BMW 1-Series Monster-Truck To Take Part In 2008 Dakar Rally!

Long before BMW even admitted considering the possibility of adding an X1 model in its range –don’t worry, you’ll be hearing something from Carscoop soon enough…, somewhere in France, a guy named Pascal Boutet has been working like a French poodle on steroids developing a 1-Series hatch 4WD rally car dubbed “Trio”.

Of course, underneath its 1-Series inspired fibreglass body, the “Trio”, that was created to participate in the 2008 Dakar Rally, has very little in common with the compact bimmer. Measuring in at 4.2m in length and weighing 1.900 kg (approximately 4.190 lb) this monster 1-Series is powered by a stock 3.0-litre turbodiesel straight-6 BMW engine that delivers 265Hp. No word on acceleration figures but the monster 1 has a top speed of 185 km/h.-Follow the jump for more images

Via: Autoblog.nl , Info: cms

Jeep Compass By Brabus – Startech... Part II

I thawt I thaw a Starteth… This morning we received a conspicuous e-mail form Startech concerning a sport pack for the new Jeep Compass that rang a bell. Turns out that Startech had presented the same sport pack back in February. The only difference is the structrure of the press release! Of course we could just play dumb and post the article but we’d feel like total asses so whatev.

Anyway, in case you missed out last time, Brabus owned Startech offers a bodykit along with 18 to 20-inch alloy wheels and interior accessories for the Compass. For the 2.0 CRD model, Startech upgrades the 2.0 diesel engine lifting power by 40Hp to 180Hp. Follow the jump to see the current press release along with high-res images or if you feel kinda nostalgic click here to see the previous release -take your pick! -Click “Read More…” below

Press Release: STARTECH Refines the Jeep Compass

More Diesel Power and Exclusive Accessories

180 hp (178 bhp) / 132 kW of rated power and a peak torque of 360 Nm (266 ft-lb) for the 2.0 CRD model, as well as a wide range of exclusive accessories: STARTECH offers an exclusive customization program for the Jeep Compass that features numerous innovative detail solutions and leaves nothing to be desired.

The STARTECH SD3 tuning kit for the Compass turbodiesel model can be installed by any authorized Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealer in less than 30 minutes. It unleashes the true power inherent in the two-liter diesel engine. The additional 40 hp (39 bhp) / 29.4 kW and the enormous torque that's already available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, are the result of an auxiliary control module that governs the engine electronics. The engine tuning can be further optimized with the STARTECH stainless-steel sport exhaust. The latter is integrated into the STARTECH individualization concept for this Jeep model based on a brand-new idea.

The two oval tailpipes left and right are seamlessly integrated into the STARTECH rear molding, which is part of the striking designer suit for the Compass. It is styled like an underride guard. The rear molding can also be installed without sport exhaust.

The replacement for the front apron is also shaped like a modern underride guard and lends the five-door a more aggressive expression. The front can be further refined with two stylized air dams below the turn signals. Their 'eyelashes' give the 4x4 a sharper profile. The STARTECH body conversion is rounded out by rocker panels shaped like running boards.

The STARTECH look is further dominated by custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations for the Compass, available with diameters of 19 and 20 inches, instead of the stock 18-inch wheels. The STARTECH Monostar IV five-spoke wheels are silver polished and fill out the space below the wheel arches nicely. They are mounted in size 8.5Jx19 all around with tires in size 255/40 R 19 or in size 9Jx20 in front and back with tires in size 245/35 R 20 all around.

STARTECH also offers progressive-rate springs that lower the ride height of the American SUV by some 30 millimeters. The lowered center of gravity gives the vehicle even sportier and safer handling characteristics.

STARTECH also adds exclusive and individual highlights in the cockpit. These include stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated STARTECH logo and high-quality velour floor mats. Exclusive highlights in the Compass cockpit are added with the STARTECH Lifestyle interior upgrade package. It includes leather-covered door trim with embossed Compass logo and color-contrasted ornamental stitching that also adorns the trim piece for the dashboard. The interior is further upgraded with high-gloss silver-coated loudspeaker moldings that are designed to look like a compass.

Porsche 997 Turbo By SpeedART

While most only dream of owning a 911 Turbo, there are some people out there, that not only have the dough to buy one, but they also have piggy bank money left aside to mess around with it. If you incidentally belong to this category, then Porsche specialist speedART, might just have a solution to satisfy your needs.

SpeedART’s BTR-XL sports pack for the latest incarnation of the 911 Turbo features a full bodykit including carbon-fiber spoiler wing and mirrors, sports suspension and brakes, 20-inch forged CTS alloy wheels, a sport steering wheel, short shifter and sport seats and finally a power kit that lifts output from 480 Hp to 550 Hp. And by the way, wanna know what “BTR-XL” stands for? Bi-Turbo Racer Extra Large; don’t even ask the name of the revised version... -Details and images after the jump

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: speedART

speedART aero kit typ "BTR-XL" (Bi-Turbo Racer Extra Large) for Porsche 997 Turbo. More down force and an improved aerodynamic:

• complete front spoiler with additional front chin spoiler, design-fog lights and air outlet grill (carbon or PU)
• rear spoiler with adjustable spoiler wing and air intakes (air ram system). Spoiler wing in carbon or painted version
• side skirts
• rear diffusor
• 20" forged CTS wheels
• sport súspension
• sport brakes
• 550 hp power kit
• sport exhaust system with sound switch
• - carbon mirror boxes
• - sport interieur with sport steering wheel, short shifter and sport seats
• - etc.

Nissan 350Z Limited Racing Edition Released

Don’t you just love sports cars in polar white? We certainly do, and if the particular sports car happens to be the recently updated Nissan 350Z with the new 313Hp 3.5-litre V6, its love at first sight. Apart from its exclusive metallic white paintjob, this limited edition 350Z that was launched today by Nissan Germany has a few extra features hidden up its sleeves.

Dubbed “Racing Edition”, this particular “Z” pays tribute to the racing 350Z GT4. It’s equipped with contrasting black colored 19-inch rims in 235/35 (front) and 255/35 (back) Dunlop tires and a fully adjustable Bilstein suspension that enables the user to adjust the vehicle's ride height by adjusting the threaded shock bodies (front) and the threaded rear spring perch (rear). Nissan has also fitted the special edition 350Z with a Cobra muffler. Finally, all cars will bear an interior plaque with the signatures of the Nurburgring drivers Kurt Thiim, Holger Eckhardt, Nicole Lüttecke und Tim Schrick. The base price for the 350Z Limited Racing Edition in Germany is €48.590 or about $66.200.

Chevrolet Captiva: New Accessories Pack

Chevrolet UK just launched a new range of accessories for its new Captiva. The Korean mid-sized SUV with the American nameplate can be accentuated by a set of Irmscher 20-inch Evo Star alloy wheels and stainless steel side bars. Other exterior styling accessories for the new Captiva include side steps, a chrome tailpipe trim, chrome effect door mirror housings, door handles and tail light surrounds, and side wind deflectors for the front windows to minimise wind noise. -Continued after the jump

Towing and touring accessories, including a base carrier to support both bike carriers and roof boxes, tow bars, mud guards, towing mirrors and a reverse parking sensor along with a range of floor mats, cargo liners and a dog guard.

2008 BMW 3-Series Coupe By Lumma Design

Mostly known for its extreme conversions on BMW models like the M5 based CLR 500RS, Lumma Design surprised us with its overly subtle optic package for the E92 BMW 3-Series Coupe. Thus meaning forget about orange-clockwork paintwork schemes and 10-inch fenders.

Instead, Lumma equipped the 3-Coupe with a front spoiler on the lower part of the bumper, carbon fiber mirror caps and grille lining, headlight “eyelashes” and a discreet rear spoiler. Add the 19-inch rims in 235 rubber along with the Lumma-Design badges and there you have it: the complete exterior pack! Kitsch fans will probably also feel disappointed with Lumma’s offerings for the interior since options are limited to a set of floor mats and aluminum pedals/footrest. Headlight “eyelashes” aside -God knows now much we hate them..., not bad. -Click “Read More…” to see the image gallery

ABT AS5: German Tuner Tweaks Audi's A5 Coupe

Thank you ABT, if you don’t mind I think I’ll just go now and deposit my mini wursts in the dunny… Nein, nein and nein again. What’s with the kitsch bi-colour body paint anyway? Phwee… Bypassing ABT’s AS5 Harlequin outfit, the German tuner’s proposition for the 2008 Audi A5 includes an exterior package consisting of a front skirt with a grid element which emphasizes the single-frame grill and the fog lights, rear spoiler, gill-shaped air-inlets, rear skirt inset in diffuser optics and the 4-pipe rear muffler. Finishing off with the exterior, ABT offers the AR wheel, which is available for the A5 in the sizes from 18 to 20 inch, of course together with appropriate sport tires. -Continued: Click the title above or “Read More...” below

For the moment, the only version of the A5 that’s available with an engine upgrade kit is the 3.0TDI, however, ABT promises to broaden its offerings shortly. Thanks to the improved motor management, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel’s output has increased by 32Hp to 272Hp. If your pocket allows it, you can add an extra ABT turbo charger that lifts power to 300Hp. ABT backs the engine mods with an adjustable sports suspension and a new brake with a disc diameter of 380 millimeters.

Volvo XC90 By ERST: Swedish SUV Gets Japanese Treatment

Ever heard about ERST before? Don’t be shy to admit it, we hadn’t. Turns out that, just like Heico Sportiv, Evolve and IPD, ERST is tuning house that specializes on Volvo. What makes ERST special though is the fact that it’s based in Japan. ERST’s latest offering concentrates on soccer mom’s best pal, the facelifted XC90.

The Japanese tuning house’s package consists of a bodykit that includes under panel attachments on both bumpers, front fog light fins, chromed exhaust pipe and most importantly, wider fender flares. Along with a set of sexy, bi-color alloy rims and a lowered suspension, the Volvo XC90 looks aggressive without going overboard or bling-bling. -More images after the jump

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: ERST