German Car Scene

Month: April 2012

  • Volkswagen Beetle by ABT Sportsline


    Following on from last year’s preview images, Kempten-based VAG specialist ABT Sportsline has confirmed details of it Beetle program.

    Focusing on the 2-litre turbo model, ABT’s chip tuning option takes output to 176 kW (240 hp) – an extra 29 kW (40 hp) up on the factory car, while other mechanical upgrades include a lowered suspension spring kit and rear silencers constructed from double-wall stainless steel.

    Visually the Bug’s face receives questionable headlight brows, a lower front spoiler, rear license plate insert, taillight covers and a diffuser section for the rear bumper with apertures for the new oval tailpipes. ABT can also provide various wheel packages, ranging from 18 to 20-inches in diameter, including the CR items shown here.

    The less said about those ‘Pepé Le Pew’ graphics, the better.

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  • Audi TT RS vs Ducati 1199 Panigale S


    Following on from Audi’s acquisition of the highly-respected motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, Germany’s Auto Bild pits the mighty 1199 Panigale S against the exquisite TT RS Coupe. Impressively, the Audi develops 250 kW (335 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque from its turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, but the Ducati has 143 kW (195 hp) and 132 Nm (98 lb-ft) at its disposal – and weighs about the same as that cheese and tomato baguette on your desk.

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  • BMW ‘Head’ commercial


    Here’s a commercial from BMW highlighting the benefits of its brilliant Lane Departure Warning system. If you think we’ve shared it with you purely because there’s a nudist beach scene in it, you’re dead wrong and we’re moderately disappointed in you. The current 5 Series is a great motor vehicle and, personally, we can’t get enough of it…

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  • eSetta imagined


    Graduate of the University of Applied Arts in Vienna Tony Weichselbraun has come up with a great looking successor to the iconic BMW Isetta, with this eSetta citycar.

    But, whereas the 1950’s machine used a one-cylinder, 10 kW (13 hp) motorcycle engine, Tony’s vision of the future is an electric vehicle destined to be used in an urban environment and inductively charged at sharing hubs. This would allow customers to hire them for short journeys in much the same way that bicycles can be hired and left in docking points once they’ve served their purpose. We love the retro luggage rack, red accents and how the front door slides and rotates, allowing passengers entry via the pavement much like the original example.

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  • C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series DTM Safety Car


    It’s that time of year again, when Mercedes-Benz reveals its DTM Safety car for the new season, and here it is.

    Based on the epic C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series, the only mechanical change is the fitment of a more TV-friendly, modified exhaust system. Obviously, the brawny Coupe is equipped with the AMG Track package, AMG Aerodynamics package, AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package and 19-inch forged AMG light-alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx Race tyres. Output from that glorious 6.2-litre V8 engine remains unchanged at 380 kW (517 hp) and 620 Nm of torque, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.2 seconds.

    Marking it out from the road-going version is a roof-mounted light bar, which uses green and orange LED technology, and stroboscope-like flashing LED lights on the front and rear which remain active while the Safety Car is being deployed. Inside the cockpit is a two-way radio, auxiliary switches and a TV monitor, which is linked to a rear-mounted camera, providing the co-driver with a view of the following DTM cars.

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  • 2013 Audi Q5


    After several leaked images recently hit the web, Audi has officially released details of its facelifted Q5 SUV.

    Visually, the changes are pretty mild and include an evolved single-frame grille with beveled upper edges and sculpted vertical chrome struts, headlamps with curved LED running lights on the optional xenon plus units, modified bumpers with integrated air inlets, high-gloss black inserts and chromed-trimmed and fog lights. The rear bumper gets a diffuser section and revised tailpipes, while the tail-lights also use LED technology to match the fronts.

    Moving inside, Audi has added chrome trim elements to the steering column control stalks, ignition key and instruments, an updated MMI navigation plus system, three-zone air conditioning and climate-controlled comfort seats with a ventilation action. A total of 35 different upholstery combinations can be specified in fabric and leather with inlays available in aluminium or three different wood veneers.

    New engines include a new 2.0 TFSI, which develops 165 kW (225 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque and consumes 7.6 litres per 100 km, while the outgoing 3.2-litre has been replaced by the supercharged 3.0 TFSI. Producing 200 kW (272 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), 100 km/h appears in 5.9 seconds before it tops out at 234 km/h (145 mph). Combined fuel consumption is 8.5 litres every 100 kilometres.

    The new Q5 hybrid quattro uses a 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque along with a 40 kW (54 hp) electric motor. With a 0-100 km/h time of 7.1 s and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph), performance is brisk, while a range of three kilometres can be covered purely in electric mode – at a constant speed of 60 km/h. Combined fuel consumption for the hybrid is just 6.9 litres per 100 km.

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