German Car Scene

Month: June 2012

  • Audi A1 amplified


    Audi has announced the release of two new exclusive A1 and A1 Sportback editions, with the A1 amplified.

    Based on the Ambition line, the A1 amplified is available in a Misano Red pearl effect or Glacier White metallic colour scheme with three different equipment levels to choose from. The first, simply known as the amplified, features a high-gloss black roof-line, S line roof spoiler, exterior mirrors and grille, along with 17-inch alloys with black inserts. The body also wears matte black film on its hood, roof and tailgate. Inside, the air vent sleeves are colour-coded, while the stitching on the black sports seats also correspond to the exterior’s paintwork, using either Parade Red or Rock Grey thread.

    The amplified plus version wears LED taillights, a body-coloured aerodynamics competition kit, a high-gloss black rear bumper diffuser and matte black tailpipes, while the interior gets a black headliner, LED interior lighting package, a colour coordinated centre console and interior mirror housing and stainless steel pedal covers.

    Lastly, the amplified advanced, which is reserved for models above 90 kW, builds on the plus, and features a black kit and roof spoiler, Xenon plus headlights, matte black five-spoke 18-inch wheels and tinted rear glass. Moving inside, the S line sport package includes Silk Nappa leather S sport seats with red or white seat back shells and matching floor mat edges.

    For some reason, the The A1 amplified red edition is available right now, with the amplified white versions following shortly. Prices for each level start at€1,990, €3,990 and €6,990.
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  • Audi R8 GT Spyder review by Auto Express


    Mat Watson heads to Silverstone circuit to try Audi’s most expensive road car ever, the R8 GT Spyder, for Auto Express magazine. Powering the rag-top supercar is a tweaked version of the regular R8’s 5.2-litre V10 engine, resulting in 412 kW (560 hp) and 540 Nm (398 lb/ft) of torque, allowing the Spyder to rocket to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.8 seconds and onto a 317 km/h (197 mph) top speed. So, is it worth the extra coinage?
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  • Prior Design teases PDM1R kit


    Kamp-Lintfort stylinghouse Prior Design has released this teaser image of its PDM1R aerodynamic package for the BMW 1 Series Coupe.

    No details were attached to the picture, but it appears to be an evolutionary version of the company’s PDM1 kit, a more aggressive front bumper with LED daytime running lights and carbon centre section, rear bumper with diffuser section and boot lid spoiler. Expect the usual range of alloy wheels, suspension kits and exhaust systems too.

    [Source: Prior Design]

  • BMW i8 engines to be UK built


    BMW has confirmed that the engines for its i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will be constructed at its Hams Hall plant, near Birmingham in the West Midlands of the UK.

    Expected to feature the same unit as the i8 Concept, the production car will use a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit, developing 164 kW (223 hp) and 300 Nm of torque, to drive the rear wheels, along with a 96 kW (131 hp) motor powering the front axle. The lithium-ion battery allows a range of 27-30 km (17 – 19 miles) on its own but, with both units combined, a sub-5 second sprint to 100 km/h time is achievable, while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Impressive figures for a car capable of consuming just 3 litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.

    “Our Hams Hall engine plant will make an important contribution to the future success of the new BMW i brand and the company’s strategy for achieving sustainable mobility. The new 3-cylinder petrol engines will enable our future BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car to set new standards for dynamic performance in combination with industry-leading fuel-efficiency and low carbon emission levels,” said BMW’s Ian Robertson.
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  • MINI’s Britalian Job [video]


    Here’s a new video from MINI, based on the classic model’s starring role in The Italian Job movie from 1969. Directed by Top Gear’s Phil Churchward, the film coincides with the London 2012 Olympics and features appearances from gold medal-winning athletes, including Daley Thompson, James Cracknell, Jonathan Edwards and Matthew Pinsent along with the very lovely Jodie Kidd.
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  • Audi RS 4 Avant trailer


    Audi has released this full-length trailer for its family-friendly rocket, the RS 4 Avant. Propelled by the company’s 4.2-litre FSI V8 engine, which transfers its power to all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, the Avant has 331 kW (450 hp) and 430 Nm (317 lb/ft) to play with, allowing it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds, while top speed is governed to 250 km/h (155 mph), although Audi will raise it to 280 km/h (174 mph) if you ask very nicely. Audi UK has just announced that pricing will start at £ 54,925 (€ 68,323), with deliveries beginning in Autumn.
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