Essen Motor Show

The Essen Motor Show is a world of wonder with all kinds of modified, custom and high-end automotive and motorcycle creations that push the boundaries of speed and performance. So, it's really no surprise that the Asphaltfighters Stormbringer superbike, what is being called the world's fastest street motorcycle, would make its debut at this event. So, what does it take to garner this elusive title? Top speed is rated north of 199 mph with acceleration times from a dead stop to 186 mph in just 13.9 seconds. Sprint times from 0-60 mph take only 2.9 seconds, while it can hit 120 mph in a mere 6.5 seconds.

Based out of Aelen, Germany, the bike's builder, WARM UP, is a relatively obscure motorcycle company for those in the states, but this may all change with their latest introduction. WARM UP starts with a Kawasaki ZX-10R which is then modified extensively. Even though it still uses the 1,000-cc four-cylinder four-valve engine, German tuner Sepp Buchner manages to mash out 220 hp / 161.9 kW. In addition, a special booster mode actually allows the powerplant to put out 280 hp / 206 KW for short bursts of speed when the bike is above 180 km/h (111 mph). The Ashphaltfighters Stormbringer weighs in at just 429 pounds when fully fueled for an exceptional power to weight ratio.

As we all know, or have heard, the German autobahn is the mecca of motoring for high-performance enthusiasts. For many long stretches of road there are no speed limits with the only exceptions coming by way of junction points, construction zones or areas where noise or pollution are problematic. With a highway system where extreme speeds are the norm, a special type of patrol car is needed for law enforcement. Every year the Essen Motor Show is home to the annual Tune It Safe! program and showcases a variety of police cars jazzed up by various tuners to promote safety in the industry. This year, AC Schnitzer was commissioned by BMW to create a police car concept based on the BMW 123d Coupe.

The BMW 123d Coupe is an unlikely pursuit vehicle with just a small twin-turbo, 2.0 liter 4 banger putting out 204 hp. Therefore, AC Schnitzer went to work by boosting output to 241 horsepower with 354 lb-ft of torque. Styling tweaks include a front splitter, rear wing and roof spoiler, chrome tailpipes and sport mirrors along with a set of larger AC Schnitzer wheels. The BMW E82 has been dropped 30mm and rides on a new suspension system. The interior benefits from Recaro racing seats, lots of carbon fiber trim and components, a sports steering wheel and aluminum accents such as the pedal set and foot rest.

The 2009 Essen Motor Show kicked off today and runs until December 6th. This event is one of the best opportunities to see the top tuners in the world showcase their skill and vision. SpeedART is a high-end Porsche customization shop that's hoping to wow the crowds this year with their Porsche Panamera Turbo PS9-650 tuning package. As the name suggests, this upgraded super-sedan will have access to 650 hp by way of bigger turbos and intercoolers, a sports air filter, sport exhaust system, sport catalytic converters and a reworked ECU.

These tweaks are good for acceleration times from 0-62 mph in just 3.5 second with a top end north of 200 mph. If the thought of propelling your new Porsche Panamera at breakneck speeds seems just too extreme, the company also offers some paired down options as well including packages pegged at 600, 550 and 520 hp.

The Essen Motor Show always presents a plethora of European tuner cars. It's like SEMA, but mostly showcasing tricked out rides from Porsche, BMW, Audi and Mercedes instead of Camaros and Mustangs. 9ff always has something pretty wild for this event and this year will be introducing the Speed9. This fresh speedster takes its inspiration from the legendary 356/1500S Speedster from 1955 and will be the second complete vehicle offered by this German tuner.

Based on the Porsche 997 Turbo Cabrio, the 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat six engine was boosted from 473hp up to 650hp. The increase in horsepower comes by way of a tweaked ECU, new air intake, exhaust system and catalytic converter.  The tiptronic gearbox is controlled via integrated paddle-shifters. Handling gets improved through the use of adjustable stabilizer bars mouted in front and back along with double spings and aluminum spring plates. There is also a full brake system upgrade with new 380mm compound discs, 6-piston calipers and 9ff pads.

Sort of… Many articles about the new BMW M3 from Brabham Racing erroneously point to a return from a 16 year hiatus of the notable Brabham Organisation, which entered bankruptcy in 1982. Sir Jack Brabham, storied automotive builder and driver, partnered with Ron Tauranca to form a venerable race car company back in the 1960s. Brabham became a very accomplished F1 driver and auto craftsman, introducing many innovations to the world of motorsports as he built a company that became the world’s largest manufacturer of single seat car cars.

That said, the Brabham Racing Ltd. that just unveiled 3 new cars at Essen, has declared that it is in no way affiliated with Jack Brabham. In a press release issued today they stated “There is no connection whatsoever between BRABHAM RACING and Sir Jack Brabham and his family. It never was our intention to associate our brand with Sir Jack Brabham and his achievements as an engineer and racing driver nor with his legacy in motor racing history.”