German Car Scene

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  • 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet


    Volkswagen has released initial details of its 2013 Beetle Cabriolet model ahead of its official début at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show (November 30 – December 9).

    Following the same lines as the current Beetle Coupé, the 2013 Cabriolet features a more upright windscreen and flatter roofline, which also helps to create a silhouette resembling that of the original 1949 version. Well, that’s what Volkswagen is saying.

    Once again constructed from fabric, the automatically-operated roof opens and closes in around ten seconds at speeds up to 48 km/h (30 mph). The Bug’s boot capacity of 225 litres might just be enough to handle your groceries, but additional space can be found once the split rear bench seats have been folded down, while a pair of extendable modules mounted behind the seats are activated by the central airbag triggering unit in the event of a rollover mishap.

    Engine options will begin with a 77 kW (103 hp) 1.2 TSI, followed by a 118 kW (158 hp) 1.4 TSI and 2.0-litre version producing 147 kW (197 hp), with diesel fans being offered a 77 kW (103 hp) 1.6 TDI and 103 kW (138 hp) 2.0 TDI. BlueMotion Technology can be specified on the 1.2 TSI and 1.6 TDI.

    Due to be launched in Europe next spring, Volkswagen will be taking orders from this November with prices starting at €21,350.
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  • Porsche 911 Sport Classic trio


    Here’s the latest video from our friend Jorrie, filmed at the recent Droomrit voor het Leven (Droomrit for Life) event in his homeland of the Netherlands. Held each year, in aid of young people with serious health problems, there’s always a fine selection of vehicles to admire, but 2012 saw the attendance of not one, but three examples of Porsche’s 911 Sport Classic.

    Just 250 of the 300 kW (408 hp) models were built, with retro-inspired touches including Fuchs-style 19-inch alloy wheels and a ducktail rear spoiler. Based on the 997 Carrera S, but with the wider rear bodywork of the all-wheel drive models, all cars were finished in exclusive Sport Classic Grey and, at €200,000, they weren’t cheap.
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  • Volkswagen adds Tiguan R-Line


    Volkswagen UK has once again added an R-Line version to its Tiguan range.

    Based on the already bountiful SE trim level, the Sterling Silver SUV is also fitted with bi-xenon headlights, body-coloured ‘R’ design bumpers and roof spoiler, black wheel arch extensions, 18-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels and R-Line grille badging.

    Moving inside, past the embossed aluminium sill plates, there’s a pair of two-tone sports seats, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and stainless steel pedals.

    Available to order from today, OTR pricing for the 154 kW (207 hp) 2.0-litre TSI starts at £28,435, while diesel fans are given the choice of the 103 kW (138 hp ) 2.0-litre TDI BlueMotion for £28,020 and the 125 kW (168 hp) 2.0-litre TDI for £28,700. All three powerplants are mated to a six-speed manual transmission and 4MOTION four-wheel drive system.
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  • Chris Harris in the Porsche 918 Spyder


    This new episode of DRIVE sees Chris Harris having to make do with the passenger seat as he hitches a ride in Porsche’s forthcoming 574 kW (770 hp) 918 Spyder. The innovative 325 km/h (202 mph) plug-in hybrid was undergoing testing at the Nurburgring when Porsche made the call, asking if he was interested in riding shotgun around the local roads. Great video with fascinating input from the development team, too.
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  • Porsche 991 Carrera S completes the Nurburgring in 7:37.9


    Porsche has released this video of its 298 kW (400 hp) 991 Carrera S attacking the fabled Nurburgring last week. With racing driver Timo Kluck piloting the car around the Green Hell, the S managed an impressive time of just 7 minutes and 37.9 seconds. To put that into perspective, that’s faster than the 997 Turbo (7:39), so just imagine what the 991 GT3 will be capable of.
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  • BMW 3 Series Touring by AC Schnitzer


    AC Schnitzer has released its ACS3 program for the new BMW 3 Series Touring model.

    Visually, the popular Estate wears a subtle aero package consisting of a spoiler and chrome grille insert for the front bumper, a roof spoiler and a rear skirt. A sport spring kit lowers the car by 20 mm, while a range of alloys in sizes from 18 to 20-inches complete the aesthetics, including the Type IV rims in silver, two-tone Type IV BiColor and Type VIII BiColor in black or silver,

    On the inside, AC Schnitzer can supply owners with AC a sports steering wheel, velour floor mats, ‘Black Line’ aluminium iDrive cover, an aluminium pedal set and interesting gearknob complete with digital gear readout.

    Performance upgrade options for the diesel-engined cars see output from the 318d rise from 107 kW (143 hp) to 128 kW (171 hp) and the 320d from 137 kW (184 hp) to 163 kW (218 hp), while petrolheads are catered for with the 328i model jumping from 183 kW (245 hp) to 219 kW (294 hp) and the 335i going from 228 kW (306 hp) to 268 kW (360 hp).
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