Euro Hot-Rod Video Compilation

Many Americans would have you believe that this is the birthplace of hotrods, and that we're still at the cutting edge of creating overly powerful cars for no reason. While there is some truth to this - I mean, Hennessey will sell you a twin-turbocharged Viper with 1200bhp, you can't write off the rest of the world for being a bit crazy about their cars.  I've put together this compilation of videos to show what I'm talking about.  Europe knows their way around a hot-rod, there's no doubt in my mind.

Let's start with some Volvos.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIzOHWyRWRs

Here's your typical 850 Turbo with a bit too much power to realistically put it all to the ground.  The highlight of this clip for me has to be him lighting up the tires from a roll on the highway.  That has got to be alarming.  I think the Volvo I5 sounds quite nice when it's had it's exhaust freed up a bit.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbHEPbS9ZeU

Another classic Volvo video.  This is a 760 Turbo will all sorts of modifications which add up to a rather absurd 530 horsepower and 700nM of torque.  I'd imagine he goes through tires on a weekly basis at that rate, yikes.  Sounds great, though.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86HWAni3wic

A truly badass BMW.  Started out life as an (E34) 1992 525i, now has a built 3.6L M5 block with a Precision PT88 Turbo.  Maximum power of 722bhp... and a trailer hitch!  Copious uncontrollable wheelspin.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkXJST4bExs

They un-ironically call this the "General Lee Audi."  It's an old 80 Quattro (4000 Quattro to the US) fitted with a turbo 20v (AAN) inline five making somewhere around 700 horsepower.  Watch it light up all four tires drifting on a closed course here, and enjoy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBkX8GS5FoY

Some more Audi action... this is a B7 Audi RS4 fitted with MTM's supercharger kit.  The standing-start acceleration here is most impressive.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRQqD07TM6E

A particularly awesome-sounding Saab 9-3 Viggen, tuned by Nordictuning, making around 450bhp.  They're not kidding when they say it's "traction limited."  Oh my goodness, wheelspin.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCXE27WAZLM

A Gross Display of Horsepower on the part of an original Audi (ur) S4.  The scrubbing, clicking sound you hear at low speed turns are the differentials locked.  Original S4's still had this neat carryover feature from the 5000 (wherein you can lock the rear and center differentials) along with defeatable ABS.  4WD donuts are the best, by the way.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xL0yFacPJk

Absolutely insane.  This is a Polish-built B5 S4 Avant drag car with a claimed 907bhp.  Oh, and it's launching hard in the middle of traffic.  Some people just have no common sense... but a MOST impressive launch, I must say.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFubR2zAb2k

ANOTHER awesome Audi, this time a highly modified 5000 Turbo Quattro with a Holset (Cummins Diesel) turbo, stand-alone management, and other modifications.  Wet autocrossing footage is quite amusing to behold.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBy8wCYCKQM

it's a shame about the cheesy music and generally obnoxious demeanor of the driver, because this is a wicked car.  It's a (3.2L) Alfa Romeo 147 GTA fitted with an upgraded AutoDelta 3.7L V6 of some 330bhp.  Very rapid, and it sounds absolutely amazing.  Not sure about the heavy-handed body kit, though.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84e4Cl5naZI

And now for something completely different...  How about a Smart Car with a Suzuki GSX-R superbike engine?  How embarassed would you be to get passed by this on a track?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4xrijxFvTU

So it's just a New Beetle, right?  Well, with a few bolt-on modifications... namely, an HPA 3.2L VR6 engine swap, Haldex all-wheel-drive, and twin ball-bearing turbochargers.  Whoa... that's one fast Beetle.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfAwoUcob6s

Another fast VW, this time a MkIII Jetta with a built 2.8L VR6, topped with a rather large GT40 turbocharger.  Another "traction-limited" vehicle.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YruSpYnYN0c

Heffner Performance Twin-Turbocharged Lamborghini Gallardo.  Nothing more needs to be said.  And that seems like a good enough note to end this particular post on!  I hope you enjoyed it.