Performance - ��ֱ�� is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

Porsche Taycan Sets New Drift Record on Ice

2025-02-03T15:37:23+00:00

It’s official – the Porsche Taycan now owns the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous vehicle drift for an EV on ice.

The record, which was set in mid-January at Porsche’s Arctic Center in Levi, Finland located about 93 miles (150 km) north of the Arctic Circle, was a controlled drift for 17.053 kilometers (10.59 miles) using only throttle and steering inputs. The distance is equivalent to 132 laps of the 59-meter (193.5-foot) drifting circle used for the attempt.

The car, a Taycan GTS sedan, was driven by Porsche instructor Jens Richter who bested the old record of 14.809 kilometers (8.75 miles). The car was outfitted with Michelin tires with one-millimeter spikes and was equipped with a professional GPS measuring device to track the route precisely. In addition to the car’s movements, the GPS tracker recorded steering wheel inputs, acceleration, braking and G-forces.

Guinness World Records officials were on site to oversee the attempt, and they presented Richter and Christian Lehwald, Managing Director of the Porsche Arctic Center with an official certificate afterwards.

The Taycan now holds four Guinness World records. In 2023, a Taycan Cross Turismo set the greatest altitude change record for an EV at 5,573 meters (18,284.1 feet) while driving a route from Xinjiang to Tibet. In 2021, racing driver Leh Keen hit 165.1 km/h (102.5 mph) at an exhibition hall in New Orleans in a Taycan Turbo S, setting the record for the fastest speed driven by a vehicle in an enclosed building. Lastly, in 2020 Dennis Retera, a Porsche instructor, set the record for the longest continuous drift in an EV when he did 210 laps in a Taycan at the Porsche Experience Center in Hockenheimring, Germany. The record covered 42.171 kilometers (26.2 miles) in 55 minutes.

Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman EVs Expected This Year

2025-02-03T15:30:21+00:00

While they have been a long time coming, 2025 is expected to be the year when both Porsche 718s, Boxster and Cayman, will officially become EV only. Next generation models have been in development for the past few years, and the company’s CEO, Oliver Blume, said back in 2022 that both cars would be EV only for their next generation.

Full electrification for these cars follows the path of the compact Macan SUV that went EV only when second generation models went on sale last year. The 718s would be the third pure EV models to join Porsche’s lineup, following the Macan and Taycan mid-size sedan and wagon.

While it’s too early to know about power units and performance numbers, spy photos of the next gen 718 prototypes testing in the wild are easily found on the Internet so it shouldn’t be too long before we know more.

But if EVs aren’t your bag, Porsche still sells a full roster of gas-powered 718s available, including the 493 horsepower Spyder RS, and Cayman GT4 RS. 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds!

BMW Reveals First-Ever M3 CS Touring

2025-02-03T15:20:33+00:00

It’s time again for another entry in the cool cars that aren’t coming to North America file. This time around the entrant, BMW’s M3 CS Touring, is a gorgeous wagon recently revealed that is truly breathtaking.

Powering this hot wagon is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine that produces 550 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque. With those numbers you’d assume the M3 CS Touring is quite fast, and your assumption is correct. BMW’s official 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time is 3.5 seconds.

The M3 CS Touring features technology derived from racing, according to BMW. In a press release, the company states the 3.0-liter inline six has, “an extremely rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a cylinder head with a 3D-printed bore.” Designed to save weight, the cylinder bores also feature a wire-arc sprayed iron coating to reduce friction loss.

Other highlights include unique engine mounts with increased spring rate, M-specific exhaust system, M adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, and available carbon ceramic brakes. Oh, and those carbon ceramics are available in red or matte gold. As for wheels and tires, the M3 CS Touring runs a staggered set up with 19-inchers up front and 20s at the rear. These alloys come in matte gold, bronze or black. As for tires, BMW didn’t list the brand in the release, but did reveal sizing and said they’re track rubber. Up front they’re 275/35 ZR19, and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear.

As for transmission and layout, the M3 CS Touring is 8-speed automatic / xDrive AWD only, with no manual available. The Active M Differential is rear-biased, however, and there are drive modes that will send more power to the rear wheels. A 2WD mode, with stability control off, is also available.

As we said at the top, the countries getting this limited-run model has been revealed and the U.S. and Canada aren’t on the list. But if you happen to live in Europe, Australia, Japan, or South Korea, you’re in luck. Deliveries are set to begin in March. For the rest of us, there’s always the M3 sedan.

Ford Power Meets Performance: New Megazilla 2.0 and Coyote Crate Engines

2025-01-30T19:22:41+00:00

Ford Performance is shaking up the crate engine market with two high-powered, street-legal options that live up to the brand’s no-boring-products philosophy. Enter the supercharged 7.3-liter Megazilla™ 2.0 V8 and the supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote V8—two engines designed for enthusiasts who crave maximum horsepower.

For those looking to unleash serious power, the Megazilla 2.0 is a beast. Equipped with forged pistons, steel crank, and ported cylinder heads, it’s boosted by a Gen 6 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger. The result? A projected 1,000+ horsepower—perfect for high-performance builds like desert racers or dragstrip machines. But be warned: it’s a competition-only engine.

On the street side, the 5.0-liter Coyote V8, lifted from the Mustang Dark Horse, gets a supercharger upgrade, plus a reprogrammed powertrain control module. The result is over 800 horsepower and 615 lb.-ft. of torque, perfect for both straight-line speed and corner carving on the track. What’s more, it’s street legal and backed by a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty for peace of mind.

Both crate engines come with easy installation, thanks to an intuitive control pack harness, and feature race-ready components, making them perfect for building your dream car.

The Megazilla 2.0 and supercharged Coyote will be available through Ford dealers or Ford Performance Parts in Q4 2025. Get ready to elevate your ride.

Toyo Tires Unveils Open Country R/T Pro: The Ultimate Hybrid Rugged Terrain Tire

2025-01-29T09:28:12+00:00

Toyo Tires has introduced the all-new Open Country R/T Pro, a high-performance hybrid tire designed to conquer both on- and off-road challenges. Perfect for dirt, sand, mud, rocks, and snow, this rugged terrain tire pushes the boundaries of off-road capability while maintaining a comfortable on-road ride. Built with a 3-ply sidewall and aggressive shoulder lugs, the R/T Pro offers professional-grade durability, protecting against cuts, chips, and impacts for long-lasting off-road fun.

The R/T Pro blends the best features of the Open Country R/T (introduced in 2014) and the renowned Open Country M/T, providing a versatile solution for off-road enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in performance. Its advanced tread pattern, including omni-directional tread blocks, a higher void ratio, and improved lateral grooves, enhances traction in snow, mud, and other tough conditions.

This hybrid tire offers a quieter, more comfortable ride compared to traditional mud tires, making it ideal for both off-road adventures and daily commutes. The R/T Pro will be available in 50 sizes ranging from 17 to 24 inches, with popular fitments for vehicles like Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Toyota, and more.

Backed by a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty and the Toyo Tires No Regrets® 45-Day/500-Mile Trial Offer, the Open Country R/T Pro delivers outstanding value for off-road enthusiasts. Visit Toyo Tires to learn more and find a dealer near you.

Toyota Reveals Mid-engine GR Yaris M Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon

2025-01-21T15:38:08+00:00

Even though it’s a concept that’s still in active development, Toyota says the GR Yaris M Concept it revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon will compete in the Super Taikyu Series, a domestic Japanese endurance racing series. What got our attention when the M Concept was revealed its engine configuration, which is “mid-ship mounted” according to Toyota, which means its located behind the driver. The engine in question is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder.
Mid-engine cars are not usually subcompacts, but Toyota says the car is going to be “driven to failure”, and then repaired, in racing so that knowledge gained in racing can further aid in its development.
Obviously, a car like this could be of great interest for tuners, but there are two big obstacles in the way. One, the M Concept hasn’t been greenlit for production, and two, the GR Yaris is not currently sold in North America.

Air Lift Performance... Coilover Kits??!!

2025-01-15T20:56:29+00:00

LANSING, MI – Air Lift Performance, a major player for aftermarket air suspension systems, is diversifying their product portfolio with the introduction of their first-ever coilover suspension kits. Designed for drivers seeking a static lowered stance without air suspension adjustability, these kits promise a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and serious handling.

Each Air Lift Performance coilover kit delivers vehicle-specific engineering for a seamless bolt-on installation. From 32-way damping adjustability to anodized aluminum damper bodies, the kits are built to handle the demands of both daily and spirited driving performance. Custom valving and internal pressure settings ensure optimal ride quality for each specific vehicle.

Features Include:

32-Way Damping Adjustment: Dial-in your dampening for cruzing comfort or track-time stiffness.
Monotube Dampers: Durable design ensures consistent performance.
High-Quality Components: Anodized aluminum damper bodies, locking collars, and spring perches.
Bolt-On Installation: Vehicle-specific upper and lower mounts for precise fitment.
Torture-Tested Durability: Rigorously validated on in-house equipment.

Backed by a one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, Air Lift Performance coilovers also come with the brand's renowned customer service and technical support.

A future coilover-to-air conversion kit will allow enthusiasts to switch to air suspension, offering flexibility for those who might want to lay frame.

Initial Applications

The first wave of Air Lift Performance Coilovers includes fitments for a variety of popular platforms:

Subaru WRX/STI (2015-2021)
Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS (2012-2024)
Ford Mustang S550/S650 (2015-2024)
Honda Accord (2018-2024)
Tesla Model 3/Y (2017-2024)
Infiniti and Nissan platforms, including G35, G37, 370Z, and new Nissan Z models (varied years)
Toyota GR Supra/BMW Z4 (2020-2024)
Lexus LS400 (1989-2000)

This release offers a static suspension solution tailored to specific models, blending modern performance with the lowered look enthusiasts love.

For more information on these coilover kits and future releases, visit Air Lift Performance

Performance - ����ֱ�� is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999