German Car Scene

Month: July 2012

  • Audi R8 LMS ultra Symbiosis [video]


    Here’s a nice video from Audi France featuring the company’s stunning R8 LMS ultra race car. Entitled Symbiosis, a term used to describe biological interactions, the footage features captions highlighting the unique sensations felt by the driver driving his Audi R8 LMS ultra. Turn your speakers up.
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  • New SEAT Leon revealed


    SEAT has officially unveiled its third generation Leon model.

    Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the five-door hatchback is 4.26 metres long, around five centimetres shorter than the outgoing model, yet its wheelbase is almost six centimetres longer. This allows extra room for the car’s occupants as well as a 380 litre luggage capacity, around 40 litres more than its predecessor. Impressively, thanks to the use of lightweight materials, a substantial 90 kilograms have been shaved off the Leon’s weight.

    Visually, the Leon retains a sinewy ‘Línea Dinámica’ (Dynamic Line), which runs towards the rear wheel arches. The trapezoidal C-pillars are also a familiar characteristic each Leon, as are the upwards-pointing third windows. LED daytime running lights fall in line with other cars in the Volkswagen Group range, with full-LED headlights and wedge-shaped rear light units available as an option.

    Entry-level Reference line models get the Media System Touch system, which includes a five-inch touch screen CD radio with an SD card slot and four speakers, while the higher Style and FR versions enjoy a higher quality screen, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and six speakers as standard (eight in the FR). The Leon FR also features SEAT’s Drive Profile, which allows the driver to choose from three modes which vary the characteristics of the throttle control, power steering and engine tone. Ambient LED interior lights change in accordance to the chosen setting – white in eco and comfort mode and red for sport. Oooh.

    The 1.6 TDI model, developing 77 kW (105 hp) and 250 Nm of torque, will be available at launch, consumes a mere 3.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in Ecomotive form, while the 110 kW (150 hp) and 320 Nm produces a healthier 110 kW (150 hp) and 320 Nm, and still manages to consume just 4.0 litres per 100 km. Early 2013 will see the introduction of a 63 kW (86 hp) and 77 kW (105 hp) 1.2 TSI, a 90 kW (122 hp) 1.4 TSI and a 132 kW (180 hp) 1.8 TSI. Diesel fans get a 66 kW (90 hp) 1.6 TDI and the top oil burner, a 2.0 TDI churning out 135 kW (184 hp) and 380 Nm. Transmissions will include a five- and six-speed manual and six- and seven-speed DSG gearbox.

    Expected to make its world début at the 2012 Paris Motor Show (September 29 to October 14) along with the new SEAT logo, the Leon will be in showrooms before the end of the year.
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  • Irie Green BMW 1 Series M Coupe


    Here’s a lightly tuned Irie Green BMW 1 Series M Coupe that caught our eye today.

    Mechanically the Baby has received a lightweight titanium exhaust system, a Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilover suspension kit and 10mm spacers behind the rear wheels. Visually this Metallic Black 1M wears a vivid Irie Green wrap applied by the guys at Schwaben Folia, retaining the factory high-gloss black roof panel with matching side indicator housings and powder coated wheels with green rim sections. There’s also a carbon fibre kidney grille, mirror casings and boot lid spoiler.
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  • Special Volkswagen California Edition


    Volkswagen Germany has released images and details of the new California Edition before it makes its official début at next month’s Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.

    Bearing more than a passing resemblence to the Caravelle Edition 25, the California Edition is available in Candy White, Salsa Red or Reflex Silver and features matte black detailing on the roof rails, B-pillars, door handles, the lower section of the front bumper, side skirts and tailgate. Fog lights, privacy glass and special anthracite-coloured 17-inch alloys complete the look.

    Equipment includes a stove, sink, bed extension with comfort sleeping pad, two swivel seats with lumbar support, lane change assistant and a multi-function leather steering wheel.

    Due to go on sale this autumn, engine options include a 2.0 TSI ranging from 110 kW (148 hp) to 150 kW (201 hp), while diesel fans get a wider choice, consisting of a 2.0 TDI producing between 75 kW (101 hp) and 132 kW (177 hp), with a 84 kW (113 hp) and 103 kW (138 hp) Bluemotion variant also available. Prices will start at €42,370 for the California Beach Edition, with the California Comfortline Edition weighing in at €56,287.
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  • Vorsteiner Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe


    Following on from renderings earlier in the year, tuning specialist Vorsteiner has officially unveiled its new program for Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe owners looking for a little more aggression.

    Constructed from carbon fibre, the aero package includes a Black Series-esque lower front spoiler and side skirts, radiator grille, fender louvre covers, daytime running light housings and vented rear diffuser. All parts are clear-coated apart from the replacement boot lid with integrated spoiler.

    Vorsteiner also offers a wide range of 19 and 20-inch forged alloy wheels as well as its performance exhaust system in either titanium or stainless steel. Inside, there’s a set of embroidered floor and trunk mats. Knock yourself out.
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  • Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee promos


    Here’s a pair of promos for funnyman Jerry Seinfeld’s new show, called Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, which premieres online next Thursday at 9 pm. The video series will feature Porschephile Seinfeld along with several of his friends, including Larry David, Ricky Gervais, and Alec Baldwin – in cars… You get the idea.

    Lets hope Jerry delves into his collection and dusts off that 959 of his. We’re really looking forward to this show, it should be pretty good. Well, it can’t be any worse than The Marriage Ref, can it? Not possible.
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