from KW Press Release) KW teaches the Challenger how to take bends

-- Running gear manufacturer KW refines the Dodge Challenger
-- Coilover Variant 1 inox line with stainless steel casing
-- Forged wheels HRE 995R in 10x22 and 11x22 inches
-- Gull-wing doors with LSD-hinges

Fichtenberg – Only a few are left. The changed spirit of time and the crisis of the American car manufacturers diminish the number of classical muscle cars. The Dodge Challenger belongs to this minority. With its brawny shapes, the edged radiator grill and an engine with an enormous cubic capacity, the car is a real American. But this also applies for its road holding. The running gear specialist KW helps to improve the weaknesses in taking bends. With high-quality components, KW makes the Challenger unique and at the same time preserves the character of the American.

425 hp (313 kW) – that is the power behind the 6.1-litre SRT HEMI V8-engine. Thus, the road cruiser has enough propulsion. Therefore, KW has not concentrated on the engine performance apart from fitting a K&N sport air filter and a completely new exhaust system. But when it comes to its road holding characteristics in bends, KW has performed many changes. The running gear specialist from Fichtenberg in Germany fits its running gear Variant 1 in the stainless steel version inox line. The factory-made damping is optimally adjusted to the Challenger SRT8 and renders the perfect balance between sporty and tense adjustment and enough remaining comfort. The running gear is approved by the Technical Control Board and is equipped with an operating license and offers a lowering area from 10 to 50 millimetres on both axles. The stainless steel casing guarantees that the components inside remain continuously flexible even when they are strained more in winter.

In order to make the ideal use out of the new running gear and its perfected road holding, KW co-operated with the high-class manufactory HRE Wheels. The manufacturer equips the Challenger with forged light-alloy wheels HRE 995R in brushed aluminium which shine in a satin black rim well. With their three-part construction, the wheels not only impress with their striking appearance, but also with their premium manufacture. They are available in the dimensions 10x22 inches at the front- and 11x22 inches at the back axle. The applied high-performance wheels Dunlop SP Sport Maxx in 265/35 ZR 22 at the front and 295/30 ZR 22 at the back render the best possible grip.

The exhaust system by Magnaflow renders the right sound for the sporty appearance. The 18-inch prime pipe branches into a two-pipe system and powerfully roars at the back with four polished 3.5-inch end pipes.

But running gear, wheels and sound were not enough for kW. Therefore, the doors of the refined Dodge Challenger can be opened upwards thanks to LSD-hinges. The adjustable Guided Roller System (GRS) renders safety and precision when opening and closing the doors. Moreover, the LSD-hinges have proved in side crash tests that they offer the same safety as the original doors. The gull-wing doors add the finishing touches to the American car and complete the unique refinement.



It was not an easy task for KW to remodel the Dodge Challenger. The aim was to perfect a classic car of the American Way of Life without reducing the myth of the muscle car. This balance has been perfectly accomplished by the running gear manufacturer.

For more information about the wide variety of products by KW automotive GmbH including running gear springs, dampers, sport running gears, coilovers as well as application lists, please visit the web site www.KWsuspensions.com

Car designed by Marcello Felipe Maggioni - student of the course Design of Mobility - Transportation Design, from Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP - São Paulo, Brazil). With the primary objective of homage the car that inspired the study and pursue his career in car design, propose the stylization of Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo 1987.

Even adjusting the current and future lines of the Renault´s brand, maintained the consistency with the original characteristics of the vehicle, as its traditional and significant volume of sports car, with its central rear engine and the large front flashlights near the ground.

In this new proposal, the distributions of the xenon headlamps of the front flashlights remind the tradition of the Alpine´s brand, where in the 60´s, the "Alpines of Rally" had four headlamps, two originals and two assistants near the center of the car.

However, this project has brought new features, such as the front air introductions, above the headlights, and subtle and smooth rear air entry straight to the engine, located in Column C. It is also relevant the application of leds on front and rear flashlights, with three-dimensional leds, which aim to reflect the light in the rear of the vehicle, supported by carbon fiber rod.

Its engine is the R-27 of the Renault F1 team, but adapted to the streets. Its receptacle is treated as a jewel box, where the engine is apparent, being protected by carbon fibers pieces set. A great transparent glass and a large logo of Renault warn everyone that this car has the same DNA of Renault from race tracks.

FAB-Design SLR Desire





FAB-Design SLR "Desire"

With the SLR "Desire", FAB Design has once more demonstrated its competence in the field of high-end luxury car customisation.

From the FAB Design high-performance engine which generates an unbelievable performance of 750hp and a maximum torque of 1,080Nm to the perfectly designed FAB Design interior - nearly any relevant part of the Mercedes super sports car has been customised and brought to perfection with the highest level of technical expertise by the FAB Design specialists.

The FAB Design body which has been redesigned by the Swiss specialist for this very exquisite masterpiece is made of ultra sturdy but extremely light and precious carbon which is produced in an autoclave - as is the case in aerospace industry and in Formula 1 - and in accordance with highest quality standards. At several exposed spots, the material is even visible since it has been clear-varnished in order to set spectacular accents.

Apart from the front and rear fenders, it also comprises new and exclusive FAB Design side skirts with special recesses for the FAB Design high-performance sports exhaust system whose pipes come out on the vehicle's sides as is the case with the standard SLR.

The completely redesigned motor sports front apron as well as the reshaped bonnet which is adapted to the style of the new front side and to the wider fenders are further exclusive FAB Design highlights.
Even though, compared to the standard SLR, the vehicle has gained considerably in width, once again, the FAB Design specialists have succeeded in creating an absolutely harmonious silhouette.
This is the reason why the FAB Design specialists had the idea of creating something very special for the vehicle's rear end.

The rear panel, completely redesigned by FAB Design, frames a huge diffuser which reduces the lift force. At the same time, the optionally available FAB Design rear wing spoiler increases the downforce at the rear axle without affecting the functionality of the brake assist inside the rear lid.
The result is a considerable improvement of driving dynamics and, thus, also of the driving safety at high and peak speeds which the FAB- Design "Desire" will reach in the twinkling of an eye thanks to its enormous engine performance.

The FAB Design specialists have achieved a further significant improvement of driving characteristics by installing their special sports suspension and by equipping the vehicle with huge forged FAB Design 20" wheels which are provided with special high-performance 265/30 ZR 20 and 325/25 ZR 20 tyres by technology partner Michelin.

In the fist place, the interior equipment impresses with the way it harmonises with the vehicle's colour. The interior is completely composed of black FAB DESIGN leather. The specially developed red FAB Design croco-style leather sets additional stylish accents. The FAB Design interior emphasises the appearance of the "Desire" with race character and elegance.

In order to make sure that the FAB Design "Desire" will not be taken for a toothless tiger, the FAB Design specialists have focussed all their expertise and experience on the super sports car's powertrain.

Thanks to extensive modifications of the engine periphery and of the hard and software, the FAB Design high-performance powertrain now generates 750hp instead of the standard SLR's 626hp. The maximum torque has been increased from 780Nm to 1,080Nm.

The result of all those efforts: The FAB Design "Desire" reaches a regulated top speed of 310 km/h and passes the 100 km/h mark in 3.6 seconds.

This breathtaking demonstration of engine force is, of course, rounded off by the infernal sound of the FAB Design high-performance sports exhaust system's total number of six tailpipes.

With the SLR "Desire", FAB Design has made another impressive statement of its special class in the field of high-end luxury car customisation.

Unfortunately, FAB Design has limited the number of vehicles strictly to 15, and, although it was shown in Geneva only, the whole production is already sold out.