German Car Scene

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  • speedART previews SP91-R


    Rutesheim-based Porsche tuner speedART has announced details of its SP91-R program for the new 991 model ahead of its official début at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

    Visually, there’s a neat CS (Club Sport) rear wing that fastens on top of the factory item as well as lightweight modular LSC-FORGED wheels in a 20- or 21-inch diameter. Various suspension kits will be available for the 991 depending on the owner’s needs; from a simple lowering kit, to a fully adjustable system – suitable for circuit use. The company’s extremely practical airlift suspension option can also be specified. (more…)

  • Video: Ogier pre-Monte testing


    Following on from the news that Sébastien Ogier will make his début as a Volkswagen Factory rally driver at this year’s Rallye Monte Carlo, here’s a video of the 29-year old Frenchman during testing.

    For this season, the Volkswagen Motorsport team will be running a pair of 270 hp Fabia S2000 cars while simultaneously developing its Polo R WRC machine for the start of the 2013 season. (more…)

  • Carlsson CK63 RS Santa Edition


    Either this is a very late or an extremely early Christmas special… but Carlsson, the Merzig-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist, has released these images showing a Santa Edition of its CK63 RS.

    Thanks to the company’s Performance Package and stainless steel sports exhaust, output from the V8 bi-turbo engine jumps from 557 hp (410 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb/ft) of torque to 652 hp (480 kW) and 1000 Nm (738 lb/ft), allowing a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.1 seconds.

    Visually, the ‘Diamond White Metallic’ CLS benefits from an aerodynamic program constructed from carbon components, including a front spoiler and lip, a subtle boot lid spoiler and RS diffuser. The 1/10 Brilliant Edition ultra light forged wheels are 40 percent lighter than the factory rims, while behind them a -30 mm suspension kit provides the required drop in ride height.

    Inside, the cabin is awash with ‘Santa Red’ Nappa leather, and contrasting white inserts elsewhere – including the door panels, dashboard and centre console.

    [Source: Carlsson]

    (more…)

  • Audi V6 TDI named ‘Race Engine of the Year’


    A judging panel for the magazine Race Engine Technology has awarded Audi Sport the ‘Race Engine of the Year’ accolade for its avant-garde V6 TDI powerplant.

    The extremely compact 3.7 L V6 TDI unit develops more than 397 kW (540 hp) and was instrumental in providing Audi with its tenth 24 Hours of Le Mans title last year.

    The 120 degree V6 TDI is 25 per cent lighter than the V10 TDI engine previously seen in the older R15 TDI and uses one – rather than two – turbochargers. Developed jointly with Garrett, the ‘charger sits above the engine and draws its air directly through the roof-mounted air scoop.

    “Audi invented the TDI engine and is convinced that this technology remains one of the most efficient and modern forms to power a car – especially at Le Mans where engines with high specific power, low fuel consumption and low emissions are a necessity,” explained Audi Motorsport’s Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

    [Source: Audi Motorsport]

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  • Werner occupies final BMW DTM seat


    After impressing during extensive testing programs, Germany’s Dirk Werner has become the sixth and final driver to sign on the dotted line for BMW’s newly-reformed DTM team.

    Along with new recruit Joey Hand, 30-year-old Werner switches from GT racing to DTM after driving for BMW Team RLL in the American Le Mans Series and securing third place in the GT Drivers’ Championship last season. He’s also a double winner in the GT class of the American GRAND-AM series.

    “Dirk convinced us he was the right man during the tests. The result of our efforts over the past few months is a line-up that we believe will achieve great things in the DTM. It boasts speed, experience and a host of international titles,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

    [Source: BMW Motorsport]

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  • Testing of the Skoda Octavia Green E Line begins


    Skoda has launched a ten-strong test fleet of its electrically powered estate car, the Octavia Green E Line, with the aim of gathering feedback and information regarding the reliability, usability and safety of electric vehicles.

    “Skoda and the entire Volkswagen Group have a long-time aim, and that is sustainable mobility based on renewable energy sources. Working as we are with our Group partners, we think we are making very good progress,” said Skoda’s Dr. Eckhard Scholz.

    Based on the Octavia Combi, the Octavia Green E line is Škoda’s first-ever vehicle with a 100 percent electric drive, which has a constant power of 60 kW (80 hp) and maximum output of 85 kW (114 hp), while the impressive 270 Nm (199 lb/ft) torque figure is available from the start.

    Energy comes from a 26.5 kWh ion-lithium battery, allowing a range of 150 kilometres on a single charge, which takes 8 hours at 230 V (single-phase AC) or 2 hours at 400 V (three-phase AC).

    Performance was never going to be this Octavia’s selling point, but with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of twelve seconds and a limited 135 km/h (84 mph) top speed, it’s pretty respectable.

    [Source: Skoda]

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