German Car Scene

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  • Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class spotted at the Nurburgring

    2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
    Mercedes-Benz has been seen at the Nurburgring testing a pre-production version of its GLA-Class – complete with jaunty taxi sign.

    Based on the recently revealed GLA Concept, the crossover stands 1.57 metres tall, 4.38m long, 1.97m wide, 1.57m tall and has a wheelbase of 2.69m, placing it in the same segment as the BMW X1 and Audi’s Q3.

    Sharing the same platform and drivetrains as the A-Class, the GLA will initially be offered with a 155 kW (211 hp) 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, with a flagship GLA 45 AMG version, using the glorious 265 kW (360 hp) unit found in the A 45 AMG, following later.
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  • Superchips Opel Astra OPC


    The tuning wizards at Superchips have released details of what they can do for your Vauxhall Astra VXR or Opel Astra OPC as we know it.

    Already producing a healthy 206 kW (280 hp) and 400 Nm of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine in stock guise, Superchips’ Stage 1 option relies on remapped ECU software resulting in an additional 17 kW (23 hp) and 61 Nm along with a crisper throttle response. Owners can either perform the change themselves with a Bluefin ‘Plug-In and Go’ DIY programming handset or make an appointment with their local Superchips dealer. Pricing is £455.

    Stage 2 costs the same, but is only carried out on cars fitted with a free-flowing exhaust system and sports catalyst (sold separately through Superchips’ partner Thorney Motorsport for £1,614). Those alterations see output raised by 24 kW (32 hp) and 75 Nm.
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  • Audi R8 Spyder vs Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet

    Audi R8 Spyder vs Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
    This episode of Head 2 Head sees Motor Trend’s Jonny Lieberman travel to the American Southwest in Utah armed with the Audi R8 Spyder and Porsche’s 911 Cabriolet.

    The exact models being compared are the Carrera S, which develops 294 kW (400 hp) and 440 Nm of torque from its 3.8-litre straight-six and the 4.2-litre V8-engined R8, with 316 kW (430 hp) and 430 Nm at its disposal.

    Will the R8’s extra horsepower and quattro system be enough to counter the 911’s lower weight and rear-wheel drive sports car advantage?
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  • Mercedes-Benz SLC details emerge

    Mercedes C190
    New details have emerged surrounding Mercedes’ forthcoming Porsche 911 rival.

    Codenamed C190, although it could wear the SLC or GT badge when it reaches production, the new model won’t be replacing the SLS AMG, but will sit below it with a price tag of around £80,000 putting it in the same bracket as models such as the 911 Carrera S and Jaguar’s pretty F-Type V8S.

    Power is likely to come from a newly-developed twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 developing 358 kW (480 hp) in the base model and up to 447 kW (600 hp) in the range-topping Black Series version, which would be priced around £120,000 and compete directly with the new 911 Turbo.

    Expected to surface in 2015, the aluminium-bodied SLC will be joined by the new C-Class Cabriolet and GLA-Class crossover based on the recently shown concept. An SLC Roadster should follow in 2016.
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  • Oettinger Volkswagen Golf GTI

    Oettinger Volkswagen Golf GTI
    Friedrichsdorf-based tuning specialist, Oettinger GmbH, has released details of its program to suit Volkswagen’s Golf GTI.

    Aesthetically, Oettinger offers an aero package comprising of a front spoiler with separate splitter, side skirts, a roof spoiler with open R-Flaps and diffuser section. Priced at €1990, the components can also be fitted to the Golf GTD. Completing the look, owners can add the company’s new five-spoke alloy wheels, which measure 8.5 x 19-inches, come in Black Redline or Black Silverline finishes and are priced at €475 each.

    Oettinger can also provide power increases up to 261 kW (350 hp), alongside such performance upgrades as sports exhausts, adjustable suspension kits, intercoolers, air intakes, limited slip differentials, uprated clutches and brake systems.
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  • BMW i3 revealed

    BMW i3
    BMW has today revealed is brand new i3 electric vehicle contemporaneously in London, New York and Beijing.

    With a 2570 mm wheelbase and measuring 3999 mm in length, 1775 mm in width and standing 1578 mm tall the i3’s dimensions are virtually identical to those of the MINI Paceman. Thanks to a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger compartment, which is fixed to the aluminium Drive module, the i3 not only enjoys a 1,195 kg kerb weight, but the structural rigidity allowed this four-door citycar to be designed without the need for b-pillars. A 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted beneath the floor feeds an electric motor, which sends 125 kW (168 hp) and 250 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. On the road 60 km/h (37 mph) appears in 3.7 seconds and 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds, with top speed limited to 93 mph (150 km/h).

    In everyday driving, a range of 130 to 160 kilometres (81 – 99 miles) is possible, rising by 20 kilometres (12 miles) in ECO PRO or ECO PRO+ mode which cuts such luxuries as heating and music. Additionally, a range-extending 25 kW (34 hp) 650 cc two-cylinder petrol engine can be specified, which sits immediately adjacent to the electric motor above the rear axle and raises range to around 300 kilometres (180 miles). A full charge from a regular household socket or BMW’s i Wallbox takes around six house, while the public fast-charging stations (50 kW) take just 30 minutes to reach 80 per cent capacity.
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