Autoblog

9ff shows 272-mph GT9 Vmax at Essen show [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST

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

There's a scene in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps where Shia LaBoeuf asks a fellow banker, "What's your number - how much would you need to get out of the business?" The answer he gets: "More." More is apparently the operating principle at 9ff, the specialist Porsche tuner out of Germany that has showed up at Essen with its 9ff GT9 Vmax. Over the four years of the GT9's existence it has gone from 987 horsepower and a 253-mile-per-hour top speed to this, a 1,381-hp El Superbeasto with a terminal velocity said to be 271.54 mph.

Built on the skeleton of the 997-model Porsche 911, it weighs 2,954 pounds. The carbon fiber bodywork that hides the 4.2-liter, twin-turbo flat-six, the 855 pound-feet of torque, the six-speed sequential gearbox, polycarbonate windows and faired rear wheels all help to get the GT9 Vmax from standstill to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds. Keep pressing and 120 mph comes in 6.8 seconds, 186 mph happens in but 13 ticks of the second-hand.

Getting one off the Essen show floor and into your garage will cost 895,000 euros ($1.6 million US), before that minor annoyance of taxes. You can virtually kick the tires before you decide to purchase by watching the video below.

Continue reading 9ff shows 272-mph GT9 Vmax at Essen show [w/video]

9ff shows 272-mph GT9 Vmax at Essen show [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LS 650 TMG prototype headed for Essen

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

If the newly improved 2013 Lexus LS is aimed at taking on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, then it sounds like Lexus might have a new model in mind to take on the monstrous S65 AMG. Motor Authority has images of what it claims to be a wind tunnel prototype for a souped-up LS we first saw testing on the Nürburgring a couple years ago. We already knew this car was being developed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) which could become a factory tuner arm for Toyota like AMG, and the report says that the car will make its debut at the Essen Motor Show in December.

The car that will be called the TMG Lexus LS 650, but for now, it's only a "feasibility study" designed to gauge interest from customers and the media. We were already interested looking at the widebody version of the LS with massive front air intakes and hood vents, but the article in Motor Authority got our ears perked up a little more with vehicle specs that include a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 laying down more than 600 horsepower giving the big bruiser a top speed near 200 miles per hour.

Lexus LS 650 TMG prototype headed for Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren brings back the SLR for a limited-edition swan song

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a year since the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was discontinued. 2,000 examples of five different variants of the extravagant supercar were made over the course of five years of production. And in its wake, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren have gone their separate ways, both on the track and off. Both have been keeping plenty busy since the divorce, but they've apparently gotten back together for one last hurrah.

Apparently created by McLaren as an aftermarket kit for existing models and unveiled at the Essen Motor Show (think of it as Germany's SEMA), this McLaren Edition SLR packs revised aerodyanamics, steering, suspension and interior. The result is an exclusive swan-song for the exotic McMerc (only 25 examples will be offered), and it looks like it's mated with a MG SV. Take a closer look with the images below and the video after the jump, where you may notice that the Mercedes part of the equation has been decidedly de-emphasized.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Edition

[Source: Autoblog Germany]

Continue reading McLaren brings back the SLR for a limited-edition swan song

McLaren brings back the SLR for a limited-edition swan song originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heico Sportiv puts the sleeper hold on the new Volvo V60

Noah Joseph — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Wagon, Volvo, Misc. Auto Shows

2011 Volvo V60 by Heico Sportiv - Click above for high-res image gallery

Performance Volvos have long been the sleepers of all sleepers. That is to say, quiet aggression with a hidden punch. Swedish tuning house Heico Sportiv is a big part of that formula, its tuned Volvos shaming sportscar drivers who just never know what hit 'em. But if you really want to fly under the radar and throw some egg on the poseurs' faces, what you're going to need is a tuned Volvo wagon. Fortunately Heico has just announced such a model.

The modifications for the new Volvo V60 are essentially the same as those already announced for the S60 sedan, but with a little extra cargo capacity and an added dose of "unassuming." That means a 2.0T model boosted to 297 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque or a T6 pumping out 330 and 339.

A retuned suspension, aero kit, quad exhaust tips and 18- or 20-inch wheels round out the package, which ought to give that Porsche driver a hint at the source of his embarrassment and the soccer mom driving it a little something to show off in the daycare parking lot. Have a closer look in the gallery below as Heico prepares to unveil the tuned V60 at the Essen tuner show later this month.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo V60 by Heico Sportiv

[Source: Heico Sportiv]

Heico Sportiv puts the sleeper hold on the new Volvo V60 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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