Dutch Man Builds Alfa Romeo GTV Bi-Motore with Two V6 Engines and 487HP [with Videos]

“What do you do when the power of an engine is no longer sufficient?” asks Stephan Lenior, the man behind Squadra Tuning, on his company’s website. While the solution for the majority would have been a heavily modified or perhaps a completely different engine altogether, for the owner of the Alfa Romeo tuning company based in Holland, the answer to that question was far more radical and complex.

To make a very long story short, Stephan’s solution to u the performance of his Alfa Romeo GTV V6 involved the fitment of a second six-cylinder engine at the back. Easier said than done of course, with the project turning out to be a rather complicated and time-consuming process.

Stephan documented the entire build on his company’s website and if our Google’s translation is correct (any help from our Dutch speaking readers would be appreciated, especially on the matter of the transmission), Stephan took a 3.2-liter V6 along with the sub frame and suspension bits from an Alfa Romeo 166 and placed them in the rear section of the Italian coupe. Together with the GTV’s front-mounted 3.0-liter V6, the two engines produce a combined output of 487-horsepower.

We are not entirely sure on this one, but it appears that the GTV is equipped with two 5-speed gearboxes, both sourced from a Lancia Kappa 2.4 JTD, and controlled by a single gear shifter.

The car also features a set of front disc brakes from the 166 mounted at the back, while the builder tried to compensate for the increased weight of the second powertrain by replacing certain components such as the powered seats and standard alloys with lighter equivalents, and removing unnecessary amenities like the air-condition and sound insulation.

Surprisingly, Stephan kept the GTV’s exterior look stock with the only telling feature about the build being the air vents on the boot.

The owner claims that the Alfa Romeo GTV Bi-Motore can accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in about 4.5 seconds and to 200km/h (124mph) in approximately 14 seconds, while theoretically topping out at around 290km/h (180mph), though for obvious reasons, Stephan has not yet tried to push the car -and his luck- to the limit.

Source: Squada-Tuning , Videos: Youtube

Specifications [Translated from Dutch]:

Engines: 1 x 3.0 24v, 3.2 24v x 1 Total: 6138 cc, 487 hp @ 6200 rpm, 577 Nm @ 5000 RPM
Gearboxes: 2 x 5-gears Lancia Kappa 2.4 JTD.
Front suspension: Koni yellow with Novitec GTV springs. Torsion rod GTV
Suspension rear: Alfa 166 with Koni yellow on height and size. Torsion bar 166 3.0
ABS brakes with original working
Brakes front: 330 mm original GTA Upgrade
Rear Brakes 278 mm original Alfa 166 2.4 JTD equipped with adjustable maximum brake pressure
Hydraulic handbrake.
Wheels and tires: OZ Ultraleggera with Pirelli PZero Nero 225/45 ZR 17 94W.
Fuel tank 90 liters, 2 fuel pumps
Exhaust system: exhaust system with 2 times EPS catalyst, oxygen sensor 4 times.
Curb mass: 1680 kg (with half full fuel tank)
Performance: top speed probably between 290 and 300 km / h in fifth gear at 6500 RPM 292 km / hour.
Acceleration 0-100 + / - 4.5 sec. 0-200: + / - 14.0 sec

VIDEOS

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It Came from eBay Hell: Toyota Celica-Based Ferrari F430 Replica

There are probably more Pontiac Fiero-based imitations in the world than real Ferraris. Today, though, we have something a little different. No, it is not a Pontiac Fiero-based Lamborghini Miura (we have already had one of them), it is a Toyota Celica that has been transformed into a passable F430 replica.

Did I say passable? Well, only just. From the front, it looks okay, with the hood, headlights and A-pillar being sufficiently F430-like. As you move back, however, it all starts to unwind. The awkward side window treatment, slab-sided rear flanks and the shape of the rear windscreen just seem wrong. Though you can’t expect much from trying to transform a front-engined, front wheel drive Japanese coupe in a mid engine, rear wheel drive Italian exotic.

Things only get worse inside; the interior is essentially stock seventh-gen Celica with stick on parts that are supposed to give the impression of a Ferrari interior. Suffice to say, it does not work. The seller is asking US$45,000 for a car that nominally pulls around $7,500 on the used market, a frankly ridiculous price. You can check out our gallery (if you dare) and leave your bit in the comments section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: eBay

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How Not To Customize: New Hampshire’s Subaru Impreza WRX STi Cabriolet

There was a special guest at Manchester Subaru in New Hampshire last week, and it wasn’t some B-list celebrity slumming it for a free car. No sir, it was a one of a kind 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STi convertible. You read that correctly, and we have the gallery to back it up.

And all I can say is wow. Remember when the boys over at Top Gear UK converted an old Renault Espace into a convertible? This is like that, but better. It’s somewhere between the ASC Helios (nee Chrysler 300C) and the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet in the, “so crazy it’s just might be cool” category.

I don’t know what’s better: that ‘80s style convertible row bar or the whopping big spoiler on the back. It’s the car you never knew you wanted! We don’t have any information on who built it or why; just this neat-o image gallery to sate your WRX STi convertible craving ways.

Check it out, and don’t forget to leave your bit in the comments section below!

Hat tip to Pauly!

By Tristan Hankins

Source: ManchesterSubaru

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Mansory Strikes Again, this Time with BMW 7-Series F01 Tune

While we were looking into Mansory's Geneva Motor Show world premieres, the tuning house's Swiss subsidiary came out with a set of photos announcing its upcoming program for the latest BMW 7-Series.

Mansory Switzerland is keeping all details under wraps for now, so we can only tell you about the styling treatment which includes a new front bumper with massive air vents that incorporates vertical LED daytime lights and carbon fiber spoilers, and an alternative version of BMW's trademark kidney grille with horizontal instead of vertical bars also made out of carbon fiber.

At the back, there's a new bumper with a rear diffuser and horizontal quad tail pipes plus discrete boot lid and roof spoilers. The new alloy wheels complete the exterior look, while Mansory has also fiddled around with the BMW's interior.

We'll check back and update this post as soon as Mansory Switzerland comes out with full details.

Source: Mansory via Autoblog.nl

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Mansory Trades Four Wheels For Two With The Zapico Custom

Mansory is one of those companies that tread that fine line between tasteful and tacky. More off than not it’s the latter, though Mansory’s customised luxury and high performance vehicles have a certain pizzazz that’s rare to find in complete aftermarket customisation these days.

If you thought the German customizer was limited to tuning cars, think again. The 2011 Mansory Zapico Custom is not only a motorcycle, but a motorcycle with a difference. Developed as a special one-off for customer Thomas M. George (um, presumably not former Michigan Senator Thomas M. George), the Zapico Custom features a 160 hp, 2.0L V2 that can propel this monster from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in a quick 3.3 seconds.

With carbon fibre, custom leather and more stainless steel than Emeril’s kitchen, the Zapico Custom is a true wonder to behold. You can check out the full gallery below or leave your piece in the comments section.

By Tristan Hankins

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