German Car Scene

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  • BMW X5 M50d revealed

    BMW X5 M50d
    BMW has revealed details of its next-generation BMW X5 M50d, equipped with the world’s most powerful six-in-line diesel engine.

    Propulsion comes courtesy of a tri-turbo 3.0-litre unit which develops 280 kW (381 hp) and 740 Nm of torque, with power transferred to the road via an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. Performance is impressive with 100 km/h happening in 5.3 seconds, while the engine, which is now EU6 compliant and around 10 percent more efficient than its predecessor, needs an average of 6.7 litres every 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

    Although not technically a full-on M vehicle, the M50d was created by BMW M GmbH and features its brilliant Adaptive M suspension and dynamic damper control, with Dynamic Performance Control and Dynamic Drive active roll stabilization available as an optional extra.

    Visually the M50d wears a new aerodynamic body package and rolls on a set of 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in a five-double-spoke design.

    European deliveries begin in the middle of November, with BMW saying it has no immediate plans to sell the vehicle in the States.
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  • Jay Leno drives the Porsche 918 Spyder

    Porsche 918 Spyder
    This new episode of Jay Leno’s Garage sees the talkshow host chat to Porsche’s Frank Walliser, the project manager of the 918 Spyder, at Pebble Beach before taking it out for a drive.

    At the heart of the 1640 kg hybrid is a 453 kW (608 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine that revs to over 9000 RPM, which is complemented by a hybrid module at the rear along with an electric motor driving the front wheels. Top speed in electric mode is 150 km/h (93 mph) with a range of 25 kilometres achievable – depending on driving style. However, with the full-on 661 kW (887 hp) a its disposal, 100 km/h appears in 2.8 seconds and 200 km/h in 7.9s, while top speed is 340 km/h (211 mph). All from a car capable of drinking around three litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.
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  • Volkswagen Beetle tuned by ABT Sportsline

    ABT Sportsline Volkswagen Beetle

    Kempten-based VAG tuning specialist ABT Sportsline has released details of its updated range of options for the current Volkswagen Beetle.

    ABT’s Power Kit conversion sees output from the 1.2 TSI jump from 77 kW (105 hp) and 175 Nm of torque to 103 kW (140 hp) and 220 Nm, while the 1.4 TSI enjoys a rise from 118 kW (160 hp) and 240 Nm and the 2.0 TSI goes from 147 kW (200 hp) and 280 Nm to 176 kW (240 hp) and 340 Nm. Diesel owners are also catered for, with the 1.6 TDI climbing from 77 kW (105 hp) and 250 Nm to 92 kW (125 hp) and 285 Nm, and the 2.0 TDI now producing 125 kW (170 hp) and 370 Nm – up from a factory figure of 103 kW (140 hp) and 320 Nm.

    Other mechanical upgrades include an exhaust system with twin oval tailpipes, a -30 mm lowering spring kit and 345 mm front brake disc conversion. The company also has wheel and tyre packages ranging from 18 to 20 inches, including its CR in matte anthracite, the DR in gunmetal grey, and the new ER-C in a silver finish.

    Aesthetically, ABT can provide a lower front spoiler, headlight and tail-light covers, a rear license plate insert and a rear bumper apron with diffuser section. Inside, there’s a leather/aluminium shift knob and embroidered floor mat set.
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  • Porsche 911 Turbo S driven

    Porsche 911 Turbo S
    The latest video from Autocar sees Steve Sutcliffe provide a brief review of Porsche’s brand new 911 Turbo S.

    Propelled by a turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine developing 560 hp (412 kW), the S takes just 3.1 seconds to crack 100 km/h before reaching a 318 mph (197 mph) top speed. Notable features include centre-locking 20-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps, the Sport Chrono Package Plus (incorporating dynamic engine mounts), and ceramic brakes.
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  • Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 1st Anniversary Edition

    Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 1st Anniversary Edition
    Mercedes-Benz has announced details of a special ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 1st Anniversary Edition exclusively for Japan.

    Available in either Obsidian Black or Diamond White metallic, the celebratory model is fitted with the AMG Exterior Sports package as standard, which comprises of more aggressive front and rear aprons along with stainless steel running boards and privacy glass. A set of five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels measuring 9 x 20-inches and wrapped in 265/45 tyres complete the aesthetics.

    Moving inside, the cabin is equipped with AMG sports seats covered in Artico artificial leather/Dinamica microfibre, stainless steel AMG sport pedals, AMG steering wheel, brushed aluminium trim inlays and special floor mats.

    Powering the Anniversary Edition is the regular model’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine developing 190 kW (258 hp) and 620 Nm of torque. Mated to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission 100 km/h appears in 7.4 seconds with top speed rated at 224 km/h (139 mph).

    Production will be limited to 100 examples with pricing starting at ¥8,600,000 (€66,082).
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  • Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo reviewed

    Alpina B3 Bi-turbo
    This new episode of DRIVE sees Chris Harris thrashing the trouser off Alpina’s alternative to BMW’s forthcoming M3, the B3 Bi-Turbo.

    Propulsion comes from a twin-turbocharged straight-six 3.0 litre engine, which delivers 306 kW (410 hp) and 600 Nm of torque to the road via a 8-speed SWITCH-TRONIC sport-automatic transmission. Performance is impressive with 100 km/h arriving in just 4.2 seconds and top speed a rather tasty 305 km/h (190 mph).
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