German Car Scene

Month: January 2014

  • BMW’s M4 Coupe and M3 Saloon hit the track

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    BMW has released a new promo featuring the M4 Coupe and M3 Saloon which focuses on their competency on a circuit.

    Under the hood lies the new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre S55B30 in-line six-cylinder fed by two low internia turbocharger units. Mated to a 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed M-DCT transmission, 316 kW (430 hp) and 550 Nm of torque is sent to the rear wheels via a lightweight carbon fibre reinforced prop shaft and revised M differential utilizing an electric actuator to constantly vary the locking effect – anywhere between 0 per cent and 100 per cent.

    Both vehicles can crack 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically restricted to 250 km/h (155 mph); if the optional Driver’s Package is specified, this limit is raised to 280 km/h (174 mph).
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  • The Stig vs Google Street View car

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    While we await the new season of Top Gear, here’s a new video featuring The Stig accompanying Google’s Street View car around the show’s test track in a Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series.

    Weight-saving measures include a carbon fibre driveshaft, 15 kg lighter seats, a 17 kg titanium exhaust system and a featherweight lithium-ion battery; all contributing to the Black Series’ 70 kg reduction to 1,550 kg.

    Propelled by a revised version of the regular car’s 6.2-litre V8, the Black Series has 464 kW (622 hp) and 635 Nm of torque at its disposal; enough for a 3.6 second sprint to 100 km/h and a 316 km/h top speed.
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  • Mercedes E 63 AMG vs BMW M6 Gran Coupe vs Jaguar XFR-S

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    Chris Harris’ latest video for DRIVE sees the Brit perform a super saloon shootout between BMW’s M6 Gran Coupe, the Mercedes E 63 AMG and Jaguar’s XFR-S.

    Propelled by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 producing 405 kW (543 hp) and 680 Nm of torque, the Jaguar cracks 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds before reaching a limited 300 km/h (186 mph) top speed. The E 63 AMG S version being tested enjoys a 21 kW (28 hp) and 80 Nm boost in output from its 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 unit, meaning it has 430 kW (585 hp) and 800 Nm at its disposal, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds, with top speed limited to a healthy 300 km/h (186 mph).

    Power for the M6 Gran Coupe comes from BMW’s 4.4-litre biturbo V8 engine, which develops 412 kW (560 hp) and 680 Nm of torque, meaning a 0-100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds and limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (189 mph) with the M Driver’s Package specified.
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  • How Audi’s R8 V10 plus is built

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    The second installment of DRIVE’s Inside quattro GmbH season sees Leo Parente touring the special assembly shop where the R8 V10 plus is created.

    Differences on the plus include such goodies as carbon mirrors, side blades, splitter, larger diffuser and adjustable bucket seats. Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard, while the improved output of 404 kW (550 hp) and 540 Nm of torque allows a 3.5 second 0-100 km/h time and a 317 km/h (197 mph) top speed.
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  • Volkswagen Golf by Caractere

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    Werbomont-based styling house Caractere has created a selection of add-ons for the current Volkswagen Golf.

    Designed to suit non-GTI and GTD cars, the aero package comprises a front apron with splitter, radiator grille, side skirts, a three-piece roof spoiler, hatch blend and rear apron with vented diffuser section.

    Other components available include a stainless steel exhaust system with twin tailpipes, a choice of the company’s CW1 alloy wheels in 18 or 19-inch diameter. Caractere will shortly be announcing details of its performance upgrades for the popular hatchback.
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  • BMW M4 Coupe previewed by Duke Dynamics

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    Vancouver-based styling specialist Duke Dynamics has released renderings of its MD4 program to suit the new BMW M4 Coupe.

    Constructed from a combination of fibre-reinforced plastic and carbon fibre, the aggressive widebody package consists of a front bumper with large spoiler and canards, wheel arch extensions, side skirts, a duckbill boot lid spoiler and a wider rear bumper featuring air outlets and a finned diffuser section. The ventilated bonnet can be specified in either FRP of carbon fibre.

    Due to be unveiled at Bimmerfest this summer, the company is already taking orders.
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