German Car Scene

Month: October 2011

  • New Audi e-tron Spyder images released


    Following on from the recent video of Audi’s e-tron Spyder driving on California’s Mulholland, here’s a few shots from that day.

    The Spyder’s front wheels are powered by a pair of electric motors with a combined output of 64 kW (87 hp) and 352 Nm (259.62 lb-ft), while the rears are driven by a twin-turbocharged a 3.0 TDI unit, producing 221 kW (300 hp) and 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque. When making use of both powertrains it is capable of hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). A range of around 31 miles is possible in all-electric mode, at speeds up to 37 mph.

    Audi has yet to confirm if the Spyder will be put into production, but it wouldn’t be the Surprise of the Decade if it made its way into our dealerships, perhaps – as rumours suggest – with a 2.5 L TFSI unit underneath its engine cover.

    [Source: Audi]

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  • Audi A8 ‘SR 8’ by Hofele Design

    Donzdorf-based tuning specialist, Hofele Design, has created the SR 8 package for Audi’s current A8 – its interpretation of how an RS 8 model might look.

    If the face of this car looks familiar, that’s because Hofele based those massive intakes and silver lower lip on the RS 5’s. It even uses Audi factory mesh. Around the rear there’s a discreet boot lid spoiler and lower apron with an integrated diffuser, which frames the new quad tailpipes. A pair of carbon mirror covers can also be ordered.

    Hofele offers a range of alloys wheels, sized 9 and 10×20 inches, while the speed-related electronic lowering module controls the air suspension, allowing it to drop the A8 up to 40 mm – when travelling below 70 km/h (43 mph). Anything above that speed and the ride height returns to factory level – to maintain “comfort and security.”

    Inside the cabin, there’s two-tone, quilted seats, finished in nappa leather, or a combination of leather and Alcantara. The door panels and steering wheel also receive a covering of hide.

    Finally, hofele can offer engine management tweaks, taking both the 4.2 V8 FSI and its diesel-slurping sibling, the 4.2 TDI CR up to 385 hp. The TDI also produces a mighty 664 lb/t of torque.

    [Source: Hofele Design]

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  • Drifting the BMW M5


    Following on from the Stig’s sideways shenanigans in BMW’s new M5 model, BMW Driving Experience instructor, Rolf Scheibner, was on hand at Ascari circuit in Spain to all drifty in the 560 bhp twin-turbocharged saloon. Germany’s Auto Bild was there to witness it. (more…)

  • smart fortwo “Overall Best MPG” winner


    For the third year in a row, Mick Linford and co-driver Ella Flynn were awarded the “Overall Best MPG” title at the 2011 ALD Automotive Shell FuelSave MPG Marathon.

    The pair, driving a 54bhp smart fortwo cdi, navigated their way around Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and Somerset, covering a total of 370.9 miles in two days. By the end of the event, the skills of “Eco Mick” had yielded an average of 99.24mpg (2.8 L/km) – 15 % better than the official figure, and 12.84mpg more efficient than the runner-up.

    “I was determined to break the magical 100mpg mark, but the weather and one particularly hilly section was against us. To get so close is a double-edged sword – but I’m delighted that the smart delivered these incredible results despite the challenges,” explained Mick.

    [Source: smart]

  • Auto Express track test: Audi RS 3 vs BMW 1 Series M Coupé


    Auto Express road tester and professional racing driver, Owen Mildenhall, headed over to Anglesey circuit armed with Audi’s RS 3 Sportback and the BMW 1 Series M Coupé. Both models will set you back € 50,000 and produce 340 bhp – but go about it in different ways. (more…)

  • evo reviews the SLS AMG Roadster


    The brilliant Harry Metcalfe takes us around Nice in the new SLS AMG Roadster for evo magazine. This rag-top version of the beautiful gullwing-doored Coupe has near-identical performance, taking 3.7 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph), before hitting an electronically limited 318 km/h (197 mph). (more…)