Don’t worry, he’s smiling on the inside…
Part 1
THE CREW here at Active Autowerke takes great pride in our reputation as innovators in all aspects of the BMW performance industry. From conjuring more horsepower when many assumed it couldn’t be done, to designing a shop-themed T-shirt that won’t get lost at the bottom of the laundry basket, we tend to set the bar.
A very powerful, and damn stylish bar.
With this attitude behind our every move, we delved deep into the Bactive-Cave to devise the idea behind this blog post. Welding guns were ignited, industrial-sized fans began to churn and hum, lightning struck in the distance, wrenches were dropped on toes, and many homemade Jamaican patties paid the ultimate price.
All so we could deliver a post so revolutionary, the WordPress servers would be guaranteed an immediate reservation for the Lindsey Lohan Executive Suite in rehab for taking too many hits.
Active Autowerke is now proud to present the highly anticipated, “Ask Mike Hugh Anything” blog post!
…However he is obviously baring his teeth and preparing to charge the camera here.
What’s that? This has been done before? A lot?
Well, do any of those nobodies have daily access to a 700-horsepower M3? We didn’t think so.
WE RECENTLY gave our Facebook and Instagram followers the chance to ask Active Autowerke’s fearless leader anything they wanted, which could have easily turned disasterous. Luckily, most of you are gearheads just like us, and focused on the what’s, why’s, and how’s behind our shop. Part 1 addresses a few questions about our E92 M3, Blitzkrieg, which has been featured on Ultimate Klasse, GTSPIRIT, and BoldRide. Now, let’s get this unnecessarily contrived introduction over with, and move forward.
Even ants these days have a higher megapixel camera phone than I do
Shoib, Facebook – Is Blitzkrieg fast? How much power does it make?
Mike Hugh – FAST? I think so. Being a BMW Tuner, we are always pushing the envelope to gain more though. Recent rear wheel horsepower for the S65 E9X M3 Supercharger as tested on our in–house Mustang Dyno, measure in the mid 500+ WHP figures (Ed. Note: these numbers are 3 months old, and have since increased). Dynojet testing is to come, which usually readss higher than the Mustang.
Remember, all of our numbers are generated on stock, untouched engine internals, running 100% 93 octane pump gas, making the engine horsepower around 600 HP + at the crank. We are always conservative in statements of power, because we expect our customers to be able to replicate them, even under less than perfect conditions. Rather than just look at the MAX numbers though, one also must drive the car, and feel the torque under the curve.
Ricky, Facebook – What’s your take on BMW’s choice to no longer offer manual gearboxes? Are you a fan on the dual clutch transmission in Blitzkrieg?
Mike Hugh – YES I AM. Test drive a DCT such as the one on the E9X M3, and measure the time span between shifts. It outclasses any human driver that I know of. You can shift it manually, or have it done automatically for you. You can increase or soften the shift points as well. It is very easy to live with on a day-to-day basis…What’s not to love about the DCT?
Talk about a fine red “whine”
Cameron, Facebook – What would you do differently on your next M3 Project?
Mike Hugh – Great question. Probably MORE. As in, refining. On our E46 M3 Supercharger kit for example, we have consistently increased power from the original inception in 2001 of around 500, to over 600 horsepower currently. All of this attained just through refinements and improvements without needing to open the engine. I can see our E9x M3 SC following along the same path. Only time will tell.
Michael, Facebook – What are the plans for the car once it is completed?
Mike Hugh – Late last year we wrapped up a video shoot for a South Florida based automotive lifestyle show in which we had Chelsea Denofa drift Blitzkrieg around a track! It was a great torture test, and the car performed perfectly! Drag times are scheduled to be done very soon as well. Additionally, we will be showcasing the car at various PR events, dealer open houses, and events such as the upcoming Nurotag Miami show.
Other than that, more testing. Always more testing.
That orange E30 from the last post looks different here…
Part 2 Coming Soon
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