German Car Scene

Month: September 2013

  • Mercedes E 63 AMG vs Icon Derelict

    Mercedes E 63 AMG vs Icon Derelict
    This episode of Head 2 Head sees Motor Trend’s Jonny Lieberman comparing two heavy-hitting estates from opposite ends of the spectrum: Germany’s Mercedes E 63 AMG and the Icon Derelict from Jonathan Ward’s Los Angeles workshop.

    The Derelict began life back in 1952 as a humble Chrysler Town and Country wagon, but is now propelled by a 6.1-litre V8 powerplant developing 343 kW (460 hp) and 610 of torque, enough for a 0-100 km/h time of just over five seconds, while the Mercedes is a totally different kettle of fish.

    Apart from an inability to give you Tetanus, it will set you back almost $30,000 less than the Derelict and, being a 4MATIC S-Model, it has a 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 producing 430 kW (585 hp) and 800 Nm, and can crack 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
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  • Lamborghini Aventador-V by Vorsteiner

    Vorsteiner Lamborghini Aventador-V
    Following on from the teaser images, styling and performance specialist Vorsteiner has begun production of its new program for the Lamborghini Aventador program.

    Constructed from carbon fibre, the Aventador-V package not only includes a full array of components replacing such factory items as the side air intake shrouds, front and rear grille frames and hood trims, but also a more aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser secton.

    The conversion is topped off by a choice of the company’s specially designed 20 and 21-inch diameter monoblock forged aluminum wheels.

    Interested parties can contact Vorsteiner for pricing details.
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  • Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by Carlsson

    Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by Carlsson
    Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Carlsson revealed its latest program to suit the current CLA-Class at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

    For the body Carlsson offers an aero package comprising of a front spoiler with air inlets, sculpted side skirts, a larger roof spoiler and rear bumper apron with integrated diffuser and twin apertures to accommodate new quadruple tailpipes. A separate apron for cars fitted with the AMG body kit includes air outlet grilles, while electro-polished stainless steel grille inserts can be added as an option.

    Sport springs drop the CLA-Class by 35 mm, with an adjustable coilover option available for those with deeper pockets, while the factory wheels can be replaced with Carlsson’s 1/10 items in diamteters ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

    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.

    The company also offers performance upgrades to suit all four-cylinder petrol-engined cars with its C-Tronic CB Plug & Drive module. Once connected to the car’s ECU output from the CLA 250 jumps from 157 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm of torque to 189 kW (253 hp) and 420 Nm, while the CLA 200 goes from 116 kW (156 hp) and 250 Nm to 139 kW (187 hp) and 300 Nm.
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  • SEAT Leon SC by JE Design

    SEAT Leon SC by JE Design
    Leingarten-based tuning company JE Design has released a range of options for the lovely SEAT Leon SC.

    Created for the sportiest FR variant, the aero package is constructed from carbon-look plastic and comprises of a front spoiler, side skirts and rear skirt insert with apertures for twin-double tailpipes attached to the new stainless steel muffler. The company’s sport spring kit provides a drop of 30 mm, but owners with deeper pockets can specify a KW coilover system, which is adjustable for rebound and compression-damping and takes the hatchback down by as much as 65 mm. A range of wheel and tyre packages are also available in 18 and 19-inch diameters.

    Under the hood, JE applies its own ECU software to the 2.0-litre TDI unit, which sees output rise from 135 kW (184 hp) and 380 Nm of torque to 154 kW (210 hp) and 430 Nm, meaning the 0-100 km/h is reduced from 7.5 seconds to 6.9s, while top speed remains the same at 228 km/h (142 mph).
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  • BMW M135i by Tuningwerk

    Tuningwerk BMW M135i
    Puchheim-based performance specialist Tuningwerk has revealed details of its new program to suit BMW’s feisty M135i.

    Packing a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder, which churns out a delicious 235 kW (320 hp) in factory guise, Tuningwerk fits its own upgraded turbocharger unit along with an enlarged intercooler, an additional radiator, remapped ECU software and a complete exhaust system with 200-cell catalyst, resulting in 331 Kw (444 hp).

    Additional components include a single mass flywheel weighing 4.5 kgs less than the original item, a limited slip differential, a fully adjustable KW Clubsport coilover kit and a set of lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 and 265/35 Dunlop Direzza semi slick rubber. Behind them the BMW Performance brakes benefit from race-spec pads and stainless steel flexible hoses.

    Moving inside the cabin, there’s a pair of Recaro Pole Position racing seats with the company also offering an optional roll-cage for the more serious trackday enthusiasts.
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  • Volkswagen e-load up! unveiled

    Volkswagen e-load up!
    Volkswagen chose Frankfurt to reveal its e-load up! concept, a very small van based on its electric e-up! model.

    Perfect for jobs where a large van would be simply inefficient, the e-load up! is perfect for the likes of service technicians, couriers, pizza deliveries or social services. The rear windows have been replaced by plastic panels, while the cabin features a driver’s seat and a fold-down passenger seat. That sparse interior sees the cargo capacity increase from 951 to over 1,400 litres, with a total load of 306 kg possible. That’s a lot of pizza.

    The motor propelling the e-up! develops 60 kW (80 hp) and 210 Nm of torque, allowing 100 km/h to appear in 12.4 seconds before the fun stops at 130 km/h. A range of 160 kilometres can be covered on one battery charge (18.7 kWh), with a mere 11.7 kWh of electricity used every 100 km. Working on today’s electricity price of €0.258 per kWh in Germany, that equates to a mere €3.02 per 100 km travelled.
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