German Car Scene

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  • Audi TT RS Ultimate Lap series: Apex


    Here’s the fourth and final part of Audi’s “Ultimate Lap!” series marking the arrival of its TT RS on American shores. “Apex” features Justin Bell at New York’s Monticello Raceway, taking the 360 hp coupé through a series of corners that test the car’s dynamics and stability. (more…)

  • speedART PS9-300D Panamera Diesel


    Rutesheim-based Porsche tuner speedART has created a new program for the diesel-engined Panamera, labelled the PS9-300D.

    Thanks to the company’s power kit, consisting of a motronic update, sports exhaust and performance air filter, output from the Panamera’s 3.0 L V6 diesel unit jumps from 250 PS (184 kW/247 bhp) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque to 300 PS (221 kW/296 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft).

    Visually, the speedART aero package includes a front chin spoiler, headlight covers, bonnet vents, side skirts and rear air outlets – just below the tail lights. The front wing vents, mirror covers and ‘EVO’ rear wing are constructed from carbon fibre. Also at the rear is a new diffuser which frames those quad tailpipes. speedART offers a large range of alloy wheels, and recommends 22-inch diameter rollers.

    [Source: speedART]

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  • Beneath the skin of Lamborghini’s Aventador


    Mark Vaughn, West Coast editor for AutoWeek, takes a good look at the bare bones of Lamborghini’s epic new Aventador LP700-4 model. That CFRP (carbon-fibre reinforced plastic) monocoque really is a work of art, and that V12 is epic. (more…)

  • Skoda reveals up!-based Citigo


    Skoda is making use of its VAG connections by stamping its mark on the newly-released up!, resulting in the Citigo.

    Hitting the Czech market in late 2011, then the rest of Europe from summer 2012 in three-door form, and later in the year as a five-door model, the Citigo will be powered by a new generation of three-cylinder 1.0 litre petrol units in 44 kw/60 hp and 55 kw/75 hp guise. At 171 km/h (106 mph), top speed isn’t great, but 4.2 l/km and 4.3 l/km isn’t too shabby.

    A great safety option for the Citigo is the “City Safe Drive” brake assistant system. Automatically active at speeds up to 18 mph, the system uses a laser sensor to detect potential collisions and can apply the brakes automatically – avoiding crashes.

    [Source: Skoda]

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  • Jay Leno looks at the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster


    This new video from Mercedes-Benz sees TV host Jay Leno paying a visit to AMG in Stuttgart to see the new SLS AMG Roadster, and heading straight to the AMG test track – after asking David Coulthard for a few pointers. He then helps out in the engine-building department, assembling that glorious 563 hp V8 unit. (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL attends Stuttgart’s Post Expo


    The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL will be attending Stuttgart’s first Post Expo from today, with potential customers being offered road tests in the zero-emissions van.

    Capable of transporting a maximum load of 900 kg, the Vito E-CELL has a 36 kWh lithium-ion battery system, mounted in a section beneath the floor, which feeds a motor capable of producing 60 kW and 280 Nm of torque. This is enough to provide a range of around 130 kilometres (80 miles). Top speed is restricted to 80 km/h (50 mph).

    As well as regular charging points, regenerative braking is utilized to help keep the batteries charged, meaning the vehicle’s braking momentum provides kinetic energy which is turned into electricity.

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz]