German Car Scene

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  • TechArt power kits for Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo and Panamera Turbo


    Leonberg Porsche tuning specialists, TechArt, has developed new Stage 2 power kits for the Cayenne Turbo and Panamera Turbo models.

    The TA 058/T2 program, designed for the Cayenne Turbo, and the Panamera’s TA 070/T2 kit both involve the fitment of upgraded TechArt turbochargers, performance air filters and accompanying reworking of the engine’s management system, with the Cayenne also receiving a replacement sport exhaust system.

    Those tweaks yield increases of 160 PS (118 kW/158 hp) and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of maximum torque for the Cayenne, taking output up to 660 PS (486 kW/651 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft). That results in a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.2 seconds and a 305 km/h (189.5 mph) top speed.

    The Panamera enjoys an increase from 507 PS (368 kW/500 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque to 631 PS (464 kW/630 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft). That means the Panamera now hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and 200 km/h in 12.3 s. Top speed is 326 km/h (202 mph).

    [Source: TechArt]

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  • BMW unveils ActiveHybrid 5


    BMW has revealed its new addition to the 5 Series range, the ActiveHybrid 5 model, touting it as the most powerful and efficient full hybrid in its class.

    Boasting a total output of 250 kW/340 hp, the ActiveHybrid 5 is a real Jekyll & Hyde – capable of hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in under six seconds, or, if you’re not in a hurry, it can be driven up to 60 km/h (37 mph) on electric power alone. Average fuel consumption is between fuel consumption to between 6.4 and 7 L/100 km (or 44 – 40 mpg imp), with CO2 emissions of just 149 – 163 g/km.

    Power comes from the car’s bi-turbo 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder engine – usually seen in the BMW 535i, which is supplemented by an 40 kW/55 hp electric motor. This is fed by a 675 Wh lithium-ion battery mounted within in the luggage area – between the wheel arches, and, on its own, can provide a range of 4 km (approx. 2.5 miles) when travelling at an average of 35 km/h (22 mph).

    As well as the start/stop function, the ActiveHybrid 5 also benefits from kinetic energy which is utilized to charge the battery when the car is coasting or braking. Another bonus feature is enjoyed, which sees the electric motor add a boost to the car’s power during acceleration.

    [Source: BMW]

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  • Fifth Gear Legends – Audi Quattro


    Graham from Fifth Gear gets behind the wheel of an original Quattro, or Ur-Quattro, to find out why it’s such a icon and why it deserves to be classed as a Fifth Gear Legend. (more…)

  • MINI Olympic Editions revealed


    As the official partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, MINI has created a range of limited edition models to mark next year’s Olympic Games in London.

    Available in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD trim versions, and a choice of Union Jack-inspired Chilli Red, White Silver or Lightning Blue paintwork, there will be just 2,012 units manufactured with OTR prices ranging from £17,800 to £20,860.

    Externally, the MINI Olympic Editions wear that familiar 2012 logo on their roof as well as an offset Union Jack strip that runs over the length of the car. The grey, 17-inch, conical spoke alloy wheels are also exclusive to this model.

    Inside the cabin there’s a neat dashboard panel that features a silhouette of some of London’s landmarks, including Battersea Power Station, the London Eye, the Gherkin and Buckingham Palace. The black ‘Lounge Leather’ seats feature Union Jack piping on the head rests and 2012 logos on the inner edge of the front seats. Red, white & blue stitching is used on the gear stick gaiter, hand brake and floor mats.

    [Source: MINI]

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  • Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe – Deep Drive


    Automotive director Vic Huber hitches a ride with professional stunt driver, Greg Tracy, for this new Mercedes-Benz promo featuring the company’s C 63 AMG Coupé. Expect drifts galore from this rear-wheel drive 457 hp animal, which is capable of hitting 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. (more…)

  • G-Power reveals 720 hp BMW M3 Tornado RS


    Bayern-based BMW tuner, G-Power, has unveiled its M3 Tornado RS program which gives the current BMW M3 model a substantial 720 hp.

    The package involves the reworking of the M3’s V8 powerplant, including new Mahle pistons and a crankshaft that helps to increase the engine’s displacement by 15 percent, from 4.0 L to 4.6 L.

    On top of that, G-Power also adds its SK III ‘Sporty Drive’ ASA T1-723 supercharger kit, a carbon fibre air box and titanium exhaust system. That little lot helps the Tornado RS to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.5 s. Top speed goes beyond 330 km/h (205.5 mph).

    The carbon fibre RS aero kit consists of a lower front spoiler with splitter, a vented bonnet and three-piece rear wing. G-Power also supplies adjustable coilover suspension and 20-inch Clubsport Silverstone forged wheels. The brakes are upgraded accordingly, thanks to the fitment of ceramic discs (396 mm/380 mm) gripped by 6-piston calipers on the front and 4-piston items at the rear

    [Source: G-Power]

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