German Car Scene

Month: May 2012

  • Supercharged C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series by Vaeth


    Hösbach-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Vaeth has got to work on the awesome C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series, resulting in a range of attractive upgrades for the harder-core model.

    Fitment of the company’s V63 Supercharger Kit, which also includes a remapped ECU and intercooler, sees output from the 6.2-litre V8 engine rise from 380 kW (517 hp) and 620 Nm of torque to a commanding 556 kW (756 hp) and 800 Nm. Priced at € 38,000, the conversion allows a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.6 seconds – down from 4.2 s – and a new top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph), tyres permitting.

    Other components for the Black Series include new manifolds, a sports catalyst and exhaust system with flap controls, all constructed from stainless steel, while chassis changes include a fully adjustable coilover set-up, a 405 mm big brake kit and three-piece forged alloy wheels measuring 9 and 11 x 20-inches.

    If prettying-up your Coupe is your thing, there’s a de-badged, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and interior trim inserts in wood or carbon fibre.
    (more…)

  • Heffner Performance twin turbo Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 [w/video]


    If you remember the Heffner Performance bi-turbo Audi R8 we shared with you about a month ago, you’ll no doubt recall the fact that it churned out a ridiculous 544 kW (730 hp) and sounded like hell on earth. Well, this Gallardo follows a similar route, but with even wilder results. Built for a customer, Joe Z, who felt that his factory LP 560-4 was underpowered, the car features a bolt-on kit that uses a pair of custom-built TIAL billet wheeled ballbearing turbochargers (good for 1400 whp) along with TIAL 44 mm MVR wastegates and a bespoke exhaust system. A large intercooler was also fabricated to keep induction temperatures to a minimum, before the new components received an OEM look thanks to the 2000 degree wrinkle black ceramic coating by Jet hot.

    Once strapped down onto the rollers, the Gallardo produced some scary power figures: 708 kW (963 hp) on 93 Octane fuel and 761 kW (1,034 hp) on 100 Octane fuel. Scary.
    (more…)

  • 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG


    Mercedes-Benz has completed its range of high-performance SUV models with the addition of the new GL 63 AMG.

    As with the SL 63 AMG, the GL-Class uses AMG’s M 157 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, which produces 410 kW (557 hp) and 760 Nm of torque. Delivering power to all four wheels (with a 40:60 torque split) is AMG’s SpeedShift Plus 7-speed automatic transmission, which features three different programs depending on your driving style. Manual is self explanatory, while the Sport mode ensures shorter gear shift intervals. Finally, the Controlled Efficiency setting provides earlier upshifts, achieving better fuel economy and also features a stop/start function. Performance is brisk, with 100 km/h appearing in just 4.9 seconds before the limited kicks in at 250 km/h.

    Helping to keep the GL 63 AMG planted is the company’s Active Curve System, which utilizes active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles, reducing the body’s roll angle when cornering forces are applied. This works in conjunction with other elements of the AMG Ride Control sports suspension package, including the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) and automatic level control.

    Standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlamps, automatic climate control, Active Parking Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, AMG sill plates, pedal, mats with options such as a 360° camera, Brake Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist and a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround sound system are also available.

    Options from the AMG Performance Studio include 21-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, performance steering wheel and red brake calipers, while the designo Exclusive package consists of AMG sports seats and bench seats trimmed in designo leather, along with the centre console, dashboard and door panels.
    (more…)

  • Chris Harris tests the G 63 AMG [video]


    Chris Harris has been to Germany to put the latest Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen through its paces. The model on test is the brawny G 63 AMG, which is propelled by AMG’s 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, developing 400 kW (544 hp) and 760 Nm of torque. We wonder how many of these will actually stray onto dirt…
    (more…)

  • sport auto in the Audi A1 quattro [video]


    Here’s Christian Gebhardt, motoring journalist and test driver for Germany’s sport auto magazine, giving Audi’s limited edition A1 quattro some stick on gravel. Powered by the company’s 2.0 TFSI engine, which develops 188 kW (256 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque, Christian demonstrates the benefits of that quattro system.
    (more…)

  • Volkswagen Scirocco GTS


    Volkswagen is resurrecting the Scirocco GTS name – thirty years after it first appeared on the Mk2 version.

    Initial images of the special model have been released along with a few details before it makes its world début at next month’s motor show in Leipzig. Available with various powerplants up to the 155 kW (210 hp) 2.0 TSI, the GTS’ body wears wide stripes along its hood, roof, spoiler and tailgate, while other differences include flared side skirts, colour-coded side moldings, a rear diffuser section from the Scirocco R, red mirror casings and red brake calipers (on the 155 kW version). GTS badges on the fenders and 18-inch ‘Thunder’ alloy wheels, in a high-sheen/black finish, complete the exterior.

    Moving inside the cabin, past the unique scuff plates, there’s the black leather upholstery with contrasting red stitching, embossed seating, metal pedals and a modern-day version of the classic golf ball gearknob, which appeared on the first GTS as well as the original Golf GTI.
    (more…)