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.
Inside, the car’s vintage roots meet modern luxury. Components borrowed from newer Mercedes-Benz models freshen up the cabin, with LED-lit air vents taking center stage. These subtle lighting details let you set the mood in the cockpit, adding a futuristic vibe to the classic interior.
That said, the car is still a work in progress. The roll cage, for instance, isn’t quite finished—the front sections extending from the roof to the footwell are noticeably absent. It’s a detail that Jean Pierre Kramer himself acknowledged in a recent JP Performance YouTube video, where he recounted the late nights spent rushing to get the Turbo Zwoelf ready in time for the show.
What the car lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in performance. The Turbo Zwoelf is not just show-ready—it’s roadworthy, and the sound it makes is nothing short of astonishing. In stark contrast to the silent Volto 850 EV parked nearby, this SLC roars like a low-flying propeller plane.
If you can, watch the video linked at the end of this article to hear it for yourself. The Turbo Zwoelf’s soundtrack is a reminder of why petrolheads fell in love with cars in the first place.
The Turbo Zwoelf is proof that great projects often come from pushing the limits. While it’s not yet complete, it’s already one of the most talked-about cars at the Essen Motor Show. Combining retro aesthetics with jaw-dropping power, this SLC is a testament to JP Performance’s knack for creating cars that are as bold as they are memorable.