German Car Scene

Month: September 2011

  • speedART previews SP91-R program for 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S


    Rutesheim-based Porsche tuner, speedART, is the first company out of the blocks to offer a tuning program for the new 2012 Porsche 911 – even before its official début.

    The SP91-R Package, designed for the Carrera S model, includes a remap and exhaust, which takes output to 435 hp, adjustable sports suspension – suitable for circuit use, and lightweight modular LSC-FORGED wheels in 21-inch diameter.

    Visually, speedART adds an aerodynamic kit which consists of a bicolour lower front spoiler which features a black stripe that continues along the sides of the 911 within the new sill extensions. Around the back there’s a new rear wing and diffuser. Inside, speedART offers upholstery upgrades in leather and Alcantara.

    [Source: speedART]

  • Audi wheels out its A2 concept


    Audi has unveiled yet another concept ahead of this month’s motor show in Frankfurt, this time resurrecting the A2 name. But whereas the original model, which ended production in 2005, was powered by a range of combustion engines, this A2 concept is strictly electric.

    Measuring just 3.8 metres in length – the same as the last A2 – the concept makes the most of its interior space, and thanks to the ultra-slim plastic seat shells, there’s plenty of room for four people. The cockpit is highlighted by aluminium elements, while the floor is covered in a recycled, polyester-based material. The cabin can be drenched in natural light at the flick of a switch, as the driver can choose between the glass roof remaining dark – or totally transparent.

    For the lighting system, Audi is not only débuting its next-generation LED headlights – a package of light emitting diodes and microreflectors – which create a high resolution beam of light, with zero glare, but at the rear, there are intelligent tail lights. These units monitor visibility conditions before adjusting the illumination accordingly.

    Finally, and this is cool; the light from the rear fog lamps is produced by laser diodes, which are capable of shining a red triangle on the road as a warning to other motorists.
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  • New Porsche 911 trailers released


    Porsche has released a couple of new trailers promoting its 2012 911 model. Both videos take a nostalgic look at the iconic supercar; the first, A benchmark since 1963, is pretty self-explanatory, while the second one, Porsche identity, assures fans that, even though the 991 is 90 percent different from its predecessor, it hasn’t forgotten its traditional roots. Enjoy. (more…)

  • Motor Trend hot lap: BMW 1 Series M Coupe


    Every car in Motor Trend’s Best Driver’s Car competition was taken around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca by Randy Pobst. Here’s the next competitor, BMW’s 1 Series M Coupé. The Baby M is propelled by a 340 bhp a twin-turbocharged straight-six 3.0L unit and can hit 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. (more…)

  • Volkswagen reveals NILS electric concept vehicle


    Volkswagen has revealed a cool electric concept vehicle, by the name of NILS, just ahead of its Frankfurt début. Reminiscent of Audi’s 1+1 go-kart-like urban concept, the 3.04 metre long single seater model has a range of 65 km (40 miles) and a top speed of 130 km/h (80 mph), and Volkswagen sees it as the perfect commuter vehicle.

    Drive to the rear wheels comes from an electric motor with a modest 15 kW nominal power and short-term peak power of 25 kW, which is driven by a 5.3 kWh lithium-ion battery. The aluminiun-bodied NIL’s lightweight 460 kg design makes the most of that power, allowing a sub-eleven second 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time. The battery can be charged either via a regular 230-volt outlet in under two hours or at an electric vehicle charging station.

    [Source: Volkswagen]

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  • Audi RS 3 by ABT Sportsline


    Kempten-based VAG tuning specialist ABT Sportsline is the latest company to tune Audi’s speedy RS 3 Sportback. Already equipped with 340 hp, the RS 3 could never be described as sluggish, but thanks to the ABT POWER kit – an ECU remap and stainless steel performance exhaust system – 420 hp (309 kW) is achieved. If that doesn’t inspire you, there’s always Stage 2.

    The ABT POWER S conversion enjoys the benefit of ABT’s uprated turbocharger. This releases 470 hp (346 kW) and 630 Nm of torque (standard – 450 Nm), which is good enough for a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 4 seconds and a top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph).

    ABT sells a range of wheels for the RS 3, including the BR and CR design, but the ones on the car shown are 19-inch DR items.

    [Source: ABT Sportsline]

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