German Car Scene

Month: April 2012

  • Audi A6 L e-tron concept revealed


    Following on from last month’s launch of the long wheelbase A6 in China, Audi has revealed its A6 L e-tron concept model.

    Standing 5.02 m (16.47 ft) long, 1.87 m (6.14 ft) wide, 1.46 m (4.79 ft) tall and with a 3.01 m (9.88 ft) wheelbase, the e-tron concept shares the same dimensions as the production car but is styled slightly differently; wearing a revised, single-frame grille with finer bars, with similar strips over the air intakes and a special rear diffuser, the look is completed with those familiar-looking 21-inch e-tron alloys wheels.

    Propelling this A6 L is a 155 kW (211 hp) 2.0 TFSI engine and an electric motor with a peak power output of 70 kW (95 hp) which is fed by a rear-mounted liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. Travelling at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), the A6 L e-tron concept can travel up to 80 km (50 miles) with the hybrid control module choosing the most suitable operating mode to maximize driving range.

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  • SEAT Ibiza Cupra Concept


    SEAT has revealed the Ibiza Cupra concept ahead of its world début at this week’s Auto China Show in Beijing.

    Sitting on 17-inch alloy wheels, the Ibiza Cupra Concept wears Crono Yellow paintwork with high-gloss black mirrors, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, and large fog lamps with integrated indicators. The rear also receives LED light units, while the aggressive matte black diffuser surrounds a large, centrally-mounted trapezoidal exhaust.

    Moving inside, there’s a new flat-bottomed steering wheel and leather sports seats with contrasting yellow sections along with the same SEAT Portable System – first seen in the Mii city car – which can be used to organise the navigation, enjoy entertainment, or make telephone calls via its 5-inch touchscreen.

    Power comes courtesy of the same turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 TSI petrol engine as seen in Volkswagen’s Polo GTI. Developing 132 kW (178 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb/ft) of torque, gears are changed via a flappy paddle-operated seven-speed DSG transmission, while an XDS electronic differential lock improves handling when driving quickly through bends.

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  • MINI John Cooper Works accessories


    Details of the new MINI John Cooper Works accessories have just been revealed, along with a handful of images, before they appear at the Tuning World Bodensee fair later this month (28 April to 1 May).

    Externally, fans of the JCW Countryman can now buy a retrofit version of its aero kit for their own car, while owners of other models can add carbon fibre components such as a replacement air intake, boot lid handle, rear apron and a raised wing for the Coupé and Roadster models. Moving inside, past the sill plates, there are extra dashboard instruments, new door handles, a shift knob and hand brake handle and sports steering wheel. John Cooper Works sports seats can also be added, trimmed in either leather or Alcantara.

    Depending on the year of your car, the John Cooper Works tuning kit can release 141 kW (192 hp) or 147 kW (200 hp), and aside from the remap there’s a complete exhaust system.

    Chassis upgrades include a lower sport suspension kit, strut brace and red brake calipers. To complete the look, MINI offers a range of JCW alloy wheels, in 17- and 18-inches or 19-inches for the Countryman.

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  • BMC impec Lamborghini Edition bicycle


    Lamborghini has joined forces with renowned Swiss bicycle manufacturer to create a special version of its flagship model, resulting in the impec Lamborghini Edition.

    The stunning machine utilizes carbon fibre for its frame, fork and wheels and features seat tube detailing finished in the Aventador LP 700-4’s Argos Orange paintwork, a handmade suede saddle and suede handlebar covering crafted by Lamborghini. Equipped with MAVIC Cosmic aero wheels and Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 electronic shifting technology, the bike’s appearance is completed with that unmistakeable raging bull emblem on the front.

    If you’re interested, you’ll need to find a rather substantial € 20,000 ($ 26,172) to own one. Just 30 units will be built and available to order from your local Lamborghini or BMC dealer before deliveries begin in June.

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  • Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs Lamborghini Aventador


    If – like us – you woke up this morning, and instantly wondered how a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren would fare against Lamborghini’s mighty Aventador over one eighth mile drag strip – you’re in luck. A long-time favourite of ours, the stunning SLR McLaren uses a 5.4-litre supercharged V8, developing 460 kW (617 hp) and 780 Nm (580 lb/ft) of torque. That would be enough to dispose of pretty much anything else on the road – unless its a Lamborghini Aventador with a 6.5-litre V12, which churns out 515 kW (700 hp) and 690 Nm (510 lb/ft). For a car almost a decade old, the SLR is ageing remarkable well.

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  • Roofless Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept heading to Beijing


    Volkswagen has released images of the zero emissions E-Bugster Concept – minus its hardtop – ahead of next week’s Auto China Show in Beijing.

    Power for the E-Bugster Concept comes via the same unit as seen in the Golf Blue-e-Motion. Fed by a lithium-ion battery, its motor develops a maximum power output of 85 kW (114 hp) and a continuous 50 kW (67 hp). Impressively, maximum torque from a stop is 270 Nm (199 lb/ft), while the E-Bugster’s range can cover at least 150 kilometres in the urban world, and be fully ‘refuelled’ in a mere 35 minutes at suitable charging station. Performance is respectable, with 100 km/h (62 mph) appearing in 10.9 seconds.

    Visually, the Concept bares many similarities to the new Beetle apart it sitting 90 mm lower – thanks to its chopped screen – and 30 mm wider that its mass produced sibling, resulting in a sportier, more slippery appearance. At the front there’s a pair of C-shape LED daytime running lights, while at the rear the boot lid receives a subtle spoiler. The interior features many aluminium trim elements as well as a body-coloured central tunnel separating the two sports seats.
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