German Car Scene

Month: January 2014

  • Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG revealed

    Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG (X 156) 2013
    Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the GLA 45 AMG version of its GLA-Class crossover ahead of its public debut in Detroit next week.

    Utilizing the same platform and drivetrain as the A 45 AMG, the GLA has 265 kW (360 hp) and 450 Nm of torque at its disposal thanks to that all-aluminium AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

    Power is transferred to a revised version of the company’s AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system via a SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, resulting in a Macan Turbo-matching 4.8 second 0-100 km/h time and a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption works out at 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of 175 g/km.

    Uprated hardware includes an AMG braking system with cross-drilled 350 x 32 mm front discs and 330 x 22 mm rears, tweaked speed-sensitive sports steering, stiffer steering knuckles and more rigid bearings in the lower link plane for increased cornering properties.

    Visually the GLA 45 AMG rides on 5-twin-spoke 19-inch AMG alloy wheels and wears bi-xenon headlights, a matte grey twin blade radiator grille, AMG front apron with oversized air intakes and carbon flics, a rear apron with air outlets and matte titanium grey diffuser and double-twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Customers can spcify upgrades such as 20-inch alloys, carbon fibre mirrors, the aero package consisting of a larger front splitter, additional flics on the front apron and rear spoiler, and the carbon fibre trim package.
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  • On-board a Kremer Porsche 935 K3

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    Here’s some on-board footage of Darius Ahrabian piloting the Charles Ivey Racing Kremer Porsche 935 K3 during last year’s Le Mans Classic.

    Kremer started out preparing 911s, 914-6 GTs, and 934s. However, with the Porsche 935, the company began designating its tuned models with the letter K, followed by a number in order of construction. The K1 appeared in 1976, with the K4 introduced in 1981 at a price of 400,000 DM. This particular car, which is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.2-litre flat-six unit, was 1st in class at Le Mans in 1982 and the winner of 12 out of 15 German National Championship Races.
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  • Mercedes CLA 250 review

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    This new video from DRIVE sees Matt Farah review the 2014 Mercedes CLA 250.

    Power comes courtesy of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine producing 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm of torque, which is mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission. On the road, acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 6.7 seconds, while top speed is rated at 240 km/h.
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  • Mercedes A-Class by JMS Tuning

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    Walddorfhäslach-based aftermarket specialist JMS Tuning has revealed a new add-on for the latest Mercedes A-Class.

    Designed to fit models without the AMG body package, the Exclusive Line front spoiler features an integrated diffuser and attaches to the bumper using bolts and glue. And a sprinkling of fairy dust.

    If you’re interested, it comes with a €289 price tag.

    [Source: JMS Tuning]

  • Vorsteiner Lamborghini Aventador-V LP-740

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    Styling and performance specialist Vorsteiner has released new images of its Lamborghini Aventador-V LP-740 program.

    Constructed from carbon fibre, the Aventador-V package not only includes a full array of components replacing such factory items as the side air intake shrouds, front and rear grille frames and hood trims, but also a more aggressive front spoiler with splitter lip and winglets, diffuser, side skirts and a raised SuperVeloce-style rear wing.

    The aesthetics are topped off by a choice of the company’s specially designed 20 and 21-inch diameter alloys including the VSE-003 forged wheels items pictured.

    Finally, Vorsteiner carried out a remap of the ECU software, which results in a hike from 515 kW (700 hp) and 690 Nm of torque to 552 kW (740 hp) and 737 Nm.
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  • The Porsche 911’s alter ego

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    This new video from Porsche looks at the alter ego of the 911 – rallying and off-roading – with the help of Jeff Zwart.

    A serial Porschephile, Jeff has masterminded many advertising campaigns for the company over the last couple of decades. And if that’s not enough, he’s also a seven-times Pike Peak Champion who set the record for the fastest street-legal car on the event in 2011 driving a 911 GT2 RS.

    Here we see footage of him attacking Pikes Peak and then drive the Porsche Museum’s 1984 Paris-Dakar-winning Type 953; the All-Wheel-Drive 911 forerunner to the iconic 959 which reclaimed the title two years later.
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