Daimler has joined forces with the world’s largest industrial gas company, The Linde Group, to create 20 new hydrogen filling stations across Germany. The venture ties in with the current H2 Mobility and Clean Energy Partnership infrastructure projects, which benefit from subsidisation by the NIP. The proposed sites will be in service as early as 2012, and will make use of existing stations, in prime locations.
[Source: Daimler]
Autocar’s Jamie Corstorphine sets out to determine whether the meaty 457 hp Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe has what it takes to lure Audi RS 5 and BMW M3 drivers over to this new kid on the block. A 4.5 second 0-100km/h time and the sound of that glorious V8 powerplant is a good start… (more…)
Hürth-based German Tuner; Sport Wheels has been working on Audi’s A4 8H Cabriolet, creating, what it calls: Summer Feelings. Based on the company’s 2.0L 200hp model, Sport Wheels tweaks the ECU and adds an Eisenmann exhaust system – complete with quad Le Mans tailpipes – which results in a 50hp jump. Eisenmann also supplies a rear apron to accommodate the new outlets. As you’d expect, this Cabrio wouldn’t be staying on standard wheels, hence a set of 20-inch Eta Beta Tettsut X-ceramic alloy rims have been added, while KW “Inox-Line” coilover suspension provide the drop.
[Source: Sport-Wheels]
Here’s a new video from BMW featuring the prototype F10 M5 during high-speed testing at the Nardò Ring in Italy. Due to make its official debut in Frankfurt later this year, the new M5 will use a version of the 4.4 Litre V8 Twin Turbo unit usually seen in the X5 M and X6 M models. Expect power to be around the 560+ hp mark, while the drive will come via a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission, as found in the M5 Concept. (more…)
Erftstadt-based tuner KBR Motorsport, has just revealed its latest creation – a Volkswagen Passat – that looks like it could be related to a stealth bomber. Apart from the new exhaust system, racing cat and ECU tweak, which results in 260 bhp, KBR has focused its attentions on the looks of the car. We’re liking the matte Olive Gray wrap and those 20-inch R12 Nero rims, but that ride height, thanks to the shortened KW Variant 3 coilovers, may result in weekly purchases of Passat sumps from your local VW dealership…
[Source: KBR Motorsport]
West Virginian-based tuners STaSIS Engineering is offering a nice upgrade for owners of the Audi S5 Cabriolet. An ECU remap bumps the power up from 333 bhp to 410 bhp, while the new Alcon brakes help to bring the S5 to a halt. Adjustable suspension, a stainless steel exhaust, and new 20-inch wheels complete the package.
[Source: STaSIS Engineering]