At General Motors, the newly expanded GM Performance Parts lineup will now include engine parts for the new 2.2L four-cylinder Ecotec powerplant (found inside the Cavalier, Sunfire, and new Saturn Ion). This list includes intake and exhaust camshaft blanks, an adjustable cam gearset, a head gasket and O-ring kit, and a neutral-balance shaft set. GM Performance Parts will also continue to manufacture parts for older models (which is how the well-compensated Hot Rod staff can still collect its paychecks), including a roots-type supercharger for the 2.4L four-cylinder that's good for around 40hp. Very cool.
And backing up that performance mindset is GM's staunch race program. In addition to the Cavalier it ran last year, GM Racing has launched a Saturn drag race program this year. Unlike the Chevys, the Saturn race cars (three in total) will all remain front-wheel drive and compete in the NHRA Pro FWD, Hot Rod, and All-Motor classes. Jim Epler, a former Funny Car driver and the first man to hit 300mph in a Funny Car, is masterminding the Saturn charge and has already lured Lisa and Gary Kubo away from their Civic hot rod.
Stealing drivers seems to be the trend this year as Dodge now has Shaun Carlson on its payroll. Carlson, who last raced a Ford Focus, will pilot a Pro FWD Neon drag car and compete under the Mopar banner, as the famous performance parts division of Chrysler gears up to release a complete line of parts for the new ultra-tough turbocharged Dodge SRT-4, including Stage I, II, and III turbo upgrade kits, coilover suspensions, anodized engine parts, and performance seating.
Of course, Honda will continue to be in the sport compact racing mix, supporting drivers Stephan Papadakis, Adam Saruwatari, and RJ DeVera, all debuting brand-new race cars this year.
Hyundai will hit the dragstrip with a turbocharged Tiburon built and driven by import-veteran Roger Scalise behind the wheel. And although Toyota is pulling back a bit on the reigns of its drag race program, it continues to support Christian Rado with parts while sponsoring Team Lexus in the Grand Am Cup series.
All the manufacturers will be on hand, showing their latest high-performance cars and race cars at IAS. Stalking is permitted. Drooling is not.
April 25-27, 2003Los Angeles Convention CenterLos Angeles, California USA
Show Hours:Friday, April 25-Trade-only DayExhibits:11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 26-Trade and Consumer DayExhibits:10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Trade Only 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Trade and Consumer
Sunday, April 27-Trade and Consumer DayExhibits:11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Trade and Consumer