Setting up a control rig for you PC racing games/simulators has always meant latching the steering wheel to your desk and tucking petals somewhere underneath. The Simraceway SRW-S1 Steering Wheel has a new wheel/petal combination that gives you everything right in your hands.

The SRW-S1 Steering Wheel has been tested and approved by professional racing drivers including four-time IndyCar Series winner, Dario Franchitti and double Indy 500 Champion, the late, great and much missed, Dan Wheldon as well as SimRacing stars, David Greco and Bruno Marques. Sorry PS3 and Xbox 360 guys, it’s only available for the PC!

Searching the iTunes database for Automotive Apps still isn’t an option. So, in the name of drivers everywhere, here are 10 More High Performance iPhone / iPod / iPad apps that every motorhead should know exists. Just like Part 1, the descriptions are taken strait from the source. Enjoy!

FUZZYCar

FUZZYCar is an iPhone application that connects your cars’ computer (ECU) directly to the Internet using the Kiwi WiFi from PLX Devices. Using FUZZYCar, you can see all of the diagnostic sensors your car supports right on your iPhone, including Speed, RPMs, Oxygen Sensor data, and the status of your Check Engine Light. FUZZYCar can also diagnose the exact Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) every time your check engine light comes on, and can even clear your check engine light immediately. Each copy of FUZZYCar also gives you a free account on fuzzyluke.com. Now you can keep track of multiple cars, and analyze all of your cars historical diagnostic data. You don’t just get a one-time snapshot or spreadsheet, you get to keep track of it all using the FUZZYLUKE analysis engine. Your fuzzyluke.com account will also let you setup email alerts, so that you can keep track of problems as they occur in all of your cars. Buy | $4.99

Speed Box

Speed Box is a Speedometer for both your iPhone and iPad. It displays the current speed, distance, direction and altitude you’re traveling. Buy | $3.99

Official Speed Channel

The SPEED Channel application delivers the latest breaking news, opinion, and expert commentary, along with race results, standings and schedules to the palm of your hand. Plus, you’ll find photo galleries and many of your favorite SPEED programs, in both video and audio formats. Programming selection will include SPEED shows such as SPEED Report, Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, Pinks All Out, SPEED Engine Block, SPEED Last Laps, and more! Buy | Free

Trapster

Trapster(R) is a FREE app that alerts you as you approach speed traps, red light and speed cameras, accidents, and other roadway hazards. Join World’s largest driver’s social network today! Drivers helping drivers, more than 12 million users strong! Buy | Free

DashCommand

WANT GAUGES? This is the app for that. DashCommand is the ultimate OBD-II supplementary vehicle instrumentation application available for the iPhone and iPod touch. The built in dashboards can display a total of 27 gauges pulling data directly from your ride’s engine control module. Also use DashCommand as scan tool to read and clear the trouble codes that caused the “check engine light” to turn on, a trip computer, or a race day companion. Buy | $49.99

SpeedPort

Introducing SpeedPORT(r), a revolutionary application created for auto enthusiasts. SpeedPORT allows you to switch performance profiles of your vehicle’s Engine Management Software, Scan Diagnostic Trouble Codes, Reset Check Engine Lights, View Engine Parameters Real-time and more! Buy | $29.99

ESPNF1

The official ESPNF1 iPhone app brings you the best Formula One coverage across the globe, delivered in English, French and Spanish. The app will provide news, features, live commentary during races, and detailed information about teams, drivers, and circuits. Buy | Free

Harry’s LapTimer Pro

Harry‘s GPS LapTimer is the advanced and most elaborated iPhone tool for lap timing. Offering extensive data recording, it is the ideal companion for amateur racing. Utilizing GPS, LapTimer automatically records your laps and intermediate times – a unique feature on the iPhone platform. With laps stored in a database, drivers can track their progress while improving lap times. Recorded laps can be viewed and analyzed graphically. In addition to ‘on device’ analysis, LapTimer has several export interfaces to convert recordings to PDF, CSV, and KML (Google Earth) files. Buy | $18.99

Cobra iRadar

Cobra iRadar is the world’s first and largest community-based radar/laser/camera detection system. Now you can share and receive alerts in real time from other iRadar users! With access to live radar/laser detection, user reports, automatic alert reporting, and Cobra’s AURA speed and red light camera database, iRadar users are the smartest and most aware drivers on the road. Download Cobra iRadar to see how social networking revolutionizes detection. Buy | Free + Cobra iRadar Detector

Official Formula 1

The only Official F1™ 2011 Live Timing and Track Positioning app has over 130 hours of live F1 coverage; Access live timing and track positioning for all F1 sessions over a race weekend – P1, P2, P3, QUALIFYING and RACE for the 2011 Formula One World Championship. Buy | Free

The Electric DeLorean will get 260 horsepower and will do 0-60 in an impressive 4.9 seconds (top speed of 125 mph). The price isn’t exactly set in stone but based on rumors, the DMCEV-12 will run you approximately $100,000. “Great Scott!”

We set out to buy a $32,000 Japanese or German designed sports car and getting the most value for our dollar was the number one priority. After extensive research, we narrowed our choices to the Nissan 370Z because of its power/performance and overall good looks and the BMW 128i because of its performance/handling/braking, warranty / maintenance program, and also, to see what all the hype was about. Our final decision might surprise you.

Challenge Basis: Base Model Sports Cars / $32,000 Price Range

2011 Nissan 370Z Coupe

Models and Options
We chose the base 370Z Coupe equipped with the close-ratio 6-Speed Manual transmission. We also tacked on the splash guards, carpeted floor and trunk mats. The total MSRP for our Z of choice came to $31,370 including destination and handling fees.

Interior
The 370Z’s interior is far more spacious than you might think considering there is no back seat. There is compartmental storage behind both seat as well as a mostly concealed and quite sizable trunk. There’s plenty of room for luggage, groceries, and the daily this-and-thats that tend to find their way into our vehicles. The ignition fires via push-button starter switch, the steering wheel / gauge cluster is adjustable, and the seats are surprisingly comfortable with more than ample leg room (for a 5‘ 10” man). Our only serious aversion to the look and feel of the Z’s interior is the compartment hatch that covers the hole that houses the satellite navigation. Unfortunately, the navigation is only available as an option with the pricier touring model. Overall, the base model Z’s interior feels like it was the beginning of something special but, if you want special, you’ll have to pay more to get it.

Performance
Under the hood, the Z packs a 332 horsepower, 270 lb-ft of torque, 3.7 liter aluminum-alloy V6 that packs an impressive exhaust note upon startup. Unfortunately, the sweet little note drowns out at moderate speed due to road noise. Impressive sounding or not, it will do 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and clock a 13.2 1/4 mile and that’s impressive from a $32K base model. The 53/47 weight distribution combined with Vehicle Dynamic Control, 2-link double-wishbone aluminum-alloy front / 4-link aluminum-alloy rear, front and rear stabilizers, and a 3-point front strut tower brace make for well handling car if driven on smooth pavement or at the track.

Warranty
36-month/36,000-mile limited vehicle coverage
5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage

Pros: The Engine, The Styling, The Price Points – The Z is an incredible value for the money and the price points and low production numbers will help ensure it keeps a strong resale.

Cons: First, the interior dash compartment door where the SAT Navigation would be installed in the touring model is at best, a design afterthought and should have been replaced with a separate dash. Second, blind spots galore. You will have quite a challenging time looking over your shoulder every time you change lanes.

2011 BMW 128i Coupe

Models and Options
We chose the base model Titanium Silver Metalic BMW 128i equipped with the 6-Speed Manual and Black Boston Leather interior. Our 128i was healthily equipped with keyless entry, iPod / USB adapter, and power front seats w/ driver seat memory. Total MSRP + Destination and Handling Fees for our BMW was $31,500 plus TTL.

Interior
The BMW 128i interior, even in the base model is spectacular. The leather has that wonderful patented BMW smell and looks and feels of true quality. The dash and gauge cluster are minimalistic in appearance yet filled with features like the maintenance schedule, engine diagnostics, and fuel consumption / MPG. The 128i has a very spacious two-person back seat and trunk space large enough fit all your luggage, gear, and groceries. The power adjustable seat controls mounted high on the backs of the front seats make switching between taller and shorter drivers effortless. Overall, even at the base level, the 128i’s interior impresses and gives you the feeling you did exceptionally well for you money.

Performance
The BMW 128i is every bit a proper BMW behind the wheel. The 128i has an aluminum block 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder engine that produces 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. It will punch 0-60 in approximately 6 seconds flat and its near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, forged-aluminum front suspension pieces and lightweight steel multilink rear suspension, make for great handling and exceptional steering. The 128i’s breaks are beyond impressive with Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by features. Translation – when you’re plowing through first gear and shift into second, the brakes will automatically apply a short blip between shifts that gets your wheel spin under control and assists in your second gear tire grab. Additionally, when driving off from a steep incline, the brakes automatically applied for 2 seconds giving less experienced drivers confidence on the hills and less fear of rolling into the car that’s pulled too close to your rear.

Pros: Interior, Performance, Handling, Steering, Braking – The BMW 128i offers massive bang for your buck. You’ll love driving the car and your passengers will enjoy riding in comfort.

Cons: Lack of a Limited Slip Rear-Differential, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) light Blinks while accelerating through the gears. We would just like to know it’s working, not see blinking lights. There’s no engine temperature gauge. At least we can’t find one.

Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles Maintenance Program
4 Years/Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance

Final Thoughts on Both
The Nissan 370Z has the most powerful engine and aggressive looks to match. Where it lacks luster in the interior, the Z makes up in the exterior design and strait-line performance. However, with exception to the Z’s power and handling, the overall ride and comfort are less than what you would expect from a car of its stature. The tires make an incredible amount of noise and the blind-spots are unnerving. The BMW 128i is tight and impressively designed on all fronts. The interior is all BMW from the leather to the instrument panel. While we would love an extra 100 horsepower for the price, the 128i is an exceptionally well balanced car that performs in a manner you would expect from a BMW at considerably higher price.

Our Decision

We purchased the BMW 128i. The Nissan’s power advantage and arguably more masculine looks don’t make up for the lack luster interior, uncomfortable ride, and lack of a comparable warranty / maintenance program. We also found dealing with the BMW Dealership to be an exceptionally better experience than with the multiple Nissan Dealerships we visited. Ultimately, if you want to feel like you are buying a car worth every penny of $31,500, buy the BMW 128i.

If you drive car or truck with a manual transmission, it’s probably safe to assume you’re someone who enjoys having control over the gear changes and being more at one with your driving experience. Most manual transmission owners will tell you they “know how” to drive their vehicle with little effort and minimal mistakes. Unfortunately, most people do not know how to properly shift a manual transmission. Now, let us take a lesson from Steve McQueen AKA “King Of The Double-Clutch”. Mastering the Double-Clutch will result in a smoother driving experience, lessen the wear on your transmission, clutch, and the synchromeshes or synchronizers found in our newer vehicles.

Double-Clutching or “Matching Revs” is typically done only in downshifts. Double-Clutching into the upshifts is thought by most to be unnecessary and considered showboating. But, who doesn’t like to showboat every now and then. One of the greatest examples of Double-Clutching can be seen in Steve McQueen’s driving of The 1968 Mustang Fastback in the movie Bullitt. If you pay close attention you can hear McQueen bumping the throttle between every shift in both the upshifts and downshifts. Here’s how it’s done:

Double-Clutch During The Upshift

• Release the throttle, press the clutch, and shift into neutral.
• Let out the clutch.
• Tap the throttle thus allowing the engine rev
• Press the clutch
• Upshift into your next gear (simultaneously, the engine RPMs will decrease thus matching the transmission’s speed – Matching Revs)
• Let out the clutch
• Press the throttle

Double-Clutch During The Downshift

• Release the throttle, press the clutch, and shift into neutral.
• Let out the clutch.
• Tap the throttle thus allowing the engine rev
• Press the clutch
• Downshift into your lower gear (simultaneously, the engine RPMs will decrease thus matching the transmission’s speed – Matching Revs)
• Let out the clutch

Once mastered, the above steps should only take a fraction of a second and become second nature. Apart from a bettered driving experience and lessened wear on your transmission, you will better understand a discipline held sacred by race car drivers and of course – Steve McQueen.

Searching the iTunes database for Automotive Apps just isn’t an option. They have categories like “navigation” and “travel” but Apple doesn’t view “High Performance” as a relevant search criteria. But, we do. Here are 10 High Performance iPhone / iPod / iPad apps that every motorhead should know exists. (Listed from left – right / top row first) The Descriptions are taken strait from the source. Enjoy!

Dynolicious – Uses the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer to measure you vehicle’s 0-60 acceleration, quarter mile elapsed time, horsepower, lateral G’s, and several other performance metrics. A history of test results for your car is saved, so averages and trends can instantly be retrieved. Dynolicious also allows you to record modifications made to your car, and to evaluate the resulting gains (or losses) in power and performance. Price: $13 / BUY IT

Rev – Rev monitors, displays, charts, and records real-time data by interacting with your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. Rev can also check and reset “Check Engine” lights and trouble codes and much more. Price: $40 APP + $150 HARDWARE / BUY IT

goLink – Just connect our goLINK cable (sold separately) between your vehicle and your iPhone or Touch, and remove the risks, and surprises, from driving. Actually measures the efficiency of your vehicle; tells you when fuel economy is running low relative to your driving habits. …the code reader will speak with your vehicle to interrupt the dreaded CHECK ENGINE light. Is your vehicle safe to drive, will it cost a small fortune to repair? Price: FREE + $100 OBDII HARDWARE / BUY IT

OnStar – OnStar Mobile offers an amazing level of control and connection to the Volt, Chevrolet’s electric vehicle with extended range. Using OnStar technology, Volt drivers can use their smartphones to get their real-time vehicle data or manage their charging controls remotely — making it easier to realize the full potential of one of the most anticipated cars on the planet. Price: $TBA + OnStar SUBSCRIPTION / BUY IT

LogWorks – LogWorks Mobile is a full function, Dyno, Economy Meter, Scan Tool*, Data Logger*, and Gauge* for your Apple iPhone or iPod Touch. Features include: 0-60 acceleration times, fixed gear and distance run HP calculation, acceleration G’s, timer (1/8 mile, 1/4 mile, and more.), fill-up log with gallons per mile, cost per mile, and cost per gallon calculations, real-time fuel economy meter with trip and day averages, advanced diagnostics – record and analyze critical vehicle parameters, display and log other Innovate Motorsports MTS compatible products, read and clear DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), OBD-II Smog Readiness status, Record up to 32 OBD-II and Innovate Motorsports MTS channels. Price: FREE + $100 OBDII HARDWARE / BUY IT

AutoZone – The AutoZone App brings you tools to streamline your shopping experience and get DIY repair info on the go. You can access AutoZone’s free vehicle repair guides anytime on your iPhone. And with AutoZone’s entire catalog in the palm of your hand, you can browse our inventory for the parts and accessories you need. You can also create shopping lists, check availability and pricing, locate an AutoZone store, track your AutoZone Rewards and more – right from your phone. Price: FREE / BUY IT

DashCommand – Want Gauges? This is the app for that. DashCommand is the ultimate OBD-II supplementary vehicle instrumentation application available for the iPhone and iPod touch. The built in dashboards can display a total of 27 gauges pulling data directly from your ride’s engine control module. Also use DashCommand as scan tool to read and clear the trouble codes that caused the “check engine light” to turn on, a trip computer, or a race day companion. Price: $50 + $100 OBDII HARDWARE / BUY IT

Viper SmartStart – Start your car from virtually anywhere with your iPhone! Receive a push notification if you car alarm goes off when installed with a Viper security system. The simple graphical interface gives you control over the following features of your installed Viper remote start or security/remote start system: lock/arm, unlock/disarm, remote car starter, trunk release, and panic or car finder. (Also available on BlackBerry and Android) Price: FREE + $500 HARDWARE / BUY IT

NAVIGON MobileNavigator – With the NAVIGON MobileNavigator you can transform your iPhone into a fully functional mobile navigation system that is every bit as good as the multi-award-winning personal navigation devices from NAVIGON in terms of its user-friendliness and features. Thanks to a faithful adaptation of the menu functions, the NAVIGON MobileNavigator fits in seamlessly with the operating concept of the iPhone. The application includes map material from the market leader NAVTEQ. Price: $80 / BUY IT

GReddy – Try out four awesome GReddy performance products that look, feel and sound just like the real thing! Mount your phone in your car to see the boost gauges respond to your driving with amazing realism and hear the GReddy Type-RZ blow off valve as you shift. Now with just your iPhone you can experience what it’s like to transform your car into a high performance race-tuned track car! Using the accelorometers in your phone, the app can accurately calculate your throttle position and simulates how your engine is boosting. Also, be sure to check out the VIDEO Simulator. Price: $1 / BUY IT