German Car Scene

Month: March 2012

  • Golf Blue-e-Motion fleet heading to the United States


    In addition to test trials taking place in Belgium, Austria and France, the Golf Blue-e-Motion is heading overseas to the United States, with Volkswagen of America distributing 20 cars to three separate locations.

    The test vehicles will be despatched to Volkswagen plants characterized by their divergent climatic conditions and traffic situations, with five Golfs being delivered to Auburn Hills (Michigan), seven to Herndon (Virginia) and eight to Belmont (California).

    “For the successful market launch of the electric vehicle, chargers at the customer’s home as well as quick access to public charging infrastructure is essential. For the U.S., specific legal situations and characteristics particular to the power grid, for example, the 110 V mains voltage and other plug-in charging systems,” said Volkswagen’s Dr. Rudolf Krebs.

    Electricity from a lithium-ion battery, with an energy capacity of 26.5 kWh, feeds the motor, which develops a maximum power of 85 kW (114 hp) and a continuous output of 50 kW (67 hp). Maximum torque is an impressive 270 Nm (199 lb/ft), which is available as soon as you step on the quiet pedal, while a range of around 150 kilometres (93 miles) is possible, depending on driving style and use of systems such as air conditioning.

    Volkswagen is looking to have the Blue-e-Motion in its European showrooms towards the end of next year.

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  • evo looks at the Porsche 918 Spyder


    In this latest diary from evo magazine, boss Harry Metcalfe heads over to Nardo to check out a prototype of Porsche’s forthcoming 918 Spyder model. The 918 uses both a mid-mounted 425 kW (570 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine and two electric motors to deliver a sub-3 second 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time, and a claimed 326 km/h (202 mph) top speed. It’s rare and interesting to see such an important car during this stage of its development. Due to go into production in 2013, expect to part with around € 780,000 if you want to own one.

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  • Mercedes-Benz destroys unlawful 300 SL replica


    Mercedes-Benz has demonstrated how it feels about unlawful replicas of its vehicles, with this 300 SL meeting a grisly end.

    A German company had manufactured the 1950s Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198 series) replica but, as the classic gullwing model is under copyright protection as a work of applied art and also trademarked by Daimler AG, courts ruled that it was illegal to market the body.

    After being seized by customs officials, the clone was taken to the Mercedes-Benz used-parts centre. This department handles the disposal of all Mercedes-Benz prototypes, so was well equipped to deal with the dodgy duplicate. After separating the fibreglass body from its chassis, two presses – each administering over 30 tonnes of pressure – worked their magic, resulting in a pile of fun-size pieces and a ‘confirmation of scrappage’ certificate.

    As massive fans of the Singer cars, we wouldn’t mind seeing a high quality reflection of the 300 SL, with a modern (carbon fibre) twist to it.

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  • Hartge BMW X3 xDrive35d


    Beckingen-based Hartge has developed a new program for the BMW X3 xDrive35d SUV.

    Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 630 Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six diesel unit in factory guise, Hartge’s engine conversion sees output rise to 266 kW (362 hp) and 730 Nm. That results in the X3’s 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time dropping from 6.4 seconds to 5.8 s and 0-200 km/h happening in 22.75 s (down from 28.9 s), while top speed is marginally higher at 248 km/h.

    Other components available for the X3 include a sports spring set, rear silencer, and a choice of wheels ranging from 19- to 21-inch diameters, including the Brilliant pictured here..

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  • Jason Richards in the Porsche 962


    New Zealand motor racing driver Jason Richards meets with Klaus Bischof and gets behind the wheels of the iconic Porsche 962. Adding to the experience is the fact that this car, from Porsche’s ‘Rolling Museum’ at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway, was victorious at Le Mans in 1987.

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  • 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG revealed


    Mercedes-Benz has added the heavy-hitter to its new SL-Class range, with the introduction of the mighty SL 63 AMG.

    With its twin-blade grille, muscular front bumper with repositioned LED daytime running lights, boot lid lip, rear bumper diffuser and quadruple exhaust tailpipes, the SL 65 AMG looks virtually identical to its SL 63 AMG sibling, apart from the 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in titanium grey and those unmissable ‘V12 BITURBO’ fender badges.

    Propelled by AMG’s M 279 V12 6-litre biturbo engine and seven-speed Speedshift transmission, the SL 65 AMG enjoys 463 kW (630 hp) and 1000 Nm of torque; up slightly on its predecessor, allowing a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 4 seconds, with 200 km/h appearing a mere 11.8 s. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The new powerplant, aluminium bodyshell and ECO start/stop function all help to improve fuel efficiency, with the new flagship SL requiring 11.6 litres every 100 kilometres (NEDC combined): a reduction of 2.4 litres or 17 percent compared to the outgoing model. Notable hardware includes the electro-mechanical speed-sensitive steering and ABC (Active body control) active suspension system, which allows the driver to choose between ‘Sport’ and ‘Comfort’ settings.

    Buyers can expect the usual high level of equipment, such as the Magic Sky Roof, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround sound system, Active Parking Assist and Airscarf. Goodies on the AMG Performance Studio option list include matte black forged light-alloy wheels, a ceramic brake upgrade, exterior carbon trim package, a steering wheel finished in nappa leather and those all-important red brake calipers…

    Set to make its début at next month’s New York Auto Show, the SL 65 AMG will go on sale this September, with prices starting at € 236,334.

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