German Car Scene

Month: July 2012

  • Porsche 911 GT2 RS vs Ducati 1199 Panigale S [video]


    This brand new episode of DRIVE sees Chris Harris heading to Santa Pod Raceway to challenge the impressive Ducati 1199 Panigale S on the quarter mile. As with Auto Bild’s film, the bike is pitted against a German supercar, but this time it’s a Porsche 911 GT2 RS. The Porsche has 456 kW (620 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb/ft) of torque at its disposal, but the Ducati has 143 kW (195 hp) and 132 Nm (98 lb/ft) to play with – and weighs roughly the same as an elbow scab.
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  • CLK 63 AMG Black Series eargasm [video]


    Here’s a brief clip demonstrating just how good that AMG 6.2-litre V8 engine in the minacious Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series can sound. With its extreme rear wing and arch-bulging ADV5.2.1 wheels, its looks won’t suit everyone’s tastes, but the symphony it produces is certainly intoxicating.
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  • 2013 Audi R8 revealed


    After countless teaser photos and videos, Audi has finally released images and information on its facelifted R8 model.

    Visually, the R8 has received a mild makeover, with restyled LED headlights featuring strip-shaped daytime running lights and integrated static turning lights, LED rear lights, revised bumpers with three crossbars across the air intakes, horizontal chrome grille ribs on V10-engined cars, an optional carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) front splitter and circular tailpipes lifted from the current R8 GT.

    Powerplants begin with the The 4.2 FSI V8, which produces 316 kW (430 hp) and 430 Nm (317 lb/ft) of torque, allowing the S tronic-equipped Coupe to hit 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), with manual versions taking 4.6s but reaching 302 km/h (188 mph), while the V8 Spyder is just 0.2s behind its Coupe counterpart. Average consumption for the S tronic V8 Coupe is 12.4 litres of fuel every 100 km.
    The brawnier 5.2-litre V10 engine develops 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (391 lb/ft); enough for a 3.6s 0-100 km/h time and 314 km/h (195.11 mph) top speed, with figures of 3.9 seconds and 316 km/h (196 mph) for the manual Coupe. Once again, the open-topped car takes just 0.2s longer before reaching top speeds of 311 km/h (193 mph) and 313 km/h (194 mph) respectively. That extra propulsion is paid for at the pumps, with an average consumption of 13.1 litres of fuel every 100 km in the S tronic Coupe. The company’s 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the V8 and optional on the V10, with the 7-speed S tronic – which replaces the outgoing 6-speed r tronic – standard on the V10 and an option on the V8.

    For now, top of the tree is the new Audi R8 V10 plus. Available in Coupe form only, it features otherwise optional equipment, such as the CFRP splitter, Carbon Sigma interior inlays, LED engine compartment lighting, GFRP adjustable bucket seats and carbon ceramic brakes. Other differences include a matte paint option, a larger diffuser, black tailpipes, CFRP mirrors and side blades and an improved engine output of 404 kW (550 hp) and 540 Nm (398 lb/ft). That means 100 km/h occurs in a mere 3.5s and top speed is 317 km/h (197 mph). Manuals take 3.8 s and hit 319 km/h (198 mph), with average consumption for the S tronic working out at 12.9 litres per 100 km and 14.9 litres for the manual.

    European Audi showrooms will see the new R8 range before the end of this year, with prices starting at €113,500 for the V8 Coupe and €124,800 for the Spyder. The V10 variants begin at €154,600 and €165,900 respectively, while the R8 V10 plus will set you back €173,200.
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  • Alpha-N Performance BMW M3 Coupe


    Following on from its 1M RS, Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler Alpha-N Performance has revealed its program for the BMW M3 Coupe.

    Looking similarly menacing, the E92 M3 wears a clear-coated carbon fibre front spoiler with integrated brake cooling ducts, an M3 GTS-style rear wing and diffuser section for the rear bumper. A KW coilover suspension kit tightens up the handling, while the 19-inch O.Z. Superforgiata alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres.

    The 4.0-litre V8 engine enjoys a mild 22 kW (30 hp) improvement thanks to an ECU remap, Akrapovic exhaust system and carbon fibre air box while, inside the cabin, the factory seats have been replaced by RECARO Pro Racer HANS items and a roll cage fitted.
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  • RENNtech C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series teaser [video]


    Florida-based tuning specialist RENNtech has released this teaser video featuring a C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series after receiving its R1 Performance Package. The conversion consists of an ECU upgrade and full carbon fibre air box, but this machine also features RENNtech’s stainless steel manifolds, 200 cell sport cats and a titanium Akrapovic Evolution exhaust system. Enjoy.
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  • BMW 5 Series by JMS Tuning


    Walddorfhäslach-based JMS Tuning has released details of its makeover program for owners of previous generation BMW 5 Series looking for a change.

    Available for E60 Saloons and E61 Estates already fitted with the M-Tech bumper option, the front apron is the only bodywork addition, while an adjustable KW Variant 3 coilover kit drops the car by up to 60mm at the front and 45mm out back. A set of ASA AR1 alloy wheels, measuring 9 and 10.5×20-inches and wrapped in 245/30/20 and 285/25/20 tyres, complete the look.

    The conversion starts at around €5,250, with other options, such as a performance exhaust system, ECU tuning and interior trim elements available to add.

    [Source: JMS Tuning]