Rockets Dead Glare

 


 
 
 

Um, what is that thing and why are you riding it? Call it a guilty pleasure, a warped sense of humor, or a general lack of good taste. Yes, we are secure enough in our own masculinity to ride a scooter but it couldn’t be just any scooter. Enter the Rockets Dead Glare Reflex. Inspired by the full custom scooters of Shinjuku, we created our own homage to the Toyko mega-scoots. 600 watts of ducted MTX Audio and Kicker components, 12″ extended swingarm, front & back quick-drop air suspension, zero-lean angle body kit, and ridiculous graphics (our personal specialty). Hell, it even has a ninja spinner on it. Yes – it’s ridiculous. Yes – your buddies would cringe to see you riding it. Yes – it pulls high school chicks better than roofie flavored mojitos (so we’ve heard).
Icon would like to give a special thanks to all of our friends and colleages in Japan without whom this project wouldn’t have happened.

The Ferrari Enzo WRC ....with the noise

 The Ferrari Enzo, nothing can replace this!

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4Matic S: The ‘other Quattro’

For the very first time, big-engined Audi ‘RS’ models are facing some competition. Thanks to AMG’s 4Matic S version of the E63 (not available in all markets), Mercedes can at last compete with its Ingolstadt nemesis not only on a ‘level playing field’, but up snowy hills and along winding wet roads, too. We’ve just driven it.

It’s taken several generations (this is the fifth) of the E-Class before 4Matic, part-time 4wd assistance was coupled with AMG power. The fact that so many middle-European (or North American, in the snowier states) owners preferred an RS6 to an AMG E55, or E63 frustrated the company’s management. Those times are over, with the introduction of the ‘E63 AMG 4Matic S’.
Don’t be fooled by the ‘E63’ bit: for reasons of economy and emissions, the AMG-built 6.2-litre V8 is no longer installed under the bonnet. Instead, an equally impressive (585HP, 800Nm torque) 5.5-litre, twin-turbo V8 gives performance of 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds. The AMG ‘Speedshift MCT’ 7-speed sports transmission, coupled with the car’s formidable on-board electronics, ensures that every tiny fraction of power and torque is transmitted to the correct wheel, with minimum loss of traction. Even the most skilled driver could not improve on it.


For the brave, a choice of three modes is available that can – to a certain extent – override the electronic safety net. The steering becomes more direct; the ride harder, the characteristics of engine and transmission changed from ‘street’ to ‘circuit’. And it’s on the race track that these more extreme settings are most appropriate – this car has so much performance it’s best to let it look after you on the road. There will be times, too, when you will thank the engineers for offering - as an option - 402mm-diameter carbon composite material brake discs. You would not want to spoil the elaborate intakes, ducts and grilles of the E63’s front valance, would you?


On the road, at sensible speeds, the sound of the growly V8 barely enters the cabin. To reduce consumption, emissions and sound levels, the car switches the engine off when stationary in traffic. As a result, although we did not achieve the promised 10.5l/km consumption figure, a realistic 14.0l/km is attainable.
And in addition to other S-Class-type luxury features, the E63 comes with full LED headlamps and lane assist. It almost seems to ‘see’ an accident ahead and take the appropriate avoiding action. For a German-market price of 118,000 euros, it should do. In summary, one could say: “For 12,000 euros less, you can order a ‘standard’ E63, with two-wheel drive and only 557HP – why buy the 4Matic S?”

True, but the ‘S’ gives almost SLS-like performance, with greater practicality, at a considerable saving. The choice is yours and, if 4wd is a 'must', AMG E-Class enthusiasts need no longer look wistfully at an Audi RS6.

Related Links You can configure your Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG 4Matic S at www.mercedes-amg.com Classic and new Mercedes-Benzes can be found in the Classic Driver Marketplace

Text: Sven Jürisch(ClassicDriver)
Photos: Daimler

THE HKS CT230R REBORN

As I was making my way around Osaka Auto Messe last weekend, taking in the crazy VIP cars and other custom machines that filled the halls, I spotted an in interesting shape out of the corner of my eye. I wasn’t exactly sure what I saw at first, but as I got closer I realized I was looking at a legendary Time Attack car – the HKS CT230R Evo.

While the shape of the CT230R was recognizable, the body had been covered in a new wrap and the car was now known as the “CT230R-NGV”. What’s the NGV stand for? Natural gas vehicle of course.

It seems that HKS has revived what was once the world’s fastest Time Attack car as a base for its CNG Bi-Fuel system.

In addition to their performance parts, HKS is also involved in producing these Bi-Fuel systems for commercial vehicles and trucks. Now it seems they will start applying this technology to motorsport.

There were no specifics listed as to what exactly HKS plans to do with the “CT230R-NGV”, but I’m interested to see what will become of this legendary tuner machine.

Whatever the case, it’s nice to see this car back in the public eye. What do you think?

-Mike from SPEEDHUNTERS