German Car Scene

Month: October 2012

  • BMW 1 Series M Coupe by ATT-TEC


    Rastatt tuning specialist ATT-TEC is the latest company to offer a program to suit BMW’s feisty 1 Series M Coupe.

    Visually, the 1M wears a set of ADV1 5.0 TF alloy wheels, measuring 9 and 11 x 20-inches and wrapped in 245/30 and 295/25 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, while a carbon fibre body package consisting of a front spoiler, rear diffuser and replacement boot lid are currently being developed. Chassis enhancements are taken car of thanks to a stainless steel KW Dynamic Damping Control coilover kit which features a choice of adaptive driving modes; Comfort, Sport and Sport+ for the driver to select via a cockpit-mounted button.

    Remapped ECU software sees output from the bi-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six unit rise from 246 kW (335 hp) to 295 kW (395 hp), while the next stage sees the addition of a larger intercooler, which releases 339 kW (454 hp). Customers can also opt for V-Max removal and the fitment of an Akrapovic Evolution Line’ titanium exhaust system with wireless flap control.
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  • Volkswagen ending Kombi production


    Volkswagen is ceasing production of its iconic Kombi after 63 years of non-stop production, in response to more rigorous safety regulations in Brazil.

    First introduced by the Wolfsburg company in 1950, it was also known as the Type 2 – following the Type 1 (Beetle), and featured that unmistakeable split front windsreen. Since the mid-nineties the T2 has been built at VW’s Anchieta factory in Sao Paulo with the plant constructing around 251 units per day. They retain their familiar 1.6-litre air cooled engines for the Brazilian market, but models destined for Mexico feature a fuel-injected 1.8-litre watercooled powerplant – easily identified by their large front-mounted radiator.

    From January 1 2014, the law dictates that all new vehicles must be equipped with both passenger and driver airbags and ABS (anti-lock braking system). Volkswagen deemed it economically unviable to bring the T2 inline with the regulations, so production is slated to end on December 31 2013.

    Depending on who you talk to, the manufacturer’s cheeky Microbus concept will be launched as the new generation Bulli in 2015. Time will tell.
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  • Audi TTS exhaust by Akrapovic


    Aftermarket exhaust specialist Akrapovic has developed an upgrade to suit Audi’s 200 kW (272 hp) TTS model.

    Constructed from titanium, the slip-on system is less than half the weight of the factory item it replaces and culminates in twin-double tailpipes measuring 100 millimetres. Output from the two-litre TFSI is raised by a modest 2.5 kW (3.4 hp) and 5.3 Nm of torque.
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  • Volkswagen Beetle Remix edition


    Volkswagen has announced the addition of a new Remix special edition to its Beetle range.

    Focusing around individualized colour detailing, the Remix features high gloss Black or Reflex Silver mirror casings with accompanying side stripes bearing the ‘Beetle’ or ‘Bug’ name and Turbine alloy wheels in a 17-inch diameter. Inside the cabin, the steering wheel, dashboard and door panels are painted to match the exterior elements, while other standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control system, the MEDIA-IN multimedia interface with RCD 310 radio and a centre armrest.

    Engine options include a 77 kW (105 hp) and 118 kW (160 hp) TSI, while diesel fans get the choice of a TDI developing 77 kW (105 hp) or 103 kW (140 hp). All versions can be specified with the optional DSG transmission. Prices start at €20,250.
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  • Volkswagen confirms two-cylinder up! option


    Volkswagen’s head of R&D Ulrich Hackenberg has confirmed that the company’s up! model will be available to order with a two-cylinder diesel unit from next year.

    Speaking in Sao Paulo, Hackenberg said that the up! will use a revised version of the 35 kW (48 hp) 800 cc TDI engine seen in the company’s funky XL1, which will also see production in 2013. Such is the flexibility of this new twin-pot’s ability to fit into all models based on the NSF (New Small Family) platform, it is also slated to appear in the Taigun compact SUV by 2015.

    Finally, Hackenberg also hinted that, because the 44 kW (60 hp) and 55 kW (75 hp) three-cylinders currently powering the up! range are compatible with the MQB (Modulare Querbaukasten) platform, we could see them propelling the seventh-generation Golf before too long.
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  • Porsche 918 Spyder on The Downshift


    This new episode of Motor Trend’s The Downshift focuses around the testing and development of Porsche’s 918 Spyder at the Nurburgring. There’s feedback from the team responsible for bringing this 574 kW (770 hp) plug-in hybrid supercar to life, who also explain why the ‘Ring is Porsche’s ideal location for exploring the performance limits of hybrid technology.
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