German Car Scene

Month: November 2013

  • Volkswagen announces electric charging package

    Volkswagen e-up! and e-Golf
    Volkswagen has announced details of an optional charging unit for its electric-powered cars, starting with the introduction of the e-up!.

    Offered in cooperation with Bosch Automotive Service Solutions as a complete package, the wallbox is fitted at the owner’s premises following an inspection from a certified Bosch electrician. Delivering power at a level of 3.6 kilowatts, a fully discharged battery takes six hours up to return to 100 percent.

    With an underfloor-mounted 18.7 kWh lithium-ion battery feeding the electric motor, continuous output is 40 kW (54 hp) with a peak power figure of 60 kW (80 hp) achievable, while the 210 Nm of torque is available from the first revolution. On the road, 100 km/h appears in a respectable 14 seconds before the silent citycar hits its top speed of 135 km/h, while a range of 150 kilometres can be covered on a single charge.

    The charging system is priced at €950, while the e-up! starts at 26.900,00
    (more…)

  • BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo by 3D Design


    Japanese styling specialist 3D Design has released initial images of its BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo components.

    Designed for models without the M Sport package, the body add-ons are constructed from urethane and include a lip spoiler that attaches to the front bumper and a rear spoiler for the top of the hatch, while the rear bumper receives a clear-coated carbon fibre insert. Inside, 3D can provide a sport pedal set, handbrake grip and embroidered floor mats.
    (more…)

  • 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG revealed


    Mercedes has revealed details of its flagship S-Class, the S 65 AMG, which will be available exclusively as a long wheelbase model.

    Looking almost identical to the S 63 AMG, this sledgehammer saloon wears a high-gloss chrome front splitter, grille mesh, air intake flics and side sill inserts along with a high-gloss black rear diffuser section. Another highlight are the AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, which measure 8.5 and 9.5 x 20-inches and features a ceramic, high-gloss polished finish.

    The AMG biturbo 6.0-litre V12 engine churns out 463 kW (630 hp) and 1000 Nm of torque, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Compared with its predecessor, fuel consumption has been reduced by 2.4 litres per 100 kilometres, meaning the S 65 AMG drinks a combined 11.9 l/100 km and already meets the 2015 EU6 emissions standard.

    As well as the usual S-Class refinements, S 65 AMG owners can specify such extras as the carbon fibre exterior and interior packages, folding tables, a business telephone, the AMG high-performance ceramic brake system with 420 mm front discs and specially painted calipers, while features including ROAD SURFACE SCAN, which uses MAGIC BODY CONTROL to set the suspension up to deal with varying terrain, a Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system and seat comfort package with energizing massage function are all standard equipment.

    Due to be unveiled simultaneously at the Tokyo Motor Show and Los Angeles International Auto Show (both: 20 November to 1 December 2013), pricing in Germany will start at €232,050 following its launch in March.
    (more…)

  • Misha Designs reveals Lamborghini Aventador program


    Los Angeles-based styling specialist Misha Designs has released a few photos of its new Lamborghini Aventador program which debuted at SEMA this week.

    Constructed entirely from carbon fibre, the package comprises of an aggressive four-piece bumper set, sculpted side skirts, a fixed rear wing and finned diffuser section for the rear bumper.

    Misha Designs confirmed that orders are now being taken now with deliveries following immediately after the show.
    (more…)

  • Volkswagen twin-up! revealed


    Following on from recent confirmation of the model, Volkswagen has revealed details of its forthcoming twin-up!

    Utilizing a revised version of the XL1‘s drivetrain, the twin-up! features an 800 cc two-cylinder TDI engine developing 35 kW (48 hp) and 120 Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission, along with an electric motor producing 35 kW (47 hp) and 139 Nm – up from 20 kW (27 hp) and 100 Nm.

    With a combined output of 55 kW (74 hp) and 214 Nm, 0-60 km/h (37 mph) takes 8.8 seconds and 100 km/h arrives in 15.7s while top speed is limited to 140 km/h (87 mph) in hybrid mode. Amazingly, Volkswagen says it can cover 100 kilometres with just 1.1 litres of fuel with CO2 emissions of 27g/km. Weighing 410 kg more than the XL1 at 1205 kg, the twin-up!’s tank is 23 litres larger at 33 litres, while its upgraded 8.6 kWh battery allows a range of 31 miles at speeds up to 78 mph in electric mode.

    Due to be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show (November 23 to December 1), pricing is expected to start at around the €26,000 mark.
    (more…)

  • evo names its car of 2013


    Following on from the naming of its favourite track car, evo has just released a video documenting the magazine’s search for the car of 2013.

    The final eight machines included an Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, Audi R8 V10 plus, the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, Alfa Romeo’s 4C and the MINI JCW GP, with Porsche’s Cayman S and 991 GT3 completing the line-up.

    If you don’t know the winner we won’t spoil it for you, but we can tell you that it is German…
    (more…)