German Car Scene

Month: September 2013

  • Mercedes-Benz reveals Concept S-Class Coupe

    Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe
    Mercedes-Benz has revealed a concept version of the forthcoming S-Class Coupe, which is set to replace the existing CL-Class early next year.

    With a wheelbase of 2945 mm, length of 5050 mm, width of 1958 mm and standing 1409 mm tall, it’s slightly shorter, wider and lower than the current S-Class, but is styled totally differently. The reverse-rake face takes cues from the CLA with its three-dimensional radiator grille, wide expanse of air intakes and diamond-shaped LED headlights. In profile the long hood, dome-shaped stretched roof line, frameless doors and sculpted waistline take centre stage, while the lightly flared wheel arches house 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Finally, the stubby rear features wraparound LED tail-lights connected by a chrome strip spanning the width of the trunk lid, while the diffuser frames a pair of slimline tailpipes.

    Moving inside the cabin – which is said to be inspired by a whale’s fluke (not a euphemism), the instrument panel and seats are upholstered from supple calfskin, with the carpets and roof-lining hand-crafted from silk and the door panels from computer-milled aluminium. There’s a pair of ‘floating’ 30.7-cm (12.3-inch) colour displays, while the ventilation nozzles are finished in a mix of white and polished aluminium, with the centre console in a new ‘black diamond’ finish. The highly scratch-resistant surface is created by a chemical vapour deposit process, which deposits a precious metal on a high-sheen chrome surface at temperatures of 1000°C.
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  • Porsche 918 Spyder secures Nurburgring lap record

    Porsche 918 Spyder secures Nurburgring lap record
    Following its big reveal in Frankfurt, Porsche has announced that the 918 Spyder recently recorded the fastest ever Nurburgring lap for a car with global road homologation, with a time of 6.57 minutes.

    Previously held for four years, the record was broken on the morning of September 4 by Porsche factory race driver Marc Lieb – on his first attempt. Lieb, who drove at an average speed of over 111 mph (179.5 km/h), was joined by Porsche test driver Timo Kluck and the legendary Walter Röhrl; with both of them also recording sub-seven minute times during the day.

    At the heart of this innovative hypercar is a 453 kW (608 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine, which is based on that of the LMP2 RS Spyder race car and is backed up by a hybrid module at the rear along with a electric motor powering the front wheels. When using electric power alone, top speed is 150 km/h (93 mph) with a range of 25 kilometres achievable – depending on driving style but, with the full 661 kW (887 hp) a its disposal, 100 km/h appears in 2.8 seconds and 200 km/h in 7.9s, while top speed is 340 km/h (211 mph). All from a car capable of drinking around three litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.

    “The radical hybridisation of the 918 Spyder from the very outset is what made this lap record possible” said Dr. Frank Walliser, head of the 918 Spyder project. “The lap time on the Nordschleife is, and remains, the toughest measure of a super sports car. Posting a time of 6.57 minutes, we achieved a result of which everyone in the development team – and at Porsche as a whole – is rightly proud.”
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  • BMW i8 officially revealed

    BMW i8
    BMW has revealed its stunning plug-in hybrid sports car, the i8, in Frankfurt today.

    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.

    Bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Concept revealed two years ago, the i8 sits on 20-inch alloys and features a colossal hood vent, air curtain ducts in the front bumper along with aero layers positioned either side of the rear window. The driver can choose between ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT modes depending on the situation, with such equipment as Dynamic Damper Control, Dynamic Stability Control and push button-activated Dynamic Traction Control all fitted as standard.

    Notable optional extras include a headlight upgrade from LED to laser units, carbon fibre wheels, High Beam Assistant, rear-view camera, Surround View, Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition and braking function, Head-Up Display, BMW Online Entertainment, Real Time Traffic Information and Concierge Services.
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  • Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

    Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo
    Brabus has revealed details of what it can do for the new Mercedes E 63 AMG.

    Starting with the regular 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, Brabus’ 850 6.0 Biturbo program sees the cylinder bores taken out to 99 mm before the fitment of reworked cylinder heads, forged pistons, billet connecting rods and a billet crankshaft takes place. A pair of larger turbochargers along with a new stainless steel exhaust with adjustable butterfly valve also help to achieve 625 kW (850 hp) and a limited torque figure of 1,150 Nm – up from 410 kW (557 hp) and 720 Nm.

    With that power being transferred to the road via a modified AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, this high-powered E-Class enjoys a limited top speed of 300 km/h/186 mph (350 km/h/217 mph on high performance tyres) and a 0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds (3.1 seconds for the 4MATIC variant).

    Visually, Brabus adds a carbon fibre front spoiler and rear apron with finned diffuser section. There’s also a choice of the company’s Monoblock VI, F and R alloy wheels in a 20-inch diameter. Moving to the cabin, Brabus can reupholster the interior to suit any specific requirements, using materials including leather Alcantara, wood and carbon fibre, along with aluminum components such as pedals, door pins, longer shift paddles and illuminated sill plates.
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  • Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse ‘Jean Bugatti’ revealed

    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean Bugatti
    Following on from the Jean-Pierre Wimille edition in its Legend range of six special models commemorating figures in the company’s history, Bugatti has announced details of its tribute to Jean Bugatti, the company founder’s son and creator of the Type 57SC Atlantic.

    Once again based on the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the ‘Jean Bugatti’ is finished in jet black, clear-coated carbon fibre and features diamond-cut rims, while the horse shoe radiator grille and EB badge on the rear have been crafted from platinum – a first for the company. Fittingly, the signature of Jean Bugatti has been engraved onto the car’s petrol and oil caps.

    Moving inside, the seats, steering wheel, dashboard section, inner door trim panels are upholstered in chocolate brown leather, with the centre console, floor outer door panels and surrounds covered in contrasting beige. Silhouettes of the Type 57SC have been embroidered into the doors and storage compartment, while the selector lever is constructed from rosewood as a final nod to Jean’s iconic creation.

    Using the 8.0-litre W16 from the 431 km/h Super Sport – complete with upgraded turbochargers, the Vitesse enjoys an elephantine 895 kW (1,200 hp) and 1,500 Nm of torque, rather than the usual 746 kW (1,001 hp) and 1,250 Nm seen in the regular open-topped model. The Vitesse was also recognised as the world’s fastest open-top production sports car after reaching 408.84 km/h (254.04 mph) at Ehra-Lessien.

    Just three examples will be produced at a price of 2.28 million euros – plus taxes.
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  • Porsche 918 Spyder officially revealed

    Porsche 918 Spyder
    After what feels like an eternity, Porsche has finally revealed its 918 Spyder to the world.

    Tipping the scales at 1640 kg, the plug-in hybrid hypercar is constructed around a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque interlocked with CFRP unit carrier, a two-piece Targa roof and fixed roll-over protection.

    Just 918 examples will be built, with pricing starting at 845,000 USD (€633,000) for the base model, rising up to 929,000 USD (€696,000) if you specify the Weissach Package. This track-focused version features such items as six-point harnesses, the carbon interior pack – including flappy paddles, flame-resistant material on the seats, deletion of the air-con system and stereo, front and rear dive planes, a lightweight braking system. It also includes foil on the body rather than paintwork, which makes up 2.5 kg of the 36 kg weight loss that the package brings.

    Notable options include liquid metal paintwork for €47,600, magnesium wheels for €29,750, front axle lift system for €8,925, the quick charging system (reduces charging time from 2 hours to 0.5 hours) for €20,230 and the electric comfort heating system for €5,950, which heats the interior when the car is running in electric-only mode.

    At the heart of the 1,160 kg Spyder is a 453 kW (608 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine, which is based on that of the LMP2 RS Spyder race car and is backed up by a hybrid module at the rear along with a electric motor powering the front wheels. When using electric power alone, top speed is 150 km/h (93 mph) with a range of 25 kilometres achievable – depending on driving style but, with the full 661 kW (887 hp) a its disposal, 100 km/h appears in 2.8 seconds and 200 km/h in 7.9s, while top speed is 340 km/h (211 mph). All from a car capable of drinking around three litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.

    Apart from the electric-only E-Power mode, the driver can also choose from Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Race Hybrid and Hot Lap modes. Hybrid uses the best combination of power sources to achieve optimum efficiency; Sport Hybrid sees the combustion engine in permanent use and Race Hybrid features sharpened PDK responses and bursts of electric power, while still intermittentl charging the battery. Finally, Hot Lap is the perfect selection for qualifying, taking maximum energy from the battery – but only for a handful of laps.
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