German Car Scene

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  • GRIP at the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup


    Matthias Malmedie, host of the German motoring show, GRIP, gets a guest drive in a Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup racer. This one-make racing series replaced the previous ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup as support to the DTM championship in 2010, and regularly features celebrities and ex-Touring Car, F1 and WRC legends as well as up-and-coming stars of the future. (more…)

  • Motor Trend takes a hot lap in the Porsche 911 GT3 RS


    Each car in Motor Trend’s Best Driver’s Car competition was taken around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca by accomplished racing driver, Randy “The Rocket” Pobst. The next competitor, Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS, is powered by a 3.8L unit that develops 450 hp, which is pretty astonishing for a naturally-aspirated engine. 0-60 mph comes up in 4 seconds, while the quarter mile is taken care of in 12.5 seconds. Top speed is a missile-like 193 mph. (more…)

  • Volkswagen debuts first cylinder shut-off system in its four-cylinder TSI


    Volkswagen will become the first manufacturer to build a four cylinder engine equipped with a shut-off system when production of its new 1.4L TSI engine next year.

    This innovative design allows two cylinders to close down while the engine is running between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm and producing between 25 and 75 Nm of torque. Cylinders 2 and 3 instantly burst into life once the driver hits the accelerator with any vigour.

    The resulting consumption figures speak volumes, with a saving of 0.4L of fuel being saved every 100 km. When combined with the car’s start/stop function that number becomes 0.6L/km. Even better; if driven at a very sensible speed – 50 km/h, in third or fourth gear – almost one litre per 100 km can be saved.

    [Source: Volkswagen]

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  • Go-kart vs Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG


    French auto show, Automodeal, has carried out a race between two vehicles that have about as much in common as Jeremy Clarkson and Brad Pitt, but it’s still worth watching. A 525 hp Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG takes on a 45 hp go-kart at La Ferté Gaucher. The kart can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in three seconds, but it will never sound as good as that AMG V8 (more…)

  • Porsche unveils 2012 911 GT3 R


    After recently revealing its new 911 GT3 Cup car, Porsche’s 2012 GT3 R race car, also based on the outgoing generation, has now surfaced. Receiving a few nips and tucks for next season, the GT3 R’s 4.0L flat-six unit gets a 20 hp hike, up to 500 hp (368 kW).

    Flappy paddles control the six-speed sequential transmission, which receives revised ratios to match the new power output, while an automatic throttle blip control has been added to the car’s software, making it virtually impossible to miss a gear and over-rev the engine.

    The chassis has been refined thanks to a slightly softer anti-roll bar on the front axle, which helps to reduce that dreaded understeer.

    Priced at € 304,500 (excluding taxes), the new GT3 R will be delivered to teams around the world from November. Owners of 2010 and 2011-specification Porsche 911 GT3 R cars can be upgraded to the 2012-spec. The upgrade kit is available from Porsche Motorsport for € 43,100.

    [Source: Porsche]

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  • Volkswagen’s Golf GTI Edition 35 goes on sale


    Volkswagen’s celebratory Golf GTI Edition 35 goes on sale today. Producing 235 PS (25 up on the standard GTI) and 300 Nm (221 lbs ft) of torque, the Edition 35 hits 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and enjoys a top speed of 153 mph.

    Externally, the special model wears a slightly sportier bodykit, consisting of new side skirts and altered front bumper. The bi-xenon headlights feature LED daytime running lights, while at the rear there’s a pair of tinted LED clusters. Unique to this version of the Golf are those ‘Watkins Glen’ alloy wheels. Sized 18-inch, they can be specified in either ‘Dark Steel’ or silver.

    As well as ‘35’ logos on the wings, the number also finds its way to the interior – on the head rests of the heated leather front sports seats as well as the sill plates and mats.

    [Source: Volkswagen UK]

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