German Car Scene

Month: April 2013

  • Audi S4 by MS Design

    Audi S4 by MS Design
    As we saw with the recent DRIVE video, it’s relatively easy to tune Audi’s S4, giving it the performance to rival the range’s flagship RS 4. Austria’s MS Design has gone a step further with its A46 program, adding in some visual treats.

    Due to make its world premiere at Top Marques Monaco (April 18-21), the company is touting it as the closest thing you can get to an RS 4 Saloon. The 245 kW (333 hp) 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 engine has been massaged to produce 343 kW (460 hp), meaning 100 km/h appears in 4.5 seconds and top speed is unrestricted at 287 km/h (180 mph).

    Aesthetically, the A46 wears an aggressive front fascia – which can house a genuine RS 4 grille – featuring larger air intakes, a lower spoiler and side vents. There’s also a pair of side skirts and rear bumper with air outlets and a carbon fibre diffuser housing twin tailpipes.

    Chassis changes include an MS big brake system, while an adjustable coilover suspension kit drops the saloon over a set of black 8.5 x 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. Moving inside the cabin, the interior receives a mixture of leather, suede and carbon fibre elements.
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  • MINI JCW Paceman vs BMW M135i

    MINI Paceman JCW vs BMW M135i
    This latest video from Autocar magazine sees Steve Sutcliffe compare two cars that, personally, we wouldn’t lump together in the same demographic, but they are both BMW products and share a virtually identical price tag: the M135i and MINI’s all-wheel drive JCW Paceman.

    The Paceman is propelled by a newly developed turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder lump with variable valve control, developing 160 kW (218 hp) and a peak torque figure of 300 Nm, while the M135i is packing a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder, which churns out a delicious 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm.

    A no-brainer, surely?
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  • Switzer Performance P700 BMW M5

    Switzer Performance P700 BMW M5
    Ohio-based tuning specialist Switzer Performance has released details of its P700 program to suit the current BMW M5.

    The package comprises of a full stainless steel exhaust system, high-flow drop-in air filters and removable engine control module that works in conjunction with the factory management, resulting in higher boost levels.

    Those changes see output from the 4.4-litre biturbo V8 powerplant rise from 418 kW (560 hp) and 680 Nm of torque to 522 kW (700 hp) and 868 Nm. “It’s a great solution for BMW clients who want to keep their cars mostly stock or have warranty concerns,” explains Neil Switzer.

    Pricing for the conversion has been set at $6995 (€5360), with the company offering Switzer Signature series wheels and carbon-nano brake pads in the summer.
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  • dp motorsport Classic 964 RS takes the Porsche 911 back in time

    dp motorsport Classic 964 RS
    Following on from its stunning lightweight 911 project, Overath-based dp motorsport has created a retrofit package for the Porsche 964 that provides the appearance of a 1973 911 RS 2.7.

    Designed to celebrate forty years of the RS model, the Classic 964 RS program is made up of a front hood and bumper, fenders, side sills, rear bumper, duckbill spoiler, grille section and lens covers for the indicators. Priced at €6,828, the kit also includes a polished stainless steel tailpipe and all the necessary adaptors and brackets for assembly. A wide 2.8 RSR conversion will also become available.

    A set of contemporary Fuchs wheels, measuring 7 and 9 x 17-inches, can be purchased for €2,236, while the modest 22 kW (30 hp) performance increase, which includes a 100 cell catalytic converter, K&N air filter and test bench balancing, will set you back €2,618.

    dp motorsport can remodel your existing 964 or acquire a vehicle for you before converting it. Prices vary depending on specific requirements.
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  • Mercedes-Benz Citan by Hartmann Tuning

    Mercedes-Benz Citan
    Neuss-based Hartmann Tuning has turned its attentions to the Mercedes Citan, offering two different packages for the vehicle.

    Produced by the company’s Vansports sub-brand, the sportier MetroStream program includes a front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron, along with a replacement radiator grille section and suspension system dropping the Citan 25 mm closer to the road. Next is the beefier MetroProtect option, which is basically a chrome front bumper bar with an accompanying rear bumper bar and side rails with foot plates.

    Vansports can also provide owners with ECU software upgrades, optimized electronic accelerator kits and accessories such as wheel and tyre packages.
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  • WRC: Ogier rules in Portugal

    Volkswagen Polo R WRC - Rally Portugal
    Sébastien Ogier has had another successful weekend giving Volkswagen’s Polo R WRC its third victory in four rallies, following this year’s round in Portugal.

    The Frenchman had suffered a scare on Sunday when his clutch began to slip, but he managed to hold off the advances of Citroen’s Mikko Hirvonen and also collect an extra three drivers’ points by winning the Power Stage. Ogier’s team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala had earlier been occupying second place until emergency repairs on a broken driveshaft meant the crew lost time and had to settle for the third step of the podium – his first for Volkswagen.

    The M-Sport Fords of Evgeny Novikov and Nasser Al-Attiyah finished the event in fourth and fifth respectively, with the third Polo R WRC car of Andreas Mikkelsen rounding off the top six.

    “I am overjoyed with the win. First the illness, then the brutal stages, which really push a rally car to the very limit. When we had the problem with the power transmission on this morning’s opening stage, I thought: ‘That’s it Séb. The rally is over.’ Fortunately we made it to the service and the guys did a fantastic job there. I think we really deserved the win,” said a delighted Ogier.

    The Polo driver now carries a 54-point lead over Hirvonen to Rally Argentina (May 1-4), with part-timer Sebastien Loeb remains third in the drivers’ championship.
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