German Car Scene

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  • MINI publishes result’s of UK electric vehicle trial


    MINI E has today published its findings from its UK field trials of the electric-powered MINI E. The project called upon a pool of 138 people and 40 cars to drive for a 12 month period – covering an impressive 258,105 miles. The average mileage per vehicle over six months was 3226, with the highest mileage achieved by an individual driver over that time was a substantial 7954 miles. The average cost of charging the MINI E came to £60 – which works out at less than 2p per mile.

    Encouragingly, four out of five testers said that 80 percent of their trips could be done exclusively in the MINI E. 84 percent of the people did report that severely low temperatures affected the distance that could be driven between charges – but that wasn’t enough put them off – with 80 percent of the participants saying they thought the MINI E was suitable for winter use. One user, Janet Borgers, said she “regularly did 88 miles in a single journey in the cold weather”.

    All the information generated from the field trial will be incorporated into the ongoing development and refinement of BMW’s new electric-powered i3 urban vehicle, due to be launched in 2013.

    The 40 MINI Es will stay in the UK and will be used in a small number of commercial partnerships as well as in partnerships with government and industry stakeholders. They will also be put to work at consumer and corporate events.

    [Source: MINI]

  • Mercedes-Benz SLK by Brabus


    Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Brabus has created a new tuning program for the latest SLK Roadster. The aero package begins with a pair of corner spoilers that attach to the factory front bumper, providing extra downforce. The flanks are treated to subtle sill extensions, while around the back sits a spoiler on the boot lid and diffuser for the rear bumper that helps to frame those new quad tailpipes. The wheels also receive an upgrade, with Brabus using its stunning 20-inch Monoblock F wheels finished in ‘Liquid Titanium’.

    Apart from the new stainless steel exhaust system, Brabus can further power hikes across the entire engine range. Using its ECO PowerXtra CGI module, Brabus can give the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY an extra 25 bhp (from 181 to 206 bhp), while two levels of tune are offered for the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY: stage one uses the same method to jump from 201 bhp to 226 bhp, while the addition of a larger intercooler and BRABUS sport wastegate valve takes output to 236 bhp.

    Inside, Brabus adds polished stainless steel scuff plates, and a new shifter and pedals crafted from aluminium. When it comes to the upholstery, Brabus uses breathable Mastik leather and Alcantara to finish the cabin, but can also satisfy individual requests.

    [Source: Brabus]

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  • Carlsson reveals CGL45


    Carlsson has unveiled the CGL45 ahead of its official début at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Based on the GL-Class “Grand Edition” model from Mercedes-Benz, the CGL45 program offers upgrades in every area of the beefy SUV.

    Externally, there’s a body package constructed from body high-quality PUR-Rim plastic, which features lower aprons and slightly wider wheel arch extensions. The off-roader’s face is dominated by a chrome radiator grille with accompanying mesh inserts. There’s also a pair of double light units as well as LED daytime running lights mounted in the front spoiler.

    Another striking feature is the addition of those 22-inch 1/5 Evo Brilliant Edition five-spoke alloy wheels. Behind them lies Carlsson’s intelligent suspension kit, which not only lowers the SUV by 30 mm, but because it is linked to the car’s data communication system, can identify varying road surfaces and speeds before adjusting itself accordingly for optimum performance.

    Thanks to its C-Tronic power unit, Carlsson can take the diesel 3.0L V6 unit from 265 hp up to 310 hp, providing an awesome torque figure of 700 Nm (up from 620 Nm), while the 5.5L V8 engine – found in the GL 500 – jumps from 388 hp to 435 hp, and a maximum torque of 600 Nm (up from 530 Nm). All six and eight cylinder models are catered for.

    Inside the cabin, once you pass the embossed illuminated sill plates, Carlsson promises that it was create the interior of your dreams – whatever the specification – offering materials such as nappa leather, Alcantara, stainless steel and wood for the re-trim. Each model receives its own numbered and signed plaque in the central console.

    [Source: Carlsson]

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  • Volkswagen launches “Think Blue” campaign


    From tomorrow, Volkswagen will begin its “Think Blue” campaign, highlighting the benefits of sustainable mobility. The ads, appearing in print and television form, follow on from the company’s Think Blue website launch in May, which not only promotes VW’s super-efficient vehicles, such as the Golf blue-e-motion, but also offers visitors fuel-saving tips and shows projects going on around the world, such as the 1-Litre-Challenge in Australia, which sets out to see who extract most miles from a Polo TDI. We particularly like the people-powered photobooth. Every town should have one.

    [Source: Volkswagen]

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  • Revozport 1 Series M Coupé ‘Raze’


    Chai Wan-based styling house Revozport has created an aggressive-looking program for BMW’s 1 Series M Coupé, giving it the appearance of a shrunk-down M3 GTS. Apart from the full titanium exhaust system, the rest of the package is all about losing weight and improving the car’s aerodynamic qualities.

    Thanks to the extensive use of carbon composite materials, a total weight loss of 60 kg has been achieved. New components include a front splitter with brake cooling ducts, a lightweight vented bonnet, boot lid and spoiler, rear diffuser and even a new roof panel – available as a cover or total replacement for the factory item. The interior door panels can also be specified in carbon.

    [Source: RevoZport]

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  • Audi wins big at the Automotive Brand Contest


    Audi has scooped more than half of the accolades at the inaugural Automotive Brand Contest – including the Brand of the Year title. Organised by the German Design Council, the contest winners will be handed their awards during Designers’ Night at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 13.

    Two of the biggest prizes went to the Ingolstadt company’s e-tron Spyder, which came out on top in the Concept & Study category, while the Accessories & Tuning category was topped by Audi’s insane 503 hp A1 clubsport quattro.

    Other notable winners included its non-glare LED high-beam headlight unit, the AreA1 mobile test track – used to promote the A1 at various events, the Audi Carbon Ski, and the Q3’s launch mailing, which took the print category, and could easily be classed as a work of art.

    [Source: Audi]

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