Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

It’s been several days since we left the Geneva Motor Show and we’re still finding cars that we somehow missed out on the floor. We especially don’t know how we managed to skip this bad boy in the Brabus booth, as it should have been nearly impossible to miss. It’s called the E V12 Coupe, and it’s got 800 horsepower. Enough said.

There’s nothing new about Brabus stuffing a V12 into an E-Class. They’ve been doing it since 1996, and have been making twin-turbo models since 2003. The latest version is based off of the new E Coupe, and it’s a much prettier car than the awkward looking E V12 Black Baron that we saw in Frankfurt. Fortunately it does share the same engine - a 6.3-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 800 horsepower and 1047 lb-ft torque. Brabus quotes a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 230 mph, and judging from the performance of their previous cars we are inclined to believe them.

Besides the engine, the E V12 Coupe also comes with larger brakes, a Brabus-spec coilover suspension system, 19-inch wheels and more carbon fiber than you can shake a stick at. The front spoiler, grille, front and rear fenders, rear diffuser, intake system, interior trim and seats are all made from the lightweight material. What is all of this going to cost you? 478,000 Euros - approximately $650,000 using today’s exchange rate, or more than 13 E-Class Coupes.

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form

Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover, Luxury

There were so many debuts at the Geneva Motor Show this year that a few new cars were bound to slip through the cracks. We happened to miss this custom Range Rover Sport from Hamann, probably because the 670 horsepower Tycoon Evo M was sharing the same stand. Named the Conqueror II, it follows up on Hamann’s first take of the Range Rover Sport that debuted a few years ago.

Benefiting from the RR Sport Supercharged’s new 5.0-liter V8, the Conqueror II packs 560 horsepower and 506 lb-ft torque thanks to a revised engine management system and a sport exhaust. The exterior gets the full Hamann treatment, with a full body kit, carbon fiber hood, LED running lights and forged 23-inch wheels. Interior modifications are relatively subtle (the snakeskin seats in Conqueror I are thankfully absent) and include the usual stuff like embriodered mats, plus aluminum and carbon fiber accents. Hit the jump for full details, and high-res photos can be found in the gallery below.

[Source: Hamann]

Continue reading Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport

Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

We don’t know why Karl Geiger is fascinated with American performance cars, but we’re sure glad he is. The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the latest muscle car to go under the German tuner’s knife, and the results are nothing less than impressive. Thanks to a larger Whipple supercharger, larger throttle valves, upgraded fuel injection system and ported cylinder heads, the 5.4-liter V8 produces an incredible 799 horsepower and 697 pound-feet torque. Geiger claims a top speed of 220 miles per hour, but with the Mustang’s aerodynamics we would peg that number as more theoretical than anything.

To cope with extra horsepower, Gieger has also fitted the GT500 with a three-disc carbon clutch and reinforced the six-speed transmission. Handling improvements have been made through a “racing chassis” (we’re not sure what that means), a panhard rod with polyurethane bushings and adjustable lower control arms. Finally massive 15-inch, six-piston front brakes help haul the Shelby down from inevitable high speed runs. You can see the full press release after the jump, and high-res images courtesy of Gieger can be found in the gallery below.

[Source: GeigerCars.de]

Continue reading Geiger Cars takes on the 2010 Shelby GT500 with impressive results

Geiger Cars takes on the 2010 Shelby GT500 with impressive results originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

We have to admit that we were a little disappointed when we saw the Carlsson C25 in person. The finished product doesn’t seem to quite have the ultra-aggressive look of the original concept sketches. It could also be that we’re not huge fans of the silver, black and orange paint scheme, nor of the brown and orange interior. In Carlsson’s defense, the color combination was chosen by their customer, and we’d like to see another version in a solid color and a better choice of interior hues before we declare a verdict.

Even so, the C25 is an impressive beast. Under the hood is a Carlsson-built 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 753 horsepower and 974 lb-ft of torque, good for a conservatively listed 3.7 second sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of just under 220 mph. To also appeal to potential clients, Carlsson has made exclusivity a top priority, limiting production to just 25 units and selling only one example in each country where they’re available. As is proven by the car you see here, customers can choose from a near-limitless range of exterior and interior color combinations. Hit the jump for more details on the Carlsson C25 or browse through the gallery of live photos below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror

Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche

There were dozens of tuners exhibiting at the Geneva Motor Show, but Porsche specialist Techart had one of the more impressive displays. Three of their cars made world debuts this week including a customized 911 Turbo, their latest version of the GTStreet R and a concept based on the Panamera.

The Panamera, named the Concept One, is undoubtedly the most interesting of the bunch. The exterior features a new body kit that’s on the reserved side compared to some of the others we’ve seen, although the new front end and the vented hood give it a fairly aggressive look. The interior really caught our attention, however, with its cocoa and white colors combined with green stitching and cerbero leather trim. It looks pretty cool, but realistically we guess it would be pretty tough to keep clean. Check out each of the cars live from the show floor in the high-res gallery below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Geneva 2010: Techart debuts trifecta of tuned Porsches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi

We got our first peek at Abt’s R8 GTR late last year, but like with many cars, it was a whole different experience to see it in person. To say carbon fiber has been used liberally is an understatement, as the entire car is clothed in the lightweight material. The look suits the R8, and Abt has managed to give the car a more aggressive look without going overboard. The interior is lathered in carbon fiber as well, and lightweight Recaro racing seats help reduce weight even further. In total, Abt has managed to take 220 pounds off the R8’s heft.

In addition to changing the look of the car, Abt has given the R8 more power as well. Its 5.2-liter V10 is now rated at 620 horsepower, good for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. Other performance upgrades include an adjustable sport suspension, ceramic brake system, lightweight 18-inch wheels and Michelin Sport Cup tires.

Sound like your thing? Abt will produce just 25 examples, so get your order in soon. More details about the car can be found in the press release after the jump and live shots from the show floor in the gallery below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Abt R8 GTR is full of V10, carbon fiber goodness

Geneva 2010: Abt R8 GTR is full of V10, carbon fiber goodness originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mazda

It’s hard to imagine that the MX-5 (Miata) has been around for 20 years, but time flies when you’re carving up canyon roads in a nimble two-door sports car. Mazda has made quite a hoopla about the car’s 20th anniversary, bringing out some of the best concept and specialty versions at the Chicago Auto Show, throwing a huge party for owners in Japan, and creating an anniversary edition for both the Japanese and the Brits. Here at the Geneva Motor Show, Mazda announced yet another 20th anniversary edition MX-5, this time available for all of Europe.

The European MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition can be picked out by its chrome trim, silver-look fog lamps, unique 17-inch wheels and 20th anniversary logos. The only performance upgrade is a strut tower brace in the engine bay, and customers can choose from True Red, Crystal White Pearl or Aurora Blue. Follow the jump for the brief press release from Mazda or browse through our live photos in the gallery below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition blows out its candles in Europe

Geneva 2010: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition blows out its candles in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

If there’s one thing we can say about Mansory, it’s that they sure aren’t afraid to try new things. A pink Bentley? Sure. A blue and gold Rolls-Royce Ghost? Why not? Then there’s this highly modified G55 AMG built in cooperation with fashion designer Philipp Plein named the G-Couture. With a production run of just seven examples, this heavily modified Benz will only be available to a limited few. Truthfully, it’s probably better that way.

While we aren’t necessarily against fully cladding a G55 in carbon fiber, our hesitation with the G-Couture is less about the concept and more about the execution. The front end particularly looks overly-styled, and the unpainted fibers seem more appropriate on a sports car. We can, however, appreciate the upgrades done underneath the hood. Mansory has boosted the supercharged V8 to 700 horsepower and 649 lb-ft torque. Necessary? Of course not, but impressive nonetheless. Hit the jump for more details about the G-Couture, or check it out in all its carbon fiber glory in the gallery below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Mansory Limited Edition G-Couture is anything but

Geneva 2010: Mansory Limited Edition G-Couture is anything but originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Bugatti

There’s no doubt that the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport is an impressive car just from looking at it, and it’s even easier to sing its praises when you get to drive it. Bugatti has given us one more reason to be impressed here at the Geneva Motor Show with a cutaway version of its $1.2 million supercar. The car is divided into its two main sub-assemblies, showing off its carbon fiber structure and internal components.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the car is how Bugatti managed to cram so much into so small a space. The Grand Sport is a relatively small car, and fitting an 8.0-liter W16 engine complete with four turbochargers into the space behind the rear seats was no small feat. The display shows just how Bugatti did it, though, and we walked away even more amazed at what went into packaging all the components of the car. You can see for yourself in the high-res gallery below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Geneva 2010: Bugatti Grand Sport cutaway reveals some impressive packaging originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show

With a quick glance it might look like there’s nothing new at the Gumpert display here at the Geneva Motor Show, but the German sportwagenmanufaktur actually had several new announcements regarding their Apollo supercar. For 2010 Gumpert has added even more horsepower to the Apollo S - 750 compared to 700 - thanks to a new engine calibration and improved cooling. The 6-speed sequential transmission can now perform shifts in a mere 40 milliseconds, and gear changes are made easier with new paddles behind the steering wheel. Visually the Apollo gets LED running lights and additional flaps at the rear of the car to improve aerodynamics. Lastly, Gumpert has launched its very first right-hand-drive Apollo in a push to capture more international buyers.

While we still aren’t completely taken with the Gumpert’s looks, there’s no doubt that the Apollo S is in the upper echelon of supercars. The previous version lapped the Nurburgring in an astounding 7:11.57, and we have no doubt the the new car can improve on that time. Hit the jump for the press release from Gumpert or browse through our gallery of live shots below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Gumpert Apollo S now with 750 horsepower

Geneva 2010: Gumpert Apollo S now with 750 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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