German Car Scene

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  • Successful test for BMW M3 DTM in Lausitz


    BMW Motorsport has enjoyed another successful test program at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz. The three-day session, arranged to prepare the company’s M3 DTM car for next season, was again attended by BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG.

    Whereas the previous test days were sunny and dry, this latest session saw unsettled conditions, including cool temperatures and rain. This allowed the teams to work on tyre tests for such eventualities. All three teams reported smooth runs, managing an impressive 1102 laps of the 3.478 km circuit between them.

    “It was great to be here and have the opportunity to test the BMW DTM car. It was my first real test in a touring car. The BMW M3 DTM is amazing, it has so much grip and downforce,” commented French driver Jean-Karl Vernay.

    [Source: BMW Motorsport]

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  • Why the Porsche Cayman R is Britain’s Best Driver’s Car


    The guys from Autocar recently got together to determine which model would be crowned Britain’s Best Driver’s Car of 2011, and the accolade has been awarded to Porsche’s 330 hp Cayman R, beating such machines as the Caterham Seven Supersport, Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage S, and even the 911 GT3 RS. (more…)

  • Skoda Citigo production begins


    Production of Skoda’s baby Citigo has begun in Bratislava today. The Volkswagen up!-based model will hit dealerships in Skoda’s home, the Czech Republic, before the end of 2011, with other parts of Europe receiving it by next summer. Initially offered in three-door form, a five-door version will follow in 2012. At the moment just two versions of a new three-cylinder 1.0 L petrol engine will be available in 44 kW/60 hp and 55 kW/75 hp guises, with a 68 hp natural gas model in the pipeline.

    “The Citigo is a central component of our growth strategy. With this automobile, we are starting our model offensive in Europe. It opens the important small car market for ŠKODA and perfectly applies our values in a city car,” said Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Škoda.

    [Source: Skoda]

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  • Option Auto drives the TechArt Panamera GrandGT


    French motoring magazine, Option Auto, drives TechArt’s Panamera GrandGT. Wearing an aggressive carbon fibre body kit, this Panamera Turbo enjoys the benefits of the TechArt TA 070/T1 power kit. This helps to release an extra 80 hp – resulting in 580 hp. (more…)

  • New Audi e-tron Spyder images released


    Following on from the recent video of Audi’s e-tron Spyder driving on California’s Mulholland, here’s a few shots from that day.

    The Spyder’s front wheels are powered by a pair of electric motors with a combined output of 64 kW (87 hp) and 352 Nm (259.62 lb-ft), while the rears are driven by a twin-turbocharged a 3.0 TDI unit, producing 221 kW (300 hp) and 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque. When making use of both powertrains it is capable of hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). A range of around 31 miles is possible in all-electric mode, at speeds up to 37 mph.

    Audi has yet to confirm if the Spyder will be put into production, but it wouldn’t be the Surprise of the Decade if it made its way into our dealerships, perhaps – as rumours suggest – with a 2.5 L TFSI unit underneath its engine cover.

    [Source: Audi]

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  • Audi A8 ‘SR 8’ by Hofele Design

    Donzdorf-based tuning specialist, Hofele Design, has created the SR 8 package for Audi’s current A8 – its interpretation of how an RS 8 model might look.

    If the face of this car looks familiar, that’s because Hofele based those massive intakes and silver lower lip on the RS 5’s. It even uses Audi factory mesh. Around the rear there’s a discreet boot lid spoiler and lower apron with an integrated diffuser, which frames the new quad tailpipes. A pair of carbon mirror covers can also be ordered.

    Hofele offers a range of alloys wheels, sized 9 and 10×20 inches, while the speed-related electronic lowering module controls the air suspension, allowing it to drop the A8 up to 40 mm – when travelling below 70 km/h (43 mph). Anything above that speed and the ride height returns to factory level – to maintain “comfort and security.”

    Inside the cabin, there’s two-tone, quilted seats, finished in nappa leather, or a combination of leather and Alcantara. The door panels and steering wheel also receive a covering of hide.

    Finally, hofele can offer engine management tweaks, taking both the 4.2 V8 FSI and its diesel-slurping sibling, the 4.2 TDI CR up to 385 hp. The TDI also produces a mighty 664 lb/t of torque.

    [Source: Hofele Design]

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