Passing on to the CC100 concept, which will finally be produced as a limited series of three models, it is the modern reinterpretation of Aston’s successful DBR1. I tried to look at all the different elements in its gorgeous full carbon fibre interior as Dr. Bez says this car is the showcase for future Aston Martins, like the One-77. I couldn’t barely imagine what a strange Aston it would make mixing these two cars.
The first generation Vanquish never existed in a Volante or Roadster version, so it was a little surprise when I heard Aston Martin was going to produce one. I was doubting there wouldn’t be much technical or aesthetical design differences between the coupe and the Volante, and so was I right. An incredible achievement although that Aston’s designers made, was preserving the glorious shape of the second generation Vanquish, which does look as good in coupe as in convertible no matter if you have the roof up or down. The only point I would mention would be the rear spoiler, which looks a bit too tuning in my opinion and could have been removed. Two Vanquish Volante were showcased on the stand, one in a splendid marine blue, and the other in a glowing fire red, but both configurations did charm me.
Moving just a few stands away, we went to TechArt, famous automotive tuner for his amazing work on Porsches. Along the usual Cayennes Magnum, they had brought a Panamera GrandGT, and one of their creations based on a 911, which looked strangely similar to the GT3, with its two central exhaust pipes and its big rear spoiler. A lot of people would never understand the utility in bringing your Porsche to TechArt for some tuning, but the simple fact is: Porsches are getting very common! Especially if you consider the number of Cayennes and Panameras sold, and if you want an unique product, TechArt makes absolute sense, with preparations that can be as individualised as with RUF and almost as extreme technically as the ones you would get with 9FF, and aesthetically as savage as Mansory if you desire.
Continuing through Germany’s heavy tuners, we went back to Brabus to have a closer look at the SL 800, which inherits the usual twin-turbocharged 6.5 litre V12 boosted now to 800 horsepower. When you compare this tuned SL or the 6-wheeled G-Wagon to one of the 1967 SL 280 Pagode that Brabus had brought in to showcase their savoir-faire in terms of car restoration, it is almost unthinkable to imagine that it is the same men who build both cars.
One other Brabus specialty is the SMART customisation and tuning program, where you can order an entirely tailor-made SMART ForTwo, with endless possibilities. You can have about any exterior or interior beautifully trimmed interiors featuring higher quality leathers and stitching configurations than the one proposed as well as small engine preparations to get more horsepower.
