German Car Scene

Month: September 2011

  • Find of the day: The last Porsche 959, with 349 miles on the clock


    Even though we may be fans of certain models, we rarely mention older-generation cars here. Our Twitter followers will be very familiar with the amount of photos, of cars from yesteryear, that we love to share with them. But, this is something special. Not only is it the holy grail for Porsche fans, the 959, but – it’s the last one to roll off the production line. (more…)

  • 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S revealed in Need For Speed The Run trailer


    Obviously, the makers of Need For Speed The Run hadn’t banked on Porsche’s 2012 991 Carrera S surfacing before this trailer came out, but it’s still pretty cool. We like the appearance of the company’s awesome 997 GT3 RS 4.0 in the promo too. Not sure a Carrera S would pass it so easily though… (more…)

  • Audi Sport customer racing taking orders for the TT RS


    After spending the last year testing and competing in the SP4T class of the VLN Endurance Championship, Audi is now offering the racing version of its Audi TT RS to customers. Developed jointly by quattro GmbH and Audi AG, the TT RS produces 279 kW (380 HP), which is transferred to the track via a six-speed sequential transmission – complete with flappy-paddle shifters.

    Highlights in its short life include a class victory at this year’s Nürburgring 24-hours – and even more impressively – returning for the 6-hour race in the VLN Endurance Championship and not only achieving the first pole position for a FWD car, but winning the rain-soaked race overall, beating an Audi R8 LMS…

    Net price is € 180,000.

    [Source: Audi Motorsport]

    (more…)

  • Automotive Rhythms looks at the 2012 BMW M5


    Last month, Automotive Rhythms’ Kimatni Rawlins headed over to Laguna Seca Raceway in California to quiz BMW’s Brian Watts about the company’s new F10 M5 model. Powered by a 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine, the 560 bhp super saloon hits 100 km/h [62 mph] in 4.4 seconds and 200 km/h [124 mph] in 13.0 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h [155 mph]. (more…)

  • Opel RAK e concept surfaces


    Opel/Vauxhall has just revealed its RAK e concept ahead of its Frankfurt début. Obviously a direct competitor to Audi’s urban concept, the RAK e Concept is also electric-powered two-seater vehicle, perfect for whizzing around the city.

    Details are pretty scarce at the moment, but Opel says it can definitely see the car making it to production, and appealing to those on a restricted budget. Also, with a 75 mph top speed and 60-mile range, Opel sees no reason why it couldn’t complete motorway journeys either.

    Certainly looks the part.

    [Source: Opel]

    (more…)

  • Golf BlueMotion scoops second Green Car of the Year award


    Volkswagen’s super-frugal Golf BlueMotion model has picked up its second successive What Car? Green Car of the Year award. The ceremony was held at London’s Battersea Power Station – also the home of the current EcoVelocity low-carbon auto show.

    The Golf BlueMotion features a braking energy recovery system, start/stop function, low-rolling-resistance tyres, a more aerodynamic body package. The 105 PS 1.6-litre TDI engine transmits its power via a special long-ratio manual gearbox, capable of returning 74.3 mpg and just 99 g/km of CO2.

    “The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion shows that it is still possible to be green by simply improving the technology that is already proven and available at the moment,” said What Car?’s Chas Hallett.

    [Source: Volkswagen]