German Car Scene

Month: November 2012

  • Volkswagen Amarok upgraded


    Volkswagen UK has announced a range of upgrades for its bulky SUV, the Amarok.

    Now being manufactured in the same Hanover plant as the Transporter, to meet demand, the Amarok’s 2.0 BiTDI engine develops 132 kW (180 hp) – up from 120 kW (163 hp), resulting in a raised towing limit from 2,800 kg to 3,000 kg for manual models and 3,200 kg for vehicles with the new eight-speed automatic transmission.

    The BlueMotion Technology option, which consists of a Stop/Start system, regenerative braking and low rolling resistance tyres sees the combined fuel consumption drop from 7.9 litre every 100 kilometres to 7.6l/100 km.

    New equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, 19-inch alloy wheels, sensors, fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity and heated washer jets.

    Pricing for this engine choice starts at £24,726 or £29,022 with BlueMotion Technology.
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  • Audi R8 V10 plus track test


    This new video from Auto Week in the Netherlands sees Roy Kleijwegt head to Italy to drive the new Audi R8 V10 plus. Following a brief stint on the twisty roads the review soon turns into the obligatory track test.

    As well as visual differences including a CFRP splitter, mirrors, side blades, adjustable bucket seats and a larger diffuser, the flagship plus model also features carbon ceramic brakes and an improved output of 404 kW (550 hp) and 540 Nm of torque, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds and top speed is 317 km/h (197 mph).
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  • Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG by GAD


    Fellbach tuning house GAD Motors has developed a program for the mighty Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG.

    Already developing a healthy 415 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm of torque from its 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 in factory form, GAD fits a pair of 30 percent larger turbochargers, an uprated intercooler with water pump, a new exhaust system including manifolds and sports catalysts, new air filters and optimizes motronic settings. Those changes result in a healthy 591 kW (792 hp) and 1,149 Nm. The V-Max is also removed.

    Pricing for the conversion is set at € 25,600.
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  • Porsche 911 by Caractere Exclusive


    Werbomont styling specialist Caractere Exclusive has unveiled its Porsche 991 body program at SEMA 2012.

    Constructed from high quality PU-RIM, the aero package consists of a replacement front bumper featuring additional air intakes, a GT3-style outlet and integrated lower spoiler. There’s also a pair of side skirts with faux air inlets, a raised rear wing and number plate panel with vented diffuser.

    Other components include a new exhausts system with flap control and quadruple tailpipes, and a choice of alloy wheels including the company’s modular three-piece items pictured which can be specified in 20 or 21-inch diameter.

    Personally, we’d like to see the Daffy Duck front spoiler and rear panel in clear-coated carbon fibre.
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  • 2013 Audi S8 driven


    Motor Trend’s Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago gets behind the wheel of Audi’s 2013 S8 for the latest episode of Ignition.

    Propelled by a newly-developed twin-turbocharged 4.0 TFSI unit, which pushes out 382 kW (520 hp) and 650 Nm of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed transmission, the S8 can crack 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds before hitting the limiter at 250 km/h (155 mph).
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  • 2013 SEAT Ibiza Cupra


    SEAT has released details and images of its 2013 Ibiza Cupra model.

    Virtually identical to the concept version shown in Beijing, the Cupra receives LED-infused bi-xenon headlights, LED rear lights, additional front air vents, gloss black mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the bumper features meshed air outlets, a matte black diffuser and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe. Moving inside, there’s a newly designed steering wheel and sports seats which can be trimmed in bi-colour leather upholstery as an option, while the company’s Portable System entertainment unit can also be specified, allowing the control of navigation, entertainment and telephone calls via its 5-inch touchscreen.

    Powering the Cupra is the same 1.4 TSI petrol engine as seen in Volkswagen’s Polo GTI. Developing 132 kW (178 hp) and 250 Nm of torque, gears are changed via a flappy paddle-operated seven-speed DSG gearbox, while an XDS electronic differential lock improves handling through bends. Performance is brisk, with 100 km/h appearing in 6.9 seconds and a 228 km/h (141 mph) top speed, while fuel consumption averages out at just 5.9 litres every 100 km.

    Due to hit UK showrooms by late January 2013, pricing starts at £18,825 (€23,540).
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