German Car Scene

Month: August 2012

  • Porsche Museum Secrets


    Here’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of Stuttgart’s Porsche Museum, which houses a wealth of cars that have helped to shape the company since 1948.

    This initial video features the private holding facility which stores vehicles that have previously been displayed or may be waiting to be shipped out to exhibitions in other parts of the world. Machines here include concepts for the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and even SEAT, with a highlight being the stealthy Porsche 911 Turbo that was built to satisfy the requirements of Louise Piëch, the daughter of Ferdinand Porsche.
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  • America gets Audi R8 Exclusive Selection Editions


    Enticing customers before the 2013 R8 hits its shores, America of America has announced details of new exclusive editions solely for the U.S. market.

    Using the impressive 321 kW (430 hp) 4.2-litre FSI unit, the Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 model wears a brand new Daytona Gray matte exterior with a carbon fibre splitter and diffuser, black grille surround and tailpipes, R8 GT rear light clusters, titanium-coloured five-spoke alloy wheels and red brake calipers. Inside, there’s an exclusive leather package with Crimson Red elements, a thicker multifunctional steering wheel and leather Navigation surround.

    Moving up a notch, the 391 kW (525 hp) Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 is finished in Ibis white with contrasting Brilliant Black sideblades, rear license plate surround and mirror casings and a set of 19-inch bi-color e-tron alloy wheels. Moving to the cabin, there are Ibis finishes with Alabaster White stitching, a carbon fibre monoposto driver’s cockpit package and the same contoured steering wheel as seen in the V8-engined version.

    Both models get carbon fibre trim elements, a Bang & Olufsen Sound System and Navigation with Audi’s Music Interface. Prices start at $137,700 for the V8 with manual transmission (R tronic: $146,800) and $161,500 for the manual V10 (R tronic: $170,600). Just twenty V8 and thirty V10 cars will be produced.
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  • Cars I See: 1972 BMW 2002


    This latest episode of Cars I See, from the very talented Frazer Spowart, tells the story of a father and son’s passion for classic BMWs. Patrick Burns’ effortlessly cool 2002 may not be perfect, but – even after forty years on the road, it’s still going strong and, more importantly, is being enjoyed. We could listen to Wendell and Patrick talk all day about what the brand means to them. But it’s time for lunch.
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  • BMW 6 Series by Prior Design


    Kamp-Lintfort styling specialist Prior Design has released details of its body program for the current BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible models.

    Constructed from high quality Duraflex material, the aero package includes a replacement front bumper with mesh inserts and carbon fibre light bars (€1,190), subtle side skirts (€790) and a rear bumper with finned diffuser insert (€980).

    A range of wheel, suspension and exhaust upgrades are available on request.
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  • V12 BMW Z3 prototype revealed


    BMW’s M Division has posted these images of one of its many Frankenstein machines, on Facebook. This time it’s a BMW Z3 Roadster – with V12 power.

    There was no information accompanying the photos, but it appears to be a Z3M without the M side gills, but with the 12-cylinder M73 unit that was used in the 750i Saloon and stunning 850Ci Coupe throughout the late nineties. Developing 240 kW (326 hp) and 490 Nm (361 lb/ft) of torque, it probably sounded fantastic, but the production car’s 3.2-litre straight-six, making 236 kW (321 hp) and 350 Nm (260 lb/ft) was the right choice.
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  • LPG Opel Zafira Tourer introduced


    Opel has extended its range of LPG versions to nine models with the introduction of the Zafira Tourer.

    Powered by the company’s popular 1.4-litre turbocharged LPG ecoFLEX engine, which produces 103 kW (140 hp) and 200 Nm of torque, the LPG Zafira Tourer consumes 8.6 litres of fuel every 100 kilometres, emitting 139g/CO2. For comparison, the petrol equivalent needs 6.7 litres, with a CO2 figure of 156 g/km, but LPG is priced at around .76 euro per litre whereas high octane petrol would set you back 1.60 euro.

    Opel engineers convert the vehicle to run on liquefied petroleum gas by strengthening the engine’s valves and valve seat-inserts, revising the ECU software and adding a 60-litre tank beneath the car’s floor. A maximum range of around 650 kilometres is possible on LPG alone, with that figure rising to 1,500 km if the petrol tank is also utilized.

    Pricing in Germany starts at 27,050 euro (inc VAT).
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