Red Hot RS4 Avant on HREs

The B7 RS4 Avant is one of the greatest sport wagons of all time. Packing Audi's venerable 4.2L V8 tuned to 420 horsepower and a 6-speed manual, the all-wheel drive hauler is among the best combinations of brawn, beauty, and svelte style. Yet, no near-perfect creation is immune from further refinement and tuning. Case and point: this JDM-spec Red Hot RS4 Avant on HREs.

By adding a set of Satin Black HRE P40S wheels to an already stunning RS4 Avant, someone has created an incredibly clean but still aggressive Avant. A gloss-black front spoiler compliments the wheels well and adds to the wagon's clubsport look. In many ways, this RS4 embodies the ideal sport wagon: refined, powerful, capable, but ultimately captivating.

Nissan GT-R Wagon

Has Nissan given us the ultimate birthday present, or are we just dreaming? Unfortunately, this image isn’t what is appears to be: there is no R35 GT-R Wagon. 

Seen here (above) at the Nagoya Auto Trend show, this is actually a converted Nissan M35 series Stagea wagon. That being said, this “GT-R Wagon” is an incredibly clean conversion and gives an excellent idea of what a production version could look like. While the Stagea is a JDM vehicle, this creation has been imported to Europe, bears GB plates, and is right-hand drive.

The greatest mystery about this creation is what lies under the bonnet. While no one knows for sure, the Nissan fanatics over at GTRblog speculate there may be a twin-turbo VQ series 3.5L V6 powering the insane creation. More likely, there is a tuned 2.5L V6 engine pushing out over 300 bhp.

It is very likely that this power is put to all four wheels via a four-wheel drive system that was an option for the Stagea wagon (if not, then it is rear-wheel drive). Transmission is unknown, although a 6-speed manual is highly likely.

Stand Virtual is the creator of this aesthetically beautiful but mechanically limited creation. It was on sale several years ago for $45,000 in Portugal.

Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first attempt to create a GT-R Wagon. The Nissan Autech Steagea RS260 was the nearest production model to an R34 GT-R. Furthermore, there was at least one R33 GT-R converted to be a wagon (although the roll cage took up nearly the whole boot). If a tuner ever did decide to create an authentic (ie, start with an actual GT-R) R35 Wagon, it would be as insane as the Ferrari and Lamborghini sport wagon creations and would bring a prompt us to wonder: time for a super-wagon showdown? 

Turbocharged E34 Touring Shreds Tires, Exudes Style

Growing up in his father’s professional automotive garage, Chris Castro is no stranger to both “clean” cars and terribly-tuned projects. After taking on the family business, which he helped rename “Castro Motorsports,” Chris grew the garage into one of the premier BMW tuners in the country. They have a reputation for robust tuning, wide-body builds, and clean conversions. So when he went to build his own BMW, Chris had the knowledge, tools, and most importantly, the requisite refined taste to create a legend.

Enter the 480-horsepower turbocharged BMW E34 Touring. As readers of the sport wagon enthusiast are keenly aware, few things exude class more than a built-to-the-hilt seamless five door. Chris has accomplished this and more with his E34. Beginning with a standard 525iT, he added M-Tech front a rear bumpers, M5 side skirts, and flared custom wheel arches to accommodate a staggered set of deep-dish gunmetal and silver AC Schnitzer Type 1 wheels (17x9 front and 17x11 rear). Power comes from a custom-built M52 six-cylinder with a Garret GT3582R dual-ball-bearing turbo. 

The visual results speak for themselves, and we'll let your imagination contemplate the endless rush of nearly five-hundred horses. Chris, we applaud you for building one hell of a “family” car. One imagines that there would be a lot more "family time" with wagons as fun as this. 

November 21st, 2014 (Source: Stanceworks) 

For more photos and details, check out Stanceworks write-up and photo-shoot here.

   

Zolland Design Volvo V60 V8 Concept

V8 Volvo Racewagon

Volvo's new V60 estate is inspiring all kinds of encouraging creations. Not only can one now purchase the potent Polestar V60, but Zolland Design has an even more radical take on the rakish wagon. Dispensing with the V60's standard six-cylinder, Zolland shoehorns a transversely-mounted 4.4L V8 from the S80 under the hood. While this mill churns out 311 horsepower and 325lb-ft of torque stock, Zolland claims it would "tune" the eight-pot to produce even more grunt. Requested by an Australian Volvo dealer, it is not surprising that this V60 is designed as a contestant in an Aussie V8 Supercar Series. The press release is mum on other specifications, but its fair to assume all-wheel drive and we can all hope for a slick-shifting 6-speed manual.

In terms of design, this fastback really shines. The two-door layout, classy but aggressive wheels, big brakes, and front and rear spoilers all add to its appeal. In aiming to complete with Audi's S4 Avant, the Zolland V60 certainly offers aggressive looks, but its unclear if this svelte Swede can stack up to the dynamics of the supercharged Audi.

We certainly can't quibble with the sport two-door layout, but beyond the idea of the Supercar Series, the V8 seems superfluous. Sure, everyone loves a V8 growl, but it would add greater weight and reduce weight distribution. Like its target S4 Avant, a boosted six would offer the Zolland greater performance, efficiency, and aftermarket tuning potential. Hell, VW's new Golf R Wagon puts out 300 horsepower from a 2.0L four-banger.

Ultimately, the displacement wars should be confined to the past, when well-meaning but technologically-limited engineers engaged in a narrow-minded arms race. "There's no replacement for displacement" is an idea best abandoned to the 1960s. In the 21st Century, we have triple-supercharger systems, sequential turbos, and torquey electric motors. We have the technology, its time to start using it.

November 21st, 2014 (Source: Zolland Design)

(from Bo Zolland) 2014 Zolland Design Volvo V60 V8 Two Door Estate Concept

Designed at the request of an Australian Volvo dealer who wanted to see what a modern 2 door V60 high performance estate would look like! This design would match up against competitors like the Audi S4. Power is from a tuned version of the V8 used in the Volvo S80. The wheel openings are enlarged by 1.5 centimeters, with the rear wheel opening moved forward for a more harmonious appearance. It also features new front and rear spoilers. This AWD car uses the largest brakes from the XC90.

Audi RS4 (B8) Dons Exclusive Clothes

Like any good company, Audi knows how to create exclusivity and additional profits. Case and point, the automaker's "Audi Executive" customization program. Its newest creation is something we can (in theory) easily support-- a one-off RS4 Avant. Featuring Peridot metallic exterior paint, this RS4 is certainly hard to miss. While shades of green like British Racing Green or Army Olive Drab can do wonders for wagons, we're not so sold on this shade.

Did the owner ask for a mix between dog-grass-vomit and 1970s curtains? It appears so. To be fair, in the flesh this metallic shade might be far more attractive. And, its an RS4 Avant for God's sake, so any revulsion to the color only comes after a long period of ogling the Teutonic touring. 

The matte black wheels, mirror center caps, and standard-sexy interior are the highlights of this custom job. Of course, the RS4 still packs its venerable 450 bhp 4.2L V8 with its atmospheric redline and sonorous soundtrack. A 7-speed DSG remains the only transmission option, allowing the RS4 to reach sixty in just 4.7 seconds and max out at 174 mph. Not bad for a vomit comet.

November 19th, 2014 (Source: Audi)

Volvo V50 SC Concept

The V50R That Never Was

In 2004, Volvo unveiled one hell-of-a-wagon at SEMA. Called the “V50 SC,” the estate was specifically made to cater to “young enthusiasts” who wanted more from their grocery-getting haulers. Sadly Volvo only made one as a design exercise, and never intended to put the V50 SC into production.

 

If they had, the V50R would be one of the few enthusiast-oriented wagons from the “new” Volvo (read: Ford) that was deserving of the sport wagon moniker. Indeed, the V50 SC had a lot of “R” already, sharing its 300 hp 2.5L T5 engine and transmission from the epic V70R. The V50’s transplanted heart was then given an additional boost (literally an increase from 1.0 to 1.4 bar) to 340 horsepower, enabling the five-door to scoot to sixty in just 5.5 seconds. This performance was achieved thanks in part to a new front fascia with “massive lower air intakes.” Unlike the sometimes front-wheel drive only V50 T5, this concept put power to all four wheels via a V70R-sourced 6-speed manual.

 

In addition to the potent power plant, the SC benefits from a lower ride height of 12mm (thanks to an optional sports suspension, available only to Euro-spec V50s), AP Racing 4-piston front brake calipers, and a low-restriction performance exhaust that exhales through dual 3-inch chrome tips.

 

It’s really a shame Volvo never made a V50R, but the SC Concept provides a clear and awesome path for tuners looking for way’s to make their T5 faster.

August 8th, 2011 (Source: Volvo Circa 2004)

Specifications

Engine	2.5L I5 (V70R Engine)
Aspiration	Turbocharged and Intercooled
Horsepower	340
Torque	331 @ 1500-4800 rpms
Transmission	V70R 6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain	Front-Engined, All-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight	3399 lbs
Drag	.32
Tires	Pirelli 235/40 ZR18 Corsa (front and rear)
0-60	5.5 Seconds

Photos

 

Press Release

Las Vegas, Nevada (November 2, 2004)€“ The Volvo V50 SV, making its debut today at the 2004 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) tradeshow, is the first-ever high-performance car to emerge from Volvo Cars Special Vehicle department in Gothenburg, Sweden.

While Volvo has no plans of offering the V50 SV parts or materials through its retailer network, it gives young enthusiasts and the aftermarket companies that cater to them a thought provoking launching pad to get their creative juices flowing. Understated and refined, the Volvo V50 SV has what it takes to turn heads and handle well on the race track.

Drivetrain

What dominates the performance of the Volvo V50 SV resides under the specially fabricated hood: a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine lifted from Volvo's high-performance S60 R. But while the S60 R puts out a commendable 300 horsepower, the V50 SV ups the ante considerably by producing an eye-popping 340 horsepower – an increase of 122 horsepower from the standard 218 horsepower found in a production V50 T5.

As with any turbocharged engine, getting large amounts of cool air pushed through the turbo housing is what gets the job done. In the case of the V50 SV, a highly modified front end incorporates massive lower air intakes. The air is routed up into the engine compartment to the turbo through larger-bore tunnels. Turbo boost pressure has been bumped from 1.0 bar to a heart-pounding 1.4 bar.

Horsepower is nothing without torque and the V50 SV won't disappoint. Volvo's history of minimizing turbo lag and offering a broad torque curve from very low rpm is retained in the V50 SV. With 331 lb.-ft. on tap from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm, the V50 SV will sprint to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.

A modified, low-restriction exhaust system with large-bore 3-inch diameter chrome tips adds the finishing touch-of-class at the rear end and also helps to boost engine performance. Its throaty note and distinctive burble give the V50 SV curb presence.

Putting the power to the pavement is a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that is also borrowed from the S60 R. The V50 SV's clutch effort, however, is lighter and easier to modulate than the brutish S60 R. Volvo's electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system by Haldex routes power to the rear wheels almost instantaneously when the front tires begin to lose traction. In normal driving situations, the V50 SV primarily powers the front wheels. It is only when the system detects that the front wheels have lost traction and have begun to spin that it delivers power to the rear wheels.

Suspension

The Volvo V50 SV's aggressive stance is made possible through a European-tuned sports suspension that is available optionally on Euro-spec V50s. It 12-mm lowered ride height is accomplished through shorter, stiffer springs and firmer shock absorbers. The suspension system has been carefully reworked to maintain a flat stance around corners, while never becoming twitchy when off-throttle maneuvers may threaten to bring the V50 SV's tail around.

Filling the wheel wells of the V50 SV are sticky race-bred Pirelli 235/40ZR-18 Corsa tires mounted on 18-inch lightweight performance alloy wheels. To optimize handling, rear toe has been dialed in .50 inches, while rear toe angles out .70 inches. Front and rear camber angles are dialed in at 1.0 degrees.

Bringing the car to a stop in short order is an upgraded AP Racing brake package featuring large 13.9-inch disc brakes with four-piston calipers at the front wheels. At the rear are 11-inch discs with standard two-piston Volvo calipers. Of course Volvo's anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution is also on hand to bring the car to a swift, controlled stop in any situation.

Exterior

Refined, restrained and coordinated are the words that best describe the V50 SV. In fact, a buyer interested in the V50 can actually obtain several of the exterior styling pieces – something that's not normally found on a SEMA display car.

he Volvo Dynamic Trim Package (MSRP: $2,025) is available from any Volvo retailer and features body color front and rear spoilers, lower side sill extensions, a rear bumper valance and 17-inch Sculptor alloy wheels shod with Michelin MXM4 all-season tires. Additionally, 18-inch accessory wheels are also available through the retailer network.

The high-gloss one-off Sonic Blue paint is sophisticated and subdued, masking the V50 SV's performance potential. The standard roof mounted spoiler has been customized to create more down force at high speeds and the sculpted hood allows for improved engine compartment airflow. To slim down the V50's profile the standard roof rails have been removed. Massive black-mesh grille inserts and high intensity gas discharge headlamps nicely compliment the standard Volvo egg crate grille and badge.

Interior

Volvo's typical attention to interior ergonomics is retained with the V50 SV. Only modestly modified, what's most evident once the driver is ensconced within the cabin is the brushed aluminum finish around the instrument cluster. The material matches what's found on the innovative ultra-slim center stack and door panels, and lends a high-tech appearance to the cleanly styled Scandinavian interior. A small shift light has been incorporated into the panel and a turbo boost gauge has also been added, with a maximum boost pressure reading of 1.4 bar.

Rear seat passengers will enjoy the fully integrated Volvo dual screen Rear Seat Entertainment system. Twin 7-inch LCD color screens have been mounted into the backs of the front headrests with a DVD player providing the entertainment. The Volvo Dual Screen Rear Seat Entertainment system is available from any Volvo Retailer as a factory installed option on the Volvo XC90.

Other interior touches include Wetsuit upholstery, a Volvo accessory three-spoke sport steering wheel with aluminum inlays, an aluminum shift knob and custom built racing pedals. The awesome 425-watt Dolby Pro Logic II stereo system with an in-dash 6-disc player is retained from the stock V50.

Volvo Amazon 600hp

Retro-Modern Swedish Muscle

Specifications

 

Engine: 3.0L 24 Valve Inline-Six Cylinder  

Output: 600hp

 

Drivetrain: Front-engined, rear-wheel drive (FR)

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Notes:

Created by Mattias Vocks

Photos

 

Press Release

 

(from Volvo Release) Sweden’s hottest Volvo set to light up Sin City at the 2006 SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas

Custom-built 600 horsepower Volvo Amazon thunders into the show

October 31, 2006 (Las Vegas, Nevada) – Classic American muscle cars are a rarity at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas. But a classic Swedish hot rod at the show is about as rare as ordering pickled herring "your way" at the local Burger King. But this year will be different. Sitting proudly among the three exciting highly customized Volvo C30s, this 1967 Volvo Amazon should attract plenty of admiring stares from the show's 100,000-plus attendees.

But getting here wasn't easy. At the 25th jubilee of the Vallåkra Custom Car Meet outside Landskrona, Sweden last summer, Mattias Vöcks’s classic Amazon estate was voted best car to represent Sweden and its car-customisation enthusiasts at the annual SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas. SEMA is the venue for the world’s largest custom-car show.

Of the 600 or so customized Volvos on display at the Vallåkra Meet, about 30 were entered to take part in “Sweden’s Hottest Volvo” contest. The jury’s brief was to choose a car that stands out from the crowd, one that will pull at the heartstrings of the discerning American public. The jury’s justification for selecting the “VÖX-Amazon” is as follows:

 

“This is a car that represents true Swedish car-building art with its focus on high build quality and unique detailing. It reflects personal craftsmanship of the very highest order. This is a car that stands out from the crowd while at the same time acknowledging a Swedish motoring icon that turns 50 this year. Finally, the winner truly epitomizes the title of “Sweden’s Hottest Volvo” with its 600 horsepower under the hood.”

When the judging was complete, it was Vöcks who walked away with the grand prize: An expense paid trip for him and his Amazon to the glittering lights of Sin City. 

Vöcks, 27, has long been active in automotive circles. In fact, his hobby indirectly led to him earning his living at sports-car manufacturer Koenig. His most recent creation, a Volvo P1800, aroused considerable attention when it was unveiled. “Volvo is the make that I like most and I have actually customised several Amazons previously. It all began when I was given an old Amazon by my grandmother, and it’s continued ever since,” said Vöcks.

The jury consisted of Volvo Personbilar Sverige President Thomas Andersson, Volvo’s STCC driver Robert Dahlgren, press officer Bo Larsen of Volvo Cars Sweden, Leif Tufvesson who is a professional car builder, and Per Östman and Bertil Wilhelmsson from motoring magazine Bilsport and Vallåkra Meet, respectively.

Touring Superleggera Flying Star

At the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, seasoned Italian Coachbuilder Touring Superleggera unveiled the best Bentley Continental we’ve seen to date.

 Called the “Flying Star,” the Shooting Brake design is “a sports car featuring enough space to join a hunting party or golf tournament with elegance and efficiency.” Based on the Bentley GTC Convertible (as that model had the best structural qualities), the Flying Star offers a third door and folding rear seats which when stowed offer nearly 43 cubic feet of storage room (twice as much as a BMW 5er GT!). While significant practicality is added in shooting brake form, the Bentley loses none of its athletic abilities. 

 If customers opt for their Flying Star to be based on a “Speed” GTC, the 6.0L twin-turbo W12 motor will produce 610 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Touring Superleggera says the Flying Star will travel naught to sixty in 4.7 seconds, and continue on to a super-car humbling 200 miles per hour. That makes this one of the world's fastest sport wagons. With impressive utility, phenomenal performance, and Audi’s (Bentley’s parent company) all-wheel drive system, the Flying Star Shooing Brake is the perfect limited-production, go-fast anywhere in style, utilitarian Sport Wagon.  

 

April 7^th (Source:Touring Superleggera)

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

The origins of the Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring

It takes an avid and passionate collector, with a taste for special coach building, to be at the basis of a project like the Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring. Exactly such a person contacted Touring Superleggera in early 2008.
An interesting initial creative process emerged involving parameters for design, proportions, vehicle concepts and - last but not least- feasibility and technical factors.

Many steps from design to execution were shared with the customer, who contributed with his own ideas and taste to personalise the project and create a unique automobile.

A basic idea was formed by the desire to diversify Bentley's very successful Continental model range, and to explore new concepts. 

The transformation of a 2-door coupé, by expanding the roof line and enlarging the interior dimensions, has led to a design concept baptised as shooting brake: a sports car featuring enough space to join a hunting party or a golf tournament with elegance and efficiency. Touring Superleggera explored the same field back in 1966, resulting in the amazing Lamborghini Flying Star II prototype. It was a dramatic interpretation of a sports car based on a new 2-volume design, safeguarding the dynamic performance. The Flying Star reference is a Touring parameter of sportive elegance, applied to many famous cars since the companies' start in 1926.

Flying Star in 2010 - the Bentley challenge

The Bentley Continental GT range set innovative and high standards for a new generation of very sophisticated Grand Tourers. As such, this model triggered the imagination of automotive designers and coach builders elsewhere. The GTC convertible, featuring a very rigid platform, proved to be a fully congruent basis to Touring Superleggera's plans for the new Flying Star.

The new project required the modification of a number of external dimensions starting from the car's A-pillar backwards: extended roof line, a wider section including the doors, new aluminium door skins and a new all-aluminium, electrically operated tailgate. It also includes a completely new rear compartment with two foldable rear seats and a variable loading space.

This long list of modifications and transformations had to be paired with, and to remain fully compatible to the basic car's technical layout and components. Given the sophistication of the basic car, a new challenge was laid out for Touring's craftsmen and engineers. The final result proves that special coach building can live on well into the 21st. century working with respect to the original manufacturers.

Touring Superleggera is particularly proud of the fact that the complete productive cycle of the special coach building process was realized in their workshop near Milano. Modern body engineering went hand in hand with traditional handicraft skills, maintaining the highest quality directives for the final product.
The Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring

Project Engineering

The body engineering processes at Carrozzeria Touring are aimed at safeguarding key parameters for quality, safety and feasibility, within the perspectives of low-volume automotive production. The project went through 1:4 and 1:1 modelling, based on the CAD and CATIA data from the basic vehicle. This digital basis resulted in a milled 1:1 master model and a number of 1:1 moulds for the manufacturing of the new external skin, and for important new body components. The rear bodywork was reinforced with an integrated structure between the rear suspension domes, functioning both as roll bar, and as support for the new, extended roofline. 

All structural additions and modifications were thoroughly studied, using advanced simulation methods and FEM-analysis. As a parallel process, these data served for the homologation of the structural changes, including the new foldable rear seats. An important number of hard points from the basic car could be saved and carried-over. The engineering team at Carrozzeria Touring was particularly pleased with the quality assurance support from Bentley engineers. 

Design 

'Variations on a theme' not rarely implicate a larger design challenge, than starting-off with a white sheet of paper. The basic mission was to create a body incorporating the essence of Touring elegance and harmony, while clearly recognizable as a Bentley. This task was challenging because a fully new volume had to be added to the GTC basis. The proportions were totally new, but the overall design had to be kept consistent. That is why only the section in front of the car's A-pillar, including the windshield has been maintained.

Viewed from the rear, the new tailgate dives between the wide rear wings. The oval rear light chrome bezels are a reference to Bentley fastback cars of the '50. The side view features a low roof, prominent quarter panel shoulders and wide wheel arches, suggesting perfectly mastered energy.

The Touring Superleggera designers were challenged by the target to give the new interior equal elegance, whether the back of the rear seats are folded or not. The solution was to design an "S" shaped trim of the rear quarter panels linking the passenger area to the rear luggage area. The beige and dark green leather contrast also adds to this visual unity.
First time ever in this class and size, the twin individual rear seats fold completely to create a flat loading surface more than 2m long with 1200lt capacity. This is instrumental to fulfill the functional mission profile, which requires loading in full comfort a wide array of leisure equipment, including 4 full golfing bags with the rear seats up. An example of bespoke finish is the woven leather boot carpet offering superior endurance and coordinated with the special luggage set. 

The overall result is perfectly in line with the Touring and Flying Star heritage: a timeless shape, a design statement combining elegance and sportiveness, with a strong and unmistakable own personality and individuality. 

Manufacturing

When digital technologies are blended with traditional manufacturing skills, a fascinating process emerges that is typical for Touring Superleggera. A discriminating factor for traditional coach building was and is the vast amount of handwork that is involved in the creation of a new body. In this process, multiple practical solutions are also found for a wide variety of minor technical issues. This includes quick, practical solutions based on years-long experience, common sense and an expert eye.
The result is a final product entirely produced within the high quality parameters of today's automotive industry.

From the A-pillar backwards, new exterior body panels were hand shaped in steel - including the roof, new wider rear wings, and the internal reinforcements of the complete rear section of the car. Aluminium was used for the door skins, and for the complete rear bonnet including its structure. New, handmade brightwork was added according to the new exterior design.

The all new rear compartment required shaping of the foldable rear seats and a full set of interior panels, leather trimmed with meticulous care. Wide leather hides were selected with great attention to provide uniform finish to the vast continuous surfaces.

After inspection, the body in white was prepared and painted in the Touring state-of-the-art paint facilities. The final result underwent again a special final quality audit.

Performance

The Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring inherits the chassis of the Continental GTC. The 6-liter, W12 engine is available either in the 560HP version which delivers 650NM of torque at 1600rpm or the GTC Speed variant which delivers a massive 750Nm from 610HP. The car exhibited in Geneva Motor Show features the GCT Speed specifications.
Performance braking, cornering and traction functions mesh together to provide precise and immediate driving control under extreme or difficult conditions. 
Self-adjusting air springs and electronic dampers operate independently for each wheel. All-wheel drive promotes advanced traction.

Homologation 

The model is CEE homologated according to the new low-volume production directive. For the first time since its introduction, the type approval was awarded without destructive test, using simulation and FEM-analysis.

Future Programme

Touring Superleggera undertakes a limited production run of up to 20 units of the Continental Flying Star. This series will be exclusively built to special order and customer specifications. The car is offered at a basic price of 2 590.000 when based on a Continental GTC - 560 PS. Other versions on request. 
The car will be serviced at the Bentley dealers. Bentley Motors and Touring Superleggera have developed a special mutual warranty program, which safeguards warranty clauses for both the basic car, and the transformation by Touring. 

Personalisation

The customers are actively involved in the early stage to choose the specifications of their own unique automobile, ranging from bespoke cabinetry and trim to a wide choice of dedicated options. The accessory collection includes the Touring designed luggage set coordinated with the boot trim, and the distinctive Borrani X-Ray spoke wheels.
Blending advanced technology with craftsmanship, Borrani 20" 9.5j X-Ray spoke wheels provide distinctive design, precision and comfort. Featuring monolithic spun aluminium rim and hand assembled steel spokes, they can be tailored to the car's painting and finish. 

Louis de Fabribeckers, Head of Design

Responsible for the design team of the Flying Star project is the 32 years young Belgian designer Louis de Fabribeckers.
Graduated from the ISD of Valenciennes in France in Engineering Design, de Fabribeckers started to work with Touring in 2006 as project leader.

Under his hands, the Maserati based Bellagio and A8GCS Berlinetta projects materialized; the first one being a fastback, 5-door version of the Quattroporte model, and the second a magnificent concept for a light and compact, modern sports car. Both new projects were presented at the occasion of the 2008 Villa d'Este Concours d'Elégance. The A8GCS Berlinetta was granted the 'Plus Belle Supercar de l'Année 2008' award by the expert jury of the 24th. Festival Internationale de l'Automobile in Paris. 

Louis de Fabribeckers lives and works in Milan.

Technical information 
(where appropriate based on a Continental GTC Speed)

ENGINE

Capacity 5998 cc W shaped 12 cyl. 
Max.Power 610 PS /449 kW @ 6000t/m
Max. Torque 750 NM @ 1700-5600t/m

DRIVELINE AND TRANSMISSION

Continuous all-wheel drive
6-speed automatic transmission

PERFORMANCE

Max. Speed 322 km/h (TBC)
Acceleration 0-100km/h 4.8 seconds (TBC)

DIMENSIONS

Overall length 4815mm
Width 1943mm
Overall Height 1395mm
Min. Boot volume 400L
Max. Boot volume 1200L


The Touring A8 GCS Berlinetta is now ready for one-off production

Geneva is the first public appearance of this prototype after the Concours d'Élegance previews.

Touring Superleggera has completed the development stage and is now ready to produce a rolling concept for one of the passionate clients who showed their enthusiasm since the first debut.

The Berlinetta is based on a high-end production platform revised by Touring. It has been carefully selected to match the mission profile in power, torque, and handling.

Compact, light and powerful, the shape embodies the perfect high performance sports car in the Touring tradition. The A8 GCS Berlinetta is a strict two-seater with perfectly balanced volumes and frugal decoration. 

"We wanted a strong project" – says the Belgian Head of Design of Touring Superleggera, Louis de Fabribeckers – "I drew from the stylistic heritage of Touring the work of surfaces and also this sinusoidal line across the side of the Berlinetta".

The car is 4,20 m. long and only 1,22 m. high on a 2,50 m. wheelbase. Engineers target a 1500 kg weight for the finished car. 

Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera 

Founded by Felice Bianchi Anderloni and Gaetano Ponzoni in 1926, the company started to produce custom built automotive bodywork with two distinctive features form the very beginning: sporting elegance and lightness. Early customers were reputed car makers as Isotta Fraschini and Alfa Romeo. It would mark the start of a flamboyant period, also culminating in the 'Flying Star' period with several spectacular spider coachworks.

Touring Superleggera also gradually researched the streamlining process. The marriage between this, and their Superleggera construction system using aluminium body panels over a light but rigid tubular steel frame, resulted in some extremely elegant masterpieces such as the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C2900 Touring spider, which today have become icons of automotive design and body construction. In 1945, the excellent Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni joined his father at the company, which soon started to receive its first orders from a motivated Modenese entrepreneur called Enzo Ferrari. The Tipo 166 Touring 'Barchetta' of 1950 formed a new milestone for light, elegant and effective design on a competition chassis.

Under Carlo Felice, Touring saw its industrial customer basis grow in the mainstream of the expanding automotive industry in Italy and Europe. A number of niche models were designed and built on Alfa Romeo 1900, Lancia Flaminia and Maserati 3500. Another new inspired car manufacturer from the Bologna area relied on Touring's skills: Lamborghini. At the same time, Aston Martin produced their DB4, 5 and 6 models with a license for the Superleggera system.

The energy crises of the early seventies, and the increasing mass production methods in the car industry would regretfully force many specialist companies to close their doors. The last production car left Carrozzeria Touring in 1966, but the true Touring spirit was firmly consolidated in the company's products, that found their ways to an international community of motoring enthusiasts and car collectors.

In 2006, the year of its 80th. Anniversary, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera of Milan restarted its activities, now part of Zeta Europe BV, a private company specializing in automotive high-end products and brands.