German Car Scene

Month: August 2013

  • Brabus Bullit tuned by GAD Motors

    Brabus Bullit tuned by GAD Motors
    Fellbach tuning house GAD Motors has done the unthinkable and tuned Brabus’ already insane 370 km/h (229 mph) Bullit.

    Equipped with a massaged bi-turbo 6.3-litre V12 powerplant sourced from the S-Class, the regular Bullit develops 588 kW (800 hp) and 1,420 Nm of torque, which is limited to 1100 Nm.

    GAD’s conversion sees the addition of upgraded turbochargers, injectors, intercoolers and an optimized air box, along with remapped ECU software, resulting in a gargantuan 667 kW (894 hp) and 1413 Nm while the limited torque figure of 1100 Nm. The transmission was also strengthened for non-smashy gears reasons.

    German magazine Auto Bild recently tested the car, recording a blistering 0-300 km/h (186 mph) time of 23.5 seconds, eclipsing even GAD’s CLS 63 AMG, the previous record holder.
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  • dp motorsport anniversary Porsche 911 sleeper 3.2

    dp motorsport 911 sleeper 3.2
    Following on from its stunning lightweight 911 project and Classic 964 RS, Overath-based dp motorsport has created an anniversary sleeper to mark forty years in business.

    Starting with a 1986 model as a base for the club sport racer, the guys stripped it back to a bare bodyshell before reconstruction of the vehicle took place using carbon fibre doors, mirrors, hood, engine cover and bumpers, along with hardened perspex windows. Such components as brackets, hinges and even the door handles were also drilled in an effort to trim the fat, resulting in 280 kilograms being shaved from the car to end up at an impressive 905 kg. The ABS and power steering systems were also ditched.

    Moving inside, the cabin receives a DP roll-bar, 935-style seats with 4-point harnesses, a 350 mm sport steering wheel, lightweight RS carpet and featherweight 25 Ah gel battery.

    Propulsion comes via a 3.2-litre flat-six, which is fitted with flowed cylinder heads, 288° Schrick cams, a 67 mm throttle valve, lightened flywheel and an titanium RSR Racing exhaust system with 100 cell catalytic converters. Now generating 199 kW (270 hp) and 307 Nm of torque, the engine is mated to a 5-speed 915 transmission equipped with a limited slip differential and short shift mechanism.

    Chassic upgrades consist of adjustable Bilstein coilovers combined with Super Pro polyurethane bushings and Uniballs all around, a welded-in strut brace and 964 braking system using drilled discs. A set of Fuch alloy wheels measuring 7 and 9 x 16-inches and wrapped in 225/50 and 245/45 Michelin semi-slick tyres complete the conversion.

    dp can provide customers with all the aforementioned components, or you could purchase this metallic Rock Green example for €89,911.
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  • Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class surfaces

    Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
    Following on from yesterday’s teaser video, here are the first images of the new Mercedes GLA-Class, which have wandered onto the internet as if by magic…

    Looking like a pumped-up A-Class (because that’s all it is…), it shares the same Modular Front-drive Architecture platform, the GLA features rugged fender flares and sill extensions, along with a larger roof spoiler and diffuser than its more conventional sibling.

    The model shown is the all-wheel-drive 155 kW (211 hp) GLA 250, which uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.

    Due to be unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (September 10 to 22), pricing is rumoured to start at around £25,370 (€29,375).
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  • Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class previewed

    Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
    Mercedes-Benz has released this teaser featuring the forthcoming GLA-Class model ahead of its big reveal at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (September 10 to 22).

    Based on the stylish 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 model in the video is a GLA 250 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, but we can expect a flagship GLA 45 AMG variant using the 265 kW (360 hp) unit found in the A 45 AMG to follow later.
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  • BMW’s i8 takes to the track

    BMW i8
    Following on from the recently revealed details, BMW has released this i8 video recorded during a press event at the company’s test-track facility in Miramas in the south of France. The film also takes a closer look around the plug-in hybrid sports car.

    Utilizing a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic passenger cell connected to an aluminum Drive module, the i8 uses a combination of a 170 kW (231 hp) turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit in the rear along with a 96 kW (131 hp) electric motor driving the front wheels.

    Due to make its world debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (September 10 to 22) before production begins in 2014, rumours suggest that pricing will start at around €100,000.
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  • Audi A4 and S4 by Caractere Exclusive

    Caractere Exclusive Audi A4
    Werbomont styling specialist Caractere Exclusive has unveiled its latest program to suit the Audi A4 and S4.

    Constructed from high quality PU-RIM, the aero package consists of a replacement front bumper featuring large RS 6-inspired air intakes, sculpted side skirts, a boot lid spoiler and rear diffuser section which can be specified with or without the trapezoidal exhaust tips. The company’s CW1 alloy wheels are available in diameters ranging from 18 to 20-inches in a matte graphite or mirror polished silver finish.

    Finally, Caractere offers a complete stainless steel exhaust system and ECU software remaps across the model range, with the S4 enjoying a rise of 39 kW (52 hp) and 65 Nm.
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