German Car Scene

Author: admin

  • Audi R8 LMS celebrates 100th win


    After Hitotsuyama Racing won the recent race in the Asia Series in the GT3 Asia Series at Suzuka, Audi is celebrating the 100th win achieved by its R8 LMS race car. Audi unveiled the production of its R8 LMS racing car at the 2008 Essen Motor Show, designed for the FIA GT3 European Championship and various national racing series. Known as the ‘R16’ within Audi Sport, the R8 LMS features a near-standard production V10 engine that can cover up to 20,000 km before needing a rebuild. Impressively, the car – chassis number 218 – that won this year’s 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps had already completed the entire Nürburgring 24-hour race – using the same engine.

    [Source: Audi Motorsport]

    (more…)

  • A look at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center


    Mercedes-Benz celebrates the artistry of restoration and the legacy of the company’s iconic vehicles. Here’s an inspired look at the cars and the craftsmen of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California who share their passion which focuses around extending the lives of Classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles. (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz reveals the SLK 55 AMG


    Following on from its super-frugal SLK 250 CDI, Mercedes-Benz has revealed that car’s polar opposite – the mighty SLK 55 AMG.

    Powered by what Mercedes promises is the world’s most fuel-efficient V8 engine, the SLK 55 AMG relies on a 5.5L unit that develops 310 kW (422 hp) and 540 Nm of torque. The M152 is based on the AMG M157 biturbo V8 found in the E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG and S 63 AMG models, and produces enough to propel the hot SLK to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

    Following the company’s “AMG Performance 2015” strategy, the naturally aspirated V8 features a similar cylinder shut-off system to the ones found in Formula One cars: cylinders two, three, five and eight are cut off when the engine is under partial load. This type of technology – combined with the likes of a stop/start function results in a consumption figure of 8.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (NEDC combined). Admittedly, that’s slightly more than a BlueMotion VW Polo, but when you realise that the smaller-engined Audi R8 V8 produces 332 g/km, that’s pretty impressive. Although, if we’re being honest, if that type of thing bothers you you’re probably about to outside – to hug and polish your bicycle.

    Visually, the SLK 55 AMG receives purposeful front and rear aprons and sill extensions, large air inlets and LED daytime running lights. Also specific to the flagship SLK are high-gloss black radiator slats and lower cross strut, darkened headlight lenses and darkened bicolour rear light clusters. The Intelligent Light System is available as an option. At the rear there’s an aggressive diffuser and impressive quad tailpipes which give away the car’s true intentions.

    Due to hit dealerships in January 2012, the SLK 55 AMG will retail at € 72,590, while the “Edition 1” version, which is available with designo magno cashmere white paint, carbon trim elements and matte black AMG alloys sells for € 89,447. The AMG Handling package will set you back € 4,641.

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz]

    (more…)

  • Volkswagen releases up! details


    Volkswagen has just released details of its new small car, the up!, ahead of its début at the Frankfurt motor show this September. At just 3.54 metres, it’s shorter than the Polo model and is being touted as the ultimate urban vehicle – with a minimal footprint.

    A new generation of three-cylinder petrol engines, available with BlueMotion Technology and stop/start function, have been designed for the the up! These 1.0L units can be specified in 60 hp or 75 hp guise and use just 4.2 l/km and 4.3 l/km respectively. They have an equally impressive sub 100 g/km CO2 figure too. A 68 hp natural gas model will follow soon, which uses 3.2 kg/100 km and emits just 79 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre driven. Volkswagen says it has definite plans to release an electric drive version by 2013.

    A great safety option for the up! will be the City Emergency Braking system. Automatically active at speeds up to 18 mph, the device uses a laser sensor to detect potential collisions and can apply the brakes automatically – avoiding crashes. This is something you’d usually find in a high-end luxury saloon car. Impressive.

    There will be three models available in dealerships from December: the base model is the take up!, followed by the the comfort-oriented move up!, and finally the high up! There will be two models based on the high up! available at the car’s launch: up! black and up! white.
    (more…)

  • BMW Z4 vs BMW Z4 GT3


    Nice video from BMW featuring its Z4 GT3 race car in a promo for the Design Pure Balance package available for the Z4 Roadster. The package is available from this summer and features special options including Cohiba Brown leather upholstery with contrasting Lotus White seams, sports seat and Fineline Anthracite wood trim. Exclusive Mineral White metallic paintwork can also be specified. (more…)

  • MotorWeek tests the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


    MotorWeek’s resident auto expert John H. Davis heads over to Savannah’s Roebling Road Raceway to see how the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG performs on track. Powered by a 571 hp 6.2L V8 unit, the SLS accelerates to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 197 mph. (more…)