German Car Scene

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  • Mark Webber tests the Porsche LMP1

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    Following Red Bull Racing’s decision to allow Mark Webber to test Porsche’s 2014 LMP1 car, the popular Aussie has joined his new employer at Portugal’s Algarve circuit.

    “My first day in this fascinating project was an intense experience for me. I would like to thank Red Bull Racing for giving me the chance to join the project so early. It allows me to integrate with the team quicker and to contribute to further developing the LMP1 race car,” said the 37-year-old.

    The car uses a direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine to drive the rear wheels and features a pair of energy recuperation systems that harvest power for an electric motor located on the front axle. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid also utilized a similar set-up that harnessed kinetic energy via an electric flywheel accumulator.
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  • 2014 BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe

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    After a period of time comparable to the evolution of man, today is the day that BMW reveals its new M4 Coupe and M3 Saloon models and here are the first images.

    Aggressively styled, the low-slung M4 and M3 differ from their regular counterparts thanks to the power dome on the hood, a CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) roof, bulging wheel arches, wider side skirts and trademark M fender gills. There’s also a gloss black kidney grille with double slats, a sculpted front bumper with large air intakes, boot lid spoiler and rear bumper with air outlets and a diffuser that shrouds quadruple tailpipes. A set of 19-inch forged M alloy wheels complete the look.

    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.

    Other weight-saving measures, including an aluminium hood and front wings, help the M4 and M3 to tip the scales at 1497 kg and 1520 kg respectively, with BMW stating that both vehicles crack 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. 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).

    The stop/start function and brake energy recuperation systems help to return an improved average fuel consumption figure of 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres (34 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 194 g/km. Forged aluminium suspension components along with a choice of Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus adaptive damping settings and a new axle carrier mounted directly to the bodyshell increase rigidity and handling dynamics, while the electro-mechanical Servotronic steering features Efficiency, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes.

    Moving inside, the bucket-style seats in the front are electrically adjustable and heated and feature illuminated M logos, while the rear bench is constructed from a composite material and can be folded in a 60:40 split. There’s also a leather-trimmed M steering wheel, exclusive sill plates, an Anthracite BMW Individual headlining, and the optional M Head-up Display. Owners can also download the BMW M Laptimer app to their smartphone, which – once connected to the car’s USB port – records such data as speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine revs, the gear engaged, steering angle, accelerator position and fuel consumption.

    Due to be launched in June 2014, pricing in the UK will start at £56,175 OTR for the M3 Saloon and £56,635 OTR for the M4 Coupe.
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  • BMW M6 Gran Coupe vs Audi RS 7 Sportback

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    In this new video from Auto Express, Owen Mildenhall decides which high-powered four-door coupe gets his vote between the BMW M6 Gran Coupe and Audi’s RS 7 Sportback.

    Propelled by a twin-turbocharged 4.0 TFSI V8 engine, the RS 7 has 412 kW (560 hp) and 700 Nm of torque at its disposal, 100 km/h appears in just 3.9 seconds, while the limited 250 km/h top speed can be raised to 280 km/h (174 mph) with the optional dynamic package and 305 km/h (190 mph) with the dynamic package plus.

    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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  • Four-cylinder Porsche Macan on the way


    According to reports, the new Porsche Macan will also be offered with a four-cylinder powerplant following its launch next year.

    Available as a petrol unit only, the turbocharged engine will power the entry-level Macan and is expected to produced just under 224 kW (300 hp). Rumours suggest that it could be based on the same 2.5-litre flat-four boxer lump linked to the company’s Boxster and Cayman models.

    Slated to appear before the end of 2014, a four-cylinder Macan could start at £40,000, with the Boxster expected to be available from around £35,000.

    [Source: Auto Express]

  • Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class by Carlsson

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    Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Carlsson revealed its latest program to suit the current GLK-Class.

    Making its public debut at the Essen Motor Show, the PU-RIM body package consists of a replacement front bumper with RS lip spoiler and LED daytime running lights, stainless steel mesh inserts, a chrome radiator grille and rear apron with chrome-plated diffuser and apertures for the new double-twin tailpipes.

    A lowering spring kit or complete sport suspension upgrade drops the SUV by 30 mm, while Carlsson also offers a wide range of alloy wheels in 18 to 21-inch diameters. Moving inside, the company can supply anything from aluminum door pins and pedal covers or floor mats to a completely bespoke interior using such materials as leather, wood and carbon fibre.

    Apart from a stainless steel exhaust system, Carlsson’s performance upgrades revolve around its C-Tronic module, which increase output from the GLK 220 CDI’s four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine by 25 kW (34 hp) and 100 Nm to 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm.
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  • BMW Z4 by MB Individual Cars

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    Augsburg-based MB Individual Cars has revealed its new program to suit the E89 BMW Z4.

    Constructed from carbon fibre, the aero package is priced at €3,999 and comprises a front spoiler lip, new kidney grilles, mirror casings, indicator surrounds, sill blades, a subtle boot lid spoiler and diffuser section for the rear bumper. Moving to the cabin, all inner mouldings, including the ones on the centre console, dashboard, door trims and rollover bars are finished in carbon fibre.

    For now, mechanical upgrades consist of an adjustable KW coilover suspension kit and F30 Performance front brakes, while the factory alloys have been replaced by a set of 19-inch VRM V703 wheels wrapped in Continental tyres, with MB currently developing exhaust systems and ECU software for the car.
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