January 2013 – Page 7 – GERMAN CAR SCENE

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG by RENNtech and ADV.1 Wheels

January 17th, 2013 by admin

Aftermarket specialist ADV.1 Wheels has released these images of its latest Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG project with RENNtech.

Needing very little assistance in the aesthetics department, ADV.1 fitted a set of its 2013 Track Spec 10.0 SL Series rims. Featuring brushed gunmetal centres with single tint brushed gunmetal outers, the wheels measure 9 and 11 x 20-inches and come wrapped in 235/35 and 295/30 Michelin rubber.

Finally, the guys over at RENNtech provided a pre-production aero package for the four-door Coupe. Constructed from clear-coated carbon fibre, the pieces, which include a three-piece front splitter, boot lid spoiler and diffuser, will become available to buy later this month.

Audi RS 5 Coupe review by The Smoking Tire

January 17th, 2013 by admin

Owner of possibly the coolest beard on the internetwork (except, perhaps, for this guy), The Smoking Tire’s Matt Farah takes Audi’s 331 kW (450 hp) RS 5 Coupe for a blast up and down one of California’s most famous roads: the ‘Snake’ on Mulholland Highway. So, does the RS 5 have the chops to take on BMW’s M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG? And which would you choose?

BMW M3 RS by RS Racing Team

January 17th, 2013 by admin

Viernheim-based motorsport specialist RS Racing Team has developed a program for the current BMW M3 (E90 or E92), that turns it into even more of a street legal track car.

The M3 RS package sees the interior stripped out and fitted with a pair of racing bucket seats, six-point harnesses, carbon fibre door panels, a fire extinguisher and a Wiechers Sport welded-in, DMSB-certified rollcage. A set of 10 x 19-inch forged ATS Superlight wheels also contribute to the car’s 190 kg weight loss.

Under the hood, remapping of the ECU software sees output from the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 engine rise from 309 kW (414 hp) and 400 Nm of torque to 331 kW (450 hp) and 431 Nm. Those changes mean 100 km/h appears in 4.6 seconds and 200 km/h in 14.7s, while the deactivation of the V-Max results in a 299 km/h (186 mph) top speed.

Chassis upgrades include a Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilover kit developed jointly with the company, which features 10 point damping and rebound adjustability, while the brakes gain racing pads, steel lines and optimized cooling ducts. A carbon fibre rear wing also adds to the car’s track credentials.

RS Racing Team can supply complete vehicles to customers, with prices ranging from €80,000 and €110,000 – depending on specification. Driver tuition can also be provided.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe by Expression Motorsport

January 17th, 2013 by admin

Werbomont-based styling specialist Expression Motorsport has developed a program for the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe, which it says is inspired by the current C-Coupe DTM racer.

The aero package comprises of a replacement front bumper with larger intakes, LED indicators, foglights and a carbon fibre front spoiler, fender flares, side skirts, a trunk lid spoiler and rear bumper with carbon diffuser section. A pair of larger hood vents are also included, but not pictured.

Chris Harris drives the Singer 911

January 16th, 2013 by admin

Following on from last week’s teaser here’s the new DRIVE video, which sees Chris Harris behind the wheel of a stunning Singer 911 for his first review of 2013.

First, the Brit made his way over to Singer’s factory in California to see how the Cosworth-engined, carbon fibre-bodied reimagined vehicles are constructed, before being handed the keys to the 350 hp work of art.

If you’re interested in owning one, pricing starts way above $300,000 and goes beyond the $500,000 mark.

Audi SQ5 TDI by B&B Automobiltechnik

January 16th, 2013 by admin

Birlenbach-based tuninghouse B&B Automobiltechnik has applied its upgrade to Audi’s SQ5 TDI model, taking it’s output beyond the recently revealed 3.0 TFSI version.

Already developing a healthy 230 kW (313 hp) and 650 Nm of torque in factory form, Stage 1 costs € 1,498 and involves a remapped ECU and mild boost increase to 0.15 bar which yields 254 kW (340 hp) and 720 Nm from the 3.0 BiTDI. Stage 2 sees more boost, resulting in 272 kW (365 hp) and 750 Nm, for € 1,698. The third program, priced at € 4,950, includes high performance injectors and an uprated air intake and intercooler, making 295 kW (395 hp) and 800 Nm. For € 1,950, the stainless steel exhaust system adds around 4 kW (5 hp). Those changes see 100 km/h appear in 4.7 seconds (series 5.2s), 200 km/h in 19.4 s (22.5s), while the limited top speed climbs from 250 km/h to 270 km/h.

Chassis upgrades begins with a -25 mm spring kit for €398 or adjustable coilover option for €1,698, followed by a six-piston brake system starting at €4,995. A range of alloy wheels up to 22-inch diameter can also be specified, along with the company’s 15-piece aero package and tailpipes.