German Car Scene

Month: May 2012

  • Skoda Citigo Rally concept teased


    Each year, the Volkswagen Group usually brings a handful of cars to the legendary Wörthersee Treffen in Austria, and this Citigo Rally concept is one of Skoda’s.

    Based on the three-door Citigo road car, the concept wears similar bodywork to the Fabia S2000 rally car, which is currently doing the rounds on the 2012 WRC circuit, right down to the monster arches, 18-inch alloy wheels, roof spoiler and aggressive fascia complete with colossal intake. So, is this Skoda’s way of telling us that the super-successful Fabia is about to be retired?

    Also in attendance will be the Citigo DJ Car. Essentially a rolling-discotheque, the special model allows the DJ to keep the crowd entertained with 100,000 watts of sound. Don’t forget your earplugs.

    [Source: Skoda]

  • Chris Harris drives the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG [video]


    Chris Harris recently headed to Saint-Tropez to get behind the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG for the DRIVE channel’s latest offering. Propelled by AMG’s luscious 5.5-litre biturbo V8 powerplant, which produces 395 kW (537 hp) and 800 Nm of torque, the R231 SL 63 AMG flies to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds, or 4.2 s with the optional AMG upgrade. Expect the obligatory sideways action from Mr Harris.

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  • Gallardo LP 570-4 tail light kit by Titan Motorsports


    Orlando-based tuning specialist Titan Motorsports has developed this conversion for owners of early Lamborghini Gallardos wanting to give their car a little asslift.

    No wire cutting is required with this practical plug and play kit, which includes a replacement panel, all fitting brackets and a pair of genuine Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera rear clusters. The price for freshening up your supercar is $4,995.

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  • DRIVE visits the workshops of Porsche Classic [video]


    This brand new video from the DRIVE channel sees JF Musial heading over to Stuttgart in order to pay a visit to the Porsche Classic workshops. Part of Porsche AG, Porsche Classic uses the knowledge and same production processes as when the cars were originally produced, even keeping in touch with retired employees who can offer priceless experience when it comes to working on these rare and exotic vehicles. A fascinating piece of film.

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  • Porsche 918 Spyder begins testing


    Following on from evo’s video featuring the 918 Spyder prototype, these photos of the car, now wearing more bodywork – along with camouflage in the style of the historical 917 racing cars, have been released with new details of the Spyder’s development.

    Due to the car’s complex drivetrain, component and software testing poses a new set of demands for the company. The real heart of the 918 is a 425 kW (570 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine, which is complemented by a 90 kW (121 hp) electric motor on the rear along with a 80 kW (107 hp) unit driving the front wheels. The lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque makes the most of that power, resulting in a sub-3 second 0-100 km/h time, a claimed 326 km/h (202 mph) top speed, and a fuel consumption figure of around three litres every 100 kilometres.

    Other notable features include adaptive rear-axle steering, fully adaptive aerodynamics and those ascending ‘top pipes’ exhaust system.“What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Porsche board member, Wolfgang Hatz.

    Due to go into production by September 2013, Porsche will begin deliveries before the end of next year. Check to see if you have € 780,000 floating around in your bank account before ordering one.

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  • Very green Audi R8 GT at Magny-Cours [video]


    With just 333 units being built, the chances of seeing an Audi R8 GT are pretty remote. Witnessing one in vivid green – thundering around your local circuit is probably never going to happen to you, unless you’re Alex Smolik. The supercar-loving Frenchman, who was recently at Magny-Cours Circuit, managed to get a few shots of this 412 kW (560 hp) monster, along with a pleasant video. Enjoy.

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