This story appears in the
January 2003 issue of
Entrepreneur.
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Ever feel tempted to transform your business car into a
souped-up sedan? You're not alone. Some of those sedate luxury
models in office parking lots are really tigers under the hood.
According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (www.sema.org), the
performance parts business has never been hotter. Previously
confined mostly to exotic sports cars and coupes, the market for
specialized engines, suspensions, brakes and wheels now includes
power business cars. Whether direct from a dealership or tweaked by
outside companies, your next sedan can feature greater
acceleration, handling and performance.
If you're passionate enough to tweak your Lexus GS, check
out the L-Tuned version (www.ltuned.com), with performance shock absorbers and
road springs, recalibrated electronic steering, special wheels and
tires, and discreet badging that signals you're a true
enthusiast, among its components.
Cadillac's (www.cadillac.com) brand-new V-Series recalls the
company's heritage as a pioneer in high-performance V-engine
technology. The first in this new line will be the CTS, on sale in
late 2003 as a 2004 model. Its performance package includes
increased horsepower over Cadillac's standard engine,
performance-tuned suspension, larger front air intake and dual
exhausts.
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz (www.mbusa.com) S-Class includes the V-8-powered S55
AMG and the V-12-powered S600. The S55 has an optional new
supercharged V-8 that pumps out 493 horsepower, and both the 363-hp
S600 and the S55 are equipped with racing-inspired systems for
sharper handling, plus active suspension that eliminates body roll
in cornering and dive during braking.