The hyped-up Mazdaspeed 3 is all about its factory-tuned version of Mazda Parts that will surely rock the socks out of any speed enthusiasts foot. With its powerful engine that could generate 300 ponies under the hood up to its chassis-riding on a racetrack-type coil over suspension kit; this ensemble of performance parts definitely means business.

The appeal of the Mazdaspeed came into focus during the test drive’s slogging through stop-and-go traffic. The car was said to feel strikingly “normal” according to some journalistts who tried out the car. Granted, that’s what you’d expect when you spend roughly $30,000—$24,650 for a Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring five-door hatchback and nearly $5,000 in aftermarket goodies. But you’d be surprised by how many tuner specials should be consigned to one of the lower circles of automotive hell.

Dramatically improving the Mazdaspeed 3 is a challenge. Thanks to a turbocharger, intercooler and direct injection, the 2.3-liter twincam four-cylinder engine cranks out 263 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. Once you factor in some hardware from the Mazdaspeed accessory catalog, the Mazdaspeed 3 gets an aggressive new personality.

The coil-over kit ($1,775, plus $250 for recommended camber links) sits the car right down on the ground. The Mazdaspeed 3 itself is an inch lower than a conventional Mazda 3, and the coil-overs can reduce the ride height another 0.5 to 1.5 inches. The dampers are adjustable in both compression and rebound, and low- and mid-speed damping are affected, so body control is enhanced while ride quality remains much the same.

Once you get the car’s weight where you want it by adjusting ride height and corner weights, R-compound 225/40ZR18 Toyo Proxes RA1 tires ($212 each) ride on forged alloy wheels ($550 each).

Pop the hood and feast your eyes on the shiny, sinuous curves of the mandrel-bent aluminum cold-air intake ($399). Peeking out from the rear bumper skirt is the polished tip of the stainless-steel cat-back exhaust ($729). Stavana is coy about how much power these bolt-on Mazdaspeed Accessory pieces produce, but our test numbers suggest at least 25 hp, which would put the Mazdaspeed in the same territory as the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru WRX STI.

It’s an old story. A huge team of highly skilled engineers devotes hundreds of thousands of man-hours to optimizing the design of a production car. Then, some yahoo picks a bunch of parts out of a catalog while he’s sitting on the can, and slaps them on his car with the help of two buds and a case of Coors. Can you say “prescription for disaster”?

Mazda didn’t get into this business until 2004, and since then, its sales have increased at about 50 percent per year. Jack Stavana, director of accessory operations for Mazda North American Operations, claims that the reason lies in Mazdaspeed’s interest in performance, not appearance.

“It’s all real stuff, and it’s all track-proven,” he says in an interview. “We don’t just put stickers on the cars, and you’ll never see Mazdaspeed sticking a badge on an air freshener. We’re not about overblown aero kits and huge spoilers and airdams that drag on the ground. We’re going after high-performance addicts. So the question we ask ourselves is, ‘What can we do to make the car better?”

Honda Racing plans a head start as they set out for testing the new Honda Parts in Japan. With nothing to lose, Honda Racing say they plan to debut several different aerodynamic concepts on their 2007 car at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Jacky Eeckelaert, the team’s director of engineering, says they had always planned to introduce some new performance parts on the RA107 in time for the Fuji race. But with the team’s dismal showing this season, they have decided to debut and test parts which will end up on next year’s car as well.

“The Fuji upgrade was always planned for the last three races,” he tells Autosport magazine. “But now with the arrival of (Loic Bigois and John Owen) in the aero department it will be different from what we originally planned because we have new philosophies and different concepts from their previous teams. And they want to try those out on this year’s car.”

“We clearly know what is wrong on the car. Anything that touches the aerodynamic side, the guys all agree that it is an area where we are lagging behind. The concept has been pushed too far in any given direction – which worked pretty well with the Michelin tire but not with the Bridgestone, so we’re prepared for change.”

“Where we are in the championship, it doesn’t make any difference.”

Honda have scored just a single point through 12 races and trail Honda-supported but underfunded Super Aguri in the championship. Eeckelaert says whatever changes they opt to try out in Japan can’t be any worse that what they’ve got already on the tack.

“Anything we can try on this year’s car that can help us for next year is not a waste of time,” he explained. “That’s why I’m quite pleased that they already want to change the concept a bit around the front-end of the car to see if we have a good correlation between car and track. And we’ll see if it improves the car’s performance.”

Dodge Performance Parts introduces the new Gooseneck trailer hitch from Mopar, which is an Authentic Dodge Accessory that mounts securely in the pickup bed using an installation kit. This could be attached directly to the frame rails under the bed, and could easily be installed within an hour. It requires limited drilling and no welding at all, making it more convenient for the car owner to install one in his Dodge pickup. The trailer hitch ball can be converted from hitch to flat bed floor in just seconds with a quick release handle. Powder coated for a durable and long-lasting finish, the hitch also meets all Chrysler O.E. corrosion specifications, which was designed to keep all of their performance parts in tact.

“The new gooseneck trailer hitch from Mopar makes the dependable and durable Dodge Ram an even more capable work truck to handle our customers’ toughest trailer towing and hauling needs,” said Chris Cortez, Senior Vice President - Global Service & Parts, The New Chrysler. Cortez added, “Our authentic Dodge accessories are factory-engineered and designed to provide compatibility in function and fit.”

Designed for 2005 model year and later Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Regular/Quad Cab and 2006 model year and later Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Mega Cab, Ram customers may refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for complete trailer towing specifications. The gooseneck trailer hitch is compatible with Mopar’s bedliners, BedRugs and wheel well liners.

The US Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Regular/Quad trailer hitch (#82211326) is $205. The installation kit (#82211327) has an MSRP of $205. The MSRP for the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Mega Cab trailer hitch (#82211324) is $240. The installation kit (#82211325) has an MSRP of $205. The installation kits are necessary for both trailer hitches.

The gooseneck trailer hitch from Mopar is available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge dealerships across the country and is covered under Mopar’s 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty. This warranty is serviced by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships.

All eyes are hot to spot the GM Performance Parts GTO knight Warren Johnson for the Mac Tools US Nationals in Indianapolis. “The Professor of Pro Stock” has greatly improved during the qualifying and the elimination rounds in the previous races. Watching the distinctive yellow and blue hot rod, only a few might realize the tremendous effort and skill required by the six-time champion simply to get it down the track. Johnson hopes to have an easy and smooth race over the competition.

“Although we’ve been somewhat successful over the last few races, we believe we have yet to extract the maximum performance from our GM Performance Parts GTO, simply because it hasn’t been going straight,” stated Johnson. “We’ve done as much due diligence as we can in trying to correct the problem, trying to get the right balance in the car. We feel that we’re right on the edge, and now it’s just a matter of getting it over the hump. This weekend’s race is a big one in more ways than one, so before heading to Indianapolis, we’ll spend two days testing in St. Louis, gathering information and hopefully getting a firm handle on this race car. This will be our first true test session since May, and we want to make sure we quite literally have the kinks out of it.”

Should Johnson and his Terry Adams-led crew get their race car fully up to speed, it could not come at a more opportune time, as the POWERade Drag Racing season is reaching a critical point. Not only is this weekend’s race the biggest in all of drag racing, and one every competitor wants on his or her racing resume, but it also marks the start of the NHRA’s second season, the Countdown to Four. With the contenders in all four professional categories narrowed down to eight and separated by only 80 points, every round takes on championship implications. Steeled by the experience of six U.S. Nationals wins and half-dozen Pro Stock championships, WJ brings a typically pragmatic attitude to O’Reilly Raceway Park on what promises to be a pressure-packed weekend.

“Over the years, we’ve done relatively well in Indianapolis, including winning a few,” said Johnson in an interview. “It’s a race that everyone gears up for. Whether you call it our Daytona 500 or Indy 500, it comes down to the fact that the U.S. Nationals are the highlight of the drag racing season, the premiere event that every competitor wants to win. As I’ve often said, you may win a championship, but if you never win Indy, your resume is a little hollow. Coming into this race, we’re also happy to be part of the Countdown to Four. Although we’re not seeded as high as we would have liked, the primary goal was simply to make it in, and we’ve done that. After all, you can’t launch a strike without a spot from which to start your attack. However, with only four races before the next cut down, there is even less room for error, so this GM Performance Parts Pontiac crew has to get to work.”

The Stillen company, which specializes in crafting efficient aftermarket parts for the automotive industry, has the improved Ford GT Shocks tagged the Penske Racing Shocks which are well-suited for vehicles geared toward the speed battle.

Stillen manufactured the Penske Racing Shocks in such a way that these will be able to endure the heavy demand in world of racing. These upgraded shocks for Ford are guaranteed to provide stability and easier maneuverability of the vehicle. Moreover, the extra rumbling noise the vehicle produces will be reduced thanks to the Penske Racing Shocks. For those sharp and sudden turns, which are race track staples, will no longer be a problem to the driver because of these new Stillen-made shocks.

What made these shocks even more powerful are the Eibach coil springs. The springs are available in two varieties which are the Penske Racing 8300 Series and the Penske Racing 8700 Series. The 8300 type of springs has the double adjustable feature which enables a hand clicker style rebound adjuster on the shaft. Moreover, the Penske Racing 8300 series has the single compression adjuster. On the other hand, the 8700 is more beefed up with a triple adjustable feature which enables the high and low speed compression courtesy of the remote canister of the shocks. The Penske Racing 8700 Series is well-suited for professional motorsports.

With the right gears and performance parts for the suspension system of the vehicle like what Stillen offers, vehicle navigation can be done with much ease despite the winding qualities of a race track.

An upgraded engine and a body kit are just some of the performance parts that can make a 2006 Ford Mustang perform even better. A beefed up engine geared with sub-auto parts to complement it can boost the vehicle, while the well-installed body kit can add that to that needed stability to the Mustang on the race track. These automotive parts, however, need another system in order to boost the vehicle – the suspension.

The GT is a one of the most efficient brands when it comes to top-caliber suspension parts. The Ford Mustang’s dampening system has to be well equipped so that the vehicle can be maneuvered easily. Moreover, those extra motions and noise caused by the uneven road can be reduced if the suspension parts are all working well. The Mustang has high-performing Ford parts such as the GT Springs and MacPherson shocks and struts.

In installing these suspension parts, one has to get down and dirty, but it is easier than it seems. The 2006 Ford Mustang wheels have to come off first. Next to come off (in order) are the sway bar mounts, brake line mounts, and top spindle nuts. Once these parts have been successfully removed, the GT springs and Mac Pherson shocks and struts can be installed already. It is important that these suspension parts are well-fitted before the Ford Mustang hits the road. With the GT springs and Mac Pherson shocks and struts in proper place, the suspension system can work at its best.

What makes a racing car fit for the speed wars? There are a number of factors to be considered so that the automobile will not just be another looker, but a mean machine fit a rugged demand.

Aside from the colorful stickers and designs, the vehicle, a BMW for example has to be fully equipped with the essentials right from the outside parts. The Germany-manufactured BMW has been equipped with high-performing performance parts from the Stillen body kits. Racers and enthusiasts should not take for granted the exterior body because aerodynamic depends greatly on these parts. The choices for the body kit of the BMW includes the front and rear bumpers (also known as fenders), side skirts, and spoilers (front and rear). Each of these parts complement each other as a one and complete design. These automotive components aid the BMW in achieving the needed stability during the race. With the BMW properly anchored, the driver can easily maneuver the vehicle and take those sharp and sudden turns. Moreover, these exterior parts allow the wind to flow smoothly through the body of the vehicle and minimize wind resistance. As the air flow smoothly over the BMW, accelerating or speeding up will be done with much ease.

With the right mix and match of the fenders, bumpers, spoilers, and side skirts, the BMW vehicle can look a little over the edge compared to the other cars in the race track. These components of the body kit not only improve the aerodynamic qualities of the vehicle, but also add the needed extra flare and angst fit for the speed battle.

There is a notion that in tuning a car, one has to make it into a far different model compared to the rest. Countless car performance parts and accessories are utilized, but one thing that should not be left behind is knowing the functions of these parts installed in the eventual upgraded model.A diminutive Wendy Cheng knows all of these things, thus she was able to turn a remarkable Nissan 350Z into a mean femme machine.

The 21-year-old Cheng has always been fascinated about compact sport cars just like the Nissan 350 Z. The passion for tuning and compact sport cars pushed Cheng to perform nearly every modification in the vehicle.

“I’m fascinated with cars inside and out,” said Cheng. “Building this car has allowed me to learn about it along the way-which is very useful when things don’t go as planned!”

The first step was gearing up the exhaust system of the Nissan 350Z. A set of Tanabe springs and Nismo exhaust was installed in the Z. Next stop was modifying the exterior by changing the front and rear bumpers with the Powerhouse Amuse and Ings+1 bumpers, respectively. With the new bumpers, the Z was made into a looker, but still managed to remain clean. The installation of the rear wing followed after a few months. Moving over to the interior parts, the compact Nissan’s seats were changed with stock seats and trusty Takata seatbelts and airbags for that added safety. To match up the upgraded Nissan looker, a beefed up suspension and engine systems were also installed in it. Not only is this Z all dolled up in terms of power, but the vehicle was also made to care with equipment of the titanium catalytic converter.

According to Cheng, there were a lot of sacrifices in producing such upgrades, but it was all worth it after seeing the remarkable improvements in the Nissan 350Z.

For a race car to earn a good number of podium finishes it has to trim down and to upgrade in every aspect possible. In order for the vintage 1965 Ford Mustang to join Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) race wars, the vehicle has to remove all those excess weight that can slow this car down and add those trusty performance parts.

Some of the parts that were retained in the 1965 Ford Mustang were the rear window and front apron, a fiberglass hood, side louver block-offs, and a 15-inch Torque Thrusts. Putting the vehicle into the competitive line meant tinkering and tweaking here and there. The hood and trunk pins, a gas cap block-off, aluminum framed pull-up windows, and side-exit exhaust were upgraded a bit. To finish the simplistic look to the upgraded Mustang, the body paint took the blue simplistic stripes, while the inner parts were painted black.

The 1965 Ford Mustang was also geared with the high-end performance parts such as the stout 331-inch power plant under the hood. Moreover, the Dynojet chassis dyno is able to carry the load of the Ford Mustang’s 349-horsepower. After making the engine power all beefed up, the vehicle has to be equipped with an equally powerful suspension system. The dampening parts installed in the vintage race car were the powerful Koni shocks and springs, adjustable sway bar, a Panhard bar, override traction bars, wide drum brakes, and the Kelsey Hayes four-piston disc brakes.

San Marcos, which is a suburb of San Diego, houses for one of the finest Honda tuning shops called the Sportcar Motion.

Under its car tuning feat, the Sportcar Motion has already constructed a 1996 Honda Civic Type R and a 1995 Hatchback drag car. These two, which were done only a few months back, were meticulously crafted from the interiors up to the exteriors. In fact, with the performance parts geared in the Hatchback, 146 mph is achieved under 9.90 seconds.

This time around, an Acura Integra GSR with beaten chassis was the latest project of this tuning shop.

“It was bad. It used to be like 10 different colors,” said Loi Song, owner of Sportcar Motions. “It had been stolen and stripped, and a lot of wiring had been cut. It sat at the shop for a while until we gathered up the parts to start the build.”

 The Acura Integra was then stripped off of the engine compartment and sanding everything down. Sportcar Motion also installed new front and rear ends before taking the vehicle’s shell to SDCS Autobody for a complete re-spray inside and out. After a while, the Acura Integra was returned to the shop for installation of its new performance parts for the suspension and exhaust systems such as the Eibach EVS springs and Skunk2. The upgraded Acura is now just waiting for a real match-up.

With the booming car tuning business, an old and beaten car is no longer just a junk because with a little tinkering here and there, a high-performing car can already be achieved.