German Car Scene

Month: December 2013

  • Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class by Carlsson

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    Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Carlsson revealed its latest program to suit the current GLK-Class.

    Making its public debut at the Essen Motor Show, the PU-RIM body package consists of a replacement front bumper with RS lip spoiler and LED daytime running lights, stainless steel mesh inserts, a chrome radiator grille and rear apron with chrome-plated diffuser and apertures for the new double-twin tailpipes.

    A lowering spring kit or complete sport suspension upgrade drops the SUV by 30 mm, while Carlsson also offers a wide range of alloy wheels in 18 to 21-inch diameters. Moving inside, the company 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.

    Apart from a stainless steel exhaust system, Carlsson’s performance upgrades revolve around its C-Tronic module, which increase output from the GLK 220 CDI’s four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine by 25 kW (34 hp) and 100 Nm to 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm.
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  • BMW Z4 by MB Individual Cars

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    Augsburg-based MB Individual Cars has revealed its new program to suit the E89 BMW Z4.

    Constructed from carbon fibre, the aero package is priced at €3,999 and comprises a front spoiler lip, new kidney grilles, mirror casings, indicator surrounds, sill blades, a subtle boot lid spoiler and diffuser section for the rear bumper. Moving to the cabin, all inner mouldings, including the ones on the centre console, dashboard, door trims and rollover bars are finished in carbon fibre.

    For now, mechanical upgrades consist of an adjustable KW coilover suspension kit and F30 Performance front brakes, while the factory alloys have been replaced by a set of 19-inch VRM V703 wheels wrapped in Continental tyres, with MB currently developing exhaust systems and ECU software for the car.
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  • Twin-engined MINI Cooper

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    This latest offering from Jay Leno’s Garage, sees the talk show host chatting with Jacques Andres about his twin-engined 2002 MINI Cooper.

    As we’ve seen with other similarly modified vehicles, such as Dubsport’s Golf, everything that usually resides under the bonnet, including gearbox, drive shafts, hubs, brakes and suspension has been transplanted into the rear.

    Currently running a pair of tuned supercharged 1.6-litre engines producing 186 kW (250 hp) each, Jacques will be replacing them with 1.9-litre units developing upto 261 kW (350 hp) each.
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  • Turbocharged BMW 325is driven

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    This new video from DRIVE sees Matt Farah getting to grips with a home-built turbocharged E30 BMW 325is.

    Owned by Kameron Baker after his father gave it to him when he was sixteen, this particular 1989 3 Series now produces around 298 kW (400 hp) thanks to its blown straight-six powerplant. Other additions include a custom exhaust system, 8 x 17-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels on Bridgestone rubber, screw-on fender flares and H&R Race springs with Bilstein sports dampers.
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  • Mercedes S 63 AMG vs Nissan 200 SX drift challenge

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    Auto Express has created a video answering the question that isn’t on anybody’s lips: how would a Mercedes S 63 AMG conduct itself in a drift battle against a purpose-built Nissan 200 SX.

    Thanks to a tweaked 2.0-litre turbocharged unit under the bonnet, the bewinged Nissan has (520 hp) and 480 Nm of torque at its disposal, while its Germanic competitor is propelled by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine producing 430 kW (585 hp) and 900 Nm of torque. It also weighs twice as much.
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  • BMW M235i Racing video

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    BMW Motorsport has released the first video of its new M235i Racing car in action.

    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 for customers to compete in such series and events as the VLN Endurance Championship and the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nürburgring.

    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).
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