German Car Scene

Month: October 2012

  • BMW M135i vs Audi RS 3 Sportback


    Here it is, the new Chris Harris DRIVE video helping to smooth out everyone’s hump day. This week, Chris hosts a double header between the Audi RS 3 Sportback and BMW’s M135i on the road, track and in a drag race. Obviously.

    As pointed out, the Audi carries the company’s premium RS label, while the 1 Series is essentially representing BMW’s sub-M brand – and is also £10,000 easier on your wallet. The rear-wheel drive M135i is packing a 3.0-litre straight six, developing 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm of torque, while its Ingolstadt rival uses a 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder to churn out 250 kW (340 hp) and an identical 450 Nm to all four wheels.
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  • Volkswagen Golf VII previewed by Oettinger


    Friedrichsdorf-based tuninghouse Oettinger has released this preview image and details of its program for the new Volkswagen Golf.

    Visually, there’s an OEM quality aero package which costs €1,490 and consists of a two-piece front spoiler with splitter, side skirts and rear bumper apron with diffuser section.

    Performance upgrades for the popular hatchback will see various conversions for the GTI’s turbocharged 2.0-litre unit ranging between 194 kW (260 hp) and 268 kW (360 hp). For €1,090, output from both 2.0 TDI versions can be increased by 22 kW (30 hp) while 1.6 TDI owners will see improvements of 15 kW (20 hp) to either 82 kW (110 hp) or 93 kW (125 hp) depending on model. The company also hints that a ‘particularly powerful’ conversion for the 1.4 TSI engine is in the pipeline.

    Further components being developed include wheel arch extensions, performance exhausts, air intakes, adjustable suspension kits, ultralight alloy wheels, uprated clutches, a big brake upgrade and limited slip differentials.

    [Source: Oettinger]

  • Audi S7 review


    The Smoking Tire’s brilliant Matt Farah has been spending some time in the Malibu canyons, driving Audi’s pretty A7 Sportback.

    Propelled by the company’s newly-developed 4.0 TFSI engine, the S8 has 309 kW (420 hp) and 550 Nm of torque at its disposal, allowing the five-door coupé to crack 100 km/h in under five seconds.
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  • ABT Sportsline Volkswagen Golf VII


    Kempten tuning specialist ABT Sportsline has wasted no time in unveiling its range of options for the seventh generation Volkswagen Golf.

    Visually, the Golf receives a lower front spoiler with central lip, replacement grille, headlamp covers, mirror casings and side skirts, while at the rear there’s lower tailgate panel and bumper apron with diffuser section accommodating the quadruple tailpipes. ABT also carries a large range of alloy wheels in 18 and 19-inch diameter, including the DR items pictured here, while the reduction in ride height is achieved thanks to a sport spring kit.

    Power upgrades available for the new Golf, see output from the 1.2 TFSI jump from 64 kW (86 hp) to 78 kW (105 hp), and the 1.4 TFSI rising from 104 kW (140 hp) to 123 kW (165 hp). Diesel owners are also catered for, with the 1.6 TDI producing 93 kW (125 hp) – up from 78 kW (105 hp), and the entry-level 2.0 TDI getting a 22 kW (30 hp) hike to 111 kW (150 hp). Finally, the brawnier 137 kW (184 hp) 2.0 TDI can be tweaked to develop 156 kW (210 hp).
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  • Opel Cascada revealed


    Opel has announced details of its replacement for the Astra Convertible, with the introduction of its pretty Cascada model.

    Measuring 4,697 mm in length and 1,840 mm in width, it is almost identical in dimensions to the current Astra Estate, allowing a load volume of 280 litres with the roof open and 350 litres with it is closed. That amount can be raised once the electrically-operated 50:50 split rear seat is folded down. The soft-top itself can be lowered at the push of a button in 17 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. In the event of a roll-over, spring-loaded high-strength bars are activated as a safety measure, while the heavily-raked windscreen pillars are constructed from press hardened steel.

    Visually, this stylish four-seater features the bold, chrome front grille, fog lights with shark fin elements, LED-infused front and rear lights, a decorative chrome strip spanning the rear light clusters and wheels ranging in size from 17 to 20-inches in diameter. Moving inside, the cabin is trimmed in soft Nappa leather, with ventilated and heated seats, electric seat belt extenders and the electric Easy Entry system aiding access to the rear seat.

    As well as the HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension, which helps to alleviate torque steering while improving grip in all conditions, the Cascada is also fitted with Opel’s FlexRide adaptive damping system, which allows the driver to choose between various modes to suit their preferences.

    Due to be launched early 2013, engine options will include a 1.4-litre turbocharged unit, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, producing either 88 kW (120 hp) or 103 kW (140 hp) and 220 Nm of torque from both powerplants, while the brand new 1.6 SIDI Turbo ECOTEC petrol engine, producing 125 kW (170 hp) and 280 Nm can be specified with the manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. Initially, diesel fans get the 2.0 CDTI with 121 kW (165 hp) and 380 Nm and the choice of a six-speed manual or auto transmission, with Opel set to introduce new powertrains later next year.
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  • Volkswagen Polo R WRC shakedown at Rally Legend


    Ahead of its official début on the world stage in Monte Carlo, Volkswagen Motorsport was present at this year’s Rally Legend event, giving its Polo R WRC a decent workout, with none other than Carlos Sainz behind the wheel along with Luis Moya.

    Wearing the number 0, the Polo is currently awaiting FIA approval, but was cleared to take part in San Marino, albeit untimed, allowing the Spanish duo to spend some time in a competitive environment.

    “It’s been a great experience, I did not know of Rallylegend, now I know that is a real big party rally. In addition to the rally, with the atmosphere of those once, it is also a meeting point among the many rally world champions, a unique opportunity to meet again and be in friendship with the affection of the fans,” said Sainz.

    Finland’s Markku Alen, went on to take the ‘Legend Historic Rally’ category driving a 1983 Lancia 037, with Gustavo Trelles winning the ‘Rally Legend Myth’ category in a 1994 Celica Toyos. Italy’s Tobia Cavalli took the ‘Legend Rally WRC’ title in a 1999 Subaru Impreza WRC.

    Volkswagen has also announced today that it has secured the services of Jari-Matti Latvala and his co-driver Miikka Anttila, who come over from the Ford World Rally Team.
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