German Car Scene

Month: April 2012

  • BMW 1 Series M Coupe RS by Tuningwerk


    Puchheim-based performance specialist Tuningwerk has developed an extreme RS program for owners of the epic BMW 1 Series M Coupe with a predilection for circuits.

    Already producing 246 kW (335 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of torque from its bi-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six, Tuningwerk’s conversion, which includes reworked turbochargers and an uprated intercooler, sees those figures rise to 388 kW (521 hp) and 614 Nm (453 lb/ft). Other upgrades include a modified (or optional racing) clutch, Titanium exhaust system, a rear axle ratio of 3.25 (3.45 optional), a second oil cooler and locking differential with a Drexler-Motorsport lock. Chassis enhancements consist of a KW Clubsport Variant 3 coilover kit and anti-roll bars, a MOV’IT big brake system with either 370 mm steel or 380 mm carbon ceramic discs, while the wheels are forged ATS superlights, sized 9 and 10 x 19-inches and wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres.

    Physically the 1M wears a replacement hood, GT4 front spoiler, rear wing and boot lid – all constructed from carbon fibre – as are the RECARO Pole Position seats. For the hardcore amongst you, Tuningwerk can also fit carbon doors, plastic side windows and a full rollcage.

    If you’re interested in purchasing a complete car, be prepared to part with around € 119,000. Personally, we feel that a carbon fibre roof panel wouldn’t have gone a miss here.

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  • Mercedes-Benz Citan revealed


    Following on from the embryonic renderings and initial details, Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled its 2013 Citan model.

    Due to make its debut at this September’s IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover; the new urban delivery van, which joins the Vario, Sprinter and Vito models in the company’s van range, will be available in three different lengths: compact (3.94 m), long (4.32 m) and extra-long (4.71 m). Apart from the original panel van guise, two other configurations can be specified: the extra-long Citan Mixto vehicle with five seats, two sliding doors and a folding rear seat bench, and a long wheelbase Citan crewbus. Also a five-seater, the crewbus features a folding rear bench and optional sliding doors on each side. Finally, customers can opt for a wide-opening tailgate rather than the standard rear end doors.

    High levels of safety equipment includes the Adaptive ESP (Electronic Stability Program) which utilizes the Citan’s anti-locking braking system (ABS), VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which impedes over- and understeer, TCS (Traction Control System) and ASR (acceleration skid control).

    Powerplants include three turbodiesel engines ranging from 55 kW (75 hp) to 81 kW (110 hp) as well as a supercharged petrol unit developing 84 kW (114 hp). The BlueEFFICIENCY package consists of a start/stop function, battery and generator management and low rolling resistance tyres. An electric drive E-CELL version is also on the way.

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  • Porsche Panamera Stingray GTR by TopCar


    Russian tuning specialist TopCar has revealed its latest program for Porsche’s Panamera model, the limited edition Stingray GTR.

    Dues to appear at this week’s Top Marques Monaco Show; the extreme body package, which is constructed from carbon fibre and Kevlar, consists of widened front and rear fenders, side skirts, door panels with deleted rear handles, a replacement front bumper with colossal air intakes and vented rear bumper. Visible carbon fibre components include the front grille pieces, tailgate spoiler, vented hood, fender gills, mirror casings and rear diffuser, while the wheels shown are ADV05.1 one piece forged items. Prices for the exterior styling starts at € 45,000 depending on specification.

    Inside, the company can offer customers a completely reworked interior to suite their own individual tastes, with materials including nappa leather, Alcantara and carbon fibre. For Turbo owners in search of more power, TopCar adds a new sport air filter, intake manifold, remapped ECU and performance exhaust system with valve, resulting in an Autobahn-friendly 522 kW (700 hp).

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  • DMC Terra 650 Porsche Cayenne


    Following on from its Molto Veloce kit for the Lamborghini Aventador, Düsseldorf-based styling company DMC has revealed details of its Terra 650 program for Porsche’s Cayenne (Type 958), ahead of its official début at the Top Marques Monaco Show from April 19.

    Externally, the Terra aero package is constructed from carbon fibre, which is lacquered rather than painted, and includes an aggressively-styled, vented hood, wheel arch extensions, sideskirts, a raised rear that attaches to the factory spoiler, a decorative tailgate panel and lower diffuser section. There’s also a pair of mirror casings to complete the look.

    Helping to increase power is a pair of upgraded turbochargers featuring lightweight titanium-aluminum turbine wheels, which helps to reduce inertia and improve response. These modifications allow a 10 percent improvement in airflow and take output from 368 kW (500 hp) up to 478 kW (650 hp).

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  • Pagani Zonda 760 RS


    Here’s a video that takes a look around another one-off from the Pagani stable, accompanied by Horacio himself. Powered by a Mercedes-AMG V12 engine, the Zonda 760 RS was apparently built for an Arabian family, who went on to cancel the order for some bizarre reason. As the name suggest, the car makes 567 kW (760 hp) and puts its power to the road via a sequential transmission, resulting in a 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed. We love the insanity of Zondas, especially this one with its exposed carbon fibre bodywork that borrows its ducts and roof-mounted air intake from the Cinque.

    Once finished, this bespoke behemoth will be making its way to Chile to greet its new owner.

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  • Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc spotted in Paris


    Unless you’re a resident of Dubai or Monaco, we’re presuming that even a regular Bugatti Veyron isn’t something you’d stumble across every day, so the chances of spotting a genuine one-off version of the W16-engined hypercar are virtually zero. But the guys at ZellusCars have done just that. This open-topped L’Or Blanc with KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) plates was seen on Friday, at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, France. The L’Or Blanc (While Gold) features a swirly two-tone body and special porcelain elements. And while it’s certainly unique, we’re not sure if we’d want to part with € 1.65 million for one…

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