German Car Scene

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  • Le Mans Porsche 962 driven


    Ever since we saw a photo of this Porsche 962 on Chris Harris’ Twitter feed, we’ve been counting down the days until it appeared on DRIVE’s YouTube channel. This 1987 Le Mans-winning car, which belongs to the Porsche Museum, was handed over to Monkey, who obviously went on to spank it at their Weissach test track. An absolutely fantastic video.
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  • Audi crosslane coupe revealed


    Audi is débuting this striking crosslane coupé model at the Paris motor Show, this week.

    The plug-in hybrid concept is based around a Multimaterial Space Frame layout utilizing aluminum, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer and glass fibre-reinforced polymer, and measures 4.21 metres in length, 1.88 metres in width and stands 1.51 metres tall, meaning it’s virtually the same size as Audi’s Q3 SUV, but thanks to its lightweight construction weighs around 50 kg less, at 1,390 kg – including the lithium-ion battery.

    Powering the crosslane coupe is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder TFSI developing 95 kW (130 hp) and 200 Nm of torque, and a pair of electric motors. The first motor, a 50 kW (68 hp) and 210 Nm unit, acts as a starter and alternator, while the second motor, producing 85 kW (116 hp) and 250 Nm, is used for traction purposes. A claw clutch enables this motor to connect directly to the transmission, meaning speeds up to 55 km/h (34 mph) can use electric power drawing energy primarily from the 17.4 kWh battery. Between 55 km/h and 130 km/h (81 mph) the engine and alternator become part of the hybrid drivetrain, which chooses its source depending on whether the ‘cruise’ or ‘race’ mode is chosen. The TFSI engine becomes the main source of drive above 130 km/h, with the smaller motor providing support if required. 0-100 km/h occurs in 8.6 seconds (electric mode: 9.8s), while top speed is 182 km/h (113 mph). Impressively, fuel consumption is a mere 1.1 litres every 100 kilometres (214 US mpg) while the CO2 figure is just 26 g/km.
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  • Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion concept


    Volkswagen has revealed a BlueMotion concept version of its seventh generation Golf model.

    Propulsion comes from the company’s EA288 1.6-litre TDI, which was designed to fit the new MQB platform and develops 81 kW (109 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. The combination of the Golf VII’s lighter body construction along with low rolling resistance tyres, aerodynamically-optimized bodywork and lower ride height, the BlueMotion is capable of sipping just 3.2-litres of fuel every 100 kilometres – a 15 percent improvement compared to its predecessor, with impressive CO2 emissions of 85 g/km. Top speed is a respectable 202 km/h (125 mph).

    Dues to hit showrooms in production guise by next summer, Volkswagen will offer the Golf Bluemotion in Trendline and Comfortline trim levels.
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  • Bentley Continental GT3 concept racer


    Bentley has revealed these images of the company’s Continental GT3 concept racer ahead of its début in Paris.

    Based on the current GT Speed model, no technical specifications have been released, but we do know that the car’s test program will begin in 2013 – exactly ten years since Bentley completed a one-two finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a pair of Speed 8 prototype racers. Once again, Brian Gush, Bentley’s Director of Chassis, Powertrain and Motorsport, is in charge of the Continental’s development.

    “The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack. The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of in its most extreme form, and establishes a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans,” said Bentley’s Dr Wolfgang Schreiber.
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  • Re-facelifted Gallardo LP 560-4 and LP 570-4 Edizione Tecnica


    Lamborghini is in danger of turning its Gallardo model into the automotive equivalent of Joan Rivers, after giving it yet another facelift.

    Changes to the LP 560-4 include revised front and rear fascias featuring an array of large triangular and trapezoidal air intakes, a more defined front spoiler, and new 19-inch matte black/polished Apollo alloy wheels. The optional Style Package consists of high-gloss black paintwork on the underside of the front spoiler, rear trim and front and rear grilles.

    The Gallardo LP 570-4 Edizione Tecnica; an upgrade package for the LP 570-4 Superleggera and LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, including a carbon ceramic brake upgrade and raised rear wing. Available colour combinations will be a matte black body with orange pillars and front air intakes, matte white body with orange pillars and front air intakes, and orange body with matte black and front air intakes.

    We’re really surprised to see that the light units haven’t even been restyled.
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  • Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept leaked


    These leaked images of the much-rumoured Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept have turned up on Autoblog.nl. Designed to compete in the luxury estate segment, it’s a massive improvement over the regular, cumbersome Panamera and must surely lead to there being fewer Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brakes on the road, which can only be a good thing.

    The revised roofline, c-pillar and more upright rear window bring a sense of proportion to the vehicle, while those slim 991-inspired rear lights help to create a pretty derrière. The e-hybrid badging gives a hint as to what lies beneath its skin, which is a supercharged V6 engine combined with a small electric motor, providing a total power output of 315 kW (428 hp).

    When we first heard about a Panamera wagon heading to Paris, we feared the worst, but thankfully it doesn’t look anything like a rolling version of the Elephant Man. That much.
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