The aero package is called Widestar and it encompasses a front spoiler, a rear apron with a new diffuser, blistered rear wheel arches with air inlets and outlets, and a boot lid spoiler. Engineers also sculpted the rocker panels, optimizing airflow between axles, and added bigger air outlets for the front fenders.
Finished in a bright white color, the Defender 90 Yachting Edition rolls on 16-inch alloys wrapped around in wider tires measuring 267/75 R16. Complementing the 4x4's looks are new running boards with integrated entrance lights that are activated via the keyless fob or by opening one of the doors, an SVX grille and body-colored headlight covers.
Beginning with the engine bay, Hamann's engineers used forged pistons, enhanced connection rods, new camshafts and a modified turbocharger to increase the 1.4-liter petrol unit's peak output to an impressive 275 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. That's 196.4 hp/liter, more than double of what is considered to be an excellent ratio.
The press days of the 2008 Essen Motor Show are long gone but Europe's largest tuning show is still open to the public until 7 December, 2008. However, even if you don't manage to make it to Germany, we've got the next best thing for you in the form of a video that includes many of the automotive attractions of the show. And for those of you that prefer the "feminine" highlights of the Essen Motorshow, no need to worry, just click here for the relevant video. 
The Essen Motorshow saw the debut of the Brabham Racing BT 92, a souped-up BMW M3 Coupe sporting a carbon-fiber bodykit, 20-inch alloy wheels with carbon inlays, a sport exhaust system, various interior applications and high-performance brakes. As you can see in the pictures -courtesy of our Dutch friends over at Autoblog.nl, the result is not bad at all. But while everyone -and that includes the Essen Motorshow organizers- thought that the Brabham Racing was directly linked to Australian car racing legend Sir Jack Brabham, turns out that the German-based company has nothing to do with the three-time world F1 Champion nor his racing team.
Sir Jack issued an official statement on his website stating that "No connection exists between the Brabham family and products being marketed at the European auto show". According to a report from the Associated Press, Jack Brabham and his family are considering to take legal action against Brabham Racing. Even though we're no lawyers, judging from the German-based firm's press release (see after the jump) which makes a direct connection to Brabham's racing team, we'd say that Sir Jack and his family have a mighty strong case...
Photos Via: Autoblog.nl
Official Statement From the Brabham Family About Products at the 2008 Essen Motor Show
- Sir Jack Brabham and his Son David Brabham have issued the following statement:
The Brabham family would like to absolutely and categorically state that the range of cars and accessories being publicised under the Brabham name at the Essen Motor Show 2008 and on global websites, has nothing to do with the Brabham family, or its long and respected motor racing heritage, in any way.
It is clear to us, as it must be to the whole world, what these people are trying to do. In our opinion, it is a clear case of using our name, our history and our success, without the backing of the Brabham family.
The 50th anniversary of Jack Brabham's first Formula One Championship crown is approaching in 2009.
In light of this announcement and the celebrations planned, we would respectfully request that in publishing press material from Veritas-Brabham, BMW Brabham or Brabham Racing, you understand that the Brabham family have no involvement nor endorse the products and services offered by the aforementioned companies and that no relationship should be implied in any story published.
BRABHAM RACING PRESS RELEASE
Return of a Legend: Brabham Racing at the Essen Motor Show 2008
One of the most illustrious names of automotive history has returned. After numerous successes in Formula One and being dormant for nearly sixteen years, the legendary motor racing brand was relaunched.
Despite its long absence, the renowned company still has to meet high expectations. Its vehicles are designed according to highest quality standards and manufactured by using state-of-the-art technology. Consequently, development programmes designed for the automotive industry and Formula One manufacturing techniques are employed as well. '
By using wireframe models, maximum precision is guaranteed already during the construction process. The engines' increased performance forced the constructors to develop technically independent high-performance braking systems. In addition to this, all carbon-fibre body parts used for the production of Brabham racing cars are cured in autoclaves - these quality characteristics are visible at the first and even at the second glance one gets of each new Brabham model.
At the relaunch on the Essen Motor Show 2008, Brabham Racing will already present three models: the BRABHAM BT 92 based on the BMW M3, the BRABHAM BT 60 based on the BMW M5 as well as the BT 70 - a sporty interpretation of the SUV X6. Each of these models embodies the company's message: high-tech, quality, sportiness, design, exclusiveness and history.
If you happen to disagree with those who support that the foremost subject at the Essen Motorshow in Germany, which runs from November 28 to December 7, 2008, are the various tuning proposals, racing cars and concept studies, then you might just like the video that we added after the jump... Need we say more?
Opel's new top-of-the line Insignia model received the "Irmscher treatment" at the Essen Motor Show that runs from November 28 to December 7. The German tuner's sport package consists purely of styling modifications as Irmscher has yet to introduce any mechanical upgrades for the Insignia. The bodykit includes a lower spoiler for the front bumper, a honeycomb radiator grille which is available in silver or black finish, beefy side sills, a wraparound boot spoiler and a rear apron that makes room for four exhaust pipes.As well as offering an array of alloy wheel designs that are available in various sizes, Irmscher has also created a special set of 20-inch alloy wheels that have been styled specifically for the Insignia and can be seen in the image gallery below. The German tuner has yet to announce pricing for the sport package.
At the Essen Motor Show in Germany, Skoda presented a study version of its flagship Octavia model, the RS, which unlike the rest of the car's range, has yet to be revealed in facelift form - see details and images here. The Essen motorshow Octavia RS+ Study sports a black colored bodykit with a front lip spoiler and a rear diffuser that incorporates the twin tailpipes, black mirror caps and black alloy wheels. Inside, the Czech automaker accessorized the RS+ with contrasting red leather seats (Recaro bucket seats up front), door panels and steering wheel as well as with faux carbon fiber trim.The Octavia RS+ Study does not feature any mechanical upgrades. In Europe, the Octavia RS is offered in both sedan and estate variants with two powertrain options, a 200HP 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel unit that delivers 170 HP. The facelifted RS is expected to be introduced in early 2009.
Photo Copyright: UP
The GT3 race version of the Audi R8 called LMS made its first public appearance at this week's Essen Motorshow in Germany. Audi's first-ever racing sports car that has been developed specifically for customer use will available from autumn 2009 for a proposed price of €262,000 (plus tax) which comes to around $332,000 U.S. with the current exchange rates. The Audi R8 LMS is powered by a mid-mounted 500HP plus V10 engine hooked up to a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. Given that the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive, Audi's race-spec supercar comes with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain.The new Audi R8 LMS will be seen in action on the race track during the 2009 season with up to eight customer cars competing in different European race series and in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, for which Audi Sport will develop an endurance version of the R8 LMS. The German automaker itself does not plan to enter any races with the new GT3 car.
Italian tire manufacturer Marangoni presented a beefed-up Alfa Romeo MiTo at the Essen Motorshow that supposedly draws its inspiration from the Ferrari F430 - hence the name MiTo M430. The tuning project was handled by the Florence-based TRC Italia which reworked the car from ground up with considerable changes to the bodywork, engine, interior, braking system and trim.
The MiTo's 1.4-liter turbocharged engine which in stock form produces 155HP has been extensively tuned and now delivers 220HP. The power kit designed by Mariani also includes a new bearing-mounted rotary turbine, downpipe complete with metal catalyst, rear stainless steel exhaust with four pipes, and air filtering with special carbon air box. To improve handling the MiTo M430 has been lowered by around 40mm using KW threaded strut housings that allow height adjustment.
Furthermore, the standard braking system has been replaced with new Tarox B33 10-pot calipers and composite 330x26 diameter brake discs.
The M430's bodywork features several elements that have been inspired from the Ferrari F430 including the redesigned front bumper with the two wide air grills and the large side air-vents, and the new rear bumper with a carbon fibre diffuser made by MB, featuring evident air extractor. Carbon fibre was also used to make the rings around the lights and the spoiler on the rear window while the new side skirts complete the vehicle's body kit. The most snazzy feature of the M430 are of course its Lamborghini-style wing doors.
Marangoni equipped the MiTo with a set of red Mythos tires in the 225/35R18 Y size which are fitted on Oxigin Crystal black 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the seats, roof lining, carpets and uprights have been covered with special open-work fabrics, enhanced by Luna supercar with a tricolor motif. Finally, the gear knob, pedals, footrest and handbrake lever have been made by Isotta with Swarovski stone inserts.
