. All three will be competing alongside the many international and domestic drivers registered thus far.

D1 Underground Reaches Unbelievable Heights

With the program just a month and a half old, D1 Underground has had more than 350 driver registrations and 60 event registrations making it the largest networked group of grassroots drifting events in the world. This program has quickly become the standard for amateur drifting in the United States.

For more information about D1GP USA or to purchase tickets, visit www.d1gp.com.

Talk about your upsets!  A team that was created from the ashes of the recently deceased Honda F1 team rises up gains a sponsor in Virgin, dominates qualifying, and then sweeps their first race in a team 1-2 finish!  All of this while both Ferrari’s finished outside of the points!

If you’re lost let me attempt to catch you up a bit.  In Late 2008 Honda shocked the racing community by annoucing that they were going to pull out of F1 completely.  Naturally this shocked everyone and many were hoping for a big sponsor or someone to pull through to save the team. 

After months of rumors and heresay former Honda F1 Team Principal Ross Brawn along with a few other members of management and investors bought Honda’s F1 Team assets and formed the “Brawn GP” team.  They also announced that they would retain Jenson Button and Rubins Barrichello for their driver line up.  They also shook things up by stating that they wouldn’t become another Ferrari customer and instead chose to source their engines from Mercedes.

Fast forward to this past weekend and the little team that could dominates qualifying with Jenson Button taking the pole and his teammate Ruben qualifying 2nd right next to him.  Come race day the lights go out, Jenson rockets away to an early lead, and that was pretty much all she wrote.  Jenson and Ruben spanked the whole field and brought home a 1-2 victory for their team in its first ever race, a feat that was last accomplished in the 70s!

Check out the Speed Rountable for all the news bits I may have missed

Photo: Brawn GP

Last year Team Falken built a carbon fiber Ford GT to run in the GT class of the American LeMans series.  It looks like this year they’ve decided to go with a battle tested and proven platform: a Porsche GT3 RSR.  I caught wind of this while looking at a press release on UrbanRacer.com where Team Falken announced a new team sponsor, Cleveland Golf.  That Porsche looks absolutely FRESH in the Team Falken color scheme.  I can’t wait to see it up close at the Long Beach Grand Prix next month.

AEM just dropped a new line up of air/fuel gauges available in a multitude of colors.  You got your blue, your red, the whole nine.  However they left out pink again!  Sheesh I guess they really aren’t paying attention to those emails I’ve been sending…

Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hawthorne, CA, March 25, 2009-AEM is pleased to introduce a high-tech analog version of its popular wideband air/fuel gauge, allowing racers and enthusiasts with analog gauge clusters to match their existing setup.

WHAT IT DOES
AEM’s wideband air/fuel gauge unites unsurpassed accuracy, speed and control with an easy to read, analog interface. The AEM wideband also offers a 0-5v analog output for use with data loggers and virtually any engine management system, such as the AEM EMS or FIC.

WHY YOU WANT ONE
The system features a Bosch sensor with an accuracy of .1 AFR, making it among the fastest and most accurate widebands available. The backlighting is user adjustable to 7 colors, (white, blue, green, red, orange, light blue, and aqua), allowing users to easily match the wideband gauge to most factory gauge clusters.

MORE ANALOG APPLICATIONS ON THE WAY!
Following the wideband release, AEM will be launching analog versions of the following display gauges throughout 2009: Boost, EGT, Water Temp, Oil Temp, Fuel Pressure, and Oil Pressure.

KEY FEATURES
• Accurate to .1 AFR
• Adjustable backlighting via a dial on the back of the gauge
• Two status lights for error detection and operating status
• Available in white or black gauge faces
• Includes black and silver interchangeable bezels
• 320 degree viewing area for unsurpassed resolution
• Includes Bosch sensor for optimum accuracy and reliability
• 0-5v analog output included for use with data loggers and virtually any engine management system
AEM performance electronics products are Engineered to Outperform. The company manufactures street and race performance products that are unmatched in performance, quality and value. AEM headquarters is located in Hawthorne, CA.

Eat Sleep Race just dropped a new “varsity” design shirt and its pretty clean.  My favorite part is the winged race tire.  There is probably a limited quanitity so if you’re feeling it you should scoop it up ASAP.

This Saturday Formula D is holding their official launch party at street wear boutique Attic (Also exclusive producer of Formula D apparel this year) while at the same time Attic will be having a spring cleaning sale with product as much as 60% off.  There are a few stipulations though.  Check out the Formula D blog or scroll down for more info.

Blog Exerpt:

Attic is the official streetwear sponsor of Formula Drift’s 2009 season. This is the Official Launch event with Formula Drift to introduce the motorsports industry to the streetwear community and vice versa.

• This Saturday (March 28th) from 12 PM - 6 PM at Attic Buena Park. The event starts at 12 Noon but the sale starts at 9 AM.
• Formula Drift will be bringing out 5 of the drift cars that will competing this year to showcase.
• There will be media coverage by DSport Magazine and Import Tuner, and Wrecked Magazine
• Prestigious Models will be hosting the official “Ms. Attic” model search. They have a large database of amateur models they will be contacting for us to take pictures of at the event to find the official “Ms. Attic”.
• Food will be catered by Kogi Truck. You’ve seen them on TV and in newspapers.
• And finally, a massive 60% off sale to get a lot of you fans to come out to the event (must read details below to get the discount).

MORE INFO ABOUT THE HUGE SALE THIS WEEKEND
This is one of Attic’s biggest sales of the YEAR. Our famous Spring Cleaning Sale.
We made it very simple for you guys this time though. Instead of doing buy 1 get 1 free and stuff like that, we’re just going to give you 60% off your entire purchase. EVERYTHING in the store will be eligible for the 60% off (even sale items). Another added bonus is that if you purchase a Formula Drift Ticket ( Friday - GA Ticket & Saturday Reserved Ticket) for $25.00, you won’t have to wait in line for the sale! Tickets will be sold cash only and have a LIMITED Amount of Tickets, it’s first come first serve!

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART: you will NOT be allowed to enter the store unless you show proof of text. In order to receive this text, you must text the keyword DRIFT to 69302. No exceptions. It’s really simple - just whip out your phone, send a normal text message to the number 69302, and inside the body of the text all you need to do is put the one-word keyword DRIFT and send the text message. It’s not case-sensitive so you don’t have to capitalize all the letters. If you have any questions, you can call the shop at 714-220-3116. This sale is for both Attic Buena Park and Attic San Diego, and the sale is from 9-6 on Saturday and 10-6 on Sunday for both locations.

www.attic2zoo.com
www.attic2zoo.com/wordpress

Directions to the Attic Store:

8010 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
714-220-3116
Corner of Beach and La Palma (You can’t miss it, across from Knott’s Berry Farm)

As soon as I saw this wheel I instantly started to hear that song ”Im the biggest boss” by Rick Ross in my head.  The JLine Krowne RL2 is definately on the VIP list.

The first round of the re-freshed D1GP USA is quickly approaching and we’ve finally got a look at what the drivers will be facing in Anaheim.  From the diagram its different from the “Dojo” concept that was released a while back but this setup looks pretty challenging nonetheless.  After a long straight drivers will be heading into a right hand turn at about 65mph and from there its all front facing clipping points until the finish.  Should be interesting!!  If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, point your browser to D1GP.com.  Word has it that the VIP seats are already sold out so if you’re looking to be there you should hurry before its down to standing room only!.

Press Release:

D1GP USA News and Updates

With less than two months until D1GP USA kicks-off in Anaheim, Calif., we are going to begin sending out weekly news and updates to keep everyone posted. We simply have a lot of items that are important to share, so we’ll be sending out press releases for the larger announcements, but will be sending out weekly news to keep you informed on all the details.

Track Layout for Round #1 Of The D1GP USA Championship Points Series Revealed

The start of the 2009 D1 Grand Prix drifting season is right around the corner with the opening event being held at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, CA, May 2nd. D1GP USA has now released the details and track design for the event which will send cars sliding around the stadium grounds.

• 10,000 seats
• 2,500 standing room only area
• 500 VIP seats & 20 VIP suites
• 1,000 ft. entry into a 500′ x 500′ drift mecca
• 2 Jumbotron screens
• 1 pedestrian bridge
• 250 show vehicles on display
• Over 8,000′ of fence & 2,500′ ft. of k-rail barrier
• Over 30 cameras including FOX, Option Video & in-car cameras
• Over 40 stacks of Line Array speakers surrounding the track and midway areas
• 2 Car Transporter “Transformers”
• Stunt bike, shifter kart & skate demos
• HPI Racing RC Drift Track
• Gumball Rally Celebrity Cars & Drivers in Attendance
• Performances by the reunited members of Sublime, Speaker Junkies and more
Media Night & Official Pre-Party Announced For Round 1 In Anaheim, Calif.

Come join D1 Grand Prix Thursday, April 30, from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm at K1 Speed in Anaheim as we prepare to kick-off the 2009 D1GP Season. The evening will feature an autograph session with the D1GP drivers as well as exciting go-kart racing action. On Friday, May 1, from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, D1 Grand Prix joins with the Gumball Rally for a pre-party at the Santa Monica Pier. This event will feature free concerts and a chance to meet the D1GP drivers, as well as the drivers and cars of the 2009 Gumball 3000. For more information visit: www.D1GP.com.

VIP Seats for D1GP USA Anaheim Are Completely Sold Out

D1GP USA has announced that the VIP seats for the Anaheim event are completely sold out. This is a pretty remarkable feat considering tickets went on sale just one month ago and the event is still over a month away. With the rest of the venues’ VIP tickets and bleacher seating for Anaheim being gobbled up quickly, it is generating an early indication of enormous fan support.