German Car Scene

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  • 2012 BMW M5 hits the beach in Wales


    Precision driver Wolfgang Weber headed over to Wales, for BMW UK, to enjoy a little drift action around Pendine Sands in the new M5 model. Propelled by a 412 kW (560 hp) twin-turbocharged V8 unit, the F10 M5 can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 13.0 seconds. But probably not on sand. (more…)

  • Opel CNG Zafira Tourer surfaces


    Opel has added a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered model to its Zafira Tourer range, which will be available as early as January 2012.

    Developing 110 kW (150 hp) and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque, the natural gas ecoFLEX seven-seater uses just uses 4.7 kg (7.2 m3) of natural gas ever 100 kilometres in the combined cycle: a 6 percent improvement over its predecessor. Its 1.6 L engine can also capable of running on biogas or a mixture of biogas and natural gas. When powered purely on biogas, its carbon foot print is virtually zero.

    Even though the gas tanks’ capacity has increased from 21 kg to 25 kg, an 85 kg in weight has been saved due to the use of composite materials – including carbon fibre – rather conventional steel. This results in a range of 530 km – a massive 25 percent increase compared to the outgoing Zafira CNG.

    [Source: Opel] (more…)

  • Auto Express: BMW M5 vs S1000RR


    Auto Express recently took BMW’s new M5 and its two-wheeled sibling, the BMW S1000RR, to a wet Cadwell Park for a little race. Impressively, the 412 kW (560 hp) M5 can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds and – if specified with the M Driver’s Package – can reach 305 km/h (190 mph). However, weighing in at just 178 kg, the 142 kW (193 hp) S1000RR is capable of cracking 100 km/h in 2.9 s. (more…)

  • Bentley reveals new Continental GT V8 models


    Bentley has released images and information regarding its new Continental GT and GTC V8 models before they make their official début at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

    The newly developed twin turbocharged 4.0 L V8 unit produces 373 kW (500 hp) and a colossal 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque which is available from just 1700 rpm. Those figures are delivered to all four wheels via a new 8-speed transmission, resulting in a sub-five second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) and a top speed in excess of 290 km/h (180mph).

    Visually, both the Continental GT and the Continental GTC can be identified by their black gloss grille with chrome frame and three-segment lower grilles divided by colour-coded strakes. The Bentley ‘B’ badges are finished in red enamel, while at the rear there’s a dark lower valance and twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes in chrome. 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, but a 21-inch upgrade can be specified in either Diamond Black or Diamond Silver. These are unique to the V8 models.

    Inside the cabin, there are new Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer elements, a choice of four hide colours in a two-tone split, a shorter centre console, and a choice of three hood colours Continental GTC.

    [Source: Bentley] (more…)

  • Porsche at Le Mans: the early years


    Porsche has released this video montage as a look back at the glory years before it makes a – hopefully triumphant – return to Le Mans in 2014 competing in a works-run LMP1 car. With 16 overall victories under its belt, Porsche is the most successful manufacturer in Le Mans, the 911 GT1 providing it with its most recent win, back in 1998. (more…)

  • Audi R8 GRAND-AM enjoys successful test at Daytona


    After track tests in Europe, the Audi R8 GRAND-AM race car has completed its final testing program at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway with Frank Stippler covering 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) over two days, last week.

    Based on the successful LMS GT3 race car, quattro GmbH has reworked the R8 in order for it to compete in the Grand Touring class of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series in North America.

    Unlike its European cousin, rules dictate that the ABS and traction control systems have to be disabled in the R8 GRAND-AM, but it does benefit from the uprated radiator package that was developed for the new R8 LMS ultra.

    At the moment, the R8 GRAND AM’s rating is yet to be determined; Audi has provided the series’ engineers with a 5.2 L V10, who will carry out a performance analysis on the unit. Once the rating is available the engine’s power output and homologation weight can be defined.

    Audi of America will be supplying a maximum of four cars, along with its support program, for the 2012 season, with Opelika’s APR Motorsport being the first team to field the Audi R8 GRAND-AM. Three other teams are in the final stages of securing a package.

    [Source: Audi Motorsport] (more…)