Startech Jeep Compass – Power & visual upgrades

Brabus’s Chrsyler-Group tuning arm Startech, has presented a new customization program for Jeep’s compact SUV. In terms of performance, Startech offers the SD3 performance kit for the diesel model which elevates output from stock 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW. At the same time peak torque increases to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2.500 rpm. As for visual upgrades, the Compass gets a new front fascia, rocker panels that serve as running boards, a sport exhaust system, 19 or 20’’ rims and lower ride height (by 30 mm). In the interior the Startech pack includes stainless-steel door sills, velour floor mats etc. -Continued: Click "Read More..." below to see more pictures & the press release

PRESS RELEASE: Exclusive STARTECH Accessories for the Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass has arrived and in time for the market introduction of the new compact SUV. STARTECH already offers an exclusive customization program and powerful performance tuning for the turbodiesel model.

The STARTECH SD3 performance kit for the diesel model consists of an auxiliary module that modifies the engine electronics. With it maximum power output of grows from stock 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW. At the same time peak torque increases to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2.500 rpm.

As an optimal complement to the STARTECH SD3 power kit there is the STARTECH sport exhausts system with a large oval chrome tailpipe on either side. The fully stainless-steel precise-fit exhaust is available for all engine variants of the Compass, and lends the Jeep a more thrilling exhaust note.

For customizing the exterior STARTECH offers a custom-tailored designer suit. In the front the Compass gets a new face with the STARTECH front fascia. Retaining the original mounting points means easy installation and optimal precise fit.

The sides of the five-door are refined by elegant STARTECH rocker panels that serve as running boards. The rear of the Jeep is modified with an element that attaches to the rear bumper. It features integrated cutouts for the STARTECH sport exhaust.

19- or 20-inch diameter instead of the 18-inch stock wheels' is the motto of the exclusive STARTECH tire/wheel combination for the Compass. The Monostar IV five-spoke wheels are silver polished and in dimension 8.5Jx19 with 255/40 R 19 tires or in size 9Jx20 with size 245/35 R 20 tires they fill out the wheel houses nicely.

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 Jeep sportier and even safer handling characteristics.

STARTECH also adds exclusive and individual interior highlights. These include stainless-steel door sills with illuminated STARTECH logo, high-quality velour floor mats and the STARTECH Lifestyle interior upgrade package that gives the entire Compass cockpit a more elegant appearance.

Technorati: Jeep+Compass, Startech, Brabus, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Oettinger Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 235 & 350Hp

Following its Essen Show debut, German tuner Oettinger released more info and pics on its supped up Audi TT 2.0TFSi. Along with a tasteful and sleek bodykit that can be combined with 19, 20 or 22’’ rims, Oettinger offers two engine upgrades for the 2.0 TFSI boosting power up to 235 & 350 Hp respectively. The latter accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 sec and achieves a top speed of about 270 km/h. Via: Autoblog.it & Oettinger –Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the press release and a high-res image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: As opposed to many others, at OETTINGER's in Friedrichsdorf they have not succumbed to the temptation of over-loading the new development of the Audi design star by adding the usual pretentious add-ons with air intakes widely ajar and huge spoiler-works supposed to enhance the impression of sportive power. Far from it, the people in Friedrichsdorf have restricted themselves to two modest prolongations of the front skirt together with a simple carbon splitter, and lateral sillboards, which rarely ever have so perfectly taken up the line of an Audi. At the stern they content themselves with a rear-skirt insert forming a perfect frame for the (up to 4, if required) rear exhaust pipes of the OETTINGER stainless-steel exhaust systems. In short: The traditional specialists' aerodynamic package combines a sportive character with unequalled elegance and perfect style.

Particularly from the rear-view mirror the TT's impression has become much more awe-inspiring through the forward-facing new design. And there is really something behind: Several new aspects of increased performance are responsible that the motor keeps the promise made by the appearance.

The 2.0 T-FSI is upgraded to 235 HP and a torque of 280 lb ft. As usual, also in the course of this development the driving characteristics and a broadly applicable torque were much more important within the specifications than the nominal performance output. Other tuners may play games – OETTINGER stands for true performance.

For those who demand higher performance, the tuning specialist from Hesse offers another impressive kit for the 2.0 T-FSI: Thanks to the new motor mapping, the modified fuel-injection pump, adapted FSI injection nozzles, an enhanced charge-air cooler, and the larger OETTINGER charger – all these together serve to elicit 350 HP and 347 lb ft from the aggregate. The mirror-finished stainless-steel exhaust system with its sports-catalytic converter has its share, of course, just as the new reinforced clutch system and driving disk. Summing up: A valuation of the OETTINGER TT has the following most important figures to show: Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, and a top speed of about 270 km/h!

An especially adapted stainless-steel threaded gear performs the perfect grip of the new wheel-/tyre combination: The new OETTINGER Type RXX wheel, which celebrated its world premiere mounted on the new OETTINGER-TT in its 20"-version, fitted with the new types: VA 245/30/20 and HA 245/30/20 will also be shown for the first time at the Essen Motor Show (the versions 19" and 22" will follow).

Technorati: Oettinger, Audi+TT, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Lumma-Design BMW 1-Series: Do you like?

“Das” Lumma-Design tuning-house is going interactive and they want to hear your opinion about this supped up BMW 1-Series rendering. All you need is to be fluent in German. Just follow this link and answer the questions and you could win a 100 Euro voucher for Lumma-Design products! Since we aren’t fluent in German and we don’t need a 100 Euro voucher to buy a “Ich liebe dich Lumma” bumper sticker, we’ll tell them what we think about it here: a bungled up kitsch of a thing we’d never, ever want to be seen in or near… Via: Autoblog.nl -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see one more image

Technorati Tags: BMW+1-Series, Lumma-Design, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

New performance pack for the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

If you believe that you’ll do away with all the “extra-equipment” hustles if you buy a top spec version like Mercedes-Benz’s E63 AMG better think again. These guys make a living from offering extras to their top models. Like the “Limited Sport Edition” of the BMW 1-Series that we previously posted, the Performance-Pack for the E63 AMG is all about appearance, a stiffer suspension and of course, a hefty price tag which in this case is 7.140 EUROS or 9.300 USD. –Continued: Click “Read more…” below Via: Autoblog.com & Mercedes

PRESS RELEASE: A special AMG performance package will shortly be available ex factory for the sporty 378 kW/514 hp E 63 AMG Saloon. It comprises various technical components which significantly enhance the handling dynamics, the motorsport potential and the individuality of this model. The performance package was developed at the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in Affalterbach and the vehicles are built at the DaimlerChrysler production plant in Sindelfingen.

The performance package will be available for the E 63 AMG Saloon from March 2007. The performance package at a glance:

• 18-inch 5-spoke multipiece AMG alloy wheels, painted sterling silver, front wheels size 8.5 x 18 with 245/40 R 18 tyres, rear wheels size 9.5 x 18 with 265/35 R 18 tyres
• AMG performance suspension with firmer tuning, based on AIRMATIC DC
• Multi-disc rear locking differential with 40% locking effect, providing more traction when accelerating out of corners
• AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

Using various higher-performance components, the AMG performance package for the E 63 AMG puts the accent on dynamic handling and performance. The result is a breathtaking driving experience for ambitious sports car enthusiasts who want to have the option of using their AMG performance model on closed-circuit racetracks. Customers benefit from the extensive motorsport know-how gained by Mercedes-AMG GmbH over the course of four decades. The E 63 performance package is priced at 7,140 euros (incl. 19% VAT).

The AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in Affalterbach can take the customisation even further, building distinctive – or even unique – vehicles on the basis of individual customer specifications.

Technorati: Mercedes-Benz+E63+AMG, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

AMG optional extras available ex factory

For the SLK 55 AMG, SL 55 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG and CLK 63 AMG models, exclusive individual optional extras from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are now for the first time also available ex factory.

SLK 55 AMG

• 18-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multipiece
• AMG performance suspension
• AMG carbon trim parts
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

SL 55 AMG

• 19-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multipiece
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

E 63 AMG Saloon and Estate

• 18-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multipiece
• AMG performance suspension, based on AIRMATIC DC (only for saloon)
• AMG rear locking differential
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

CLS 63 AMG

• 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multipiece
• AMG performance suspension, based on AIRMATIC DC
• AMG rear locking differential
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

CLK 63 AMG

• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

EVO powered Sports Coupe: The 350-500Hp X Works Automotive X1 Sportscar

Now don’t tell me that the front end doesn’t remind you of the latest EVO X concept, the Prototype X. And why shouldn’t it as the X1 Sportscar is not only made by Mitsubishi Lancer Evo tuner specialist, X-Works Automotive (based in the UK) but it’s also fitted with the an EVO derived 2.0-litre turbocharged engine available in various versions producing from 350 to 500Hp.

Unfortunately, like its Subaru-powered, 350Hp Prodrive P2 Coupe stablemate that was unveiled early last year (click here for pictures to refresh your memory ) the X1 looks like it was made by people who’re addicted to LEGOs. Of course that's nothing that a little "EVO" magic can't solve. Via: Jalopnik

PRESS RELEASE: We are delighted to announce that our X Works Automotive Concept X1 Sportscar will be available for viewing in our Xtreme showroom from Friday 19th January 2007 until Sunday 21st January, opeing times will be Friday / Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm. The car has been developed over the last 30 months by X-Works Automotive with Xtreme Automobiles Ltd being the first dealer appointed in the UK. The X1 Concept Car uses a unique carbon composite technology for the manufacture of the cars passenger cell. Attached to this are lightweight aluminium and carbon subframes carrying the drivetrain components.

The composite technology provides an incredibly stiff platform and also helps keep the cars weight down to a lightweight 1180kg. Combined with the race honed chassis and phenomenal 4 cylinder turbo charged 350 bhp engine, this provides truly electrifying performance. Tuning options of up to 500 bhp are of course available, Recaro CS seats are fitted as standard. There is also a 1000 kg competition version planned for those increasingly popular track days or outright competition use. The cars designers, Andrew Borrowman and Sean Prendergast, studied Automotive Design Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire, following which they worked at Rover, Panther Cars and Grand Prix Engineering Services between them. They have also run their own composites company designing and manufacturing for the likes of Prodrive, Alvis and JCB, just to name a few.

Projected retail price for the X1 is £45,000 and i'm sure you must agree, this is tremendous value, given the technology and performance this sportscar offers. For those unable to visit us over the weekend of the 19th January 2007 for a close up and personal viewing, the X1 concept car will be on display on the Recaro stand at the Autosports International Show at the NEC, from the 11th to 14th January 2007.

• Concept Specification :
• 2 Seat Concept
• Carbon Tub
• Aluminium Subframes and Suspension
• 2 Litre Turbo Charged 350-500 BHP
• 4 Wheel Drive
• 18" Lightweight Alloys with 235/40 Tyres
• 1180kg Road Car
• 1000kg Track Car

Technorati: X+Works+Automotive+X1+Sportscar, Mitsubishi+Lancer+EVO, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Nissan 350Z Twin Turbo - 624 Hp

I’ve driven the latest Nissan 350Z and to tell you the truth, I had a friggin blast with it. 300 Hp seem just fine with me. I’m not saying that I won’t appreciate the extra 13 Hp on the 2008 350Z, but 624 Hp? Well, in the world of tuning, everything’s acceptable and that’s what makes cars like this so intriguing.

The lads responsible for this Twin Turbo “porn” machine have posted a very analytical article on how exactly they “boosted the crap” out the VQ35, all you have to do is click here. It would have been nice if we had some performance figures too, but since we’re talking about 624 Hp, I’d say it’s fast enough to blow you out of space. Via: Autoblog.nl

Technorati: Nissan+350Z, Turbo, Autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, tuning+news, bodykit, car+accessories, performance

BMW M5 Ute – Down Under Chop

We know a lot of you boyz out there will call this chop a blasphemy and you’ll probably be right. Still though, having lived the first years of my life in Australia -and while I might disagree with the choice of a modern classic like the BMW M5 E39, I understand what motivated this bloke from down under.

See, Australians just love big, brassy, V8 muscle cars. While Americans dropped out of the muscle car game in the mid 70’s, Australians kept going on and on, not only with coupes and 4door saloons but also with Utes and Panel Vans. Since the project’s not finished yet, we’ll keep an eye on this one and return with the final pics. Till then check out the photos and read what the owner has to say about it.

BMW M5 UTE OWNER: "I grew up in Australia for my first 20 years of my life and the "ute" had always been an Aussie icon to a boy from the bush, a way of life for many Australians. I've been lucky enough to have owned in the US one of the best sedans the automotive industry has ever produced in the BMW E39 M5.

I wanted to create a special combination of a cross over M5 ute concept not long after I purchased my M5 in Florida in 2000. This ute idea came to me many years ago when I looked at a picture I took of my M5 and thought that it would make a great ute....what was I thinking?

Years pass by, and I decide I needed to follow through with this concept a bit more. Five years pass and I find a very suitable donor car from a friend in Queeensland that probably had the finest 2003 M5 in Australia. He was happy to have his pride and joy "chopped up" for an undertaking of this magnitude. The car had many mods that I was going to put on a lesser car but he had done all the hard yards for me.

Trying to find a shop that had the skills for this sort of work was going to be difficult and time consuming, but in a flash I bumped in to Shane from Southern Rod and Custom in southern New South Wales Australia. His reputation in the hot rod game is held very highly. A quick visit to his work shop that was only one hour from my home as a boy. I could see in the 3 hours I spent with him that he was very capable to create my vision. Ryan from Stylemasters created the sketches you see here, that look great. The time line for a job like this is about 9 - 12 months. I'm looking forward to watching this world first get started and one day a finished product"

Technorati: BMW+M5, E95, Ute, Autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images, tuning+news, bodykit, car+accessories, performance

Via: Jalopnik

ABT AS7-R – German tuner supercharger’s Audi’s Q7 boosting power to 500Hp

“As is customary for Abt, the “R” in AS7-R stands for “Racing”. And of course the vehicle based on the Q7 is a true racer. The AS7-R is not only an extreme sports car, it is lordly, too. The front spoiler lip and fender extensions are painted in striking matt chrome; the other body parts are matt black. The extravagant as well as discreet look is continued in the car interior”

I hate to be the one to tell you guys, but a 2,5 ton, 5 metre long, brick shaped SUV comes nothing close to a racer. Even if you did add a supercharger to the 4.2 V8 FSI engine boosting output to 500 Hp thus reducing zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) time to just 5.9 seconds (top speed 260 km/h) it still isn’t a racer. As for “the extravagant as well as discreet looks” of the AS7-R, well, better leave that uncommented…

Technorati: AUDI+Q7, ABT+AS7-R, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, tuning+news, bodykit, car+accessories, performance

Hartge H50 V10 550 Hp Video

We still haven’t found a Hartge H50 V10 Coupe video but we did find the next best thing: one featuring its 4door counterpart and let me say that, although we still think that its price (about 208.000 USD or 157.000 EUR) is ridiculous, it’s as hot as aspicy "Schinkenwurst"! I have no idea who the driver is but as you’ll see for yourself, this guy surely cooks his sausages with a 0W-30 motor oil... We remind you that both Hartge H50 V10 models are equipped with a tuned 5.0 V10 M5 engine producing 550 Hp.

Technorati: Hartge+H50+V10, Youtube, Video, BMW+3+Series, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, ESSEN+Motor+Show, tuning+news, bodykit, car+accessories, performance

HARTGE H50 V10 Coupe – BMW 3 Series Coupe E92 with M5 engine!

Forthcoming BMW M3 eat your heart out cause Hartge has presented a coupe version of the E90 BMW 3 Series Sedan based, and M5 powered, H50 V10. Its called H50 V10 Coupe, and as you read on the title above, it’s based on the 2008 3 Series Coupe. Like its sedan counterpart, it uses a modified version of BMW M5’s 5.0 litre V10 powerplant producing an extra 43 Hp, thus raising output to 550 Hp and torque to 520 Nm. The 5.0 V10 is coupled to a 7-speed SMG transmission and achieves a time of 4,4 sec for the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time while top speed is 320 km/h (200 mph).

To help the H50 V10 Coupé put the power onto the road, it is fitted with a reinforced rear axle and a special suspension system that can be adjusted not only for height but also for rebound and compression. The wheel/tyre combination consists of 20'' alloys with Continental 245/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20 tyres. The H50 V10 Coupe also receives a redesigned hood with air-outlets and a new front apron. In the interior, besides a speedometer graduate up to 330 km/h, there’s a carbon interior trim, 3-spoke steering wheel with carbon inserts and the leather/aluminium handbrake handle.

In general though, and considering that this car’s equipped with an tuned M5 engine, its appearance is quite modest especially if you compare it with other modified bimmers. Sound nice doesn’t it? Well, that’s cause you haven’t heard the price yet: 157.600 EUROS –or- 208.400 USD in Germany –tax included of course. Call me stupid but if I lived in Germany I’d prefer to buy a Porsche 911 GT3 (108.083 EUROS) and 2008 BMW 335 Ci –yes the one with the twin turbo engine (44.317 EUROS) and save a total of 5.200 EUROS….

HARTGE H50 V10 Coupé specifications:

• Engine Cylinders: 10
• Displacement: 4999 cc
• Performance: 404 kW / 550 hp at 7750 rpm
• Max. torque: 530 Nm / lb-ft 391 at 6100 rpm

Performance

• Acceleration 0-100 km/h / 0-62 mph: 4.4 sec
• Maximum speed: 320 km/h / 200 mph
• Weight DIN: 1670 kg / 3676 lbs
• Weight distribution, front / rear: 52.0 / 48.0
• Price: 157,650 EUR including 16% VAT

Technorati: Hartge+H50+V10, BMW+3+Series+Coupe, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, images, pictures, tuning+news, car+accessories, bodykit,