Words and photography by Sebastian Geisler.
The German motor industry is always well represented at the Geneva motorshow and this year is no exception. Here are some of the treats that were on display.
Audi
R8 TDI Le Mans Concept
Audi's Latest R8 concept, very similar to the R8 TDI shown at the North American Motorshow, but with more red and more chrome!
TTS And TT TDI
Audi has launched its first ever TT Diesel, powered by a 170 hp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TDI engine. Also on display was the new TTS.
BMW
M3 Coupe, Saloon and Convertible
After the Coupé and Saloon, BMW presents now the Cabrio
VW
Scirocco
Volkwagens new golf-based Scirocco was on display at the show
KTM
X-Bow
One year after the prototype, Austrian bike manufacturer KTM have launched the production version of their Audi powered track-day car. Production is due to start later this year.
Brabus
Bullit Black Arrow
Brabus have installed their 730bhp SV12 S Biturbo engine (based on Mercedes-Benz S600 engine) into a Mercedes Benz C-Class.
Numerous modifications have (unsurprisingly) been necessary, but the result is performance data better than most supercars: 0 - 62mph in 3.9 sec and a top speed of more than 220mph!
Pricing starts at approximately £270,000.
Brabus McLaren Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster
Brabus have also updated the McLaren Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, with a power increase of 24 hp to 650 hp, 20" chrome wheels and a special luxury interior with red leather and black alcantara.
Irmscher
Opel GT
To celebrate the 40th birthday of his company, Günther Irmscher has built the Irmscher GT i40a. The car is based on the Opel GT, but it's powered by a V8-Corvette engine with 480bhp. A limited edition is planed but the price is still to be confirmed.
Wiesmann
GT MF5
In September 2007 Wiesmann presented their GT MF5 prototype/racecar, powered by the 507 hp V10 engine from the BMW M5 & M6, at their new showroom in Frankfurt.
The aggressive looks of that car were not well received and Wiesmann now presents a reworked, more discrete looking version, the road legal Wiesmann GT MF5.
The new version will go into production later this year, in Wiesmann's brand new factory which will official be opened on 5th and 6th April 2008.
The development of a RHD-Version for both Roadster and Coupé is nearly finished and it will be available this summer.
YES
Roadster 3.2 Turbo
Previously the YES Roadster 3.2 with 255hp was the top of the range.
Now the addition of a turbo has increased power by 100 hp and the new 355bhp YES Roadster 3.2 Turbo will reach 62mph in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 175mph. A rear spoiler has also been added to set the car apart from the lesser models and provide the necessary down force.
Gumpert
Apollo
No important news, just a new colour and an excuse to post some pictures
Artega
GT
One year after the first appearance of a Artega GT prototype, today the German manufacturer presents the final car.
A brand new factory in Delbrück has just been finished and allows production of approximately 500 cars per year.
A RHD-Version is also planned, but Artega has not yet announced when it will be available, saying it is currently at a very early stage.
The Artega is powered by a 300 hp engine from Volkswagen (as found in the Passat R36).
Technical Data:
Empty weight: About 1100 kg
Engine: Mid-Mounted 300 hp 3.6 litre V6 direct-injection engine
Acceleration: 0 - 60 less than 5 sec
Top Speed: more than 170 mph
The prices start from 63,010.92 Euros + VAT
In the Final Part... The Rest of the World