German Car Scene

Month: November 2011

  • 2012 BMW M5 review by Option Auto


    Option Auto, the French motoring magazine headed over to Ascari Circuit in Spain to drive BMW’s 2012 M5 model. Powered by a 412 kW (560 hp) twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the F10 version hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds and can reach 305 km/h (190 mph) if specified with the M Driver’s Package. (more…)

  • Ogier becomes Volkswagen factory driver


    Volkswagen Motorsport has signed the brilliant Sébastien Ogier, making him the team’s first factory driver, along with his co-driver Julien Ingrassia.

    Ogier, who finished an impressive third place in this year’s World Rally Championship, will provide essential experience during the development of Volkswagen’s new Polo R WRC car, before it launches a full assault in 2013.

    But, prior to that, Ogier will get a taste of life as a Volkswagen factory driver at the Race Of Champions, held in Düsseldorf on the 3rd and 4th of December.

    “Volkswagen is the number one in Europe and will soon be number one in the world. I’m sure that they’re going to compete with the goal of clinching the WRC title. And I’m happy to be part of this from the outset,” said a delighted Ogier.

    [Source: Volkswagen Motorsport]

    (more…)

  • Volkswagen unveils Passat Alltrack


    Designed to slot into the gap between its Passat Estate and the Tiguan model, Volkswagen has added the Passat Alltrack to its model range.

    With a higher ground clearance than the regular model, the Alltrack also wears more rugged bumpers, wheel arch extensions and side sill flares in a similar fashion to Audi’s A4 allroad. Volkswagen sees it as the perfect SUV alternative for drivers who make a habit of turning off the road onto rough terrain, with its raised ride height allowing the suspension more travel, and the occupants a comfortable ride.

    Available with a choice of two turbocharged TSI petrol engines, developing 118 kW (160 hp) and 155 kW (211 hp) and two turbocharged TDI diesel units producing 103 kW (140 hp) and 125 kW (170 hp), the two most powerful versions come equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and DSG transmission as standard, although this can be specified as an option on the 103 kW (140 hp) TDI car.

    The Alltrack will make its official debut at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show (03 to 11 December), before hitting showrooms in early 2012.

    [Source: Volkswagen]

    (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz SLK by Vaeth


    Vaeth, the Hösbach-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist, has created a range of options for the latest (R172) SLK-Class.

    Visually, the bodywork receives a carbon fibre aero kit, consisting of a front spoiler lip, discreet boot lid wing and diffuser section. The company’s own three-part forged rims are 20-inch diameter and feature titanium coloured spokes. A coilover suspension kit with adjustable dampers provides a drop of between 20-65 mm, while the more wallet-friendly option is a simple -20 mm spring kit.

    Tuning of the petrol-engined cars involves the optimization of the ECU with an additional control unit, meaning the SLK 200 now develops 154 kW (206 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque; enough for a 242 km/h (150 mph) top speed. The tweaked SLK 250 generates 179 kW (240 hp) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft); good for 250 km/h (155 mph), while the SLK 350 makes 243 kW (326 hp) and 390 Nm (288 lb-ft), resulting in a healthy 269 km/h (167 mph) maximum speed.

    Other performance upgrades on offer include a larger intercooler, stainless steel exhaust system, limited-slip differential and a big brake kit including six- and four-piston calipers.

    Inside the cabin, Vaeth can supply carbon fibre sun visors, door visors and ash tray cover, embossed aluminium pedals and a velour mat set, also bearing the Vaeth logo.

    [Source: Vaeth]

    (more…)

  • evo drives the Porsche 991


    Easily our favourite car reviewer, Chris Harris heads over to California to drive the new Porsche 911 model for evo magazine. The PDK-equipped 294 kW (400 hp) Carrera S version on review is capable of hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds or 4.1 s with Sport Plus engaged. (more…)

  • Porsche reveals 991 Cabriolet


    Following on from the release of the 991 coupé, Porsche has unveiled its new Cabriolet counterpart.

    Initially available in Carrera and Carrera S forms, developing 3.4 L 257 kW (350 hp) and 3.8 L 294 kW (400 hp) respectively, either version is capable of using less than ten litres of fuel every 100 kilometres, with that figure improving further still on cars equipped with the optional PDK (Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) transmission.

    As with the Coupé model, the Cabriolet is also lighter than the 997 model that it follows, thanks to the aluminium-steel composite construction, and also the use of magnesium in the hood’s framework.

    Impressively, the Carrera Cabriolet can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 4.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of (285 km/h) 177 mph, while the Carrera S cabriolet reaches 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and tops out at 301 km/h (187 mph).

    Both models go on sale from the spring of 2012, with prices in Germany starting from € 100,532 for the Carrera and € 114,931 for the Carrera S. MSRP in the United States are $97,300 and $108,000.

    [Source: Porsche]

    (more…)