Bikes and Cars: October 2011

MANSORY Cormeum: Carbon Crazy!!

Mansory’s Cormeum – Be Careful

Is Mansory going soft on us? The Germany-based customizer of high-end exotics has arrived in Geneva with its take on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It's called the Mansory Cormeum... and it's remarkable for not being eye-searingly ugly.
The Cormeum is certainly no beauty queen, but Mansory has produced some truly questionable designs in its history. Besides being more attractive than whe might have figured, the Cormeum is remarkable for having an extra 97 horsepower (for a total of 660 hp), and it weighs nearly 200 pounds less than a standard SLS. This is achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber body panels, and the added power comes from a new exhaust and engine map program. If 660 horsepower doesn't sound like enough, Mansory says it's working on an 800 hp version.

Only 15 examples of the gullwing Mansory Cormeum will be produced. If you're curious where the name comes from, Mansory founder and namesake Kourosh Mansory was inspired by the aria Vide Cor Meum. You've probably heard the music before, as it was written for the move Hannibal. All of which makes some sense, because some folks would rather eat a human being than be seen in a Mansory vehicle.

ABT Does the New VW Golf GTI VI: 260HP and 300HP Versions

You knew it was coming: ABT Sportline's take on the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI. Building on the basic GTI, the German firm's engineers first turned their motorsport-honed attention to the car's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that delivers 210HP in standard form. The craftspeople at ABT developed two performance kits for the new GTI, with the first adding the usual ECU and exhaust system upgrades that lift output to 260 horsepower.

In addition to these enhancements, the second kit adds a new turbocharger that helps boost power to 300HP allowing the car to accelerate from rest to 100km/h or 62mph in under 6.0 seconds. In comparison, the factory Golf GTI VI sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.

Helping to improve the GTI's handling is a set of lower, stiffer springs plus a high-performance brake system and newly designed 18- or 19-inch alloys wrapped in beefier rubber.

Helping to improve the GTI's handling is a set of lower, stiffer springs plus a high-performance brake system and newly designed 18- or 19-inch alloys wrapped in beefier rubber.

The German tuners also developed an appearance package for the GTI that takes the red pin stripe theme to a new level. The kit consists of a new grille, front bumper with LED daytime lights and a lip spoiler, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear diffuser that houses two pairs of diagonally positioned tail pipes.

And finally, the tuning folks at ABT upgraded the GTI's interior with red accents on the steering wheel, the instrument gauges the dashboard and the door trims.

ABT said that pricing for the comprehensive sport package for the new GTI will be announced at a later date.

Suzuki Sporty Swift S-CONCEPT

Suzuki, with a smidgen of vigor instilled by Volkswagen's investment and interest, brought its Swift S-CONCEPT to the 81st Geneva International Motor Show this year.

Building on its hot hatch heritage, Suzuki's Swift S-CONCEPT is the manufacturer's attempt to remind people that they're still around in the segment. Although this concept is based on the latest Swift (which debuted in Europe in 2010), the S-CONCEPT is lower and wider than its regular production counterparts. Scroll down for the specs.

Suzuki added just the right amount of sporty styling under that garish yellow, such as revised fascias, new lights, a large rear wing and fifteen-spoke 18's wrapped around beefy 225/45 R18 tires. Inside are sport buckets and seating for four accented by carbon fiber trim. Put together, these factors have created a neat little hot hatch that looks the part. No word on what's lurking under the concept model's hood - if there's anything, that is.

Designed to go up against cars like VW's Polo GTI and Ford's upcoming Fiesta ST, this sporty concept is a looker that should...should...be able to compete globally. Will we see it in the US? HA! Only if VW's all-powerful leaders decide that Suzuki belongs Stateside. Here's an idea, V-Dub: take on Scion.

By Phil Alex

"Technical data:
Length: 3,890 mm
Width: 1.755 mm
Height: 1,475 mm
Wheelbase: 2,430 mm
Engine: M16A (1.6 L)
Drive: Front wheel drive
Tires: 225/45R18
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Color: Lightning Yellow Pearl (Geneva 2011 Special Edition)"