German Car Scene

Month: January 2013

  • Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI announced

    Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI
    Audi has announced details of a petrol-engined SQ5 ahead of its Detroit début (January 14-27), created specifically for customers including those in the United States, Canada, China and Russia, with Europe retaining the SQ5 TDI as the sportiest model in the Q5 range.

    This time around, Audi has fitted the company’s supercharged 3.0 TFSI engine which develops 260 kW (354 hp) and 470 Nm of torque, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Average fuel consumption equates to 8.5 litres every 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of 199 g/km.

    Emphasising the compact SUV’s sporty credentials is the V6-T fender badging, a 30 mm reduction in ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels (or optional 21-inchers), black brake calipers, modified bumpers, roof spoiler, platinum grey single-frame grille with aluminium-look struts, roof bars and exterior mirrors.

    Inside the cabin, occupants are treated to power-adjustable sport seats in Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, brushed aluminum inserts, a specially-shaped steering wheel (with aluminium-look flappy paddles) and S door sill trims, dials, badges and gear knob. Items on the options list include a lunar silver headlining and trim panels in Carbon Atlas, Piano finish or aluminium/wood.
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  • Lamborghini Sesto Elemento production details

    Lamborghini Sesto Elemento
    Autovisie in the Netherlands has unearthed official details of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento‘s forthcoming production.

    Set to be virtually identical to the concept car, apart from a more rigid monocoque, the hardcore track car tips the scales at just 999 kilograms (2,202 lb) and is propelled by the 419 kW (570 hp) V10 engine and all-wheel-drive layout from the company’s 1,340 kg (2,954 lb) Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. This results in a power-to-weight ratio of just 1.75 kilograms per hp – allowing a 0-100 km/h time of just 2.5 seconds and a top speed surpassing 300 km/h.

    The sub-1000 kg figure is down to the extensive use of carbon fibre throughout the car’s construction, including the forged composite monocoque. Even parts such as suspension components and control arms have made use of carbon fibre, resulting in items 30 percent lighter than their comparable aluminium counterparts.

    The front and rear sections are created from single pieces of carbon and feature quick-release mechanisms allowing easy access for maintenance. Inside, the fixed seats are integrated within the tub, meaning the pedals and steering are adjusted to suit the owner’s specific measurements. Just 20 units will be built at Lamborghini’s new Pre-Series Centre, where all of its low-volume vehicles and prototypes are constructed. Pricing will be around the €2,000,000 mark.

    “The Sesto Elemento is intended for collectors who occasionally also want to drive on a track. It is for a car collector who also wears a race suit,” said the Chief Designer of the Sesto Elemento, Filippo Perini.
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  • SR Auto Project Phantom Audi R8

    SR Auto Project Phantom Audi R8
    Vancouver-based styling specialist SR Auto Group has recently revamped a customer’s Audi R8 Coupe, resulting in the SR Project Phantom.

    Still sporting a Hofele Design carbon fibre front lip and rear spoiler along with a carbon fibre front fascia and rear vents by PPI Automotive Design, SR has removed that matte black wrap to reveal the glistening black bodywork, while the matte PUR 3HREE wheels have made way for a set of the imaginatively-named 4OUR Monoblock items. Finished in Diamond Black, they measure 8.5 and 11 x 20-inches.
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  • BMW M135i vs Subaru WRX STI track test

    BMW M135i vs Subaru WRX STi
    This new video from Auto Express sees Owen Mildenhall roll up at Blyton Park circuit to see how BMW’s M135i and the Subaru WRX STI compare on track.

    The M135i is packing a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six, developing 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm of torque, while its 320R-spec Japanese rival produces identical figures thanks to a turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four Boxer unit.
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  • Prior Design Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Black Edition

    Prior Design Mercedes C-Class Coupe Black Edition
    Following on from last month’s Essen pictures, Kamp-Lintfort’s Prior Design has released some official photos of its Black Edition program for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

    As the name suggests, it duplicates Mercedes’ heavy-duty 336 kW (457 hp) Black Series model, but does a pretty convincing job of it.

    Constructed from high quality Dura-Flex, the aero package comprises of a replacement front bumper with LED daytime running lights and detachable spoiler, wider vented fenders, side skirts, rear wheel arch extensions and a back bumper with diffuser section. A ventilated hood completes the similitude.

    Pricing for the kit stands at €7,900.
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  • Mercedes-Benz reveals facelifted E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet

    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet
    Mercedes-Benz has followed up its facelifted E-Class Saloon and Estate models with the introduction of the new Coupe and Cabriolet models.

    At the front, the one-piece LED-infused headlights are a slightly different shape compared to the Saloon and Estate’s cutting into the the bumper, which features larger, even more pronounced air intakes, while the radiator grille uses a single-bar to hold its three-pointed star. The rear arches retain their muscular shoulder, while the rear gains revised LED taillights and a chrome accent on the lower bumper section.

    The Coupe and Cabriolet are available with the same engine options as their more practical counterparts, including six petrol units ranging from the 135 kW (184 hp) 2.0-litre E 200 to the 300 kW (408 hp) twin-turbocharged 4.6-litre E 550, and three diesel engines producing between 125 kW (170 hp) and 195 kW (265 hp) in the 2.1-litre E 220 CDI and 3.0-litre E 350 BlueTEC respectively. All versions get the ECO start/stop system as standard, with customers offered the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. E 350 Coupe owners can also choose the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
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