German Car Scene

Month: November 2013

  • BMW M235i Racing announced


    From 2014, BMW Motorsport will be offering private teams and drivers the new BMW M235i Racing car.

    Priced at €59,500.00 Euro (plus VAT), the M235i Racing, which supersedes the M3 GT4 racecar, meets all the basic requirements of a successful entry-level racing car to compete in such series and events as the VLN Endurance Championship and the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nürburgring.

    “The basis our engineers had to start with when developing the racing version of the BMW M235i Racing was exceptionally good. The production models from the BMW M Performance Automobiles range are already incredibly sporty. Because of this, we did not have to make many modifications in order to get the BMW M235i Coupe up and running as a racing car,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

    Driving aids including ABS, DSC and traction control have been retained to ensure safety for newcomers to motorsport, with other features such as the optional limited slip differential, along with the carbon fibre front spoiler, mirror casings and rear diffuser from the BMW M Performance Parts program are also present. Further additions include a FIA-certified roll-cage and safety tank.

    BMW doesn’t give too much away regarding the car’s specifications, but we do know that its turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder develops 245kW (333 hp) – up from the road car’s 235 kW (320 hp) and, at 1,862 mm wide, the aero package adds 88 mm to its width.

    [Source: BMW]

  • Volkswagen reveals twin up! concept


    Volkswagen has today unveiled it’s twin-up! concept at the Tokyo Motor Show.

    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 (75 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 (257 MPG) 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 50 kilometres (31 miles) at speeds up to 125 km/h (78 mph) in electric mode.

    Visible differences on the twin-up! concept include Sparkling White paintwork with blue glass flakes mixed in, ‘Think Blue’ striping and C-shape LED running lights, while the interior receives blue piping on the seats and trim along with a new digital climate control system – a first for any Volkswagen – which utilizes a high-resolution AMOLED display and touchscreen controls.

    Pricing is rumoured to start at around the €26,000 mark when it eventually swings into production.
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  • Porsche Macan unveiled


    After what feel like an eternity of previews and teasers, Porsche has finally revealed its brand new Macan compact SUV at the LA Auto Show and the Tokyo Motor Show.

    Built on a modified version of the same Volkswagen Group MLB platform as the Audi Q5, the Macan has an identical wheelbase of 2,807 mm, but is marginally longer at 4,675 mm, with a width of 1,923 mm and height of 1,628 mm, and a DIN kerb weight starting at 1,898 kg for the S Diesel variant compared to the SQ5 TDI‘s 1,920 kg. All models utilize Porsche’s adaptive four-wheel drive system operated by a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission with a Sport button that sharpens up throttle and steering response.

    Three versions will be offered at launch, beginning with the Macan S, which is propelled by a 3.0-litre V6 engine developing 250 kW (340 hp) 460 Nm of torque, enough for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds – or 5.2s when specified with the Sport Chrono package – and a top speed of 254 km/h (158 mph). Average fuel consumption figures are between 9.0 and 8.7 litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions level of between 212 and 204 g/km. The Macan S Diesel follows, with a 3.0-litre V6 unit producing 190 kW (258 hp) and 580 Nm, allowing 100 km/h to happen in 6.3 seconds (Sport Chrono: 6.1s) and a top speed of 226 km/h (140 mph). Consumption averages between 6.3 and 6.1 litres/100 km, which corresponds to a CO2 figure of between 164 and 159 g/km.

    Finally, there’s the flagship Macan Turbo. With a twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre powerplant churning out 294 kW (400 hp) and 550 Nm, 100 km/h is dispatched with in 4.8 seconds (Sport Chrono 4.6s) and top speed is 269 km/h (167 mph). Consumption varies between 9.0 and 8.7 litres/100 km, which corresponds to a CO2 emissions level of between 212 and 204 g/km.

    Clothed in aluminium body panels, the Crossover takes many styling cues from its larger sibling the Cayenne, while the Turbo features C-shaped front inlets similar to those seen on the company’s Panamera Sport Turismo. We like how the shoulder gently swells out to emphasize the muscularity of the rear wheel arches, while lead to a pair of wrap-around LED tail-lights. The S and the S Diesel wear 18-inch wheels as standard, while the Turbo is fitted with 19-inchers. Six designs up to 21-inches can also be specified.
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  • Porsche 911 Turbo rear-wheel steering and adaptive aerodynamics explained


    This new video from Porsche sees the 911 Product Director, August Achleitner, discussing rear wheel steering and additional adaptive aerodynamics on the new 911 Turbo, and how its integration is advantageous on both the road and racetrack.

    The Turbo and Turbo S are propelled by a turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine developing 520 hp (383 kW) and 560 hp (412 kW) respectively. When fitted with the Sport Chrono Package Plus option, the Turbo cracks 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, while the Turbo S takes 3.1s, with both capable of achieving a top speed of 318 mph (197 mph).
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  • 2014 MINI revealed


    The new MINI Hatchback has been unveiled at the company’s Plant Oxford in Great Britain this afternoon.

    Not looking too dissimilar to the current model, the all-new model rides on BMW’s UKL1 platform and, at 3,821 mm in length, 1,727 mm in width and standing 1,414 mm tall, it’s 98 mm longer, 44 mm wider and 7 mm taller than the outgoing model, while the wheelbase has been stretched by 28 mm, the front track by 42 mm and the rear track by 34 mm. Inside, boot volume has been increased by 30 per cent to 211 litres, while the 60:40 rear seat comes with tilt-angle adjustment for increased practicality.

    Three engine options will be available at launch, all utilizing the company’s TwinPower turbo technology, starting with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit in the base Cooper. Developing 100 kW (136 hp) and 220 Nm of torque from as low as 1 250 rpm, with the overboost function allowing brief increases to 230 Nm. 0-100 km/h takes 7.9 seconds (automatic: 7.8s) and top speed is 210 km/h, while average consumption works out at 4.4 litres every 100 kilometres with emissions of 105 g/km. Diesel fans are offered the Cooper D with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder generating 85 kW (116 hp) and 270 Nm, which consumes 7 percent less fuel than its predecessor at 3.5l/100 km with emissions of 92 g/km.

    Finally, the range-topping Cooper S receives a 2.0-litre four-cylinder lump producing 141 kW (192 hp) and 280 Nm (300 Nm with overboost), which drinks 5.6l/100 km) and emits 133 g/km. 100 km/h arrives in just 6.8 seconds (6.7s) with a maximum speed of 235 km/h. All variants feature stop-start systems, with standard six-speed manual gearboxes featuring a gear sensor which matches the engine speed to allow swifter shifting. Customers can also choose a regular six-speed automatic or go for MINI’s new six-speed sports automatic transmission which enables even shorter shift times and can be operated via flappy paddles on the steering wheel.

    Visually the MINI features a rounder radiator grille with integrated bumper section and honeycomb grille, while the headlights can be specified with eye-catching LED units similar to those on the Rocketman Concept as can the chunky rear clusters. The Cooper models wear 15-inch alloys, while the S rides on 16-inchers, but customers can opt for 18-inch items.

    Notable optional extras include the Variable Damper Control upgrade with sport and comfort settings, roof bars, two-zone automatic air-conditioning, panoramic glass roof, windscreen heating, a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and 8.8-inch infotainment system with dual controllers in the style of BMW’s popular iDrive system.

    Due to be launched next spring, UK pricing will start at £15,300 for the Cooper, £16,450 for the Cooper D and £18,650 for the Cooper S.
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  • KTM X-Bow GT by Wimmer RS


    Solingen-based tuning specialist Wimmer Rennsporttechnik has revealed its new program to suit the KTM X-Bow GT.

    Taking Audi’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine apart, which produces 210 kW (285 hp) and 420 Nm of torque in series guise, Wimmer adds uprated connecting rods with forged pistons, a larger turbocharger unit, a high-pressure fuel pump, remapped ECU software and an exhaust system with 100 cell sports cat. Those changes see output jump to 320 kW (435 hp) and 50 Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.3 seconds, with 200 km/h appearing in 11.7 seconds, while the V-Max was raised to 246 km/h (153 mph).

    Wimmer will give the X-Bow its public debut at The Essen Motor Show (November 30 to December 8).
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