German Car Scene

Month: October 2011

  • Oettinger Golf GTI Edition 35


    Oettinger GmbH, the Friedrichsdorf-based tuning specialist, has revealed an engine upgrade for Volkswagen’s special model, the Golf GTI Edition 35.

    Thanks the company’s software modifications, the improved Edition 35 now enjoys 310 PS (228 kW/306 hp) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque, up from 235 PS (173 kW/232 hp) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft). That hike results in the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time dropping from 6.6 seconds to just under 6 seconds, while top speed is raised to 260 km/h (161 mph), up from 247 km/h (153 mph). The price for the conversion is € 1,390.

    Oettinger can now also provide sports clutches, high performance brakes and intercooler upgrades for the latest Golf GTI too.

    [Source: Oettinger]

  • SEAT Mii revealed


    As it created the Arosa from Volkswagen’s little Lupo model, there was little doubt that the Wolfsburg company’s new up! would also end up with a SEAT twist, and here it is, the Mii.

    As with Skoda’s up!-based Citigo vehicle, expect the Mii to appear in SEAT showrooms towards the end of this year, with a price tag of around £ 8,000 (€ 9,300) for the base model.

    Powered by the same new generation three-cylinder 1.0 L petrol units as the up!, the Mii will be available in 44 kw/60 hp and 55 kw/75 hp versions. At 171 km/h (106 mph), top speed isn’t great, but 4.2 l/km and 4.3 l/km is most welcome.

    A great feature, which you’d normally only see on high-end luxury saloons, is the automatic braking system, which is active at speeds up to 18 mph. It uses laser sensors to detect potential collisions and can automatically apply the brakes – avoiding incidents.

    Another nice touch is the Mii’s mobile infotainment device, which sits in the car’s centre console. Designed jointly with Navigon, the removable 5-inch multi-media system can be used to organise the navigation, receive information, enjoy entertainment, or make make telephone calls via its touchscreen. Specially developed apps allow updates and tailoring to specific tastes.

    [Source: SEAT]

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  • WRC: MINI second in France

    Dani Sordo and Carlos del Barrio chased Citroën’s Sébastien Ogier for the win in France at the weekend, finishing an impressive second place overall in the MINI John Cooper Works WRC – just 6.3 seconds away from Ogier.

    Ogier had built his lead up to 9.5 s on Saturday, only for Sordo to cut it down to 4.9s on the third day – over just two stages. Ogier eventually edged clear again, securing his fifth win of the year, and taking him to within three points of catching team-mate Sebastien Loeb in the race for the title. Pierre Campana rounded off the top ten finishers in the France MINI.

    “It is fantastic to finish second at only our fourth rally this season with the MINI WRC Team. This result obviously makes me even more motivated heading to the Rally of Spain than I was beforehand,” remarked Sordo.

    [Source: MINI]

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  • DTM Valencia: Ekstrom wins, Tomczyk takes the title


    Audi had plenty to celebrate in Valencia this afternoon after Mattias Ekstrom won today’s DTM race, and Martin Tomczyk wrapped up the drivers’ title – in a one-year old car – with one race to go. If that wasn’t enough, Audi also occupied the top six places.

    Ekstrom ran a flawless race, creating a five-second cushion between himself and the Rosberg Audi of Filipe Albuquerque, before pitting, going on to double that margin at the chequered flag. As impressive as Ekstrom’s third victory in four races was, the attention was focused on fellow Audi pilot Martin Tomczyk, who came home third to extend his lead to 13 points – enough to secure the 2011 championship.

    The Phoenix Audi driver had a pretty amazing start, starting from a lowly tenth on the grid, but climbing to sixth place – by the end of the first lap! The 29-year-old Bavarian eventually crossed the line, grabbing the third step on the podium – enough to put him beyond the reach of anyone else. This is the first time that a driver in an older-specification car has won the title.

    “I’m tremendously happy for Martin. He has been a member of our Audi family in the DTM for eleven years and has experienced many ups and – no doubt – downs. But he has never lost his spirit and has emerged as a leader, particularly in this season.” said a delighted Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport.

    [Source: Audi]

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  • Japan gets BMW 528i 30th Anniversary Edition


    BMW has revealed a special 5 Series model, celebrating thirty years in the Japanese market. Limited to just 200 units, the BMW 528i 30th Anniversary Edition is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.0 L straight-six engine rather than the new TwinPower Turbo 2.0 L four-cylinder unit. Gears are swapped via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

    Visually, the Anniversary Edition receives the M Sports Package and is finished in Deep Sea Blue Metallic. The wheels are 18-inch 350M double-spoke design items.

    Moving inside, past the embossed sill plates, the cabin is trimmed in Beige Dakota leather, ‘Honey Brown’ satin walnut wood and BMW Individual aluminum line window frame moldings. Occupants are treated to a 600 Watt HiFi Professional System, which features 16 speakers and 5.1 channel surround sound.

    The price is ¥ 7,890,000, or around € 76,000.

    [Source: BMW Japan]

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  • MINI Countryman and its rivals


    MINI’s popular Countryman model offers a lot more practicality for a growing family than the regular three-door hatchback version. Here, Auto Express compares it with a few of its rivals, namely the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroen DS4 and Nissan Juke. (more…)