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GM Performance Parts has entered the direct-retailing fray by offering high-po hardware for purchase directly from its new online store at gmperformanceparts.com. The new site promises 38 different crate engines along with more than 300 performance part numbers, all using an interface that "actually allows consumers to purchase their hardcore hardware online, and have it shipped straight to their door." Given that Summit and Jegs, among others, have been offering similar services for several years now, we decided to do some comparison shopping to see how well the new GM Performance Parts site stacks up. GM supplied us with a screen-grab of their base ZZ572 big-block, part number 12498792, showing an MSRP of $16,344.29. Of course, no one pays MSRP for anything, so we continued through the shopping cart function, which gives you an actual price through a local distributor. The final tally was $14,301.25. Jegs had the same part number for $11,495.99. Summit didn't have the 572...
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Whereas we like to think Jalopnik is a fairly safe and friendly place to express an opinion, niche forums can be brutal. Take the story of one young man and his last generation Mercury Cougar at the New Cougar forums. We know it can't be easy to be a Cougar owner — who do you have to look down on? Topaz owners? Nevertheless, these fan-boys soldier on and learn to squeeze every bit of love and performance out of their cars, which is something we can respect. But this guy's ride we can't respect. He's basically taken plywood and home theatre controls and shoved them in the backseat of his car (something you can do if you have no friends). The execution is so poor that it makes you start to appreciate the ridiculous import tuner crowd . But as harsh as we could be, our pithy comments are nothing compared to the ire directed at him by his fellow Cougar fan-boys. We've included a selection of said comments below the jump. galleryPost('badcougar', 6, 'Cats...
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We knew that Microsoft was going to look to hawk its Sync system elsewhere—especially with its booming popularity and the soon-to-be expired Ford contract. Now we know who is first to the free market table Alpine and Continental, two aftermarket manufacturers, are already working on integrating the voice command and entertainment system into their own products. Perhaps even more interesting, due to its early popularity, Microsoft is already working on the next generation of Sync and it has a super-exciting codename! Talladega. Yes, the partial name of the semi-funny Will Ferrel movie is the codename of Microsoft's next generation of Sync. Then again, we all know codenames are rarely used for the real release of any product, but who knows with this case. I can already imagine the kids: "Hey dudebro, check my sa-weet Talladega system!" Yeah, it just doesn't sound right. [ Automotive ]
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A recent NPD Group and CEA study showed that car stereo sales and other car audio equipment had a steep decline in the fourth quarter of 2007. Single CD players dropped 4 percent, amplifiers dropped 21 percent, subwoofers dropped 18 percent and speakers dropped 8 percent--all compared to the same quarter in 2006. Kenwood seems to think it was the gas prices and weather, but in all reality I think it is because aftermarket car audio is slowly becoming obsolete. Hit the jump for a poll. I certainly don't buy aftermarket audio equipment anymore and I'm curious about you. Most new cars include enough options for in-car entertainment and information including personal navigation systems and more. Also, the current model of in car systems don't utilize the previously universal rectangular deck space in favor of other designs that are less convenient to install. I hate to say it, but as much as I enjoy my regular Crutchfield as bathroom reading material, aftermarket audio may be experiencing...
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Remember those shots of the supposed BMW 1-Series tii we showed you late last week? Yeah, sorry boys, it's not a production version of the tii. Instead, it seems it's nothing more than just the German accessory brochure leaking out onto the web just a wee bit early for the wee little Bimmer. But, feel free to peruse the pages of the leaked brochure and dream -- courtesy of our friends at 1addicts -- if that's what you wish. Only caveat -- it's entirely in German. So umm, good luck with that. Or feel free to check out the performance accessorized 1-Series below. [via 1addicts ] galleryPost('bmw1tiimaybe', 9, 'A tii By Any Other Name Is Just A 1-Series');
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newVideoPlayer("pimpstar_jalopnik.flv", 475, 376,"");The end is nigh! The insane individuals at DUB Custom Wheels have now brought us the PimpStar LED wheels, and thus the end of civilization as we know it. Using full color LED lights, a microprocessor and wireless modem, these wheels can display any images you like, on the fly, that can be changed even as you're driving (hellow lawsuit). Hot girl in the next car? Just flash the numbers on your dubs and before long she'll be calling you... or the police. One of the two. They're just $12,000 so act fast before they're all sold out or outlawed. Whichever comes first. Full details below. We actually ran the PimpStar Wheels story a while ago, but now we have the video. Product Details The PimpStar is a huge leap forward in the evolution of the wheel. With the PimpStar's built-in full color LED lights, microprocessor and wireless modem, you can display virtually any image, including text, graphics, logos...
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Alpine's 2008 lineup is here, and I have to say, I'm mighty impressed. If you remember back to yesteryear, Alpine was the bee's knees of aftermarket audio, but as of late they've kind of hit a slump. It looks like 2008 may again make Alpine a force to be reckoned with. Included in the 2008 lineup is a wide array of iPod compatible units, Bluetooth compatible units, GPS navigation systems, amps, speakers and that doesn't even include the marine selection for your luxury yacht or tugboat. The W505 2 din mobile multimedia station is the one I have my eye on. Check out the PDF link to see the entire 2008 spring lineup. It's a beauty. [ Alpine 2008 Catalog (PDF) via Florida Car Audio ]
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newVideoPlayer("prius_sale_gawker.flv", 475, 376);Orson Welles once said, "The best thing commercially, which is the worst thing artistically, by and large, is the most successful." He was referring to drama, a concept the seller of this highly modified Toyota Prius has employed to great effect, though its commercial success remains to be seen. If after seeing the above excerpt you must have more, you can see the full video here , including some tense script-in-the-shot moments and a more detailed examination of the interior. The car itself is a major aftermarket extravaganza, including many JDM add-ons, new suspension components and an A/V system. Of course, he's likely being ironic, so don't go all Star Wars Kid on the guy. (Thanks to Omar for the tip.) [ eBay ]
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So, we saw this a couple of days ago, but we've been taking some time to ponder our response to these aftermarket Hello Kitty wheels . Since one of us is a big Hello Kitty fan, people are always sending me links to all things HK, along with messages that say things like, "look how cute!" or, "I bet you'd love this!" The fact of the matter is, no, I do not like most of them. Sure enough, I got a similar message today when Kitty Hell posted a photo of the latest item to be butchered: A set of Hello Kitty wheels. Why do I feel this way? The same reason I don't like knockoff Gucci sunglasses, or BMW's recent "car in every garage" marketing strategy, or the Porsche Boxster, or overexposed couture logos on $10 tee shirts. Mass merchandising cheapens a brand. Would we hold Koenigsegg or Bugatti in the same esteem if those companies were producing watered-down, entry-level versions within the reach of the unwashed masses? It's not just about availability or price, either. It's mostly comes right...
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Not to be outdone in the aftermarket - parts goldmine, BMW is launching a line of factory performance parts that will challenge those from tuning shops. Apparently, the line only includes gear for the Z4 and 3 Series, with a concentration on the last-gen model. To wit: BMW claims a performance exhaust offers five more horsepower at a reduction of 8.8 pounds, and an engine kit for the 330 adds 10 horsepower and 8 lb-ft of torque. Also in the catalog are a shift kit, suspension hoo-has, drilled brake rotors, an air intake, and wheels. We'll hold out for the V10 crate motor for our Mantamino project, thanks. [ Automobile ]
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