German Car Scene

Month: November 2011

  • MINI Yours personalisation program launched


    MINI has announced an extensive new range of premium options for its Hatch, Coupé, Convertible and Clubman models, with the Countryman being added towards the end of next year. MINI Yours promises a vast catalogue of exclusive paintwork, tattoos, upholsteries and interior trims.

    “The sheer number of options available through MINI Yours means customers can tailor-make their MINI using exclusive colours, designs and materials like never before; creating a MINI like no other on the road,” said MINI’s UK Director, Jochen Goller.

    Limited edition models such as the MINI Soho, Clubman Hampton and London 2012 edition have now been integrated into the MINI Yours program, with owners selecting as many or as few options as they desire. Additionally, MINI has added a new model, the Avenue, to the range, which comes complete with a special MINI Yours package, including special effect bonnet stripes, 17-inch twin-blade spoke alloys, Satellite Grey Soda Lounge leather upholstery with ‘Soda’ design motif on the seats and leather-trimmed bi-colour multi-function steering wheel.

    Finished in either metallic Laguna Green or Highclass Grey, the MINI Avenue package is an extra £4,880 (€ 5,675) on top of a MINI One or One D model, meaning a MINI One D Avenue would set you back £19,360 (€ 22,500). If you think you’ve seen it before, that’s because MINI Japan recently launched it as the Crystal edition.

    [Source: MINI]

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  • Mika Hakkinen preparing for his SLS AMG GT3 drive


    Video featuring former F1 champion, Mika Häkkinen, as he prepares for his return to racing in the stunning SLS AMG GT3. Now a Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador, Häkkinen will join Lance David Arnold and CongFu Cheng, for Team AMG China, on November 13th. He also hints that he may make a permanent return to racing, next year. (more…)

  • Opel Astra by Senner Tuning


    Benno Senner, president of Senner Tuning AG, and his team at their headquarters in Ingelheim am Rhein, have created a new styling package for the latest Opel Astra.

    The styling program consists of a badgeless Steinmetz grille, lower front spoiler with integrated splitter, a sport roof spoiler, and side skirts with carbon-look inserts. The rear diffuser is finished in the same material and frames the twin oval Senner tailpipes. The wheels are Alutec ‘Ecstasy’ items, sized 8×19 inch, and wrapped in 235/35 Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta rubber. Ride height is taken care of thanks to a set of adjustable ‘Inox-line’ coilovers from KW Suspension.

    Senner also offers some engine tuning upgrades, for example, an ECU remap, BMC air filter and stainless steel sports exhaust results in the 1.4 L turbocharged version enjoying a jump from 103 kW/140 hp and 200 Nm/148 lb-ft of torque to 121 kW/165 hp and 250 Nm/184 lb-ft. A power converter removes the delay that can sometimes occur in cars with a fly-by-wire accelerator.

    Prices for the conversion start at € 11,900.

    [Source: Senner Tuning AG]

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  • BMW 640d Coupe review by Autocar


    Autocar’s Andrew Frankel delivers his verdict on BMW’s latest diesel-engined 6 Series Coupe. The 640d M Sport model makes use of BMW’s most powerful diesel unit; the smooth, 3.0 L twin-turbocharged straight six-cylinder, which develops 230 kW/313 hp and 630 Nm/465 lb-ft of torque. (more…)

  • Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera at Monza with Valentino Balboni


    Supercar fanatic, Marchettino, regularly has us green with envy whenever we view his latest footage featuring machines that most of us can only dream of. But even he has outdone himself, this time. His 900th video is not only filled with the epic Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera, but Marchettino even managed to experience a few laps of Monza Circuit in it – with legendary test driver, Valentino Balboni, at the wheel. Seriously. (more…)

  • BMW 3 Series Carbon Sport Edition


    BMW Netherlands has created a swansong to the outgoing E90 3 Series before the F30 rolls into your local dealership, with the Carbon Sport Edition.

    Available in six-cylinder form with automatic transmission only, the Carbon Sport Edition receives xenon lights, an M sports package, and rides on 19-inch alloy wheels from the BMW Performance range. Special interior equipment includes leather seats, automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon hi-fi system and M sports steering wheel with flappy paddles.

    Prices start at € 49,995 for the 325i, with the 330i costing € 54,495, and the 335i setting you back € 61,995. Add € 2,000 if you desire the Touring version. Two colours are available: Sapphire and Azuritschwarz, both in a metallic finish. If you want one, be quick, just 150 units will be produced.

    [BMW Netherlands]