German Car Scene

Month: June 2013

  • Porsche Cayman S versus the SRT Viper GTS and Ford Focus ST

    Cayman Focus and Viper
    This new video from Autoweek sees Road Test Editor Jonathan Wang compare a trio of performance cars from three different price brackets: the Porsche Cayman S, SRT Viper GTS and Ford’s Focus ST.

    The Focus uses a 188 kW (252 hp) 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine for propulsion, while the Viper features a mammoth 477 kW (640 hp) 8.4-litre V10 powerplant. The meat in the middle of this metallic sandwich is the nimble Cayman S, which enjoys the benefits of a 239 kW (325 hp) 3.4-litre flat-six unit.
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  • BMW 550i S3 By Dinan Engineering

    Dinan Engineering BMW 550i S3
    California’s Dinan Engineering has developed a new tuning program to suit both the BMW 550i and 550i xDrive.

    Beginning with the engine, Dinan installs larger turbochargers, along with air-to-water intercoolers, a free-flow exhaust system and carbon fibre cold air intake before remapping the ECU. Those tweaks see output from the twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 rise from 294 kW (400 hp) and 609 Nm of torque to 398 kW (542 hp) and 795 Nm – enough for a 323 km/h (200 mph) top speed. A limited slip rear differential was also added.

    Other upgrades in the S3 package include new front camber arms and low compliance rear control arms, shorter springs and bump stops, and remapped EDC (Electronic Damper Control) software. The lightweight forged 20-inch HRE P43S alloy wheels, which minimize unsprung mass and rotational inertia, are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, while the carbon fibre front spoiler, mirror casings and rear spoiler all come from the BMW Performance range.

    It’s a nice conversion, but with all the whistles and bells costing $38,773, added to the price of a 2013 BMW 550i at $62,625, you’ve got a less powerful 5 Series than the M5 – for more of the folding stuff.
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  • Supercharged G-Power BMW M3 GTS upgraded

    G-Power BMW M3 GTS
    Bayern-based G-Power has released details of its updated supercharger program to suit BMW’s hardcore M3 GTS.

    As with its regular M3 kit, the company’s SK II ‘Sporty Drive’ TU supercharger system makes use of its ASA T1-523 unit – superseding the ASA T1-522 – along with remapped ECU software, a new air intake, racing air filter and additional fuel pump. Those alterations mean output from the 4.4-litre V8 jumps from 331 kW (444 hp) and 439 Nm of torque to (478 kW (650 hp) and 630 Nm with 200 km/h appearing in 11.8 seconds and top speed a pleasant 323 km/h (201 mph). Pricing for the conversion is €23,500.

    When it comes to bringing the GTS to a standstill, G-Power can provide a Mov’it carbon ceramic brake upgrade using 396 mm discs gripped by six and four-piston calipers. As well as superior anti-fading qualities, their construction also reduces unsprung mass by 50% percent, compared to steel discs. But they will set you back an eye-watering €26,238.

    Completing the transformation is a set of 20-inch Silverstone Club Sport alloy wheels covered in 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres for €7,437.
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  • Porsche 911 50 Years Edition

    Porsche 911 50 Years Edition
    Never one to shy away from creating special models, Porsche has released details of its new 911 50 Years Edition, which celebrates five decades of this iconic vehicle.

    The special anniversary 911 is based on the 294 kW (400 hp) Carrera S, but wears the wider body usually reserved for the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 model. Other defining features include high-gloss window frames and SportDesign mirrors, the Porsche Dynamic Light System, chrome trim strips on the front air inlets, engine compartment grille and between the rear lights, ‘911 50’ badging on the rear lid and Fuchs-inspired 20-inch alloy wheels in matte black with machine-polished centres.

    Moving inside, there’s a nod to the past with green labelling on the instruments and white needles with silver caps on the instrument pivot pins, while the material on the seat’s centre section evokes the ‘Pepita’ tartan design seen on 1960s 911s. Agate Grey or black leather can be specified, with 18-way Sport Seats Plus available as an option. Elsewhere, the centre console, doors and dashboard use brushed aluminium panels from the Porsche Exclusive programme.

    Set to make its debut in Frankfurt (September 12), just 1,963 units will be built in two unique colours – Graphite Grey and Geyser Grey metallic – as well as black. UK pricing has been set at £92,257 (€108,171) with deliveries beginning in September.
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  • Porsche Cayman vs tuned Audi S4

    Porsche Cayman vs Audi S4
    This new episode of DRIVE sees Matt Farah travel to the UK to sample Chris Harris’ tweaked Audi S4 Estate before seeing how it stacks up against a standard Porsche Cayman.

    With optimized ECU software thanks to the guys from Revo Technik, the tatty Audi now produces around 298 kW (400 hp), while the dainty Cayman enjoys the benefits of a 202 kW (275 hp) 2.7-litre flat-six unit.
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  • Leib BMW GT 300

    Leib BMW GT 300
    Following on from its BMW M3-based GT 500, Giessen-based tuning specialist Leib Engineering has revealed a GT 300 program to suit the E92 series 325i.

    Leib’s optimized inlet manifold and ECU software sees output from the 3.0-litre straight-six climb from 160 kW (218 hp) to 220 kW (295 hp), with the optional Supersprint exhaust system yielding a further 11 kW (15 hp).

    Chassis changes include an uprated braking system with 338 mm and 324 mm discs gripped by six and two-piston calipers respectively, Variant 3 KW coilover suspension and a set of 8.5 and 9.5 x 19-inch BBS CH-R alloy wheels covered in 235/35 and 275/30 Pirelli P Zero rubber.

    The only external differences consist of a Kerscher Tuning carbon fibre front lip and matte black BMW Performance rear diffuser, with the interior simply receiving short-stroke anodized black flappy paddle shifters. We won’t mention the sticker bombing…
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