December 2009 - Mod Gear

Takeda USA


'06-09 Civic Si Short Ram Intake

The Takeda Retain Short Ram air intake for the '06-09 Honda Civic Si replaces the bulky and inefficient factory intake, increasing air volume and improving air velocity for increased horsepower, torque and improved throttle response. In recent testing, Takeda has seen 17 hp and 16 ft-lbs of torque gains over the factory vehicle.

www.takedausa.com

Hondata

S2000 Flash Pro

Hondata is now offering its highly successful FlashPro line for the Honda S2000. The Hondata FlashPro enables the user to modify the engine computer parameters through the OBDII diagnostic port. FlashPro offers the unbeatable combination of simplicity and tuning flexibility. It allows the S2000 to be tuned for maximum performance and economy, whether naturally aspirated or with forced induction. It is expected to retail at $695.

www.hondata.com

Pioneer Electronics

AVIC-U310BT

Pioneer Electronics is now offering the best value in in-dash navigation with the new AVIC-U310BT, a robust, full-featured system with the convenience of built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and Apple iPod/iPhone control. The 2-DIN system provides exceptional sound quality and renowned navigation performance with turn-by-turn route guidance all at a suggested price of $600.


www.pioneer.com

Tokico

350Z HTS Suspension Kit

Tokico Performance Shocks now offers its HTS adjustable shock and spring suspension kit for the '03-08 Nissan 350Z. This system is the same one that underpins Papadakis Racing's Rockstar/AEM Drift Nissan 350Z, which won back-to-back series championships in '07-08 with driver Tanner Foust behind the wheel.

www.tokico.com

Enkei

Racing Series Wheel PF01

The Enkei PF01 is one of two new Racing Series wheels added to Enkei's '10 wheel lineup. Utilizing Enkei's MAT flow-forming technology, the PF01 is designed to be an ultra-lightweight wheel. The PF01 is engineered to exceed the RPF1's weight benefit, taking Enkei's lightweight racing wheel line to the next level. For more info and to see the wheel in person, stop by the Enkei SEMA booth #46045.

www.enkei.com

Import Bible


Series 3 T-Shirts

The latest series of automotive-inspired T-shirts from Import Bible are stylish, sporty and unique. If you're an auto enthusiast of any kind, then these shirts are a must-have.

www.importbible.com

Tein Evasive


S2000 SPEC SR-C Coilover Kit

In conjunction with TEIN, Evasive Motorsports presents the Evasive SPEC SR-C Coilover for the Honda S2000. TEIN has customized these parts with specifications made by Evasive Motorsports, and they are the result of rigorous testing by Evasive Motorsports on the racetrack. The Evasive SPEC version of the TEIN SR-C includes smaller base valve and corresponding smaller diameter shims for improved initial steering response and damper reaction. The final product presented is optimized for road racing but adequate for daily driving.

www.evasivemotorsports.com

Yokohama

Advan Sport ZPS

Yokohama Tire now offers drivers ultra-high performance and security with its all-new runflat tire, the ADVAN Sport ZPS (Zero Pressure System). The ADVAN Sport ZPS can be driven up to 50 miles at 50 mph after the loss of air, and because the ZPS draws from the heritage of ADVAN Sport consumers can rest assured their safety comes at no expense of handling and comfort.

www.yokohamatire.com

Godspeed

Cross Bar

The Godspeed cross bar is born for one function: to connect the C-pillar and rear upper strut, making the rear section of the car act as one to reduce flex. It utilizes the C-pillar and strut points to decrease and eliminate body flex during hard cornering. Applications include: '89-94 240SX fastback, '94-01 Integra, '92-95 Civic , '96-00 Civic.


www.godspeedproject.com

AEM

Series 2 EMS

The Series 2 plug-and-play stand-alone engine management system for four-cylinder Honda and Acura race cars replaces AEM's first-generation EMS and represents a complete hardware redesign with greatly enhanced features, including a USB data port, 1MB of internal data logging and six coil outputs. In addition, all Series 2 EMS systems come loaded with the company's new AEMTUNER software, a completely new user interface software that replaces AEMPRO.

www.aempower.com

Fastlane Street Racing is a Great iPhone Racing Game

Fastlane Street Racing is a modern day reincarnation of arguably the best arcade racing series ever developed in Ridge Racer. For those of you unfamiliar with the fifteen year history of Ridge Racer, it’s a racing game that places an equal emphasis on style and substance. Racing is fast and furious while navigating through urban environments that have a unique slickness all its own. Atod AB was smart in referencing the lineage and attributes that made Ridge Racer so great. Does Fastlane Street Racing realize its potential or does it stall at the starting line?

In Fastlane Street Racing you race in high powered racing cars that have different areas of strengths (handling, acceleration, top speed etc.) against three other cars. While we all know the main objective of any traditional racing game is to finish in first place, the twist that Fastlane Street Racing integrates is the concept of drifting. The cliff notes method of drifting is to lay off the gas pedal while steering hard to the left or right. The net gain from drifting is the advantage of getting through tough corners in a track without the slowing down from using brakes. For the advanced courses that have many sharp twists and turns, drifting is required to compete with the tough AI.

The scope in Fastlane Street Racing is very impressive. Single player modes consist of Arcade, Challenge and Time Trial modes playable in either easy or hard difficulty levels. The modes are fairly self explanatory as the path of progression on all modes are all the same. Winning races, challenges and time trials unlocks content such as cars, car skins and additional tracks.

Atod AB nailed the controls in this game. Fastline Street Racing used the iPhone’s accelerometer to control steering while having on screen buttons for braking and accelerating. Every subtle tilt and turn I made was captured while controlling my car which made the driving very satisfying. While I found the default sensitivity perfect for my race style, others can adjust it for their preferences in the options menu. Since this game is largely fashioned after the Ridge Racer series, I have experience in this style of racer. It is important to note that the physics and gameplay are unapologetically arcade tilted, and I can totally see some people being turned off by the drift heavy gameplay. So while Fastlane Street Racing felt like an old glove to me, it may feel foreign and uncomfortable to some casual gamers.

Fastlane Street Racing is making a bold statement as a contender for the most technically and aesthetically impressive game on the iPhone. The car models impress as they contain great detail without the ugly blockiness seen in other iPhone racers. Fastlane’s tracks have variety and are rendered beautifully. Weird and sporadic slowdown in gameplay – primarily in tunnels - is frustrating and leads to problems with controlling the cars. Luckily, the slowdown doesn’t last long, but it’s noticeable and annoying nonetheless. I wouldn’t be surprised if the graphics engine – along with a stellar upbeat/techno music soundtrack – is pushing the limits of the iPhone hardware.

Fastlane Street Racing brings the total package. With a big lineup of tracks, polished gameplay, gorgeous graphics, and a good number of gameplay modes, this an easy game to be excited about. Even with the lack of any multiplayer modes and some annoying graphical slowdown during gameplay, Fastlane Street Racing is a steal at five bucks. Well done Atod AB!

Fastlane Street Racing lite is a demo version that allows users to get a slight preview without plunking down the coinage for the real thing. It has fewer features, fewer cars and fewer challenges. But that hasn’t stopped it from hitting the “Top Free Apps” charts in the App Store.

Watch Fastlane Street Racing in action on YouTube: