German Car Scene

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  • Martini Racing Porsche 918 Spyder revealed


    Following on from the recent spy video, Porsche has released these fantastic photos of its 918 Spyder prototype, looking resplendent in its Martini Racing livery, highlighting the special partnership between the companies which will continue with this new car.

    Now in the next phase of driving trials at the fabled Nurburgring, the 918 Spyder uses a carbon fibre reinforced polymer monocoque, ensuring a rigid yet lightweight design, but it’s the drivetrain that remains the main talking point.

    At the heart of the Targa-roofed 918 is a 425 kW (570 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine, which is complemented by a 90 kW (121 hp) hybrid module at the rear along with a 80 kW (107 hp) electric motor driving the front wheels. When relying on 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-on 574 kW (770 hp) a its disposal, 100 km/h appears in just 3 seconds, while top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph). All from a car capable of consuming around three litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.

    Other equipment of note includes a hybrid brake system with adaptive recuperation, ceramic brake discs, an adaptive electro-mechanical system on the rear axle for individual rear wheel steering, an optional electro-pneumatic lift system on the front axle and, of course, that stunning Martini Racing livery.
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  • Concave by Emotion Wheels


    Ratingen-based aftermarket manufacturer, Emotion Wheels, has revealed its Concave design.

    The eight double-spoke wheels feature matte black centres with replaceable stainless steel lip protectors in a polished finish or, as pictured on this Porsche 997.2 Carrera, with an optional carbon wrap. Prices range from €320 to €509. The wheels shown here are sized 8.5×19 and 11×19-inches and wear 235/35ZR19 and 295/30ZR19 tyres.
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  • Autoblog looks at the Volkswagen E-Bugster [video]


    Autoblog recently got behind the wheel of Volkswagen’s stunning E-Bugster Concept electric vehicle.

    Sitting lower and wide than the current Beetle, we’re not too sure how differently a production version may turn out, but we’d love to see one with a large turbocharged engine under the hood, such as the five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI unit seen in Audi’s TT RS. This particular model uses the same power supply as the company’s Golf Blue-e-Motion, namely a motor developing a continuous 50 kW (67 hp) and a maximum power output of 85 kW (114 hp). That translates to a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 10.9 seconds and a range of at least 150 kilometres. We would have loved to have seen some extensive driving footage, but the people from Wolfsburg clearly weren’t for allowing such frivolities…
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  • Alpha-N Performance Alpha One teased


    Not content with creating programs for cars such as BMW’s 1M and M3 models, Alpha-N Performance is dipping its toe into the supercar segment with this purposeful-looking Alpha One.

    Using the Porsche Cayman as a base, Alpha-N replaces the bodywork using carbon fibre panels, resulting in a striking, wider vehicle resembling the forthcoming 918 Spyder, weighing between 1080 kg and 1280 kg (2381lb and 2821 lb). Engine output will range from 221 kW to 588 kW (296 hp to 789 hp), meaning a 625 hp/tonne power-to-weight ratio is achievable, which isn’t far behind the Veyron Super Sport’s figure.
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  • Panamera Diesel by mcchip-dkr


    Obergartzem-based tuning specialist mcchip-dkr has revealed its program for Porsche’s Panamera Diesel model.

    Optimization of the ECU software sees output from the 3.0 TDI unit rising from 184 kW (250 hp) and 550 Nm of torque to 213 kW (285 hp) and 600 Nm, shaving just over 0.5 seconds from the 0-100 km/h time and taking top speed up to 246 km/h.

    Apart from the unsubtle striping, this Panamera also wears a set of three-piece Cargraphic alloy wheels, measuring 9 and 10.5×22-inches and wrapped in 265/30R22 and 295/25R22 Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tyres, and sits on H&R sports springs, providing a 30 mm drop in ride height.
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  • Audi A1 e-tron for Germany’s Olympic team


    Audi has handed one of its A1 e-tron cars over to the German Olympic team currently competing in London.

    The Ingolstadt company, which is an official partner of Germany’s Olympic Sports Confederation and the National Paralympic Committee Germany, is supplying 60 vehicles to be utilized in the shuttle service running between the MS Deutschland cruise ship and the German House.

    Acting as an exhibit during the games, the 75 kW (102 hp) A1 e-tron electric car is capable of reaching a 130 km/h top speed and, if the battery becomes exhausted, a small combustion engine recharges it to extend range, providing a maximum distance of up to 250 kilometres. This particular version wears the country’s colours on its body and a few exclusive trim elements inside the cabin
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