German Car Scene

Month: December 2013

  • Volkswagen XL1 reviewed

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    This latest video from Auto Express sees the magazine’s Paul Bond sample Volkswagen’s bonkers XL1.

    Powering this quirky machine is a combination of 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 20 kW (27 hp) and 100 Nm. On the road, a top speed of 160 km/h is achievable, with 100 km/h appearing in 12,7 seconds. Amazingly, the XL1 is able to cruise at 100 km/h using a mere 6.2 kW (8 hp), while in electric-only mode it requires less than 0.1 kWh to cover one kilometre, and can cover a range of up to 35 km.

    The most aerodynamic car ever made, with a Cd figure of 0.189, the XL1 tips the scales at a mere 795 kg, helping it to return an insane fuel consumption figure of 0.9 l/100 km (around 313 mpg) and 21 g/km of CO2.
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  • 2013 BMW M3 DTM driven

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    This new episode of DRIVE sees Chris Harris receive an invitation to drive BMW’s M3 DTM racecar.

    While Bruno Spengler, BMW Team Schnitzer and BMW secured the drivers’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles on the company’s return to the series last year, Audi’s Mike Rockenfeller took the crown in 2013, with Audi Sport Team Phoenix topping the team standings, but BMW retained its manufacturers’ accolade.

    All cars are based on a state-of-the-art carbon-fibre monocoque, which features a high-strength steel tube cage, while the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 engines are capable of producing 373 kW (500 hp), but the mandatory air restrictor brings that figure down to 350 kW (470 hp). Gears are changed by a pneumatically operated six-speed transmission via steering wheel-mounted flappy paddles.
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  • Porsche 911 Cabriolet by Caractere

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    Werbomont styling specialist Caractere Exclusive has unveiled its take on the Porsche 991 Cabriolet.

    Constructed from high quality PU-RIM, the aero package consists of a replacement front bumper featuring additional air intakes, a GT3-style outlet and integrated lower spoiler. There’s also a pair of side skirts with faux air inlets, a raised rear wing and number plate panel with vented diffuser.

    Other components include a new exhausts system with flap control and quadruple tailpipes, and a choice of alloy wheels including the company’s modular three-piece items pictured which can be specified in 20 or 21-inch diameter.
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  • BMW M6 by BBM Motorsport

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    Senden tuning specialist BBM Motorsport has released details of its latest program to suit the current BMW M6.

    The company’s BBM M700BT upgrade comprises remapped ECU software along with a complete Akrapovic titanium exhaust system culminating in carbon fibre tailpipes, which means output from the turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 jumps from 418 kW (560 hp) and 680 Nm of torque to 518 kW (705 hp) and 864 Nm.

    Other components in the package include either a KW spring kit or adjustable coilover suspension set-up allowing a ride height reduction or between 10 mm and 40 mm along with a set of Breyton Spirit R alloy wheels in a 21-inch diameter. Finally the body of this particular Cabriolet has been covered by SFT Carwrap in Matte Steel Blue with Gunpowder accents.
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  • Porsche 918 Spyder hot lap

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    Porsche has released a new video of its 918 Spyder performing a hot lap at Valencia circuit.

    At the heart of this plug-in hybrid 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).

    Apart from the electric-only E-Power mode, the driver can also choose from Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Race Hybrid and Hot Lap modes. Hybrid uses the best combination of power sources to achieve optimum efficiency; Sport Hybrid sees the combustion engine in permanent use and Race Hybrid features sharpened PDK responses and bursts of electric power, while still intermittently charging the battery. Finally, Hot Lap is the perfect selection for qualifying, taking maximum energy from the battery – but only for a handful of laps.
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  • BMW 6 Series Bullshark by Vilner

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    Sofia-based Vilner Studio has revealed details of its Bullshark program for the E63 BMW 6 Series Coupe.

    The project centres around a pretty extreme body conversion, which consists of a pair of aggressively-styled bumpers and side skirts constructed from carbon fibre, along with widened front fenders with decorative gills and Z4 turn signals, a sculpted bonnet, muscular rear quarter panels and a boot lid with integrated spoiler. Other notable modifications include tailpipes and headlights – with extra LEDs – from an Infiniti FX, small i8-inspired kidney grilles, facelifted rear lights and carbon fibre mirror casings and roof spoiler. Filling out the new arches is a set of Z Performance alloy wheels measuring 8.5 and 9.5 x 19-inches.

    The exterior’s iBlue accents are echoed within the cabin on the rear-view mirror, floor mats, dials and seat belts, along with the stitching on the centre console, dashboard, side panels and M6 seats, which have been upholstered in a mixture of brown and beige leather and Alcantara. The boot has also been retrimmed and houses a personalized travelling bag, while the factory stereo has made way for a Ground Zero audio system with Audison processor.

    Under the bonnet, AC Schnitzer’s ECU software has been applied, which sees output from the 4.4-litre V8 engine rise from 245 kW (333 hp) and 450 Nm of torque to 272 kW (370 hp) and 522 Nm.
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