Russia's TopCar Releases New Photos of Custom Porsche Panamera Stingray

We first told you about TopCar's performance program for the new Porsche Panamera way back in December 2008 when the Russian tuning house released an initial set of teaser sketches. Now, TopCar has published the first photos (though, keep in mind that the pics may be photoshoped) of its customized Porsche Panamera that is believed to make its first public outing at the forthcoming Essen Tuning show in Germany towards the end of November.

The tuning firm did not accompany the images with a press release, but from what we gather, the Panamera seen here is equipped with the basic bodykit dubbed 'Stingray' which has been designed by another Russian company called Cardi.

The carbon-fiber aerodynamics package includes redesigned front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a fixed rear wing and a new bonnet with air vents. The kit is rounded off by a new set of beefier alloy wheels.

According to a previous release, TopCar is also working on an even more aggressive bodykit that essentially replaces every external body panel of the Panamera aside from the rooftop.

It is also said that the Russians have joined forces with famed Porsche tuner 9ff which will handle all the performance upgrades as well as the production of both bodykits.

Russian Nightmare: Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 Tuning Gone Bad

After looking at these photos, we've reached to the conclusion that we've been extremely harsh on ASMA. Don't get us wrong, we still find the German tuner's proposals hideous, but few will disagree that there's a new king in town. Even though there's a badge with the name 'Arturos' at the rear, we're not sure who's responsible for this freakishly modded Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 that was apparently photographed somewhere in Russia.

The Merc's front and rear ends have been completely deformed with the grotesque creation featuring an ASMA inspired front grille flanked by a pair of CLK-style headlamps while at the back, Dr. Frankenstein incorporated a set of... SLK tail lamps. The vehicle also gets a variety of air vents on the hood and the front panels plus a triple exhaust pipes on each side of the bumper.

Via: English Russia

VIDEO: Shocking Accident in Russia, Rally Car Runs Over Cameramen

How many times have we seen spectators and professionals alike being hurt or even killed at rallies simply because they were standing in a prohibited area? The answer is more times than we can remember. In this incident that occurred in Russia, two foolish -and that's an understatement- cameramen provoked their fate by trying to capture the moment at a man-made overpass.

The result? The driver of a Nissan Patrol rally truck lost control of the vehicle hitting one cameraman and running over the other one. We had to watch the video several times to believe it, but amazingly, both men actually got up all by themselves - at least that part of the brain works. Even though we can't say if they suffered any injuries or not, they should consider themselves lucky just for being alive.

As for the driver in the Nissan, what can we say; dim-witted as the two men may be, they are still human beings and we cannot comprehend the fact that he didn't even stop for a moment to see if they were okay...

Thanks for the tip Chris!