Anyone who has tried to use a portable air compressor that plugs into a car's cigarette lighter knows it is slow, the plug is unreliable and the hose is typically too short. Viair has developed the 400P automatic portable air compressor, which is easier to use. No more stopping at gas stations to check tires. The 400P bypasses the cigarette lighter and is powered directly from the battery.
$259.99
Viair Corp
949.585.0011
www.viaircorp.com
The Gran Turismo series has been the pinnacle of driving simulator games since its release in 1998. The hotly-anticipated Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has a release date of April 2008. Using Blu-ray technology and the advanced computing power of Sony's PlayStation 3, the game is displayed in 1080p high definition, at 60 frames per second, giving players the sense that they are behind the wheel, racing on the most exciting tracks in the world.
$39.99 (Blu-ray disc or download)
Sony Computer Entertainment
www.us.playstation.com/granturismo
Conventional jacks are less than ideal with lowered cars and/or those with body kits-even expensive low-profile examples. To make things simpler, Tomioka Racing has developed the Super Slopes. Made of heavy duty plastic, they give an additional 2.5 inches of clearance, allowing easy access to jack points.
$68/pair
Nukabe Automotive
888.591.6277
www.napsusa.com
All the power in the world is useless if it can't get to the ground or, even worse, only goes to one wheel. Late-model BMW 3 Series cars have this problem, most notably the twin-turbo 335i. When accelerating from a standstill, the 300 lb-ft of torque spins one wheel. To correct this problem and optimize acceleration, Turner Motorsport has released a limited-slip differential that allows power to go to both wheels.
$3,995-$6,095
Turner Motorsport
978.388.7769
www.turnermotorsport.com