German Car Scene

Month: April 2012

  • Grand Prix: Rosberg wins in China


    Capitalizing on yesterday’s pole position, Nico Rosberg gave the Silver Arrows their first win since the 1955 Italian Grand Prix – which was achieved by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, securing his first F1 victory in the process.

    Apart from pit stops, Rosberg led from beginning to end, finishing a commanding 20 seconds ahead of second place man Jenson Button. The third step of the podium was occupied by Button’s McLaren team-mate, Lewis Hamilton – who started from seventh due to a penalty for a gearbox change – meaning a one-two-the for Mercedes power. Rosberg’s Mercedes AMG counterpart Michael Schumacher may have been in the mix until a stroke of misfortune ended his race. The veteran driver had been promoted to second on the grid, but damage from an ill-fitted front wheel saw him retire on lap 16.

    “Unbelievable feeling, very cool, very happy, very excited. It’s been a long time coming for me and the team also. It’s amazing, and it’s really nice to see how quickly we are progressing, I didn’t expect to be that fast,” said a jubilant Rosberg. Ross Brawn added: “Stunning. It is one of the best wins, we’ve started a new adventure. This is a very special day.”

    Hamilton now leads the 2012 standings with 45 points, ahead of Button on 43 points.

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  • smart launches commercial on Twitter


    smart Argentina has launched the world’s first commercial on Twitter. The company’s reason for the innovative campaign is simple: “smart is the only car that fits everywhere, so why not into 140 characters, too?” With that in mind, no fewer than 455 individual tweets now come to life to create an ASCII animation using the “stop motion” principle. Now, followers can scroll down the company’s page to view the tiny smart fortwo as it drives through a city before maneuvering into a tiny parking space. Don’t forget to follow us at @GermanCarScene too, thanks.

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  • BMW M3 DTM development


    BMW is really pulling out all the stops in an effort to remind us of its return to the DTM Championship after a twenty year sabbatical. Following on from last week’s trailers, the company’s Motorsport division has released these new videos, offering a great insight into the development of its 2012 M3 DTM car. From the bench testing of its P66 engine, to seat fittings and aerolab work, there’s something for all the geeks amongst us all to enjoy.

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  • Mercedes-Benz M-Class by Kicherer


    Stockach-based Kicherer has revealed its new styling program for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W166).

    The ‘Impact’ aero kit consists of a new front fascia with larger intakes and LED daytime running lights, wheel arch extensions, side skirts and a rear bumper apron with integrated diffuser and apertures for the twin-double trapezoidal tailpipes. The factory wheels have made way for Kicherer’s own RS2 items in a 22-inch diameter, while the ride height drops by around 25 mm thanks to the fitment of an electronic lowering module.

    Moving inside, Kicherer can provide anything from carbon fibre trim elements to a completely reupholstered cabin in leather and Alcantara.

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  • Augusto Farfus to pilot the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM


    Augusto Farfus has been named as the driver of the number 16 Castrol EDGE M3 DTM car when BMW makes its long-awaited return to the championship, cementing the long-term partnership between BMW Motorsport and Castrol.

    The 28-year-old Brazilian has been a BMW works driver since 2007, not only competing in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) behind the wheel of a 320si, but also an M3 GT2 for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “Our engineers go into great detail to explain the cooperation between BMW and Castrol with regard to the engine and gearbox oil, and how the quality of the lubricant affects the car’s performance. I would never have imagined that so much work could be involved in producing the right oil,” said Farfus.

    All six M3 DTM cars will be using the newly developed Castrol EDGE FST (Fluid Strength Technology) engine oil when they line up on the Hockeneheim grid on April 29.

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  • Audi R8 LMS ultra at Monza


    Following on from his last video, which featured Audi’s innovative R18 e-tron quattro in action at Monza, 19Bozzy92 has just posted this piece of footage from the same day, showing the R8 LMS ultra stretching its legs during testing at the rain-soaked Italian circuit. Changes on the car include a wider rear wing and sideblades, new CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) doors and larger intercoolers. We’re loving the powerslides and sound of those downshifts.

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