German Car Scene

Month: January 2014

  • Volkswagen Transporter by ABT Sportsline

    ABT Volkswagen Transporter T5
    Kempten-based VAG tuning specialist ABT Sportsline has released details of its options for the Volkswagen Transporter.

    Once its New Generation ECU software is applied, output from the 2.0 TSI rises from 150 kw (204 HP) and 350 Nm of torque to 176 kW (240 HP) and 400 Nm, while the 2.0 TDI jumps from 132 kW (180 HP) and 400 Nm to 147 kW (200 HP) and 440 Nm. Pricing for either is set at €1,949, with ABT still offering its First Generation upgrades for the remaining 2.0 TDI engines in the range at a price of €1,249.

    Other available components include a stainless steel sports exhaust with four tailpipes, a choice of alloy wheels in various styles, and an uprated spring and damper set. Finally, the PUR-RIM aero package comprises a radiator grille, front and rear skirts, rear spoiler, side skirts and daytime running lights.
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  • Porsche 918 Spyder tested

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    This latest episode of Ignition sees Motor Trend’s Carlos Lago travel to Spain’s Valencia circuit to drive Porsche’s epic 918 Spyder.

    Tipping the scales at 1640 kg, the plug-in hybrid hypercar is constructed around a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque interlocked with CFRP unit carrier, a two-piece Targa roof and fixed roll-over protection.

    Propelling this innovative machine is a 453 kW (608 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine, which 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).
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  • Performance Studio Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series colour revealed

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    Following on from earlier images, Mercedes-AMG has released further pictures of its Performance Studio Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series along with the name of this new colour.

    Responsible for creating bespoke vehicles for those customers who crave a little exclusivity, AMG Performance Studio called on its fans to come up with a title for this one-off retina-melting yellow hue, with Aaron Tempo Temperton’s AMG Afterglow the winner. A black filler cap, rear badging, tailpipes and side graphics complete the look.

    Inside, the cabin has been upholstered in a mixture of black and AMG Afterglow leather and Alcantara, with the diamond stitching, central steering wheel spoke, and clock and air vent surrounds also matching the car’s exterior.

    Propelled by that delicious 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 464 kW (622 hp) and 635 Nm of torque, the Black Series cracks 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, while top speed is rated at 316 km/h.
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  • Audi Q5 by Project Kahn

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    British styling specialist Project Kahn has released images of its wide-track Audi Q5 program.

    The package comprises a complete front bumper unit, front and rear wheel arch extensions, rear hatch blend and diffuser section. Sitting on sports springs, this Q5 also features a replacement stainless steel exhaust system with quadruple tailpipes, painted brake calipers and a set of the company’s RS-R alloy wheels in a 22-inch diameter.

    Moving inside the cabin, past the stainless steel sill plates and aluminium foot pedals, the seats have been re-upholstered in quilted and perforated black leather with white stitching, while the speedometer and rev counter now wear Kahn faces.
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  • New Porsche 911 Targa trailers

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    Porsche has released a couple of trailers featuring its new 911 Targa models.

    The company has gone back to its roots by reverting to silver wrap-over B-pillars like the original 911 Targa of 1965, but this time there’s a fully automated roof panel, which can be opened at the touch of a button in 19 seconds and stows between the rear seats and window.

    Once again the Targa is based on the wide-bodied Carrera 4 and 4S, meaning a choice of either a 257 kW (350 hp) 3.4-litre or 294 kW (400 hp) 3.8-litre version. Equipped with the optional PDK transmission and Sport Chrono package, the Targa 4 cracks 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and is capable of hitting 280 km/h (174 mph) or 282 km/h (175 mph ) with the manual gearbox.

    The beefier 4S accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reaches 293 km/h (182 mph) when specified with the PDK and Sport Chrono package or 295 km/h (183 mph) with the manual.
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  • Vorsteiner reveals Renazzo Lamborghini Gallardo bumper

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    Styling and performance specialist Vorsteiner has released initial images of its Renazzo front bumper for the Lamborghini Gallardo.

    The restyled front fascia is constructed from pre-preg carbon fibre and features larger intakes with a honey comb mesh grille set and floating dual aero fins. Customers can also specify an additional splitter and canards.
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