German Car Scene

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  • BMW head-up display technology


    Head-up display is the transparent display system that presents data to the user, removing the need to look away from their usual viewpoints. Initially developed for the aviation industry, with more modern devices mounted within the pilot’s visor, BMW was the first European auto manufacturer to transfer this technology to the motor vehicle in 2004, as a feature of its ConnectedDrive on the BMW 5 Series.

    Typically, it takes around one second to glance at a speedometer or satellite navigation device, which means that, scarily, while a driver is distracted to the point where their eyes are not on the road, the car travels around 14 metres when at a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). The time it takes to assess instrumentation is reduced by more than a half, when a head-up display is utilised.

    A light source inside the car’s instrument panel beams data through a Thin Film Transistor Display (TFT). The signal then passes through specifically shaped mirrors before being projected onto the curved windscreen.

    [Source: BMW]

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  • Motor Trend looks at the Science of Speed with Porsche’s 911 GT2 RS


    Producing over 600 bhp, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and boasts a top speed of 205 mph. Here, Motor Trend goes into great detail, analysing the science behind its high-speed cornering capabilities. (more…)

  • Audi A1 e-tron pilot begins in Munich


    Beginning today, Munich’s streets will be home to 20 Audi A1 e-tron models as trials of the compact city car take place.

    E.ON, SWM (Stadtwerke München) and TUM (Technische Universität München) will be joining Audi in the project, with E.ON and SWM providing support to the cars by way of maintaining the Bavarian city’s charging network.

    The A1 e-tron plug-in hybrid, which is powered by an electric motor producing a continuous 45 kW (61 hp), peaking at 75 kW (102 hp). Capable of travelling upto 50 km (31 miles) purely on electricity, the A1 then calls on a range-extending 254 cc Wankel engine which charges the battery, providing enough energy to cover an further 200 km (124 miles).

    “We want to use this fleet trial to learn more about our customers’ usage of electric cars, and their expectations in this regard. We are planning additional fleet endeavors in strategically important markets,” said Audi’s Head of Electric Mobility Strategy, Franciscus van Meel.

    The A1 e-tron competed in this year’s Silvretta Electric Car Rally, in July, where it completed the 307 km course without a hitch, though the mountains of Austria, finishing in first place.

    [Source: Audi]

  • Ten millionth Audi A4 and Audi 80 produced


    Coinciding with the release of the new Audi A4, the Ingolstadt giant is also celebrating the production of its ten-millionth midsize saloon model.

    Rolling off the Neckarsulm line, the milestone vehicle, a Misano Red Audi S4 model, marks 39 years production of what started out as the Audi 80. Beginning in 1972 with the B1 model, by 1994, four generations of the 80 had been produced. It’s successor, the first-generation (B5) A4, made its début in 1994, and by March 2011, the five millionth model had been produced.

    We’ve added a new ‘history’ video from Audi, as well as footage featuring what must surely rank as a favourite model amongst motorsport fans – the Sport quattro S1, driven by Stig Blomqvist.

    [Source: Audi]

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  • Audi reveals 2013 A4 and S4


    Audi has revealed its eighth-generation 80/A4 model range for the 2013 model year. Styling tweaks are pretty minimal, with the A4 receiving reshaped headlights, front bumper intakes, and grille, giving the A4 a sharper-looking face. Six-cylinder and S line models are distinguished by their high-gloss black horizontal grille ribs. The Xenon plus headlight option includes LED daytime-running lights and rear LED lights. The rear also gets a restyled bumper, diffuser and twin tailpipes. The S line sport package also includes 30 mm lower sports suspension, a 18- or optional 19-inch alloy wheels, and black interior trim.

    Other interior differences include the use of Nappa rather than Valcona leather, a wider selection of steering wheels featuring multi-function operations, a redesigned MMI (Multi Media Interface) system, which features four instead of eight buttons. The air conditioned and heated seats are now operated by their respective buttons. Trim materials include Aluminum Trigon, walnut, fine grain ash and Beaufort oak.

    A wide selection of diesel and petrol engines are on offer are equipped with recuperation and start/stop systems. These include the 100 kW (136 hp) 2.0 TDI which uses just 4.2 L/100 km (56.0 US mpg), and a new 120 kW (163 hp) 2.0 TDI which consumes 4.4 L/100 km (53.46 US mpg). Other four-cylinder diesel units can be spcified with 88 kW (120 hp), 105 kW (143 hp) and 130 kW (177 hp). Further up the scale, there’s a 3.0 TDI, which produces either 150 kW (204 hp) or 180 kW (245 hp).

    Petrol fans can choose from a 1.8 L TFSI powerplant, developing either 88 kW (120 hp) or 125 kW (170 hp), a 155 kW (211 hp) 2.0 L TFSI, Top of the tree is the 3.0 L TFSI supercharged V6 Engine. Offered as a 200 kW (272 hp) option, or 245 kW (333 hp) in the S4 model.

    [Source: Audi]

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  • Porsche 911 Carrera S ‘Chase’


    Here’s another video from this year’s Rennsport Reunion. Watch Leh Keen, in a Cayman R, chase Porsche Works Driver, Patrick Long, around Laguna Seca to film action shots of Porsche’s new 991 Carrera S model. Powered by a 400 hp 3.8 L unit, the Carrera S hits 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds, or 4.1 s with Sport Plus engaged. (more…)