Evolution:Evoluzione II

When K-1 Styling introduced its Evoluzione I styling kit a few years ago (March 2000 issue), we were mightily impressed. Here was an original exotic-car design based on a performance platform--the '82-92 F-body.

Impressive indeed because these chassis are available at bargain prices, and they are imminently tunable to any level of performance desired, and the innovative styling was exceptional; with a Euro-tuner attitude (K-1 is based in the Slovak Republic) and an effective camouflage for its humble origins.

Even the price was right, with kits starting in the sub-$8,000 range. So when we heard that K-1 had an updated Evoluzione II (Evo II) package and a new American distributor, we were anxious to find out more.

The good news is that the Evo II is not a major restyle, since we really liked the overall shape of the original. The most obvious change on the new model is the flip-up Lambo-style door package, developed from original F-body parts, that are standard on the GTE model (the otherwise identical GTS retains standard F-body door operation). The hood has sprouted an aggressive scoop, reminiscent of the Ferrari 550 Maranello, which allows for 2-inch taller engine packages. The hood has a bottom liner and uses metal latches for a more secure location.

At the lower corners of the front air dam are larger front-brake openings curved to stylistically integrate better with the radiator opening. Buyers can cover these with zinc-plated grilles or opt for fog lamp installations (both versions are included with the kit). The new non-functional twin roof scoops are perhaps an acquired taste, but if you don't like them you don't have to put them on. They can be put on both the hardtop and T-top models.

On the Evo I, the rear view mirrors were attractive but difficult to assemble and mount. You even had to cut your own mirrors! The Evo II has housings that simply encase the existing GM mirrors, giving them a new look without the hassle--you don't even have to remove them from the doors. They also sport integrated turn signals.

A subtle reshaping of the side air intakes reduces air turbulence at speed, and makes them look deeper and more dramatic as well. The door skins are now stronger and the original doors no longer require reinforcing with metal pads (as on the Evo I). The rear spoiler has a new mounting system with brackets that attach to the rear deck and provide more support. The spoiler is also subtly reshaped, and is now thinner and lighter than the previous model. Genuine Lamborghini Diablo 30th Anniversary taillight assemblies bring up the rear and are easily installed into pre-drilled holes.

Although there are some other minor appearance changes, many of the improvements were intended to make the Evo II easier to assemble and more sturdy than its predecessor. Making kits builder-friendly does not merit high priority with all kit manufacturers, but K-1 has improved the way the fender clips attach to the body and made many panels easier to align and install. Door sealing has been improved and the two-piece rear grill has been changed to a single-piece unit to make mounting easier. And subtle details such as dirt shields in the rear wheel wells show an attention to detail often overlooked in the industry.

It's a long way from Bratislava to these shores, and K-1 has lined up an experienced American distributor. Euro-Works Ltd. has been building some of the better Lambo clones in their Dayton, Ohio, digs for 20 years, and they were anxious to get a new product into their line. Euro-Works president Alan Schrager built the DuPont Guards Red example shown here, on a '91 Camaro RS he picked up at an auction (NOT the best place to buy a car, he relates-buy one you can drive first).

The Camaro running gear was left stock, and it took them just four weeks to finish it out including the trip to the paint shop. Schrager says the hood bolts onto the original mounts, as does the new front clip. The rear clip is glued and riveted over the existing bodywork. The rocker panels attach to the front and rear clip and rivet to the door sill. The door panels fit over the original doors and are glued in place. Schrager picked Compomotive rims (9x17 inches up front and 13.5x17 inches in back), shod with Pirelli P-Zeros, 245/45/17 in front and 335/35/17 in the rear.

The Evo ll body is 9-inches wider than a stock F-body and K-1 recommends Compomotive rear wheels specially built for them as they have a deep offset so that spacers aren't needed. Although the car shown retains stock suspension, K-1 recommends lowering with Bell Tech drop spindles in front and lowering springs in the rear for a more aggressive appearance. The hand-laid bodies are shipped in sandable primer and this one was painted by Robert Gutwein.

The interior came in for a lot of attention on this car. K-1 offers a custom interior kit that can be installed in any '82-92 Camaro or Firebird. It consists of a stylized dashboard with a one-piece center console featuring relocated A/C vents and slots for a stereo and TV system. Special door armrests and inner door panels complete the transformation from mild to wild.

Schrager had this interior kit flocked black by L.A. Seat in Dayton, and stuffed it with an Alpine stereo/CD player and a 5.5-inch color TV with DVD player. The stock instruments were retained, but with a white face kit from Third Generation Parts. The Tenzo Racing bucket seats are covered in black doeskin and a Grant steering wheel completes the trim. Schrager says a similar car can be built for around $20,000 plus the cost of the donor, or a turnkey can be ordered starting at $34,900.

The Evo II is a refreshing slice of the kit car pie. It has exotic looks and a European heritage allied to the performance and maintainability of tried-and-true American running gear. If the stock power train doesn't move your soul, bolt in a big-block crate motor and face down a few Vettes and Vipers--this car is that fast! Or equip it with a warm 350 and a set of tall gears for a sophisticated highway cruiser. Even with an anemic V-6, the Evo II would still be the envy of any school parking lot, but with insurance and gas bills that would make parents smile. The choice is yours...it's time for your F-body to evolve!