ROAD AND TRACK GOES TO GERMANY

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In the May issue, Road and Track went to the German homeland of CEC's tuning partners to find out how to get more out of our favorite performance cars. There they drove TECHART's finely tuned 997, Oettinger's GTI, and AC Schnitzer's modified M5.

Road and Track isn't all about speed, after their visit abroad it was made clear to International Editor Sam Matani that "it's not about the fastest thing on the road anymore; it's about having the ride that best fits your lifestyle and tastes."

THE 997 IS EXPERTLY MODIFIED BY TECHART

TECHART, is featured first in the piece with their program for the 997. Doug Kott writes, "The TECHART GTS wheels really set off the body work as does the lowered .75" ride height." In regards to the aerodynamic components he adds, "The beautifully finished urethane pieces offer significant reduction in lift."

TECHART's car doesn't just look fierce it sounds aggressive too. Kott notes, "The exhaust sounds are more feral - a reedier harder-edged note that barks out of the TECHART stainless steel tips with big throttle openings, yet softens to near stock level sounds when you're simply loafing along."

AC SCHNITZER ENHANCES THE NEW M5

What stands out "like Beyonce at a homemaker's convention"? According to Sam Matani it is AC Schnitzer's incredible M5. "The aerodynamics enhancements to the BMW are highlighted by a carbon-fiber front air dam, side skirts, and rear spoiler, all of which give the ACS5 a fast clean look."

Rainer Vogel of AC Schnitzer explained, "We're in the business of taking excellent cars and making them perfect. With the BMW M5, the engine is just about perfect, so we concentrated on other aspects that we felt needed attention like aerodynamics and suspension."

Sam Matani took the car for a drive. On slick German roads the ACS5's turning feels "remarkably crisp", and when it comes to high speed stability it's "superb".

OETTINGER'S GTI GETS HIGH MARKS IN MAY'S ROAD AND TRACK

Last stop is Oettinger, and a look at their Volkswagen GTI program. Sam Matani was impressed by the spike in performance and said, "The way this thing accelerated was awesome. The GTI gets off the line with the front wheel chirping, but all the fun comes when the tach needle sweeps past the 3000 rpm mark." The Oettinger GTI reaches 60mph in about 5.9 seconds.

Oettinger achieves more power by implementing a bolt-on turbo-charger, recalibrated ecu, and enhances the intake and exhaust for better breathing.

Road and Track's website features video footage of the trip; click here to view.

May's issue is on sale now.