German Car Scene

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  • 2012 Hockenheim DTM: one-two for Mercedes


    Gary Paffett has given the new Mercedes AMG C-Coupé its first win, with Jamie Green finishing behind him giving the company a well deserved one-two result. Audi’s Mattias Ekström took the third step of the podium in the DTM season opener in front of 142,000 spectators at the Hockenheimring.

    Starting from Pole position, Mattias Ekstrom made an error on turn two, running wide, opening the door for Green and Paffett to slip through. Green pitted for tyres a lap before his team-mate, which resulted in Paffett rejoining the race alongside Green before making use of the inside line and securing the lead until the end.

    After a positive qualifying session for returning brand BMW, things quickly turned sour during the race. Werner started from third, but fell to the back of the field after a collision with Ralf Schumacher and ultimately finishing in 17th place. Martin Tomczyk and Bruno Spengler retired after various incidents early on in the race, meaning sixth-placed Andy Priaulx provided the team with its best position on the day.

    “After a difficult 2011, I am pleased to have found the way back to the podium top spot. I’ve always believed in the team and my speed and that’s now paid off. The scrap with Jamie was really exciting and always very fair, which is exactly how racing should be, simply terrific!” said an ecstatic Paffett.

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  • Dindo Capello salutes 500,000 Audi Germany Facebook fans


    24 Hours of Le Mans veteran Dindo Capello has taken to the track in Barcelona – armed with an Audi R8 V10 Coupé – to send a rubbery thank you message to the 500,000 Audi Germany Facebook fans out in internetland. Can you guess what it is yet?

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  • Advance sales of the Golf GTI Cabriolet begin


    Following its big reveal in Geneva, Volkswagen has launched the new Golf GTI Cabriolet model in Germany this week.

    Powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the hatchback, the Cabriolet has 155 kW (210 hp) and 280 Nm of torque to play with, and comes with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox. The sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 7.3 seconds and top speed is 237 km/h (147 mph), while average fuel consumption works out at 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres (DSG: 7.7 l/100 km).

    Prices start at € 31,350 for a manual-equipped car, but that figure rapidly rises when you add such goodies as DSG and the 18-inch Detroit alloy wheel upgrade. Other countries in Europe will have to wait until the second half of the year before they can receive the Cabriolet.

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  • Harry Metcalfe drives the Pagani Zonda 760 RS for evo


    evo magazine’s founder and Editorial Director Harry Metcalfe recently visited Pagani to get his hands on the psychotic Zonda 760 RS. Propelled by a Mercedes-AMG V12 engine, the 760 RS unsurprisingly makes 567 kW (760 hp), which is delivered to the road via a sequential transmission, resulting in a 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed. McLaren F1 driver Lewis Hamilton is clearly a fan of Mercedes-powered vehicles, having ordered a 760 RS – with manual transmission – for when he wants to terrify Nicole Scherzinger.

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  • Volkswagen releases Polo R Line


    Volkswagen UK has launched the Polo R Line model, based on the Polo Match but fitted with the company’s sportier styling pack.

    The Polo’s body receives R Line front and rear bumpers, sill extensions, a high-gloss black radiator grille with R Line badge and 16-inch Mallory alloy wheels. Moving past the brushed aluminium scuff plates, the sports seats are trimmed in ‘Kyalami’ cloth, while the steering wheel is wrapped in leather. There’s also a set of aluminium pedals.

    Standard equipment includes a six-speaker sound system connected to a RCD 310 radio/CD unit with MP3 player connectivity, air conditioning, trip computer, electrically operated mirrors with heating function and a multifunction trip computer.

    Available with just the one engine option, a 77 kW (104 hp) 1.2-litre TSI unit, 100 km/h (62 mph) appears in 9.7 seconds while top speed is 190 km/h (118 mph). OTR prices start at £ 15,195 for the three-door model and £ 15,815 for the five-door version.

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  • Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak preparation


    As we told you last month, legendary racing driver Walter Rohrl will be returning to Colorado this July to relive his Pikes Peak success from 25 years ago. If that’s not enough, Mr Rohrl’s mode of transport will be the actual 441 kW (591 hp) Audi Sport quattro S1 that he piloted to victory on the day. Part of this iconic car’s preparation sees the Audi Sport Team’s Thomas Bauch and Frank Friedmann placing it in an altitude chamber to simulate the thinning air experienced at 4,000 metres. We’re really hoping that this is the first of many videos from Audi.

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