German Car Scene

Month: December 2011

  • Audi R8 GRAND-AM enjoys successful test at Daytona


    After track tests in Europe, the Audi R8 GRAND-AM race car has completed its final testing program at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway with Frank Stippler covering 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) over two days, last week.

    Based on the successful LMS GT3 race car, quattro GmbH has reworked the R8 in order for it to compete in the Grand Touring class of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series in North America.

    Unlike its European cousin, rules dictate that the ABS and traction control systems have to be disabled in the R8 GRAND-AM, but it does benefit from the uprated radiator package that was developed for the new R8 LMS ultra.

    At the moment, the R8 GRAND AM’s rating is yet to be determined; Audi has provided the series’ engineers with a 5.2 L V10, who will carry out a performance analysis on the unit. Once the rating is available the engine’s power output and homologation weight can be defined.

    Audi of America will be supplying a maximum of four cars, along with its support program, for the 2012 season, with Opelika’s APR Motorsport being the first team to field the Audi R8 GRAND-AM. Three other teams are in the final stages of securing a package.

    [Source: Audi Motorsport] (more…)

  • Direct Auto drives the Audi R8 GT Spyder


    French motoring magazine Direct Auto has had its hands on the Audi R8 GT Spyder. Powered by a 412 kW (560 hp) 5.2 L V10 unit, the lightweight, high performance model hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds and has a 317 km/h (197 mph) top speed. (more…)

  • 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe revealed


    Designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Porsche’s Panamera, BMW has revealed a new addition to its 6 series range, the four-door 6 Series Gran Coupe.

    Following the Convertible and Coupe, this is BMW’s first four-door Coupe model and features a body which is 111 mm (4.4 inch) longer than the 6-Series Coupe along with a 113 mm (4.5 inch) longer wheelbase, as well as using the same lightweight technology as its siblings, including an aluminium bonnet and doors, a glass fibre composite boot lid and thermoplastic front side panels.

    Standard equipment includes Start/Stop function, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, Dynamic Damper Control, cruise control with braking function and 18-inch alloy wheels, while inside, occupants benefit from heated electric front seats, Dakota leather trim and 2-zone automatic climate control. The options list consists of a Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System, Nappa leather, comfort and sports seats as well as an M Sport package and BMW Individual upgrades.

    The three engine options initially available include a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0 L six-cylinder in-line diesel in the 640d, which develops 230 kW (313 hp) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque and is good for a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of 5.4 seconds. It’s petrol-engined equivalent, the 640i, produces 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-t), enough to propel the Gran Coupe to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Finally, the 650i gets a twin-turbocharged 4.4 L V8, which churns out a healthy 330 kW (450 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft), resulting in a 4.6 second sprint to 100 km/h. All models use an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, while the BMW 650i xDrive model makes use of the company’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. (more…)

  • AutoWeek: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster vs Maserati GranCabrio Sport


    It’s the battle of the rag tops as Roland Tameling and Michiel Willebrands compare the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster with Maserati’s GranCabrio Sport model. The SLS AMG is powered by that glorious 6.2 L V8 which produces 420 kW (571 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque, while its Italian rival uses a 4.7 L V8 that develops 331 kW (450 hp) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft). (more…)

  • Audi S8 Superior Grey Edition by Anderson Germany


    If your budget won’t stretch to a brand new Audi S8, Düsseldorf-based tuning specialist Anderson Germany might have the answer with its Superior Grey Edition program for the outgoing D3 model.

    Visually, the S8 receives a matte grey vinyl wrap and a styling kit that consists of a lower front spoiler, vented front fenders and lower rear apron with integrated diffuser. Daytime running lights sit in the front bumper while the rear light clusters have been tinted. The grille frame and mirror shells are trimmed in carbon fibre, while the chrome window trims and side moulding inserts have been been painted high-gloss black along with the badges, grille and new 22-inch alloy wheels.

    Powered by that rich 5.2 L V10 FSI engine, Anderson Germany remaps its ECU and adds a high performance exhaust, which takes out from 331 kW (450 hp) up to 374 kW (508 hp).

    Inside, the luxury barge is treated to a mixture of quilted leather and Alcantara upholstery with carbon fibre elements on the dashboard, centre console and steering wheel.

    [Source: Anderson Germany] (more…)

  • Extensive testing of the BMW M3 DTM completed in Monteblanco


    BMW has carried out another DTM test program in southern Spain’s Circuito Monteblanco, its last of the year.

    Thanks to good circuit and weather conditions, BMW Motorsport, BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG completed a three day test program covering 1,091 laps of the 3.357 km circuit, allowing them to assess the life span of components, test electronics and work on chassis settings.

    Making his début in the M3 DTM car was new BMW works driver Martin Tomczyk, who was joined by the other recent addition, Bruno Spengler, and seasoned BMW pilot Andy Priaulx. The Formula 3 driver Marco Wittmann and reigning GP2 champion Romain Grosjean were also invited along to test the cars.

    “We were able to gain a lot of experience and we could use the knowledge gained immediately. It we continue like this, I have no doubt that the car really will be competitive by the first race,” said an upbeat Martin Tomczyk.

    [Source: BMW Motorsport] (more…)