HJC Si-12 Full- Face Helmet, Bell & Ross BR01 Pro Titanium - European Car Magazine

HJC Si-12
SA2005 Full-Face Helmet
Hot, heavy and uncomfortable, helmets were once a sacrifice enthusiasts had to make to drive on the track. In recent years, helmets have gotten lighter, cooler and far more comfortable. The best example we've tested recently is from relative industry newcomer, HJC.

HJC started making motorcycle helmets in 1971 and has been the number-one manufacturer since 1992. In the last few years, the company has turned its attention to building SA Rated automotive racing helmets. The biggest difference between an SA Rated automotive, and a SNELL M Rated helmet is the interior. The SA Rated helmet must be made with fire resistant materials. SA Rated helmets also offer slightly better impact protection, but are not as resilient toward daily abuse.

The Si-12 has features that aren't often seen in most SA helmets. The face shield sits on a low-profile rubber gasket as opposed to a thick foam pad wrapped around the eye port. Not only does this give the helmet a cleaner look, it's also quieter and less prone to fogging. The shields themselves are injection molded, instead of heat formed, making them extremely clear and virtually free of distortion. Even out of your peripheral view you won't find any wavy lines or blurry sections, nice when you're watching another car dive-bomb the inside line under braking.

The ventilation system is equally impressive. The helmet's interior has airflow channels running behind all the pads to keep cool air flowing in and hot air out, not always the easiest thing to accomplish in a closed-cockpit car. Our test helmet is finished in ber-sexy flat black, which in an open-cockpit car may not be the best choice for heat deflection, but in a closed cockpit doesn't seem to matter.

The Si-12 weighs in at 2 pounds and 15 ounces, which is a full pound lighter than several of its competitors. A single pound may not sound like much at first, but after twenty minutes on the track pulling lateral forces over 1 g, weight adds up quick. The low weight, heat reduction and good visibility all add up to less driver fatigue. Less fatigue equates to faster lap times, well worth any price. Which brings us to the last point--the Si-12 lists at $699, but some creative Internet searching could get you closer to $600. The price is right in line with most competitors and is a small price to pay to protect the most valuable and fragile part of the car: your head. --Michael Febbo

HJC Helmets 562.407.2186 www.hjc-motorsports.com

Product Spotlight
Bell & Ross
BR01 Pro Titanium
Well known for its "aircraft cockpit" styling, the Bell & Ross BR01 is going on a crash diet. Encasing its Swiss-made guts in a titanium shell, the new Pro Titanium, is, if anything, more befitting the model. Watch geeks can now enjoy the BR01's substantial architecture with all the performance and not quite so much mass.

The Pro Titanium is 46mm in diameter, with a bolted crown and antireflective sapphire glass. Under the housing, fluorescent white coatings ensure the minute and second hands can be seen in the dark, while the watch and its India-rubber strap is waterproof to a depth of 100m (330 feet).

Both elegant and extremely tough, the Pro Titanium is a timepiece suitable for any situation.

Yes, you want one.

BRO1 ProTitanium
*Movement
Mechanical-automatic

*Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds; three-counter chronograph (12-hour, 30-minute and 60-second)

*Case
Size XL 46mm; satin finish grade 2 titanium; screw-in crown

*Dial
Grey; numbers and hands coated with white Superluminova photoluminescent coating for nighttime illumination

*Glass
Anti-reflection sapphire

*Water-resistance
100m/330 ft

*Strap
India rubberPrice Tag$8,000

Bell & Ross 33(0).1.55.35.36.00
www.bellross.com

Wheel Of The Month
AMT Forged Alloys has released its Tech1 series of forged monoblock wheels for Porsche 996 and 997 models. AMT wheels are CAD engineered using high-tech Finite Element Analysis software that simulates real-life stresses each wheel will encounter at maximum speed, load and cornering force. Prototype designs are shipped to independent labs where they are subjected to their maximum rated loads for the equivalent of two product lifetimes (test data is available for download at the company website). Two Tech1 designs are available, 109 with multiple split spokes, and 110 ten-spokes. Myriad finishes are available, including brushed/clearcoat, textured or gloss black, textured or gloss charcoal, and chrome.

AMT Forged Alloys
816.399.4985
www.amtforgedalloys.com

AFE has announced a new stage-two intake system for the 2000-'06 BMW X5 (E53) equipped with a 4.4-liter or 4.8-liter V8. A durable 18-gauge powdercoated shield blocks radiant heat and installs using factory mounting locations. The intake includes a patented Pro-5R filter, which incorporates five layers of progressive cotton media for excellent filtration and maximum flow. It also includes the brand-new Pro Dry S filter, which uses a synthetic media requiring no oil to recharge for maximum convenience. AFE claims 10 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque gained in recent independent testing. $587.06

Advanced Flow Engineering
951.493.7100
www.afepower.com

Bilstein's race-inspired B16 suspension system is intended to provide the ultimate in high performance tuning. Manually adjustable monotube gas shock absorbers feature 9- or 10-stage compression and rebound settings, from max comfort to full competition. Threaded bodies allow accurate adjustment front and rear to achieve the vehicle ride height, center of gravity and level of performance handling desired. The B16 system includes four monotube shocks or struts and coil springs. Contact for pricing.

Bilstein
www.bilstein.com

Dannmar Equipment's patented MaxJax is a car lift you can use when you need it, then conveniently store it out of the way when it's not in use. The system sets up in as little as 15 minutes and can be installed in virtually any residential or commercial garage with ceilings lower than eight feet. The MaxJax features a 7,000-pound lift capacity and 48-inch lift height, rugged steel construction, built-in wheels for portability, a mobile power unit cart, rugged safety lock bars, and fully adjustable lift arms with stackable adapters. An optional motorcycle adapter kit allows you to lift motorcycles or ATVs. Contact for pricing.

Dannmar Equipment
www.dannmar.com

Neuspeed's Race Series tubular rear anti-sway bar is now available for the Volkswagen Mk V. This limited-run 27mm bar is designed and engineered specifically for race and off-road use, as rear subframe fatigue may occur if the vehicle is driven on a daily basis. The bar features aerospace-quality steel construction, smooth mandrel bends, machined ends, and comes with polyurethane bushings. When paired with the OEM front bar, installation produces neutral to moderate oversteer handling characteristics. $329.95

Neuspeed
805.388.7171
www.neuspeed.com

Take your wheel and tire detailing to a new level with Eagle One's one-two combo, A2Z All Wheel & Tire Cleaner and Tire Shine Gel. The first comes in a convenient aerosol can and designed to produce thick, foamy suds that quickly remove tough brake dust and road grime. Just spray on and hose off. The latter is the first tire gel product available in a trigger-spray applicator, and is formulated to cling to your rubber with no drip or "sling," producing a lasting, glossy shine. Both products are available at leading auto supply and discount retail stores. A2Z Wheel & Tire Cleaner: $4.99 (18-oz.); Tire Gel Spray: $5.49 (25-oz.)

Eagle One
800.432.4531
www.eagleone.com