German Car Scene

Month: July 2012

  • Vorsteiner BMW M3 GTS5


    Tuning specialist Vorsteiner has developed the GTS5 bumper to suit BMW’s current M3 range.

    Limited to a production run of just 88 units, the aggressive replacement bumper is constructed from pre-preg carbon fibre and features similar styling to the company’s GTS3 item but with accentuated eyebrows over the vents. There are also extra vertical venting on the edges, which serve as a functional air flow for brake cooling, while the clear-coated lower spoiler is detachable for when you run a cat over and splinters from it skull cause irrepairable damage.
    (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG by Wimmer


    Solingen-based tuning specialist Wimmer Rennsporttechnik has revealed its current program for the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG.

    Already producing an impressive 336 kW (457 hp) from its 6.2 L V8 in factory form, Wimmer upgrades the cylinder heads and adds a pair of sport camshafts, along with a modified throttle body, optimized intake manifolds and K&N air filter. Hand-crafted manifolds and high-flow sport catalysts from HJS are connected to the stainless steel exhaust system, which features an adjustable valve. Those modifications, along with a remmapped ECU, result in a healthy 459 kW (615 hp).

    Other changes to this C 63 AMG Wagon include a set of 19-inch BBS CH Black Edition alloys, H&R spacers and a KW Clubsport coilover suspension kit, while the body has been covered in a retina-offending ‘electrical yellow’ wrap.
    (more…)

  • AC Schnitzer ACS6 Gran Coupe


    Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer has released its ACS6 program for BMW’s 6 Series Gran Coupe model.

    Visually, the Gran Coupe wears an aero package consisting of a front spoiler, a lower chromed front grille, additional chrome strip and skirt extension for the rear bumper with apertures to house the tailpipes of the replacement silencer. Other changes include a lowering spring kit and a choice of wheels, including the familiar Type IV and the Type VIII Racing and Type VIII Forged rims pictured here, which measure 9 and 10 x 21-inches in size. Moving inside, there’s the company’s ‘Black Line’ aluminium cover for the iDrive controller, aluminium pedals, velour floor mats and the EVO 3 sports steering wheel.

    Performance upgrades see the power in the 640d rise from 233 kW (313 hp) to 268 kW (360 hp), while its petrol-engined counterpart, the 640i, goes from 239 kW (320 hp) to 268 kW (360 hp). An eight-piston brake caliper kit can also be purchased.
    (more…)

  • Chris Harris drives the Pagani Huayra [video]


    This latest episode of DRIVE sees the lovely Chris Harris travel to Italy in order sample the clinically insane Pagani Huayra. Powered by a revised version of the 6.0-litre Mercedes-AMG V12 Bi-Turbo engine from the SL 65 AMG Black Series, the Huayra produces a staggering 515 kW (690 hp) and 1,000 Nm (740 lb/ft) of torque, meaning it has the same Power-to-weight ratio as a Bugatti Veyron – in a rear-wheel drive car. Dribble.
    (more…)

  • BMW E30 M3 vs Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 [video]


    Motor Trend’s latest Head 2 Head episode is a real step back in time with Automobile Magazine’s Jason Cammisa pitting the iconic BMW E30 M3 against it’s Cosworth-enginged rival, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 in a battle of the homologation specials. Mercedes-Benz had originally enlisted the help of Cosworth to make the 190E a competitive machine in the world of rallying. However, at that time, manufacturers such as Audi were dominating the championship with turbocharged, all-wheel drive monsters, so the 190E headed to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), where it locked horns with the beautiful, box-arched M3. Both cars are still incredibly desirable, but everyone has their favourite. Which is yours?
    (more…)

  • Volkswagen T5 Bus by Hartmann Tuning


    Neuss-based Hartmann Tuning has announced its range of options for Volkswagen’s popular T5 Bus.

    Developed by the company’s Vansports sub-brand, the T5 wears a lower front spoiler, side skirts and a rear bumper apron, while a sports spring set reduces the ride height by 30 mm. There’s also a wide range of alloy wheels on offer including these Vest 3 items, sized 9×20-inches and covered in 275/35 R20 tyres. Inside, owners can spruce up their cabin with carbon fibre trim inserts and velour carpeting.

    For those in search of extra power, the Vansports electronic Diesel Performance Kit sees output from the 2.0 TDI increase from 103 kW (138 hp) and 340 Nm of torque to up to 122 kW (164 hp) and 395 Nm, while the brawnier 2.0 BiTDI jumps from 132 kW (177 hp) and 400 Nm up to 156 kW (209 hp) and 460 Nm. There’s also a stainless steel exhaust system with twin double tailpipes. Finally, the electronic accelerator kit helps to reduce the delay in response that can sometimes be experienced.
    (more…)