German Car Scene

Month: July 2011

  • evo: Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante Vs Extra EA-300LP plane


    Here’s a video from evo magazine, that looks more like the brainchild of top Gear, but it’s still worth a look. Featuring Lamborghini’s exquisite LP570-4 Spyder Performante and an Extra EA-300LP aerobatic plane, evo’s Roger Green finds out which is ‘quicker’ around a lap of the Bedford Autodrome. Click the image to watch the video.

  • Mercedes-Benz reveals its future of multimedia


    Mercedes-Benz has always been known for being at the forefront of technology. As far back as 1993, it’s S-Class featured a Communication and Navigation System (CNS), with goodies such as voice control appearing a little later, followed by the first 16:9 colour screen – almost ten years ago.

    At the recent TecTalk, Mercedes-Benz gave an indication of the type of kit that will feature in its cars. For a start, new apps for the Facebook, for Google Streetview and Google Panoramio will be available for its COMAND Online multimedia system from this Autumn, with more in the pipeline.

    Future systems will see the introduction of three-dimensional display screens, and voice control operating most functions – including voice browsing, allowing the driver to dictate text messages and emails, and even asking specific questions, such as “What’s the weather like in London?”

    Even today, it’s possible to download a planned route via Google Maps, and transmit that to your car, but in future, a car owner will be able to choose which content or apps they want to be running on-board, from anywhere in the world, thanks to an app on their smartphone.

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz]

  • Autocar drives the Škoda Fabia Super 2000 rally car


    Here’s a great video featuring Autocar’s Steve Sutcliffe as he threads his way through Goodwood’s tight and twisty rally track in this 265 bhp, Škoda Fabia Super 2000 rally car. (more…)

  • Eisenmann sport exhaust for the BMW 1 Series M Coupé


    Stuttgart-based exhaust specialist Eisenmann Gmbh has just announced a complete replacement sport system for the BMW 1 Series M Coupé.

    Consisting of a middle silencer and rear muffler, the whole system is constructed from stainless steel, and culminates in quad 83 mm tailpipes which give off a sportier tone from the Baby M’s twin-turbocharged six-cylinder. More importantly, there’s also a 10 bhp increase in power.

    Eisenmann will be débuting the exhaust at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. The middle section is priced at € 535.50, while the the rear muffler will set you back € 1309.

    [Source: Eisenmann Sportauspuff]

    (more…)

  • smart announces fortwo pearlgrey model


    smart has announced yet another new special model, the fortwo pearlgrey. Available in coupé and a cabriolet form, the pearlgrey is finished in exclusive graphite metallic paintwork and wears alloy wheels in a ‘triple v’ spoke design. Inside, standard equipment includes crystal grey leather and fabric-trimmed seats, with imitation leather on the knee pads and door cards. Other components, including vents, clock binnacles and door handles are finished in matt silver.

    Being based on the passion equipment line means the pearlgrey enjoys a transparent panoramic roof, electric windows and air conditioning with automatic temperature control as standard. Optional extras include heated seats, surround sound and a navigation/multimedia audio system.

    [Source: smart]

    (more…)

  • MTM builds 500 hp Audi A1 Nardo Edition


    Known for bringing crazy Audis to Auto Motor und Sport’s High-Speed Test event at Nardo in Italy – including its 1020 hp, 390.6 kph (242 mph) twin-engined Bimoto TT, MTM is at it again. But this time it’s Ingolstadt’s baby A1 that’s had a rocket put up its backside.

    Rather than tuning an engine from the current A1 range, MTM went big from the start, implanting the 335 hp 2.5L TFSI unit from the TT RS, before turning up the wick to produce a jaw-dropping 500 hp.

    As you’d expect, the result is a lively-performing A1, that showed some serious machines a clean pair of heels at Nardo. How does 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 324 Km/h (201 mph) sound? And that’s in a FWD car – albeit it with the complete front axle from the TT RS (hence the wider track and slightly flared arches). For an almost direct comparison, Audi’s A1 clubsport quattro propels to 100 km/h (62 MPH) in 3.7 seconds.

    But, unlike the clubsport quattro, if you removed those aerodynamic wheel covers and decals you could have a real supercar slayer on your hands. We love it.

    [Source: MTM]

    (more…)