German Car Scene

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  • smart fortwo coupé by Carlsson


    Merzig-based tuning specialist, Carlsson, is offering a styling program for the smart fortwo coupé. Visually there’s an aero package consisting of a front spoiler and rear skirt extension, black grille inserts and LED daytime running lights, as well as the company’s new 17-inch 1/6 Revo light alloy wheels which make their début in Frankfurt. A sports suspension kit drops the baby smart a little closer to the ground.

    Inside, the seats, door panels and topside of the dashboard have been upholstered in Nappa leather, while headlining, sun visors, kneepad are trimmed in Alcantara. Carlsson also fits its own, embossed gearknob and aluminium handbrake lever. The floor mats are velour. Fancy.

    [Source: Carlsson]

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  • Audi urban concept and concept spyder: live pictures and videos


    Audi has released live images and video of its new urban concept and concept spyder, from Frankfurt. The concept’s roof can be slid right back allowing the driver and passenger to get to their seat. The spyder, on the other hand, simply has a flat window strip wrapping around the cockpit.

    Power for the baby concept comes in the form of two e-tron motors fed by a single lithium-ion battery. Complete recharging takes around 20 minutes via a 400 volt three-phase current, and approximately one hour from a 230 volt household current. Then there’s Audi Wireless Charging (AWC), which needs the driver to simply park over a specific parking spot – fitted with an integrated a coil and an inverter (AC/AC converter). This transmits a magnetic field across the gap which induces an alternating current to the car’s secondary coil, ultimately feeding the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery.

    The lightweight (480 kg/1,058.22 lb) concept’s body is constructed from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, while the occupant cell is a mix of CFRP and aluminum. The battery, which stores 7.1 kWh, drives the rear wheels via a pair of e-tron electric motors. Producing 15 kW (20 hp) in total, the urban concept is capable of hitting 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 16.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 100 km/h (62.14 mph). Range is 73 km (45.36 miles).

    [Source: Audi]

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  • Michael Mauer talks 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupé


    Porsche Design Studio’s Chief Designer, Michael Mauer, talks about what went into the creation of the company’s 2012 991 Carrera S model. Powered by a 3.8L powerplant, good for 400 hp, the Carrera S hits 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds, and 4.1 s with Sport Plus engaged. It makes its world premiere at this month’s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. (more…)

  • ‘High Five’ Volkswagen Beetle commercial


    ‘High Five’ Volkswagen commercial featuring the company’s 2012 Beetle. Due to arrive in showrooms this Autumn. Before then, Volkswagen will be unveiling its 500 square metre Beetle ‘lounge’ to Bug fans at the Frankfurt Auto Show. (more…)

  • BMW 1 Series M Coupe & 6 Series Cabriolet by AC Schnitzer


    Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer has created new packages for BMW’s 1 Series M Coupe and 6 Series Cabriolet. The ACS1 Sport Coupe program involves the reworking of Baby M’s engine management system, resulting in a jump from 340 to 400 hp, and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds (down from 4.9 s) and 300 km/h (186 mph) top speed. A sports rear silencer provides the correct symphony.

    The company also fits its racing suspension kit, which allows adjustment of compression and rebound, and ride height. The M Coupe’s other chassis upgrade is the addition of 6-piston front calipers and 4-piston rear calipers, which grip slotted and vented brake discs.

    Visually, AC Schnitzer adds a carbon fibre lower front spoiler and rear diffuser, a discreet roof spoiler, a pair of unusual-looking bonnet vents, and a chrome grille section for the front bumper. There’s also a wide range of 19- and 20-inch wheels available, in a silver or bicolour finish.

    The interior is treated to “Valencia Orange” elements and a “Black Line” aluminium gear knob and handbrake handle. There’s also a set of velour floor mats, alloy pedals and an AC Schnitzer sports steering wheel finished in Alcantara.

    Based on the 650i model, the ACS6 Convertible also receives an ECU tweak which results in 540 hp (up from 407 hp), which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds (down from 5.0 s). Top speed is a handy 310 km/h (193 mph). Again, a twin sports rear silencer with chromed “Sport Trim” tailpipe is added.

    Helping to cope with that extra power, AC Schnitzer added a pair of its substantial 8-piston brake calipers up front. A set of sports springs improve the car’s handling while dropping it 25 mm closer to the ground. There are several styles of light alloy wheels to choose from, sized 20- to 21-inch.

    Externally, there’s a lower front spoiler and chrome grille insert for the bumper, while around the rear there’s a skirt insert for the bumper. The interior trim is painted in matt space grey, and a sports steering wheel has also been added, along with alloy pedals and velour mats. We won’t mention that i-Drive cover…

    [Source: AC Schnitzer]

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  • Mercedes-Benz offering new optional extras for the SLS AMG


    Mercedes-Benz has announced several new optional extras for its beautiful SLS AMG. Firstly, there’s the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive damping, which offers the driver three different settings – at the press of the ‘shock absorber’ button.

    “Comfort” mode is automatically activated when the engine is started, and is perfect for urban driving, including motorways or soaking up bumpy surfaces. Then there’s “Sport”, which tightens things up a little, reducing boy roll, ideal for higher speeds on more challenging roads. Finally,”Sport plus” is selected when you want the optimum set-up for improving your lap times on a race circuit. That option will set you back € 2320.50.

    Visually, Mercedes-Benz is also offering new, lightweight AMG 10-spoke forged wheels, finished in matte black with a high-sheen lip. Contrasting red brake calipers can also be specified. The SLS AMG will also be available finished in stunning AMG Sepang brown metallic, priced at € 2439.50, which matches the new single-tone or two-tone espresso brown designo leather upholstery.

    Finally, Blind Spot Assist can be added for € 773.50. Using the radar sensors that facilitate the standard PARKTRONIC system, this safety device shines a red triangle in the corresponding mirror when it detects a vehicle in your blind spot.

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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