Jeep Wrangler 2-door Tinted Window Kit on 2040-parts.com

Audi TT ultra quattro concept sheds 300kg & heads for Worthersee

The TT ultra quattro concept manages to tip the scales at 1111kg, 299kg less than the starting point – the TT S quattro – thanks to a new version of the TT’s aluminium space frame, carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels, carbon fibre for many body panels and some judicious use of magnesium. Other weight saving tricks include carbon ceramic brakes with aluminium calipers, titanium exhaust, cameras instead of heavy door mirror mechanisms, and carbon fibre and aluminium wheels. The weight saving extends to the interior of the TT ultra quattro concept too, with carbon fibre used for the door and centre console trims and glass-fibre reinforced plastic base for the seats which saves 22kh alone. But despite the weight savings Audi hasn’t made the TT ultra quattro concept a hair shirt outing with goodies like leather seats, AirCon and electric windows still on offer.

Filson outfits the AEV Brute

The AEV Brute, a Jeep Wrangler stretched and turned into a four-door pickup by American Expedition Vehicles, already has so much going for it that we could hardly imagine how it could be improved upon. AEV was already famous for offering a wide variety of off-roading equipment before the debut of the well-received Brute double-cab pickup, a bespoke truck in the spirit of the Jeep Gladiator and the Land Rover Defender 130. Filson The Filson version features the 6.4-liter V8 instead of the V6.

Ah, to be in Paris . . .

Well, I'm bummed. The Paris motor show press days are next week, and I'm not going. That's right; while my colleagues are cavorting in one of the world's great cities, I'll be here in the Paris of the Midwest, holding down the proverbial fort.