German Car Scene

Month: September 2013

  • Audi S8 by MTM

    MTM Audi S8
    Wettstetten-based tuning specialist MTM has revealed its new program for Audi’s heavyweight S8 model.

    The company’s Powerkit sees output from the twin-turbocharged 4.0 TFSI V8 jump from 382 kW (520 hp) and 650 Nm of torque to 478 kW to (650 hp) and 800 Nm, allowing the S8 to sprint to 100 km/h in just four seconds before reaching an electronically-limited 293 km/h (182 mph) top speed.

    Other components include the F-Cantronic lowering module for €1,750, which drops the S8 by 25 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear, along with the company’s familiar Bimoto alloy wheels priced at €5,300 for a set of the 21-inchers, and a brake upgrade using 405 X 38 mm discs for €6,700.

    All parts can be purchased separately, or you can buy this completed vehicle directly from MTM for €155,000. Go on, treat yourself.
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  • Porsche 911 Turbo S tested

    Porsche 911 Turbo S
    This episode of Ignition sees Motor Trend’s Carlos Lago heading to Germany to sample the latest Porsche 911 Turbo S, and even managing to hitch a ride with Walter Röhrl in the process.

    Propelled by a turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine developing 560 hp (412 kW), the S takes just 3.1 seconds to crack 100 km/h before reaching a 318 mph (197 mph) top speed. Notable features include centre-locking 20-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps, the Sport Chrono Package Plus (incorporating dynamic engine mounts), and ceramic brakes.
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  • Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Edition 1

    Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Edition 1
    Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will be offering an Edition 1 variant of its GLA-Class crossover.

    Available to order from November for just twelve months, with any petrol or diesel engine in the range, the GLA Edition 1 can be specified in either Cirrus White, Mountain Grey Metallic, Orient Brown Metallic or Designo Magno Mountingraum paintwork, with standard equipment including aluminum-look bumper panels, bi-xenon headlamps, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, aluminum roof rails, a sportier radiator grille and chrome tailpipes.

    Moving inside, the cabin receives exclusive Desert Dust and Nut Brown leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed, flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel and brushed stainless steel pedals.

    Pricing for the package starts at €6,307.
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  • BMW X6 M by Cam Shaft

    BMW X6 M by Cam Shaft
    Kempen-based aftermarket specialist Cam Shaft has created a BMW X6 M project to demonstrate the services it provides.

    Visually the SUV has been fitted with a Vorsteiner carbon fibre aero package comprising of a ventilated hood, front spoiler, tailgate spoiler and a diffuser section. The body was then wrapped in a combination of matte metallic anthracite and matte metallic black foil, while the alloy wheels are finished in metallic graphite with carbon-look spokes. Finally, the factory suspension was replaced by a Variant 3 coilover kit from KW Automotive.

    Underneath the hood, PP-Performance were called upon to fit a full stainless steel exhaust system including manifolds and racing catalysts, along with its remapped ECU software. Those tweaks see output from the 4.4-litre biturbo V8 powerplant rise from 408 kW (555 hp) and 680 Nm of torque to 529 kW (709 hp) and 1,000 Nm.
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  • Long-wheelbase Volkswagen up! on the way?

    Long-wheelbase Volkswagen up!
    According to reports, Volkswagen is planning to add a long-wheelbase variant to its range of up! models.

    Designed to increase rear passenger legroom as well as luggage capacity, Autocar says that the elongated citycar is unlikely to come to all markets and “not China and not Europe”, which suggests that it could be heading Stateside to grab a piece of the mini MPV market.

    [Source: Autocar]

  • BMW i8 Spyder rendered

    BMW i8 Spyder
    Singapore-based car fanatic and digital artist Theophilus Chin has taken the roof off BMW’s i8 Coupe to provide us with a glimpse of the forthcoming Spyder variant.

    Already seen in concept guise, the Spyder will once again utilize a lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell with power coming from a combination of a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine developing 170 kW (231 hp) and 320 Nm of torque along with an electric motor developing 96 kW (131 hp) and 250 Nm.

    The strengthened monocoque will add a little weight, meaning 0-100 km/h with arrive in a whisker over 4.5 seconds before the fun stops at a limited 250 km/h (155 mph) top speed. A removable targa roof design similar to the Porsche 918 Spyder‘s would be the most practical solution, dodging the need for unnecessary motors and mechanisms.

    We predict that it will surface in Shanghai next April before swinging into production towards the end of the year.
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