German Car Scene

Month: October 2011

  • MotorWeek tests the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle


    MotorWeek’s chirpy host, John Davis, introduces another new video, this time a road test featuring the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The model on review is the 2.0 TSI 147 kW/197 hp version, in which they manage to hit 60 mph in a respectable 6.6 seconds (more…)

  • Skoda creates Yeti Mont Blanc


    Skoda has revealed a Mont Blanc package for its Yeti crossover. Designed for the Czech market, the Mont Blanc is available in five colours – all with a contrasting black roof and mirrors.

    Other distinguishing features include an electric panoramic sliding roof, silver roof rails, chrome-edged side mouldings, 17-inch black/silver ‘Annapurna’ alloy wheels, sports seats with extra lumbar support and glass with a higher density SunSet.

    Prices start at € 20,075 for the front-wheel drive 77 kW/103 hp 1.2 TSI version up to € 28,990 for the all-wheel drive 2.0 TDI CR model, which develops 125 kW/168 hp.

    [Skoda Auto]

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  • Underground Racing Lamborghini Gallardo vs AMS Nissan GT-R


    Here’s a scary new video from Drag Times. Two insane, 900+ hp cars; an Underground Racing-tuned Lamborghini Gallardo Nera and AMS Alpha 12 Nissan GT-R go head-to-head. How does a 0-60 time of 1.8 seconds sound? (more…)

  • Volkswagen launches new Beetle today


    Volkswagen has today started taking orders for its third-generation Beetle in a choice of specifications, with deliveries beginning in the USA and Germany – a few weeks before the rest of Europe.

    The engine options begin with a 77 kW/103 hp 1.2 TSI and end with the 147 kW/197 hp 2.0 TSI unit. Inbetween them sits the 118 kW/158 hp 1.4 TSI, while diesel fans will be offered a 77 kW/103 hp 1.6 TDI, which drinks just just 4.3 l/100 km.

    Available as either a base model, which gets air conditioning, remote central locking, and a DAB radio as standard, or the “Design,” which features a 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, Bluetooth telephone preparation, multifunction leather-trimmed steering wheel and colour-coded dashboard door panels.

    The Sport gets that 2.0 TSI 147 kW/197 hp powerplant which helps it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds, along with 18-inch alloys, gloss black mirrors, parking sensors, tinted windows, sports seats, cruise control and 2Zone climate control.

    Optional extras include bi-xenon headlights, Keyless Access, panoramic sunroof, satellite navigation and the 400W sound pack, developed by Fender.

    The base model is available with a Käfer, Vocho or Maggiolino badge and, at a price of € 16,950, costs around € 1,750 euros less than its predecessor.

    [Source: Volkswagen]

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  • Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Black Bison Edition by Wald


    If your budget won’t stretch to a SL 65 AMG Black Series, but you just have to stand out from the crowd; Japanese company, Wald International might have the answer with its Black Bison Edition program.

    The bold bodykit can be specified in either glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) or carbon, and includes side skirts, replacement front fenders, rear arch extensions and a boot lid lip. The front bumper features massive intakes, daytime running lights and side vents. The rear bumper is also vented, but is dominated by an aggressive diffuser which hides new sports silencers fitted with tailpipes reminiscent of the ones seen on the Porsche 996 Turbo.

    Wald offers a wide range of wheels styles, the ones shown here are its Renovatio R12 two-piece items, sized 9×20- and 11×20-inches.

    [Source: Wald International]

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  • Hartge H35d


    Beckingen-based BMW tuninghouse, Hartge GmbH, has revealed its new H35d program, based on the latest 535d model.

    It’s 3.0 L twin-turbocharged diesel unit is fitted with an additional ECU, which takes output from 220 kW (300 hp) and 599 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque up to 260 kW (354 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft). There’s also a stainless steel rear silencer with dual round 80 mm tail pipes.

    Visually, the 5 Series receives carbon fibre mirror shells, a ‘Hartge’ embossed aluminium pedal set, velour floor mats and badges. The company offers a choice of its own alloy wheels, the ones you see here are the 21-inch Classic 2 and 19-inch Ultima. The car is dropped 30 mm closer to the road thanks to a sports spring set.

    [Source: Hartge]

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