German Car Scene

Month: June 2011

  • GRIP: GALLARDO SUPERLEGGERA LP 570-4 VS 911 GT3 RS


    Comedian and supercar nut Axel Stein picks a Gallardo Superleggera LP 570-4 to take on regular presenter Matthew Malmedie in his 911 GT3 RS, for German motoring show GRIP. The pair head over to northern Italy to see how the cars match up on a circuit before comparing them for practicality in everyday situations. (more…)

  • GRAND PRIX: BUTTON SNATCHES VICTORY IN CANADA


    After a what was easily one of the best Grand Prix races for years, Britain’s Jenson Button snatched victory from the jaws of Sebastian Vettel – on the last lap of the race. Despite six pit stops – including a drive-through penalty, Button cut his way through the field to pass the Red Bull driver on the final lap to win in Canada. Surprisingly, Vettel appeared to buckle under the pressure from the McLaren Mercedes driver, while his team-mate Mark Webber, held off the flying Mercedes GP of Michael Schumacher to claim the last step of the podium in Montreal.

    The rain-affected race had initially started, and ran its first five laps, under the safety car. By lap 7, Lewis Hamilton tried to squeeze past Button, but he was never going to make the gap; and the resulting collision meant damaged rear suspension and retirement was inevitable for the 2008 champion. (more…)

  • AUDI TAKES THE WIN AT LE MANS


    Even after shortening their odds of winning, due to two horrific accidents – resulting in the loss of both cars, Audi came good and took the overall win at this year’s 24 hours of Le Mans race. The #2 R18 TDI driven by André Lotterer secured Audi’s tenth title, finishing a mere 13.854 seconds ahead of Peugeot’s Simon Pagenaud.

    In just the first hour of the race, Alan McNish, in the #3 car, clipped a slower Ferrari on a right-hand bend just after the Dunlop Bridge. The crash was spectaular, seeing the car almost clearing a tyre barrier. Unbelievably McNish walked away, and was later given the all-clear by medical staff.

    During the seventh hour, team-mate Mike Rockenfeller ended up hitting an armco barrier after colliding with another Ferrari, but this time just after Mulsanne. Thankfully Rockenfeller was able to free himself from the #1 car, but was kept in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure.

    Well done to everyone involved!

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  • FIFTH GEAR: BMW 1 SERIES M COUPE


    If you missed last night’s Fifth Gear, here’s the brilliant Tiff Needell driving BMW’s new 1 Series M Coupe. The veteran racer travels to Inverness to see how the 340 bhp Baby M, which is capable of hitting 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and 200 km/h in 17.3 seconds, tackles Scotland’s roads. (more…)

  • BMW ANNOUNCES FROZEN BLACK EDITION M3 COUPÉ


    Following the Frozen Gray M3 Coupe, BMW USA has released another limited edition model based on the popular V8-engined beast. Wearing matte black paint and sitting on M3 GTS 19-inch wheels, it definitely looks the part, while inside all occupants are treated to Novillo Leather upholstery with red-contrast stitching.

    Power comes from the fantastic 414 HP 4.0 V8, which, when mated to the M Double Clutch Transmission means a 0-60mph time of just 4.5 seconds.

    Just twenty units will be produced, starting at $79,650.

    [Source: BMW]

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  • SEAT REVEALS ALHAMBRA 4WD


    If you’ve got a family, and occasionally venture onto slightly uneven surfaces, SEAT may have the solution to all your vehicular needs. The new Alhambra 4WD is powered by a 140 hp 2.0 TDI unit, which sends power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. As you’d expect, performance was never going to be Lamborghini-threatening, but with 60 mph appearing in a whisker over 11 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph, the 4WD MPV doesn’t embarrass itself.

    The Alhambra’s electronically controlled all-wheel drive is set up for optimum driving dynamics and works in conjunction with its ESP and ABS systems, making split-second adjustments on the move.

    [Source: SEAT]

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