German Car Scene

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  • Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand-Am


    Audi is targeting the American market by developing a dedicated racing version of its R8 LMS race car that will conform to Grand-Am regulations.

    The R8 LMS was initially created to take part in the FIA GT3 European Championship and various national racing series, and has already amassed over 100 victories in its short life.

    However, the model currently used in other parts of the world, including Europe, Australia and Asia, wouldn’t get past Grand-Am regulations, so quattro GmbH will be carrying out a few modifications before it can get the green light. These include the use of thicker-walled tubing in the roll cage, new front splitter, rear diffuser and Grand-Am-spec rear wing.

    The engine’s electronics will be tweaked and an air restrictor added, resulting in a drop in power from 368 kW/493 bhp to between 331 and 346 kW (450 and 470 HP). The R8’s standard anti-lock system and traction control are banned because they’re viewed as driving aids in the USA.

    The car will make its début at 2012 Daytona 24 Hours.

    [Source: Audi Motorsport]

  • Audi releases further A2 concept images


    Audi has released a bunch of new images and all the details of its electric drive Audi A2 concept vehicle. Due to début at this month’s Frankfurt Auto Show, the concept definitely shares some elements of its appearance with the original A2 – including its length, but the styling and technology is strictly set in the future. We still can’t wait to see its laser fog lamp that shines a red triangle onto the road as a warning to other motorists.

    [Source: Audi]

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  • Thirty years since Volkswagen introduced Formel E models


    For the younger ones amongst you, technology such as Volkswagen’s BlueMotion must seem like the byword in cutting edge efficiency, but the Wolfsburg giant has actually been offering models with added frugality – including start/stop functions – for thirty years .

    The Formel E (“Formula E”) badge seen on the rear of such models as the Derby, Polo, Golf, Jetta and Passat, indicated that that particular vehicle was equipped with a range of special options.

    As far back as 1981, the Formel E cars wore smoother, more aerodynamic spoilers at the front and rear of the car, as well as on the A-pillars. Porsche’s latest 911 now features the world’s first seven-speed manual, where the seventh gear is extra long – purely to achieve better fuel economy while travelling long distance at high speed. Volkswagen was doing that thirty years ago, albeit with a few less ratios… Its four and five-speed transmissions were named the “3 + E” and “4 + E”, with the E referring to the so-called energy-saving gear. There was even a dial-mounted yellow LED on the petrol-engined cars, that lit up when it was time to shift into the next gear.

    Larger models, such as the Passat and Santana were available with a start/stop function not too dissimilar to today’s in their operation. If a button, mounted on the end of the windscreen wiper stalk, was pressed, the engine would turn off. A push of the clutch brought the car back to life.

    Personally, we remember looking under the bonnet of a 64 bhp Mk3 Golf Ecomatic from the early nineties, and mistaking its colossal battery for a small house. Things have evolved since then, but the the likes of Formel E certainly paved the way for the ever-improving fuel economy that today’s cars enjoy.

    [Source: Volkswagen]

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  • CLP ‘Interceptor’ kit offers BMW M3 GT looks


    Georgensgmünd-based styling specialists, CLP Tuning, has created the ‘Interceptor’ kit for those owners of the E92 M3 Coupé who crave a motorsport look. But, for owners with deeper pockets – and a need for speed – the company can offer a whole lot more…

    Inspired by the BMW M3 GT race car, the kit consists of replacement vented bonnet, front wings, sill extensions, rear quarter panels, front bumper with carbon panel and lower spoiler, substantial vented rear bumper, and wing. That little lot will set you back € 8,880 – excluding fitting.

    The kit seems pretty authentic-looking, but, personally, we’re not massive fans of sheep in wolf’s clothing. Thankfully, CLP is aware that owners will want their car go move as fast as it looks. Simply hand your standard M3 over to them – plus a little matter of € 69,000 – and not only will they fit the kit and wheels, but also upgrade the V8 engine with the help of a G-POWER SK II supercharger system. This results in a much healthier 600 hp machine, which also receives a Akrapovic titanium exhaust system and adjustable Bilstein suspension. Inside, there’s a roll cage and lightweight RECARO bucket seats.

    [Source: CLP Tuning/MM]

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  • 2012 Porsche 911: seven-speed manual transmission & auto start/stop


    Here’s two new videos from Porsche, detailing the 7-Speed Manual transmission and auto start/stop function on its new 911 model. Thanks to technology such as auto start/stop, the 991’s fuel consumption and emission levels are up to 16% lower than its predecessor, while another major factor is the car’s 7-speed manual transmission – in conjunction with PDK (Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe). Featuring a ‘coasting’ function that decouples connection to the engine while the throttle is closed, fuel efficiency is further enhanced. For example, the PDK-equipped 911 Carrera can return 34.4mpg – a 6 mpg improvement over the outgoing model. (more…)

  • Motor Trend: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hot lap


    By now, most of you will know that every car in the 2011 Motor Trend Best Drivers Car competition was taken around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca by Randy Pobst to see how it performed. Today is the turn of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Powered by a 571 hp 6.2L V8 unit, the striking gullwing model hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 197 mph. (more…)