German Car Scene

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  • The Stig vs Google Street View car

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    While we await the new season of Top Gear, here’s a new video featuring The Stig accompanying Google’s Street View car around the show’s test track in a Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series.

    Weight-saving measures include a carbon fibre driveshaft, 15 kg lighter seats, a 17 kg titanium exhaust system and a featherweight lithium-ion battery; all contributing to the Black Series’ 70 kg reduction to 1,550 kg.

    Propelled by a revised version of the regular car’s 6.2-litre V8, the Black Series has 464 kW (622 hp) and 635 Nm of torque at its disposal; enough for a 3.6 second sprint to 100 km/h and a 316 km/h top speed.
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  • Mercedes E 63 AMG vs BMW M6 Gran Coupe vs Jaguar XFR-S

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    Chris Harris’ latest video for DRIVE sees the Brit perform a super saloon shootout between BMW’s M6 Gran Coupe, the Mercedes E 63 AMG and Jaguar’s XFR-S.

    Propelled by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 producing 405 kW (543 hp) and 680 Nm of torque, the Jaguar cracks 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds before reaching a limited 300 km/h (186 mph) top speed. The E 63 AMG S version being tested enjoys a 21 kW (28 hp) and 80 Nm boost in output from its 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 unit, meaning it has 430 kW (585 hp) and 800 Nm at its disposal, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds, with top speed limited to a healthy 300 km/h (186 mph).

    Power for the M6 Gran Coupe comes from BMW’s 4.4-litre biturbo V8 engine, which develops 412 kW (560 hp) and 680 Nm of torque, meaning a 0-100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds and limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (189 mph) with the M Driver’s Package specified.
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  • How Audi’s R8 V10 plus is built

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    The second installment of DRIVE’s Inside quattro GmbH season sees Leo Parente touring the special assembly shop where the R8 V10 plus is created.

    Differences on the plus include such goodies as carbon mirrors, side blades, splitter, larger diffuser and adjustable bucket seats. Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard, while the improved output of 404 kW (550 hp) and 540 Nm of torque allows a 3.5 second 0-100 km/h time and a 317 km/h (197 mph) top speed.
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  • Volkswagen Golf by Caractere

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    Werbomont-based styling house Caractere has created a selection of add-ons for the current Volkswagen Golf.

    Designed to suit non-GTI and GTD cars, the aero package comprises a front apron with splitter, radiator grille, side skirts, a three-piece roof spoiler, hatch blend and rear apron with vented diffuser section.

    Other components available include a stainless steel exhaust system with twin tailpipes, a choice of the company’s CW1 alloy wheels in 18 or 19-inch diameter. Caractere will shortly be announcing details of its performance upgrades for the popular hatchback.
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  • BMW M4 Coupe previewed by Duke Dynamics

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    Vancouver-based styling specialist Duke Dynamics has released renderings of its MD4 program to suit the new BMW M4 Coupe.

    Constructed from a combination of fibre-reinforced plastic and carbon fibre, the aggressive widebody package consists of a front bumper with large spoiler and canards, wheel arch extensions, side skirts, a duckbill boot lid spoiler and a wider rear bumper featuring air outlets and a finned diffuser section. The ventilated bonnet can be specified in either FRP of carbon fibre.

    Due to be unveiled at Bimmerfest this summer, the company is already taking orders.
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  • Volkswagen Transporter by ABT Sportsline

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    Kempten-based VAG tuning specialist ABT Sportsline has released details of its options for the Volkswagen Transporter.

    Once its New Generation ECU software is applied, output from the 2.0 TSI rises from 150 kw (204 HP) and 350 Nm of torque to 176 kW (240 HP) and 400 Nm, while the 2.0 TDI jumps from 132 kW (180 HP) and 400 Nm to 147 kW (200 HP) and 440 Nm. Pricing for either is set at €1,949, with ABT still offering its First Generation upgrades for the remaining 2.0 TDI engines in the range at a price of €1,249.

    Other available components include a stainless steel sports exhaust with four tailpipes, a choice of alloy wheels in various styles, and an uprated spring and damper set. Finally, the PUR-RIM aero package comprises a radiator grille, front and rear skirts, rear spoiler, side skirts and daytime running lights.
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