German Car Scene

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  • Sportec SP 525 911 GT3 RS 4.0


    Bülach-based tuning company Sportec has created an upgrade program for Porsche’s epic swansong to the 997 series, the limited edition 911 GT3 RS 4.0.

    In stock form the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine produces 368 kW (500 hp) and 460 Nm of torque, but Sportec manages to squeeze a little more from the flat-six, adding a sports air filter, remapped ECU and Akrapovic exhaust system taking output to 391 kW (525 hp) and 480 Nm. That translates to a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph).

    Other additional components include a Bilstein Clubsport coilover package, a ceramic brake disc kit, carbon fibre hood and 20-inch centre-lock wheels with Michelin PS2 Cup tyres.

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  • Volkswagen Polo Blue GT surfaces


    Volkswagen has revealed its new Polo Blue GT model today at the Geneva motor Show.

    The Polo Blue GT’s focal point is its engine, the 1.4 TSI, which comes from Volkswagen’s EA211 series of petrol units. Developed to fit into its range of cars that use the new MQB (Modulare Querbaukasten – or Modular Transverse Matrix) platform, the 1.4 TSI produces 103 kW (138 hp), yet it uses just 4.7 litres every 100 kilometres on a combined cycle, a figure that drops further to 4.5 l/100 km if the optional DSG 7-speed dual clutch transmission is specified. All that from a car capable of sprinting to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).

    That lack of thirst is partially down to the Stop/Start function and battery regeneration system, but also the engine’s ability to run on two cylinders at low load. The cylinder deactivation (ACT) occurs at 1,250 to 4,000 rpm, and at torque outputs from 25 to 100 Nm (18 to 74 lbs/ft) which, amazingly, accounts for nearly 70 per cent of all driving states in the EU driving cycle. A press of the accelerator pedal reactivates the two cylinders – within 13 to 36 milliseconds!

    Visually the Polo BlueGT wears the same LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler and rear bumper with diffuser as the Polo GTI, while its side sills and windscreen rain channels are borrowed from the Polo BlueMotion. A black grille and mirror casings along with multi-spoke 17-inch alloys complete the look. Inside is a mixture of GTI instruments with bespoke Blue GT sports seats and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

    It goes on sale in Europe this July, with UK availability yet to be confirmed.

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  • Vaeth Mercedes-Benz SLK 350


    Hösbach-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Vaeth has revealed its program for the R172 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350.

    Powered by a direct-injection 3.5-litre V6 engine, the SLK 350 produces (302 hp) and 370 Nm (273 lb/ft) of torque in factory form. Thanks to Vaerth’s V35 ECU upgrade, and the fitment of a complete exhaust system including manifolds, that figure rises to 246 kW (330 hp) and 390 Nm (288 lb/ft), while the top speed is increased to 269 km/h (167 mph).

    Chassis alterations include a -30 mm spring kit or an adjustable coilover kit that allows a drop of between 20mm and 65 mm. Brake upgrades include a 360 mm or 378 mm front disc set with with six-piston calipers up front and 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the rear. The company’s own three-part forged wheels are sized 8.5 x 20 and 9.5 x 20-inches with 235/30ZR and 265/25ZR tyres.

    Visually the SLK wears a front spoiler with integrated lip, a carbon fibre boot lid spoiler and a carbon rear diffuser for cars equipped with the AMG body package. Inside the cabin, Vaeth can supply sun visors, door visors and an ash tray cover constructed from carbon fibre, as well as an embossed aluminium pedal kit and a velour mat set, also bearing the Vaeth logo.

    Conversions start at € 25,192.

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  • 2013 Audi A3 officially revealed


    Following on from last month’s image leakage Audi has officially released details of its 2013 A3 hatchback.

    The first model to use Volkswagen Group’s newly developed MQB (Modulare Querbaukasten – or Modular Transverse Matrix) platform, the new A3’s length and height is almost identical to its predecessor at 4,237 mm and 1,421 mm respectively, but it is slightly wider at 1,777 mm. The wheelbase is 23 mm longer at 2,601 mm, while thanks to the use of lighter chassis, exhaust system and interior components and aluminium for the bonnet and wings, the A3 enjoys a weight saving of up to 80 kg compared to the outgoing model; all contributing to a more responsive chassis and better fuel economy.

    Three engine options will be available when the A3 goes on sale in September at a base price of € 21,600. Beginning with a 1.4-litre TFSI engine that produces 90 kW (121 hp) and 200 Nm (148 lb/ft) of torque, then a 1.8-litre TFSI that churns out 132 kW (177 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb/ft) and comes with the seven-speed S tronic gearbox as standard, whereas the other two engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Diesel fans get the 2.0-litre TDI which develops 110 kW (148 hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb/ft).

    Styling is very much in the Ingolstadt family mould, with the A3 resembling a rotund version of the A1, the single-frame radiator grille is a dominant feature along with the optional xenon plus headlight package which provide those distinctive LED daytime running lights and LED rear clusters. A nice option is the Audi drive select system which lets the driver vary characteristics such as steering weighting, throttle response and the transmission shift points (on S tronic-equipped cars). It can also be upgraded to control the brilliant optional magnetic ride suspension system.

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  • It’s official: 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class


    Mercedes-Benz has revealed the brand new A-class model ahead of its first public appearance in Geneva later this week.

    The all-new sculpted design presents a much sportier presence with the 2013 A-Class sitting almost 18 centimetres closer to the road than its predecessor as well as enjoying a new record Cd value of 0.26. Notable styling features include that pronounced V-shaped front, large radiator grille and additional air intakes in the front bumper, distinctive headlamps with integrated LED running lights, and muscular shoulders that sweep back towards the LED rear lamps and large tailgate spoiler.

    1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engine options range from 90 kW (115 hp) in the A 180 and 115 kW (156 hp) in the A 200 through to 155 kW (211 hp) in the A 250, while diesel fans are offered the 80 kW (109 hp) A 180 CDI, the 100 kW (136 hp) 200 CDI and the 2.2-litre 220 CDI which produces 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm of torque. All models feature start/stop function as standard and come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or optional 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic. The new 4-link rear axle provides a lower centre of gravity, which not only results in better handling but also allows the installation of the company’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

    Standard equipment includes Attention Assist, Brake hold function and Hill-Start Assist and Collision Prevention Assist: a radar-based warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, which gives a visual and acoustic warning to alert the driver to potentially dangerous obstacles, and instantly prepares Brake Assist to increase braking capability.

    Three levels will be available on release: Urban, Style and AMG Sport, with the AMG Sport catching our attention. Engineered jointly with AMG, this model wears distinctive aprons with red accents, 18-inch five-spoke alloys, a diamond grille and red brake calipers. The A 250 Sport and A 220 CDI Sport feature a specially developed AMG front axle and suspension set-up.

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  • Sportec SP 370 Porsche 991


    Swiss tuning specialist Sportec has revealed its initial tuning program for the new Porsche 911 Carrera, the Sportec SP 370.

    A sports air filter, exhaust system and remap sees the regular output of 257 kW (350 hp) and 390 Nm of torque rise to 272 kW (370 hp) and 415 Nm. That sees the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) taking 4.7 seconds, while the new top speed is now 295 km/h (183 mph).

    Chassis changes see a 30 mm drop in ride height and the fitment of Sportec’s Mono/7 wheels in sizes 9 x 20 and 12 x 20-inches.

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