Latest news with #tuning
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford's Securely Locked ECU Is Now Open For Tuners To Have A Field Day
Ford's Securely Locked ECU Is Now Open For Tuners To Have A Field Day originally appeared on Autoblog. HP Tuners Finds A Way In The Ford MG1CS036 ECU used in the latest-generation S650 Ford Mustang has been quite the challenge for tuners wishing to extract more power from the car, much as it was for Nissan GT-R tuners when the R35 arrived. Thanks to the Blue Oval's Fully-Networked Vehicle electronic architecture, which must protect against hacks in cars with over-the-air update capability, getting around the ECU's security measures without turning the entire vehicle into a paperweight is tricky. But thanks to HP Tuners, no longer do owners need to fit an aftermarket ECU or go through Ford. As noted by Ford Authority, Palm Beach Dyno is already exploring the new possibilities, and at this early stage, the mildly modified Mustang delivers an extra 30 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque. Mustang Owners Aren't The Only Beneficiaries HP Tuners' work cracking the ECU can also be applied to a number of trucks and SUVs, so there's a great opportunity to build a mild sleeper here. Palm Beach Dyno's various tuning packages range in price from $319-$750, and the company says it can offer custom tunes for cars fed by 91 octane, 93 octane, E85, and race gas, whether those are naturally aspirated or boosted by Whipple Superchargers, Prochargers, Vortech Superchargers, or Hellion Twin Turbo kits. Numerous engines benefit, with the full list of compatible vehicles below: 2024-2025 S650 Ford Mustang GT, Dark Horse (5.0L V8) 2021-2023 Ford F-150 (2.7L, 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, 5.0L V8) 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R (5.2L supercharged V8) 2021-2025 Ford Bronco (2.7L EcoBoost V6) 2022-2025 Ford Bronco Raptor (3.0L EcoBoost V6) 2022-2025 Ford Ranger Raptor (3.0L EcoBoost V6) 2022-2023 Ford Expedition (3.5L EcoBoost V6) Simplified Tuning Is Just The StartFor now, the main benefit is that Mustang owners can finally tune their cars through the OBDII port - no need to pay $99.99 for the Ford MG1 upgrade service offered by HP Tuners, which required the customer to remove their powertrain control module/ECU and wait for it to be returned. Now, an S650 with no hardware can get a few more ponies, and those considering more serious upgrades like the aforementioned fueling and boost solutions can take an expensive aftermarket ECU out of the equation. With custom tuning now possible, expect to see loads more seventh-generation Mustangs taking to your local drag strip, and expect their power to increase as the limits are inevitably pushed over the coming months. Ford's Securely Locked ECU Is Now Open For Tuners To Have A Field Day first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Auto Blog
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
AC Schnitzer Gives BMW's New M5 More Power And Presence
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. or sign in with Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Hybrid V8 Means a Wild M5, But AC Schnitzer Wants More The 2025 BMW M5 is no longer just a muscular gas-powered brute. With the G90 sedan and G99 Touring, BMW has added a plug-in hybrid twist to the formula, pairing a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with electric power to generate a staggering 717 horsepower right out of the box. Whether you choose the sedan or the long-roof version, the result is a capable machine that blends Autobahn pace with electric efficiency. 0:02 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More But for AC Schnitzer, the M5's standard firepower wasn't enough. The German tuning firm, known for adding sharp edges to BMW's most capable models, has rolled out a preview of its full upgrade package for the new M5 duo. The result is a sedan or a wagon that's more powerful and noticeably beefier. M5 Gets Angrier, Louder, and 82 Horses Stronger As expected from AC Schnitzer, the German tuner is preparing a performance tune that will raise system output to 799 hp, or 82 more than the standard M5. The tuner hasn't fully revealed how this is achieved, but it's expected to come primarily from the combustion engine side, possibly boosting the 4.4-liter V8 to around 660 hp. Torque figures are still under wraps, but a bump over the stock 553 lb-ft is expected. The upgrade includes a full warranty, maintaining peace of mind even with the added firepower. Visual changes are just as serious. The car gains a more aggressive front splitter, canard-style side wings, chunkier side skirts, and a new rear diffuser. The three-box sedan gets a trunk lip spoiler, while the family-oriented wagon receives a roof wing. Ride height is lowered by 0.79 inches front and rear via revised springs for sharper handling. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Wheels are replaced with forged 21-inch AC6 Lightweight sets, available in either glossy black or ceramic-coated natural aluminum. Wrapped in wide rubber, they're paired with optional spacers if you want to stick to factory wheels. The quad 4.3-inch 'Carbon Sport' exhaust tips finish off the visual and aural drama. In Development, But Coming Soon Inside, you'll find aluminum trim pieces including pedals, an iDrive controller cover, and a matching key holder – minor but tasteful upgrades in keeping with the car's sharpened focus. All components of the AC Schnitzer M5 package are currently in development, with pricing and availability to be announced later in 2025. As always, Schnitzer's upgrades serve as a more radical, performance-focused alternative to BMW's own M Performance Parts line. About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Free Malaysia Today
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
Tokyo Auto Salon KL returns in August with bigger names, rare cars
Element X Strategies CEO and director Jason Yap (left) and Tokyo Auto Salon Federation director-general Junichi Fukui at a press conference at Mitec, Kuala Lumpur, today. KUALA LUMPUR : The third edition of Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur (TASKL) will take place from Aug 8-10 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here, with organisers promising a bigger show featuring rare car builds and a stronger fusion of Japanese and Malaysian automotive cultures. Among the headliners this year are six legendary names from Japan's tuning scene: Top Secret's Smokey Nagata, Liberty Walk's Wataru Kato, RE Amemiya's Isami Amemiya, KUHL Racing's Takahiro Kataoka, J's Racing's Hisaaki Murakami and Hiroshi Tamura, known as the father of the modern GT-R. Several iconic and rare vehicles will be flown in from Japan, including the one-of-a-kind Top Secret VR-32 Stealth Nissan GT-R, Liberty Walk's custom Ferrari F40, and the Super Silhouette ER34. Fans can also expect to see newer concept builds such as the CREWCH Delusion GT-R R356C and Matsukiyo Kizami 3Rotar NA-7. New to TASKL 2025 is a special showcase called Malaysia's Finest Tuners, which highlights the work of top local car builders and encourages collaboration between Japanese and Malaysian tuners. A die-cast collector's segment, the Mini TAS, will also be held in partnership with Model Car Show Malaysia. Jason Yap, CEO and director of Element X Strategies, said the event has grown steadily since its 2023 debut and continues to build its own identity. 'This year, we're focused on making the show even more accessible and even more memorable. We're not replicating the original Tokyo show, but creating something that belongs uniquely to Malaysia and the region,' he told a press conference at Mitec today. Element X Strategies is the official licensee of TASKL, working in collaboration with San Ei Corporation, the owner of the Tokyo Auto Salon intellectual property, and the Tokyo Auto Salon Association. Junichi Fukui, director-general of the Tokyo Auto Salon Federation, said the growing momentum of TASKL has led to new cross-border ventures. 'Japanese exhibitors have begun forming business partnerships with Malaysian companies as a result of this event,' he said. There will also be a lucky draw featuring a specially modified motorbike, with additional prizes such as tyres and other automotive products. A mix of local and international artistes will perform during the three-day show, with final confirmations to be announced on TASKL's social media channels. In the lead-up to the main event, TASKL will host the Prime Minister's Cup CSI1 — a SEA Games equestrian qualifier — from July 18 to 27 at the Kuala Lumpur Polo Club. On Aug 2, the Malaysia GT-R Festival will take place alongside the first official FL5 Type R track day at the Sepang International Circuit. TASKL tickets are priced at RM48 for a one-day adult pass, RM30 for children aged six to 12, and RM120 for a family combo pass. A three-day adult pass is also available, along with a 50% discount for persons with disability cardholders and their caregivers. Children aged five and below can enter for free. For tickets, updates and event information, visit or follow Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Auto Express
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New AC Schnitzer bodykit gives the BMW X3 an attitude injection
The fourth-generation BMW X3 only launched last year, but German tuning company AC Schnitzer has already given the SUV a sportier aesthetic in the form of the snappily-named 'X3 G45 by AC Schnitzer'. Since being founded in 1987, AC Schnitzer has become renowned for its tuned BMWs – from the original E30 M3 to the futuristic i3. The 5 Series and M2 are two of the current models you can get with AC Schnitzer parts, and now the X3 has been added to the list. Advertisement - Article continues below True to AC Schnitzer's style, on the outside there's a series of aggressive additions that the tuning company says adds 'real downforce'. Based on the M Performance X3 trim, the front features a unique splitter made of polyurethane, plus there are new side wings, side skirts and a roof spoiler, too. Several wheel rim designs are offered, stretching from 19 inches to 22 inches, and they fill the X3's wheelarches better thanks to 10mm spacers on each side, and a kit that lowers the springs by up to 25mm. To the rear, you'll notice there's no exhaust tip on show and that's because this is the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel model (as noted by the tiny badge on the bootlid). However, the AC Schnitzer treatment isn't exclusively reserved for the 194bhp oil-burner, because a version of the upgrade is 'in preparation' for the hot 392bhp M50 version, according to the company. That'll be the most potent model offered, because sadly BMW isn't currently planning a new X3 M. The tweaks aren't limited to the exterior, either. Inside, you'll find a pedal set, foot rest and cover for the iDrive controller all made from aluminium, plus a bespoke AC Schnitzer key holder – which simply slots into one of the cup holders. Pricing for AC Schnitzer's upgrades haven't been revealed. However, together with the £54,540 you'll need for an X3 20d M Sport, a total outlay of around £60,000 seems likely. Tempted by the X3? Find a great deal on a new car now . Find a car with the experts New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date The upcoming, all-electric Volvo XC60 alternative is designed to 'keep learning and evolve with time' BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal Octopus' 'Power Pack Bundle' includes a leased BYD, a wallbox charger and charging all for less than £300 per month New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand's ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact …
Auto Blog
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Did Chevy Underestimate The Corvette ZR1's True Performance?
Corvette ZR1 Reaches Customers And The Dyno The arrival of the C8 Corvette ZR1 signifies to the world that Chevy can kick it with the best of them, but even with a four-figure horsepower claim, aftermarket tuners will never be satisfied. Now that the ZR1 has begun to reach customers, some of whom represent tuning shops, the race is on to unleash the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8's full potential. Over the next few months, you're going to see social media posts from one company then another claiming firsts and world records, be that on the quarter-mile or the horsepower leaderboard. But before tuners do battle, they need to understand what they're really working with, and to do that, a dyno run provides some base numbers to build upon. Chevrolet claims 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque at the LT7's crank, and Paragon Performance in Waukee, Iowa, has put that to the test on a rolling road. The video is embedded at the bottom of this article. Math Suggests Chevy's Claims Are Modest According to Paragon's dyno, the ZR1 produces only a little less horsepower at the wheels with a reading of 1,028 ponies. Automakers have traditionally quoted their figures at the crankshaft because of several reasons. Firstly, the transference of energy from that point through the flywheel and clutch, then through the differential, and then through the shafts that drive the wheels (which themselves must transfer energy to the tires and lose some to friction and noise) is never fully conserved through the system. Heat and sound are both forms of energy that exist as by-products of the process of delivering rotational force from the crankshaft to the tires, and because of these fundamental inefficiencies, and because those inefficiencies vary across applications (a 6.2-liter V8 will produce a different figure at the wheel of a truck architecture than that of a sports car, for example), it's more cost-effective and consistent to quote the figures at the crank. But when it comes to performance cars, it seems that automakers prefer to tell a so-called white lie. Taking into account the losses described above, 1,028 hp at the wheels from 1,064 hp at the crank is astonishingly efficient, even in a package as compact as this one. Even more surprisingly, the torque figure is 11 units higher than claimed at 839 lb-ft. A mid-engine layout like this can be expected to have drivetrain losses of around 10%, and if that's the case, this untouched ZR1 is actually producing somewhere in the region of 1,180 hp and 920 lb-ft of torque. So why are the claimed figures so far off? GM Is Covering All Its Bases We've seen this many times before. BMW, in particular, has a habit of underquoting its performance figures, including 0-60 mph times. IND Distribution usually tests every new M, and the latest M5 is no exception to the unspoken rules of overpowered German behemoths. We've also seen it on the Toyota GR Supra, with two independent dyno runs in 2019 and another in 2020 confirming that the BMW-supplied B58 engines under their hoods were overdelivering. Back to the ZR1, and Car and Driver recently achieved a 2.2-second sprint from 0-60 mph, shaving a tenth off GM's own claim, despite testing on an unprepped surface and omitting the 1-foot rollout that automakers often use to cut an extra 0.2 seconds or so from their timing. Overdelivering on power and initial straight-line performance may be done to account for varying fuel grades, altitudes, and use cases, so the power figure announced by Chevy is likely an average figure, or one determined after extensive use, such as a track-day simulation. It also keeps the competition guessing. Another possibility is that this particular dynamometer is what people in the industry like to call a 'happy dyno' that hasn't been perfectly calibrated, or that the conditions in which the test was conducted were above average. Paragon Performance intends to find out with a lot more testing before fiddling with boost, fuel, and timing, so perhaps future dyno runs will result in a figure closer to the advertised. Thereafter, it'll be open season in the rush to the record books. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
