German Car Scene

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  • Volkswagen reveals new MQB platform and engines


    Volkswagen has revealed details of its MQB platform which will feature in the next generation Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf.

    The MQB, which stands for Modulare Querbaukasten – or Modular Transverse Matrix, will be utilized for many vehicle parameters from the A0 to the B segment, including such models as the Polo, Beetle, Tiguan, Touran, Sharan and Passat. That means, theoretically, that – despite their different sizes all these vehicles could be built on the same assembly line – along with other Volkswagen Group products.

    Initially, accompanying petrol units will include the EA211 engine series, which will produce between 40 kW (54 hp) and 110 kW (148 hp). Impressively, this range includes the world’s first four-cylinder powerplant to feature cylinder deactivation (ACT). The EA288 diesel engines will generate between 66 kW (89 hp) and 140 kW (188 hp).

    As well as those conventional internal combustion engines, new natural gas, hybrid and pure electric drivetrains will be available, with the latter powering Volkswagen’s Golf Blue-e-Motion, which heads into production next year.

    [Source: Volkswagen]

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  • Auto Express drives the MINI Roadster


    Auto Express magazine’s Jack Rix gets behind the wheel of MINI’s new Roadster model in an effort to find out if it’s a worthy competitor to Mazda’s benchmark, the MX-5. The 135 kW (184 hp) Cooper S version on test can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.0 seconds before reaching a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph).

    We really don’t see anyone buying one of these over a Cabriolet, especially as you’d lose the practicality of those two extra seats. However, if you were thinking of picking one up – make sure you also buy a MINI Coupé to park next it, just to make the Roadster a little less painful on the eye. (more…)

  • Facelifted smart fortwo surfaces


    smart has unveiled its facelifted fortwo model which will be available to purchase from the beginning of April.

    Visually, the nip and tuck includes a larger radiator grille with bold integrated logo, more aggressive front apron, restyled side skirts, a sportier rear apron and optional horizontal LED daytime running lights. A choice of three new alloy wheel styles can be specified, including a 9-spoke, a 3-spoke and a 3-twin-spoke design. Inside, there’s a new crystal grey trim package added to the range, featuring a leather/fabric mix for the seats, an imitation leather/fabric combination for the door trims and black imitation leather for the instrument panel.

    Prices start at € 10,275 for the 45 kW/61 hp mhd (micro hybrid drive) Coupé, right up to € 19,000 for the electric drive, which develops a constant 35 kW/47 hp (peak: 55 kW/74 hp). Diesel fans can pick up a 40 kW/54 hp model for € 12,095, or if you desire a little more power, the € 17,220 BRABUS version, which produces 75 kW/102 hp and 147 Nm of torque, can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.9 seconds before reaching a 155 km/h (96 mph) top speed.

    [Source: smart]

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  • 4.2 TDI V8 tuning by MTM


    Wettstetten-based tuner MTM has developed a program for the 4.2 TDI V8 engine seen in Audi’s A8, Q7 and the Volkswagen Touareg.

    Developing an impressive 258 kW (350 hp) and 800 Nm (591 lb/ft) in standard form, MTM can fit its V-Cantronic – to the A8 only, which disables the car’s speed limiter, meaning a new top speed of 282 km/h (175 mph). That will set you back € 1,400.

    For € 1,800, MTM will remap your existing engine management system, resulting in 306 kW (410 hp) and a whopping 930 Nm (686 lb/ft) of torque. Alternatively, you could opt for MTM’s M-Cantronic device. Achieving the same performance figures as a remap, but for € 100 less, the M-Cantronic is much more refined than chip tuning; tapping the RPM signal from the CANbus to recalculate parameters of the engine´s characteristic diagram before specifying and applying new figures for fuel and boost pressure. For € 2,700, A8 owners can enjoy both the V-Cantronic and M-Cantronic.

    MTM can also provide you with wheel, brake, exhaust and chassis upgrades for the A8, Q7 and the Touareg.

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  • Volkswagen Beetle by JE Design


    Leingarten tuning specialist JE Design has released a range of options for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

    Visually, the Beetle receives a rear bumper diffuser insert for € 476, which features openings for the twin double 90 mm tailpipes attached to JE Design’s € 952 rear silencer. The sixteen-spoke alloy wheels are sized 8 x 19-inches and available in four different finishes: matt black or matt graphite with a matt silver lip, shadow silver, or high-gloss black with a shiny silver lip and start at € 2,810 a set. The € 219 spring kit drops the Bug by around 35 mm.

    An engine upgrade is also available for the Beetle Sport’s 2.0 TFSI powerplant. Developing 147 kW (200 hp) and 280 Nm (207 lb/ft) in standard form, JE installs its additional control unit, which results in 176 kW (240 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb/ft), enough to cut the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time from 7.5 seconds to 6.9 s and increase top speed from 223 km/h (138 mph) to 230 km/h (143 mph). That particular conversion will set you back € 1,280.

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  • evo drives the Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale


    Roger Green recently got his hands on Lamborghini’s LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale for evo magazine. At 1340 kg , the hardcore version of its racing car from the single-make series is 70 kg down on the regular LP 570-4 and can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 320 Km/h (198 mph). Just 150 examples of the winged wonder will be built at a price of € 189,100 plus taxes, but that rises when options such as ceramic brakes and a roll cage are added.

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