Abt shows AS5 at Essen

This is the Abt Sportsline AS5, a car designed to appear as powerful as it does unobtrusive, all while delivering on the promises of performance its confident styling commits to. The new car is being exhibited all week at the Essen Motor Show in Germany.

In achieving the balance between elegance and sportiness, while retaining the Audi Coupe's refined character, the AS5 sports a modest Abt body kit, with somewhat more extravagant two-toned body panels. Abt Sportsline describe the car's style as that of beauty and uniqueness.

And so with a subtly aggressive front skirt highlighting the front fog lights and Audi grille as well as striking side features, fenders and air inlets, there is little point in arguing. At the rear, a new Abt skirt harmonises with new 4-pipe exhausts and rear spoiler. Abt recommend complementing new 20-inch alloy wheels with an imposing five-spoke design that creates an illusion of movement at standstill.

But understated design does not transfer to that of understated performance, with the Essen-exhibited Abt AS5 delivering a powerful 300 hp (221 kW) 3.0 TDI model to showgoers. The Abt Power S upgrade provides an increase of 60 hp over the production version's 240 hp (176 kW) with torque of 600 Nm being generated at 2,400 rpm. On the tarmac, acceleration to 100 kph (62 mph) is reached from standstill in exactly 5.3 seconds, while the AS5 is capable of a 264 kph (164 mph) top speed.

Keeping the AS5 on the road are a host of refined components including Abt thread sports suspension and an Abt brake system, developed with motor sport professional Christian Abt. The cabin is accentuated by Abt aluminium pedals and gear shift knob as well as a leather and carbon-look Abt multifunction sports steering wheel.

Unobtrusive design and powerful appearance - this is what the Abt AS5 stands for. With a discerning eye on the detail Abt enhances the elegant Audi Coupé with its breathtaking, pleasing contours and the stretched flanks. The team from Kempten has managed to upgrade the unique vehicle without changing its character. With the two coloured paint and the Abt body kit, the AS5 appears like a mannequin in an extravagant designer tailor-made suit.The front skirt, in which a grid element accents the front fog lights and the single-frame grill, the strikingly curved lateral parts, the fender insets and the gill-shaped air inlets form a shapely unit. The Coupé is a unique and beautiful car, no matter from which perspective. The rear skirt inset with the diffuser excellently harmonizes with the 4-pipe rear muffler, together with the perfectly designed rear spoiler it accentuates the rear of the vehicle. As ideal complement, Abt recommends the new BR wheel in 20 inch. With its superposed spokes, the wheel seems to rapidly move forward although it is standing still.

The Abt AS5 is not only optically a real sports car. In Essen it is presented with the powerful 3.0 TDI engine which, thanks to Abt Power S, now brings 300 HP (221 KW) onto the road instead of the serial 240 HP (176 KW). The torque of 600 Nm is getting free at already 2400 rpm and provide for shear force in all situations. Also impressive is the acceleration of the self-igniting engine. Exactly 5.3 seconds needs the car from standing still to 100 km/h, the top speed is 264 km/h - values which suit to a sporty Coupé like the Abt AS5. In order that the impressive power remains controllable, Christian Abt, motor sport professional, excellently adjusted the Abt thread sports suspension in detail. And the Abt brake system with discs 380 millimeters diameter powerfully grips.Abt multifunctional sports steering wheel, soft nappa leather grip and carbon look leather adorn the driver's workplace. Abt aluminium pedals and gear shift knob complete the sporty accent in the interior. A successful masterpiece can be seen at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW, the Abt AS5. The only downside is: It wants to be driven and this, unfortunately, is impossible in the exhibition hall.

Renault Laguna Coupe Concept at Frankfurt Motor Show 2007

Renault has choose IAA to present the Laguna Coupe Concept, its propose for a top model “grand tourer coupe”. The model wants to seduce all people that want a performance car, good for drive and full of refinement. The company officials say that these are the attributes of this concept, which is built on the same platform as for new generation Laguna. The model is gifted with a four wheel Active Drive chassis and with the new V6 dCi propeller, which was developed by Renault-Nissan.
More than that, at the official presentation, they have put accents on visuals, the key words used being: Power, Elegancy and Vision. Laguna Coupe Concept comes after another show car, Fluence, which was presented in 2004.
Laguna Coupe Concept is 4.684 m long and is remarked by its sculptural profile, full of distinction, by its remarkable front look and by the burly grille, which is the opposite of its “short” back.
The adaptive lights are gifted with LED lamps, which utilize a technology based on reflection and on lighting propagation. This is not a new system, because it was presented on Napta concept, too (2006). In the front are big lamps, and in the back are long stops, which make everything look stylish and full of refinement. The interior is high-end, typically for a coupe. All interior elements are from the last generation: navigation, radio, music player, video, kit Bluetooth, ambient images, leather elements, metal elements ant top finishing.
The 2,993 cc V6, dCi propeller will be the standard engine for the series model. This will offer, by the version, power between 230 and 265 hp and a maximum torque between 450 and 550 Nm. This unity is mounted at a 6 speed automatic transmission gear box and will make Laguna Coupe Concept to reach 100 km/h in 7 seconds and this for low fuel consumption. That’s too good to be true!

Dodge Ram BFT at SEMA

The Dodge Ram is a workhorse, and when it comes to those driving and purposefully using the heavy-duty truck there is only one thing that can never get big enough: the box. The Dodge Ram BFT, whether you want to call it Built For Towing or Big Fine Truck, is based on the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty with 160-inch wheelbase combined with a standard cab leaving a 10 foot box on the back.

But not all is just for purpose, the BFT has full length polished bed and side steps, a 6.inch suspension lift and 22.5 inch wheels from Alcoa. The BFT is powered by a 6.7 liter Cummins turbo diesel engine which provides plenty of hauling and towing power.

“Built for towing,” the Dodge Ram BFT is also one “big fine truck.” Designed to be the “ultimate” workhorse, the vehicle will appeal to the hardcore truck buyer. And there’s one thing the heavy-duty trucker can never get enough of: a bigger box.

The design team placed a standard cab on a 160-in. Dodge Ram Heavy Duty wheelbase frame so the 9.4-ft chopper fits snuggly in the 10-ft. box. The team also accommodated the dually setup with a 6-in. suspension lift kit from Superlift and Alcoa’s 22.5-in. 10-lug semi wheels. The BFT also features full-length polished bed and step rails.

The Ram BFT has a Banks-enhanced 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine that is mated to an automatic transmission.

In the end, the Ram BFT provides “maximum” hauling and towing power. And isn’t dependability, durability and capability what Ram life is all about?

Mercedes C-class Estate by Carlsson

Before its official launch, Carlsson has already devoted considerable attention to the new Mercedes Benz C-class Estate resulting in a new automotive dimension in both visual and dynamic terms. The company achieved these goals through a variety of measures including elegant aerodynamic parts, performance kits, new wheels and improved interior appointments. The result is a vehicle that meets the highest expectations of driving pleasure and active safety. A car with race-track engineering that meets the promise of looks and paper form.

Diesel-Power through Carlsson C-Tronic®

With the new C-Tronic® Diesel POWER generation, Carlsson offers 20 % more power and torque for all Mercedes common-rail diesels from the A to the S Class. Increasing the output via the C-Tronic® Diesel POWER supplementary control unit results in a significant improvement in performance. Consisting of the control unit and a plug-and-drive adapter, which is connected to the standard engine control unit, the C-Tronic® reads all signals from the series control unit needed to determine the optimum values for fuel quantity and the injection point.

Carlsson C-Tronic® CD 22 for C/E 220 CDI engines

The new generation of C-Tronic® performance kits for four-cylinder CDI models of the C and E Classes provide a power increase of 34 bhp. Thus, the engine generates 204 instead of 170 bhp and a torque of 480 instead of 400 Nm. The result is a second off the time for the 0-100 km/h dash and a reduction of no less than seven seconds in the 80 – 180 km/h time.

Carlsson C-Tronic® CD 32 for all 320 CDI engines

The Carlsson C-Tronic® CD 32 has been developed for all Mercedes Benz models fitted with the current basic 320 CDI engine. The increase in power amounts to 42 bhp so that the modified engine produces 269 bhp outpacing easily the standard engine with its 224 bhp. Torque rises to a massive 612 Nm, which is available from 1,600 to 2,300 rpm. No less impressive are the performance figures, which improve by around a second for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.

To ensure the greatest possible safety for both driver and vehicle, the C-Tronic® Diesel POWER has correction maps that guarantee the engine's reserves are only used when the operating parameters are within the appropriate range. Thus, the coolant temperature is monitored and the additional power only generated when the engine is running at a coolant temperature between 65° and 100° C. The intelligent control system ensures the optimum settings are selected regardless of the operating conditions. Carlsson gives a three-year warranty on the new generation of C-Tronic® supplementary control units.

Greater driving pleasure – with a clear conscience

The environment also benefits from the C-Tronic® Diesel performance kits. Through the intelligent use of modern technology, the C-Tronic® reduces average fuel consumption and in the course of that CO2-emissions by 10 %. At the same time is reduces pollutant emissions, slashing environmentally harmful exhaust gases, such as NOX, by around 10 %.

Naturally, the C-Tronic® meets the special requirements of the particle filter in full and also shows the technological advantage of Carlsson engineering: the C-Tronic® takes account of all important data from the particle-filter system, e.g., exhaust back pressure, exhaust temperature, when generating the increase in power to utilise them in the interests of a cleaner environment.

Race-proven CK35 performance kit

Carlsson has been a successful competitor in the VLN Long Distance Trophy at the Nürburgring for many years. At the world's most demanding race-track for both driver and technology, Carlsson tests parts that are later to be found in its range of parts and accessories. The company currently uses the CK35 performance kit based on the 3.5 litre V6 for long-distance racing in an SLK. In other words, every Carlsson CK 35 customer participates in Carlsson's racing success. "The concept of taking developments 'from the race track to the highway' applies to the CK35 more than any other engine", says CEO Markus Schuster proudly explaining how this piece of high-tech engineering has been breathed on to ensure durability and great efficiency.

Developed in motor racing for absolute reliability and superior performance, the CK35 kits give customers the assurance that they, too, could win races with this engine. The Carlsson unit produces 217 kW / 295 bhp and presses maximum torque of 385 Nm onto the crankshaft.

Also part of the CK35 kit, the stainless-steel sports rear silencer with four oval tailpipes hints clearly but not too loudly at the increased engine output. Carlsson also modifies and significantly improves the engine's electronic control system while a sports air filter ensures that the V6 has no trouble in taking a deep breath.

The increased output coupled with effortless power delivery result not only in a better paper form but also significantly improved flexibility and, therefore, greater driving pleasure. The top speed of the CK35 is 270 km/h. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just six seconds, four tenths faster than the standard car. At the same time, the sound emitted from the four tail pipes is certain to set the pulse of every racing enthusiast.

Carlsson aerodynamic kit: the dynamic and striking alternative

Without making the car look flashy, Carlsson fits an aerodynamic kit that not only reduces lift at the same time as making the car more elegant and powerful looking but also lends an individual touch and, of course, the sporting flair so typical of Carlsson. The aerodynamic kit consists of a front apron, a diffuser-look apron at the rear, side mouldings and a rear spoiler that stabilises the car at higher speeds. In this connection, too, Carlsson underscores its close association with motor racing. All parts are made of high-grade PUR and, in addition to fitting exactly, distinguished by top surface quality. The kit also includes an electro-polished grille insert and double-headlight units with fog and driving lights for improved light output and, therefore, greater safety. These parts are also available separately for fitment in combination with the standard bumper.

Suspension components for optimum road-holding and a more dynamic look

In common with all suspension components, the sports springs used to lower the car also are derived from motor racing. Their racing equivalents have been well proven in thousands of kilometres around the Nürburgring race track. For Carlsson customers, they not only offer significantly improved handling but also give the car a more dynamic look.

B for Brilliant Edition - exclusive wheels from Carlsson

Wheels are the easiest and most expressive way of giving a car a personal touch. If they should also combine high technological qualities with sporting elegance, then Carlsson 1/11 Brilliant Edition wheels are the obvious choice. The front wheels measure 8.5x19" and are fitted with 225/35 ZR19 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres while the rear wheels come in the dimension 10x19" and 255/30 tyres. These single-piece, 11-spoke wheels are characterised by an exclusive surface finish unparalleled in the Mercedes Benz tuning sector. The polished brilliant silver rim base and the painted brilliant silver centre, which makes the wheel virtually unmatched in visual terms, form an interesting contrast.

Unadulterated luxury inside

For the interior of the C-class, Carlsson uses on the very best materials that turn it into a small S Class. The very attractive yet restrained components, which can be combined in accordance with customer wishes, make sitting in the car a great pleasure. With the ergonomically designed Carlsson sports steering wheel in leather / Alcantara or leather / wood, the driver always has a firm and extremely pleasant grip on the car.

Königseder Opel GT'aime

The press release for this car reads like an embarrassing personal, but marketed as the GT'aime, an Opel GT modified by Königseder allegedly a magnet for adultery, it's hard not to want to read on about the car that'll have women lining up for a ride.

The modified Opel GT 'causes the tensions an affair consists of' with racy aerodynamic accents, namely a re-modelled front spoiler and rear wing, emphasising both the dynamism and soft form of the car. Powered by a 300 PS unit, and boasting custom made Brembo brake system and a sporty KW coilover suspension setup for sports ride and lap records, thrills are guaranteed at every corner. The 'climax' comes in the form of an enhanced cabin with a hand made wooden floor in black and red with GT'aime inscriptions.

Königseder makes his own motor show - not in Essen - but with his work on Opel GT. Women finally know what they want:

300 sleek-tuned PS.
The affair Königseder and Opel takes place.
With aerodynamic accents - frontspoiler and rear wing - race wins over mass and causes exactly the tension which an affair consists of. They emphasize the soft silhouette on the one hand and power the dynamic character of the car on the other hand.

A KW coilover suspension version 3 guarantees sporty driving and lap records through individual damper adjustmest - also due to the Yokohama tires.

Las Vegas: 20" Giovanna Dalar rims remind of Elvis' best times with rivet belts and match the car like chalk and cheese. Two American giants meet at Konigseder. Why not earlier?

The custom made Brembo brake system provides excellent deceleration and the 332mm brake discs with red 4 pistons calipers underline the exciting e! rotic style of this convertible.

The climax of the affair - naturally - takes place in the interior:
Very special: Hand made wooden car floor in black and red with GT`aime writing.