German Car Scene

Month: July 2011

  • Depth of Speed: air cooled beauty


    Here’s another great Depth of Speed episode with Josh Clason. Air cooled fanatic Craig Johnson represents a long list of people who have carried on the legacy of several iconic vehicles from the German carmaker. The cinematography is stunning and, as fellow VW nuts, we agree with every word that Craig says. His split screen T1 Bus is amazing, and our only criticism is that there isn’t more of his ‘vert Bug – and that the film isn’t longer! (more…)

  • BMW M3 DTM Concept Car promo


    Following on from the recent unveiling of BMW’s M3 DTM concept Car, here’s the first official promo. Since 1992, there hasn’t been a BMW DTM car, but that will all change from 2012. This video takes a look at two of the drivers who’ll be piloting the cars – Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus – and also features some nostalgic footage of previous BMW DTM cars. It’s all about the E30 M3 for us, but the current machine really looks like it could be up to the job as well. Roll on 2012! (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz reveals 517 hp C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series


    Mercedes-Benz has released a Black Series version of its fantastic C 63 AMG Coupé. Producing an epic 517 hp from its 6.3L V8 unit, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the most powerful C-Class model ever created, capable of hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds.

    Looking like it’s just rolled off the racetrack, the Black Series wears wider wings (28 mm front, 42 mm rear – each side) to accommodate the car’s wider track, and larger 19-inch AMG light alloy wheels.

    The high-performing AMG coil-over sports suspension and braking system comes as standard equipment, but for owners wanting something a little more hardcore, there’s an AMG Track Package. This includes ‘sport’ tyres, active rear axle transmission cooling, and an AMG aero package consisting of flics, a front splitter and rear wing – constructed from carbon fibre – for extra downforce.

    The aggressive appearance that the Black Series brings to a model, lends itself well to the C-Class Coupé, highlighted not only by the extra width, but those sculpted arches and accompanying vented bumpers, especially the front item with that colossal front intake.

    Inside, it’s strictly business with a pair of AMG sports bucket seats, while the rear bench has been ditched as a weight-saving measure, although owners can specify an extra pair of bucket seats in the back as an option. Apart from those aluminium pedals, the only other component of importance is that AMG performance steering wheel finished in nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre complete with aluminium shift paddles.

    The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series will be making its world premiere during this weekend’s Formula 1 race at the Nürburgring, before hitting showrooms in January 2012. If you want one you’ll be needing €115,430.

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz]

    (more…)

  • RUF upgrades the CTR 3


    RUF has unveiled its third incarnation of the CTR 3 model. Where as its predecessors had their engines sitting in the rear of the car, the new CTR 3 has a mid-engined configuration, which, when combined with a slightly longer wheelbase, improves handling and high speed stability.

    Lurking beneath that kevlar-carbon composite body-shell, there’s a monster powerplant to match the CTR 3’s insane looks. A twin-turbocharged 3.8L flat-six develops 750 HP at 7,100 rpm and 708 ft/lbs at 4,000 rpm, which is enough to return a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 3.2 seconds, 0-200 km/h (125 mph) in 9.6 seconds, and – depending on gear ratios – a top speed of 380 km/h (236 mph).

    Weighing in at just 3,086 lbs, and with a power-to-weight ratio of only 4.4 lbs per HP, the CTR 3 needed some serious stopping power – and it received it. 380 mm cross drilled ceramic composite discs are gripped by 6-piston alloy calipers – all round. Bosch supplied a specially designed anti-lock system.

    [Source: RUF]

    (more…)

  • Motor Trend drives the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle


    Motor Trend’s Senior Editor Jonny Lieberman headed over to Berlin to give his driving impressions of the new 2012 Beetle. Due to arrive in showrooms this Autumn, the all-new Bug will have an MRSP starting price of $ 18,995 for the 170 hp 2.5L model. (more…)

  • Almost undisguised 2012 Porsche 911 spied


    Following on from Porsche’s own 2012 911 teaser, here’s another prototype that was spotted on the roads around the company’s Zuffenhausen factory in northern Stuttgart. (more…)