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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 15, 2009

From the early years to the present day – cabriolets from Mercedes-Benz

Cavorting and cutting a caper

- Etymology: the French origins of the word 'cabriolet'
- Chronology: the Mercedes cabriolet alphabet in the pre-war years
- Genealogy: W111/112 and A 124 as direct ancestors of the E-Class

Like many other body forms, the cabriolet concept is derived from the age of the horse-drawn carriage: 'cabriolet' was the word used to describe a lightweight, open carriage pulled by two horses. This 2-hp vehicle was reserved primarily for pleasure rides in good weather. This is also where the name comes from: in French, the verb 'cabrioler' means 'to cavort' or 'to cut a caper'. However, in the early years of the automobile, a special body form was not needed in order to enjoy open-top driving, since practically all cars built in the period from 1886 to 1920 were open-top models.


The onset of the closed body form in the first third of the 20th century lead to the development of the landaulet (in which only the driver sits under the roof) alongside the saloon and coupé – and the cabriolet with a soft top that could be opened in its entirety. Even back in the 1920s, this type of car boasted a sporty and elegant silhouette. And it could be opened fully above the upper edges of the doors.

From A to F: the cabriolet alphabet

It wasn't long before numerous different types of cabriolet model were developed. To make the range of options easier to understand, Daimler-Benz introduced a classification system for six common cabriolet types using the letters A to F:

- Cabriolet A is a two-door car, generally with two seats. Its soft top actually touches the doors.
- Cabriolet B also has two doors; however, it has four seats and side windows for the rear passengers.
- Cabriolet C has the same number of doors and seats as Cabriolet B, the only difference being the absence of the rear side windows.
- Cabriolet D is a four-door car with four or five seats and a heavier soft top.
- The rare Cabriolet E has six seats and the heavier soft top.
- Cabriolet F is similar to Cabriolet E; however it has additional side windows behind the rear doors. Both these types have four doors.

Open-top models at the time of the merger

Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft had already introduced the 15/70/100 hp and 24/100/140 hp Mercedes models from 1924 as four-seater cabriolets and open-top touring cars. These models continued to be offered as Mercedes-Benz models following the merger with Benz & Cie. – leading to the formation of Daimler-Benz AG – in 1926. With their steep windscreens, they did not yet exude the charm of elegant sportiness. In fact, the only differences between them and the pure touring-car versions were the voluminous folds of the soft top at the rear.

However, the cabriolet versions of the 8/38 hp (W 02) model had already started to develop their own design idiom – above all the two-seater Cabriolet A, which combined stylish sportiness with practicality, the latter thanks to its good weather protection. Whereas this model was also available as a two-door cabriolet with four seats, Mercedes-Benz offered the 12/55 hp (W 03) model and its direct successors with a choice of three different cabriolet body shapes straight from the factory.
The legendary S, SS and SSK models were touring sports cars. Mercedes-Benz itself offered the S and SS models as two-door, four-seater sports cabriolets between 1926 and 1934. Were it not for the breathtakingly long bonnet that distinguished this car from its contemporaries, it would have been easy to talk about a Cabriolet C version of this model series, which was custom-designed for motorsport and sporty refinement. The open-top-touring-car segment was covered by the 15/70/100, 24/100/140 and K models.

Cabriolets in all dimensions

In the years leading up to World War II, Mercedes-Benz offered a cabriolet variant for practically all of its model series. The Stuttgart 200 model was available in A, B or C format, while the Stuttgart 260 model was additionally available in Cabriolet D guise. The Mannheim model could be purchased as a Cabriolet C or D variant, while the extremely sporty two-seater Cabriolet A was offered as a 'sports cabriolet'. Mercedes-Benz chronicler Werner Oswald highlights the aesthetics in his history of the brand: "These cars were in no way particularly fast or powerful, and getting into them when the roof was closed required acrobatic dexterity, But the lines were so captivatingly beautiful that a great many people were happily prepared to forego this and many other comforts."

Even the "large Mercedes" 770 (W 07) models were available in Cabriolet B, C, D or F guise. Then there were special versions such as the two-seater cabriolet by Auer. In the case of the 150 model series, the second version of the 770 model, Mercedes-‑Benz then restricted itself to the purely prestigious variants in the shape of Cabriolets D and F in the years from 1938 onwards. The latter was the most expensive version of the W 150 – with a price tag of 47,500 reichsmarks.

The cabriolet enters the era of the economic miracle

From 1936 onwards, the Stuttgart manufacturer also offered the 170 V (W 136) model as a Cabriolet A or B version, as well as a cabriolet-saloon and a roadster. No further 170 V cabriolets were produced in Sindelfingen, however, when production of this largely unchanged model recommenced after the end of World War II. This body shape had ultimately become the special version, while the saloon became the standard version.

From 1949 onwards, only the 170 S (W 136 IV) model was available in Cabriolet A or B guise. These open-top cars with a new body were the epitome of sporty, luxurious driving in the fledgling FRG. Looking back today, their elegant lines were like a sneak preview of the economic miracle of the 1950s. After just two years, however, the 170 S was superseded by the cabriolet versions of the 220 (W 187) model. Even at this time, the prestige associated with these exceptional, luxurious cars was clearly reflected in the pricing: Mercedes-‑Benz offered the saloon for 11,935 marks, while the Cabriolet B cost 15,150 marks and the fine two-seater model (Cabriolet A) was available for 18,850 marks. The classic cabriolet culture of the pre-war years returned once again when Mercedes-‑Benz introduced its new prestigious saloon – the 300 model – in 1951. This model was also available with a soft top, namely as a Cabriolet D, and it was an extremely imposing vehicle. The 300 S (W 188) model, meanwhile, was available in Coupé, Cabriolet A or Roadster format.

The cabriolet concept in the 20th century

The W 180 model series saw the Mercedes-Benz cabriolets enter a new era from 1954 onwards: the self-supporting body signalled the end of the need to offer numerous different cabriolet versions. Instead, the designers aimed to create an open-top touring car with an elegant design, able to compete with its saloon counterparts in this model series in terms of both comfort and vehicle safety.

Above all, this shift in emphasis required design measures in order to improve the stiffness of the 220 S (W 180) and 220 SE (W 128) cabriolet bodies, whose floor assembly was 120 millimetres shorter than that of their saloon counterparts. The design of the folding soft top was also new: whereas the first post-war cabriolet versions of the 170 S, 220, 300 and 300 S models still had the typical, exterior landau bars, the Cabriolet A/C unveiled at the 1955 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main featured a soft top with a smooth exterior; it was designed to cover two body variants, hence the designation A/C. On the outside, the cabriolet roof therefore looked similar to the roadster roof. The once so clear distinction between the two body types still existed to an extent, but the two variants were growing closer together.

Luxury cabriolets

The cabriolet's position as an exclusive body form was further underlined when Mercedes-‑Benz introduced the 111 and 112 model series between 1961 and 1971: the 220 SEb and 300 SE models were based on the coupé body and generated
huge excitement with their interpretation of a luxury cabriolet. The lines of this open-top model, a precursor to the S-Class, were such a success that the cabriolets continued to be built on the basis of the W 111 and W 112, even after the launch of the W 108 model series.

In this ten-year production period, Mercedes-Benz offered five different cabriolet models in these model series – 220 SEb, 250 SE, 300 SE, 280 SE and 280 SE 3.5 – with a total of 7013 of these five cabriolet models being built in Sindelfingen during this time. Initially, there was no luxury open-top model to follow this generation in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. Rather, it was the new SL – the 107 model series – which came to represent the culture of open-top driving for the Stuttgart manufacturer from 1971 onwards.

The classic fabric soft top lives on

The next classic cabriolet did not appear until September 1991 – after an intermission of some 20 years – when an open-top four-seater based on the coupé from the 124 model series was launched. As well as having to be reinforced for the open-top version, the original coupé body also featured a complex series of design measures to enhance protection against vibratrions.

The result was a classic cabriolet in the best sense of the word, which succeeded in appealing to a new audience outside of the target group for the open-top SL‑sports car. The A 124 model series has long been in demand among enthusiasts of more recent classic cars. The tradition of this E-Class‑Cabriolet continued after production of the 124 model series ceased, in the shape of the open-top versions of the CLK-Class – the A 208 (1998 to 2003) and the A 209 (2003 to 2009).

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 15, 2009

The safety concept: Solid structure, intelligent sensors

- Body structure: reinforced A-pillars, plug-in B-pillars
- Roll-over protection: robust bars triggered by pyrotechnic means
- Restraint systems: first Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet with headbags

A robust basis is the ideal ingredient for a stiff bodyshell offering a high level of crash safety. It plays a decisive role in ensuring maximum noise-related comfort, outstanding vibration characteristics and hallmark Mercedes-Benz longevity. In these terms, the E-Class Cabriolet had an ideal starting position, given that it is closely related to the E-Class Coupé – a two-door model which meets the very highest requirements when it comes to torsional stiffness and occupant protection.


The same applies to the Cabriolet, which has one of the stiffest designs in its segment. The body's static torsional stiffness can be seen as a reliable indicator
of the excellent cumulative effect of the implemented measures. It has been increased by around 30 percent compared to the outgoing model.

To achieve this figure, the bodyshell of the E-Class Cabriolet received extra reinforcements compared to its Coupé sister model, the most important of which are as follows:

- The extremely robust A-pillar assembly consists of two high-strength steel tubes which are welded to the sheet-metal shells of the A-pillars. In the case of the E-Class Cabriolet, both tubes have an exceptionally robust Y-shape and stretch from the A-pillar intersection to the upper window frame.
- The plug-in B-pillars are extremely robustly connected as they engage in the side skirts, thus offering highly effective protection in the event of a crash. A shoe made from ultra-high-strength steel braces the inside of the B-pillar against the rear seat crossmember. The rear support against the rear panel runs in an arch-like shape to the rear seats.
- Reinforced side skirts and bulkhead platesin the doors protect the
occupants in a lateral impact with a pole, for example. Likewise the reinforced shoulderline with its high-strength steel section enhances the exceptionally robust nature of the design.
- Ten bolts are used to attach the crossmember to the windscreen frame, making the crossmember significantly stiffer than its counterpart in the outgoing model.
- The floor assembly has been reinforced solidly at several points.
- The robust rear panel behind the rear seats further enhances the body's lateral rigidity.

Roll-over protection: occupant protection zone comes through roof-drop test with flying colours

The roll-over protection consists of two robust bars, each with a diameter of 35 mm, which are housed in the rear head restraints in modules behind the rear seat backrests. A tilting cone sensor detects imminent danger to the occupants based on extreme skidding movements or acceleration caused by impact. If this sensor then sends a corresponding signal, pre-tensioned pressure springs are activated by pyrotechnic means, i.e. extremely quickly.

Consequently, both roll-over bars in the rear head restraints are extended. They reach their highest point and are locked automatically within a fraction of a
second. In combination with the robust A-pillars, each of which is reinforced with two high-strength steel tubes, the steel bars provide highly effective roll-over protection. This effect is confirmed in the roof-drop test, an extremely tough in-house trial performed at Mercedes-Benz, in which the slightly tilted body is dropped onto the roof structure from a height of 50 centimetres, causing the vehicle to hit the ground with its full weight on one of the two A-pillars. According to the test specifications, the plastic deformation of the A-pillars is only allowed to be minimal.

Restraint systems: first Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet with headbags

With PRE-SAFE®, seven standard-fit airbags, belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all seats, as well as crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class Cabriolet offers the most comprehensive array of safety features in this vehicle category. The range of airbags, which can deploy in thousandths of a second in an accident, comprises front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver and, for the first time in a Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet, headbags.

Whereas windowbags are used in cars with a conventional, fixed roof, mostly housed in the roof frame, the Mercedes-Benz safety specialists naturally had to employ a different airbag as well as choose a different installation position in the case of the E-Class Cabriolet. Here headbags are integrated into the door panelling in the beltline area. Covering a wide area – around 0.7 x 0.5 metres with a volume of 17 litres when deployed – the airbags provide extremely effective protection for occupants large and small in the event of a crash. The protection system comprising headbag, and thoraxbag optimises the level of protection afforded to individual parts of the body. Rear sidebags are available as an option.

Exemplary safety combined with maximum comfort is the best way to describe the restraint systems in the E-Class Cabriolet. When front passengers get into the car and close the doors, the seat belts are extended towards them by means of belt feeders – a Mercedes-Benz hallmark – making the belts extremely easy to put on. Once the rear passengers have taken their seats and belted up, the rear head restraints are raised from their recessed rest position to the driving position automatically. If only the front seats of the Cabriolet are occupied, there is always excellent rear visibility, while any rear passengers on board benefit from the protective effect of the head restraints in the event of a crash, providing they are wearing their seat belts.

What's more, the geometry of the front seat belts has been optimised. The belt straps no longer run horizontally but, instead, are turned 35 degrees towards the occupants' shoulders. The advantage of this modification is that the wind pressure on the outside of the belt strap prevents annoying belt flapping when driving with the roof down. This dreaded "shoulder-knocking" effect has been reduced substantially at speeds of up to 120 km/h.

Driver assistance systems: help in critical situations

Preventing traffic accidents is at the heart of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to
safety. This is why the engineers in Sindelfingen are dedicated to advancing the development of sophisticated assistance systems which warn and assist the driver in critical driving situations and can act autonomously if there is acute danger. ABS, ESP® and BAS (Brake Assist) were the first technologies of this kind; their positive effect has since been confirmed by an analysis conducted by the Mercedes Accident Research department based on anonymous data samples from the German Federal Statistical Office.

The new or modified driver assistance systems in the E-Class Cabriolet are based on state-of-the-art radar and sensor technology. They have been developed to help reduce the number of accidents caused by being too close to the vehicle in front, drowsiness and darkness.

The driver assistance systems for the new E-Class Cabriolet at a glance:

- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Optional: detects vehicles in front or oncoming vehicles and, in each case, provides the optimum headlamp range.

- ABS
Standard: ensures that the car remains steerable, even when braking.

- ESP®
Standard: reduces the risk of skidding and stabilises the car.

- Brake Assist (BAS)
Standard: provides full braking power within a fraction of a second in the event of an emergency stop.

- Adaptive brake lights
Standard: the brake lights flash to warn drivers behind more effectively if the brakes are applied in an emergency.

- ATTENTION ASSIST
Standard: is able to recognise signs of drowsiness based on sensor signals, and warn the driver.

- Intelligent Light System
Optional: incorporates five light functions specially configured for typical driving situations and weather conditions.

- DISTRONIC PLUS
Optional: uses radar to help the driver maintain the desired distance between the E-Class and the vehicle in front, and can warn the driver if the gap narrows rapidly.

- Brake Assist PLUS (part of DISTRONIC PLUS)
Optional: can use radar sensors to detect an imminent head-to-tail collision, calculate the level of braking assistance required and provide this assistance instantaneously when the brake pedal is pressed.

- PRE-SAFE® Brake (part of DISTRONIC PLUS)
Optional: can initiate partial or emergency braking automatically if a head-to-tail crash is imminent and the driver fails to react.

- Parking aid
Optional: ultrasonic sensors measure the length of parking spaces as the car drives past; instructions for precise parking appear on the display.

Preventive protection measures: PRE-SAFE® now also includes AIRCAP®

In the new E-Class Cabriolet, occupant protection actually begins in the phase leading up to a possible accident thanks to the Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE® invention, which is specified as standard for the two-door model. In the event of critical driving situations with a high risk of an accident, the system activates protective measures as a precaution, allowing the seat belts and airbags to deploy with maximum effect in the event of any subsequent collision. This early accident detection is possible because PRE-SAFE® is an intelligent synergy of active and passive safety. It is linked to Brake Assist and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), for example, whose sensors can detect critical driving situations and send the relevant information to the electronic control units within a matter of milliseconds. PRE-SAFE® also uses these sensor data.

Anticipatory occupant protection can be activated in the event of emergency braking or critical lateral acceleration as well as when imminent danger is detected by the sensors of the assistance systems alone. The AIRCAP®automatic draught-stop is likewise integrated into the PRE-SAFE® system. If the system detects a risk of roll-over, AIRCAP®is retracted as a precaution.


PRE-SAFE® in situations with critical longitudinal dynamics
- Driver and front-passenger seat belts are tensioned by means of electric motors.
- Electrically adjustable front-passenger seat** is moved backwards or forwards into a better position from an accident standpoint whilst the cushion angle and backrest inclination are also optimised. The side bolsters of the multicontour seat are inflated.**

PRE-SAFE® in situations with critical lateral dynamics*
- The front side windows are closed.
- The front wind-deflector module of the AIRCAP® system** is retracted.

* In addition to the emergency-braking measures
** Optional equipment

Audi customizer Senner Tuning has released details about their latest modification. The German company's Audi A5 Black and White is now available.

Engineers first attacked the cars aerodynamics and weight by installing a carbon fiber spoiler apron with matching side-mirror housings. Carbon fiber is also used on a new rear bumper, one of many alterations at the back. Also found is a new rear spoiler and lip, new LED taillights, and a customized stainless steel quad-exhaust. Total cost of these mods: €3377.

New 20-inch ASA GT1 alloy wheels were also mounted. The wheels are available in either Shiny Silver or Matte Black, with the possibility of a separate color ring trim near the wheels' edge. Choices for the rim lip include orange, white, red, and silver. Measuring 9x20 in front, 10.5x20 in back, the wheels are wrapped in Vredestein ultra Sessanta XL tires. The company mounted a Bilstein B16 PSS10 fully adjustable coilover suspension to enhance the handling capabilities. These changes cost just under €4600.

Track wheels are also available for an additional €250.

Senner Tuning also retuned the engine to make it more powerful and performance-driven. The 3.0-liter TDI now produces 300 horsepower and a maximum 600 Nm of torque. Speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h. When combined with the new sport air filter, the cost of the under-the-hood modifications is €1649.

Last, designers looked at the car's interior, and decided some further changes needed to be made. They used silver-lined carbon fiber to surround the ashtray cover, center console, and both the front and rear door panels. Total price for this is €1690. The company charges an additional €395 to trim out the instrument cluster.

All in all, the car does look pretty hot with all these changes. But for over €11,700, maybe mix-and-matching only select modifications is a better decision than getting the full package.

ABT has released a tuning kit for the facelift Audi A3. The tuner calls it AS3 and it's more than just a cosmetic surgery. Getting into the exterior detail first we see that ABT has modified a few components such as the front grille, the bonnet, the fenders and the front bumpers. Even the front LED lights have changed shape form the standard bulbs.

The rest of the bodywork is made up of new side skirts, a front spoiler insert, fender inserts and a rear apron. ABT's recognisable four tailpipe unit gives the cars more presence. ABT AR or BR alloy wheels measuring 18 or 19-inch are recommended for the AS3. The suspension has been lowered by 35mm to improve handling and agility.

For power ABT extracted even more juice out of the standard units in order to match looks with performance. So the baseline 1.4 TSI which normally comes in at 92kW (125hp) has been increased to 118kW (160hp). Audi produces a standard 118kW (160hp) 1.4 TSI as well but that has been bumped up to 154kW (210hp). The 2.0-litre petrol gets the most boost from what is comparatively a pedestrian 147kW (200hp) to 177kW (240hp).

On the diesel side the 2.0 TDI is puffed up to either 125kW (170hp) or 140kW (190hp) depending on where in the power band it starts in its normal life. ABT says fuel consumption and engine reliability have not been affected by these power increases.

With the summer driving season just around the corner, AC Schnitzer has unveiled their new range of accessories for the MINI Cooper R57 Convertible.

On the performance side, the company offers an engine upgrade package which boosts the MINI Cooper S' 175 hp rating to 208 hp (226 hp for export models). Other "go faster" goodies include a limited slip differential, a height adjustable sports suspension, and an aluminum strut brace for the front axle.

In terms of styling, Schnitzer offers a sport exhaust system with chrome accents, several wheel and tire combinations, a new front spoiler, a sporty rear skirt, and a variety of different decal packages. Should owners feel obligated to spruce up the interior, the tuning firm also offers an aluminum gear knob and pedal set as well as several velour floor mats.

Novitec has unveiled their extensive line of performance accessories for Alfa Romeo's new MiTo hatchback.

Cars equipped with the 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine can be outfitted with Novitec's Powerjet 2 control module which boosts the engine's output from 155 hp (114 kW) to 186 hp (137 kW). Thanks to the extra 31 hp (23 kW), the modified MiTo runs from 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds which is a 0.7 second improvement over stock models.

Given the importance of diesel engines, Novitec is also introducing a Powerrail 5 control module which can be outfitted to 1.3 JTD and the 1.6 JTD. The module allows 1.3 JTD models to boast an extra 20 hp (14.9 kW) while the 1.6 JTD gains 24 hp (17.7 kW).

For owners wanting to "butch up" the MiTo's cute styling, the company offers an aerodynamic styling package that features a revised front bumper, aggressive side skirts, a roof-mounted spoiler, and an integrated rear diffuser. Other styling options include a sport exhaust with up to four tailpipes, 18-inch wheels in either silver or matte black, and an adjustable coil-over suspension that reduces the MiTo's ride height by 35 to 65 millimeters.

Hybrid Credits Tax Rebates Incentives

Every year the IRS offers a hybrid vehicle tax credit for first time buyers of hybrid cars. Whether it is a hybrid SUV, truck, minivan or car, the tax incentives are available and are something to consider while looking at the price tag when considering a hybrid purchase. Some of these hybrid credits tax rebates incentives are cashing in at up to $3,400! Unfortunately some hybrid credits have already expired for the year 2009. These incentives are given only to the original purchaser and differ from one car company to another. Also the sooner you buy, the better because the tax credit is based on date of purchase. These Hybrid Credits Tax Rebates Incentives are often overlooked and not taken advantage of. That is why we are encouraging everyone who is considering buying a hybrid to talk to a tax professional about this amazing opportunity offered by the government and internal revenue service.

BMW Hydrogen Cars

BMW has implemented the first fully hydrogen fueled vehicle available on the market. The BMW Hydrogen 7 series is a pinnacle of modern hybrid engineering and will no doubt take the automotive world by storm. BMW is continually getting ahead of the game by producing highly stylistic cars that brake new ground technologically. Hydrogen is their latest take on the fuel emissions problem. As buyers the market has been flooded with new ideas but hydrogen has been ignored as one of the greatest ideas in automotive technology of our time. Keep a look out for the 7 series because it is paving the way for less risk taking car companies to make the switch. Soon enough you won’t be able to find a new car that runs on gas so be one of the first to jump on board this bandwagon.

It's finally here - the Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition based on the Porsche Carrera GT.

The name of the car does tell you what the theme is, and, yes, there are lots of carbon fiber parts. But what those carbon fiber parts do is another theme, and that is the air flow management they provide.

The front face of the Mirage GT comes with a front apron with air inlets for the front coolers and Gemballa's own bonnet and front wings also help to usher the air along the top of the car properly through the roof channel and onto the air scoop of the engine bay. The new side skirts also have integrated air inlets to cool down the brakes. At the back are the new rear skirt with integrated diffuser and a large wing with an adjustable Gurney flap to push down on the rear axle.

Performance enhancement on the Mirage GT is also provided by the 670 hp and 630 Nm of torque available from the V10 which get the Mirage GT to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and to 200 km/h in 9.7. Top speed is 335 km/h (208 mph).

For 298,000 euros you also get the electro-hydraulic height-adjustment which can raise the car by 45 mm to clear obstacles such as speed bumps and Gemballa also provides a healthy choice of sports wheels and tires and interior dress to go with the Mirage GT. What they don't provide is the original Carrera GT. That you have to show up at the shop with yourself, and Gemballa will make only 5 of them.

The Gemballa AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R comes to us courtesy of GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG, a German tuner which tries to expand the simple song and dance number that is the Porsche 911 turbo into a full-fledged musical extravaganza.

Hurricane, typhoon, tornado...no, let's call this one the avalanche. And what exactly is the analogy to the car here of a multi-ton pile of snow that comes down on you? Hey, has anyone ever measured the horsepower readings of an avalanche?

In any case, this is a facelift and the main points to note are the new, specially-designed butterfly doors and front headlights borrowed from the current Carrera GT. Updated are also the the LED taillights from the most recent facelifted 911 and a new carbon fiber rear skirt with integrated diffuser for the quad-pipes of the aluminum sport exhaust system.

But the Gemballa AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R is still a marvel of tuning with its custom made bonnet and side skirts and other parts forged from metal and welded to the body shell. Leonberg-based Gemballa also makes use of carbon fiber parts to keep the weight down such as with the front lip and wings.

Performance stays the same at 650 hp (478 kW) and 950 Nm of torque maxing out at 6,200 and 4,600 rpm, respectively. 0 to 100 km/h for the all-wheel drive AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R clocks in a 3.4 seconds and top speed is a breezy 332 km/h.

German tuner Väth is slowly gaining a reputation for kits that are somewhat over the top. At this point the company introduces the new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate-based Väth V63RS Clubsport wagon. It follows on the V63RS Clubsport sedan that was announced just over a year ago.

There we see a power increase from the stock 451hp (332kW) and 600Nm (443 lb ft) of torque to a Väth-certified 585hp (430kW) and 690Nm (509 lb ft) of torque. The car is fitted with a limited slip differential that has a 60 percent locking rate. Good thing too because the C63 AMG has a knack for losing grip during quick take-off. These changes will help the V63RS achieve a top end of 202mph (325km/h).

A sport suspension has been incorporated and high performance brakes fitted. The wheels are 20-inches wide and keep the car firmly planted on the road. The rear end has a carbon fiber diffuser.

Väth also promises goodies like a TV/ DVD unit "and whatever else your heart desires."