Unlike the SEMA show in Vegas (et 1/07), the Essen Motor Show is open to the public and runs for nine days. It really is the must-see event if you're a true European automobile enthusiast!
Admittedly it's in Germany but it's easily accessible by car, plane or train, and we promise it won't disappoint you. So make plans for next year, because the show continues to impress. In fact, it's the second largest automotive show in Germany behind the Frankfurt international auto show. But unlike Frankfurt, Essen is all about Euro tuning, and there's an abundance of show and racecars as well as new parts to keep you there for days.
2007 marked the 40th anniversary of Essen. In celebration, there was a variety of cars from the history books, such as Le Mans race cars, F1, post-war classics and more. Unfortunately, limited space meant we had to avoid these and concentrate on the cars that apply to the current Euro tuning scene.
Sam's Diary
People say you've seen it all after going to SEMA. And while I can somewhat agree with that, if those people were to attend Essen, they'd have a different mindset.
My second consecutive year at Essen was nothing short of spectacular. It involved hanging with the guys at H&R Springs, beer, maxing out the speedometer of our rental Audi A6 Avant on the autobahn while racing a modified VW Polo, more beer, getting a first-hand look at some of the best tuned automobiles in the world, more beer and eating some of the most spectacular food I've tasted in my life, like schnitzel and wild boar. Did I mention the beer?
As far as trends are concerned, flat paint is definitely reaching Europe. It also seemed as if an Audi was the car to have for '08, whether it's the new A4, TT, R8 or A5/S5.
I wasn't too impressed by VW's RaVe 270 concept in the flesh. I can't seem to tell whom they're appealing to with that extravagant stereo. I also felt the Brabus Bullit was very understated. It didn't have the wow factor I experienced when I saw the photos. It's still a badass car, nonetheless.
My final memory is when H&R revved the 625hp V10 in its Porsche Gemballa Mirage GT. Echoing throughout the show halls, it sounded like a fighter jet.
Favorite Car
Last year, TechArt amazed me with its widebody Porsche Cayman S. This year it didn't disappoint, thanks to the GTstreet 997. Wider fenders, aggressive aerodynamics, enormous carbon wing, 20" wheels, 630hp and evil flat black paint; how can you go wrong?
Matty's Diary
It doesn't take long to spot this year's theme. Whereas previous years ranged from metalflake to pastel paint or spinner wheels, in '07 it was back to basics. And that meant white, black or silver cars.
I thought I'd suddenly gone color-blind, as almost every car appeared to be either black or white. Even the girls were spraying themselves in black body paint.
As you'd expect from a German show, the car count was heavily in favor of the new boy on the block: the Audi R8. Companies like PPI and Abt busted a gut to get hold of this supercar and tune it to hell. This car needs only wheels and a touch of styling to take the heart-stopping ride to a new level.
Favorite Car
Rieger produced this slick 335i with a slew of its own body mods, Lambo doors plus a black and orange paint job. 20x8.5" Black Oxigin rims did their best to hide 380mm Brembos.