German Car Scene

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  • ABT AS7 Audi S7 Sportback


    Kempten-based tuning specialist ABT Sportsline has developed its AS7 program for the Audi S7 Sportback.

    ABT’s Power Kit upgrade for the twin-turbocharged 4.0 TFSI V8 unit, which includes an ECU remap, exhaust system and optimized air intake, sees output rise from 309 kW (420 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lb/ft) of torque to a more enjoyable 382 kW (520 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb/ft), resulting in an improved top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph) rather than the factory car’s governed figure of 250 km/h (155 mph).

    Visually, ABT hasn’t touched the bodywork, but the usual range of 20 and 21-inch wheels are on offer, including the DR items shown here, while the ride height is taken care of thanks to a set of sport springs or the company’s Level Control module to suit cars fitted with air suspension.
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  • NLC Porsche Panamera GP-970


    Hüffenhardt-based tuning specialist No Limit Custom has developed this questionable looking styling program for the Porsche Panamera.

    The NLC carbon fibre aero package includes a replacement hood, front bumper with large, angular air intakes and a rear bumper with aggressive diffuser. As well as the diffuser section; the front spoiler, side skirts, rear plate recess and roof spoiler are also finished in clear-coated carbon.

    Completing the look is a set of the company’s own 9.5 and 11×22-inch five-spoke forged wheels covered in 265/30 and 315/25 tyres. There’s also a cat-back exhaust system with adjustable flap control and quadruple tailpipes.

    If the designer of this kit was going for an ‘aggrieved snake with no teeth’ look, we’d say mission accomplished.
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  • Manhart MH1 S-Biturbo 1M Coupe


    Following on from its MH5 S-Biturbo program, Geilenkirchen-based tuner Manhart Racing GmbH has done the same for BMW’s 1 Series M coupe.

    The company’s Stage 3 package includes remapped ECU software, an upgraded intercooler and oil cooler, a carbon fibre air intake and ducting and a replacement exhaust system. Those changes see output rise from 246 kW (335 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of torque to 347 kW (465 hp) and 600 Nm (443 lb/ft).

    Underneath, there’s a KW coilover suspension kit and 20-inch AC Schnitzer Type V Forged alloy wheels wrapped in Continental Sport Contact 5 tyres, while bodywork additions include a carbon fibre front lip, vented hood, mirror casings, trunk spoiler and rear diffuser. Inside the cabin, Manhart fits its MHR-embossed BMW Performance bucket seats.
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  • Porsche 911 GT2 RS vs Ducati 1199 Panigale S [video]


    This brand new episode of DRIVE sees Chris Harris heading to Santa Pod Raceway to challenge the impressive Ducati 1199 Panigale S on the quarter mile. As with Auto Bild’s film, the bike is pitted against a German supercar, but this time it’s a Porsche 911 GT2 RS. The Porsche has 456 kW (620 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb/ft) of torque at its disposal, but the Ducati has 143 kW (195 hp) and 132 Nm (98 lb/ft) to play with – and weighs roughly the same as an elbow scab.
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  • CLK 63 AMG Black Series eargasm [video]


    Here’s a brief clip demonstrating just how good that AMG 6.2-litre V8 engine in the minacious Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series can sound. With its extreme rear wing and arch-bulging ADV5.2.1 wheels, its looks won’t suit everyone’s tastes, but the symphony it produces is certainly intoxicating.
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  • 2013 Audi R8 revealed


    After countless teaser photos and videos, Audi has finally released images and information on its facelifted R8 model.

    Visually, the R8 has received a mild makeover, with restyled LED headlights featuring strip-shaped daytime running lights and integrated static turning lights, LED rear lights, revised bumpers with three crossbars across the air intakes, horizontal chrome grille ribs on V10-engined cars, an optional carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) front splitter and circular tailpipes lifted from the current R8 GT.

    Powerplants begin with the The 4.2 FSI V8, which produces 316 kW (430 hp) and 430 Nm (317 lb/ft) of torque, allowing the S tronic-equipped Coupe to hit 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), with manual versions taking 4.6s but reaching 302 km/h (188 mph), while the V8 Spyder is just 0.2s behind its Coupe counterpart. Average consumption for the S tronic V8 Coupe is 12.4 litres of fuel every 100 km.
    The brawnier 5.2-litre V10 engine develops 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (391 lb/ft); enough for a 3.6s 0-100 km/h time and 314 km/h (195.11 mph) top speed, with figures of 3.9 seconds and 316 km/h (196 mph) for the manual Coupe. Once again, the open-topped car takes just 0.2s longer before reaching top speeds of 311 km/h (193 mph) and 313 km/h (194 mph) respectively. That extra propulsion is paid for at the pumps, with an average consumption of 13.1 litres of fuel every 100 km in the S tronic Coupe. The company’s 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the V8 and optional on the V10, with the 7-speed S tronic – which replaces the outgoing 6-speed r tronic – standard on the V10 and an option on the V8.

    For now, top of the tree is the new Audi R8 V10 plus. Available in Coupe form only, it features otherwise optional equipment, such as the CFRP splitter, Carbon Sigma interior inlays, LED engine compartment lighting, GFRP adjustable bucket seats and carbon ceramic brakes. Other differences include a matte paint option, a larger diffuser, black tailpipes, CFRP mirrors and side blades and an improved engine output of 404 kW (550 hp) and 540 Nm (398 lb/ft). That means 100 km/h occurs in a mere 3.5s and top speed is 317 km/h (197 mph). Manuals take 3.8 s and hit 319 km/h (198 mph), with average consumption for the S tronic working out at 12.9 litres per 100 km and 14.9 litres for the manual.

    European Audi showrooms will see the new R8 range before the end of this year, with prices starting at €113,500 for the V8 Coupe and €124,800 for the Spyder. The V10 variants begin at €154,600 and €165,900 respectively, while the R8 V10 plus will set you back €173,200.
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