The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are even more earth-friendly for 2009, thanks to class-leading fuel economy and new soy-based foam seat cushions wrapped in 100 percent recycled fabric, the first such seats in the automotive industry. “As Ford continues to migrate soy-based foam seat inserts across many vehicle platforms, we’re improving our environmental footprint by conserving limited resources and reducing carbon dioxide emissions,” said Debbie Mielewski, technical leader, Ford Plastics Research.

advanced FLOW engineering (aFe), an industry leader in performance intakes, filters, manifolds and exhaust systems is pleased to announce the release of their new performance air filter for the popular new BMW 135i, 335i, 335xi, 535i and 535xi with the L6-3.0L twin turbo #30-10156 (Pro 5R) and #31-10156 (Pro Dry S). All aFe performance air filters produce high flow to increase horsepower, torque, throttle response and fuel mileage. The unique polyurethane progressive bump seal provides a superior seal and keeps debris flowing through the filter.  All aFe filters are washable and reusable and have a limited lifetime warranty.  The Pro 5R filter features 5-layers of progressive cotton gauze media for maximum airflow and performance. The Pro Dry S filter is a 2-layer synthetic media that requires no special oils and can be cleaned with soap and water.

advanced FLOW engineering (aFe), an industry leader in performance intakes, filters, manifolds and exhaust systems is pleased to announce the release of their new performance air filter for the popular new Subaru Impreza WRX and STI #30-10161 (Pro 5R) and #31-10161 (Pro Dry S). All aFe performance air filters produce high flow to increase horsepower, torque, throttle response and fuel mileage. The unique polyurethane progressive bump seal provides a superior seal and keeps debris flowing through the filter.  All aFe filters are washable and reusable and have a limited lifetime warranty.  The Pro 5R filter features 5-layers of progressive cotton gauze media for maximum airflow and performance. The Pro Dry S filter is a 2-layer synthetic media that requires no special oils and can be cleaned with soap and water.

The CONTI® GREEN RUNNER can be used in place of timing chains in the engine, where it effects a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to three grams per kilometer driven. It is used for the synchronization of camshaft and crankshaft, displaying 30 percent less frictional loss than a chain drive. This cuts fuel consumption by as much as 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers, which, in turn, lowers CO2 emissions by 3 grams per kilometer. “With the EU’s current statutory limit of 120 grams, this represents a substantial contribution to emissions reduction,” explains Hermann Schulte, head of belt system development at the ContiTech Power Transmission Group. “European carmakers are increasingly cashing in on this advantage. In the next engine generation, they will again find themselves more frequently resorting to belts in place of chains.”

Everybody is nervous about this one. “You’d think the opportunity to race so close to your back yard would be something that really has you pumped,” said Joe Aquilante, co-partner of the ICY / Phoenix Racing team which campaigns a pair of Subaru Legacy 2.5GT spec.B race cars in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge road racing series. What he’s referring to is the Aug. 31 race on a new, country-club style circuit, the New Jersey Motorsports Park near Millville. This will be the track’s first professional sports car race.

Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana won the Ojibwe Forest Rally this weekend, after teammate Ken Block suffered a heartbreaking crash on the final stage of the rally. Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino led the rally from the start, ending Day 1 with a 20 second lead. Pastrana and co-driver Derek Ringer fought hard on Saturday to make up time, but were only able to claw back one second—until Block struck a tree on the final stage.

Just one week out from Father’s Day, six sets of fathers will race their sons at Sydney’s Oran Park Raceway this weekend, aiming for top spot in Round Seven of the Shannons Nationals. Set to spark plenty of discussion over Father’s Day lunch the following Sunday, the family feuds will add extra spice to the on-track competition, with over 170 competitors doing battle across six categories.

K&N manufactures hundreds of universal air filters. Whatever shape or size you need, K&N probably has a universal air filter to fit your equipment needs. K&N has released a new round tapered universal (cone) air filter (RC-5177). Its ultra-strong pliable rubber flange absorbs vibration and allows for secure attachment.  K&N universal air filters can stretch up to 1/16 inch (1.5mm) to fit in-between sizes.

For decades, Proform/Specialty Auto Parts has been selling performance parts for strip and street. Now they bring the drag strip to you, with their shirt pocket sized PERFECT LAUNCH™ portable “Christmas Tree”. Practicing with PERFECT LAUNCH™ (#67025C) you can perfect your launch skills and reaction time almost anywhere, and get closer to hitting those 0.000 out of the bleach box numbers at the track.

The Porsche 911 is one of the most successful competition cars ever produced. With its air-cooled rear engine six cylinder engine the 911 remains a favorite among racing teams. K&N Engineering has released a custom air filter assembly for the Porsche 911(56-1770-1) that fits directly on the Solex 38 EEIT carburetor. The assembly’s metal top has a black powder coated finish. The 56-1770-1 is custom designed for racing applications and features K&N’s limited one year warranty. All K&N air filters are washable and reusable and are designed to increase power and acceleration while providing excellent filtration.

This new STILLEN Front Core Support for the 350Z chassis connects the front core support to the main chassis. By adding this additional support to the 350Z, STILLEN has been able to increase overall chassis rigidity significantly. Not only is this brace extremely functional but looks great as well. Fabricated out of 304 stainless steel and tig welded, this brace offers a truly custom yet clean appearance. Install time is minimal, usually 20 minutes or less.

When introduced in 2000 the Chrysler PT Cruiser was a whirlwind success. Timeless styling combined with modern convenience has created a fanatic following that transcends generations as well as gender. For the 2006 model year the PT Cruiser received a number of updates both aesthetically and under the hood. This included a new performance based turbocharged engine tuned to deliver 230 horsepower. The PT Cruisers’ fan base, hungry for more performance, will certainly be satisfied with K&N Engineering’s Performance Air Intake System (57-1551) for the 2006 PT Cruiser 2.4L Turbo.

The 2007 Honda Civic Type R has had tremendous success since it first became available. The Type R Civic improved aerodynamics helps the car cut through the air easily. K&N Engineering has unveiled a low cost performance air induction system (57A-6040) to improve the power of the 2007 Honda Civic Type R with the 2.0 liter engine. With the addition of K&N’s Apollo air protective filter enclosure and a washable reusable K&N air filter, air entering the engine will flow freely. The custom design eliminates problems caused by hot air and feeds cooler outside air into the engine.

The 2008 Mini Cooper has a distinctive boxy shape that is easy to maneuver through traffic. Its British inspired design also makes it simple to park in very tight spaces. The base model is a 1.6 liter coupe with a 4 cylinder engine.

K&N has released a new performance air intake system (69-2022TS) for the 2007 Mini Cooper with a 1.6 liter engine and the 2008 Mini Cooper with a 1.6 liter engine. By replacing your factory air intake assembly with K&N’s air intake kit your engine will get more air with less restriction. This means more power and torque when you need it.

For more than 100 years, Meguiar’s, the leader in automotive appearance care, has offered automotive enthusiasts the finest products and accessories for preparing their automobiles for top shows around the globe. That legacy shined once again at the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008 as an overwhelming majority of the incredible cars awarded “Best of Class” achieved their flawless appearances using Meguiar’s car care products.