German Car Scene

Month: July 2012

  • Volkswagen Polo Blue GT pricing


    Volkswagen Germany has revealed that pricing for its Polo Blue GT model will start at € 19,650 when it goes on sale in the last quarter of 2012.

    The Polo Blue GT, which made its world début in Geneva, uses the 1.4 TSI from Volkswagen’s EA211 series of petrol units designed to fit into vehicles using the new MQB platform. The 1.4 TSI develops 103 kW (138 hp) and 250 Nm of torque, yet it consumes just 4.7 litres (DSG: 4.5 l) of fuel every 100 kilometres on a combined cycle. Impressive figures for a car capable of hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).

    That reluctance to drink is partially down to the Stop/Start function and battery regeneration system, but also the engine’s ability to run on two cylinders at low load. The cylinder deactivation (ACT or Active cylinder management) occurs between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm and at torque outputs from 25 to 100 Nm – which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of all driving states in the EU driving cycle. A press of the accelerator reactivates the two redundant cylinders within 13 to 36 milliseconds.

    Externally, the Blue GT borrows its LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler and rear bumper with diffuser from the hotter GTI model, while its aerodynamically optimized windscreen rain channels and side sills are usually seen on the Polo BlueMotion. GT badging, a set of 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, gloss black grille and mirror housings complete the look. Moving inside, there’s a mixture of GTI instruments with exclusive Blue GT sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
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  • 2012 Audi R8 5.2 FSI review [video]


    Motor Trend’s Ignition series is continuing to impress us, with this latest episode going a long way to brightening up our grey Monday morning. Carlos Lago drives the 2012 Audi R8 5.2 FSI on the road, before heading to the drag strip and figure-of-eight track to see what it can do. The car’s V10 powerplant develops a healthy 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque; enough for a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds.
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  • DTM Norisring: Victory for Green


    Jamie Green snatched victory out of the hands of BMW’s Martin Tomczyk on the last corner of today’s DTM round at a damp Norisring.

    The British driver was running in third just three laps from the end, but passed the BMW M3 of Bruno Spengler before closing a 1.9-second gap between himself and the 2011 champion, Tomczyk, with the chequered flag in sight. Green had started from second on the grid – alongside team-mate Gary Paffett, but the polesitter’s C-Coupe collided with the Audi of Mattias Ekstrom, who went on to retire, but Paffett managed to recover to capture fourth after dropping back to twentieth at one point.

    Mercedes driver Ralf Schumacher was left disappointed after electrical problems saw him grind to a halt while leading the race, but the biggest shock was that Audi’s highest finisher was Rockenfeller with a lowly sixth.

    “My tyres were giving excellent grip on the last ten laps and my pace was very strong. My Mercedes AMG C-Coupé was running superbly, and I was grinning from ear to ear on those last few laps. At the end of an amazingly exciting race, I capped it all off by overtaking Bruno Spengler and Martin Tomczyk,” said a jubilant Green.

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  • Oxigin Porsche 911


    Unterensingen-based wheel manufacturer Oxigin has revealed a new wrap process for its 14 Oxrock alloys, displayed here on this Gulf-themed Porsche 997 Targa.

    Previously seen on XXX’s Audi R8, Oxigin offers its high-grade foil in a range of colours, but could be persuaded to create one-off shades to meet customers’ specific requirements. Special wraps to cover leather components can also be purchased.
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  • Pagani factory tour [video]


    evo magazine’s Editorial Director and Founder Harry Metcalfe recently visited one of his favourite places on earth – Pagani’s supercar factory. Here we check out the facilities where the Mercedes AMG-engined behemoths are created and really get under the skin of the company’s astounding new Huayra. Enjoy.
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