German Car Scene

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  • Manhart BMW M3 V8 RS Clubsport


    Geilenkirchen-based BMW tuner Manhart Racing GmbH has created the insane M3 V8 RS Clubsport.

    Already a formidable performer in standard form, Manhart ditches the M3’s factory 4.0 L unit, choosing to implant the twin-turbocharged 4.4 L V8 and 6-speed sport automatic transmission from BMW’s X5 M and X6 M. Things don’t stop there, with MHR fitting stronger connecting rods and pistons, modified turbochargers and a larger intercooler.

    A full titanium exhaust system with a pair of HJS high performance catalytic converters completes the engine work, resulting in a brobdingnagian power figure of 559 kW (750 hp) and a colossal 910 Nm (671 lb-ft) of torque. As you’d expect, this Aventador-worrying M3’s performance is biblical, with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.2 seconds and a 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed.

    Keeping that extra power in check, Manhart adds a MOV’IT brake upgrade which includes 400 mm discs gripped by 6-piston calipers on the front and 388 mm discs with 4-piston calipers at the rear, while an adjustable KW Clubsport coilover kit, built to MHR’s specification, keeps the M3 glued to the track. The company’s ultra light Concave One forged wheels measure 9 and 12×20 inches and are wrapped in 255/30 ZR and 325/25 ZR Continental Sport Contact rubber.

    Visually the V8 RS Clubsport receives an aggressive carbon fibre aero package which consists of a lower front spoiler, vented hood, sill extensions, wheel arch flares, diffuser, an M3 CSL-style boot lid and raised rear wing.

    The interior of the M3 is strictly business; dominated by a Wiechers roll cage, Manhart carbon bucket seats, aluminium pedals and MHR touchscreen display which allows the timing of 0-100 km/h and 0-200 km/h runs, as well as the monitoring of temperatures, g-forces and boost pressure.

    With just 25 units being made, don’t expect to see too many parked at your local circuit. The € 260,000 price tag might put a few people off, too…

    [Source: Manhart Racing GmbH] (more…)

  • Porsche 991 review by KBB


    Kelley Blue Book, America’s largest automotive vehicle valuation company, recently took to the track in Porsche’s brand new 991 model. Initially, two versions will be available to buy; a Carrera and a Carrera S, producing 257 kW (350 hp) and 3.8 L 294 kW (400 hp) respectively. (more…)

  • Slammed Volkswagen Caddy by MR Car Design


    Marcel Reil and his crew at Erftstadt-based styling house MR Design have jumped on the air ride bandwagon, offering a conversion kit for Volkswagen’s Caddy model.

    As well as offering that ground-scraping stance, MR Car Design points out that this suspension set-up can provide easier access to the vehicle for wheelchair users and craftsmen needing to load and unload heavy equipment.

    Once the new air struts, bags and compressor are fitted, the driver can adjust the ride height at the touch of a button, with the Caddy capable of going from ‘off road’ to ‘slammed’ mode in just a couple of seconds.

    This Caddy Maxi Life also wear a set of 8.5 x 19-inch Lamborghini Gallardo-style alloys from Rotiform.

    [Source: MR Car Design] (more…)

  • MotorWeek tests the BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster


    John Davis presents another review from American automotive television series, MotorWeek. Today it’s the turn of BMW’s pretty Z4 sDrive28i to be given a good workout. Developing 179 kW (240 hp) and 346 Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque, this turbocharged 2.0 L version is the first four-cylinder option available to the U.S. market in over ten years. (more…)

  • Audi launches racing series in China


    Starting from 2012, Audi is launching the world’s first one make series for its R8 LMS race car, the Audi R8 LMS Cup, in China.

    Audi Sport customer racing China will be responsible for organizing all aspects of the championship, which will see a grid of sixteen cars compete at five race events, taking place as such circuits as Shanghai and Zhuhai.

    “The Audi R8 LMS Cup puts our motorsport activities in China on a permanent basis. Audi was a pioneer in the premium vehicle market in China. Now we want to give motor racing in this country a similar impulse,” said Audi Sport’s Rene Koneberg.

    Audi race experience China’s package includes everything from license training and a ready-to-run 411 kW (560 hp) R8 LMS GT3 race car through to the invaluable organizational structure needed to be competitive.

    [Source: Audi Motorsport] (more…)

  • 2012 BMW 328i review by Automotive Rhythms


    Kimatni Rawlins recently headed over to sunny Barcelona to drive BMW’s new 3 Series Saloon for Automotive Rhythms. The 328i model on review is powered by a new turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 L unit, which develops 183 kW (245 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. (more…)