German Car Scene

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  • Opel’s Ampera fleet customer base doubles


    Opel has announced that its Ampera fleet customer base in Europe has more than doubled in just six months, rising from around 700 in March to almost 2,000 today – a 180 percent upsurge. An increase of over 50 percent was enjoyed in Germany, but this was eclipsed by the Netherlands, which saw a 200 percent jump.

    “We are confident that this development will continue because fleet customers understand that the Ampera is one of the very few electric vehicles that is truly suitable for everyday use. Additionally, it is has significantly lower operating costs than equivalent internal combustion engine cars,” said Opel’s Alfred Rieck.

    The Ampera uses a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery to power its 111 kW (150 hp) electric motor, which can provide between 40 and 80 kilometres of emission-free motoring. When the battery reaches its minimum state of charge, the generator, which is driven by a 63 kW (86 hp) petrol engine, feeds the electric drive unit – allowing a range of over 500 kilometres without refuelling.

    [Source: Opel]

  • Porsche 911 GT3 RS by Royal Muffler


    While we’re waiting for the 991 version to arrive, Los Angeles-based tuner Royal Muffler has tweaked the current 997.2 GT3 RS a little.

    Labelled the ‘Satin Blue’ package – a reference to that striking body wrap, which is accompanied by a satin grey and satin white racing stripe, Royal Muffler called on R1 Motorsport to provide the mammoth GT3 R Hybrid carbon fibre wing, while the original wheels have been replaced by a set of centre-locking BBS items, which have been powder coated black and wrapped in Toyo R888 rubber.

    The final upgrade sees Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) discs make way for Brembo’s Type III two-piece floating disc assemblies, which are designed specifically for track use.
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  • Porsche 911 commercial: The Idea


    Here’s a new commercial from Porsche, featuring its 991 Carrera 4S model.

    Along similar lines as the company’s 997 Business Card advert, The Idea sees a young boy become infatuated with the car before carrying out a number of chores to raise funds for one of his own. At least that’s what we thought it meant.

    But, as the film goes on, it turns out that his father actually owns one, so the simple solution would be to kill him – but make it look like a freak chainsaw mishap, resulting in his son inheriting the 911 – and that marvellous home. Win-win.
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  • BMW 6 Series by Hamann Motorsport


    Following on from its previous kit for the BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible, Hamann Motorsport has created a more restrained program.

    The Competition front lip spoiler and rear diffuser with outlets for double twin tailpipes are designed specifically to suit cars fitted with the M Sport Package, while the side skirts and boot lid spoiler will fit all models. A range of alloy wheels in 20 and 21-inch diameters are available, including the split-rim forged Edition Race items pictured.

    There’s also a -30 mm suspension spring kit, three-spoke steering wheel, carbon fibre elements for the dashboard, handles and console, a set of aluminium pedals and velour floor mats.
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  • Audi considering lightweight, hardcore TT


    He may have only been in the job for 100 days, but Audi’s Wolfgang Durheimer isn’t wasting any time when it comes creating new models, with a hardcore TT at the top of his to-do list, along with a hybrid supercar to rival the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder.

    Now charged with the responsibility for technical development within the brand, Durheimer moved from Bentley and Bugatti in the summer, but he previously headed Porsche R&D, and it is the 911 GT3 drivers that Audi has in its sights. With a target of just 1,000 kg – 300 kg less than the current model, the company really has its work cut out, especially when you consider the addition of the quattro four-wheel drive layout as well as a rollcage.

    “Audi is well known for lightweight construction, and reflecting on racing, you don’t need to twist my arm to persuade me that lightweight can sell cars, and bring emotions and fun to the drivers,” said Durheimer, who believes that a mixture of steel and aluminium sections against carbon fibre would result in the required weight loss, with a high-powered five-cylinder petrol engine his preferred choice of powerplant.

    He also hinted of a new flagship super sports car that would be positioned much higher than the R8 and harness the innovative technology seen in the Le Mans-winning R18 e-tron quattro. “I think that if we can do a super-high-tech race car with a diesel-hybrid drivetrain, this could be a hot seller in the sports car segment too,” Durheimer teased.

    [Source: What Car?]

  • Audi R8 by Regula Exclusive


    Schwerte-based tuning company Regula Exclusive has developed a new program for Audi R8 owners wanting to make their car look like a Stormtrooper’s helmet.

    Constructed from a polyester polyurethane mixture, the aero package includes a replacement front fascia featuring colossal air intakes and side scoops, side skirts and a rear fascia with side ventilation louvers, large air outlets and a vented diffuser section. The kit is priced at €7,698 with a carbon version available for an additional €1,500.

    Regula can also provide a change of wheels, including the Oxigin 14 Oxrock items pictured here, which measure 8.5 and 11 x 20-inches and come wrapped in 235/30 R20 and 295/25 R20 rubbery stuff.

    Finally, for €1,398, an ECU software sees output from the 5.2-litre V10 jump from 391 kW (525 hp) to 418 kW (560 hp).
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