German Car Scene

Month: July 2011

  • Autocar verdict: Audi Q3


    The recently launched Audi Q3 is targeting the lifestyle/sports car segment, and faces competition from the likes of Range Rover and BMW – but it costs less than the X1 and considerably less than the Evoque. So, should you consider buying one? Autocar’s Matt Saunders finds out in this 90 second review. (more…)

  • Audi refreshes the A5 range


    Audi has freshened its A5 range up, slightly. The most notable external changes are to the car’s lights, while the grille and front bumper have also been tweaked, with the latter featuring featuring revised air inlets with flat fog lights, all adding to a new, more aggressive look. 17-inch alloys wheels come as standard, but other designs are available at a size up to 20-inch.

    Inside, there’s a new steering wheel – along with electromechanical power steering (new to the A5 family), control stalks and revised MMI system, while new trim options include Aluminium Trigon, walnut and natural fine grain ash. An almost completely new range of upholstery colours will be offered. A5 Sportback customers will also be offered the car in five-seater form.

    The A5’s engine range begins with a revised 168 bhp 1.8L TFSI petrol unit, which is not only 10 bhp up on its predecessor, but also 11% more efficient. Further up the food chain is a 211 bhp 2.0L TFSI, a supercharged 268bhp 3.0L TFSI V6. Diesel fans have the choice of a 175 bhp 2.0L TDI or a 3.0L TDI producing either 201 bhp or 242 bhp.

    Owners wanting a more raucous machine can opt for the S5. Now powered by a 333 bhp 3.0 TFSI, the S5 consumes 20% less fuel than its outgoing 4.2L V8 counterpart, and in coupé form accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155 mph).

    Engine start/stop is standard on all models.

    [Source: Audi]

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  • Singer announces partnership with Cosworth and the Aria Group


    OK, we know the Singer 911 isn’t exactly German, but allow us this, please? Singer Vehicle Design is well known for restoring and modifying existing Porsche models, but has also firmly established itself as the company to visit when you want a beautiful, bespoke 911 – and don’t necessarily have any cash flow problems.

    Today, the Californian-based, run by owner and classic car nut, Rob Dickinson, has announced that SVD is joining forces with two legendary manufacturers: the Aria Group and Cosworth.

    Those in the know will recognise the Aria Group as the guys to approach for high-quality concepts and prototypes built to Formula One standards. They will be responsible for creating those stunning carbon fibre bodies for Singer.

    Another company that doesn’t actually need an introduction is Cosworth. Depending on your age, the name of the company set up by Mike Costin and the late, great Keith Duckworth may conjure up Sierra and Escort Cosworths, or more recently the Subaru Impreza. Motorsport fans will be aware of its involvement in Superbikes, World Touring Cars and, of course – Formula One, where Cosworth’s number of victories is second only to Ferrari. With that type of pedigree on board, you can understand why the Singer 911’s pricing goes beyond $500,000.

    The three state-of-the-art air cooled units currently available, include a 300 hp Touring 3.6L, a 380 hp Sport 3.9L and a 425 hp 4.0L cup version. Plans are afoot to eventually offer these powerplants as aftermarket products under the “Singer Cosworth” brand.

    [Source: Singer]

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  • Supercharged Audi R8 V8 from O.CT Tuning


    Probably best known for its skills in the ECU-tweaking department, Austrian company O.CT Tuning has been working its magic on the V8-powered Audi R8, giving it power beyond that of the R8 GT.

    By adding its Roots type supercharger kit, along with a stainless steel exhaust and reprogrammed engine management, the O.CT R8 pushes out an impressive 565 hp and 560 Nm of torque. If you want to know how that figure portrays itself on the road, the ‘charged R8 is capable of hitting 250 km/h (155 mph) in just 24 seconds. That’s 9 seconds faster than a standard car.

    [Source: O.CT Tuning]

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  • Autocar drives the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé


    Jamie Corstorphine drives the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupé, for UK motoring magazine, Autocar. The model being reviewed is a diesel-burning 201bhp C250 CDI; capable of hitting a top speed of 149mph and 62 mph in 7.0 seconds, it’s not exactly a slouch, but it can also return 52.3 mpg – when driven sensibly, if that’s your bag… (more…)

  • BMW reveals London 2012 Performance Editions


    BMW has just announced a pair of special models, designed specifically to commemorate the company’s sponsorship of next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. Based on the 116i, 116d and 118d 1 Series hatchback and the 318i and 318d 3 Series saloon, the models come with some nice kit – at quite a saving.

    First up, there’s the 1 Series Performance Edition, which features an aero package, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, sports suspension, dark line rear light clusters and dark chrome 18-inch alloys and tailpipe. Inside the cabin, the sport theme continues with the seats and leather multi-function steering wheel.

    The 3 Series wears a near-identical package to the 1 Series, but with different style wheels. The pair also feature ‘2012’ Olympic emblems on their wings, and are available from today, in four colours; Titanium Silver, Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Bluewater.

    [Source: BMW]

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