38 most extreme modified cars

Faster and more furious

Modified cars culture goes much further than a set of big alloys and a pop-bang exhaust. If you want something extreme – and you have a big enough budget – companies such as Brabus, Rauh-Welt Begriff and Mansory (one of its takes on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is pictured here) can make your wildest automotive dreams come true. We look at some of their craziest creations.

Brabus 900 Rocket

As the biggest independent Mercedes-Benz tuner, Brabus has developed go-faster versions of most models in the range. Huge horsepower is the main attraction, with the company chasing ever higher top speeds.

‘Rocket’ seems an apt name for an AMG GT 4-Door with 900 metric horses. The barmy Brabus hits 60mph in under 2.8 seconds and 205mph. A fixed rear wing, stretched wheelarches and wider tires help keep this show on the road.

Singer DLS

Don’t call this a Singer 911, or anything similar. Singer Vehicle Design is at pains to point out that unlike Ruf, it merely restores and enhances cars that first came from Zuffenhausen. Founded in 2009 by the cousin of Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, the Los Angeles-based firm has cornered a niche market.

The $1.8 million DLS (‘Dynamics and Lightweighting Study’) is the most extreme Singer so far. Developed with help from Williams, its air-cooled flat-six revs to 9,000rpm. It has carbon-ceramic brakes, forged magnesium BBS alloys and bespoke Michelin Cup 2 tires. Oh, and the 911’s iconic ducktail spoiler has been redesigned so it actually works.

Speed Kore SK10 Challenger Hellcat

With numerous awards and Jay Leno as a fan, Speed Kore Performance Group is doing rather well at that moment. The primary aim is to take American muscle cars, add more power, and make them lighter with carbon fiber.

The SK10 Hellcat takes an already mind-bendingly fast car, then fabricates its entire bodywork from carbon fiber. Speed Kore also tunes the supercharged V8 engine to deliver up to 1,100hp. There are no paint colour choices here – the body is clear-coated to show off the carbon weave.

Callaway C7 Corvette AeroWagen

Started in 1977 by Reeves Callaway in rural Connecticut, today this company has expanded to offer tuning programmes focussed on the Chevrolet brand. In the late 1980s, Callaway even offered an official twin-turbo option for the C4 Corvette.

Using the latest C7 Corvette as a base, the AeroWagen turns the normal coupe into a distinctive shooting brake. Looking like an angrier and more angular Ferrari GTC4Lusso is certainly not a bad thing, not least when Callaway also offers a supercharged V8 engine with 757hp. Nought to 60mph in 2.8 seconds makes it quicker than the Italian supercar, too.

Hennessey ‘The Exorcist HPE1000’ Camaro

Texan tuner John Hennessey is no stranger to controversy, with a simple internet search finding a string of lawsuits and accusations. Hennessey set a Guinness World Record for the fastest production car with the Venom GT, and has been modifying American cars since 1991.

Aimed squarely at the Dodge SRT Demon, the Exorcist Camaro aims to vanquish its opponent with a 1,000hp V8 engine. Hennessey is particularly proud of the fact this translates to 959hp at the rear wheels, resulting in tire-shredding mayhem. A two-year/24,000-mile warranty is included!

Hamann M3 Las Vegas Wings

Another firm famed for tuning BMWs, but with a portfolio now spanning several brands, Hamann offers packages covering styling, performance and suspension. To highlight this, the company has built a number of special editions, including the elaborate Las Vegas Wings in 2002.

Using the 4.9-liter V8 engine from the contemporary BMW M5, the Las Vegas Wings was endowed with 485hp and a potential top speed close to 200mph. Offered for sale at €285,000 ($345,000), the buyer also got the ‘distinctive’ bodykit and all-important gullwing doors included in the deal.

Hamann Tycoon Evo M

Drive a BMW X6 M, but concerned it might not be sufficiently brash or visually aggressive? Don’t panic, Hamann can help.

Based on the first-generation X6, the Tycoon M has a faintly terrifying 670hp and 700lb ft of torque. But let’s be honest, looks are the important thing here. With wheelarches that widen the body by 60mm, a carbon fiber hood and that front bumper, there is a lot going on. The drainpipe-sized central exhaust tailpipes and double rear spoilers are, thankfully, not pictured.

Shelby Super Snake Wide Body

For many, Shelby and Mustang go together automatically. It’s hard not to see why, with the company, founded by the late Carroll Shelby, having developed high performance versions of Ford’s pony car since the 1960s. Although Ford uses the Shelby name on factory-built cars, the Las Vegas-based tuner still creates its own supercars.

The 2017 50th Anniversary edition featured a special Wide Body, stretching the rear track by some four inches. Customers can choose from 5.0-liter V8 engines in either 670hp or 750hp formats, and all come with upgraded brakes and suspension.

Wald Lexus LS600h Black Bison

Founded in 1990, Japanese firm Wald deals in bodykits and wheels. With a collection that covers everything from tiny Suzuki Kei cars, through to Bentley and Maserati, Wald has styling options for virtually everything.

The Black Bison range marks the sportiest offerings from the company, and creates an obvious juxtaposition when added to the luxurious Lexus LS600h saloon. Front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a rear spoiler are all part of the package, along with 22-inch alloy wheels.

Bisimoto Engineering Hyundai ‘Santa-Fast’

Owned by racing driver Bisi Ezerioha, Bisimoto is a Californian company known for bespoke engineering. These includes special ‘pulse wave’ exhaust tailpipes, along with creating monster turbochargers.

Sizeable forced-induction was the answer for how to create a Hyundai Santa-Fe with 1,040hp. Bisimoto was commissioned by Hyundai to build this car for display at the 2016 SEMA show, and it was clearly money well spent. Fitting a Hyundai 3.8-liter V6 with twin turbos, and converting the drivetrain to rear-wheel drive, is not the work of an amateur garage.

AC Schnitzer ACLS 2

Having offered BMW tuning parts for three decades, AC Schnitzer has developed a formidable reputation. Based in Aachen, the German company has links to – but is legally separate from – the famed BMW Schnitzer motorsport team.

The ACLS2 is based on the BMW M240i, but underwent extensive modification to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the firm. Power is upped to 400hp, with adjustable coilover suspension, widened bodywork and 19-inch alloy wheels. The resulting car set a new Nürburgring lap record.

G-Power M3 GT2 S Hurricane

Developing performance BMWs since 1983, G-Power broke a world record in 2010 with its 800hp+ M5 Hurricane RR, clocking a McLaren F1-baiting 231mph top speed.

The company then applied this knowledge to the E92 BMW M3, creating an alternative to the official M3 GTS, but with substantially more horsepower. Increasing the displacement of the V8 engine and adding a supercharger created an output of 720hp and potential top speed of 205mph. A carbon fiber widebody kit makes it look like a racetrack refugee, while a price of €348,500 ($420,000) also kept the motorsport vibe going.

JE Design Leon Cupra 300 ST 4Drive Wide

Yes, it’s another German tuning company, and this time one that focuses on modifying cars from the Volkswagen Group. Seat, Skoda, Audi and VW all come in for attention from JE Design, with bodykits, wheels and exhausts on offer.

JE Design’s take on the Seat Leon Cupra 300 ST increases power to 380hp. However, the widebody kit is the real attraction, combined with new bumpers and a diffuser available in a carbon fiber finish. Also offered is a full stainless steel exhaust system, which changes volume based on the drive mode selected.

Abt TT RS-R

With origins that stretch back to 1896, and a founder who continued the family tradition of horseshoeing, Abt Sportsline has an illustrious history. With Audi, it has entered racing cars in the DTM championship since 2000.

The TT RS-R boasts a 2.5-liter engine enhanced to deliver 500hp and 420lb ft of torque. Abt also adds carbon fiber body parts, a stainless steel exhaust and 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels.

PPI Razor GTR Spyder by Speed Design

Although based in Germany, PPI prides itself on taking influences from California, with a design office in the Golden State itself. Exclusively modifying Audi models such as the R8, the company also has a fascination with carbon fiber.

Carbon is used extensively on the Razor GTR, forming the bumpers, wheelarches, diffuser, hood and even the doors. And before you ask, yes the doors do have holes in them. These are intended to create a greater sensation of open-air motoring. It’s certainly a novel concept, but one that causes more questions than it answers. Such as, what if it rains?

Brabus Rocket 900

Another Brabus Rocket, this time from 2015. The turbocharged 6.3-liter V12 in this S-Class also develops 900hp, but more impressive is a torque figure of 1,106lb ft, which Brabus has to limit to 885lb ft to prevent the gearbox from destroying itself. Probably the most comfortable way to do 217mph on a German autobahn.

Brabus B63S 700 6x6

There comes a time when even the ridiculousness of a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 isn’t quite enough. Thankfully, Brabus is more than happy to tackle projects on a truly grand scale.

Despite weighing over 8,800lb, adding an additional 156hp for a total power output of 700hp creates a 0-60mph time of less than 7.4 seconds. Not bad for something that features similar dimensions and mass to a terraced house, along with matching aerodynamic ability. Sensibly, Brabus limits the top speed to 100mph.

Brabus Ultimate 120

Sadly the engineers at Brabus haven’t found a way to wedge a flame-spitting 5.5-liter V8 engine into the humble Smart ForTwo. Instead, the regular 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder still makes an appearance, just with extra power.

As you might have worked out, 120hp is the output from the diminutive motor, which is sufficient for 0-60mph in a warm-ish 8.9 seconds. A bespoke Brabus Widestar bodykit comes as standard, as do 18-inch alloy wheels. They look positively massive on the compact Smart.

Kleeman SLS AMG Supercharged

Based in Denmark, Kleeman was founded in the early 1990s to produce superchargers for four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engines. Since then, Kleeman has grown to become expert in all forced-induction Mercedes engines, creating its own turbos and superchargers.

The supercharger fitted to this special SLS AMG takes power from the 6.2-liter V8 to 770hp and 623lb ft of torque. That means 0-60mph in under 3.3 seconds, 0-124mph in 9.3 seconds, plus a top speed beyond 200mph.

Carlsson Diospyros

You have to wonder if anyone in Germany owns a Mercedes-Benz that isn’t modified. Having been tuning Mercs since 1989, Carlsson is a relative youngster, but it still offers modifications from A-Class to V-Class.

Based upon the S-Class cabriolet, the Diospyros is named after the scientific word for the endangered West African ebony tree, used here for interior trim and the rear deck cover. Carlsson’s own Heritage Green paint, and specially developed 20-inch alloy wheels provide a retro look. Less ‘retro’ is the 550hp and 590lb ft of torque.

Mansory Veyron Linea Vincero d’Oro

Mansory does not do ordinary. No, the German modifier firmly targets the luxury market; tuning Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and even adding carbon fiber to golf carts.

Epitomising this decadent approach is the Bugatti Veyron Linea Vincero d’Oro, which combines carbon fiber bodywork with gold detailing for the wheels, fuel fillers and door handles. Inside there’s more carbon, while a special exhaust system is claimed to add an extra 108hp to the 1,001hp the Veyron had as standard.

Mansory Aventador Carbonado GT

Although the idea of a Lamborghini Aventador may seem a little mundane after a modified Veyron, Mansory doesn’t disappoint with Carbonado GT.

All body panels are formed from carbon fiber, with new bumpers, side skirts and a giant roof-mounted air intake. That feeds into a now-twin-turbocharged 6.5-liter V12, said to produce 1,600hp and 885lb ft of torque. Zero to 60mph is claimed to take around 2.0 seconds, with a top speed of 230mph.

Mansory 4XX Siracusa Spider

You know the drill with Mansory by now. More carbon fiber and more power are the order of the day again here, with the Ferrari 488 Spider serving as the base for these extreme modifications.

In comes a comprehensive bodykit, inspired by the Ferrari FXXK and featuring sections of unpainted chopped carbon fiber trim. There are also lightweight forged 20-inch alloy wheels, along with wider tires and lowered suspension. Oh, the power from the twin-turbo V8 has been wound up to 790hp, with an accompanying 642lb ft of torque.

Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo ZXX Evo

When the portfolio of a tuning company includes converting a Maserati MC12 race car for road use, you know they’re not messing around. Edo Competition blurs the lines between road and track, as demonstrated by the Enzo ZXX Evo.

What was once a Ferrari Enzo becomes a replica of the track-only FXX, courtesy of a 220lb diet, the V12 engine being enlarged to 6.3-liters, and a radical aero kit. Following an incident where the car ended up in a lake, it was fully rebuilt by Edo Competition and now produces some 950hp.

Liberty Walk Ferrari 488 GTB

To butcher a brand new Italian supercar takes real guts, but Japanese tuner Liberty Walk is perfectly comfortable doing so. In recent years, it has tackled Lamborghinis, Maseratis and Ferraris without fear.

The process is relatively simple. Slam the car into the ground using custom air suspension, add huge wheels, and then wrap it all in an ultra-wide bodykit. It’s exactly what Liberty Walk has done with this 488 GTB, and explains why the firm has developed a cult following.

Rauh-Welt Begriff Porsche 993 Catalina

It’s impossible to talk about cult followings without discussing Japanese firm RWB. Translated as ‘Rough World Concept’ every RWB car is hand-finished by founder Akira Nakai, who travels the world to work on each individual Porsche project.

Mayday Garage in Houston Texas owns this particular Porsche 993, and displayed it at the 2013 SEMA aftermarket show. The 993 bodykit is the most extreme of all the RWB creations, featuring wheels up to 12 inches wide at the rear.

Gemballa Avalanche

Responsible for endowing Porsche 911s with Ferrari Testarossa-esque side strakes during the 1980s, Gemballa could count rapper Vanilla Ice as a satisfied customer. He even name-checked the German firm on his 1995 single ‘Get Loose’.

Gemballa folded in 2010 due to the death of founder Uwe Gemballa, but was reformed as a new company. Today it’s back to tuning Porsches, along with McLarens.

Based on the 911 Turbo, this 2017 Avalanche has 820hp, 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust tailpipes exiting through the rear bumper. No news on whether Robert Van Winkle has placed a deposit for one.

TechArt Carrera GT

Unsurprisingly, TechArt is based in Germany, and is devoted to the tuning and modification of all things Porsche. Its products have won numerous tuner competitions, and also set lap records at various circuits.

Despite being intimidating in standard form, TechArt felt even the Carrera GT hypercar could use some enhancement. Subtle bodywork changes aim to improve aerodynamic efficiency, while the metallic orange paint is obviously less understated. A revised exhaust and air intake unleash an additional 23hp.

TechArt 911 GT2 GTstreet RS

Confident in having tamed the Carrera GT, TechArt moved on to the car known as the ‘Widowmaker’, due to the ease with which it bites inexperienced drivers. Perhaps the last thing the Porsche 911 GT2 RS needed was more power, but that’s what TechArt served up.

The turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine gains an extra 100hp, pushing total output to 720hp, with torque swelling to 664lb ft. TechArt also added a deeper front bumper, plus a rear wing which looks to have been stolen from a 911 race car, but generates much-needed downforce.

Ruf CTR

Founded in 1939, Ruf began producing cars based on Porsche chassis in the late 1970s. The original CTR ‘Yellow Bird’, introduced in 1987, is Ruf’s most famous creation, and once labelled the fastest production car in the world.

This is a tribute to the 1987 car, but uses a carbon fiber monocoque chassis built from the ground up by Ruf. It also has inboard-mounted pushrod suspension and a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six producing 710hp – or about 240hp more than the original.

Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer – New York

Singer takes 964-generation Porsche 911s, then rebuilds them with retro carbon fiber bodywork, more powerful engines and modern features like xenon headlights. With the exception of the DLS featured earlier, each car is christened with the name of the owner’s home town. This is New York.

JE Motor Works Zulu 2

JE Engineering has been building and developing V8 engines since 1976, but has now turned its attention to the burgeoning modified Land Rover Defender market. The ‘JE Motor Works’ brand follows a similar pattern to Singer, in reimagining an already iconic vehicle.

The main attraction for the Zulu 2 is the 475hp supercharged 4.7-liter V8 engine, powering all four wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. Zero to 60mph in less than 5.5 seconds, and a top speed of over 120mph, are figures you wouldn’t typically associate with a Defender. But then neither is a price tag well in excess of $200,000.

Kahn Flying Huntsman 6x6

Based in Bradford, Kahn Design began by creating alloy wheels, before moving into the world of bespoke vehicles.

Called the ‘true definition of luxury’, the Flying Huntsman started life as a Land Rover Defender before extensive modifications. These include replacing the diesel engine with a 500hp 6.2-liter V8. Oh, and adding an extra rear axle for six-wheel drive. A plush leather and tweed interior is also part of the deal.

Kahn Vengeance

Not content with just modifying cars, company owner and designer Afzal Kahn set out to create his dream car, using the Aston Martin DB9 as a starting point.

The result is something that looks remarkably like the original Aston Martin Vanquish in profile, albeit with a set of wheels taken from a 1980’s Group B rally car. The front features a distinctive aluminium grille, while the rear uses LED lights intended to look like a roulette wheel. The 6.0-liter V12 from the DB9 remains unchanged. Just five cars were planned, costing a cool $500,000 each.

Overfinch Supersport

Leeds-based Overfinch began modifying Range Rovers in 1975, but found its high during the 1980s and 1990s by using small-block Chevrolet V8 engines. Forced into administration by the global recession in 2010, the company is back in rude health today.

This is the Overfinch Supersport, based upon the Range Rover Sport SVR. With a carbon fiber bodykit designed by Prodrive, lightweight wheels and a titanium exhaust, Overfinch claims to have saved 83lb in weight over the normal car. It’s still pretty heavy…

Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe

Calling Alpina a modifier is a little unfair. The German company is recognised as a manufacturer in its own right, and its cars are produced in the same factory as regular BMW offerings.

Marketed as an alternative to the BMW M6, but based upon the 650i, the Alpina B6 used a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with power increased to 600hp, plus 590lb ft of torque. The result is 0-60mph in under 3.6 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 200mph. That last figure is important, as BMW’s own M6 is limited to ‘just’ 189mph, even with an optional performance pack.

Impul Nissan Leaf

Having competed in Formula 1, raced at Le Mans, and won his class at the Bathurst 1000, it isn’t surprising that Kazuyoshi Hoshino was once called the ‘fastest man in Japan’. After retiring from racing, he founded Impul to modify Nissans – the brand he had been a factory driver for.

Covering the full spectrum of Nissan models, Impul didn’t leave out the battery-powered Leaf EV. A comprehensive styling kit is offered, including an Impul logo for the charging port cover and a set of 19-inch wheels. Performance is left alone, suggesting tuners are yet to tackle the challenge of electric motors.