German Car Scene

Month: January 2013

  • mcchip-dkr MC700 Mercedes SLS AMG

    mcchip-dkr MC700 Mercedes SLS AMG
    Obergartzem tuning specialist mcchip-dkr has revealed more details of its MC700 program for the Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG.

    Available in two levels of tune, the company fits its supercharger kit, along with optimized ECU software and a Capristo performance exhaust system with adjustable flap control. Priced at €69,900, Stage One sees the 6.2-litre V8’s output rise from 420 kW (571 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb/ft) of torque to 507 kW (680 hp) and 770 Nm (568 lb/ft), while the brawnier Stage Two option, which is only available for export and costs an additional €9,099, involves sports catalysts and more aggressive ECU tweaking to produce 526 kW (706 hp) and 793 Nm (585 lb/ft).

    The company can also provide a complete KW sports suspension kit with HLS 4 (Hydraulic Lift System), allowing both front and rear axles to be raised back to factory height at the flick of a switch, avoiding potential sump and floor damage. Pricing – including installation – stands at €12,999.

    Finally, this particular vehicle has been covered in a matte grey body wrap by CoverEFX. If you feel that your life would be incomplete without it, you’ll need to part with €5,999.
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  • Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class revealed

    Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
    Following on from the company’s Concept Style Coupe, Mercedes-Benz has released images and details of its new CLA-Class model which makes its official world premiere at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (January 15 to 18) in Berlin.

    Boasting dimensions of 4,630 mm in length, 2,032 mm in width and standing 1,348 mm tall, the CLA, which is almost identical to Volkswagen’s CC in size, shares the same MFA (Mercedes Front-wheel [drive] Architecture) platform as its A-Class sibling and takes styling cues from the five-door hatchback, displaying a similar mix of fluidity and muscularity. We’re particularly like the aggressive diamond-look grille, LED-infused headlights, large air intakes and frameless side windows. The slippery design also returns a class-leading Cd figure of just 0.23.

    The CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC will be offered at launch in the United States, with power coming from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm of torque, which is mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Europe gets a wider choice of engines, starting with the CLA 180 and CLA 200, which develop 90 kW (122 hp) and 115 kW (156 hp) respectively from a fuel-injected 1.6-litre unit combined with a six-speed manual. Diesel fans are catered for the 2.2-litre CLA 220 CDI, which churns out 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm with cogs switched via the 7G-DCT gearbox.

    Standard equipment includes a 5.8-inch multimedia display, Attention Assist, Brake hold function and Hill-Start Assist, radar-based Collision Prevention Assist and 17-inch five-spoke alloys. Options such as the high-resolution 7-inch display with COMAND system, satellite radio, a surround sound system, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, auto dimming mirrors can also be added, while the Sport Package comprises of 18-inch AMG wheels, lower suspension, Sport body styling and perforated front discs.

    Due to hit dealerships in the second half of the year, pricing for this baby CLS will start at a pretty reasonable €28,977.
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  • Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG by Vorsteiner

    Vorsteiner Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
    Following on from its kit for the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe, Vorsteiner has developed an equally subtle program to suit the Saloon version.

    Constructed from autoclaved pre-preg carbon fibre, the clear coated aero package comprises of a front spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser section. There’s also a set of embossed floor mats to rest your feet on. Sadly, we don’t have any photos of the mats, and cannot apologise enough for letting you down.
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  • Flamin’ Lamborghini Aventador

    Lamborghini Aventador
    We’ve nothing to add to the title, really. It’s basically a stock Lamborghini Aventador demonstrating its flaming abilities using its stock 515 kW (700 hp) 6.5-litre V12 engine. Doesn’t sound too bad either; just needs a bag of marshmallows for toasting.
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  • Porsche 959 prototype heading for auction

    Porsche 959 prototype
    Here’s one for the Jerry Seinfelds of this world. The Porsche 959 is rarer than a vegan who doesn’t tell* you that they’re a vegan, so this prototype version is an absolute must for any collector.

    One of just only four surviving cars – two of them runners, this 1986 vehicle, which was used to develop and test the chassis and ABS braking system, is based on a 930 Turbo platform and sits on pre-production lightweight wheels wrapped in Dunlops tyres, which made way for Bridgestone RE71s on the finished article.

    As almost all of the 29 prototypes were destroyed by Porsche, and with the Stuttgart giant no longer releasing any prototype automobiles to the public, this is something extremely special.

    Manufactured between 1986 and 1989, firstly as a Group B rally car and later as a street legal production car to meet FIA homologation regulations, the 959 uses a 2.85-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine developing 331 kW (444 hp). On the road it cracks 100 km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds and can reach 317 km/h (197 mph).
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  • Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept revealed

    Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept
    Volkswagen of America has revealed the company’s new Passat Performance Concept ahead of its début in Detroit next week.

    Visually the Concept features Bi-Xenon headlights, LED taillights, carbon-style mirror casings, dual exhaust tailpipes, revised electronic steering, lowered sports suspension and 19-inch Luxor alloy wheels, while the cabin receives a black headlining and carbonish elements on the dashboard and two-tone leather seats.

    Beneath the hood, rather than that familiar 2.5-litre five-cylinder, there’s the turbocharged 1.8-litre TSI four-cylinder engine, currently seen in European models, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and develops a healthy 184 kW (250 hp).
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