Turbo Zwoelf – A Mercedes SLC Like No Other

At the JP Performance stand at the Essen Motor Show, the Volto 850 wasn’t the only project turning heads. Sharing the spotlight was this Mercedes-Benz SLC 450 Turbo Zwoelf, a machine so outrageous that even its name hints at the lunacy beneath its bonnet.

This isn’t just any SLC 450—it’s powered by a V12 engine, essentially the same one that roars in the heart of a Pagani Zonda. If that weren’t enough, it’s been fitted with not one, but two turbochargers, transforming this vintage coupe into a snarling, fire-breathing beast.

The car reminds me of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC AMG ‘Mampe’ Touring Car, a racing icon sponsored by the German liqueur producer Mampe. The original car was famous for its wide arches and aggressive stance. JP Performance took that concept and dialed it up to 11, pushing the wheel arches to exaggerated proportions.

Volto 850 – Electrifying the Past

Electric cars are no longer a novelty—they’re an integral part of the automotive landscape. But let’s face it, why are so many of them so painfully uninspiring to look at? But the same could be said for many modern ICE cars, to be fair. So, what’s the solution? Simple: take an iconic design and electrify it. That’s exactly what we have here—a Volvo 850 turned into a cutting-edge EV.

This jaw-dropping build started as a digital concept by Mean Machines and was brought to life by Hote Design, who handled the exterior transformation. The rest of the project, including the drivetrain and all the mind-bending tech, was conceived and built by the creative wizards at JP Performance. Jean Pierre Kramer, the mastermind behind JP Performance, has made a name for himself by pushing boundaries, and this Volto 850 was undoubtedly one of the highlights of his stand at the Essen Motor Show.

Unlike most modern EVs, this one doesn’t just plug in and drive—it gives you choices. The EV drivetrain, positioned cleverly behind the front seats, powers both the front and rear wheels. Using a simple control interface where the gear shifter would usually be, you can toggle the power distribution to suit your preference: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or front-wheel drive. It’s this kind of versatility that sets the Volto 850 apart from the sea of soulless electric commuters.

Bagged Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Fit for Royalty

If ever a car deserved to be called Fit for a King, it’s this Mercedes-Benz 280 SE. Hailing from an era when Mercedes-Benz built their cars like tanks, finding one in this condition is a rare feat. But Bastien Fischer managed to track down this gem and has spent years transforming it into the automotive masterpiece you see here.

First spotted earlier this year at Ultrace, this W126 caught my eye again at the Essen Motor Show. With a production history dating back to 1979, the 280 SE is a symbol of German engineering excellence. But what makes this car truly stand out is the vintage Kamei body kit, introduced in 1982 under the name X1. Back then, X1 was the tuning division of Kamei.

Today, sourcing an X1 body kit for a W126 is no small task, but it’s the kind of touch that completes a build like this. Combined with an air ride suspension system, the car’s stance becomes an eye-catching blend of old-school sophistication and modern-day cool.

Essen Motor Show’s Gem – The Perfect BMW E9

The Essen Motor Show 2024 is in full swing, and as tradition dictates, last Friday was all about hitting the autobahn to Germany for the show’s much-anticipated Preview Day. Once an exclusive affair reserved for press, exhibitors, and VIPs, Preview Day now offers early access to anyone willing to pay €10 extra. Predictably, this change has transformed what was once a quieter experience into a bustling start to the weekend.

For me, Preview Day is a mix of networking, catching up with familiar faces, and getting behind the lens to capture the cars. But let’s be honest: while the people and conversations make the event memorable, the cars are the real stars of the show. And one car that I wanted to see in real life, stole the spotlight for me this year—a breathtaking BMW E9 2800CS that didn’t disappoint.

When it comes to quality and sheer aesthetic appeal, this E9 was in a league of it’s own. Everything about it exuded precision and passion, from its stance to the meticulously crafted interior. This wasn’t just a build; it was a vision brought to life. What impressed me most was how the car retained the timeless lines of the original E9, a design so inherently beautiful it hardly needs enhancement.

The VW Corrado: A ’90s Dream Car Revived

For many who got their driver’s license in the ’90s, the VW Corrado was the ultimate dream car. I should know—I was one of them. My love for Volkswagen came from my father, and when I finally passed my driving test, there was only one car I truly wanted. But, like many dreams, it remained just that. Even back then, you needed a decent bank account to afford a Corrado, even on the second-hand market.

For Rens Robben, the Corrado was also his dream car, until 2019, when he found this particular example in a small village in Austria. It’s an American-spec model, easily identified by the side markers in the front bumper. It even has automatic seatbelts, something we Europeans aren’t really familiar with. But over time, this Corrado made its way back to Europe.

Originally, this car came with a 1.8-liter 8v G60 engine, but it’s since been swapped for a more potent 1.8-liter 16v G60. Now boosting 224.8hp and 290Nm of torque. The G-Lader was an innovative supercharger that Volkswagen introduced in the ’80s and ’90s. Though it was eventually replaced by more reliable turbochargers and other forms of forced induction, the G-Lader holds a special place in automotive history, especially for VW enthusiasts.

VW ID. Buzz: The Only EV That Truly Stands Out

For me, the only EV that really makes a difference, purely on looks alone, is the VW ID. Buzz. We all know the Teslas by now, but every other brand seems determined to make their electric models so unattractive that no one would dare drive one for personal use. I’m exaggerating, of course, but you get my point. The ID. Buzz, even in its stock form, is a looker. But with the right modifications, like the one we’re featuring today, it becomes something else entirely.

Enter Jeroen Hendriks, the proud owner of the first VW ID. Buzz in the Netherlands to ride on air suspension. But there’s a lot more going on here than what first meets the eye. Irmscher, always quick to jump on a trend, developed a complete body kit for the ID. Buzz early on, and Jeroen? Well, he ticked every box on Irmscher’s order sheet.

Pair that with the extreme drop courtesy of a custom Airride setup from Bonhof, and you’ve got an ID. Buzz that’s turning heads at every event it attends. The wheel arches are fully filled out by a set of Vossen wheels, 22×9 inches in the front and 22×10.5 inches in the rear. But Jeroen let me in on a little secret: three weeks ago, he ordered a fully custom set of 22-inch wheels, and I can’t wait to see the final result once they’re mounted.

Berg Cup inspired 1000hp VW Golf MK1

If there was one thing made crystal clear at the VW Team Brabant event, it’s that the passion for all things VW is still alive and kicking. Stunning builds continue to roll out, and one that really stole the show was this Berg Cup-inspired VW Mk1 by Ricardo Kruijf. Positioned right next to the main stage, this Mk1 had a crowd around it all day long, making it tricky to grab a clear photo. And for good reason!

The first thing that draws you in is the deep Carbon Steel Grey paint, practically magnetic in its appeal. But it’s when you peer under the bonnet that you realize this isn’t just another Mk1 Golf. The original engine? Gone. In its place sits a CBUA 07K NA engine—a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder powerhouse originally designed for the American market, very similar to our European Audi RS3’s engine.

The list of modifications to the motor is extensive, to say the least. To highlight a few, the engine now runs with an RS3 crankshaft, DP connecting rods, pistons, and billet bearings. This is all linked to a 4-speed dogbox transmission.

As you look closer, the engine bay is full of custom-machined billet parts, from the intake manifold and valve cover to the engine mounts and oil filter housing. But the real centerpiece is that enormous Garrett G42-1200 turbocharger. Once the car hits the dyno, it’s expected to push around 1,000 horsepower.

Wheels Make the Car: 964 C2 Gets a Fresh Look

We can all agree that wheels are what really define a car’s personality. And in the case of this 1990 Porsche 964 C2, that statement couldn’t be truer. Owned by Tristan Eravegna, this beauty has been turning heads in the car scene for several years. Yet, somehow, Tristan always manages to surprise us with a fresh set of wheels every time we think we’ve seen it all. His latest transformation? A stunning new set of BBS wheels.

After rocking a set of body-colored Eta Beta wheels for a while, Tristan has now opted for something bolder. The new wheels, unveiled at the VW Team Brabant event, are none other than the legendary BBS E52s. Up front, they measure in at 18×9 inches, while the rear set is a wider 18×10.5 inches. According to Tristan, plenty of sleepless nights were spent perfecting this setup. And it shows. Built by MK-Wheels in the Netherlands, these rims feature a brushed lip finish. While the temptation to go for a polished lip must have been strong, it’s precisely this brushed look that makes the set stand out as something truly unique.

The car itself is lowered via Airforce Air Suspension, managed by an Accuair system for pinpoint ride height control. Tristan hasn’t stopped at just wheels and suspension either. He’s added a selection of RS parts, including air ducts and a rear bumper for a sportier look. The front lip? Courtesy of RUF, who also provided the exhaust muffler and steering wheel.