German Car Scene

Month: November 2011

  • Extreme Audi S3


    Fitted with colossal AP Racing brakes and an almost cartoon-like intercooler, this Audi S3 could never be labelled a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But it could be called fast. The factory 1.8 20vT four-cylinder was ditched in favour of a 3.2 L V6 from an Audi TT, which was then fitted with a Turbonetics GT-K1000 turbocharger, helping this Greek missile to develop 800 hp at the wheels. That’s enough to propel it to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 2.8 seconds and complete the 1/4 mile in 9.7 seconds. Mental… (more…)

  • BMW M3 CSL and Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 at the ‘Ring


    Hitch a ride in a BMW M3 CSL, and grab a driver’s-eye view of the sublime Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. For many BMW enthusiasts the lightweight, 265 kW/360 hp E46 M3 is the ultimate ‘M’ model, with Sport Auto recording a lap time of 7:50, back in 2003. However, Porsche’s 997 swansong, the 368 kW/500 hp GT3 RS 4.0 has an official time of just 7:27 minutes… (more…)

  • Volkswagen reveals GT up! concept


    Being the spiritual successor to the original 1970s Golf, Volkswagen’s new baby up! range was bound to feature a hotter version, and this GT up! concept appears to be ticking all the right boxes.

    Visually, the GT up! receives beefier, more aggressive styling, most notably that massive ‘honeycomb’ central grille with accompanying air intakes either side, and LED daytime running lights. Down the flanks there are high-gloss black mirrors and sill extensions, while around the rear there’s deep roof spoiler, and bumper diffuser which frames those twin exhaust tailpipes. The look is completed thanks to a set of purposeful 17-inch alloy wheels and lower ride height.

    Moving inside, the GT up! features a black rooflining, chunky leather-trimmed steering wheel and GTI-inspired anthracite-coloured sports seats with a contrasting blue chequered pattern covering the centre sections. The upper door trim panels and dashboard are finished in high-gloss black.

    Volkswagen promises that it will develop at least 74 kW/100 hp, if and when it swings into production…

    [Source: Volkswagen]

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  • The Porsche family at Rennsport Reunion


    Here’s another great video from the recent Rennsport Reunion, featuring what can only be described as Porsche pornography. Drink in the sights and sounds from Laguna Seca, while building your own dream garage in your head. (more…)

  • Skoda Citigo goes on sale


    Skoda’s new baby, the Citigo, has gone on sale at the place of its birth – the Czech Republic. Initially offered with a three-cylinder 1.0 L petrol engine, in 44 kW/60 hp and 55 kW/75 hp guises, the extra-frugal Green Tec versions drink an average of 4.2 L/100km and 4.3 L/100km respectively.

    Offered in eight shades (three primary and five metallic), and three different trim levels, the Citigo begins with the 44 kW/60 hp base Active model, which features body-coloured bumpers, steel wheels and daytime running lights for CZK 179,900 (€ 7,226). The Ambition version starts at CZK 194,900 (€ 7,828) and includes body-coloured mirrors and handles, electric windows, remote central locking and 60:40 split/fold rear seating. From CZK 209,900 (€ 8,430), the Elegance model comes with electrically adjusted mirrors, heated seats, alloy wheels, and the on-board navigation/infotainment device.

    Owners can choose upgrade packages or individual components, including a range of alloy wheels, cruise control, leather steering wheel, parking sensors and air conditioning. A notable option is the superb “City Safe Drive” brake assistant, which uses laser sensors to identify potential collisions, before activating the brakes automatically. Working at speeds below 30 km/h, it’s perfect for stop/star city traffic.

    [Source: Skoda]

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