Volkswagen Amarok V8 Passion Desert

One of the best things about the annual Geneva motor show that kicks off this week is the plethora of weird exotica from the finest European tuning houses on show.

But it’s not all about bespoke supercars for Swiss scions. How about this, the Volkswagen Amarok V8 Passion Desert, developed by German tuning house MTM and manufacturer Dirks?

It’s an off-road version of MTM/Dirks’ previous V8 Amarok model — that’s right, there was already an aftermarket V8 Amarok — fitted with big off-road tyres and massively upgraded brakes.  

This is not a Volkswagen Group official product. 

In glorious fashion, the developers throw the regular 2.0-litre TDI diesel away and shoehorn in the VW Group 4.2-litre V8 TDI engine with a much more satisfactory 305kW of power and 930Nm of torque, from 2000rpm.

The familiar eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox transfers the torque all four wheels via the 4Motion system — it’s presumably toughened up for the task.

Apparently, the VW Amarok V8 Passion Desert is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in six seconds, with the top speed rated at 240km/h depending on the choice of tires. This version rocks 305/50 Cooper off-road tires, mounted on BBS 20-inch alloy wheels.

MTM has upgraded the braking system to 405mm front discs and 356mm at the rear. Upgraded coilover suspension has been fitted, as has a heap of underbody protection. 

Inside, there are lashings of leather and Alcantara upholstery.  The tuning firm has also installed carbon-fibre trim, auxiliary gauges, and an infotainment system with sat-nav and a TV.

But here’s the truly staggering part. According to reports, MTM says that the Amarok V8 Passion Desert will cost you around 200,000 euros, or about $A300,000… Not really a tradie special, then.

But imagine a circa-$80K ‘regular’ Amarok with the V8 TDI engine fitted? Now we’re talking…

One-Off: Mansory Aventador J.S.1 Edition

British art dealer and billionaire James Stunt fancied a bespoke super car the other day and, not willing to wait for any of the car makers to get around building one for him, he placed the order with tuner and coachbuilder, Mansory. The result is a one-off Lamborghini called Mansory Aventador J.S.1 Edition.

To be shown-off at the Geneva Motor Show this March, Mansory Aventador J.S.1 Edition is based on a SuperVeloce (SV) model but draws inspirations in its design from the Veneno hyper car. The car has a custom carbon fiber body with a unique aero kit consisting of new bumpers, sills, spoilers, and splitters, as well as widened wheel arches and sizable roof scoop. A set of custom Mansory wheels complete the look.

Apart from the amazing appearance, Mansory Aventador J.S.1 Edition also features a tricked out powertrain which turns the car from a super into a hyper car. Starting with the 750 horsepower engine of the SuperVeloce, Mansory has installed a power-box, as well as a complete new exhaust system including manifold, muffler and tailpipes, plus sport air filters. These changes have boosted the power to 830 horsepower and 750 Nm, which translates into a 0 to 100 km/h time of 2.7 seconds.

It is interesting that a London art dealer, a man who must have a brilliant and refined taste on account of his job, should order a full carbon Lamborghini by Mansory. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. It’s just a tad too vulgar, as a Brit would say.

Brabus Mercedes C63 AMG 650 Set for Geneva Debut

While Mercedes-Benz will be introducing a diet version of the C63 at the Geneva Motor Show in form of the Mercedes-AMG C43, it falls to Brabus to pick up where they left and come up with an even more powerful version of the standard car. This is Brabus Mercedes C63 AMG 650 and it packs, you guessed it, 650 hp.

That is precisely 103 kW / 140 HP (138 bhp) more than what you get from the standard C63 AMG, and it’s the result of a BRABUS PowerXtra B40S plus a fully stainless-steel exhaust with actively controlled butterfly valves. The 650 horsepower and 820 Nm output of the Brabus Mercedes C63 AMG 650 enables the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 320 km/h.

In order for Brabus Mercedes C63 AMG 650 to match the excitement delivered by its powertrain in terms of design, the tuner has come up with a carbon fiber aero kit with revised bumpers and carefully engineered front spoiler and rear diffuser/spoiler combo, as well as sills and wings and grilles. The kit is complemented with a set of 20-inch Monoblock F wheels supported with Bilstein suspension components, but the choice here is yours.

Last but not least, Brabus C63 AMG 650 comes with an interior treatment with mods such as sports seats, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and leather upholstery with contrast stitching and decorative bright yellow leather elements.

Geneva Preview: AC Schnitzer ACL2

BMW specialist AC Schnitzer has dropped the first pictures and a teaser video for their 2016 Geneva Motor Show special dish – a car they call AC Schnitzer ACL2. This track-ready, wide-body 2-Series BMW is most likely based on the M235i, seeing as it’s too soon for any tuner to come up with such a substantial package for the new M2.

Not that it makes a huge difference, of course. BMW M2 is just a tarted up version of the M235i. They both share the same 3.0 liter straight-six turbocharged engine which the boys at AC has upgraded here to 570 horsepower. That gives the AC Schnitzer ACL2 a power to weight ratio of 2.54 kg/hp.

Being primarily a track car, AC Schnitzer ACL2 is also fitted with a wide and extreme aero kit featuring a massive front splitter, side skirts, fender extensions, rear diffuser with quad tailpipe arrangement, and an adjustable GT rear wing. A vented bonnet, a set of large AC wheels, a weird leather steering wheel, sport seats, and a cool green paint job garnished with red details are among the other highlights.

Check out the official photos of the ACL2 and stay tuned for more details:

Up Close with Hamann Porsche Macan Turbo

Here’s yet another Hamann Porsche Macan created by the folks at DS Automobile of Switzerland. This time the baby SUV comes in range-topping Turbo guise, finished in a rich metallic black. And it looks bite-the-back-of-your-hand beautiful.

Granted, a Hamann Porsche Macan Turbo with all these bells and whistles installed can cost you as much as a Cayenne S. but unless you really need that little bit of extra space the big car offers, this Macan is a far superior choice. It looks a helluva lot better, for one thing, and it’s also sportier to drive and more efficient. Plus, with the Hamann treatment, it is also extremely exclusive.

Hamann Porsche Macan Turbo styling package is a wide body affair consisting of custom front and rear bumpers featuring a chin spoiler up front and a diffuser insert out back, side skirts and sills in addition to fender extensions, revised grilles, and a super cool tailgate spoiler. Completing a look, and a vital part of the package without which the car wouldn’t look so good, is a set of Hamann Anniversary Evo wheels.