German Car Scene

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  • BMW E85 Z4 Roadster by JM Car Design


    Bergheim tuninghouse, JM Car Design, has developed a nip and tuck program for the older E85 BMW Roadster model. The company performs a fair amount of cosmetic surgery, extending the Z4’s wheel arches in sheet metal by 30 mm each side, giving the roadster a much more muscular appearance. The rear bumper is modified to line up with the new arches, while at the front JM has created a new face, grafting in the grilles and vents from the latest E89 Z4 Roadster.

    The Z4’s stance has also been enhanced thanks to a KW coilover suspension kit and 20-inch alloy wheels that fill out those new arches perfectly. Finally, an Eisenmann performance exhaust system, culminating in 76 mm tailpipes, improves the acoustics on the road.

    [Source: JM Car Design]

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  • Mercedes-Benz SL by Piecha Design


    Rottweil-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist, Piecha Design, has created a new package for the facelifted R230 SL-Class model.

    Visually, Piecha offers a lower front spoiler and light units that replace the factory items, but include LED daytime running lights as well as fog lamps. At the rear there’s a discreet bootlid spoiler and the quad tailpipes that finish off the company’s stainless steel sports exhaust system.

    Depending on your model of SL, Piecha can provide springs or a lowering module – for cars fitted with ABC (Active Body Control) active suspension system – to achieve a -30 mm drop in ride height. The monster 20-inch rollers are Piecha’s MP1 monoblock wheels, finished in polished titanium silky-gloss.

    Finally, Piecha adds one of its power converters, which eradicates the delay that can often be experienced in cars with fly-by-wire accelerators, and a module that allows the driver to raise and lower his roof at speeds up to 60 km/h. We’re not sure how beneficial that is, but…

    [Source: PIECHA Design]

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  • Motor Trend compares old and new Volkswagen Beetles


    Motor Trend looks at the design of the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, and compares it to that of restorer, Randy Maskell’s immaculate air cooled 1952 model. Due to arrive in showrooms this Autumn, the all-new Bug will have an MRSP starting price of $19,795 for the 170 hp 2.5L model. (more…)

  • B&B gives the Audi RS 3 510 hp


    Birlenbach-based tuning specialists B&B is offering a range of engine upgrades for Audi’s already-powerful RS 3 Sportback. The first step costs € 1,950 and involves reworking of the engine management system, and a rise in boost pressure – by 0.2 bar, resulting in a jump from 340 hp and 332 lb ft of torque to 410 hp and 413 lb-ft. With the V-Max speed limiter removed, the RS 3 hits 295km/h (183 mph). If that’s not quite enough, for € 2,950 B&B will turn up the boost pressure a little more (0.25 bar increase over standard), optimize the air intake and charge cooling, as well as modifying the ignition and injection system. This unleashes 425 hp and 428 lb-ft – enough for 297km/h (184mph).

    At € 7,950, things start getting a little more costly for the Stage 3 conversion. For the extra wedge you get a B&B sport exhaust system – for reduced back pressure, and a high-performance charge-air cooling system. For this, you end up with a 300km/h (186 mph) machine producing 450 hp and 442 lb-ft.

    Finally, the one you probably skipped straight to anyway, we have Stage 4. For € 15,950 you get all of the above, but also the addition of a special B&B turbocharger, a high-pressure fuel pump, special sports clutch and racing exhaust system complete with metal catalysts. This little lot yields 510 hp & 501 lb-ft, which is good for 310 km/h (192 mph). Nice.

    [Source: B&B Automobiltechnik]

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  • MINI E feedback


    Here’s a video from the recent get-together at BMW’s MINI factory in Cowley, where all the MINI E test drivers gathered to mark the end of the car’s 12 month field trial. All the information generated from the study will be incorporated into the ongoing development and refinement of BMW’s new electric-powered i3 urban vehicle, due to be launched in 2013. (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz introducing enhanced BlueEFFICIENCY package for the Vito and Viano


    Mercedes-Benz will be adding an enhanced BlueEFFICIENCY package for its Vito and Viano range from September 2011.

    The new generator management system will be standard specification on the Viano and Vito models with passenger car type approval and works by converting part of the kinetic energy produced during braking into electric energy. This is then stored in the battery meaning that the intelligent alternator can be restricted when not needed, thus reducing load on the vehicle’s engine, lowering fuel consumption in the process.

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz]