German Tuning: 2005 Essen Motor Show Wrap

Motoring Channel Staff - 28/11/2005

The 2005 Essen Motor Show isn't strictly a motor show in the traditional sense - more of an aftermarket showcase for modified vehicles, and a impromptu springboard niche model launches.

Some of the modified vehicles exhibited in Essen are just as stylish as the best factory-backed concept cars, and sometimes more innovative.

The jaw-dropping Widebody sports car from TechArt is a good example of this, where German-based tuning group TechArt takes a Porsche Boxster and works it into an even more aggressive roadster, one that has a sometimes likeness to the formidable Carrera GT.

Other vehicles, such as the Hartge H50 V10 simply defy description. Based on a 3 Series sedan, the car is normally equipped with 4- and 6-cylinder motors - but Hartge needed something that could break 300km/h...

Here we have profiled four modified German cars from modification central: the 2005 Essen Motor Show.

TechArt Widebody Porsche

Based on the Porsche Boxster of the 987 model range, the Widebody doesn't only offer spectacular design but also extra driving fun and agility, explains TechArt.

With the add-on wheel arch flarings, the TechArt Widebody is 80mm wider than the standard Boxster, and the front extensions don't only provide extra room inside the wheel houses, claims TechArt, but also improve the ventilation of the engine compartment with their larger air intakes.

The rear flarings are thusly equipped with air ducts of larger dimensioned to bring fresh air to the centrally placed engine.

Apart from spectacular, sporty design the TechArt designers paid attention to optimal aerodynamic efficiency. The TechArt front apron with integrated low lying spoiler reduces the lift at the front axle and improves the cooling of the front brakes with large air ducts, while the TechArt rear apron with integrated diffuser rounds out the conversion.

Extremely broad wheels and tires make the TechArt Widebody concept for the Boxster complete. Created especially for this wide body version, the group developed custom-made versions of the one-piece TechArt Formula five spoke wheel. The front axle is equipped with 20-inch wheels, shod with ContiSportContact 2 high performance tyres in sizes 235/30 ZR20 fronts and 305/25 ZR20 rears.

The height-adjustable TechArt sport suspension is specially set-up for these ultra-wide wheels and tyres and the wider track of the car. The coil-over suspension doesn't only provide an individual damping of the roadster but also lowers the two-seater car by some 25 mills (mm).

TechArt also offers engine tuning for the Widebody. The two watercooled 6-cylinder boxer engines can be upgraded with the TechArt power kits; they each consist of a sport air filter and newly programmed engine electronics. The result is an 11kW/15hp power hike.

Hartge H50 V10

For the avid BMW fan waiting on the next-generation 8-cylinder M3 and M4 vehicles, Hartge may have something to tide you over - for good. Getting lots of attention at the Essen Motor Show was the Hartge H50 V10, which according to German tuner Hartge is based on a BMW E90 3 Series sedan.

Hartge explains that its engineers achieved something very special under the thermodynamically optimised bonnet, which features many open slots in order to prevent the engine bay melting.

The 3-Series sedan has been fitted with a modified M5 V10 engine, a 7-speed SMG transmission and a Hartge modification to raise top speed from the electronically limited 250km/h (155mph) to a very quick 322km/h (200mph).

The H50 V10 puts all its power – 410kW (550hp) and 520Nm of torque – onto the tarmac via a reinforced rear axle and a special suspension setup that is adjustable in terms of both rebound and compression.

Also new and made especially for the Hartge H50 V10, is the stainless steel exhaust system, which turns the V10 sound into an acoustic delight, according to Hartge. Customers can choose between two dual round (or oval) tail pipes. The wheel/tyre combination consists of 20-inch wheels with 245/30 ZR20 and 285/25 ZR20 tyres front and rear respectively.

The interior highlights are a 205 mph speedometer, the carbon interior trim, the 3-spoke leather steering wheel with carbon inserts, the illuminated aluminium gear knob and the leather handbrake cover.

Abt AS4-R

Looking to beat the new Audi RS4 to the punch is Bavaria-based tuning company Abt's new twin turbo 6-cylinder A4, entitled the AS4-R. One of the Editor's favourite engine types, the bi-turbo 6-cylinder engine has been tuned for power: 353kW or 480hp make this vehicle a race car for the road.

Abt, which is probably the world-wide leader in Audi-specific tuning, took an A4 Avant (wagon) and modified it to perform at supercar levels, creating the AS4-R. First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the AS4-R modified vehicle was a perfect exhibit for the aftermarket-dominated Essen Motor Show in 2005.

Abt says that, on the basis of the data on hand and the new innovative engines, they constructed engine parts which could also be used in motor sport. Therefore it does not come as a surprise that the abbreviation »R« stands for Racing.

By means of a newly developed and optimised engine as well as a double twin-pipe rear muffler, the power of the V6 biturbo was boosted from below 200kW in its naturally aspirated form to a breathtaking 353kW of power.

With a maximum torque of 565Nm the AS4-R accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds and keeps the driver firmly in his seat. The top speed of 300km/h of the bi-turbo requires the driver's full attention, where the huge power output of the AS4-R is transferred on to the asphalt by means of Audi's all-wheel-drive system quattro.

As Abt crucially points out, what is the use of power without control and appropriate set-up. Due to this reason several modifications on the suspension were made for optimal driving dynamics. DTM-driver Christian Abt developed the sport suspension kit in co-operation with Abt Sportsline’s specialists. Thus, the set-up of the suspension which is adjustable in height, pressure and rebound, was tailor-made for the demands of the AS4-R.

The outside appearance of the AS4-R leaves no doubts, either, that this is an exclusive race car with a licence for the road. The designers at Abt Sportsline have developed aerodynamic parts which are not only shapely; the marked front spoiler ensures increased downforce.

Side skirts make the sporty estate car appear broader and the rear spoiler increases downforce on the rear axle. The double twin-pipe rear muffler with a diameter of 70 millimetres was perfectly integrated in the newly designed rear spoiler inset, and the car rides on Abt light alloy 19-inch wheels with 235/35 sized tyres.

The interior of the AS4-R also communicates the motor sport feeling. When opening the door, stainless-steel entrance strips catch your eye, and the instrument panel, identification plate and aluminium gear shift knob are signed with the Abt logo.

Sportec Boxster SP370

German roadsters are always popular with both tuning houses and customers alike, and at the 2005 Essen Motor Show Sportec exhibited its SP370 Boxster, whose major claim to fame is its 286km/h top speed (178mph).

As well as various bodykit extras, which give the Sportec-modified Boxster a more dynamic and aggressive road stance, it has been given a heart transplant: gone is the 3.2-litre engine and in its place the 3.8-litre flat 6-cylinder engine from the 911 Carrera.

Compared to the Boxster S, which sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds, the Sportec Boxster SP370 completes the same sprint in just 4.7 seconds. Peak torque from the almost 4.0-litre engine is 420Nm @ 4600rpm, while max power is 276kW @ 6250rpm.