MTM S8 Talladega R

MTM will present a remarkable 802hp MTM S8 Talladega R at the Geneva Motor Show. “The Geneva Motor Show is all about Springtime – if not in the meteorological sense, then certainly for the Automobile world”. For Roland Mayer, CEO of the Wettstetten-based MTM GmbH and master-mind of the development of the powerful models from this tuning house, the Geneva Salon is amongst the most important of its kind. He explains that, “After the winter lull, people are keen to flashes of spring sunlight and innovative ideas”.

Well-disguised in a camouflage design, but still strutting its stuff, is the MTM S8 Talladega R, a luxury limousine with a predisposition for breaking records. Following a typically intensive rework by MTM, the 4.0 twin-turbo 8-cylinder now develops 802 hp (590 kW) at 6,000 rpm. 945 Nm of torque – developed almost linearly between 2,250 and 5,500 rpm – is transmitted with explosive force to the road surface via quattro drive system. From rest to 100 km/h takes a mere 3.1 seconds, to 200 km/h in less than 10 seconds, and to 300 km/h in under 29 seconds with a top speed of 350 km/h.

The full-sized carbon-ceramic brakes lurking behind the 22″ Bimoto alloys, shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 265/30 ZR 22 tyres, offer commensurate retardation.

Other modifications include an aerodynamic package to improve high-speed stability and a tastefully upgraded interior. With an ex-works price of €124,000 for the standard S8, the Talladega S8 would probably cost around €200,000 depending on the extent of the modifications – and that would include fitting, warranty and taxes.

According to Walter Röhrl, “the handling is superb” – “throttle response is fantastic!” – “power delivery is both outstanding and developed evenly”.