German Car Scene

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  • Porsche launches 918 Spyder microsite

    Porsche 918 Spyder
    Porsche has launched a microsite specifically for the forthcoming 918 Spyder, which will start at €633,000 when it becomes available towards the end of the year.

    Propulsion comes via a combination of a 453 kW (608 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine along with a 115 kW (154 hp) hybrid module at the rear and a 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor driving the front wheels. With all systems go and the full 661 kW (887 hp) a its disposal, 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).

    Along with the usual videos and wallpapers, the microsite also reveals that the 918 can complete a lap of the Nürburgring in under 7 minutes and 22 seconds.

    [Source: Porsche]

  • Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Edition 1

    Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Edition 1
    Following on from the A 45 AMG Edition 1, Mercedes-Benz has applied the same treatment to its feisty sibling, the CLA 45 AMG.

    Visually the Edition 1 receives a more aggressive aero package comprising of additional flics in the front fascia, a larger front splitter and trunk lid spoiler. Other telltale features include matte graphite grey AMG side stripes, red accents on the headlamps, radiator grille and exterior mirrors, and a set of 19-inch multi-spoke AMG wheels in matte black.

    Moving inside, the AMG Performance seats are trimmed in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre with red elements. The door panels and dashboard are also covered in Artico, while the steering wheel is treated to Nappa leather and Dinamica. Finishing touches include ‘Edition 1’ badging on the centre console and AMG floor mats.

    Beaneath the hood the engine remains untouched, meaning 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit developing 265 kW (360 hp) and 450 Nm of torque mated to the company’s AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. On the road 100 km/h happens in less than five seconds, with top speed limited to 250 km/h.
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  • Porsche 991 GT3 tested

    Porsche 991 GT3
    In this latest video from Autocar Steve Sutcliffe asks if the new Porsche 911 GT3 could be the best sports car available today.

    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.

    What’s not to love?
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  • Audi teases Matrix LED headlights on new A8

    Audi Matrix LED headlights
    Audi has teased its next A8 model while announcing the introduction of a new Matrix LED headlight system.

    The high-beam headlights are split into individual diodes that work in conjunction with lenses or reflectors. Their activation or deactivation constantly changes in correlation with the situation on the road, resulting in the maximum possible light yield without having to rely on a pivoting mechanism.

    Each headlight houses 25 high-beam light-emitting diodes – five per reflector – that produce a special crystalline sheen. The high-beam, which is activated at 30 km/h in ‘automatic’ mode, will run at full power unless the A8’s camera detects oncoming vehicles in which case the system blanks out light that would shine directly onto them while continuing to cast the beams with full power on all other zones.

    The optional night vision assistant can detect and pick out pedestrians from their surroundings within critical range in front of the car, rapidly flashing LEDs at them three times in succession.

    Another notable feature is the cornering light function. Controlled by the predictive route data from the MMI navigation plus the direction of the beam is displaced in the direction shortly before the steering needs to be turned.

    Audi confirmed that the new A8 will reach the market later this year.

    [Source: Audi]

  • Truck gymkhana

    Truck gymkhana
    Just when you thought you’d witnessed every gymkhana video on the world wide internet, Becx-TDS Racing releases this film showing its MAN truck performing like Ken Block on steroids.

    The Dutch-based drift team clearly has no problem making its 6000 kg beast dance, but with 820 kW (1100 hp) pumping from its tweaked 12.4-litre powerplant that’s understandable. The sub-5 second sprint to 100 km/h and 215 km/h (133 mph) top speed are equally impressive.

    Enjoy.
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  • ABT Sportsline Audi TT RS

    ABT Sportsline Audi TT RS
    Kempten-based ABT Sportsline has revealed details of its tuning package for the Audi TT RS.

    The upgrades – which can also be applied to the TT RS plus – begin with ABT’s POWER S upgrade. Comprising of a larger turbocharger and air-to-air intercooler, along with remapped ECU software, the conversion sees output from the 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder engine jump from 250 kW (340 hp) and 450 Nm of torque to 346 kW (470 hp) and 630 Nm. On the road that translates to a 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a 285 km/h (177 mph) top speed.

    Other components include a stainless steel exhaust system, big brake kit, sports springs providing a 30 mm drop in ride height, a newly-developed rear wing and a wide range of alloy wheels – including the CR, DR and ER designs – in 19 and 20-inch diameters.
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