German Car Scene

Month: January 2014

  • Alfa Romeo 4C vs Porsche Cayman

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    Auto Express magazine’s latest video sees a track battle conducted between Porsche’s Cayman and the new Alfa Romeo 4C.

    The Porsche uses a 2.7-litre flat-six which develops 202 kW (275 hp) and 290 Nm of torque – enough for a 5.7 second 0-100 km/h time (PDK 5.6s) and top speed of 266 km/h, while its Italian counterpart makes use of a 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbo engine producing 177 kW (240 hp) and 350 Nm. Although it loses in the power stakes, the use of carbon fibre in the 4C’s chassis means it weighs 400 kg less than the 1,310 kg Cayman and reaches 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds before topping out at 258 km/h.
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  • BMW 4 Series by 3D Design

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    Japanese styling specialist 3D Design has revealed its new options for BMW 4 Series Coupe and Cabriolet models fitted with the M Sport Package.

    Constructed primarily from urethane, the aero package consists of a front apron with air intakes, roof spoiler and boot lid spoiler, while the front splitter lips and rear diffuser section are manufactured from carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer.

    There’s also a new stainless steel exhaust system with adjustable valve control, which culminates in quadruple 76 mm tailpipes, a set of metal foot pedals and a choice of alloy wheels, including the Type 3 forged items pictured here, available in a 20-inch diameter.

    Inside, 3D can provide a sport pedal set, handbrake grip and embroidered floor mats.
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  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class by JMS and Piecha Design

    JMS Piecha Mercedes-Benz E-Class GT-R
    Styling specialists JMS and Piecha Design have joined forces to create the ‘E-Class GT-R’ program to suit pre-facelift W212 models.

    The package includes a pair of flics for the front air intakes, side skirts and a diffuser section for the rear bumper complete with genuine SL 63 AMG double tailpipes. Customers can also choose the sport muffler option and 19-inch alloy wheel upgrade offering the MP1, MP2 Le Mans and the new MP3 Dynamics styles.

    Finally, Piecha adds one of its power converters, which eradicates the delay that can often be experienced in cars with fly-by-wire accelerators, and a module that allows the driver to lower the Airmatic suspension.
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  • TechArt Porsche 991 Turbo

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    Leonberg-based Porsche tuning specialist TechArt has released initial details of its new 911 Turbo program.

    Constructed from a lightweight fibre composite of carbon and polyurethane RIM, the aero package comprises a front apron, bumper vent, aero wings surrounding the factory intakes, side skirts, a discreet roof spoiler, raised wing and diffuser section for the rear bumper. A pair of sport tailpipes complete the changes.

    TechArt offers a wide choice of alloy wheels, including its five-spoke Formula wheel or the lightweight Formula III forged wheel in a five-double spoke design, which offers a weight advantage of up to 15 percent compared to a cast wheel. Both wheels are available in 20- and 21-inch diameter sizes.

    The company is also in the process of developing a stainless steel performance exhaust system with valve control and sports muffler.
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  • Porsche 991 Carrera S review

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    This new episode of DRIVE sees Matt Farah travel to Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in California to see how Porsche’s latest 911 Carrera S conducts itself.

    Powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six powerplant developing 298 kW (400 hp) and 440 Nm of torque, the Carrera S hits 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, and 4.1 s with Sport Plus engaged. Top speed is rated at 304 km/h (PDK 302 km/h).
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  • Widebody Mercedes S-Class by Prior Design

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    Kamp-Lintfort styling specialist Prior Design has released details of its widebody Mercedes S-Class program to suite the outmoded W221 model.

    Constructed from high quality Dura-Flex FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic), the V2 package consists of an aggressive front fascia with large intakes and lip spoiler, vented fenders, side skirts, rear fender flares and a wider bumper with air outlets and diffuser section. A ventilated hood and trunk lid spoiler completes the transmutation.

    Pricing for the components alone stands at €6,900.
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