German Car Scene

Month: November 2012

  • Alex Zanardi’s DTM drive at the Nurburgring


    Following on from last week’s news of Alex Zanardi’s drive at the Nurburgring, here’s some footage from the event.

    The 46-year-old was invited to the event marking the 40th anniversary of BMW M to drive an M3 DTM which was adapted to suit the popular Italian, who lost both legs following a horrific CART accident.

    “I am overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to drive the BMW M3 DTM today. I would like to thank everyone at BMW who has helped make this special moment possible for me. I felt that the BMW family is still behind me and loves me. They showed that once again today,” said Zanardi.
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  • Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster unveiled


    Lamborghini has unveiled its truly stunning Roadster version of the Aventador LP 700-4 model.

    Changes to the car’s body include redesigned rear pillars incorporating an automatic protection system for the occupants and support for the removable roof, while the side windows now feature chamfered edges allowing a perfect seal between glass and hard-top. The roof panel itself, which is manufactured from carbon fibre, tips the scales at just 6 kg and can be removed in a few seconds. A wind deflector, which attaches to the top of the windscreen frame, can be removed and stored in the luggage compartment when not in use, while a powered rear window controls the amount of airflow in the cabin, allowing the driver and passenger to enjoy the symphony from that glorious V12 unit, which can be enjoyed through the restyled engine cover.

    Beneath the skin, the Roadster shares its guts with its tin-topped counterpart; namely a 6.5-litre engine, developing 515 kW (700 hp) and 690 Nm of torque, mated to the company’s ISR 7-speed transmission. Those figures translate to a 0-100 km/h time of just 3 seconds and a 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed. The start/stop and Cylinder Deactivation Systems (CDS) also make an appearance on the Roadster. Because these things are terribly important on a car such as this.

    Due to hit showrooms by mid-2013, pricing will start at €300,000, with the Roadster available in a choice of colours, including this light metallic blue colour, Azzuro Thetis, which was inspired by the iconic 1968 Miura Roadster.
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  • Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG by SR Auto


    Vancouver’s SR Auto Group has created Project Amadeus, based on the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG, to highlight the wares it has to offer its customers.

    The changes begin with a Black Bison body package by Japanese manufacturer Wald International, which includes a front bumper with lower spoiler, rear bumper with diffuser section, ventilated fenders, side skirts and spoilers for the rear window and trunk lid.

    A Basics suspension module drops the S-Class down onto a set of Vellano VKU alloy wheels, measuring 9 and 10.5 x 22-inches and finished in matte anthracite on their faces and satin black on their windows and lips. The only performance upgrade is a sports exhaust system by Meisterschaft.
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  • Creating a new old Porsche crest


    Here’s a film from Porsche looking into the craftsmanship that goes into creating that unmistakeable crest. First seen on the Type 356 in 1952 as a result of a meeting between Ferry Porsche and US importer Max Hoffman, the crest has been tweaked over the decades, but remains largely unchanged. This fascinating footage sees the experts at Porsche Classic go back in time, using tools based on original drawings, to reproduce this iconic symbol.
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  • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series revealed


    Following on from yesterday’s teaser, here are the first images of the much-anticipated SLS AMG Black Series from Mercedes-Benz.

    The most extreme Gullwing to date, it follows the usual formula seen in other Black Series models, including engine changes, which consist of a new air intake, modified camshafts, revised ECU software and improved water and oil cooling. These tweaks see output from the 6.2-litre V8 engine rise from 420 kW (571 hp) and 649 Nm to 464 kW (622 hp) and 635 Nm – slightly down on the original car’s torque figure. At 3.6 seconds, the 0-100 km/h time undercuts its standard sibling by 0.2s, while the added drag of the aero package means that top speed is marginally slower at 316 km/h. Average consumption works out at 13.7 litres per 100 km.

    Weight-saving measures include a carbon fibre driveshaft, 15 kg lighter seats, a 17 kg titanium exhaust system and a featherweight lithium-ion battery; all contributing to the Black Series’ 70 kg weight reduction to 1550 kg.

    Visually there’s a carbon aero package that includes a restyled hood, front splitter, large rear diffuser, side skirts and arch extensions. this widens the front of the car by 13 mm and the rear by 26 mm, while the 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels increase track by 20 and 24 mm. As with other Black Series models in the family, four trapezoidal tailpipes also feature here.

    Notable standard equipment includes the usually optional carbon ceramic brakes system, adaptive sports suspension, an electronic locking differential and launch control.

    Due to go on sale next June, pricing has yet to be announced, but we’d be surprised if you saw much change from €250,000. And that’s before you start adding such options as AMG’s Aerodynamics Package (which includes the raised rear wing), carbon packages for the engine and interior, forged matte black wheels with polished rims, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system and deletion of the COMAND multimedia system.
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  • Brabus G 63 AMG


    Bottrop Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Brabus has developed a program for the meaty G 63 AMG, because it was always short on power, wasn’t it?

    The company’s B63-620 performance upgrade consists of an additional intercooler and optimized ECU software, which sees output from AMG’s brawny 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine rise from 400 kW (544 hp) and 760 Nm of torque to 456 kW (620 hp) and 820 Nm. A set of the company’s Monoblock F wheels in a 21-inch diameter were also added for good measure.
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