German Car Scene

Month: May 2012

  • Lamborghini Gallardo Invidia 540 by Amari Design


    UK-based Amari Design tuninghouse has developed its Gallardo kit for owners craving the looks of the LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale, Lamborghini’s road version of its racing car from the single-make series.

    Constructed from a mixture of fibreglass, lightweight ABS plastic and carbon fibre, the aero body program includes front fender and rear arch extensions with vented bumper pieces, an aggressive front fascia with deep lower spoiler and side skirts, while the rear is treated to an aggressive rear diffuser and Performante-inspire raised wing. There’s also an optional roof scoop. Other changes include Amari’s own 20-inch alloys finished in matte black to match the roof and a high-performance Tubi exhaust system.

    (more…)

  • Oettinger teases TTRS-R


    Friedrichsdorf-based tuning specialist, Oettinger GmbH, has released this rendering of the machine that will be taking part in this weekend’s sport auto-Tuner GP at the Hockenheimring, which is celebrating its twentieth year.

    Described as a passionate project by the company’s technicians and engineers, the TTRS-R has been built to compete for the fastest time on the tight 2.6-kilometrre Hockenheim Short circuit, in the Group A category (vehicles without approval for road service).

    [Source: Oettinger]

  • 920 hp Volkswagen Golf lunacy [video]


    Having witnessed this insane Mk2 Volkswagen Golf last year, it’s great to see that it’s now even quicker. The innocent looking 1989 model, constructed by the guys at Boba Motoring, uses an engine based around a 1.8 L 1Z diesel block, with a billet steel crankshaft, Pauter steel connecting rods, forged pistons and a KR 16-valve cylinder head. Fed by a Garrett GTX4202R turbocharger, this street-sleeping hatchback develops 686 kW (920 hp) running on E85 fuel, which is transmitted to the tarmac via a 4MOTION four-wheel drive system. Those figures result in a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 2.3 seconds, with 200 km/h appearing in 6.0 s and, as you’re about to see – the quarter mile in a mere 9.08 s. Enjoy.

    (more…)

  • Audi R8 GT overload [video]


    Audi manufactured a total of just 666 R8 GT Coupe and Spyder models, so you’re more likely to come across a horse on a unicycle than one of these 412 kW (560 hp) machines. Fortunately, for the crowds at last weekend’s 24 Hours Nürburgring race, a total of fourteen were in attendance. We’re not sure if any of them actually got out of first gear but, even standing still, they can still induce a dribble.
    (more…)

  • AMP MLE electric Mercedes-Benz ML-Class


    Coinciding with the opening of its first dealership, Cincinnati-based AMP Electric Vehicles can now offer the practicality of an AWD sport utility vehicle (SUV) with the benefits of zero emissions.

    Basically, the factory engine and transmission are torn out and replaced with custom lithium iron phosphate batteries, providing a total capacity of 40 kWh, underneath the hood and floor. They feed a pair of rear-mounted Remy AC motors developing 164 kW (220 hp) and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque; enough for a sub-ten second sprint to 100 km/h (62 km/h) and a limited top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph). A range of around 202 kilometres (125 miles) per charge is also achievable – depending on your driving style.

    Reservations are now being taken, with a 2012 AMP MLE AWD starting at $ 79,500 (€ 62,200), although that prices is reduced thanks to a $ 7,500 (€ 5,900) IRS Federal Tax Credit deduction for plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Deliveries begin this Autumn.

    “We are very excited and proud to share this important moment. To many people, the EVs that are on the market today are small. AMP all-electric SUVs offer a unique full-size EV experience. The wait is over,” said Dana Hackney.

    (more…)

  • Porsche 997 Red Baron by Cars & Art


    Mannheim-based tuning specialist Cars & Art has released details of its Red Baron program for the superseded Porsche 997.

    Based on the 911 Carrera 4S model, the body package includes a replacement front bumper with extra venting, slimline indicators/LED daytime running lights and a genuine GT3 lower lip and rear bumper with integrated diffuser, while the new wheels are O.Z. Ultraleggera HLT items, sized 8.5 and 12 x 20-inches in size and wrapped in 235/30 and 325/25 tyres. The 283 kW (385 hp) engine itself has been left untouched, with the only mechanical changes being a sports exhaust system with variable flap control and a set of H&R suspension springs that drop this 911 by around 25 mm.

    Inside the cabin, the guys at Cars & Art have been extremely busy with their sewing machine and a few square metres of leather and Alacantara, reupholstering the seats, door panels, steering wheel and dashboard.

    (more…)