German Car Scene

Month: September 2011

  • speedART PS9-300D Panamera Diesel


    Rutesheim-based Porsche tuner speedART has created a new program for the diesel-engined Panamera, labelled the PS9-300D.

    Thanks to the company’s power kit, consisting of a motronic update, sports exhaust and performance air filter, output from the Panamera’s 3.0 L V6 diesel unit jumps from 250 PS (184 kW/247 bhp) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque to 300 PS (221 kW/296 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft).

    Visually, the speedART aero package includes a front chin spoiler, headlight covers, bonnet vents, side skirts and rear air outlets – just below the tail lights. The front wing vents, mirror covers and ‘EVO’ rear wing are constructed from carbon fibre. Also at the rear is a new diffuser which frames those quad tailpipes. speedART offers a large range of alloy wheels, and recommends 22-inch diameter rollers.

    [Source: speedART]

    (more…)

  • Beneath the skin of Lamborghini’s Aventador


    Mark Vaughn, West Coast editor for AutoWeek, takes a good look at the bare bones of Lamborghini’s epic new Aventador LP700-4 model. That CFRP (carbon-fibre reinforced plastic) monocoque really is a work of art, and that V12 is epic. (more…)

  • Skoda reveals up!-based Citigo


    Skoda is making use of its VAG connections by stamping its mark on the newly-released up!, resulting in the Citigo.

    Hitting the Czech market in late 2011, then the rest of Europe from summer 2012 in three-door form, and later in the year as a five-door model, the Citigo will be powered by a new generation of three-cylinder 1.0 litre petrol units in 44 kw/60 hp and 55 kw/75 hp guise. At 171 km/h (106 mph), top speed isn’t great, but 4.2 l/km and 4.3 l/km isn’t too shabby.

    A great safety option for the Citigo is the “City Safe Drive” brake assistant system. Automatically active at speeds up to 18 mph, the system uses a laser sensor to detect potential collisions and can apply the brakes automatically – avoiding crashes.

    [Source: Skoda]

    (more…)

  • Jay Leno looks at the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster


    This new video from Mercedes-Benz sees TV host Jay Leno paying a visit to AMG in Stuttgart to see the new SLS AMG Roadster, and heading straight to the AMG test track – after asking David Coulthard for a few pointers. He then helps out in the engine-building department, assembling that glorious 563 hp V8 unit. (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL attends Stuttgart’s Post Expo


    The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL will be attending Stuttgart’s first Post Expo from today, with potential customers being offered road tests in the zero-emissions van.

    Capable of transporting a maximum load of 900 kg, the Vito E-CELL has a 36 kWh lithium-ion battery system, mounted in a section beneath the floor, which feeds a motor capable of producing 60 kW and 280 Nm of torque. This is enough to provide a range of around 130 kilometres (80 miles). Top speed is restricted to 80 km/h (50 mph).

    As well as regular charging points, regenerative braking is utilized to help keep the batteries charged, meaning the vehicle’s braking momentum provides kinetic energy which is turned into electricity.

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz]

  • A long way – part one


    Car fanatics, J.G. and Sean, headed to Alaska to pick up this immaculate 1976 Mercedes-Benz W115 saloon with just 46,000 miles on the clock, then set off back home to California. (more…)