German Car Scene

Author: admin

  • Mercedes A 45 AMG vs BMW M135i

    Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG vs BMW M135i
    Today’s episode of DRIVE sees Chris Harris on the road and track with two heavy-hitting hatchbacks from the Federal Republic of Germany: BMW’s M135i and the Mercedes A 45 AMG.

    Equipped with the most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the world, the A 45 AMG is propelled by an all-aluminium, turbocharged AMG lump producing a delicious 265 kW (360 hp) and 450 Nm of torque, while the M135i packs a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder, which churns out 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm. It also costs €8,000 less than the A-Class.

    Where would your money go?
    (more…)

  • 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG revealed

    2014 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG
    Mercedes-Benz has announced details of the new S 63 AMG ahead of its unveiling in Frankfurt this September.

    Thanks to such components as an aluminium outer skin (including complete front end and roof section), a carbon fibre spare spare wheel recess, lithium-ion battery and forged light-alloy wheels, the new S 63 AMG undercuts its predecessor by 100 kg at 1,970 kg, with the long wheelbase variant weighing in at 1,995 kg.

    Visually the super-barge can be identified by more aggressive bumpers featuring a front splitter and high-gloss black flics on the air intakes, chrome-trimmed side skirts, diffuser with quadruple tailpipes and a set of 19-inch AMG alloys.

    Under the hood lies an updated version of the epic AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine producing 430 kW (585 hp) and 900 Nm of torque, which represents a 30 kW (41 hp) increase in output while still meeting the 2015 EU6 emissions standard. Utilizing the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, featuring “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual) modes, the S 63 hits 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds with top speed limited to 250 km/h. Mercedes quotes identical performance figures for the regular and long wheelbase cars, as well as an average consumption of 10.1 litres of fuel every 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 237 g/km. If you opt for the all-wheel drive 4MATIC long wheelbase version 100 km/h takes a Porsche 911 Carrera S-beating 4 seconds (!), but the car is obviously thirstier needing 10.3 litres to cover the same distance.

    As well as the usual S-Class refinements S 63 AMG owners can specify such optional extras as the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system with 420 mm front discs and specially painted calipers, ROAD SURFACE SCAN, which uses MAGIC BODY CONTROL to set the suspension up to deal with varying terrain, carbon fibre exterior and interior packages, a Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system and seat comfort package with energizing massage function.

    Due to be launched at the end of September, with prices starting at €149,880 for the short wheelbase and €152,617 for the long wheelbase S 63 AMG 4MATIC.
    (more…)

  • Six Porsche 918 Spyders invade Monaco

    Porsche 918 Spyders
    While it was making its production-readyish debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, a grand total of six Porsche 918 Spyder prototypes were buzzing around the streets of Monaco, as this video from Marchettino testifies.

    With production due to start on September 18, the 918 Spyder can be yours for as little as €781,155 – or €853,155 if you specify the track-focused Weissach package, which removes 40 kg and includes six-point harnesses, a carbon interior pack, flame-resistant material on the seats, deletion of the air-con system and stereo, a lightweight braking system and foil on the body rather than paintwork.

    Using a 453 kW (608 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine along with a 115 kW (154 hp) combined with a 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor, the Spyder can hit 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and 200 km/h in 7.9s, while top speed is 340 km/h (211 mph). In electric mode top speed drops to 150 km/h (93 mph) with a range of 25 kilometres achievable.

    Production will be limited to 918 examples.
    (more…)

  • A1 S line Style Edition announced

    A1 S line Style Edition
    Audi UK has announced a colourful variant of its Audi A1 and A1 Sportback models called the A1 S line Style Edition.

    Based on the higher S line versions, the Style Editions can be specified in either Ice Silver, Phantom Black, Misano Red or Glacier White with a gloss black roofline, mirror casings and grille surround, with matte black grille, fog light surrounds and number plate holder. Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and 17-inch bi-colour double-five spoke alloys are also included in the package.

    Moving inside, there’s the usual S line goodies, including part leather sports seats, three-spoke S line sports steering wheel, electric windows and mirrors, and the Concert CD audio system with 6.5-inch retractable screen, SD card slot and Bluetooth connection. Misano Red, Glacier White or gloss black air vent housings complete upgrades in the cabin.

    Available with a 63 kW(86 hp) 1.2 TFSI, a 90 kW (122 hp) 1.4 TFSI or 77 kW (105 hp) 1.6 TDI engine, prices start at £18,125 for the 1.2 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission.

    [Source: Audi UK]

  • Porsche 911 GT3 storms the hill at Goodwood

    Porsche 911 GT3
    As well as taking a stunning 918 Spyder to this year’s Festival Of Speed, Porsche also gave its new 911 GT3 a workout up the hill, and supercar fanatic Shmee150 was there to capture the occasion.

    The footage includes a launch control demonstration from the start line, the car flying up the course, and a powerslide that could have ended up a little messy.

    The hardcore 350 kW (475 hp) track weapon cracks 100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds, 200 km/h in less than 12 seconds, and hits a top speed of 315 km/h (195 mph). It also eclipses the current 911 GT2’s ‘Ring time.
    (more…)

  • New Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG teased

    2014 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG
    Mercedes-Benz is continuing to tease its new S 63 AMG model based on the 2014 S-Class with this brief video clip.

    Visually the company’s flagship Saloon is more aggressively styled than its regular counterparts with larger air intakes, quadruple tailpipes and multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels.

    Power comes from the same 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 unit propelling the E 63 AMG, meaning 410 kW (557 hp) and 720 Nm of torque, with the S version developing 430 kW (585 hp) and 800 Nm. Mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission, customers can also opt for the all-wheel drive variant that utilizes AMG’s 33 to 67 percent front/rear biased 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
    (more…)