As 2024 winds down, Germany - and specifically Essen - turns up the heat with the Essen Motor Show. This year marked my first visit to the event, and I was pleasantly surprised. It brought back the excitement and energy I always felt at the Geneva International Motor Show. The halls were packed with supercars, classics, and, of course, a heavy dose of tuning - because let’s face it, stock can be a little dull.
Let’s start with the star of the show: the poster car from this year’s Essen Motor Show flyer. It’s none other than Pascal Klein’s wild Ferrari F430. This car is a visual feast, wrapped in a striking two-tone design. The front is coated in a light turquoise shade, while a diagonal white stripe at the door splits it from the second color - a bold, vibrant pink. If you thought it couldn’t get any funkier, think again. The wheels are a masterpiece of creativity: a five-spoke design with a twist - between each spoke there's a heart shape. Painted in white, they add a playful yet striking touch to the car. This bold design feels like a fun break from tradition - and might just prompt cease-and-desist letter from Ferrari.
Let’s keep the pink theme going with Martyna Jezewicz’s stunning Nissan R35 GT-R! After owning the car for over five years, she decided it was time for a fresh look and opted for a bold bright pink livery, transitioning from its previous matte black design accented with white and green. Martyna’s GT-R is far from ordinary, boasting a Pandem Rocket Bunny body kit, Niche Road Wheels, Airlift air suspension, and an FI exhaust system - just to name a few of its impressive modifications. She showcased her car alongside her business, Foxed Store, on an enormous booth that not only featured her GT-R but also highlighted the clothing and car care products she sells. It was a perfect blend of automotive passion and entrepreneurial flair.
Next up is Silviu Zaharia and the Z-Performance Wheels booth, which featured an incredible lineup of cars and one true showstopper: a bright blue Porsche 992 GT3 RS fitted with polished forged wheels. Behind the GT3 RS, a vibrant wall of bold, colorful wheels showcased the creative possibilities Z-Performance Wheels offers. But the display didn’t stop there. Another standout was a BMW M3 G80 Sedan in a stunning beige finish paired with gold wheels, proving that elegance and flair can go hand in hand.
Another major player at the show was Yido Performance Wheels, which made a strong impression across multiple booths. A true standout was a purple Porsche 992 GT3 RS featuring striking white wheels - each with a unique design. The front wheels had a mesh style, while the rear sported a more modern look.
Speaking of the 992 GT3 RS, it was a popular choice at the show, with plenty of eye-catching versions on display. As if the car’s massive wing wasn’t dramatic enough, these builds took things to the next level. Highlights included a matte yellow GT3 RS with a missing rear bumper to flaunt its exhaust system, and another adorned with shiny gold wheels and gold accents throughout, adding a touch of luxury to its aggressive aesthetic.
One of the most impressive booths without a doubt was KW Suspension. Known for offering the best Nürburgring-tested suspension for street, track, and everything in between, they really made a statement. Another car that caught our attention was the brand-new BMW M5 G90, with the standout model at KW painted in a bright lime green. Naturally, it was lowered on KW Suspension and finished off perfectly with a set of matte bronze BBS wheels. The booth also showcased a stunning green Porsche 992 GT3 with the Manthey Racing kit, but the real showstopper was the bright orange Lamborghini SC63. This car is a milestone for Lamborghini Squadra Corse, marking the brand's first hybrid racing prototype. It made its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship (Hypercar class) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (GTP class) in 2024. With this, Lamborghini is stepping into the upper echelons of racing, earning the chance to compete in prestigious endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The Tuningxperience was definitely one of my favorite parts of the show, where individual car owners had the chance to showcase their pride and joy. It was amazing to see the passion and dedication these people had poured into their beloved cars. The variety on display was truly impressive, from different generations of Porsche 911s and Skylines, to wild, slammed Lamborghinis and classic BMWs - there was something for every car enthusiast to enjoy.
The Bottrop-based tuner Brabus made a strong impression at the show with its latest masterpiece, the Brabus Rocket GTS, which was recently unveiled at the Brabus Signature Night in Düsseldorf. This striking hypercar, based on the Mercedes SL, has been transformed into a rare two-door shooting brake. Under the hood, it boasts a 1,000-hp hybrid V8 engine, offering mind-blowing performance. The car’s aggressive styling is enhanced by extensive carbon fiber use for aerodynamic upgrades. Inside, the bespoke "Masterpiece" leather interior features exquisite craftsmanship, with quilted leather, carbon accents, and luxurious details. Prices for the Rocket GTS start around €345,000, but can rise significantly with customization options.
Brabus also showcased a stunning green Brabus 800 on the Hankook Tire booth, built on the Mercedes-AMG G 63 (W465). This mean machine features a dark green body, tinted carbon fiber elements, dark green wheels, and even a dark green leather and Alcantara interior, making it a true standout.
Next up is the man behind the helmet, Gercollector, showcasing his personal cars across two booths. The showstopper was his Mercedes-AMG One, displayed at the Nürburgring booth, alongside his X-Bow GT-XR. But that wasn’t all - there was a second AMG One, also on display at the Men in Benz booth. While it was nearly identical to Gercollector’s, the main difference was the absence of the distinctive turquoise accents that are featured on his personal car.
In addition to the 1:8 scale Lego McLaren P1, the full-sized 1:1 version was also on display! The 1:8 scale model is made up of 3,893 pieces, while the 1:1 version contains an incredible 342,817 pieces. According to Lego, it took 6,134 hours to design and plan the P1, and 2,210 hours to assemble it. Lego chose to use Technic components instead of traditional bricks to better replicate the curves of the hypercar and introduce some flexibility into the body, mirroring the performance of the carbon fiber used in the real P1. However, the P1 replica isn’t entirely made of Lego bricks. Beneath the body is a steel frame, and it rides on actual tires and wheels from the real car, ensuring it’s strong enough to support a human driver. It also features an electric car battery, but it’s powered by 768 Lego electric motors, divided into eight motor packs, to simulate the V8 engine in the original P1. Remarkably, the Lego P1 can reach speeds of just over 60 km/h!
An iconic car from the first The Fast and the Furious movie was also on display: the original 1995 VW Jetta driven by Jesse (Chad Lindberg). Although it’s mentioned that the car originally belonged to Jesse’s imprisoned father, it was first seen when Jesse drove it to Dominic’s store, arriving with Leon, Letty, and Vince, just as Brian showed up for his investigation. The Jetta didn’t participate in any street races, but it did take part in Race Wars, where Jesse put the car up for a pink slip race against Johnny Tran’s Honda S2000. Brian warned Jesse not to race Tran, pointing out that the Jetta had $100,000 worth of upgrades, but Jesse ignored him and went ahead anyway. Despite using nitrous, Jesse appeared to be winning until Tran used his own nitrous and easily overtook him. Panicking, Jesse fled Race Wars, refusing to hand over the car to Tran. The Jetta made one final appearance when Jesse arrived at Dominic’s house, seeking help. But shortly after, Tran and his cousin Lance carried out a drive-by shooting on the house, and during the attack, the car was shot up, with Jesse tragically being killed in the process. Afterward, the car was likely impounded, as it was never seen again in the sequels.
In addition to the VW Jetta at the Jada Toys and Majorette booth, there was also a Porsche 964 KS-R on display at the Solido and Mini GT models booth. Visitors had the chance to purchase a variety of diecast cars, including a 1:18 scale model of this 964.
Next, let's talk about the exotics. Capristo, renowned for their exceptional exhaust systems, brought a range of Italian masterpieces to the show, including the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider, 296 GTS, and Lamborghini Aventador LP770-4 SVJ, among others. They showcased their exhausts, designed to make these stunning cars sound even more incredible.
The BMW M2 Coupé, transformed by AC Schnitzer, debuts as the new campaign vehicle for "Tune it! Safe!", an initiative promoting safe car tuning.
Performance Upgrades
• Engine: The 3.0-liter inline-six now produces 560 PS (412 kW) and 650 Nm torque, compared to the stock 460 PS and 550 Nm.
• Exhaust: A sports silencer with 110 mm carbon tailpipes delivers a thrilling motorsport sound.
• Suspension: An RS coilover suspension paired with an EDC cancellation kit lowers the car by 25-35 mm, enhancing handling and agility.
• Aerodynamics: Features include a carbon front splitter, side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a bespoke carbon rear wing for stability at high speeds.
Design and Wheels
• Wheels: Lightweight forged AC4 wheels in "Techgold" (20-inch front, 21-inch rear) reduce unsprung mass, boosting agility.
• Tires: Ultra-High-Performance Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 tires provide grip, with sizes 285/30 R20 (front) and 295/25 R21 (rear).
Additional Features
• Safety: Optimized handling ensures safe and sporty driving.
• Extras at the Show: Free driver record checks from Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), expert tuning advice, a prize draw, and a free "Tune it! Safe!" magazine.
This collaboration between the German Ministry of Digital and Transport and the Association of Automobile Tuners (VDAT) underscores a commitment to blending high-performance with safety.
In addition to the Police M2, there were plenty of BMWs on display at this year’s show. We've seen over six of the latest M5 G90 models, several M3 G81 Touring Competitions, and a handful of different M3 G80 Sedans.
As expected at the Essen Motor Show, there were plenty of slammed cars on display. Air Lift Performance and null-bar showcased a variety of vehicles equipped with air ride suspensions, including standout cars like the green Lamborghini Huracán with a Liberty Walk kit and the iconic Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R.
ABT XGT: Racing Spirit for the Road
After over 20 years in DTM, with more than 300 races, over 250 podium finishes, multiple individual wins, and numerous driver and constructor championships, ABT are proud to be the most successful active DTM team. But now, they’ve achieved their greatest victory: bringing a race car to the road - the ABT XGT.
In collaboration with their long-time partner Scherer Sport, they’ve turned this shared dream into reality. The ABT XGT embodies their philosophy, "From the track to the street," like no other vehicle. It captures the essence of their racing spirit in a way no other road car has ever achieved.
A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
After two years of meticulous development and overcoming countless challenges, they’ve accomplished what once seemed impossible: 99 handcrafted masterpieces with the heart and soul of a race car for the road. The ABT XGT stands as the ultimate representation of their dedication to excellence, precision, and passion for motorsport.
At a tuning event like the Essen Motor Show, you can always count on seeing plenty of aftermarket wheels. BBS wheels have long been a benchmark in the industry, known for their rich heritage and iconic designs. However, Radi8 wheels bring something new to the table. With their bold, innovative approach to design, Radi8 offers a fresh, modern twist that resonates with today’s car enthusiasts. While BBS relies on tradition, Radi8 focuses on pushing boundaries, turning heads, and setting trends for the next generation of wheel lovers.
In addition to the tuning cars, there was also an impressive selection of supercars and classics on display, some even up for sale. Highlights included the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series C190 Project One Edition and the iconic Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, presented in its classic white paint job.
As expected, electric cars made also their presence felt at the show. BYD showcased several of their models, with the highlight being the Yangwang U9. The BYD Yangwang U9 is a groundbreaking electric hypercar from BYD’s luxury sub-brand, Yangwang, unveiled in 2023. Equipped with the Yisigang quad-motor system, it delivers over 1,100 hp, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2 seconds. Beyond its impressive performance, the U9 features advanced active suspension technology for exceptional handling and comfort. With its sharp aerodynamics and high-end interior, the U9 stands as a testament to BYD’s engineering excellence in the high-performance EV market.
To sum it up, the Essen Motor Show was definitely worth the visit. It offered a wide range of incredible cars, especially in the tuning scene, from classic models to the latest supercars. The show also featured car parts, memorabilia, diecast models, and plenty of merchandise from various brands. In today’s world, where everything is often showcased online, it’s still amazing to attend events like this in person. It’s a rare opportunity to see the cars up close and meet the passionate people behind these incredible machines.
If this has sparked your interest in visiting the Essen Motor Show in person, you still have a few days left to check it out! It’s open to the public until Sunday, December 8th.
Photos by KMPhotography
