German Car Scene

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  • MINI John Cooper Works GP vs MINI Hayabusa

    MINI shootout
    The MINI John Cooper Works GP is the fastest production MINI you can buy – from BMW, but Aldbrough’s Z-Cars sells something a little spicier. This new video from Autocar compares the two vehicles which, apart from their names, have about as much in common as Nicki Minaj and a lifetime achievement award.

    Where as the limited edition JCW GP features a tweaked version of the Cooper S turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder developing 160 kW (218 hp) and 260 Nm of torque, its dinky tubed-framed rival uses a the 4-stroke inline-four from a Suzuki Hayabusa, producing 145 kW (194 hp) and 138 Nm. At 550 kg, it’s less than half the weight of BMW’s offering and rides on tyres from a Formula Renault single-seater.

    So it should be a complete whitewash, no?
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  • Vorsteiner BMW M6 previewed

    Vorsteiner BMW M6
    Styling and performance specialist Vorsteiner has teased its new program for BMW’s 412 kW (560 hp) M6 Coupe and Cabriolet models.

    No details were attached to the images, but we can see that the aero package, which is constructed from clear-coated carbon fibre, includes a larger front spoiler with additional intakes, side skirts, a boot lid lip, vented diffuser section for the rear bumper and roof spoiler for the Coupe version. The radiator grille surrounds have also been finished in gloss black paintwork.

    Completing the look is a set of Vorsteiner’s VS-310 three-piece concave forged alloy wheels.
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  • Audi A1 quattro Gymkhana

    Audi A1 quattro
    Here’s a new Gymkhana-style promotional video for Audi’s A1 quattro, with multiple DTM champion Timo Scheider putting the limited edition machine through its paces around the streets and construction sites of Germany.

    Just 333 examples will be produced, with each owner enjoying 188 kW (256 hp) and 350 Nm of torque from this 2.0 TFSI-engined pocket rocket.

    If it isn’t dirty, you’re not doing it right.
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  • ABT AS3 Audi A3 Sportback

    ABT AS3 Audi A3 Sportback
    Kempten-based ABT Sportsline has revealed its updated AS3 program to suit Audi’s new A3 Sportback model.

    Visually, the ABT aero package consists of a front spoiler lip, radiator grille section with vertical bars, questionable fender inserts, side skirts, a larger roof spoiler and rear bumper apron with diffuser section and apertures for the double-twin tailpipes. A set of sport springs lower the suspension by 35 mm, while the wide choice of alloy wheels include the DR items pictured here, measuring 18 or 19-inches in diameter.

    Initially, ABT is offering two performance upgrades for the A3, beginning with the 1.4 TFSI, which now develops 118 kW (160 hp) and 250 Nm of torque – up from the standard car’s 90 kW (122 hp) and 200 Nm. 2.0 TDI owners are offered an increase from 110 kW (150 hp) and 320 Nm to 125 kW (170 hp) and 360 Nm. ABT tells us that kits for the 1.6 TDI and 1.8 TFSI are on the way.

    Finally, there’s front brake system comprising of 345 x 30 mm discs and stainless steel brake lines.
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  • Lotus F1 Team owner announces RUF partnership

    RUF CTR 3
    Genii Capital, the owner of the Lotus F1 Team, has become a shareholder and strategic partnership of the tuning specialist, Pfaffenhausen-based RUF Automobile GmbH.

    Founding partner of Genii Capital Gerard Lopez, who has been installed as the non-executive chairman of the board, said: “RUF is a fantastic brand with a loyal customer base and a global brand name. Today the brand is also connected to younger generations through its appearance in number one selling driver computer games, opening the potential to new buyers across the world.”

    Well known for such models as the narrow-bodied, lightweight 469 hp (350 kW CTR Yellowbird and 559 kW (750 hp) CTR 3, RUF is a manufacturer in its own right, Lopez hinted that the company will be débuting a production version of its V8 conversion at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Previously seen in the RGT-8 prototype, the RUF-designed lightweight 4.5-litre 90° 8-cylinder engine develops 410 kW (550 bhp) and 500 Nm of torque.

    “It will soon be 50 years since I started to share my vision on a truly unique platform in automotive history; the Porsche 911. I see a very exciting future in which we will be assisted by Gerard Lopez. I have been proud to see Gerard grow from an RUF-fascinated kid into a client – and first of all a friend – over more than 20 years and am very much looking forward to having him as a partner in RUF Automobile GmbH.” said Alois Ruf.

    [Source: Lotus]

  • Mercedes-Benz CLK Black Edition by Prior Design

    Prior Design Mercedes-Benz CLK Black Edition
    Kamp-Lintfort styling company Prior Design has released images and details of its Black Edition body program for the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, which does a pretty impressive job of replicating the mighty 373 kW (507 hp) CLK 63 AMG Black Series.

    Constructed from high quality Dura-Flex plastic, the PD Black Edition Wide-body package comprises of a replacement front bumper, widened fenders with air outlets, a ventilated hood, side skirts, rear wheel arch extensions, trunk spoiler and rear bumper with integrated diffuser.

    Pricing starts at €4,999, with Prior Design also offering a full fitting and painting service at its premises.
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