AutoWeek’s Frank Jacobs headed over to Spain to try out Audi’s new S8 model. Now powered by a 382 kW (520 hp) twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI V8, the Ingolstadt high-roller hits 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.2 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). (more…)
Month: October 2011
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V63RS CLS 63 AMG by Vaeth
Hösbach-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist, Vaeth, has been working on the CLS 63 AMG Coupé, creating the V63RS Performance Kit.An ECU upgrade sees output from the twin-turbo 5.5 L V8 jump from 415 kW (557 hp) and 799 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque to 500 kW (670 hp) and 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft), resulting in a 0-100 km/h (62) sprint of 3.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.0 seconds, and a 325 km/h (202 mph) top speed. The price, including intercooler, and sports exhaust system – equipped with stainless steel catalysts, costs € 12,800.
A range of brake kits are available, including either 360 mm or 390 mm discs/6-piston brake calipers for the front and 330 mm discs/4-piston brake calipers on the rear. Stage One involves the addition of steel braided lines and Castrol SRF racing brake fluid, for € 590.
Visually, Vaeth adds its subtle carbon fibre aero package, which consists of a front spoiler (€ 1,480.00), boot lid lip (€ 1,490.00) and lower diffuser (€ 1,490.00). The three-piece forged wheels are sized 9×20- and 10.5×20-inch, and will cost you € 6,337.88 per set – including tyres. The CLS is lowered by 40 mm thanks to a new spring set on the front and electronical adjustment of the rear axle, for € 980.
Aside from the usual leather/Alcantara/wood trim options for the seats, dashboard and rooflining, there’s a carbon fibre interior package, which includes sun visors, ashtray cover, centre console cover, gear shift gate and door visors.
[Source: Vaeth]
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Kicherer creates the C63 T Supersport
Stockach-based tuning house, Kicherer, has just released details of its C63 T Supersport program for the C 63 AMG Estate. The C63T Supersport package sees the 6.2 L V8 powerplant receive an ECU tweak and stainless steel sports exhaust, resulting in 403 Kw (540 hp) and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque – up from 336 kW (457 hp) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft). The 0-100 km/h time drops from 4.5 to 4.2 seconds, while the limiter is removed to allow a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).There’s also an adjustable PowerConverter for the accelerator, which eliminates the delay that can be expercienced in electronic fly-by-wire pedal systems.
Visually, Kicherer adds its aero kit – which is constructed from carbon fibre, consisting of a front skirt with integrated flaps, replacement grille, sill extensions, mirror covers and diffuser. The wheels are Kicherer’s three-piece RS-1 items in a 20-inch diameter.
Inside, the high-speed Estate is treated to an Alcantara rooflining and dashboard, with the seats coated in nappa leather, with contrasting piano varnished shells.
[Source: Kicherer]
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CAR magazine: BMW 1 Series M Coupe vs Porsche Cayman R
CAR magazine compares two cars with pretty similar statistics, but perhaps designed to cater for two different demographics: The 340 bhp BMW 1 Series M Coupe and Porsche’s 330 bhp Cayman R model. Both hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in a whisker under 5 seconds, but the BMW is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), while the Porsche keeps going until 282 km/h (175 mph). (more…) -
Volkswagen enforces car-sharing amongst employees
We jest, of course. Sixteen employees, fifteen women and one man, from Volkswagen’s Communications department have just managed to shoehorn themselves inside a new up! model, setting a new unofficial world record in the process.Designed to carry four occupants in comfort, this baby city car accommodated two in the boot, one on the dashboard, seven on the back seat, four on the front seats, and two in the footwells, before all the doors and windows were closed.
Back in January 2001, 27 students from Pennsylvania State University, in the United States, crammed into a New Beetle. Claustrophobic much?
[Source: Volkswagen Germany]
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GRIP’s top 5 drifts
Fans of German motoring show, GRIP, took to the internets to vote for their favourite drifting segment from previous episodes, with Matthias Malmedie and Niki Schelle giving their opinion too. (more…)