Performance - ŔÖ˛Ą´«Ă˝ is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999 /performance Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:49:11 +0000 Joomla! - Open Source Content Management en-gb Wilwood Introduces XRS High-Performance Street Caliper /performance/brakes/wilwood-xrs-high-performance-street-caliper /performance/brakes/wilwood-xrs-high-performance-street-caliper Media Courtesy of Wilwood Disc Brakes

Wilwood Disc Brakes has introduced the XRS, a new high-performance street caliper built on the company’s Superlite Radial Mount design and the XRZ race caliper.

Wilwood has also released a short introduction video highlighting the new XRS caliper and its design.

 

The XRS features an X-bridge architecture designed using finite element analysis (FEA) and manufactured through precision CNC machining. According to Wilwood, the forged aluminum construction produces a stronger, lighter, and more rigid caliper while improving airflow for cooling.

Weighing 4.5 pounds, the XRS is engineered as a direct-fit upgrade for applications using Wilwood’s Forged Billet Narrow Superlite six- and four-piston radial mounting patterns. The caliper is offered with similar piston bore sizes and rotor width options to support integration with existing brake systems.

High-temperature seals and stainless-steel pistons are designed to provide durability for street driving and track-day events.

All XRS calipers are hard anodized inside and out and are available in gloss red or gloss black powder coat. Wilwood also offers 26 additional caliper colors and six logo color options for an additional charge.

For more information, visit .

]]>
Brakes Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:55:51 +0000
KW Introduces DDC Plug & Play Coilovers for Porsche 911 (991) /performance/suspension-chassis/kw-ddc-plug-play-coilovers-porsche-911-991 /performance/suspension-chassis/kw-ddc-plug-play-coilovers-porsche-911-991 Photos Courtesy of KW automotive

KW automotive has introduced its adaptive DDC Plug & Play coilover suspension for Porsche 911 models of the 991 generation equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). Available for 2011-2019 models, the suspension made its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 9 to 12, 2026.

Technician connecting the KW DDC Plug & Play coilover suspension to the factory PASM wiring on a Porsche 911 991.

During installation, the KW suspension connects directly to the original PASM plugs. The Porsche control unit then recognizes and controls the semi-active KW dampers, allowing all factory PASM driving modes to remain functional through the standard controls. Depending on the selected mode, KW describes the resulting ride as sporty-harmonious, comfortable, or sporty-dynamic.

Separate versions are available for vehicles with and without Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), as PDCC-equipped models use a different stabilizer bar connection. KW advises confirming whether a vehicle has PDCC when ordering the suspension.

Close-up of a blue Porsche 911 Turbo S 991 front wheel and fender showing the lowered stance with KW DDC Plug & Play coilovers.

For most Porsche 911 (991) models, including facelift and all-wheel-drive variants, the type parts approval covers continuously adjustable lowering of 25 to 50 mm at the front and rear axles. On Turbo and Turbo S models, the approved lowering range is 30 to 45 mm at the front and 25 to 40 mm at the rear.

KW DDC Plug & Play coilover kit with Hydraulic Lift System components for the Porsche 911 991.

Models equipped with Porsche’s factory lift system can continue using it with the KW coilover suspension. For vehicles without the factory system, KW offers an optional Hydraulic Lift System for the front axle, which can raise the front end by up to 45 mm at the touch of a button to provide additional clearance for speed bumps and steep parking-garage ramps.

KW says the suspension reduces body roll and further improves the handling of the Porsche 911, including on models without active roll compensation. The company draws on its experience working with Porsche customer-racing programs and Manthey during suspension development. Race cars including the Porsche 911 GT3 R are fitted with KW Racing suspension at the factory.

The KW DDC Plug & Play coilover suspension for the Porsche 911 (991) is available now.

For more information, visit .

]]>
Suspension & Chassis Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:06:29 +0000
HKS Releases G16E 1.75L Low-Comp Step 3 Closed-Deck Short Block /performance/engines-components/hks-g16e-1-75l-low-comp-step-3-closed-deck-short-block /performance/engines-components/hks-g16e-1-75l-low-comp-step-3-closed-deck-short-block Images Courtesy of HKS USA

HKS has expanded its lineup of G16E engine components with the release of the new G16E 1.75L LOW-COMP STEP3 CLOSED-DECK short block for the G16E-GTS engine.

The assembled short block features HKS’ BCD Piston Full Kit G16E 1.75L LOW-COMP STEP3 and adopts a closed-deck design to help minimize cylinder deformation under high combustion pressure. To compensate for changes in cooling water flow created by the closed-deck layout, HKS machines the water jackets for optimized coolant flow and adds an additional cooling water jacket around cylinder No. 2 for use with the company’s Grommet Head Gasket SUPER COOLING Pro.

Close-up of the HKS G16E closed-deck short block showing machined water jacket passages for optimized cooling flow.

HKS also machines the deck surface to improve flatness, performs cylinder boring to improve cylindricity, and thoroughly cleans the main oil gallery after machining to help reduce the risk of engine trouble.

The short block uses HKS machined low-compression BCD pistons, STEP3 high-strength machined I-beam connecting rods, and a machined chrome steel full-counter crankshaft. According to HKS, the connecting rods provide a 25 percent increase in strength over the OEM components while improving torque capacity.

Close-up of the HKS G16E low-compression BCD piston installed in the closed-deck short block.

The assembly also uses ACL main and connecting rod bearings, with HKS specifying the main bearings for excellent load capacity.

Close-up of the HKS G16E short block main bearings showing bearing surfaces designed for high load capacity.

Displacement increases from the factory 1,618 cc to 1,746 cc through an 88.0 mm bore and 95.7 mm stroke. HKS notes that the factory balance shafts cannot be used with this setup and recommends HKS Racing Pro 10W50 engine oil.

HKS also recommends pairing the short block with its Grommet Head Gasket SUPER COOLING Pro and HEAD STUDS KIT Pro when building a complete engine package.

For more information, visit .

]]>
Engines & Components Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:13:43 +0000
AMSOIL Reformulates Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil /performance/oil-lubrication/amsoil-reformulates-signature-series-synthetic-motor-oil /performance/oil-lubrication/amsoil-reformulates-signature-series-synthetic-motor-oil Photos Courtesy of AMSOIL

AMSOIL has introduced a reformulated version of its Signature Series 100% Synthetic Motor Oil, featuring an updated formula designed to provide increased engine protection for modern gasoline-powered engines.

According to AMSOIL, the new Signature Series combines premium base oils with a revised additive system to help control wear, maintain viscosity under extreme operating conditions, and reduce volatility. The company says the new formulation delivers 2X better protection against volatility, helping reduce oil consumption, minimize top-offs, and keep engines cleaner over time.

“This next generation of AMSOIL Signature Series represents nearly a decade of precision engineering and rigorous testing,” said AMSOIL Director, Product Marketing Automotive & Commercial Alex Thompson. “Developing a product that demonstrates meaningful performance improvements over an already industry-leading formulation was not easy, but necessary to continue protecting both modern and late-model engine platforms at the highest level.”

AMSOIL also says the reformulated oil delivers 4X more piston protection against low-speed pre-ignition, or LSPI, an issue that can affect turbocharged, direct-injection engines. In Sequence IIIH testing, the company reports the oil provided 72% more protection against piston deposits than required by current industry standards.

Additional benefits cited by AMSOIL include sludge protection, thermal stability for improved cold starts, and reduced oil consumption. The reformulated Signature Series is available in eight viscosity grades: 0W-16, 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30, 0W-40, and 5W-50.

The new formulation provides guaranteed protection in normal service for extended drain intervals of up to 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. AMSOIL says the updated Signature Series will be introduced as existing inventory of the previous formulation is depleted.

For more information, visit .

]]>
Oil & Lubrication Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:53:32 +0000
KW Introduces DDC Plug & Play Coilover Kit for Porsche 911 (997) /performance/suspension-chassis/kw-ddc-plug-play-coilover-kit-porsche-911-997 /performance/suspension-chassis/kw-ddc-plug-play-coilover-kit-porsche-911-997 Photos Courtesy of KW automotive

KW suspensions has introduced a new DDC Plug & Play coilover kit for Porsche 911 (997) models equipped with the factory Porsche Active Suspension Management system, commonly known as PASM.

Porsche 911 997 shown in side profile with a lowered stance after installation of KW DDC Plug & Play coilovers.

Designed for 997-generation 911s with adaptive suspension, the new kit integrates directly with the vehicle’s original PASM system by connecting to the factory PASM plugs. According to KW, no software modifications or deactivation of the factory suspension management system are required.

Porsche 911 997 instrument cluster showing PASM Sport mode with factory gauges and steering wheel in the foreground.

The DDC Plug & Play system is designed to retain the functionality of both PASM driving modes while improving overall handling. In Normal mode, KW says the suspension provides slightly more comfortable damping, while Sport mode delivers improved handling without becoming harsh on rough back roads.

Unlike conventional aftermarket coilovers, the DDC system continuously adjusts damping using signals from the vehicle’s body sensors, steering angle, engine torque, brake pressure, and accelerator pedal position. The control unit then regulates each damper individually to suit changing road conditions and driving style.

Technician installing a KW DDC Plug & Play coilover on a Porsche 911 997 with the front wheel removed.

Ride height remains manually adjustable through KW’s stepless lowering system. Depending on the 997 model, the approved lowering range varies from 10 to 45 millimeters. The kit is currently available for Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera 4 GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, and Cabriolet models, while applications for the GT3 and GT3 RS remain in development.

KW DDC Plug & Play coilover kit for Porsche 911 997 with front and rear dampers, springs, end links, and tool kit.

The Porsche 911 (997) became the first 911 generation to offer PASM, with the system debuting on the Carrera S when the model launched in 2004. KW says the new DDC Plug & Play coilover kit gives owners of these emerging modern classics a way to improve suspension performance while retaining the functionality of the factory adaptive suspension system.

For more information, visit .

]]>
Suspension & Chassis Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:24:35 +0000
McLeod Introduces RST HD Clutch Kit /performance/transmission-drivetrain/mcleod-introduces-rst-hd-clutch-kit /performance/transmission-drivetrain/mcleod-introduces-rst-hd-clutch-kit Photos Courtesy of McLeod Racing

McLeod Racing has introduced the new RST HD Clutch Kit, a performance clutch designed for enthusiasts seeking a balance between street-friendly drivability and increased performance.

Positioned between McLeod’s RST and RXT clutch systems, the RST HD is designed for drivers who demand more than stock while maintaining the smooth engagement expected from a street-driven vehicle. The clutch is rated to handle up to 950 horsepower.

McLeod RST HD hybrid friction discs showing organic and segmented ceramic friction materials.

At the heart of the RST HD is a hybrid dual performance friction disc. One side features a full-face organic friction material for smooth engagement and durability during repeated street and strip use, while the opposing side uses segmented ceramic friction material to provide increased bite and enhanced torque-holding capability when performance demands rise.

According to McLeod, the hybrid disc configuration delivers greater holding capacity while maintaining street-friendly drivability. The design also places less stress on the transmission and the rest of the drivetrain during aggressive driving.

“The RST HD really is about having your cake and eating it too,” said Will Baty. “You get the street manners of an organic disc with the added holding power of ceramic—without having to step all the way up to a more aggressive twin-disc setup.”

The RST HD Clutch Kit is available in multiple configurations, including a ringed version designed to work with an existing flywheel, or complete packages that include either an aluminum or steel flywheel.

Designed for vehicles that see both daily street duty and weekend track use, the RST HD bridges the gap between street-friendly drivability and increased torque capacity.

For more information, visit .

]]>
Transmission & Drivetrain Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:33:03 +0000
ACT Adds Prolite Flywheel Clutch Kits for Subaru WRX /performance/transmission-drivetrain/act-adds-prolite-flywheel-clutch-kits-subaru-wrx /performance/transmission-drivetrain/act-adds-prolite-flywheel-clutch-kits-subaru-wrx Photo Courtesy of Advanced Clutch Technology

Advanced Clutch Technology has expanded its Subaru WRX lineup with new SB12 clutch kits featuring an XACT Prolite chromoly flywheel for 2005-2026 Subaru WRX applications.

Developed in response to customer demand for a complete clutch and lightweight flywheel package, the new SB12 kits build on ACT’s proven SB11 clutch combinations while adding ACT Prolite Flywheel 600895. The flywheel weighs just 8.5 pounds, helping reduce rotational inertia for quicker engine response, improved acceleration, and sharper performance.

The SB12 lineup upgrades the factory 230mm clutch and flywheel to a higher-capacity 240mm system. ACT says the 240mm clutch design increases heat capacity, durability, and drivability while supporting higher torque output for modified WRX builds.

The kits are available for 2005-2026 Subaru WRX models equipped with 2.5L turbo EJ255/EJ257, FA20, FA24, and JDM EJ25 engine applications with 5-speed or 6-speed transmissions.

ACT will offer 10 SB12 kit configurations, with torque capacity ranging from 449 lb-ft to 681 lb-ft at the crank depending on the selected disc, pressure plate, and hub setup. Street configurations use an organic performance disc with a sprung hub for smoother engagement and daily drivability, while Race configurations use cerametallic 4-pad or 6-pad disc options with sprung or rigid hubs for track-focused use.

The Street kits are designed for daily-driven and street performance applications, with torque ratings up to 532 lb-ft. Race kits are intended for competition use, with torque ratings up to 681 lb-ft. ACT notes that race-designated kits are not recommended for street use. Select Race configurations meet SFI Spec 1.1.

Each kit includes the XACT Prolite chromoly flywheel, clutch hardware, release bearing, and alignment tool. ACT says the complete assembly is precision-balanced and designed as a direct replacement for maximum installation efficiency.

Quick Facts:
Application: 2005-2026 Subaru WRX
Engine Applications: 2.5L Turbo EJ255/EJ257, FA20, FA24, JDM EJ25
Transmission: 5-speed and 6-speed
Torque Capacity Range: 449-681 lb-ft
Configurations: 10 kits available
Included Flywheel: ACT XACT Prolite chromoly flywheel
Flywheel Weight: 8.5 pounds
MSRP Range: $1,486-$1,610

Available Kit Configurations:
SB12-HDSS - Organic Street, sprung hub, 449 lb-ft, $1,486
SB12-XTSS - Organic Street, sprung hub, 532 lb-ft, $1,548
SB12-HDG4 - 4-pad Race, sprung hub, 574 lb-ft, $1,514
SB12-XTG4 - 4-pad Race, sprung hub, 681 lb-ft, $1,576
SB12-HDG6 - 6-pad Race, sprung hub, 574 lb-ft, $1,548
SB12-XTG6 - 6-pad Race, sprung hub, 681 lb-ft, $1,610
SB12-HDR4 - 4-pad Race, rigid hub, 574 lb-ft, $1,457
SB12-XTR4 - 4-pad Race, rigid hub, 681 lb-ft, $1,519
SB12-HDR6 - 6-pad Race, rigid hub, 574 lb-ft, $1,479
SB12-XTR6 - 6-pad Race, rigid hub, 681 lb-ft, $1,541

Race-designated kits are not recommended for street use.

Watch the ACT Subaru WRX clutch and flywheel installation video:

For more information, visit .

]]>
Transmission & Drivetrain Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:47:14 +0000