German Car Scene

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  • Chris Harris drives the Pagani Huayra [video]


    This latest episode of DRIVE sees the lovely Chris Harris travel to Italy in order sample the clinically insane Pagani Huayra. Powered by a revised version of the 6.0-litre Mercedes-AMG V12 Bi-Turbo engine from the SL 65 AMG Black Series, the Huayra produces a staggering 515 kW (690 hp) and 1,000 Nm (740 lb/ft) of torque, meaning it has the same Power-to-weight ratio as a Bugatti Veyron – in a rear-wheel drive car. Dribble.
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  • BMW E30 M3 vs Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 [video]


    Motor Trend’s latest Head 2 Head episode is a real step back in time with Automobile Magazine’s Jason Cammisa pitting the iconic BMW E30 M3 against it’s Cosworth-enginged rival, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 in a battle of the homologation specials. Mercedes-Benz had originally enlisted the help of Cosworth to make the 190E a competitive machine in the world of rallying. However, at that time, manufacturers such as Audi were dominating the championship with turbocharged, all-wheel drive monsters, so the 190E headed to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), where it locked horns with the beautiful, box-arched M3. Both cars are still incredibly desirable, but everyone has their favourite. Which is yours?
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  • Volkswagen T5 Bus by Hartmann Tuning


    Neuss-based Hartmann Tuning has announced its range of options for Volkswagen’s popular T5 Bus.

    Developed by the company’s Vansports sub-brand, the T5 wears a lower front spoiler, side skirts and a rear bumper apron, while a sports spring set reduces the ride height by 30 mm. There’s also a wide range of alloy wheels on offer including these Vest 3 items, sized 9×20-inches and covered in 275/35 R20 tyres. Inside, owners can spruce up their cabin with carbon fibre trim inserts and velour carpeting.

    For those in search of extra power, the Vansports electronic Diesel Performance Kit sees output from the 2.0 TDI increase from 103 kW (138 hp) and 340 Nm of torque to up to 122 kW (164 hp) and 395 Nm, while the brawnier 2.0 BiTDI jumps from 132 kW (177 hp) and 400 Nm up to 156 kW (209 hp) and 460 Nm. There’s also a stainless steel exhaust system with twin double tailpipes. Finally, the electronic accelerator kit helps to reduce the delay in response that can sometimes be experienced.
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  • BMW 3 Series Saloon by Kelleners Sport


    Merzig-based Kelleners Sport has released details of its program for the current (F30) BMW 3 Series Saloon.

    Visually, the aero package consists of a front spoiler lip, a skirt extension for the rear bumper and a boot lid spoiler. The factory wheels have been superseded by Kelleners’ Titanium Grey ‘Hamburg’ design alloy wheels in either a 19 or 20-inch diameter, while a choice of sports springs or an adjustable coilover kit lower the car by 30 mm and 60 mm respectively. Moving inside, Kelleners’ upholstery department offers a range of leathers including Nappa and ostrich, with a choice of over 60 colours to choose from, along with wood and carbon fibre trim elements, velour floor mats and aluminium pedals.

    The company can provide performance increases for all petrol and diesel-engined versions. For example, the 320d enjoys an increase in output from 135 kW (184 hp) and 380 Nm of torque to 160 kW (218 hp) and 435 Nm, while owners of the 328i see a jump from 180 kW (241 hp) and 350 Nm to 216 kW (290 hp) and 420 Nm. An exhaust system with quadruple tailpipes is also available for all models.
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  • Supercharged SLS AMG Roadster by Vaeth


    Hösbach-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Vaeth has revealed its latest program for the SLS AMG Roadster.

    Fitment of the company’s V63 Supercharger Kit along with its full stainless steel exhaust system with flap controls and sports catalyst, which sees the 6.2-litre V8’s output rise from 420 kW (571 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb/ft) of torque to 515 kW (691 hp) and 850 Nm (627 lb/ft), enough for a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.6 seconds and a 330 km/h (205 mph) top speed. A larger transmission oil cooler system helps to keep temperatures to a minimum.

    Chassis upgrades for the SLS include a 405 mm big brake kit with steel braided lines and an adjustable spring set-up, which allows a drop of 45 mm and works in conjunction with the nose-lift system. The stunning wheels are Vaeth’s own three-piece forged items, measuring 9 and 12×20-inches and wrapped in 265/30-20 front and 315/25-20 tyres.

    Visually, the Roadster wears a carbon fibre aero package consisting of a front spoiler, boot lid spoiler and side skirts with ducts, while inside the cabin, there’s a new steering wheel, 400 km/h speedometer and a choice of leather upholstery along with wooden and carbon trim elements.

    Pricing for the conversion starts at €85,130.
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  • Opel Adam officially revealed


    After countless spy pictures, Opel has officially revealed its new baby, urban car, the Adam, to the world before it makes its physical début at the Paris Motor Show on September 29.

    Measuring almost 3.70 metres in length and 1.72m in width and with a 2.31m wheelbase, the stylish three-door hatchback is almost identical in size to the Fiat 500 – the car Opel is hoping to steal sales from. Three engines will be available at launch, including a 51 kW (70 hp) 1.2-litre and a 1.4-litre producing either 64 kW (87 hp) or 74 kW (100 hp) all mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The ecoFLEX pack including Start/Stop function can be added to any variant. A super-frugal, turbocharged three-cylinder engine combined with a six-speed manual gearbox will be released early next year.

    Electrical Power Steering is standard and includes CITY mode which increases power assistance at lower speeds, while the latest generation ESP includes sub-functions such as Hill Start Assist. Side Blind Spot Alert is available as an option, as is the company’s new Advanced Park Assist, which uses the same ultrasonic sensors to automatically steer the Adam into a parking space with the driver just controlling the throttle and gears.

    There are three levels of trim to choose from: Jam is the colourful base model, followed by Glam, which features more elegant equipment. Finally, Slam is designed to suite drivers of a racier nature and features larger diameter 17 or 18-inch alloys along with a more responsive sports chassis and steering feeling. Personalisation touches include the LED headlamps and the taillights, LED lit ‘starlight’ roof trim, smartphone integration with the seven-inch, high-resolution full-colour touch screen.

    “The ADAM offers lots of growth potential for our brand. We are very proud that our fashionable small car brings German engineering excellence to its segment. In fact, the ADAM is the only A-segment car that will be exclusively built in Germany,” said Opel CEO Karl-Friedrich Stracke.

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