German Car Scene

Month: July 2011

  • BMW MOTORRAD REVEALS E-SCOOTER CONCEPT

    BMW Motorrad is following in the wheel prints of smart and MINI by producing its own e-scooter concept. Unlike the current crop of electrically-powered scooters this BMW concept can be used for much more than simply buzzing around town on. Thanks to its impressive output its performance is comparable to that of a 600 cc combustion-engined scooter, and high capacity battery allows a range of over 100 kilometres.

    In an effort to achieve better performance, the usual ‘hub motor with direct drive’ layout has been scrapped to make way for a larger unit located behind the battery casing. Drive is sent to a toothed pulley mounted at the swinging fork pivot – then onto the rear wheel via a roller chain.

    [Source: BMW]

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  • MOTORWEEK REVIEWS THE MINI COUNTRYMAN


    John Davis takes a look at the new MINI Countryman for long-running American car show, MotorWeek. Powered by a 122 hp 1.6L four-cylinder engine, the Cooper model hits 62 mph in 10.5 seconds, before topping out at 118 mph. (more…)

  • BMW X3 BY AC SCHNITZER


    Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer has created a new package for BMW’s X3 model. Visually there’s a front and roof spoiler, a choice of alloy wheels between 18- and 22-inch diameter, and chromed “Racing” tailpipe trim, while inside there’s a new steering wheel, floor mats and a choice of aluminium gear knobs – including anodized silver/chrome or “Black Line”/chrome, or with one with a digital face that displays your gear selection.

    Performance-wise, the X3 xDrive20d is upgraded from to 184 to 218 HP, with a similar option being made available for the X3 xDrive30d later in the year. There’s a stainless steel sports exhaust available for the 2.8i and 3.5i models too.

    [Source: AC Schnitzer]

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  • BUGATTI UNVEILS VEYRON GRAND SPORT L’OR BLANC


    As we told you last week, production of the regular Bugatti Veyron 16.4 coupé has reached its 300 unit limit, but the Grand Sport lives on and will be rolling off the line in Molsheim for a little while yet. This latest unique example of the open-topped Veyron – the Bugatti L’Or Blanc – was created as a joint project with Königliche Porzellan-Manufatur Berlin (KPM); it features a painstaking two-tone exterior that mimics reflections on the car’s body, and has been treated to bespoke KPM porcelain inlays, covering such components as the centre wheel badges, fuel and oil filler caps, and that legendary “EB” badge on the rear.

    Inside you’ll find porcelain is used for the inlays on the sides of the centre console, and a panel (complete with elephant logo) behind the seats. Unusually, there’s a fine porcelain dish fitted to the top of the console, that can be removed and used as part of the Bugatti’s picnic set. Seriously.

    Interested parties will need €1.65 million burning a hole in their pocket if they want to own this real one-off.

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