German Car Scene

Month: August 2012

  • BMW 1 Series M Coupe by G-Power


    Bayern-based BMW tuning specialist G-Power has revealed details of its new tuning program for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe.

    The company’s package includes remapped ECU software and a full titanium exhaust system, which undercuts the factory item by 20 kg, finished off with carbon fibre or titanium tailpipes. Those tweaks see output rise from 246 kW (335 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of torque to 324 kW (435 hp) and 590 Nm (435 lb/ft), resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a 300 km/h (186 mph) top speed.

    Other upgrades include the 20-inch Silverstone alloy wheels, which are covered in 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR Michelin tyres, G-Power’s fully adjustable RS coilover suspension set-up and a big brake kit involving six-piston calipers and 396 mm discs. There’s also a ceramic option for owners with whalelike wallets.
    (more…)

  • DTM: Spengler wins at the Nurburgring


    Bruno Spengler has given BMW its second DTM win of the season, turning up the heat on Gary Paffett in the 2012 title race.

    Starting from pole, the 28-year-old Canadian had already built a one second lead within the first lap, controlling the race until the end, finishing 6.7s ahead of Audi’s Edoardo Mortara and positioning himself 20 points behind Paffett (103 points). The Mercedes driver could only manage sixth today after a problematic rear wheel change saw him lost three seconds in the pits.

    Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller had been pressing Mortara during the early stages, but was passed first by Martin Tomczyk, who occupied the third step of the podium for BMW, then by Jamie Green during the second set of stops, eventually finishing in fifth place.

    “My car was fantastic today. I had to push unbelievably hard, particularly in the first stint, as the opposition really applied pressure. However, I was able to defend my lead. I’d like to say a big thank you to BMW Team Schnitzer,” said an ecstatic Spengler.
    (more…)

  • Special Edition Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse


    Bugatti has unveiled yet another special edition of its mighty Veyron, with this uniquely-coloured Grand Sport Vitesse.

    Making its début at Monterey Auto Week, this particular version has been painted in colours replicating the 1928 Type 37A Grand Prix race car, which is now owned by chat show host Jay Leno. The upper area of the body, including the roof area and air scoops, is finished in ‘Bianco’, while the front spoiler, side skirts, radiator grille, rear apron, inner surfaces of the wheels and underside of the rear wing are ‘New Light Blue’. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in Cognac leather upholstery.

    If you’re interested in owning this open-topped 895 kW (1,200 hp) polypheme, be prepared to part with €1.74 million.
    (more…)

  • 911 reborn


    Here, Tasso Charalampidis of Leverkusen-based Body, Paint & Design, talks about his passion for classic Porsche 911s and what it takes to make them like new again. He prides himself on restoring each car back to delivery condition, even persuading owners to retain their original colour schemes. This is a man who clearly loves his work.
    (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Seven-11 by Wheelsandmore


    Baesweiler-based tuning specialist Wheelsandmore has announced details of its Stage III kit for the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG.

    Already churning out 415 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb/ft) of torque in standard form, Wheelsandmore remaps the ECU software, fits an optimized air intake, exhaust system with with remote-controlled adjustable flaps and sport catalysts, meaning the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine now produces 522 kW (700 hp) and 1100 nm (811 lb/ft), hence the Seven-11 name.

    Other mechanical changes include the company’s LowMaXX lowering module which provides a 30 mm drop, along with a set of matte black three-piece 6Sporz² ultralight forged wheels. Measuring 10 and 12 x 20-inches, they’re wrapped in 255/30/20 and 305/25/20 Continental Sport Contact 5P tyres. Completing the aesthetics is an Armageddon Grey matte body wrap which was applied by the guys at Cover EFX.
    (more…)

  • Volkswagen’s Jetta Hybrid becomes world’s fastest hybrid


    Volkswagen’s Jetta Hybrid has impressed onlookers during this year’s Speed Week event at Bonneville Salt Flats, near Wendover, achieving a top speed of 185 mph (298 km/h); a new record for production-based hybrids at the iconic location.

    Piloted by by Motor Trend’s Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago, the Jetta’s powertrain has been tweaked by Volkswagen R&D in Wolfsburg in accordance with SCTA rules, with further modifications carried out by California’s A-Salt Racing and Advanced Product Engineering in order to run the car safely on the salt.

    Powering the Jetta is a 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine, developing 110 kW (148 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb/ft), along with a 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor.

    “The Jetta Hybrid Land Speed Record project shows both the sporty nature of our Hybrid offering and the technical excellence of our engineers in Wolfsburg and in the Test Center California,” said Volkswagen’s Marc Trahan.

    (more…)