Principal HKS distributor Torque Developments plc is delighted to announce the launch of a high performance, multi-channel universal car video data logging system at an extremely affordable price – just £335.00 plus VAT.

Called the ‘Direct Multi Recorder’ the HKS DMR is a powerful drive recorder that can keep visual records of incidents and accidents accurately, whether on your daily drive or an extended track day session.

But they key difference with the HKS DMR is that it comes supplied with a second auxiliary camera, which enables users to enhance their primary video and data logging with a second visual point of view (the driver’s feet for example.)

Versatile, yet simple to use, the HKS DMR comes complete with a comprehensive software suite and simply positions at the top of the vehicle’s windscreen, then plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter so it’s ready to use in a matter of minutes. Unlike many data loggers on the market the HKS DMR records directly to the SD card, removing the possibility of lost data.

Total recording capacity is up to 16 hours on the supplied 8 GB SD memory card.

HKS DMR Key features:- Recording

The main DMR unit camera incorporates GPS and 3D ‘G’ sensors, plus microphone to enable video and audio recording, as well as location, time and load data. An internal G sensor detects and records the speed (G) so that the DMR can calculate the XYZ amplitude for cornering G, as well as braking and acceleration.

The latest high speed CPU (Hiper DMR Engine) allows seamless recording straight to SD memory card without delay. Most data loggers on the market will have short gaps every few minutes in recording during which they save the data file to the SD memory card, making the HKS DMR far more reliable than competitor units as precious data can’t be lost.

In addition, no data is recorded onto the DMR itself – a unique feature for the new HKS system.

DMR Data analysis

Using the specially developed and supplied HKS DMR KSHSKHKSviewer software, it is possible to analyse driving more precisely. Users can then overlay this GPS information on Google maps to show speeds and track position.

Power Requirements

The principal DMR unit is powered from the car’s 12V cigarette socket. Also, there is a permanent power supply unit included in the main DMR camera, which has auto power cut out to prevent the internal battery from discharging too much.

HKS DMR – Second Camera as standard equipment

HKS’ DMR is equipped with the 2nd camera as a standard. Users can position this auxiliary camera in a choice of locations on the car to maximise a second video recorded point of view.

For example, the second DMR camera could be pointed towards the driver’s foot or the car’s meters to record the driver or engine performance during lapping.

HKS DMR Video Playback

The HKS DMR offers users a wide variety of playback option. Users can print event reports, adjust playback controls, toggle between main and sub screens, choose between displaying the camera image, Google Maps or Google Earth Images on the sub screen, allowing them to pinpoint exactly what’s occurred during a track (or fast road session) and why.

Full HKS DMR Contents:-

DMR Main Unit / Cigar Lighter Socket Power Cable (4m) / Hard Wire Power Unit (3m) / SD Memory Card (8GB) / Video output cable (4m) / Guide Sticker / Fitting Bracket / 2nd Camera / 2nd Camera Power & AV cable / 2nd Camera Holder / Fitting accessories (screws clips tape) / Viewing software (Windows XP / Vista / 7 Compatible)

Here at Torque developments we speak to many Aston Martin DB9 owners and whilst most are very happy with the way their car looks and sounds, allied to its strong straight line performance, many are dissatisfied with the way that the car actually feels to drive. Common complaints about the standard DB9’s handling abilities range from the front of the car feeling “fidgety,” to the rear of the Aston Martin feeling unpredictable with a limited amount of grip when exiting corners.

Over recent years the Torque developments chassis dynamics team have tackled and comprehensively defeated the handling gremlins of large variety of Aston Martin cars including the Vanquish S, the Vantage V8 and Vantage V8 Volante, and now we can add the DB9 to that list. From the very first test drive our technicians were able to diagnose multiple layers of issues that corresponded to the owner’s list of complaints and from there we were then able to drill down into the DB9’s chassis detail to isolate the various causes of the problems.

After a period of extensive testing, including workshop and live driving measurements, Torque Developments now has a detailed understanding of the DB9 chassis and has arrived at a set-up for the chassis geometry that we can offer to other Aston Martin DB9 owners who are in search of a nicer, more user-friendly chassis performance. For more information please call Torque Developments Plc on 0800 107 3250.

Torque Developments is delighted to have been retained by three of the key official Lotus racing series, as official performance validator.

Covering the popular Lotus Cup UK, Cup Europe and Lotus On Track Elise Trophy, the role, which began in 2008, is a recognition of Torque Development’s technical capabilities and it’s ability to accurately and impartially measure a race car’s power output both on site and at the circuit using its advanced Rototest hub dyno.

All three Lotus series feature classes divided into strict power limits and Torque Development’s role it to police these classes and ensure equality of performance within a reasonable tolerance level.

Each entrant must present that season’s current power curve from Torque Developments as part of the pre race scrutinnering process, meaning that the entire field of all the three championships has to undergo pre-season dyno testing at the firm’s Thurrock base.

The portable nature of the company’s Rototest dyno also enables Torque Developments to conduct post qualifying dyno ‘spot checks’ unannounced at the circuits throughout the season – if the peak horsepower result is higher than the prevailing class limit then the drivers are relegated to the back of the grid or the car is barred from competing until a legal power test result is acheived.

Commenting on the role, Torque Development’s Sam Borgman said “It’s an honour to continue our association with these prestigious series and it’s fantastic promotion for Torque Developments. We’re delighted to play an important part in ensuring that these Lotus championships retain their close, but fair racing.”

For the past few years leading Japanese tuning house TODA Racing has been involved in the design and manufacture of high performance engine components for Ferrari powerplants, including the Ferrari GT300 engines for the Japanese JGTC race series.

As part of this process TODA Racing is delighted to announce the launch of a ‘stroker’ kit for the F129B model of the Ferrari F355, which enlarges capacity from 3496cc to 3859cc and raises power in three specifications from 375 PS up to 492 PS.

The heart of the TODA Racing F355 increased capacity conversion is a specially designed forged steel 85mm stroke crankshaft (standard stroke is 77mm,) which is used in conjunction with forged alloy high compression pistons in either 85mm or 86mm diameter.

Three versions of the TODA Racing F355 F129B 3859cc increased capacity kit are available:-

 ”UME” Spec   Displacement 3859cc (C/R 12.0:1) Standard camshafts   436ps/8250rpm 44.6kgm/6000rpm COMPONENT High Comp Forged Piston KIT Ø85mm Crankshaft Metal Head Gasket Thrust Bearings Heavy Duty Bearings M & R Heavy Duty Crank Seals F & R Heavy Duty Camshaft Seals Heavy Duty Idler for Timing Belt Heavy Duty Timing Belt Free Adjusting Cam Pulleys + Timing Control Pulleys          

  *TODA bench test exhaust system was used.

   ”TAKE” Spec   Displacement 3859cc (C/R 12.0:1) TODA (HLA) Take camshafts 288/9.5 IN & EX   455ps/8500rpm 43.5kgm/6000rpm COMPONENT High Comp Forged Piston KIT Ø85mm Crankshaft Metal Head Gasket Thrust Bearings Heavy Duty Bearings M & R Heavy Duty Crank Seals F & R Heavy Duty Camshaft Seals Heavy Duty Idler for Timing Belt Heavy Duty Timing Belt Free Adjusting Cam Pulleys + Timing Control Pulleys High Power Profile Camshafts – “Take” Spec Up Rated Valve Springs    

  *TODA bench test exhaust system was used.

   ”Mastu” Spec   Displacement 3859cc (C/R 13.3:1) TODA (Solid) Matsu camshafts 295/10.2 IN & EX   492ps/8500rpm 45.3kgm/6000rpm COMPONENT High Comp Forged Piston KIT Ø85mm Crankshaft Metal Head Gasket Thrust Bearings Heavy Duty Bearings M & R Heavy Duty Crank Seals F & R Heavy Duty Camshaft Seals Heavy Duty Idler for Timing Belt Heavy Duty Timing Belt Free Adjusting Cam Pulleys + Timing Control Pulleys High Power Profile Camshafts – “Mastu” Spec Solid Lifter KIT Shim for Solid Lifter KIT Up Rated Valve Springs

  *TODA bench test exhaust system was used.

 

TODA Racing’s Ferrari F355 large capacity stroker kits have been developed using a combination of dyno bench testing and real world evaluation to ensure the optimum blend of high performance and reliability.

Priced from £22,950 excluding VAT, the TODA Racing Ferrari F355 large capacity kits are available now from TODA Europe, a division of TDi-Plc. Prices exclude VAT @ 17.5%. To purchase this product now, please click on: http://www.toda-europe.com/catalog/stroker-kits-c-369_370_373.html

TODA Racing will be releasing individual uprated engine components for the F355 over the coming months.

TDi technicians added team management and technical back up to the Hofmann’s Lotus Europa this weekend at the 1000km (9hrs) Brands hatch endurance event.

It was an interesting event with entries being accepted from right across the Lotus motorsport world, covering the following classes:

 ·         Lotus Elise trophy spec cars (Production)

·         Lotus cup Europe spec cars (2-11, Exige 260cup or Europa, GT4 Evora, NA Toyota Elise/Exige)

·         Invitation class cars (NA Honda K20 powered Elise or Exige conforming to Lotus cup Europe chassis regs)

TDi reduced the power of Chris Randell’s Lotus Europa race car right the way down from 420bhp to 254bhp at the hubs and changed the wheels, tyres and ride heights enabling the Hoffman’s car to be eligible for the class (Max of 260bhp at the hubs, min weight of 875kg inc driver)

With the reduced output we were able to safely take advantage of very lean fuel mixtures which in turn enabled TDi / Hoffmans to run the entire 9hr race with just four pit stops!  At  the mid distance point we had been looking extremely strong but an unfortunate spin and a pit stop lengthening fuel rig failure dropped us down the order. The car was faultlessly reliable throughout the race and we finished with a hard fought 2nd place, narrowly beaten to the win by a highly spec’ed “invitation class” Honda powered Exige.

 

Torque Developments Plc is delighted to unveil an aftermarket industry first – a one-stop shop pre-track day inspection service for race and high performance road cars. The popularity of trackdays with road legal cars has exploded over the last decade, yet in many ways track days are more mechanically stressful on machinery than pure racing events, because of the duration of the circuit activity, often using a car with tens of thousands of miles on the clock.As with all circuit activity, safe performance is paramount, so the Torque Developments pre-Trackday inspection not only assesses that a vehicle is fit for purpose on the track, it also provides vital information to clients about how well the car will perform both before and after it’s left the pitlane.

That’s because the new pre-trackday inspection includes an exhaust noise test – a matter of vital importance for UK trackdays where limits of 95 to 98 decibels are increasingly commonplace. Why experience the frustration and inconvenience of not being allowed trackside, when Torque Developments can provide advance warning of any exhaust noise issues? To that end, the Torque Developments pre-trackday inspection includes the following procedures:

• A Rototest hub mounted chassis dyno run with data logging to provide a print out of DIN corrected power and torque and air/fuel ratio.

• Roll out geometry check on the latest John Bean Arago machine to provide a print out of chassis straightness and all geometry angles.

• A full 26 point vehicle inspection by Torque Development’s ATA certified technicians.

• Exhaust noise level test.

With state of the art facilities and ATA certified technicians, Torque Developments Plc can also provide customers expert engine and chassis tuning advice and where required, implementation to solve any issues arising from the pre-trackday inspection service.Priced at £164.50 including VAT @ 17.5%, bookings for the pre-trackday inspection service are now being taken by Torque Developments plc.