German Car Scene

Month: June 2013

  • New Audi R8 details emerge

    Audi R8
    UK motoring magazine Auto Express has revealed details of the next generation Audi R8.

    In an effort to suck some flab from the company’s flagship supercar, Audi will utilize the 23 percent carbon fibre spaceframe body from its stillborn R8 e-tron, along with the electric car’s glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) suspension springs and anti-roll bars, carbon ceramic brakes and titanium rear hubs. Furthermore, the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) hood and roof from the R8 LMS also contribute to the 2015 R8’s sub-1,500 kg weight.

    And, rather than reduce capacity and add forced induction to the engine range, Audi will revise its V8 and V10 units with improved outputs of 336 kW (450 hp) and 425 kW (570 hp) respectively. Cylinder deactivation and stop-start functions aid a 10 percent improvement in fuel consumption over the outgoing vehicles.

    Head over to Auto Express for more information and a gallery of exclusive images.

  • Volkswagen Golf GTI tested by Chris Harris

    Volkswagen Golf GTI
    This latest video from DRIVE sees Chris Harris getting behind the wheel of Volkswagen’s seventh generation Golf GTI to see if it really warrants that iconic badge and price tag.

    Developing 162 kW (220 hp) and 350 Nm of torque from its 2.0 TSI engine, 100 km/h appears in 6.5 seconds and top speed is 246 km/h. Yes, it’s got the familiar red grille trim and brake calipers, along with check upholstery reminiscent of the original 1970s version, but the market is crammed with performance hatchbacks to bursting pint.
    (more…)

  • Audi A3 Saloon review

    Audi A3 Saloon
    Auto Express has carried out one of the first reviews of the new Audi A3 Saloon model.

    Designed to satisfy demand for a compact Saloon in China and America, Audi believes that it will outsell the popular A3 hatchback within three years. Sharing the same wheelbase and powerplant range as the A3 Sportback, choices begin with a 90 kW (121 hp) 1.4-litre TFSI right up to the flagship S3 version, which uses a 221 kW (300 hp) 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder for propulsion.

    Audi teases a new variant in its latest A3 media brochure, so we’re guessing that it’ll either be the RS 3 Saloon, or a fat ghost that loves photobombing.
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  • Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG vs the Volkswagen Golf GTI and BMW M135i

    some cars
    Following his review of the Mercedes A 45 AMG, Autocar’s Steve Sutcliffe sets out to see if the brilliant Baby AMG is deserving of its substantial asking price when the Volkswagen Golf GTI and BMW’s M135i are brought into the equation.

    Equipped with the most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the world, the A 45 AMG is propelled by an all-aluminium, turbocharged AMG lump producing 265 kW (360 hp) and 450 Nm of torque, while the seventh generation Golf GTI is powered by the company’s 2.0 TSI engine, which develops 162 kW (220 hp) or 169 kW (230 hp) when specified with the new performance package – as seen here.

    Looking like the bargain of the century, the M135i is packing a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder, which churns out a delicious 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm.

    If you had to part with your hard-earned bread for one, which would it be?
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  • Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet vs Jaguar F-Type V8 S

    Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
    The latest video from Auto Express sees Owen Mildenhall taking to the track to compare the new Jaguar F-Type V8 with Porsche’s current 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet.

    The F-Type V8 S is propelled by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 developing 364 kW (488 hp) and 625 Nm of torque, while the 3.8-litre flat-six engine in the 911 Carrera 4S produces 294 kW (400 hp) and 440 Nm of torque.
    (more…)

  • Tuned BMW 4 Series Coupe imagined

    BMW 4 Series Coupe
    Warrington-based automotive artist Jack Davies has given us a glimpse of how a tuned 4 Series Coupe may look – before the car has even hit BMW’s showrooms.

    Using the 225 kW (306 hp) 435i Coupe with M Sport Package as a base, Jack has applied candy red paintwork to the body before lowering the suspension and fitting a set of HRE P43SC alloy wheels finished in bronze. Carbon fibre aero pieces on the front bumper, fender outlets and side skirts complete the conversion.

    [Source: jackdarton]