German Car Scene

Month: January 2012

  • Audi TT RS review by Roadfly


    Here’s an extensive review of Audi’s superb TT RS Coupé by Charlie Romero for Roadfly TV. Thanks to its turbocharged 2.5 L five cylinder powerplant, the TT RS has 253 kW (340 hp) to play with; enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds and an unlimited top speed of 281 km/h (174 mph). (more…)

  • Porsche Panamera Black Bison Edition by Wald


    Wald, the Japan-based styling house, has chosen Porsche’s Panamera as the latest model to receive its Black Bison treatment.

    The body kit includes a muscular front bumper featuring a large array of intakes, fender panels, side skirts and rear wheel arch extensions. Around the rear there’s a subtle tailgate spoiler and an aggressively-styled, vented bumper with integrated diffuser. Wald also offers a lowered suspension kit and new quad tailpipes reminiscent of 996 Turbo items.

    [Source: Wald]

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  • Auto Express drives the A1 Sportback


    Audi’s recently revealed A1 Sportback model is being touted as the ideal supermini capable of transporting five people around in comfort. Auto Express magazine’s Jack Rix headed over to Gerona, Spain to find out if an extra pair of doors and a further 11 cm of headroom are enough to open the A1 up to a whole new demographic. (more…)

  • Volkswagen Beetle TFSI by B&B Automobiltechnik


    Birlenbach-based tuning specialist B&B Automobiltechnik has created a range of performance upgrades for the TFSI-engined 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

    Producing 118 kW (160 hp) and 240 Nm of torque in stock form, a € 998 ECU upgrade and revised injection system yields 154 kW (210 hp), 300 Nm and a 222 km/h (138 mph) top speed for the 1.4 L version. Stage 2 costs € 1,498, and involves increased boost and a modified air intake, resulting in 165 kW (225 hp), 320 Nm and 225 km/h (140 mph). Stage 3 sees B&B add its own spec turbocharger, injectors and sports silencer. For your € 5,950 you get 176 kW (240 hp), 350 Nm and 230 km/h (143 mph).

    Moving on to the 2.0 L, which usually makes 147 kW (200 hp) and 280 Nm (207 lb/ft), the Stage 1K program sees B&B tweak the ECU for a return of 176 kW (240 hp), 340 Nm and 235 km/h (146 mph) for € 998. Stage 1S develops 184 kW (250 hp) and 340 Nm for € 1,498, while Stage 2 features another step up in boost and a full exhaust system. That € 2,950 option results in 195 kW (265 HP), 360 Nm and 240 km/h (149 mph).

    Stage 3 costs € 5,950 and sees the introduction of B&B’s turbocharger, complete exhaust system and new air intake, helping to release 217 kW (295 hp), 400 Nm and 245 km/h (152 mph). Stage 5 features the addition of a B&B intercooler and a racing exhaust system with sport cats. Priced at € 8,950, the output jumps to 235 kW (320 hp), 420 Nm and 258 km/h (160 mph).

    [Source: B&B]

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  • MINI announces Bayswater and Baker Street models


    Never shy of cashing in on an opportunity, MINI has today unleashed yet more special edition models onto the unsuspecting public. The quaintly-named Bayswater and MINI Baker Street reference popular areas of this year’s Olympic host city, an event sponsored by the good folk at BMW.

    The MINI Bayswater is the sportier version of the pair, offered in 90 kW (122 hp) Cooper, 135 kW (184 hp) Cooper S, 82 kW (112 hp) Cooper D and 105 kW (143 hp) MINI Cooper SD trim. Visually, the Bayswater wears Kite Blue paintwork as standard (with Midnight Black and Eclipse Grey as an option), a black roof, 17-inch Sandblast alloy wheels, a blue and grey central stripe with corresponding mirror caps. Inside, there are “Bayswater” embossed sill plates, Rocklite Anthracite Punch Leather seats, Piano Black cockpit trim strips, stainless steel pedals, exclusory floor mats and Chrome Line Interior package.

    Available to order in 72 kW (98 hp) One, 90 kW (122 hp) Cooper, 66 kW (90 hp) One D and 82 kW (112 hp) Cooper D guise, the MINI Baker Street is Rooftop Grey (or optional Pepper White or Midnight Black) with a black roof, mirror caps and 16-inch alloys and a Chrome Line Exterior package. The interior gets diamond-stitched seats with that pattern continued on the dashboard along with light grey lower sections and door panels. The Pepper Pack comes as standard, and includes a leather steering wheel, air conditioning and an on-board computer.

    Both models, which use a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic gearbox, will be available worldwide for a limited period only.

    [Source: MINI]

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  • Porsche 991 Carrera S at Monza


    We’re big fans of 19Bozzy92‘s YouTube channel, and his latest video, which features Porsche’s 991 Carrera S in action at Monza Circuit, is a welcome distraction for us today. Powered by a 400 hp 3.8 L flat-six, this S model looks incredibly entertaining on-track and only leads us to dream about how good the next generation of GT3 RS must surely be. (more…)