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From the sunny California coast to the rain soaked Hockenheimring in
Stuttgart, Germany, Modified L&E is there - and everywhere in between - to bring its readers the latest in the world of exclusive automobiles. For
every issue of Luxury & Exotics we send our writers and photographers to capture the beauty and the thrill of events worldwide. Readers can look
forward to gripping stories and breathtaking art. Whether the exceptional automobiles are standing still in a trendy venue or roaring across Europe in the Gumball 3000, Modified L&E is there.

  

 
  NEWS ARCHIVE :   
 

Essen Motor Show
December 1-10, 2006
Essen Trade Fair Grounds, Essen, Germany
Story Colum Wood, Photos Joost Demuynck


If there is one major way in which European auto shows differ from American ones, it is in respect to aftermarket tuners. Whereas in Detroit it’s nothing but OEMs, at shows like Essen the aftermarket companies seem to dominate.
And why not? With Germany making some of the most amazing vehicles in the world, and with a long standing tradition of high performance (and high quality) tuners, the two aspects of the automotive industry have learned to get along over the years.

This phenomenon can work to push the OEMs to really excel. It also creates a win-win situation for both tuners and the OEMs, and not necessarily spoil the manufacturers’ thunder like one might except. The tuners aren’t scared to test the reaction of the market and the OEMs can learn from the experiences of the others, rather than spend money on expensive prototypes.

But more about the actual show.
All the usual suspects were in Essen to show off their wares, including Carlsson, Cargraphic, ART, Mansory, Hamann and AC Schnitzer. The real centerpiece, however, was Gemballa’s Mirage, a modified Carrera GT. Displayed in the Brembo booth. You can bet is has plenty of stopping power as well as some performance mods and (obviously) some very sexy bodywork! Hartge used the show to deliver on their promise of a V10 powered E90 3 Series coupe, while AC Schnitzer displayed a pristine white Z4 M. Be sure to pick up the next issue of Modified Luxury & Exotics to see all the pictures in their high-gloss glory.

 
   
   
   
   
 
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