German Car Scene

Month: August 2013

  • BMW i8 details

    BMW i8
    Following on from the i3, BMW has released details of its forthcoming plug-in hybrid sports car, the i8.

    Utilizing the company’s i LifeDrive architecture, the i8 focuses around a lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell connected to the aluminum Drive module, which incorporates a TwinPower turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit that sends 170 kW (231 hp) and 320 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, along with an electric motor developing 96 kW (131 hp) and 250 Nm driving the front wheels through a two-stage automatic gearbox.

    With a length of 4689 mm, width of 1942 mm and standing 1293 mm tall, the i8 possesses almost identical dimensions to Ferrari’s F12 but enjoys a lower drag coefficient of 0.26. The slippery design and weight of 1490 kg means it can hit 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) in all-wheel drive mode, with electric power alone allowing a maximum of 120 km/h (75 mph) and a range of 35 kilometres (22m). Overall a distance of 500 km (310m) can be covered, with less than 2.5 litres of fuel needed every 100 km (95 US MPG) and fewer than 59 grams of carbon dioxide emitted every kilometre. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion can be fully charged in less than three hours at a conventional household socket and less than two hours at a BMW i Wallbox.
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  • BMW M5 program by Vorsteiner

    Vorsteiner BMW M5
    North American aftermarket specialist Vorsteiner has released new images of its BMW M5 program.

    Constructed from clear-coated pre-preg carbon fibre, the aero package comprises of an add-on front spoiler with GT centre splitter, a trunk lid spoiler and finned diffuser section for the rear bumper.

    The changes are complete with a set of Vorsteiner’s VS-190 forged monoblock alloy wheels in a 21-inch diameter.
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  • Opel releases new Monza Concept teaser

    Opel Monza Concept
    Following on from its previous shadowy offerings, Opel has released a brighter image of its Monza Concept. The model, which the company calls “Our Vision of Opel’s Future”, will make its world debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (September 10 to 22).

    The Concept’s name pays homage to the original Opel Monza Coupe, built between 1978 and 1986, while its styling is anything but old school, with its low stance, muscular contours, chrome grille bar with winglets and slimline headlights sitting above colossal air intakes.

    “It is our vision of Opel’s future and stands for our fundamental values: German engineering and precision, combined with enthralling design and innovations suitable for everyday use. This car is a study that will have a long-term impact on the next generation of Opel models,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
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  • Audi A6 by Senner Tuning

    Senner Tuning Audi A6 Avant
    Ingelheim’s Senner Tuning has released images and details of what it can do for Audi A6 3.0 TDI owners.

    Senner’s performance upgrade for the car’s 3.0 TDI engine involves remapping of the ECU software and a performance air filter, resulting in a hike from 230 kW (313 hp) and 650 Nm to 275 kW (374 hp) and 776 Nm, while the delay that can experienced in fly-by-wire accelerators has been dealt with thanks to the fitment of a power converter.

    A KW Street Comfort coilover kit lowers the A6 between 30 and 55 mm, while the factory wheels can be superseded by either the Varianza T1S wheel or Sword SC1 designs. Finished in gloss black with a polished face, the two-piece alloys measure 9.5 x 20-inches and come wrapped in 255/35 Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tyres.
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  • Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class release date and pricing revealed

    2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
    Auto Express has revealed further details on the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

    Based on the well received Concept that debuted in Shanghai earlier this year, the GLA shares the same MFA (Modular Front-drive Architecture) platform as the A-Class, but is slightly wider at 1.98 metres and stands 1.57 metres tall making it similar in size to its competitors the Audi Q3 and BMW’s X1.

    The GLA will initially be offered with a 155 kW (211 hp) 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, with a flagship GLA 45 AMG variant using the 265 kW (360 hp) unit found in the A 45 AMG, following later.

    Due to be unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (September 10 to 22) and appear in dealerships by early 2014, pricing will start at around £25,370 (€29,375).
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  • Porsche 991 Targa spied at the Nurburgring

    Porsche 991 Targa
    The guys from TouriClips have spotted a prototype Porsche 991 Targa stretching its legs during testing at the Nurburgring.

    Rather than the sliding roof design of the 997 variant, Porsche has gone back to its roots by reverting to wrap-over B-pillars with a clip-in removable glass roof panel. The larger, convex rear window is another unique feature.

    Once again it will be based on the wide-bodied Carrera 4 and 4S, meaning a choice of either a 257 kW (350 hp) 3.4-litre or 294 kW (400 hp) 3.8-litre version.

    The 991 Targa is expected to make its debut at the Los Angeles motor show in November before hitting dealerships early 2014.
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