German Car Scene

Month: May 2012

  • Volkswagen Passat sets world record on a single tank of diesel


    Experts in frugality John and Helen Taylor have broken the world record for distance travelled on a single tank of diesel with a cactus-like Volkswagen Passat.

    Driving a totally standard 2012 Passat TDI SE with six-speed manual transmission, the pair covered an insane 1626.1 miles on one tank of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, which eclipses the previous record by an astonishing 99.5 miles and works out at an average of 84.1 miles per gallon.

    Starting from Houston on May 3 and ending on May 5, in Sterling, the Taylors added 120 pounds of luggage to replicate normal traffic situations and took turns driving, but didn’t exceed more than 14 hours per day.

    “We’re excited to have broken the record for the longest distance driven on one-tank of fuel. The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record,” said a jubilant John Taylor.

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  • Julien Dupont teases Audi e-bike [video]


    Julien Dupont has posted this video on YouTube showing the freestyle trials rider testing a new e-bike from Audi. Dubbed “the world’s most powerful e-bike,” Julien commented, “This bike has so much power!! My wheelies never looked better.” Looking similar to smart’s ebike, Audi’s carbon fibre machine appears to be designed for a more extreme workout right down to its front and rear suspension, which could be utilized as a Kinetic Energy Recovery System.

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  • Sixty year-old lady drag racer [video]


    Proving that age is never a barrier in motorsport, here’s Kathy Countiss taking part in the TX2K event in America earlier this year. Now in her sixties, Kathy competes in a modified 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG and has been racing since her teenage years, while her husband drives a 10 second Viper. Fast-forward a few years and we’ll be seeing similar interviews with Michael Schumacher at the 2033 Monaco Grand Prix…

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  • Opel names new baby Adam


    As a nod to the Rüsselsheim company’s founder, Opel has revealed that its new supermini will be called Adam.

    Measuring 3.70 metres in length – virtually identical to the MINI (3.72 m), the three-door hatchback will use a version of the next-generation Corsa’s platform and be propelled by a range of several engines, starting with a newly-developed 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit and culminating in higher-performance turbocharged petrol and diesel powerplants.

    Due to make its world début at September’s Paris Motor Show, prices are likely to start at around € 12,000 when it goes on sale in early 2013.

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  • BMW victory at DTM Lausitz [video]


    As we told you yesterday, after a twenty year break, BMW didn’t have to wait too long to make its mark on the DTM championship. We’re also loving the company’s abundance of media material regarding its exploits in motorsport. This video offers a glimpse of the weekend’s Lausitz round, which saw Bruno Spengler take the win and Augusto Farfus stepping onto the third step of the podium. A taste of things to come?

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  • Supercharged SLS AMG by HMS Tuning


    Malterdingen-based performance specialist HMS Tuning has developed a forced induction program for the 6.2-litre V8 engines in such models as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and C 63 AMG.

    The package consists of the company’s Xtra Power Supercharger, intake manifold, uprated oil pump, an additional ECU to control boost and fuelling, sports air filter and complete exhaust system which includes 4-1 manifolds, 200 CPI Sports Cats and valve control.

    Those changes see output rise from 420 kW (571 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque to a much more agreeable 530 kW (720 hp) and 832 Nm (614 lb-ft).

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