Autoblog

Essen 2009: 1,050-hp 1956 Mercedes Gullwing drag car

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

Gullwing dragster - Click above for high-res image gallery

This ungainly little creature had an area all to itself at this year's Essen Motor Show. Built over four years by Swiss drag racer Stefan Winter - who is a roofer by trade - the most important thing to say is this: Winter did not mangle a genuine 1956 Mercedes 300 SL to create this beast, and we can thank all the gods that be for that. He copied the body in fiberglass and placed it over a tube chassis, hiding a small block Chevy in front that's been bored out to 422 cubic inches.

With modified pistons, crankshaft, cylinder heads, and a bit more black-art-ness, the gullwinged monster puts 1,050 horsepower to the ground through a 3-speed transmission and rear tires 15 inches across. The 1/4-mile rolls off in 8.1 seconds at 166 mph. If nothing else, at that speed he shouldn't have any problem with keeping the car's interior cool, a problem the originals were known for...

Gallery: Essen 2009: Mercedes Gullwing Dragster

[Source: Das Auto Blog (translated) via Autoblog.nl]

Essen 2009: 1,050-hp 1956 Mercedes Gullwing drag car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Europe, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency, Design/Style, Diesel

AC Schnitzer BMW 123d Tune It Safe! police concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

High performance vehicles like Porsche 911s being used for pursuit duty on Germany's autobahn is nothing new. As such, in order order to grab the attention of Essen Motor Show attendees, the Tune It Safe! program's annual police-liveried show car needs to go a step further. Past efforts have included rides such as a police-liveried Brabus Rocket and a TechArt-prepared Porsche 911. This year, AC Schnitzer got the call and it has unwrapped (or perhaps wrapped is the better term, given the side graphics) a police car concept based on the BMW 123d coupe.

Naturally, Schnitzer couldn't leave the stock, 40 mpg 204-horsepower twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel alone, and so it has boosted the show car's engine to 241 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. They've also applied an array of their appearance upgrades including a front splitter, rear spoiler, and a bigger wheel/tire package. The body has been dropped 30 millimeters, which should help compensate a bit for the extra drag of the light bar on the roof. Inside, racing seats and carbon fiber trim are accompanied by a cover for the iDrive knob that matches the wheel design.

We'll pass on the light bar and the graphics, but take the rest of the car, please. Not sure about it yourself? Take a look at the high-res gallery below and a video available after the jump.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police package

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 9ff Speed9 takes Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio to the next level

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:17:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows

9ff Speed9 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we discovered earlier this month, the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo is one heck of a fast car. The quickest Porsche has ever produced, in fact. So it would take considerable moxie to try and improve on it. Fortunately, 9ff has such moxie, as demonstrated with the company's new Speed9.

We brought you initial info on the Speedster-inspired tuner car a few days ago, but 9ff has been kind enough to grace us with a few more details on its latest endeavor. Set to be unveiled this coming weekend at the Essen Motor Show - Germany's equivalent of SEMA - the 9ff Speed9 starts with the new 911 Turbo cabrio and updates with a series of performance and body mods to take it to the next level.

Improving on the 997.5's 3.8-liter direct injection twin-turbo boxer six, the 9ff pumps output up from 500 horsepower up to 650 ponies with a simple upgrade to the ECU and new air filter, exhaust and catalytic converter. The result? Try 0-100 km/h (62mph) in 3.3 seconds en route to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph) - limited only by the speedster's slick open body-style. But those sleek looks and extra oomph will cost you: 239,000 euros - the equivalent of $360,000 in American greenbacks. That's two-and-a-half times the price of a stock 911 turbo cab, but if cost is no object, the Speed9 could be just your ticket.

Follow the jump for the press release and check out the fresh gallery of full high-resolution images below.

Gallery: 9ff Speed9

[Source: 9ff]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: 9ff Speed9 takes Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio to the next level

Pics Aplenty: 9ff Speed9 takes Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio to the next level originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Loma Performance unveils Corvette C6.BlackforceOne

Alex Nunez — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows

Loma Performance Corvette "BlackforceOne" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Loma Performance seems to think that its new BlackforceOne Corvette is somehow evocative of POTUS' personal airplane. "Clearly reminiscent," they go so far as to say in their press release. (We think the moniker sounds as if could have been the title of a 1970s action film starring Fred Williamson.) Anyway, labored connections to the Prez's 747 aside, with the BlackforceOne, Loma appears to have come up with something pretty tasty.

It starts off as a base-engined C6 Vette, which is subsequently twin-turbocharged to make 783 horsepower (794 PS). Of that, a devilish 666 hp (675 PS) or so actually make it to the rear wheels. Accordingly, the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a scant 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is 205 mph (330 km/h). The stock brakes are replaced with carbon-ceramic discs all around, and the suspension, wheels, tires, exhaust and other drivetrain components are also upgraded accordingly.

The package is then wrapped in a widebody kit drenched in one of three matte paint finishes. Production will be limited to 25 examples, according to Loma, which will formally unveil the BlackforceOne at the Essen Motor Show.

Gallery: Loma Performance Corvette BlackforceOne

[Source: Loma Performance]

Continue reading Loma Performance unveils Corvette C6.BlackforceOne

Loma Performance unveils Corvette C6.BlackforceOne originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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9ff speeds into Essen with Speedster-inspired Speed9

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:38:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows

9ff Speed9 - Click above for image gallery

If you love the spirit of SEMA but tend to lean towards more European tastes, Essen is the show for you. The annual aftermarket show in Germany always brings out an enticing crop of European tuner cars, and 9ff isn't about to let it go by without making its mark.

The Porsche tuner is hitting Essen with the Speed9, a slick speedster inspired by the legendary 356 (circa 1955) and based on the latest 997 Turbo cabrio. Naturally, 9ff started in the rear, boosting the 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat six from 473hp stock up to a whopping 650, all by tweaking the ECU and swapping out the air filter, exhaust and catalytic converter. The tuners have also fitted adjustable stabilizers front and rear with double springs at each corner, coupled with upgraded brakes.

There's no word yet on what effect the mods will have on performance, but you can't miss the body kit 9ff has developed. They've done away with the rear seats to give the cabrio a speedster-like profile, while fitting a new front air dam, side skirts and rear apron. No word on price either, but you can expect it to be commensurately expensive, with much of the range customizable to order.

Gallery: 9ff Speed9 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio

[Source: 9ff via WCF]

9ff speeds into Essen with Speedster-inspired Speed9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:34:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Auctions, Misc. Auto Shows, Event Alert

Last year's Motor4Toys event, which collected more than 15,000 toys for needy kids

We started our monthly calendar of events last month and learned almost immediately that we will never be able to make it as comprehensive as everyone would like, but that's where you come in. Take a look at the list we've put together for December after the jump, and if you see changes that need to be made or events you'd like to add, leave a comment with event info and a link. Once again we've used two of our favorite resources: the New York Times automotive calendar for national and international stuff, and for local stuff here in Southern California, our buddy Dave Lindsay's SoCalCarCulture pages. Dave's photos from these local events are fantastic.

So check out the December event calendar we put together for you after the jump and start adding to it. And please note the large number of Toys 4 Tots drives being put on by local car clubs. With tough economic times it's important to remember that every child deserves a toy. Happy Holidays everyone!

Continue reading Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oops! VW accidentally distributes new Golf Plus brochure in Essen

Alex Nunez — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:22:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

It's been no secret that a facelifted VW Golf Plus has been in the works for a while. It's just that the Euro-market hatch wasn't supposed to be formally revealed quite yet. The car will be introduced on Wednesday with the usual fanfare at the Bologna Motor Show, but media at this week's Essen Motor Show got a sneak preview when they picked up the Golf Plus brochure at the VW stand. The error was apparently corrected in short order, but once something's out, it's out. Dutch paper De Telegraaf, which was also the first outlet to run official Panamera photos a week or so ago, was among those who grabbed a copy of the new Golf Plus materials. Their scan is what's shown above. As you can see here, it looks pretty much like the old Golf Plus, except it has the new Golf's front-end theme. We'll see the whole thing when VW releases more images and specs next week. If you click the photo you can read a Babel Fish-translated version of the Telegraaf article. Thanks to Jelle for the heads-up.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf]

Oops! VW accidentally distributes new Golf Plus brochure in Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS formally unveiled at Essen (w/ Video)

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Audi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi R8 LMS

The Essen Motor Show is now underway, and one of the bigger manufacturer unveilings was Audi's official presentation of the R8 LMS, the new GT3-spec racing car aimed at privateer teams. It's seen as one of Audi's so-called "three pillars" of motorsport. The automaker will not field a factory effort in the car, but it's expected that next year, several teams will be running the R8 LMS in various European series, as well as in the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race. The €260,000 (plus VAT) asking price gets you the track-ready R8, which makes 500 horsepower from its mid-mounted V10. That power goes to the rear wheels (in GT3, AWD is a no-no) via a six-speed sequential gearbox. As you can see, the LMS certainly looks the part , with a subtly meaner nose, a big carbon-fiber front splitter, new mirrors, a giant rear wing, and a pretty wicked rear diffuser join the ten-cylinder engine among the changes made from road car to racer. Customer deliveries begin in Fall '09. Oh, to have a deep-pocketed benefactor... Audi PR follows the jump.

UPDATE: Video added after the jump!

Gallery: Audi R8 LMS

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS formally unveiled at Essen (w/ Video)

GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS formally unveiled at Essen (w/ Video) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ABT Scirocco heads to Essen

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the ABT Scirocco

So, the Essen Motor Show is coming up. For those of you unaware, it's basically a Euro SEMA. All the tuners will be there, showing off stuff that's both decent and dreadful, proving that yes, Europeans can do bad taste as well as anyone this side of the Atlantic. ABT is entirely capable of serving up either dish, but in the case of their Scirocco, they manage to stay on the better side of decent. You know the drill: body kit, wheels, suspension, brakes. They have power upgrades, too -- bumping the wee 1.4 TSI to 200 horses, and the 2.0 TSI to 240. Unfortunately, a look 'round back indicates that this whole stacked-tailpipes thing recently adopted by Lexus and Ferrari is on its way to becoming a fad. We love this shade of green, which looks to be the same as that used on the original VW IROC concept, but ABT's car wins because it doesn't have a face that looks like it was inspired by something on a Pokemon card. Still interested in reading more? The PR's pasted after the jump.

Gallery: ABT Scirocco

[Source: ABT Sportsline]

Continue reading ABT Scirocco heads to Essen

ABT Scirocco heads to Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8 GT3 will have coming out party in Essen

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Audi, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Audi R8 GT3

Audi has created an R8 that looks like it would rather kill things than win races, but knowing Audi it will probably just stick to winning. The customer-team specific R8 GT3 will be officially unveiled at the Essen Motor Show, which begins November 28. The car gets more than 500 horsepower going entirely to its rear wheels since GT3 rules give a big no-no to all-wheel-drive systems like Audi's quattro. The German will be testing its mettle against equally hot racers like the Aston Martin DBRS9 and Jaguar XKR GT3. To Aston and Jag, though: you might want to hide your young. And for those of you who make it to the Essen show, you should also look out for the Audi R10, A4 DTM, RS6 Sedan and TTS Coupe. Check out the release after the jump, and the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Audi R8 LMS

Gallery: Audi R8 GT3 - spy shots

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R8 GT3 will have coming out party in Essen

Audi R8 GT3 will have coming out party in Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2007: Phantoms inhabit VW

Dan Roth — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Artist William Burge has found a way to artfully reattach all of the little pieces that have fallen off his 1968 Volkswagen Beetle. The results are far more impressive than the Bug's original and once-ubiquitous countenance. Actually, we counted all 21,000 gigashards of metal, and that's more metal than a '68 Type 1 contained, and even the steady diet of replacement parts doesn't account for the amount of cold-rolled whatever comprising this bodyshell. The car's exhibition at the Essen Motor Show is apropos on a whole bunch of levels.

The gargoyle-themed Volkswagen will fit right in among the cathedrals and castles in the city, which is a future European Capital of Culture for 2010. Being a cultural hub, the intricate suit of armor worn by Burge's once-humble Beetle will be understood for the masterpiece that it is, and the painstaking metal work that went into the car will not be lost on the home of the Krupp Iron Works. There's not much information to be found about the car, which Burge has named "Phantoms," though it's been on display in Essen from November 26th, and will be at the Motor Show until the 9th of December. We're dying for details, particularly how it was put together? What's the interior look like? Is it still being pushed around by a 1500? Can I borrow it to discourage parking in front of my house? One of you astute commenters out there must have more information; please share!

[Source: Winding Road, Photo: Martin Meissner/AP]

Essen 2007: Phantoms inhabit VW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2007: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Jeep

Click image for photo gallery

While delta4x4 would like you to think its Grand Cherokee SRT8-based DUNE PROJECT is ready to storm the desert, those 23-inch rims wrapped in 40-series Continentals say otherwise. No matter. We think the DP's cool nonetheless, thanks mostly to the 499 horsepower it dishes out courtesy of a revamped exhaust and reprogrammed engine management system. 62 miles per hour arrives in under five seconds.

Visual changes include a 100 mm lift, a custom front bumper with an integrated Warn winch, and PIAA off-road lighting mounted to the front wheel arches and a stainless roof rack. The matte maroon finish isn't exactly attractive, though, and those bright blue brake calipers don't help matters in that regard, either. Colors, thankfully, can be changed. We'd leave everything else just as is.

[Source: delta4x4]

Gallery: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT

Continue reading Essen 2007: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT

Essen 2007: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Europe, Supercars, Audi, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for a gallery of Abt's Essen roster

German tuning house Abt Sportsline brought everything and the kitchen sink to the Essen Motor Show, and rather than present it piecemeal, we figured we'd put the whole megillah out for you in one shot. From A4 to Touareg, the latest hardware from VW and Audi has been worked over with appearance and suspension mods. Most boast notable power upgrades as well. Yes, we'll even revisit the (unfortunately) red-and-green-trimmed Abt R8, which we first talked about last week. If you're looking for a Christmas-themed supercar, or if you're a really nostalgic New Jersey Devils fan, it might just fit the bill.

Follow the jump for the rundown on all things Abt at Essen.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt Sportsline: Essen 2007 Lineup

Continue reading Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The rest of the story on the VW Tiguan R-Line

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:36:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Europe, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for photo gallery

So, the Tiguan R-Line we showed you last week has made its debut in Essen as a concept, but a release from Volkswagen UK makes it sound as if the prevailing wisdom is that it'll ultimately be offered as the top-line Tiguan (in the UK, at least). So, now that we have some official info, we can definitively tell you what comprises VW Individual's R-Line package shown above. The body kit includes new front and rear bumpers, color-keyed sill and wheel arch extensions, and a new grille. The extended arches cover 19" wheels, and inside, front passengers get sport seats embossed with the "R" logo, while the driver gets to turn a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The Tiguan arrives in Europe in early '08, and hits US showrooms next summer.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: VW Tiguan R-Line

Continue reading The rest of the story on the VW Tiguan R-Line

The rest of the story on the VW Tiguan R-Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2007: Volkswagen unveils Golf Variant RaVe 270

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 10:11:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Europe, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for photo gallery

What happens when you take a Jetta Wagon, give it GTI-topping power, a stereo to wake the dead, and 4Motion all-wheel drive? You get the Golf Variant RaVe 270 concept that VW's showing off in Essen. The car's name is derived from its hopped-up GTI engine's 270 horsepower and the techno beats being emitted from its 13-speaker 1400-watt audio system. (Get it? Techno...Rave. Yeah, we rolled our eyes, too.) A full body kit including an aggressive new front fascia lends the RaVe some visual presence to go along with its extra ponies, with 19" five-spokes and a pair of double-barreled exhaust tips finishing off the lowered wagon's visual upgrades.

Strip out the ridiculous audio/video system and you've got something that seems pretty doable from a production standpoint. An AWD sportwagon with more power than an R32 and better fuel economy to boot (9.1l/100km or 25.8 mpg) is an attractive proposition, indeed. We're sure VW's paying close attention to the reaction the RaVe's getting from show attendees.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: VW Golf Variant RaVe 270 Concept

Continue reading Essen 2007: Volkswagen unveils Golf Variant RaVe 270

Essen 2007: Volkswagen unveils Golf Variant RaVe 270 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Tiguan R-Line headed to Essen

Alex Nunez — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for photo gallery

The tuner-fest that is the Essen Motor Show will provide the backdrop for VW when it reveals its newest R-Line package from Volkswagen Individual. It's applied to the spanky-new Tiguan SUV, and aside from the wheels, bodykit and "R" logo on the headrests, we don't know what else (if anything) the package will bring. VW hasn't actually released any official info yet -- just the two photos. We'll find out the rest soon enough, as Essen kicks off this Friday.
[Source: Volkswagen (via CarScoop)]

Gallery: VW Tiguan R-Line

VW Tiguan R-Line headed to Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More power, less roof: TechArt Turbo Cabriolet

Alex Nunez — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows

TechArt's performance modifications to Porsche's already-impressive sports cars might seem akin to adding a third warp nacelle to the starship Enterprise for the pure fun of it, but who are we to argue with the results? The supertuner/niche manufacturer has readied its latest creation for debut at the upcoming Essen Motor Show (think SEMA for European manufacturers). The TechArt Turbo Cabriolet follows the usual formula, offering incremental power upgrades culminating with a ridiculous 630 hp/604 lb-ft. This, while retaining the Turbo's AWD system and offering the added benefit of topless motoring. 911 GT2? What's that?

The added juice comes from new turbos, extensively upgraded intake and exhaust plumbing, and new engine management programming that ties it all together. TechArt also doctors the chassis, allowing the car to be lowered an additional 25mm via the factory PASM setup. Buyers can choose between two aero packages and the usual assortment of wheel/tire/interior upgrades, resulting in a bespoke convertible sports car with a top speed of 214 mph. Montgomery Scott not included.

PR pasted after the jump.

[Source: TechArt]

Gallery: TechArt Turbo Cabriolet

Continue reading More power, less roof: TechArt Turbo Cabriolet

More power, less roof: TechArt Turbo Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abt tunes the VW Tiguan

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Crossover, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Next month's Essen Motor Show will feature a ton of tuned vehicles from Europe's best and brightest, and among them will be Abt's interpretation of the new Volkswagen Tiguan. The new crossover has just hit the market abroad, but Abt has already done its best to make this new cute 'ute stand out from its stock counterpart.

On the outside, a two-tone body kit plays off the Tiguan's relatively staid styling to create a substantially more aggressive persona, complete with new front and rear spoilers, flared wheel arches, side skirts and a larger front grille. Abt didn't get into specifics about what suspension modifications were performed to drop the Tiggy over optional 18-, 19- or 20-inch rollers, but new brakes are part of the package.

Buyers who opted for the 1.4-liter turbocharged FSI engine will get a significant boost in output from 150 HP to 200 HP, while the 2.0-liter turbodiesel can either be had in 170 HP or 200 HP flavors. There's no mention of torque figures for either engine, nor are there performance estimates available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Abt Volkswagen Tiguan

Continue reading Abt tunes the VW Tiguan

Abt tunes the VW Tiguan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Love child of luxury: Bentley and Bugatti beget the Big Bang

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Bentley, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows

Although we've talked about Bugatti's plans for a super sedan as a follow-up to the all-powerful Veyron, apparently there are some people out there who don't have the patience to wait for such a car to become reality. German tuner LEW Design can help you get at least part way there with its new LEW Big Bang.

LEW took the expeditious path and used a Bentley Continental GT as a starting point and slapped on some Bugatti styling cues. The Big Bang, unveiled at the Essen Motor Show, has the Bug look with its iconic Bugatti horseshoe grille and Audi Q7 headlights that mimic the Veyron look. Carbon fiber panels are used around the Conti to reduce weight a bit, as well as make some subtle styling changes.

More info and pics after the jump.

[Source: AutoBild]

Continue reading Love child of luxury: Bentley and Bugatti beget the Big Bang

Love child of luxury: Bentley and Bugatti beget the Big Bang originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lipstick on a... It's STARTECH's Jeep Compass!

Alex Nunez — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 10:08:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Europe, Crossover, Jeep

Click to enlarge

With the tunerrific Essen Motor Show upon us, we've received more info on what Deutsch masters of mayhem, Brabus/Startech, prepared for the show (Startech is Brabus' Chrysler Group vehicle specialist). We'll start with their Jeep Compass.

The Compass is a pretty ugly car, which is tragic, because the original 2002 Compass Concept was super-duper-looking (photos after the jump). And give Startech a little credit -- they've made the retail version look a bit better just by referencing the concept for inspiration and trying to apply more cues from it to their version. (How novel. If only Jeep had done the same thing.) The stock, ridiculous-looking fascia has been jettisoned in favor of a Startech unit that mimics the concept car's frontal appearance, with a metallic-look bumper cover that features foglights covered in protective grilles.

Plenty more to talk about. It continues after the jump.

[Source: Brabus/Startech]

Continue reading Lipstick on a... It's STARTECH's Jeep Compass!

Lipstick on a... It's STARTECH's Jeep Compass! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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