German Car Scene

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  • New Passat Exclusive from Volkswagen


    Volkswagen Germany has revealed its new Passat Exclusive model. Based on the company’s “Highline” model, the Passat Exclusive has been designed by Volkswagen R GmbH and can be picked out by its 18-inch “Vicenza” alloy and (15 mm) reduced ride height.

    Inside, occupants are treated to “chocolate brown” Nappa leather seats with contrasting “Pepper White” stitching and piping. The hide, which is heat-reflecting “Cool Leather,” also finds its way to the doors. “Tamo cream satin” precious wood inserts also adorn the doors and dashboard.

    The piano black steering wheel, which is leather trimmed, operates a speed-dependent Servotronic system, which provides greatest assistance at low speeds, for example when parking the car, while at higher speeds, its sensing system gradually reduces the level of power assist.

    Optional extras include a titanium black roof lining and active air-conditioned front seats.

    The saloon starts at € 32,450, while the estate version begins at € 33,625.

    [Source: Volkswagen Germany]

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  • Auto Bild drives Volkswagen’s up!


    Sebastian Varchmin heads over to Rome, for Germany’s Auto Bild, to see how the new Volkswagen up! handles itself in the hectic Italian traffic, and ask a few of the locals what they think of it. (more…)

  • Vorsteiner previews V-CT Porsche Cayenne


    Tuning specialist Vorsteiner has released initial details of its V-CT program for the latest Porsche Cayenne.

    Due to be launched this winter, the package is based around a new lightweight, pre-preg carbon aero kit, which includes frames around the outer front grilles, a lower front bumper section with integrated spoiler, sill extensions, a small lip for the original roof spoiler, and lower rear bumper section complete with substantial diffuser. There’s also a titanium exhaust system for the V8 and Turbo models.

    The wheels shown are forged aluminium V-104 1-Piece Monoblock items, but Vorsteiner offers a range of 1-piece and 3-piece wheels.

    [Source: Vorsteiner]

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  • BMW’s M5 set to be a Forza star


    Even before BMW’s 2012 M5 hits the showrooms, the 560 bhp twin-turbocharged super-saloon is available to drive – in Forza Motorsport 4. In a Limited Collector’s Edition of the game, the M5 is not only the cover star, but it also takes on the role of “hero car”.

    Released today, gamers can now register to take part in the BMW M5 Forza Cup, a competition to see who can complete the fastest virtual lap via their Xbox 360 console. And if the kudos of owning the rest of the gaming community isn’t enough of an incentive, how about the keys to your very own M5?

    That’s right, The 16 quickest competitors will meet up at BMW Welt for the final of the BMW M5 Forza Cup on 26 November, with the winner taking a lap of honour in their brand new BMW M5.

    [Source: BMW]

  • 2012 BMW 3 Series Saloon revealed


    BMW has finally revealed the sixth generation of its popular 3 Series model. Taking many styling cues from the latest 5 Series, the F30 3 Series is 93 mm longer than the outgoing E90, with a 50mm longer wheelbase. That means 15 mm extra legroom for the rear passengers, and 8 mm more headroom. Luggage space is also increased by 20 litres to 480 litres, yet – depending on the engine – the new model is up to 45 kg lighter than its predecessor.

    Available February 2012, in Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line trim levels, the 3 Series will initially be offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines: the 328i and 335i, and the 320d and 320d EfficientDynamics, with UK prices ranging from £28,080 (€ 32,074) for the 163 hp 320d EfficientDynamics, to £35,525 (€ 40,578) for the 306 hp 335i.

    A month after its launch, further models will be offered, including a 116 hp 316d and 143 hp 318d, powered by different variants of the 2.0 L diesel unit, and a 320i, propelled by a 184 hp 2.0 L turbocharged petrol engine. All versions can be ordered an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

    The ActiveHybrid 3 will be released towards the end of 2012. Sharing its drive system with the ActiveHybrid 5, it will use the 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder engine from the 335i, which is supplemented by an 40 kW/55 hp electric motor.

    All models come with Drive Performance Control – a switch which allows the driver to choose between up to four driving modes, varying extremely economical to sporty: ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport. Depending on your driving style, the ECO PRO mode can cut fuel consumption by around 20 percent. A fourth setting – Sport – only features on Sport models or as a selected option, which also includes Variable Sport steering and Adaptive M Sport suspension with electronically variable dampers.

    [Source: BMW]

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  • Audi Q3 Trans China Tour 2011


    From tomorrow, twenty Audi Q3 cars and 160 participants will begin the sixteen day Trans China Tour 2011. Passing through Shanghai, and Shenzhen, before arriving at the final stop in Hong Kong, the marathon journey stretches over 5,700 km (3,542 miles), with drivers tackling the likes of mountain ranges as well as city streets.

    Those taking part will be split into four groups, before deciding how to divide the route up. The teams will then all drive for a total of four days each.

    The tour is part of a big promotional push for the Audi Q3, which will be available in China starting in 2012.

    [Source: Audi]

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