German Car Scene

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  • Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder revealed


    After endless whispers about its existence, Lamborghini has finally revealed the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

    Basically a roofless version of Lamborghini’s mid-engined masterpiece, the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni model, the Spyder is powered by the same 5.2 L V10 engine, delivering 405 kW (550 hp) to the rear wheels via the company’s e-gear paddle-shift transmission.

    Those figures, combined with a weight of just 1,520 kg, result in a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 4.2 seconds, while top speed is a pleasurable 319km/h (198 mph).

    Lamborghini has tweaked the aerodynamics and chassis of the Spyder, particularly the damper settings, in order to optimize the handling characteristics of a car that had initially been designed to be all-wheel drive.

    [Source: Lamborghini]

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  • Autocar drives the 2012 BMW 3 Series


    Steve Sutcliffe drives the 2012 BMW 3 Series for UK motoring magazine, Autocar. The 328i Saloon on test is powered by a new turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 L petrol engine, developing 180 kW (245 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. (more…)

  • Porsche Panamera GTS revealed


    Porsche has released details of its new Panamera GTS model, just as it makes its official debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show, this week.

    The GTS (Gran Turismo Sport) is powered by a modified version of the naturally aspirated 4.8 L V8 engine seen in the S and 4S models, but enjoys a 22kW (30 hp) increase in power, now delivering 316 kW (430 hp) and 520 Nm of torque – up from 500 Nm. All four wheels are driven via the PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) transmission, which, when combined with the standard Sport Chrono package, allows this Panamera to crack 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4.5 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 288 km/h (179 mph).

    Thanks to adaptive air suspension and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), the GTS can constantly adjust the ride height, spring rate and damping to suit any condition, meaning it’s at home on the motorway, school run or even the racing circuit.

    [Source: Porsche]

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  • MINI Coopers to compete in 2012 B-Spec Race Series


    MINI USA is joining forces with South Carolina-based MINI of Charleston to produce MINI Cooper race cars for the 2012 B-Spec series. B-Spec cars are production-based vehicles, that are equalised on weight and power, but receive a few tweaks to ready them for track use.

    Powered by a 121 hp unit and weighing in at 2,535 lbs, the MINIs are fitted with Carbotech brake pads and stainless steel hoses, a KW V1 coilover suspension kit and Vorshlag front camber plates, while the wheels used are 7×15-inch 15 x 7 Kosei K1 items wrapped in Hoosier SM6 205/50 rubber.

    MINI of Charleston can build and sell you a complete turn-key car, or provide owners of 2007 – 2012 MINI Coopers with all the hardware needed to compete in the series. The SCCA, Grand Am, NASA and World Challenge bodies will all host B-Spec races next year.

    “B-Spec racing is a great fit for MINI because the car is developed with racing heritage in mind and the races are run with vehicles very similar to those already sitting in the driveway,” said MINI USA’s Vice President, Jim McDowell.

    [Source: MINI USA]

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  • Auto Bild drives the mia electric car


    Formerly the Head of Volkswagen’s Design Department, Murat Günak was instrumental in the conception of the Golf, Eos, CC and Tiguan, as well as the IROC Concept, which went on to become the Scirocco. But, since 2010, Günak has been the Managing Director behind mia electric GmbH, and Germany’s Auto Bild recently tried out its current creation… (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Commercial


    Here’s the new commercial from Mercedes-Benz featuring its awesome C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series model. Producing 380 kW/517 hp and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque from its 6.2 L V8, the Black Series hits (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds, and is the closest experience you’ll get to driving the new Mercedes DTM car on the road. (more…)