Saturday 31 January 2015

Video: Ride Along In A modified Lamborghini Countach


This was a unique project in nearly every way. What started out as your average black 1988.5 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole has now turned into a special one-of-a-kind daily driver.

In addition to its beastly Quicksilver exhaust system, this Countach was wrapped baby blue with white accents, had its wheels painted to match the new theme, was given power steering and updated electronics. This all followed the rebuild of the entire motor and transmission.

After making a few more tweaks at the request of the owner, we took it out on a quick drive to make sure all systems were in working order before the car heads home to Kelowna, British Columbia.


Friday 30 January 2015

G-Power BMW M3 Awarded 2nd Place at AUTOBILD Readers' Choice


We're happy to announce that one of our vendors, G-Power, who specialize in all things BMW, recently had their supercharged M3 V8 SK II CS awarded second place in the readers' choice category at the recent AUTOBILD awards event.


After the supercharged Coupe has gained the world record for the fastest BMW M3 V8 on the planet, with a top speed of 337,4 km/h, there is another trophy waiting for this awesome 610 hp strong Coupe.

The deep impact the outstanding performance of this Power-Coupe has made on the BMW community has been echoed from the result of the readers’ choice 2014 from AUTO BILD SPORTSCARS in a quite impressive way.


Despite the fact that BMW has decided to end the production of the legendary M3 in late 2013, the readers of AUTO BILD SPORTSCARS have currently voted the G-POWER BMW M3 with the legendary high-revving V8 for the second-best car in its category: “Tuning/Coupes!”



For those power-hungry BMW drivers out there, the G-POWER M3 Supercharger system SK II CS increases the stock power output from 420 hp to 610 hp, a 190 hp difference!

Since we're one of G-Power's Certified Canadian suppliers, the supercharger system can be professionally installed on your M3 right here at ZR Auto.

Thursday 29 January 2015

Insanely Loud Aston Martin DB9 with Quicksilver Sport Exhaust!


Our team just finished up with the installation of a stainless steel Quicksilver Sport Exhaust system on an Aston Martin DB9. The symphony the car now produces is incredible!

In addition to the installation of the sport exhaust unit, we also did a secondary catalytic converter delete, replacing the old parts with secondary cat replacement (straight) pipes.


This gave the V12 Aston Martin the much needed roar it deserves. There's no mistaking this Aston's presence with its new exhaust setup.

With a total weight reduction of 12.2 kg and an improved throttle response, this DB9 is already making more power, but this owner wanted more! With an ECU tune completed, this British beast has seen an 80 hp increase over stock!

Check out the incredible sounds of this Aston Martin DB9 here! Be sure to turn up the volume!


Wednesday 28 January 2015

Fabspeed Maxflo Exhaust for Porsche 996 & 997 Carrera Models



Are you ready to add that extra growl to your Porsche 996 or 997 Carrera? How about some extra power?Now is the time to pull the trigger and get one of these systems installed on your car in time for the Spring and Summer driving months!

Our partners at Fabspeed's incredible Maxflo Performance Exhaust Systems for the 996 and 997 Carrera are a fantastic way to wake up your Porsche, and breathe new life into the driving experience! Get your Fabspeed Maxflo exhaust at ZR Auto today!








Porsche 997 Carrera:

Product Details: Increase power and save weight with a throatier and deeper exhaust note throughout the
RPM range; available with Black Chrome or Polished Deluxe Quad-Style Tips. The 997 Carrera Maxflo Performance Exhaust replaces the factory mufflers, improving the exhaust flow and the overall power while providing a deap and throaty sports car sound. This system can be used with the OEM outlet tips, or Fabspeed's Deluxe Quad-Style Tips in either Black Chrome or Polished finish.

Features:
  • Fits all Porsche 997 Carrera vehicles 2005-2008 
  • Improves sports car sound and power throughout the RPM range; Improves horsepower and torque by 12 whp and 12 ft-lbs 
  • Saves 1 lb versus the factory components 
  • Compatible with Fabspeed's Deluxe Quad-Style Tips in Polished or Black Chrome finish; also compatible with OEM tips 
  • Constructed from high-quality 14-16ga CNC mandrel-bent T304L stainless steel for optimum flow and maximum durability 
  • Direct bolt-on replacements for the restrictive factory mufflers 
  • All Fabspeed performance products are backed by the Fabspeed Lifetime Limited Warranty


Porsche 996 Carrera:

Product Details: Increase power and save weight with a throatier and deeper exhaust note throughout the RPM range; includes Black Chrome or Polished Deluxe Quad-Style Tips

The 996 Carrera Maxflo Performance Exhaust replaces the factory mufflers, improving the exhaust flow and the overall power while providing a deap and throaty sports car sound. This system includes Fabspeed's Deluxe Quad-Style Tips in either Black Chrome or Polished finish, but is also compatible with OEM tips.


Features:
  • Fits all Porsche 996 Carrera vehicles 1998-2005 
  • Increase horsepower and torque by 12 whp and 10 ft-lbs 
  • Saves 11 lbs versus the factory components 
  • Includes Fabspeed's Deluxe Quad-Style Tips in Polished or Black Chrome finish; also compatible with OEM tips Improves sports car sound and power throughout the RPM range 
  • Constructed from high-quality 14-16ga CNC mandrel-bent T304L stainless steel for optimum flow and maximum durability 
  • Direct bolt-on replacements for the restrictive factory mufflers 
  • All Fabspeed performance products are backed by the Fabspeed Lifetime Limited Warranty

Saturday 17 January 2015

Sinister Matte Black Wrapped Mercedes CLA 250 4Matic

We recently saw a brand new Mercedes CLA 250 4Matic arrive at our shop for a complete vinyl wrap to transform the look of the car to set it apart from the rest of Calgary's Mercedes models already on the streets.



After cleaning the paint and cutting the matte black vinyl film, the application process began, and two short days later, the finished car awaits the owner's return.



This car looks mean, plain and simple. Complete with limo tint all the way around, the matte black vinyl wrap really sets this car apart from the rest of the CLA models already on the roads.



For the full photo set, click here!

Friday 16 January 2015

New Vinyl Wrap for Novitec Ferrari F430 in Progress!

 When winter rolls in, supercar owners don't have much of a choice when it comes to driving their high-horsepower toys. For us, it's the perfect time to get working on some modifications for the next driving season.

 Our Ferrari F430 has been previously tuned to 707hp using parts from Novitec Rosso, most noticably a twin supercharger system. But with a car this powerful, a strong street presence is needed. This winter we're giving the F430 a new look. Here's a peak at its current state. We think our customers and fans will appreciate the new livery. More details coming soon...


For more information on vinyl wrapping, please visit ZRAuto.com

Matte Black Wrap Installation on A Mercedes CLA 250 4Matic

 A new customer of ours just dropped off his Mercedes CLA 250 4Matic for a matte black wrap. We've begun installing the wrap film on the car and have made a lot of progress.

Our wrap team goes the extra mile to ensure a quality fitment of the vinyl wrap into every seam, panel and more.

It's always nice to see a brand new vehicle like the CLA 250 in the shop. We're excited to see how this one will turn out.



Vinyl wrapping is a cheaper and more effective alternative to repainting your car. With a wrap, it not only acts as the new exterior of the vehicle, but it protects the paint underneath from rock chips, snow, debris and more.

When you're tired of the look, you can always remove the film, with the paint underneath in perfect condition.



Vinyl wraps start at $3,495 for the entire vehicle. We can do single colour, multi-colour or custom-design vinyl wraps, all done to your specifications.



Check out these photos of the wrap process so far. For more information on vinyl wrapping, visit ZRAuto.com 

Thursday 15 January 2015

Escort Passport 9500ix Installation on a 2015 Cadillac Escalade

 We recently received this 2015 Cadillac Escalade from a customer who wanted a complete radar jammer/radar detector setup. With a variety of options available, the customer opted for the Escort Passport 9500ix system with hidden mirror heads-up display and hidden receivers.

 Our team got busy wiring the system into the Escalade, with all the wires, control module and radar detector unit hidden from view.

 The jammer units are placed in behind the front grille, which diffuse incoming laser and radar signals and scramble them. You won't even see the devices unless you get up close. The wiring for these units are done very cleanly, with nothing exposed in the engine bay.

 The Escort radar detector is also mounted behind the front grille for maximum effectiveness against incoming radar signals, sending an audible message to a speaker unit in the cabin of the vehicle, alerting the driver of the proximity of the incoming radar.

Hidden in the mirror display is a HUD system which displays the location of the radar or laser signal (front, back, left, right, etc.) and its signal strength.


The installation of the radar detector/laser jammer setup from Escort typically takes a day or two, depending on the complexity of the wiring and the extensiveness of the setup required.

For more information on radar detectors and laser jammers, visit ZRAuto.com.

Wednesday 14 January 2015

New Aston Martin V8 Vantage Exhaust From Quicksilver Available at ZR Auto


We're excited to offer a new product line from QuickSilver Exhaust Products tailored towards the N430 and GT Aston Martin V8 Vantage models.

DETAILS:
QuickSilver's newest system for the Aston Martin N430 and GT reflects this cars more focused performance - minimum weight and maximum involvement.

Track drivers will appreciate that we have reduced the exhaust's weight by a whopping 17.4 kilos (38 lbs) to just 9.8 kilos.

 All enthusiasts will enjoy the enhanced V8's crisper presence and a note rises with rpm and throttle. The QuickSilver exhaust enhances and amplifies the sensation expected from Aston Martins fastest and newest V8 model.





NOTE: This QuickSilver system is retro-fittable, without modifications, to all previous V8 Vantage models, enabling owners of even the earliest cars to update to the latest 2015 spec!




KEY FEATURES:
- A proper sports car sound.
- Made from T304 Stainless Steel.
- Improved throttle response.
- Benefits all areas of performance.

WEIGHT:
OEM: 27.2 kilograms/ 60 pounds
QuickSilver: 9.8 kilograms/ 22 pounds



For more information on these Quicksilver Exhaust setups, pricing, labour rates and more, please contact ZR Auto.

Monday 12 January 2015

Where in the World is the Ferrari ZXX?

Where is the Ferrari ZXX you might ask? Clearly it's not in the showroom or the shop. It's not even in Calgary, or Canada for that matter. Right now the world's only street legal Ferrari FXX is in Ahlen, Germany, under the care of Edo Competition.


The car is currently having some work done by our good friend Edo Karabegovic and his team to make the ZXX more of a street-friendly machine. It's not getting any power upgrades this time around. The focus of the car's visit to its creators is to refine the suspension and handling components so the car can be driven more comfortably in 2015. Believe us, it's going to be driven!



The car has been at Edo Competition's headquarters for the better part of two months so far and will remain there for a while longer before it returns back home to ZR Auto. For now though, it's in good company!


Sunday 11 January 2015

Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole by ZR Auto

It’s not often you see a Lamborghini Countach out on the roads. But this particular 1988 5000 Quattrovalvole is a daily driver. Many would argue that the Countach is Lamborghini’s most iconic vehicle and belongs in a collection or showroom.

Almost a year ago, a black Countach showed up at the shop in need of a major mechanical overhaul. The car was sold during the repairs, which involved an entire engine and transmission rebuild. The new owner had big plans for the car.



As a Lamborghini enthusiast and current owner of other Lamborghini models, our customer from Kelowna decided he wanted something a bit more edgy. He wanted something that nobody else had, in a colour that Lamborghini never produced the car in.

After settling on a colour, the Countach was wrapped baby blue with white accents. The wheels were painted white with blue accents to match the body colour.



This U.S.-Spec Countach was updated with a Euro front bumper and was outfitted with power steering. The engine bay was painted blue and white to match the car’s new colour scheme.

Finally, a brand new Quicksilver exhaust system was installed on the car along with some updated electronics to give it a more modern feel when driving. After all, the owner plans on daily driving this beauty. Now he has something pretty outlandish, yet extremely cool. Of course we beg to differ.



For more information on vinyl wrapping, aftermarket exhaust, engine rebuilds and electronics, visit ZRAuto.com

Saturday 10 January 2015

Mercedes CLS 55 AMG Widebody Transformation Update

We're making some serious progress on the Prior Design widebody kit installation on the Kleeman 640hp Mercedes CLS 55 AMG. The body panels are on the car and it's looking better than we expected. Our installation team has been working hard to get this project completed so we can turn our attention to some other exciting projects for the first quarter of 2015.

Next the body panels will be painted to match the car and then we'll be ready to complete the transformation with a brand new tri-colour wrap and some new deep-dish wheels from Vossen.




If you're looking to upgrade your car with a stunning body kit, vinyl wrap, wheels or other upgrades, be sure to get in touch with us. More information on ZRAuto.com 

Ferrari F40 LM-Spec Getting Major Service Work

We're getting ready to take on a massive project in the next few days. Our Ferrari F40 LM-Spec is due for a major servicing, meaning the motor is going to come out, the fluids will be changed, all moving parts will be lubricated and looked after, brakes will be redone, steering components checked and all of the mechanical components given an overhaul.
It's no easy task, but we pride ourselves in being experts in all things supercar related. Our team has trained with exotic car manufacturers as well as aftermarket tuners like Edo Competition, IMSA, Heffner Performance, Kleeman, Techart and more.

When our F40 has been serviced, we're going to refresh its look with a new vinyl wrap. It's been sporting this tri-colour design for the past two years, and we're big on changing things up!


We're excited to get this incredible machine back in order for Spring so we can get it back on the road where it belongs.

We service all sorts of European cars as well as sports and exotic cars. We're Calgary's one-stop shop for Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bentley, Corvette, Viper, Ford GT and many more!

For more information on major and minor vehicle servicing, please visit ZRAuto.com.



Friday 9 January 2015

VF Engineering Audi R8 Gets A New Look

It's 2015 and big projects are on the horizon! We recently had this 2010 Audi R8 V10 at the shop for a VF Engineering supercharger upgrade. Now it's back to get some visual modifications to give it that aggressive look to match its new high performance output.












Before we installed the supercharger, the R8 was already outfitted with a Capristo valved exhaust system, ADV.1 wheels, lowering module and a Stasis ECU tune. We've since beefed up the performance output to 800hp to the crank with the VF Engineering supercharger, intercooler and ECU software upgrades.



After taking his new monster for a drive, the owner decided he wanted the car to look the part. Using our high-quality Suntek matte paint protection film, we wrapped the entire car, giving it that extra sinister finish. Next we added gloss stripes from the nose to the tail to give it some added flare.

For more information on vehicle wraps, paint protection film and performance upgrades, please visit us at ZRAuto.com 




Orange Heffner Twin Turbo Gallardo Ready For A New Wrap!

Like us, many of our customers really enjoy transforming their vehicles into something they can really enjoy. For some that means a body kit, for others it means more performance. From wheels and tires to wraps, window tint and more, we're invested in turning your car into something that stands out.

This Lamborghini Gallardo, to put it bluntly, is far from subtle. As it stands it's already in your face. What started out as a 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo 6-speed has turned into one astounding ride! Over the years we've pumped more power into this Gallardo via Heffner Twin Turbo upgrades, to the point where it pushes out a whopping 1500hp to the crank on race fuel!



Additionally, it boasts a widebody kit from IMSA as well as custom IMSA wheels. For years it's been sporting special carbon fibre graphics on the hood and sides of the car, but the owner wants something different for 2015. We've been working hard with our graphic designer to create something special for this Gallardo and just received approval from the owner to begin wrapping his car with this neat design.


If you've ever wanted to change the look of your car but are turned off by the price of repainting, we've got the solution for you. A vinyl wrap is only temporary and can be removed at any time. They typically last 5 years or more with our quality vinyl film inventory. When it's time to sell your car, you can remove the wrap with the paint underneath undamaged. Plus it's far cheaper than repainting and more durable than plasti-dipping. Visit ZRAuto.com for more information on vinyl wrapping.