German Car Scene

Month: May 2012

  • Lamborghini Gallardo Toro by DMC


    Following on from its Molto Veloce Aventador, Düsseldorf-based specialist DMC has created the imaginatively titled Lamborghini Gallardo Toro.

    Constructed entirely from carbon fibre, the body program consists of a lower lip for the front bumper, side skirts and a raised rear wing and aggressive diffuser reminiscent of those seen on the LP570-4 Spyder Performante.

    The lightweight forged alloy wheels, which are sized 9.5 and 13 x 20-inches, have body-coloured centres and wear 235/30ZR20 and 325/25ZR20 tyres.

    DMC’s ECU remap allows the 5.2-litre V10 to produce 427 kW (573 hp) and 575 Nm (424 lb/ft) of torque and a top-speed to 330 km/h (205 mph), while de-catted titanium exhaust system provides the desired bark and an additional 15 kW (20 hp).

    (more…)

  • Prospeed Audi at Rechberg [video]


    Judging by your response to the KEM Racing video from earlier in the month, we’re guessing that you don’t have a problem with hillclimbing Audis, so here’s another piece of footage showing a similar machine in action. Developing almost 800 hp, this Sport quattro S1 clone, which was built from a regular coupé bodyshell by Prospeed Motorsport, won the Bulgarian 2011 Hillclimb Championship with Nikolay Zlatkov at the wheel. Once again, After witnessing Nikolay going for it at the recent Rechberg round of the series, who’d bet against back-to-back titles?

    (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG by edo competition


    Ahlen-based tuning specialist edo competition has revealed its upgrade program for the mighty Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG.

    The company’s tuning kit consists of revised engine electronics – including governor removal, new air filters, exhaust manifolds, high-flow catalytic converters and a stainless steel exhaust system with 70 mm butterfly valves. Those changes to the 6.2-litre V8 see output rise from 336 kW (457 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque to 441 kW (600 hp) and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft), resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds and a quite enjoyable 343 km/h (214 mph) top speed.

    Other changes include the multi-piece alloy wheels, which measure 8.5 x 19 and 9.5 x 19-inches, wear 235/35 ZR and 265/30 ZR Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 high-performance tyres, while edo can also rework your interior using such materials as leather, cloth, aluminium, wood and carbon fibre – depending on your budget.

    (more…)

  • Audi Q7 by Fostla


    Hannover-based aftermarket specialist Fostla has created this Audi Q7 project to advertise the type of vehicles that it can produce.

    Visually, the Ingolstadt SUV has been wrapped in a diamond black matte PWF foil, with the front and rear lights receiving a 5 percent tint. Adding to the Audi’s menace is a set of 11 x 23-inch Mansory C5 wheels, which have been powdercoated matte black and wrapped in 315/25R23 tyres with 15 mm front and 30 mm rear spacers sitting behind them.

    Already generating a biblical 368 kW (500 hp) and 1,000 Nm (758 lb-ft) of torque from its 6.0-litre V12 TDI diesel unit, the company’s tuning program sees those figures rise to 447 kW (600 hp) and 1,150 Nm. No price has been released for the wheels, but the body wraps begin at € 3,500, while the lovely power upgrade will set you back € 6,000.

    (more…)

  • BMW M135i surfaces [w/video]


    Following on from the impressive concept, BMW has revealed its production version of the M135i in line with the new three-door 1 Series range.

    Along with models such as the entry-level 75 kW (102 hp) 114i, 160 kW (218 hp) 125i and 85 kW (116 hp) 116d and the 160 kW (218 hp) 125d diesels will sit the flagship M135i, which is the first petrol-engined BMW M Performance automobile following the X5 M50d and X6 M50d oil-burners.

    Powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder, which develops 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm of torque, the sprint to 100 km/h is carried out in 5.1 seconds (automatic: 4.9 s) while top speed is limited to 250 km/h. A newly developed six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, with a flappy paddle eight-speed automatic transmission available as an option.

    Visually the M135i wears more aggressive clothing, including a front apron with larger air intakes, side skirts, 18-inch M light alloy double-spoke wheels with a Dark Shadow metallic rear apron shrouding those dual tailpipes. The body is also fitted with the company’s Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, while the mirrors are painted Ferric Grey regardless of which of the one of the five metallic colours or one non-metallic is specified.

    Due to go on sale in Europe as both a three- and five-door model, rumours suggest that it will arrive in America later on.

    (more…)

  • 2013 BMW 3 Series Touring


    Following on from the saloon version, BMW has revealed images and details of its brand new 3 Series Touring.

    Exactly the same length as its booted counterpart, the Touring is 97 mm longer than its predecessor, has a 48 mm wider track and, at 495 litres, enjoys an extra 35 litres of capacity compared to the outgoing model’s luggage area, with the 40:20:40 split rear seats adding further practicality, especially the through-loading hole, which is handy for accommodating your skis or snow boards. An overall space of 1,500 litres is available with the seat folded flat, while the power tailgate (part of the Comfort Access package) can be operated by waving your foot underneath the bumper.

    One petrol and two diesel powerplants with be available at launch; the 328i, which uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit developing 183 kW (245 hp) and 350 Nm of torque, allowing a six second 0-100 km/h time. Next comes the BMW 320d which uses a revised version of the previous car’s 2.0-litre turbo diesel. Producing 137 kW (184 hp) and 380 Nm, 100 km/h appears in 7.7 s, a combined fuel figure of 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres (61.4 mpg) is achievable when mated to the eight-speed automatic gearbox rather than the standard six-speed manual gearbox it shares with the 328i. The 330d uses a straight-six 3.0-litre that makes 192 kW (258 hp) and an impressive 560 Nm. The sprint to 100 km/h takes just 5.6 s, yet consumption works out at just 5.1 litres per 100 kilometre (55.4 mpg).

    A 137 kW (184 hp) 320i, 87 kW (116 hp) 316d and 107 kW (143 hp) 318d will follow later on in the year after the Touring’s September launch.

    Customers can expect Sport, Modern and Luxury, and M Sport equipment lines, along with the usual 3 Series toys, such as full colour HUD, Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning, Surround view camera, Parking assistant, and the Active Protection Package which utilizes the front radar to pre-empt a collision; readying the braking system, tightening seatbelts and the closing windows and sunroof if a crash is unavoidable.

    (more…)