German Car Scene

Month: September 2013

  • DTM Oschersleben: victory for Farfus

    DTM Oschersleben
    BMW’s Augusto Farfus took the top step of the podium following today’s DTM race in Oschersleben, keeping his title chances alive in the process.

    Starting from second on the grid, Farfus passed the Audi RS 5 DTM of Jamie Green to take the lead by the very first corner, but unlike the chasing pack of Green, Bruno Spengler and Mike Rockenfeller, Farfus had started on the ‘option’ tyres and started to created a cushion for himself. By lap four, the mandatory stop window opened, resulting in the rest of the drivers also switching from the harder ‘standard’ rubber before attempting to reel Farfus in.

    Green and Rockenfeller spent the afternoon fighting over second and third, with Rockenfeller edging ahead towards the end finally crossing the line just over half a second ahead of the Briton. Filipe Albuquerque came home fourth to claim his first points of the season, followed by Timo Scheider and Gary Paffett, whose Mercedes was the only non-Audi car – along with Farfus’ BMW M3 DTM – to finish in the top ten.

    Now on 124 points, Rockenfeller can only be caught by Farfus (on 91), but a second-place finish in Zandvoort or Hockenheim will see him crowned Champion. BMW retains its lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship with 276 points, ahead of Audi (267) and Mercedes-Benz (237).

    “The key to happiness was my great start. I overtook Jamie Green and was directly in front. The stops were also perfect. I am very happy. We still have a mathematical chance of overall victory – and that’s why we fight,” said the Brazilian.

    “The second place feels good. For a brief moment, I was thinking that I might be able to win. But it soon became obvious that Augusto (Farfus) was a bit stronger than we. That’s why I took it easy on the car and brought second place home. These were important points for the Championship again. A podium in the DTM can’t be taken for granted,” said Rockenfeller.
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  • Ogier dominates Rally Australia

    Volkswagen Polo R WRC
    Following a disappointing Rally Germany, Sebastien Ogier took total control in Australia, winning the event, but dramatically missing out on the title – by just one point.

    The Frenchman dominated throughout, winning 19 of the 22 stages in his Polo R to finish with a cushion of over one and a half minutes. But his title celebrations were put on hold when Mikko Hirvonen’s Citroen picked up a puncture on the last stage, allowing Ford’s Thierry Neuville to move into second position with Hirvonen coming home third. Ogier also won the final power stage, but Neuville finished runner-up, grabbing two bonus points to keep his slim title hopes alive.

    Ogier’s Volkswagen team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala also suffered a puncture on the final stage, but held on for fourth, just ahead of Mads Ostberg and fellow VW driver Andreas Mikkelsen.

    “Of course we would like to celebrate here in Australia already the world title,” Sébastien Ogier said at the last entrance to the park service. “But it was ultimately not our fault that it did not work. We have done our best,” said the 29-year-old.
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  • New Porsche 918 Spyder videos

    2014 Porsche 918 Spyder
    Porsche has kindly released a selection of videos featuring its superb 918 Spyder for your viewing pleasure. The track-focused films include footage of the exterior, interior, on-track and even a little slow motion. You are so spoilt.

    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.

    Add in a total power output of 661 kW (887 hp) and you have a 0-100 km/h time of 2.8 seconds, with 200 km/h arriving in 7.9s and a lovely top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph). All from a car that requires a mere three litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.
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  • Porsche adds 918 Spyder configurator

    Porsche 918 Spyder
    Following on from its official debut in Frankfurt, Porsche has added a 918 Spyder configurator to its website.

    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).

    It also lapped the fabled Nurburgring in just 6.57 minutes.
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  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class refined by Carlsson

    Carlsson Mercedes S-Class
    Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Carlsson has revealed its range of options to suit the new S-Class.

    Visually the front bumper gains an apron with large air intakes and RS lip spoiler, sculpted side skirts and a rear valance with apertures for the distinctive tailpipes of the new sports exhaust system. There’s also a wide choice of alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 21-inches, including the 1/5 Evo Dark Series items pictured here.

    Inside, Carlsson can supply anything from aluminum door pins and pedal covers or floor mats to a completely bespoke interior using such materials as leather, wood and carbon fibre. Further luxuries include a REVOX audiophile grade sound system, HD TV screens, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a fridge and even a humidor.

    The company also provides performance upgrades, which see output from the 4.7-litre V8 petrol unit in the S 500 jump from 335 kW (455 hp) and 700 Nm of torque to 455 kW (610 hp) and 900 Nm, while the 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine in the S 63 AMG can be tweaked to produce 581 kW (780 hp) and 1,050 Nm – up from the factory figures of 430 kW (585 hp) and 900 Nm.
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  • Audi A7 Sportback by Wald International

    Audi A7 Sportback by Wald International
    Following on from the preview images, Japanese styling company Wald International has released its new body program to suit Audi’s current A7 Sportback.

    Designed to add a little aggression, the aero package comprises of a front bumper apron with lip spoiler, side skirts which extend to the wheel arches, a subtle tailgate spoiler and rear bumper apron with integrated diffuser. There’s also a rear muffler with quad tailpipes reminiscent of Porsche 996 Turbo items.

    The set of components will set you back ¥572,250 (€4,325), with sport suspension systems and a choice of 20-inch alloys wheels also available, including the Portofino items pictured.
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