German Car Scene

Month: October 2012

  • Mercedes C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series Vs BMW M3 GTS


    The latest episode of Fifth Gear saw BTCC veteran Jason Plato enlist the help of ex-F1 pilot Mika Salo to compare the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series with BMW’s M3 GTS. The M3 GTS develops 331 kW (444 hp) from its 4.4-litre eight-cylinder powerplant, allowing a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 4.4 seconds, while the Black Series takes just 0.1s longer, but needs 6.2 litres to produce its 336 kW (457 hp). The fun begins 1:40 in.
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  • Kicherer SLS Supercharged GT


    Stockach tuning specialist Kicherer has released details of its SLS Supercharged GT program for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

    Providing the gullwing with its name is the performance upgrade, which consists of the company’s own newly-developed supercharger kit, revised ECU software and a stainless steel exhaust system with flap control, which sees output from the 6.2-litre V8 engine rise from 420 kW (571 hp) and 649 Nm to 522 kW (700 hp) and 840 Nm, meaning 100 kn/h appears in 3.4 seconds, while top speed goes beyond 300 km/h.

    Chassis upgrades come in the form of an adjustable coilover set-up with lift function, allowing the car to be raised or dropped by 30 mm at the touch of a button, and a set of Kicherer’s three-piece RS-1 alloy wheels, sized 10 and 11.5×21-inches and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.

    Visually, the SLS AMG wears a satin-matte black body wrap, a carbon fibre front spoiler, dive planes, rear diffuser, fins on the side and hood vents and a striking front grille with vertical bars inspired by the 300 SL Carrera Panamericana’s. Moving inside, there’s a new boost gauge and carbon fibre trim package for the door panels, centre console, seat backs, sill plates and boot floor.
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  • MINI announces WRC departure


    MINI has just confirmed what most of us were thinking: its involvement in the World Rally Championship will cease at the end of this season.

    When Kris Meeke was dropped at the end of 2011, following such an extensive development program of the car, it became clear that the company wasn’t quite so enamoured with the world of rallying after all. Well, not as much as the DTM Championship. BMW Motorsport will continue to develop the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine along with Prodrive and also provide components allowing the Banbury outfit to supply vehicles. Even though WRC Team MINI Portugal‘s performances have been beyond dismal, the fact that it contested all rounds of the 2012 season means homologation has been achieved, hence the car can be run on a customer basis.

    “We would like to see the MINI John Cooper Works WRC continue to run competitively in WRC and other championships. We would like to thank Prodrive, WRC Team MINI Portugal and our partners for the good cooperation, and wish all drivers, teams and customers a successful future in rallying,” said MINI’s Dr. Kay Segler.

    [Source: MINI]

  • 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S revealed


    Porsche has released details of its flagship SUV model, with the introduction of the 2013 Cayenne Turbo S.

    Propelled by a virtually identical version of the Cayenne Turbo’s 4.8-litre, eight-cylinder engine, the S features uprated turbochargers fitted with titanium-aluminium turbine wheels and a remapped engine control unit, which sees output rise from 368 kW (500 hp) and 700 Nm of torque to 405 kW (550 hp) and 750 Nm, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds a top speed of 283 km/h. Impressively, the fuel consumption figure of 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres matches that of the Turbo model.

    Standard equipment carried over from the Cayenne Turbo includes air suspension with PASM active damping, PDCC active anti-roll bars, and the PTV Plus torque vectoring system, which varies the distribution of torque, along with electronic differential lock. The Sport Chrono package also comes as standard.

    Visually, the headlight housings, air inlets and lower mirror casings have been painted in high-gloss black, matching the faces of the new 21-inch alloy wheels, while the cabin can be trimmed in a choice of bi-colour leather packages, along with carbon fibre inlays.

    Deliveries begin in January, with prices starting at €151,702.
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  • BBM Motorsport Volkswagen Golf GTI


    Senden tuning specialist BBM Motorsport has released details of a Volkswagen Golf V GTI project created for a customer, real estate agent and model Andrea Friedrich.

    The 23-year-old racing licence holder was seeking extra performance for track days, so handed it over to BBM for the company’s Club sport treatment. Increased power from the 2.0 TFSI was achieved thanks to the fitment of an Audi S3-spec K04 turbocharger, optimized ECU software, an enlarged intercooler and Supersprint exhaust system. A ZF/Sachs Motorsport clutch replaces the factory item. Those changes see output rise from 149 kW (200 hp) and 280 Nm of torque up to 251 kW (336 hp) and 460 Nm; enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds and a 275 km/h top speed.

    Chassis upgrades come in the form KW Club Sport coilover suspension with adjustable strut bearings, a Stoptech brake system using 355 x 32 mm discs with 4-piston calipers, and a set of 8 x 18-inch ASA TEC wheels wrapped in semi-slick 225/40 tyres.

    Inside, there’s a pair of Sandtler racing seats and harnesses, and a Wiechers roll-cage. Finally, the body has been covered in a matt baby blue foil wrap by Jaded Design.

    BBM is offering this conversion to Golf GTI owners at a price of €19,500 – plus installation.
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  • evo in the Porsche 918 Spyder with Walter Rohrl


    It’s that time of the day again, when a new Porsche 918 Spyder video surfaces on the YouTubes – and this is a good one. evo founder Harry Metcalfe not only gets up close and personal with the 574 kW (770 hp) plug-in hybrid supercar, but also hitches a ride with the legendary Walter Rohrl, before the pair chat about this innovative machine.
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