German Car Scene

Month: October 2013

  • Record 24-hour drive for Opel’s Astra

    Astra 2.0 CDTI
    Opel and Vauxhall are awaiting FIA confirmation that the Astra has secured the title of fastest series-diesel in the world.

    Competing in for the record for diesel passenger cars in the FIA’s 1600-2000cc forced-induction diesel production car class, twelve drivers, including three Opel and Vauxhall staff and nine motoring journalists, each drove a total of four hours over 24 hours at Millbrook Proving Ground’s High Speed Bowl.

    Totally standard, apart from the obligatory fitting of roll cages, Corbeau race seats and Luke harnesses, the pair of Astra 2.0 CDTIs covered 4,800 kilometres with just 22 minutes downtime, resulting in an impressive average speed of 201 km/h. Each car had a precautionary tyre change due to the intense forces exerted by the track’s banking.

    “The two Astras were absolutely convincing at full throttle. The combination of performance and efficiency made the 24 hour benchmark possible. Furthermore, the cars didn’t need a single drop of oil,” commented Opel Performance Cars & Motorsport Director Volker Strycek.
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  • Mercedes C 63 AMG by Folien Center and SR-Performance

    Mercedes C 63 AMG
    Following on from its Marrakech Brown Passat, Folien Center has joined forces with SR-Performance to create this interesting Mercedes C 63 AMG demo vehicle.

    Handling the power upgrade, SR-Performance remapped the ECU software and fitted high BMC air filter inserts along with Milltek racing catalytic converters and pre-cat pipes, which sees output from the 6.2-litre V8 engine jump from from 341 kW (457 hp) and 600 Nm of torque to 397 kW (540 hp) and 665 Nm.

    Other tweaks include a fully adjustable Bilstein B16 PSS 10 coilover kit along with a set of super light BBS CH-R alloy wheels measuring 8.5 and 9.5 x 19-inches and wrapped Continental Sport Contact 5 tyres.

    Aesthetically, Folien Center wrapped the Wagon’s bodywork in Matte Bond Gold Metallic foil, with the roof, luggage rails and door handles finished in contrasting high gloss black.
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  • Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG Mansory by TopCar

    Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG Mansory by TopCar
    As well as creating its own products, Russian styling specialist TopCar also utilizes the wares of other companies such as Hamann and Lumma Design, as does its latest offering: a Mansory-equipped Mercedes G 65 AMG.

    Sitting 40 mm lower than standard on ADV.1 alloy wheels, the matte grey G-Wagen features Mansory’s body package, which comprises of a front bumper with LED daytime running lights, carbon fibre hood and radiator grille, roof panel and rear spoiler. Mansory also provides its tail-light trims and carbon spare wheel cover.

    TopCar decided that the factory AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine, developing 450 kW (612 hp) and 1000 Nm of torque, didn’t need tweaking, so the 5.3 second 0-100 km/h time and electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h remain unchanged.
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  • Justin Bell attends the Lamborghini Super Trofeo at VIR

    Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo
    In this episode of World’s Fastest Car Show, Justin Bell heads to Virginia International Raceway to take part in the North American Super Trofeo Series, even providing a running commentary whilst racing.

    The racecar is based on Lamborghini’s Gallardo road car, retaining its glorious 5.2-litre V10 engine, which transmits 419 kW (570 hp) to all four wheels. Notable changes include an aerodynamic performance kit with large front spoiler, front dive planes, a ten-position rear wing, colossal diffuser and roll-cage. All cars use 18-inch lightweight competition wheels with Pirelli racing tyres, racing ABS with steel brakes and disabled launch control.
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  • Print Tech Lamborghini Aventador

    Print Tech Lamborghini Aventador
    The guys from Munich-based aftermarket specialist Print Tech have revealed details of their latest Aventador program.

    Priced at €10,000, the process, which is carried out at Lamborghini Munich, sees Centurion foil used to cover the bodywork. Any colour can be specified; the owner of this particular vehicle choosing a matte orange-red-chrome tone along with some black brushed-look foil on the plastic trim.

    Window tinting costs an additional €200, while €1,200 gets your alloy wheels powder coated gloss black. The only mechanical upgrade is a Capristo exhaust system with remote valve control for €1,500.
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  • Mercedes G 63 AMG by German Special Customs

    Mercedes G 63 AMG by German Special Customs
    Chemnitz’s German Special Customs has revealed details of its new Mercedes G 63 AMG program.

    As well as wider wheel arches and side skirts the body package comprises of a front bumper with LED daytime running lights, a restyled rear bumper, a ventilated hood and a carbon fibre radiator grille and mirror casings. A set of 23-inch forged alloy wheels complete the aesthetics, while the cabin has been upholstered in a mixture of red and black leather.

    Already producing 400 kW (544 hp) in series guise, GSC remaps the biturbo 5.5-litre engine’s ECU software and fits a full stainless steel exhaust system with adjustable valve, resulting in 462 kW (620 hp).
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