German Car Scene

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  • 2013 Audi A3 Sportback revealed


    Audi has released details and images of the five-door Sportback version of its 2013 A3 hatchback.

    Measuring 4,310 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, standing 1,425 mm tall, and with a 2,636 mm wheelbase, the new A3 Sportback is slightly larger than its predecessor and 73 mm longer than its three-door counterpart. Those dimensions help to achieve a 380 litre boot space which increases to 1,220 litres of capacity with the seats folded down, compared to the three-door at 365 and 1,100 litres.

    Thanks to the utilization of Volkswagen Group’s MQB (Modulare Querbaukasten – or Modular Transverse Matrix) platform, the 2013 model undercuts the older model by 90 kg, tipping the scales at 1,205 kg.

    Falling in line with the rest of the range, engine options consist of a 2.0 TDI developing either 110 kW (150 hp) and 320 Nm or 135 kW (184 hp) and 380 Nm, while petrolheads get a 1.4 TFSI developing 90 kW (122 hp) and 200 Nm, followed by a 1.8 TFSI that produces 132 kW (180 hp) and 250 Nm.

    Future powerplants include a 1.2 TFSI providing 77 kW (105 hp) and 175 Nm and the 81 kW (110 hp) TCNG engined version, which will use Audi-produced e-gas and emit as little as 30 g/km of CO2. The A3 Sportback with e-tron with plug-in hybrid drive will be in showrooms by 2014.

    Due to hit German dealerships next February 2013, pricing will start at €22,500 for the 1.2 TFSI.
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  • Porsche 918 Spyder blitzes the ‘Ring


    Following on from today’s brochure leaks, Porsche has taken to its Facebook page to announce the fact that its 918 Spyder has cracked the fabled Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 7 minutes, 14 seconds. That puts it fifth on the list of the fastest production street-legal cars around there, dislodging the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package.

    A Radical SR8 LM currently holds the title with 6:48. Then follows the Radical SR8 (6:55), Gumpert Apollo Sport (7:11.57) and Dodge’s Viper ACR (7:12:13). Remember, this is a 574 kW (770 hp) car that is also capable of consuming three litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.
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  • CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake driven


    Here’s the brand new video from DRIVE, featuring Monkey Harris and the nuclear-powered hearse that is the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake from Mercedes-Benz.

    Propelled by AMG’s glorious 5.5-litre biturbo V8, which produces 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm of torque, this heavy-duty load-lugger can sprint to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds and onto a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
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  • Mercedes-Benz A-Class by Brabus


    Bottrop-based Mercedes-Benz tuner Brabus has released details of its initial offerings for the 2013 A-Class.

    For now, the only mechanical upgrade is a sports suspension kit and a choice of the company’s 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels, including the E, F, Q, S and R Monoblock designs. The cross-spoke F Monoblocks pictured here are finished in Liquid Titanium and wrapped in 235/35 R19 tyres.

    Brabus is promising further components in the near future, including an aero package, engine tuning and exhaust systems.
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  • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Official F1 Safety Car


    If there are any unfortunate incidents at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, you will see the new Official F1 Safety Car swing into action, in the form of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT.

    Producing 435 kW (591 hp) rather than the usual 571 hp (420 kW) from its 6.2-litre V8 engine, the SLS AMG GT races from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. This gullwing also wears the obligatory aerodynamically optimised roof-mounted light bar featuring fast-response LEDs in green and orange.

    “The combination of increased performance, optimised transmission shift times and the new AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension takes the driving dynamics of the gull-wing model to an even higher level. I have now been driving the different Safety Cars since 2000, and with each new vehicle I notice a significant enhancement over the previous model,” said Bernd Mayländer, who has been the Official F1 Safety Car driver since 2000.
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  • Porsche 918 Spyder brochure leaked


    Following on from yesterday’s videos, these images from the official Porsche 918 Spyder brochure have mysteriously found their way on the internetwork.

    At the heart of the 1,160 kg Spyder is a 425 kW (570 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine, which is backed up by a 90 kW (121 hp) hybrid module at the rear along with a 80 kW (107 hp) electric motor powering the front wheels. When using electric power alone, top speed is 150 km/h (93 mph) with a range of 25 kilometres achievable – depending on driving style but, with the full 574 kW (770 hp) a its disposal, 100 km/h happens in just 3 seconds, while top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph). It has also recorded a time of 7 minutes, 14 seconds at the Nurburgring, making it the fourth fastest production car around there. All from a car capable of consuming three litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.

    New information tells us that the targa roof panel is constructed from clear-coated carbon fibre and the front boot has a capacity of 110 Litres. Optional extras include Salzburg Racing and Martini Racing body films, while the special Liquid Metal Grey or Blue paintwork finishes will set you back an additional €50,000!

    The most notable option is the Weissach Package, which includes six-point harnesses, front and rear dive planes. lightweight braking system, Alcantara and carbon interior trim. Deletion of the arm-rest, door storage, air-con and audio help to achieve a 35kg weight reduction.
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