German Car Scene

Month: January 2012

  • Auto Express looks around the Volkswagen E-Bugster


    While covering all the news at this year’s North American International Auto Show, Jack Rix took a good look around the new Volkswagen E-Bugster for Auto Express. Still in Concept phase, the E-Bugster is driven by the same 85 kW (114 hp) electric motor as seen in the Golf Blue-e-Motion and can hit 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds. Its range is around 180 kilometres (110 miles). (more…)

  • New Audi A6 allroad quattro revealed


    Audi has today revealed the third generation of its four-wheel drive A6 allroad quattro model.

    Measuring 1.47 metres (4.82 ft) tall, 4.94 metres (16.21 ft) long and 1.90 metres (6.23 ft) wide, the A6 allroad quattro is a few millimetres larger than the regular Avant. However, thanks to its lightweight construction, including the same utilization of aluminum components as seen in the rest of the A6 range, this 2013 version weighs in at around 70 kilograms (154 lb) less than its predecessor.

    Four V6 powerplants will be available to choose from at launch, including three diesels and one petrol unit. The supercharged 3.0 TFSI develops 228 kW (310 hp) and 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque, allowing it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and reach a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

    Diesel lovers are offered a 3.0 TDI in various guises: a 150 kW (204 hp), 180 kW (245 hp) and 230 kW (313 hp) with torque outputs of 450, 580 and 650 Nm (332, 428 and 479 lb/ft). The most-powerful TDI cars will use an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, while the 230 kW (313 hp) engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.

    Chassis features include electromechanical power steering which varies in accordance with the vehicle’s speed, adaptive air suspension that combines air suspension with controlled damping and Audi drive select system. This allows the driver to vary such functions as the air suspension, the accelerator pedal, automatic transmission, sport differential and the adaptive cruise control’s behaviour.

    Prices will start at €54,600 for the 150 kW (204 hp) 3.0 TDI model when the A6 allroad quattro hits showrooms in Germany this spring.

    [Source: Audi]

    (more…)

  • Opel Mokka surfaces


    Opel has released a few photos of its new automobile for the sub-compact SUV segment, named the Mokka.

    Due to make its official début at the Geneva motor Show in March, the muscular-looking Mokka measures just 4.28 metres in length yet easily accommodates five people and can provide up to 1,372 litres of loading space.

    Available in Front- or All-Wheel-Drive configuration, and with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, powerplant options include a 85 kW (115 hp) 1.6 L naturally-aspirated engine and a 1.4 L turbocharged unit which produces 103 kW (140 hp) and 200 Nm (148 lb/ft) of torque, while the diesel fans get a turbocharged 1.7 CDTI developing 93 kw (130 hp) and 300 Nm (221 lb/ft). Models specified with a manual transmission come equipped with the fuel-saving start/stop function.

    Other standard features include Traction Control (TC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems.

    Expect to see it in your local Opel dealership before the end of the year.

    [Source: Opel]

    (more…)

  • Driven: The new Porsche 911


    This new video from Porsche sees the 991 being put through its paces at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone. Gordon Robertson explains some of the technology behind the car while also exploring how it remains true to its roots. (more…)

  • Volkswagen reveals Caddy Match


    Volkswagen UK has created the first special edition of its Caddy model, called the Match.

    Available for a limited period, the Caddy Match features a host of additional equipment compared to the standard model, which includes body-coloured bumpers and wing mirrors, air conditioning, a trip computer, electric windows, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.

    The Match is on sale until 30 April 2012 and can be specified as a standard Caddy or long wheelbase Caddy Maxi (excluding the 4MOTION and EcoFuel models) and offered with a range of 1.6 L and 2.0 L TDI engines. Prices start at £14,110/€ 17,087 (ex. VAT)

    [Source: Volkswagen UK]

  • DRIVE: BBi Autosport Porsche 911 Turbo S


    Up to now, the offerings from DRIVE have been living up to everyone’s expectations, and this latest video is no exception. Matt Farah visited BBi Autosport in Huntington Beach to pick up a 485 kW (650 hp) Porsche 997 Turbo S before running it down the quarter mile then heading into the canyons to see how it performed. (more…)