German Car Scene

Month: May 2012

  • MINI John Cooper Works GP revealed


    Just when we were on the verge of slitting our collective wrists – to avoid the prospect of yet another so-called special edition, MINI makes it all better by unveiling images and initial details of its 2013 John Cooper Works GP.

    Making its world début at this weekend’s MINI United festival at Le Castellet in France, the new MINI JCW GP wears a striking aero package, which includes large front and rear aprons, side skirts, a bespoke carbon fibre rear wing and a newly designed rear diffuser which smooths out airflow travelling beneath the car, helping to keep it firmly planted to the road – or circuit.

    Continuing the track-focused theme, the JCW GP has adjustable race suspension and deleted rear seats, all helping it to eclipse its predecessor on the twisty stuff. MINI has yet to confirm exact power figures, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it was pushing out around 230 hp. As impressive as the R56 MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit was when it hit the new version recently recorded a time of 8 minutes and 23 seconds around the fabled Nürburgring-Nordschleife – 19 seconds faster than the car it replaces and quicker than machines such as the Lotus Exige S and Audi TTS Coupé.

    Once again, just 2,000 examples will be produced when it goes on sale later this year.

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  • BMW 5 Series Touring by Kelleners Sport


    Merzig-based Kelleners Sport has released details of its program for the BMW 5 Series Touring (F11) fitted with the M Sports Package.

    Visually, there’s a nauseating stainless steel grille kit for the front bumper intakes, side skirts and a diffuser for the rear bumper with apertures for those quadruple 90 mm tailpipes. The Company’s ‘Hamburg’ alloy wheels are available in sizes ranging from 8.5 x 19 to 10 x 20-inches and can be specified in silver, platinum, silver polished and matte black finishes, while the sport spring kit provides a 30 mm drop in ride height.

    Power upgrades sees output from the 535d rise to 280 kW (376 hp) and 756 Nm of torque – up from 233 kW (313 hp) and 630 Nm, with the 550i enjoying a hike from 303 kW (407 hp) and 600 Nm to 365 kW (490 hp) and 720 Nm.

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  • Creating an RWB Porsche 911 [video]


    Here’s a video of RAUH-Welt BEGRIFF founder Nakai-San going to work on a customer’s widebody Porsche 993. This particular car is the fifth to be created under the RWB USA banner and will be featured and will be featured in the new issue of 9 Magazine. The Japanese chain-smoker spent a week transforming this extreme machine, initially butchering the rear quarter panels and front fenders with an air saw before trial-fitting those cartoon-like arches. Porsche purists look away now.

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  • Volkswagen CrossPolo Urban White


    Volkswagen has announced details of its CrossPolo ‘Urban White’ edition for the German market.

    Visually the CrossPolo wears Pearlescent white paintwork, black roof rails and mirrors, tinted rear windows and 17-inch ‘Budapest’ alloys wheels in either black or white. Moving inside, there’s a black roofliner, black and grey sports seats trimmed in cloth and Alcantara, climate control and silver inserts around the gear lever and central dashboard sections. All models feature cruise control.

    Powerplants include four petrol and three diesel units, developing between 51 kW (70 hp) and 77 kW (105 hp). Five- or six-speed transmissions come as standard, but a seven-speed DSG gearbox can be specified as an option. Prices start at € 18,975 for the 51 kW (70 hp) 1.2-litre petrol version.

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  • Lamborghini Aventador ‘Rabbioso’ LP777-4 by Wheelsandmore


    Baesweiler-based tuning company Wheelsandmore has released details of its Lamborghini Aventador program, labelled the ‘Rabbioso’ LP777-4.

    Finished in mocha brown paintwork, the Rabbioso (Italian for rabid) sits on ultralight multi-piece 6Sporz² forged wheels. Sized 10 x 20-inches and 2.5 x 21-inches, and wrapped in 255/30/20 and 355/25/21 Pirelli rubber, their centres are matte black while the rims are painted to match the Aventador’s bodywork. Wheel and tyre packages start at € 11,345, but this rises when special finishes are requested.

    The performance upgrade giving this program its name involves an ECU remap, carbon fibre airbox and valve-controlled stainless steel exhaust system. Those changes result in 579 kW (777 hp) and 750 Nm of torque – up from 515 kW (700 hp) and 690 Nm. Prices for this package start at € 14,808, although the exhaust can be purchased separately for € 5,882.

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  • Audi R8 LMS at Circuit of Earthsea [video]


    WRC and Dakar legend, Carlos Sainz, has achieved a new record at Spain’s oldest track, the Circuit of Earthsea. Piloting an Audi R8 LMS, Sainz had a challenger in DTM driver Miguel Molina, but it was the popular Spaniard who took top honours. Achieving an average speed of 170 km/h, Sainz, beating the previous record of 157.2 km/h. That original title, held by Zborowsky Louis, was set way back in 1950, but we’re guessing it had less holes and bushes sixty years ago…

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