This year the 2010 Geneva Auto Show was like a buffet in which I hand-picked all the types of food. The manufacturers were the staples; steak, potatoes, a dessert platter, etc. I expected them to be there and taste good, as usual. But the real treats this year came from the tuners. They are the crazy geniuses that take a mass-produced car into their kitchens and create something extraordinary and (for better or worse) original. There were lots of tuners and coach-builders showing their wares at Geneva this year, and here are my 5 favorites in no specific order:
1. RUF RGT-8
Right now you're probably thinking, "RUF brought a 911 to Geneva, duh. Who cares?" Well, you will, when you read that this is not the usual Porsche 911 Turbo-based RUF, but instead is one of those rare Franken-cars that transcends above the 911. The RUF RGT-8 is based on a 997 turbo, but there's nothing "turbo" about it. In the back is a 4.5 liter V8, producing 550hp at a raucous 8,500rpm, and making 367 lb-ft of torque. Even higher on the incred-o-meter, by using a dry-sump lubrication system and titanium connecting rods, this engine actually weighs 80 lbs less than the 3.8L V6. A team of only 3 took two years to design and build the engine, which runs without the use of any external belts, keeping it light and compact.
If, like me, you always thought the 911 turbo could use a better soundtrack, this ought to fix that problem. And if you think it's a travesty to have an N/A 997 Turbo, RUF engineers stated the engine is so compact, there's actually room for two turbochargers, should a buyer request them. Carbon ceramic brakes come standard, as does a roll cage, pointing to RUF's comprehensive approach to auto design. A TT V8 in the back of a 911 is the kind of innovation and progress that gives RUF its loyal following and respect, and why it sits in our top 5. RUF plans to build 300 RGT-8s, with an estimated price of $300,000 a piece.
2. Abt Sportsline R8 GTR
Take a moment to look at the shape that Abt Sportline has created, and it should be clear this is not going to be a normal Audi R8. Using carbon fiber, Abt gave the R8 GTR a shape that is edgier than stock, without crossing the line into crazy-town. By replacing the hood, trunk, front fascia, mirrors and door panels with carbon fiber units, Abt skinned 220 lbs from the R8. All that weight loss would make the R8 5.2 plenty fast, but Abt took it a few steps further, bringing the V10 engine's output up to a serious 620hp. That combo of light weight and big power equals 0-62mph in 3.2seconds and on to a vmax of 202mph.
The aggressive face and big wing move the R8 from humble everyday supercar into aggressive track performer, and the only word that comes to mind is, "lethal." The theme is continued inside, where Alcantara abounds, with "GTR" badges adding performance accents. It's a wonderful combination of luxury and focused performance. The result is a cockpit that looks equally comfortable and capable. Start selling kidneys (yes, both of them) now, because Abt only plans to build 25 GTRs. With such a great package of performance and aesthetics, I have no doubt they will sell out fast.
3. TechART GTStreet R
TechART is a name that is synonymous with fast Porsches, so it was no surprise they showed up to Geneva with their newest "GTStreet"-derived car, the TechART GTStreet R. The old GTStreet is a 997 kit that adds a subtle body kit to the famous 997 body. The "R" simply builds off of that, with more aggressive body changes and an even more aggressive wing. The front fascia's intakes are so big, the "balloon boy" could easily hide in there. Massive 20'' wheels let plenty of red brake caliper show through, looking like a kid who put his dad's shoes on.
In usual TechART form, the engine has been boosted to 660hp and 635 tq. Calling a TechART's performance anything but exceptional is an exercise in blasphemy, as a 0-60 time of 3.5s and a top speed of 214mph, proves. TechART has been bringing us 911-based creations for years, and every year I have to add another one of their cars to my wish list. They go through the 997 with a fine comb, and change anything and everything they deem necessary. Just look at the picture above of what goes into the body of the car, and you get an idea of how meticulous their work is. The engine and suspension work isn't even included. They continue to improve their own designs, raising their personal bar for looks and performance each time. The new TechART GTStreet R succeeds on all fronts.
What does one of the world's only, and best, Ferrari tuner bring to the big show? Nothing less than a twin-supercharged 599 GTB Fiorano. The German Ferrari tuner Novitec Rosso has been putting out exceptional cars this year, with one particular high note, its use of twin superchargers in F430s. Taking a car that is already at the edge of sanity, Novitec chucks it off that cliff by giving this 599 a mind-warping 848hp. 621 ft. lbs of twist happens at a sonorous 6,300RPM. With wind-tunnel proven aerodynamics, the car will reach 186 mph in only 23.7 seconds and the stampede doesn't stop until 214mph.
HUGE 405mm, 6-piston brakes sit both front AND rear, keeping this Italian rocket under control. A cool addition to the car's mannetino dial changes the exhaust baffles, so you get to change the volume like it's a V-12 stereo. Novitec offers it's customers a fully customized interior, ranging from the luxurious to the race-ready. Novitec Rosso's 848 RACE is just another example of how this amazing builder is pushing the limits of one of the world's most revered brands. The 848 RACE is an extreme GT car, as well as a track-bashing racer, and I just love it.
5. Carlsson C25
While we didn't place these cars in any particular order, it so happens the best was saved for last. This is the 2010Carlsson C25, a custom-built, house-designed GT coupe. The goal with this project was to make the ultimate GT car. The word "ultimate" gets thrown around a lot, but the vision and idea that Carlsson had for this car makes it deserving of such a word. Carlsson wanted to design a car that was fast, safe, comfortable, and striking. They wanted the outside to be both modern, yet classic, Grand Touring inspired, but also capable of high-performance. Carlsson has succeeded. From the side the car is pure GT, a long hood, single door, and smooth tail are all classic GT coupe design cues. It is clearly recognizable as a Mercedes, but would never be mistaken for a simply modified SL.
The sharp edges give it a fresh, modern look, but as a whole the shape reminds me of a DB9. It's like an Aston Martin for 2034. And being compared to an Aston is never a bad thing. Underneath that long, ferocious hood is a Mercedes 6.0 liter twin-turbo V-12 that produces 753hp and 974tq.Forget pulling stumps, this will rip out the entire rain forest. There is an endless list of color combinations for both the exterior and interior, which explains the picture below.
Every aspect of the cars drivetrain and suspension have been modified to create a perfect connection to the road. Carlsson created this car for driver's that want to cover a continent at an insane rate of speed without sacrificing comfort or safety. While plenty of cars can offer comfort and speed, few can say they are an original. Only 25 C25s will be built, so you won't have to worry about someone confusing your car with the neighbor's SL65 AMG. And if someone does, just offer to show them the difference via drag race. With a top speed of 220mph, I think it will be obvious very quickly this is no suburban sports car. Carlsson set out to make a GT car with the performance of a supercar, and design it themselves. I have seen a lot of original designs, and so many of them are worth little more than a roll of Charmin. But the blend of angles and curves here results in a car that's hard to look away from, especially with a new paint job.
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