Research conducted between December 2009 and February 2010 shows Kumho car tyres to have been the first brand recommendation of Britain’s local independent tyre specialists. In fact, at an average of 5.6 per cent, Kumho products were recommended first more than twice as often as those of some traditional household-name brands.

Kumho’s 4x4 tyres also faired well in the survey, being the third most likely brand to be recommended first by independents, behind Bridgestone and Pirelli.

The data is based on an ongoing and large scale marketing survey conducted by market analysts Encircle Marketing. Sampling across all of the UK’s tyre distribution channels, the data focuses on recommendations and pricing data.

It is widely accepted that dealer recommendation has considerable bearing on customer choice, as tyres are a highly technical product and customers generally rely on dealer advice regarding the relative performance, safety, wear and environmental credentials of the multitude of brands now available on the UK market.

Said a Kumho Tyres’ spokesperson: “These results are extremely rewarding for us. Dealers’ reputations are all important to them and they don’t recommend products unless they really believe in them. Moreover this news comes on the heels of a string of positive press tests and industry awards for our tyres. These accolades show we continue to gain ground against the more established brands and are providing products that the market wants.”

For further information on Kumho and its tyres log onto www.kumhotyre.co.uk

Research conducted between December 2009 and February 2010 shows Kumho car tyres to have been the first brand recommendation of Britain’s local independent tyre specialists. In fact, at an average of 5.6 per cent, Kumho products were recommended first more than twice as often as those of some traditional household-name brands.

Kumho’s 4x4 tyres also faired well in the survey, being the third most likely brand to be recommended first by independents, behind Bridgestone and Pirelli.

Last weekend’s opening round of the Time Attack and European Drift Championships at Oulton Park heralded the start of SuperPro’s continued support for these two high-profile series’, the manufacturer of high-performance polyurethane suspension bushes renewing its association with these increasingly popular and exciting motorsport campaigns, after being involved with them both in 2009.

Since it was launched in 2005 Time Attack has gone from strength to strength, with more and more competitors signing up each season. And, as the word of its spectacular action spread, the series has seen its public attendance grow year-on-year. For 2010 Time Attack has also increased its status, the series now accredited by the MSA (Motor Sports Association), the official governing body for motorsport activity in the UK.

The concept of Time Attack focuses on three classes: the Club Challenge Class for near standard road cars, the Club Pro Class for cars with controlled modifications and the Pro Class for modified and highly tuned machines – usually prepared by professional tuning companies - with some developing in excess of 900 horsepower!

The competition is based on lap times, with the driver who posts the fastest time of the day declared the winner. In essence, it is qualifying without the racing and as such, appeals to owners and drivers as there is less likelihood of physical contact and crashes.

Adding to the spectacle of the meetings is the inclusion of the Pirelli European Drift Championship, the visually dramatic and entertaining sport of Drifting also gaining popularity in recent years.

Each of the event weekends this year will feature ‘Modified Live’ shows, where component suppliers, tuning companies and car clubs can exhibit - and where SuperPro can be seen promoting its wide-range of high-performance suspension products.

“SuperPro's commitment to the series has been fantastic and we are delighted that our events now form a significant part of their marketing activity”, said series promoter Andy Barnes. “This association works both ways as it provides support for the series and, at the same time, is clearly working for SuperPro, as you only have to look at just how many competitors are now using its products. It’s therefore great to have them back for 2010.”

Although already well established in the performance car market, SuperPro is continually looking to develop its business in this area and sees the Time Attack events as an excellent showcase for its products, as the company’s General Manager Richard Fearn explains:

“Many of the competitors taking part in Time Attack drive their cars to and from the circuits. With SuperPro bushes developed for the road and proven on the track, their construction and design allows suspension systems to work extremely effectively. Therefore, they provide fantastic performance when pushed to their limits in the heat of competition and also are capable of providing a comfortable ride for normal day-to-day driving.”

Saturday’s opening round at Oulton Park saw Gareth Lloyd driving a Mitsubishi Evolution take overall honours in the Time Attack event, with Mark Luney in a Nissan 350Z winning the Drift Championship final (photos).

For further information about the Time Attack series visit:

www.timeattack.co.uk

For further information on the wide range of SuperPro products visit:

www.superpro.eu.com

Last weekend’s opening round of the Time Attack and European Drift Championships at Oulton Park heralded the start of SuperPro’s continued support for these two high-profile series’, the manufacturer of high-performance polyurethane suspension bushes renewing its association with these increasingly popular and exciting motorsport campaigns, after being involved with them both in 2009.

Respected tuner and mail-order supremos Revolution Motorstore have released a comprehensive 15 row oil cooler kit to suit all modified, high-performance, drift and track cars.

Every engine relies on its oil to help the cooling process as well as reducing friction and carrying worn particles away from moving areas. No matter how good your oil, if you can keep it cooler, its viscosity stays more constant and its level of protection is optimised. By allowing the lubricant to be cooled in a high-airflow position via the 15-row cooler, engine wear can be significantly reduced and engine life can be extended.

The superbly engineered kit includes everything needed for fitment to almost any petrol or diesel vehicle. Parts include the cooler itself, a beautiful CNC machined remote oil cooler housing, all aeroquip style lines and three lengths of high-quality stainless braided oil pipe to allow a multitude of different fixing options in a wide variety of cars and even light commercials.

The kit can usually be fitted in an hour or so and is an essential upgrade for anyone running  a higher state of tune, towing a caravan or trailer – or for any vehicle that regularly ventures onto track. Priced at £179.99 all in, the kits is significantly cheaper than rebuilding an engine!

For more information, please click to www.revolution247.com or call the team on 0845 002 3009.

Respected tuner and mail-order supremos Revolution Motorstore have released a comprehensive 15 row oil cooler kit to suit all modified, high-performance, drift and track cars.

Every engine relies on its oil to help the cooling process as well as reducing friction and carrying worn particles away from moving areas. No matter how good your oil, if you can keep it cooler, its viscosity stays more constant and its level of protection is optimised. By allowing the lubricant to be cooled in a high-airflow position via the 15-row cooler, engine wear can be significantly reduced and engine life can be extended.

Alcar, the UK’s leading wheel manufacturer and distributor has launched its 2010 catalogue. The 19 page publication outlines the firm’s superb new range for the coming season and has already been sent to over 2000 leading retailers across Europe.

As well as some exciting new additions to Alcar’s award-winning Dotz range, the catalogue also outlines their stunning new Calibre range – aimed squarely at niche and retro car markets – with what are bound to be some of the ‘must have’ designs this year.

Notable new releases include the evocative ‘Vintage’ – a pseudo split-rim cross-spoke wheel that oozes ‘80s touring car cool and ‘Dub, which as the name suggests, should find many fans in the Euro and VAG scenes.

The Calibre range has also set out to cater for the burgeoning light commercial and SUV markets, with numerous designs available in the correct offsets, stud patterns and load indexes for these heavier machines. Designs like the Tour and Trek will look superb on vehicles like the VW Transporter and Mercedes Vito, whilst the new Tairo mixes immense strength with high fashion for the 4x4 market.

On launching the 2010 collection, Alcar M.D, Kevin Greer said. ‘We’re extremely proud of our 2010 line up. Not only have we got some of our greatest designs to date, but we’re very excited about the niche markets that we can service with the new Calibre range. Pre-orders on those new designs suggest that the dealers are already getting fired up about them. It’s going to be a good year!’

The new catalogue also outlines details and order processes for the new Alcar online web shop and is freely available to any trade or retail customers by calling, or emailing Alcar directly

For more details of the Dotz range, or Alcar’s extensive portfolio of wheel designs, please click to www.alcar.co.uk or call 01622 713800

Alcar, the UK’s leading wheel manufacturer and distributor has launched its 2010 catalogue. The 19 page publication outlines the firm’s superb new range for the coming season and has already been sent to over 2000 leading retailers across Europe.

As well as some exciting new additions to Alcar’s award-winning Dotz range, the catalogue also outlines their stunning new Calibre range – aimed squarely at niche and retro car markets – with what are bound to be some of the ‘must have’ designs this year.

Notable new releases include the evocative ‘Vintage’ – a pseudo split-rim cross-spoke wheel that oozes ‘80s touring car cool and ‘Dub, which as the name suggests, should find many fans in the Euro and VAG scenes.

Those clever chaps at Prolong UK have put together a hat-trick of reasons for tuners and club racers to try their product out: A superb new ‘Racers Pack’ of treatments worth well over £50 - for just £30.

The high performance surface modifying lubricants have been proven at the highest level, assisting  Time Attack and ‘Ten Of The Best’ champions Roger Clark Motorsport in achieving their 2010 back-to-back victories. And if they can’t worry the product in their 890 BHP weapon, it’s fair to say that most won’t! Each pack contains and Engine Treatment, Transmission Treatment and Injector Cleaner. Engine and gearbox performance and longevity can be significantly improved with the application of Prolong, with friction and heat in particular being notably reduced. The injector cleaner helps to improve injector efficiency, resulting in a cleaner burn, better drivability and often, improved MPG.

Although very few of us have the budget and talent to compete with RCM’s considerable track prowess, this is one small, but worthwhile step in the right direction!

For more information on this, or any Prolong product, please call them Prolong UK on 01628 828473 or click on www.prolong-uk.com

Those clever chaps at Prolong UK have put together a hat-trick of reasons for tuners and club racers to try their product out: A superb new ‘Racers Pack’ of treatments worth well over £50 - for just £30.

The high performance surface modifying lubricants have been proven at the highest level, assisting  Time Attack and ‘Ten Of The Best’ champions Roger Clark Motorsport in achieving their 2010 back-to-back victories. And if they can’t worry the product in their 890 BHP weapon, it’s fair to say that most won’t! Each pack contains and Engine Treatment, Transmission Treatment and Injector Cleaner. Engine and gearbox performance and longevity can be significantly improved with the application of Prolong, with friction and heat in particular being notably reduced. The injector cleaner helps to improve injector efficiency, resulting in a cleaner burn, better drivability and often, improved MPG.

Swedish suspension giant Öhlins has announced the official launch of its long awaited R/T range in the UK, setting a new standard in comfort and quality for the aftermarket.

Previously the exclusive reserve of top-level race teams and factory outfits, Öhlins has long been the darling of the OEM motorcycle market, where many leading manufacturers use the distinctive gold-hued units to provide sublime levels of control tempered with unparalleled comfort. Now four-wheeled enthusiasts can enjoy the same quality and precision.

Although you could be forgiven for thinking that all of the tricks are on the outside, thanks to stunning levels of presentation and material choice, the R/T range houses its real tricks inside its clinically machined billet alloy and carbon steel bodies. Öhlins have exclusively developed its own, unique, dual flow valve (DFV) technology which replaces the parallel compression valve (PCV) found in other units.  Although a PCV application is a good basic design, it only uses one shim stack to allow fluid movement as the damper compresses and extends. It is very hard to change the handling characteristics of a vehicle that is damped this way. Two shim stacks may be used, but then this can have a detrimental effect on both comfort and road-holding.

With the DFV units, the dual flow valve gives the same characteristics on rebound as it does on compression, thanks to the damper fluid having a consistent path of flow in both directions. This means that the wheel and tyre can quickly and effectively resume their important position back on the ground, providing grip and traction.

Because DFV opens more quickly and easily on minor road imperfections, ride comfort is surprisingly supple and more akin to an OEM strut than a coilover set-up. Over undulating surfaces, the compliance of the R/T units allows the suspension to follow the contours of bumps and pot-holes, whilst remaining stable and in control, thus ensuring traction is always maintained at its optimum level.

Other design highlights include graduated front camber adjustments and factory matched combined damping and rebound rates on one positive detent adjuster. Height adjustment is also achieved by winding the lower mounting face up or down, rather than the spring platform, leaving the all-important free length of the spring untouched, maintaining optimum characteristics throughout its travel

The initial launch range covers the usual Japanese and European performance suspects including the latest Impreza, Lancers 7 to 10, Mazda MX5, Nissan 350 and R34 Skyline, Suzuki Swift, Golf 5, Honda S2000 and BMW E90. Prices start at just £1473.00 plus Vat for the Golf units and all fitments come with an unparalleled 2 year warranty. Further fitments will be released throughout the year.

For more information, please visit www.roadandtrackbyohlins.com or call Öhlins UK on 0203 286 3127.

Swedish suspension giant Öhlins has announced the official launch of its long awaited R/T range in the UK, setting a new standard in comfort and quality for the aftermarket.

Previously the exclusive reserve of top-level race teams and factory outfits, Öhlins has long been the darling of the OEM motorcycle market, where many leading manufacturers use the distinctive gold-hued units to provide sublime levels of control tempered with unparalleled comfort. Now four-wheeled enthusiasts can enjoy the same quality and precision.

Although you could be forgiven for thinking that all of the tricks are on the outside, thanks to stunning levels of presentation and material choice, the R/T range houses its real tricks inside its clinically machined billet alloy and carbon steel bodies. Öhlins have exclusively developed its own, unique, dual flow valve (DFV) technology which replaces the parallel compression valve (PCV) found in other units.  Although a PCV application is a good basic design, it only uses one shim stack to allow fluid movement as the damper compresses and extends. It is very hard to change the handling characteristics of a vehicle that is damped this way. Two shim stacks may be used, but then this can have a detrimental effect on both comfort and road-holding.

Link UK has released details of its latest ‘must have’ for any serious tuner and engine mapper; The KnockBlock.

In any tuning situation, ‘knock’ or detonation as it’s more accurately known, can quite literally be the death knell of a performance engine. Over the years, numerous solutions have been engineered to allow mappers and tuners the ability to hear when detonation occurs, but the new KnockBlock raises the bar considerably in terms of features and usability, to make life quicker and easier for the professional.

The unit is essentially a powerful audio headphone amplifier that allows knock to be heard in crystal clarity. Naturally, the unit is compatible with most proprietary ECUs, but with Link’s own G4 range, mappers also have direct connection for closed loop ignition timing. It can either be powered by its own internal battery or via the vehicles 12v supply.

Key Features ‘At A Glance’

Two knock sensor inputs

High power, low distortion audio output

ANC (active noise cancellation) detection mode

40MHz digital signal micro-processor

Analogue 0V to 5V output for interfacing to a Dyno or Engine Management System

Digital time window input for individual cylinder knock control

Digital window output for interfacing to Link G4 ECUs

External knock indication LED

Fifteen user selectable digital filters

Selectable detection gain from 1 to 64

Internal 9V battery compartment for quick setup

Low power mode for extended battery life (audio only)

KnockBlock is available either a professional tuner set up including the KnockBlock, loom, headphones and knock sensors, selling for £449+VAT. The retail kit includes just the box itself and wiring loom to allow the unit to be connected to the OEM knock sensors. This retails at £299+VAT. Both are considerably cheaper than a new engine!

For more details please click to www.link-ecu.co.uk  or call the team on 08452 60 57 60

Link UK has released details of its latest ‘must have’ for any serious tuner and engine mapper; The KnockBlock.

In any tuning situation, ‘knock’ or detonation as it’s more accurately known, can quite literally be the death knell of a performance engine. Over the years, numerous solutions have been engineered to allow mappers and tuners the ability to hear when detonation occurs, but the new KnockBlock raises the bar considerably in terms of features and usability, to make life quicker and easier for the professional.

Leading wheel manufacturer and importer Performance Wheels Ltd. has released its 2010 ‘Mini Catalogue’. The conveniently sized A5 brochure showcases its latest wheel ranges as well as the hugely popular Cobra suspension range, covering a simply massive range of fitments.

With no less than seven all-new designs for this season, Performance Wheels Ltd. looks set to lead the automotive fashion market with stunning new wheels from its Finichi and Kei Racing ranges. This year, the firm has also been appointed as the exclusive distributor for the highly successful Braid competition range that covers every genre of motorsport from Go-karts to Dakar monsters – and everything in-between.

The Cobra suspension range covers a plethora of cars going as far back as the ‘70s and offers enthusiasts a choice of springs, coilovers and adjustable top mounts – all with TUV approval, and in the case of the springs, an incredible lifetime breakage warranty.

Catalogues are free to both end-users and trade customers alike and can be ordered by calling the team on 01530 517920 or by clicking to www.performwheels.co.uk

Leading wheel manufacturer and importer Performance Wheels Ltd. has released its 2010 ‘Mini Catalogue’. The conveniently sized A5 brochure showcases its latest wheel ranges as well as the hugely popular Cobra suspension range, covering a simply massive range of fitments.

With no less than seven all-new designs for this season, Performance Wheels Ltd. looks set to lead the automotive fashion market with stunning new wheels from its Finichi and Kei Racing ranges. This year, the firm has also been appointed as the exclusive distributor for the highly successful Braid competition range that covers every genre of motorsport from Go-karts to Dakar monsters – and everything in-between.

Roger Clark Motorsport, the UK’s leading Subaru Impreza specialist has released details of its superbly made induction kits for turbo models from MY2001 on.

Drawing from their extensive knowledge of the flat four engine – and of course, an enviable competition record, the latest induction kits use a high-grade aluminium trumpet and high-flow K&N filter element to allow unrestricted airflow and a vastly improve engine response.

Fitting to the standard induction hose, the RCM kit is a direct replacement for the OEM airbox, using the original mass airflow meter for ease of fitment and functionality. A new, stainless steel clamping ring is also supplied.

It can be ordered in either Sti-style red crackle finish, or flawless silver powder coat. Priced at just £175.00 plus VAT, it may not make your car as quick as RCM’s own Impreza, but it’s the perfect first step in that direction!

For more details on the team and their extensive Subaru range, please visit www.rogerclarkmotorsport.co.uk  or call them on 01455 828610.

Roger Clark Motorsport, the UK’s leading Subaru Impreza specialist has released details of its superbly made induction kits for turbo models from MY2001 on.

Drawing from their extensive knowledge of the flat four engine – and of course, an enviable competition record, the latest induction kits use a high-grade aluminium trumpet and high-flow K&N filter element to allow unrestricted airflow and a vastly improve engine response.