Official Thread: Essen 2007

9071111.001.Mini2L.jpg

Last time that I saw a Subaru Forester and a VW Golf making out back in the parking lot I thought it was just a 1st and 2nd base play, nothing else. I guess I was wrong (evil)
 
The Tiguan is on my list of cars to look at for my next purchase. An 'R' version would be awesome.

I think this is going to be impossible. With the number of new 5-door hatches, wagons, and compact SUVs coming out, it's going to be a tough decision. G8 Sportwagon, or pretty much anything else, for better mileage? Gas or diesel? **** me.
 
PPI-tuned Audi R8

9071114.009.Mini1L.jpg


9071114.009.Mini2L.jpg


Press Release

The PPI R8 and PPI R8 Razor automobile lifestyle in carbon fibre

With the launching of the R8, Audi heats up against rivals Porsche, Ferrari and Bentley vigorously providing stiff competition. The Swabian, German tuners PPI Automotive Design GmbH, customize Audis flagship sportscar by stoking up the fire with even more coal going that extra mile by providing an enhanced look combined with improved driving dynamics. A wind tunnel-tested aerodynamic kit of carbon fibre in combination with a performance enhancement and special lightweight magnesium wheels in 19-inch dimensions provides measurably improved appearance whether on the race track or the elegant promenade of the elite jet set.

Optimised performance for better resilience and increased driving pleasure

The stage 1 kit produces an increase power output of the original motor from 309kw/420hp to 348kw/460hp and increases torque from 430Nm/317lb-ft to 465Nm/343lbs-ft. A performance kit with durable components designed by PPI consists of corrosion resistant stainless steel sport rear muffler with throttle system. Just beginning at low-end torque, the resulting sound signals pure power, but with high speeds one experiences an even more imposing sound. Matched to this is a complete optimised engine management plus sport air filter providing the unit with extra breathing abilities. Results are a top speed of 305 km/h and sprinting from 0-100 km/h in only 4,4 seconds; a two-tenths decrease versus standard production.

PPI aerodynamics: continued further development in carbon fibre
Without being overstated, PPIs approach to the R8 was to retain the standard series design, with the addition of PPI developed aerodynamics. All PPI aerodynamics for the R8 are made of carbon fibre. This material is commonly used in motor sports reducing general weight yet simultaneously increasing sturdiness. This material is already featured in the Audi base model. PPI consequently takes a further step applying carbon fibre as the main component with highest quality for its entire car body material. Furthermore, PPI production carbon fibre parts are available in glossy or matte finish. The PPI aerodynamics package includes a lift reducing front lip spoiler. This more aggressive front air damn is designed to channel air to the front brakes, and cut through the air. In addition, the PPI designed, front bumper air intake cartridges were created for OEM fitting, and for improved air ventilation of the front radiator with separate air channel for brake cooling. Side sills sedate air inflow between the axles and provide this vehicle with a sporty and aggressive look even when standing still. Its lateral appearance is completed with side blades in carbon fibre matte finish as standard production series offers carbon fibre glossy only. The diffuser with integrated PPI-designed air channels for exhaust pipe cooling stabilizes the rear with extra downforce and directional stability. The new double-sided rear grill deflects engine heat and exhaust system outwards and flanks the middle PPI rear plate. Rear spoiler with its adjustable wing increases downforce on the rear axle and completes the sporty elegant look.

PPI MAG9: the lightweight wheel from PPI

The new PPI MAG9 wheel design characterises the connection of high technical demands to sporty elegance. The two-part magnesium wheel with nine spokes and a wheel rim of carbon fibre commands not only by its exclusive look, but also through its outstanding craftsmanship setting new benchmark standards in the Audi tuning arena. The offered PPI MAG9 comes in dimension 9 x 19 front and 11 x 19 rear. Through the use of ultra light material magnesium resulting in reduction of unsprung mass, acceleration as well as deceleration and handling are distinctly improved. Weighing a mere 7,8 kg for front axle rims and 8,2 kg for rear axle rims, the PPI wheel are absolute champions in the lightweight arena. Optimal tires developed for the PPI R8 Razor in cooperation with Michelin are the supplied Michelin Pilot Sport Cup in dimensions 235/35 ZR19 (front) and 305/30 ZR19 (rear).

Ideal interior engineering
To complete the exclusive enhancements of the R8, PPI offers extensive modifications in materials and parts to the original interior. PPI offers handbrake, door entry threshold plates and middle instrument panel in carbon fibre. The technical highlight of the interior is the new PPI designed ergonomic steering wheel (available with Carbon Fibre sections) with additional interface controls for its driving dynamical program. Offered on special request is a personalized floor mat set furnished with leather trim. Also available is complete hand crafted precision leather, suede, alcantara upholstery from our in-house saddlers.
 
Volkswagen Tiguan R Line

9071127.004.1L.jpg


9071127.004.Mini2L.jpg


9071127.004.Mini3L.jpg


R for sportiness

Last year at the Essen Motor Show Volkswagen debuted its R Line range for the Volkswagen Golf, Touran, Passat and Touareg. From this year's show onward the Tiguan can be beefed up with its own R Line package.
The R badge was initially meant only for the VW high-performance cars (Golf R32, Passat R36), but seeing as car-tuning is all the rage these days and how the Audi S line is so succesful Volkswagen has followed suit. The R Line packages allow customers to adorn their VW's with a sporty interior and exterior, independanly from what engine you have under the hood.
Official information has not been released yet, so stay tuned for the Essen press day on Friday for more.
 
Last edited:
I do not think that is correct. The Sky was built first to meet the N American demand. Once that was met GM started to manufacture both the Opel GT and Daewoo variant.
actually I believe technically the Opel is first. Remember the old Opel Gt's? They were before Saturn or Pontiac.....I believe.
 
actually I believe technically the Opel is first. Remember the old Opel Gt's? They were before Saturn or Pontiac.....I believe.

My dad use to own acouple of Opel GTs. Looked like a mini vette with a 4cyl. I was referring to the current Sky and GT.
 
Last edited:
on a side note, here at a local shoping center they are giving away a R8. Last year was a Cayanne and before that was a Q7.
 
2007 Essen Motor Show Review

With every car show coming with an environmental message so strong it could have been penned by Al Gore himself these days, it was a refreshing change to take a step back in time to the denim jackets, mullet hairdos and outrageous horsepower on offer at the Essen Motor Show.

Despite substantial manufacturer support this is becoming more and more of a tuner show, which is really no bad thing as it gives the creators of some of the wildest cars on Gods green Earth the chance to shine without getting the green movement throw paint on the cars.

And perhaps the most exciting of all was the Abt R8-R, a stunning rendition of pretty much everyones car of the year. While the discreet looks of Audis original has won plaudits around the world, that was never going to be enough to satiate the tuning crowd and Abt went to work on a monster that is, perhaps, one of the most jaw droppingly gorgeous cars of recent years.

Everything is beautifully done, from the red carbon-fibre rear plate above the eaully expensive diffuser, to the new tailpipes and rear wing right through to the enlarged side air intake and toughened front. The R8 left me cold and seemed a design mistake, this one is simply stunning from every angle and its the kind of car that will have you scouring the internet for dodgy kidney dealers if youre even close to a car nut.
The rumoured supercharger hasnt materialised, but the carbon parts help strip weight from the R8 so it should be quicker anyway. Before this the Lamborghini Gallardo that was the car I went to sleep at night dreaming about. Not any more, with Abts help the little brother has hit back.
Abt bought the rather tasty AS4, too, its conversion of the A4, but that was never going to get a look-in next to the stunning R8, even though it will probably sell in far greater numbers.

In its complete form for the first time, was the 9ff GT9, which should soon become the fastest car in the world. Jan Fatthauer has worked tirelessly on his own supercar and in the flesh it looks absolutely stunning. Effectively a flattened 911 with no wing this machine is all about top end speed and comes with a 950bhp 4.2-litre, twin turbocharged powerplant.
Now cooling is the major issue with a car like this and numerous vents have erupted through the silken carbon-fibre body to make this dream a reality. Expect a 0-60mph time of less than three seconds, significantly less, and this car to be the fastest in the world, bar none, within a few weeks. Fatthauer was aiming at the Bugatti Veyron, now its the SSC Ultimate Aero, and all he needs to make it work is a dry day not the easiest thing to achieve in Germany right now.

Fellow Porsche tuning giant Cargraphic was also out in force with its GT2, replete with 680bhp through a rea-drive chassis that already inspires fear and awe in the car-loving community. Fitted with a 3.8-litre twin turbo it will hit 60mph in just over three seconds, should manage more than 225mph and they might even take it to next years Tuner Grand Prix, in place of the all-conquering GT3 RSC.

Mercedes tuner Carlsson, with the second in the line of 700bhp CL65s fitted out by German leather designer Etienne Aigner. Now the Carlsson CK65 RS Eau Rouge Gold comes with a name longer than the car itself, but its beautifully finished on the inside even though the outside is a disturbing shade of stomach upset beige.

Weve already driven the 200mph Aigner in its original red form, and you can read all about its perfect fit and finish, including the use of genuine handbag grade leather, and the upgraded engine that sends this rocket to 60mph in the time it takes to say it. The opulence of this Maybach for those that still want to drive was a hard act to follow, though, as wheelsandmore found out with their disastrous CLS White Label.
Their interpretation of the ultimate luxury car included swirling alloys decked out with Swarowski crystals, which ruined the whole impact of a car that could have been quite stunning. A contrasting black, straight cut grille, supplied by Pogea Racing, and the kind of interior that looks built from baby seals rather than withered old cows were a grand start, but then it all went oh so wrong.

For 229,000 you expect something a little classier than this, but then the Middle Eastern and Russian palates are known to be a little less delicate and they could snap this up without a second thought. Youd need to be seriously connected to leave a car with those kind of wheels unattended too, as in most parts of the World the machine would be waiting on bricks when you returned. And those thieves might just have done you a favour

At the opposite end of the scale, but lots more fun in this writers humble opinion, was the TRC Marangoni FIAT Super 5-0-0. Fitted with a Carzone Specials kit, overboost, 320mm brake discs from Tarox, KW coilover suspension and a stainless steel exhaust this machine is overdone like chicken that has cooked for six hours on a naked flame. But it shows what can be done with this cool city car, and even though its not that fast it looks a riot to drive. Watch out for the test

There are lots more to come, but those were the first cars that struck us at Essen, and the only way most of them could claim to be green would be if they were painted that way.
 
Heico HS7 Based on Volvo V70 T6

9071204.003.Mini2L.jpg


9071204.003.Mini3L.jpg


Maybe not quite as daring as the Heico S80 High Performance Concept, but Heico has transferred some optical similarities to the brand new HS7, based on the new Volvo V70 with brand new T6 engine, electronically controlled all-wheel drive and six-gear Geartronic automatic transmission.
Heico has re-developed the 3.0 liter 6-cylinder in-line turbo T6 engine for the S80 to run on E85 fuel, but has left the engine untouched for this HS7. We are hoping for a more high-strung engine in due time, but for now factory specs will have to do (243 kW / 330 bhp at 5600 rpm)

Heico has fabricated a new front grille, front skirt with more conspicuous spoiler flaps, enlarged air vents and better dimensioned charge air cooling system. The rear has a new rear skirt which houses the stainless steel exhaust system with four tailpipes. The exhaust system improves engine responsiveness and provides a pleasingly sonorous sound. The interior has its own share of Heico details like pedals, foot rest, door pins and illuminated Heico logo on the entry strip in the door.
 
Worst. Idea. Ever.
wrangler.f34.500.jpg


wrangler.r34.500.jpg


Startech has introduced an accessory package for both two- and four-door editions of the Jeep Wrangler that includes wheels, aero body pieces and interior upgrades.

A nifty add-on is a chrome-plated stainless-steel front guard that also happens to meet Europe's strict pedestrian-protection standards. In addition to a chrome-plated grille, door handles and mirror housings, the Wrangler Unlimited kit comes with stainless-steel rocker panels with integrated plastic steps, plus stainless-steel rear rub guards, exhaust tips and a spare-tire cover with polished stainless-steel trim.

Startech's Monostar IV five-spoke alloy wheels are available in sizes up to 22 inches, with tires up to 295/35R22.

The cabin can be trimmed in leather, Alcantara and polished stainless steel.

What this means to you: This is one industrial-strength Jeep.
 
heh, yep. If the new ones had much off road prowess before... it's all gone now.
 

New Threads and Articles

Back