PERFORMANCE & RACING
BILSTEIN DELIVERS MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE For the BMW 3 Series
Bilstein says it is proud to offer sports and threaded suspension systems for the BMW E30, G20 and all models in between. In 2022, the BMW E30 3 Series celebrates its 40th birthday. The first M3 was based on this model, and it became the most successful touring car of all time. The M3 has inspired every BMW 3 series right up to the 316. Bilstein, a company that has been active in the racing scene, notes that agile handling is one of the most important factors in creating an enjoyable driving experience with the BMW 3 Series. One of Bilstein’s specialties is finding optimisation potential. The company says it offers several suggestions to upgrade the BMW 3 Series for maximum performance. Bilstein says that one major upgrade that is inadequately catered for by the factories is lowering, with maximum values of around 15 millimetres. However, it says the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit sports suspension allows for lowering of up to 40 millimetres for models in the E30 Series.
For the cars from the G20 Series, Bilstein offers up to 55 millimetres, for example, with the Bilstein EVO S, or SE with support for electronic shock absorber control, and T1 threaded suspension systems. Benefits of lowering include a sportier appearance, higher cornering speeds, and improved ride comfort. Race track enthusiasts also have the EVO R at their disposal. This racing suspension even allows a lowering of up to 70 mm. In terms of suspension technology, Bilstein says its B12 Pro-Kit can set E30 models on a course towards the M3. The current BMW 3 Series (G20) has been on the market for three years now, and Bilstein says its products can enhance its performance virtually infinitely. Bilstein says the EVO S threaded suspension system combines maximum performance and comfort with its cool Anthracite look. With its tighter characteristic curve, it reportedly allows higher cornering speeds than the standard
suspension system and offers more ride comfort than the off-the-shelf M suspension system. Thanks to the further development of the internal fixing of the spring cap, Bilstein says it allows lowering by up to 55 millimetres and offers a dualtuned shock absorber setting. The otherwise identical EVO SE variant also supports a factory-fitted electronic shock absorber adjustment. Bilstein says it has tailored its sharper variants of the EVO series to sporty drivers. Track day fans can adjust the EVO T1 individually to any racetrack in just ten clicks (rebound and compression stage) via an aluminium adjustment wheel. The maximum lowering is up to 55 millimetres. For more information, visit www.bilstein.com
AUSTRALIANS TO TAKE ON THE WORLD
A host of Aussies will compete at the FIA Motorsport Games in France across October 26-30 Motorsport Australia will again field a team of Australians to compete in the 2022 FIA Motorsport Games, with the first team members now confirmed. Stephen and Brenton Grove will again represent their country in the GT discipline, the pair backing up their 2019 bronze medal at the most recent version of the Games. Motorsport Australia can also confirm that Stephen Grove will take on the honour of being the Team Captain at the event, which will be based at Circuit Paul Ricard in France in October. “I’m really excited to be returning to the FIA Motorsport Games in 2022 to represent Australia once again,” Stephen said. “Personally, the added bonus will be the privilege of being Team Captain. I look forward to working with all of Australia’s competitors and hope we can bring home some great results for our country.” Meanwhile, Brenton was also eager to take on the best in the world. “We were quite disappointed when the last two games were cancelled due to COVID, so I’m thrilled to be back in France,” Brenton said. “We know the car much better now and have some experience at the track so we’re hopeful of another podium finish for our country.”
Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations, Michael Smith, congratulated the Groves for again proudly representing their country. “Stephen and Brenton are great ambassadors for our sport and following on from their success at the 2019 FIA Motorsport Games, we are proud to have them representing both the country and Motorsport Australia at this year’s games in France,” Michael said. “Stephen is also the obvious choice for Team Captain, given his significant experience in all facets of motorsport, as well as the passion and drive he has to perform, no matter the category he might be competing in. “We’re hopeful of announcing more competitors in the coming weeks and certainly encourage anyone else eager to take part to reach out to us to find out more.” This will be the second time the FIA Motorsport Games take place in its current form, following a successful debut in 2019 in Italy. There, Australia ended the event equal second, having claimed a gold medal in Esports, as well as the Grove’s bronze medal in GT. The expanded games in 2022 means even more disciplines and more competitors will be able to
take place across the following categories: GT, GT Sprint, Touring Car (TCR), Endurance, Formula 4, Rally2, Rally4, Historic Rally, Karting Sprint Sr, Karting Spring Jr, Karting Endurance, Karting Slalom, Cross Car Jr (off road), Cross Car Sr (off road), Auto Slalom, Drifting and Digital/Esports. While Motorsport Australia will provide various support in the lead up to and during event, competitors will be required to fund their own entry and event budget. Motorsport Australia will also confirm details of the selection process for the Digital/Esports category shortly, with a local competition to take place to find the potential Australian entrant. The event will also be broadcast in Australia, with specific details to be confirmed soon. Any interested competitors should email communications@motorsport.org.au for more information and cost estimates. Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine August 2022
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