German Car Scene

Month: July 2011

  • Volkswagen Touareg claims record at the end of world’s longest highway


    Not content with dominating the legendary Dakar Rally, Volkswagen’s Touareg has tackled the world’s longest highway, demolishing the previous record – by over three days!

    The marathon trek, which marked the 75th Anniversary of the Pan-American Highway, began on July 2, with Rainer Zietlow – who has previously driven the Highway – in a Caddy Maxi EcoFuel, Carlos Fernandez and Marius Biela, setting off from the southern-most point of Argentina in their 225 hp Touareg TDI, driving in five-hour driving shifts – day and night. From there, they passed through a total of 14 countries, including Chile, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvadors and Canada. Almost 16,000 miles, 11 days, 17 hours and 22 minutes later, the crew’s epic journey had finally come to an end, in Deadhorse, Alaska.

    Not only was the record a cause for celebration, but Zietlow has also promised to donate 10 Euro cents for each kilometre that was covered by the Touareg, to two villages in Latin America managed by the charity organization Plan International.

    [Source: Volkswagen]

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  • Akrapovic creates titanium exhaust system for the Audi R8 V10


    Performance exhaust specialist, Akrapovic, has released details of its new titanium system for Audi’s R8 V10 Coupé and Spyder models. A direct replacement for the OEM item, the Akrapovic exhaust is a staggering 16 kg lighter and releases a further 11 hp and 16 nm of torque from the car’s 5.2 FSI powerplant.

    The system is finished off with carbon fibre exhaust tips and, from what we can gather, is available from dealers for $7100. There is an optional wireless kit that allows the driver to control the sound of the exhaust (for street or track) at a price of $550.

    [Source: Akrapovic]

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  • Auto Express takes a road trip in the Bentley Mulsanne


    Auto Express journalist, Mat Watson, recently took the 505 bhp Bentley Mulsanne on an epic road trip from the Bentley Drivers club in Banbury, Oxfordshire, to the small French town that shares its name. If that’s not special enough, Mat was joined on the journey by one of the brand’s true icons – a classic thirties 8.0-litre Saloon – owned by W.O. Bentley himself. (more…)

  • Official 2012 Porsche 911 teaser


    Porsche has just released this teaser video featuring hot weather testing of the all-new 2012 Porsche 911 in South Africa. Codenamed the 991, the new model will be making its official début at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. (more…)

  • Jay Leno drives the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport


    In the latest episode from Jay Leno’s Garage, the TV host gets his hands on Bugatti’s insane 1200 hp Veyron Super Sport. Boasting a top speed of 268 mph – thanks to its quad-turbo 8.0L W16 engine, it’s no wonder the Super Sport needs four fuel pumps and eleven radiators! (more…)

  • New interior ideas for the Audi Q3


    Known for offering a wide range of interior choices, Audi has carried on in the same vein with its new Q3 SUV model. Platinum or truffle beige inlays come as standard on the Q3, but the Colour and Trim Team have developed further options for owners wanting that little extra.

    The first is a dark brown larch wood inlay. Left largely in its natural state, the wood retains its structure, resulting in a slightly rough surface feel. “We want to give the exterior and the interior a strong aesthetic – its very own soul,” said team member Rosalie Schrader.

    For those not into wood, Audi has developed a new 3D aluminum mesh material. Constructed from brushed aluminium, stamped with a tiny honeycomb pattern; the mesh is then backed with a white holographic-surfaced material.

    The aluminium theme continues to many of the Q3’s controls, while the steering wheel and gear lever are finished in leather. The upholstery can be ordered in Fine Nappa and Milano leather – or as a combination of leather and Alcantara.

    Another nice option is the LED interior light package. These light-emitting diodes use virtually no power, but serve well to illuminate the Q3’s footwells, vanity mirrors, headlining and even provide a ring of guiding light around your cupholders. If you opt for the Bose surround sound system, the frames of your woofer/mid-range speakers will also be picked out in a similar fashion.

    [Source: Audi]

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