German Car Scene

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  • Top Gear Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster review


    From last night’s Top Gear; here’s Jeremy Clarkson testing the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. Using the same 6.2 L V8 unit as its gullwing-doored sibling, this 420 kW (571 hp) ragtop cracks 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds, while top speed is 318 km/h (197 mph). Enjoy.

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  • Snow drifting in a 1 Series M Coupe


    Regular readers will be familiar with Andre de Vries’ drifting exploits, most recently in a new BMW M5. We’ve also previously seen him in a BMW 1 Series M Coupe – but not in the snow! While most of us might avoid taking the Baby M out in such conditions, de Vries, who is well known for competing in the Dutch Supercar Challenge and Winter Endurance Series, clearly relishes a flurry or two. Great control. (more…)

  • BMW Classic launches online parts shop


    BMW Classic Parts Supply has just launched its new online shop, allowing enthusiasts to order parts for their cherished classics.

    The site offers a range of over 35,000 components for BMW cars and motorcycles built between 1960 and around 1990 – but large, heavy parts, dangerous materials and electrical items are excluded. BMW also supplies information regarding the suitability of parts for its various models.

    The online shop will make its début at the Bremen Exhibition Centre during the Bremen Classic Motorshow this weekend, with the service initially offered to customers in Germany before expanding to the rest of Europe by April.

    More companies need to offer this type of outlet in order to keep those motorized pieces of history on the road.

    [Source: BMW Classic]

  • Porsche Panamera Turbo S by edo


    Ahlen-based tuning specialist edo competition has released its upgrade program for the mighty Porsche Panamera Turbo S.

    edo fits new air filters, exhaust manifolds, turbochargers, a full stainless steel exhaust system with butterfly valves and high-flow catalytic converters, before reprogramming the car’s engine management system. Those modifications see output from the 4.8 L V8 powerplant rise from 550 hp (410 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb/ft) of torque to a colossal 522 kW (700 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb/ft). That translates to a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.5 seconds, compared the standard vehicle’s 3.8 s, while the sprint to 200 km/h (124 mph) tumbles from 13.5 s down to 11.4 s. Top speed is electronically limited to 340 km/h (211 mph).

    Other components includes edo’s suspension lowering module which allows the Panamera’s ride height to be reduced by up to 30 mm, and the company’s 22-inch wheels finished with a carbon fibre look.

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  • Mercedes-Benz Citan previewed


    Mercedes-Benz has released details and renderings of its new urban delivery van, the Citan.

    Taking its name from a combination of the the words “city” and “titan”, the Citan, which will make its world debut at next September’s IAA Commercial Vehicle Show, is the latest addition to the company’s van range, joining the Vario, Sprinter and Vito models.

    Available configurations include a panel van, a crewbus and a mixed-use vehicle. Customers will also be able to specify the Citan in a variety of lengths and weights. Drivetrains will include the familiar low-emission, fuel-efficient diesel and petrol engines – including a BlueEFFICIENCY version. An electric drive E-CELL model is also being developed. Given that the slightly larger Vito E-CELL has a range of healthy 130 km range, an electric Citan makes perfect sense for delivery duties.

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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  • ABT Sportsline AS5


    Following on from its recently revealed AS4, ABT Sportsline has created a new program for Audi’s facelifted A5 Coupé, imaginatively named the AS5.

    Initially, ABT will be offering its Power Kit program for two models, with the 2.0 TFSI delivering 199 kW (270 hp) – up from 155 kW (211 hp), while diesel owners can see the output from their 3.0 TDI unit rise from 180 kW (245 hp) to a more impressive 221 kW (300 hp). ABT confirmed that other engine variants will soon be catered for.

    Other mechanical upgrades include a lowered suspension kit, an exhaust system with four tailpipes and a big brake conversion featuring either 345 or 380 mm diameter discs.

    Visually, ABT provides a lower front spoiler, hideous fender vents, side skirts, a boot lid spoiler and diffuser insert for the rear bumper. A choice of wheels and tyres can be stipulated, including the DR (as shown) and CR Silverlight.

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