German Car Scene

Month: July 2011

  • BMW X6-BASED LUMMA CLR X 650


    Winterlingen tuner, Lumma Design has been tweaking BMW’s Sport Activity Coupé – the X6, to create the CLR X 650. Not known for their subtlety, LUMMA definitely isn’t shy when it comes to transforming the looks of a vehicle, and this model is no exception.

    The kit centres around a new pair of bumpers featuring large vents, the front wears double LED daytime running lights, and the rear is dominated by a striking diffuser which frames the quadruple X6 M-style tailpipes. A wide arch kit combined with sill extensions helps to contain those colossal 22-inch LUMMA Racing CLR wheels. Other components, including the headlamp eyebrows, mirror casings, rear hatch spoiler and bonnet are all manufactured from carbon.

    Compared to the car’s exterior; engine tuning is relatively tame, with LUMMA giving the BMW X6 xDrive40d’s diesel unit a moderate 34 hp hike to 340 hp, while the addition of a power module helps to sharpen up this meaty SAC’s throttle response.

    Inside the cabin there are four separate sports seats, trimmed to match the rest of the interior – including the door panels, central console and dashboard – in white and carbon black leather. An aluminium pedal set, leather floor mats and sill trims featuring the company log, complete the program.

    [Source: LUMMA Design]

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  • PORSCHE’S 911 GT3 R HYBRID AT THE NURBURGRING


    Here’s a dramatic new video from Porsche, highlighting the company’s efforts at this year’s Nürburgring 24 hour race, with the superb 911 GT3 R Hybrid. The GT3 R Hybrid had initially shown great promise during the race – even leading for several hours, but a problematic flange forced recurring pit stops, meaning an disappointing 28th place was the best it could manage. Don’t you just hate problematic flanges? (more…)

  • KICHERER MERCEDES-BENZ CLS EDITION BLACK


    Following on from its reworking of the SLS AMG, Stockach tuning house Kicherer has just released images and information detailing its CLS program – the Edition Black.

    Based on the CLS 500, Kicherer takes its output from 402 to 470 hp and also fits its adjustable PowerConverter to the CLS, which eliminates the delay found in electronic accelerator pedals.

    Externally the body receives a matte vinyl wrap with elements – such as the grille, mirrors and rear bumper lip – all picked out in carbon. The look is completed thanks to those 20-inch hand-made KICHERER RS-1 wheels.

    [Source: Kicherer]

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  • FIFTH GEAR DRIVES THE PORSCHE CAYMAN R


    Here’s another segment from the latest Fifth Gear; BTCC veteran and self-proclaimed Porsche fan Jason Plato gets to grips with the Cayman R. Developing 330 bhp from its 3.4L flat six, the R hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5 seconds, but that time comes down to 4.7 seconds on cars fitted with the optional seven-speed PDK transmission and the Sport Chrono package. (more…)

  • FIFTH GEAR: LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP 570-4 SPYDER PERFORMANTE


    From tonight’s Fifth Gear, here’s the fantastic Tiff Needell putting Lamborghini’s Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante through its paces. Thanks to its 570 hp V10 powerplant, the open-topped Gallardo rockets to 62 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds and is also capable of just passing that magical 200 mph mark. (more…)

  • BMW 1 SERIES M COUPÉ BY KELLENERS SPORT


    Merzig-based Kelleners Sport has become the first tuner to offer a complete tuning package for BMW’s 1 Series M Coupé, creating the KS1-S. A 70 bhp power hike takes the Baby M’s output to 410 bhp, while the new adjustable coilover suspension helps to keep it planted to the road.

    Externally, there’s a front lip – for added down force, and the option of ‘Berlin’ or ‘Hamburg’ 20-inch alloy wheels – which we quite like. The stripes on the bonnet, roof and sills are overkill, and if those stainless steel grille inserts were designed to cheapen the look of the M Coupé and give it the appearance of a mediocre rapper’s Bentley – mission accomplished.

    Inside the car, occupants are treated to leather and Alcantara-finished seats, door panels and dashboard. The sports steering wheel is also trimmed in Alcantara, as is the hand brake boot and gear lever gaiter.

    [Source: Kelleners Sport]

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