German Car Scene

Month: September 2011

  • Volkswagen reveals California Berghaus model


    Volkswagen has added a new limited edition model to its California range. Taking its name from the outdoor clothing and equipment specialist, the Berghaus features everything you’ll need to cope with the unavoidable autumn and winter periods, including standard California fare such as an electrically-operated pop-up roof, rear living area, fridge, gas cooker, plus a few extra goodies.

    For your € 55,000, you’ll also get metallic paint, 18-inch ‘Dakar’ wheels, a side awning, bike rack, as well as floor mats and waterproof seat covers bearing the Berghaus logo. There’s also a ‘Berghaus pack’ which includes rucksacks, sleeping bags, gloves, hats, insulated mugs etc.

    The Berghaus is powered by a 2.0 L BiTDI 180 PS unit, which returns 36.2 mpg. Acceleration isn’t too horrific, with 62 mph appearing in 12.4 seconds. Top speed is 117 mph.

    [Source: Volkswagen Vans]

  • Mercedes-Benz 300 SL review


    September’s episode of Motors Collector features a review of the stunning 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupé. Equipped with a fuel-injected version of the 3.0 L straight-6 found in the four-door 300, it had almost double the power of the original 86 kW (115 hp) carbureted unit, and was good for 260 km/h (161 mph). They still fetch crazy money – and rightly so. The last time we saw one for sale, it had a price tag in excess of € 700,000. (more…)

  • 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera CGI animation


    New promo from Porsche featuring its superb new 991 Carrera model. Created in CGI animation, the trailer catalogues the 911’s evolution, from its birth right up to today. Do you get the feeling that the folks behind it are big Terminator 2 fans? (more…)

  • BMW M3 DTM cars enjoy successful test at the Lausitzring


    BMW Motorsport has just completed two days of successful testing at the Lausitzring. Taking the three teams – BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG, three M3 DTM cars and four drivers, the testing focused around tyre testing and set-up variations. The next test – at the Hungaroring – is scheduled for 21st/22nd September.

    “The BMW M3 DTM is very responsive and is unbelievably good turning into corners. You can feel the immense downforce in the fast corners. We spent a lot of time on the track on Tuesday and learned a lot,” said BMW works driver, Jörg Müller.

    Powered by a 480 hp V8 engine (fitted with two obligatory 28 mm air intake restrictors), 100 km/h (62 mph) appears in just 3 seconds, while top speed is around 300 km/h (186 mph).

    [Source: BMW Motorsport]

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  • Twin-turbocharged Audi R8 V10 from Underground Racing


    This is insane. Renowned for its extreme supercar tuning programs, Underground Racing has unveiled its take on the Audi R8. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged 5.2L V10 unit, this menacing German sports car is able to enjoy all the benefits of 1000+ wheel horsepower. Crazy. (more…)

  • Hamann wide body conversion for the Panamera


    Laupheim-based tuning specialist, Hamann Motorsport, has released details of it program for Porsche’s Panamera. Based around a wide-arched bodykit, the conversion consists of replacement front wings and rear arch extensions, which add 60 mm to the width of the car. There’s also a new front bumper – featuring massive intakes and LED daytime running lights, vented bonnet, side skirts, a colossal rear wing and vented rear bumper which is dominated by those imposing twin tailpipes, that look like they may have taken some inspiration from the Veyron Super Sport.

    Filling those bulging arches, Hamann offers a choice of its Unique Forged “Gunmetal” or Edition Race “Anodized” wheels in sizes 9.5 and 11×20-inch. The company also adds its electronic lowering module, which drops the Panamera approximately 30 mm closer to the road.

    If you’re wanting a little extra power, Hamann can remap your ECU. For models such as the Panamera Turbo, output jumps from 500 hp/368 kW to 550 hp/405 kW, with torque rising from 700 Nm to 770 Nm.

    Inside, Hamann can provide anything your heart desires, from items such as velour floor mats, aluminium pedals and sports steering wheels to complete retrims, using materials such as Alcantara, leather, aluminium and carbon.

    [Source: Hamann]

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