German Car Scene

Month: December 2011

  • G-Power BMW M5 previewed


    Bayern-based BMW tuning specialist, G-Power, has released this photo of the new M5 in its workshop, along with a few hints of what’s to come.

    Already producing 412 kW (560 hp) from its 4.4 L 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 equipped with the M Driver’s Package.

    G-Power says it is already developing new wheels, aerodynamic upgrades and tuning programs resulting in at least 441 kW (600 hp) – for the first stage. Judging by those new tailpipes, lets presume there’s a full high performance system attached to them.

    Who knows where the later stages could take the M5? For comparison, the company’s X6 M Typhoon churns out 533 kW (725 hp) from its 4.4 L V8.

    G-Power’s parting shot was: “Fans can look forward to one of the most spectacular BMW M5s for 2012. And that is just the beginning….”

    [Source: G-Power]

  • Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 launch control


    Option Auto, the French motoring magazine thrashes Lamborghini’s epic Aventador LP 700-4 to demonstrate its launch control system. Propelled by a 6.5 L V12 engine, the Aventador flies to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds, while top speed is 350 km/h (217 mph). Lovely stuff. (more…)

  • smart previews for-us pick-up concept


    smart has previewed a pick-up concept, the for-us, ahead of its official début at the Detroit Auto Show early next year.

    Fuel for the dinky urban pick-up comes in the form of a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 17.6 kWh which powers a magneto-electric motor that develops 55 kW (74 hp) and 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) of torque – enough to allow a top speed of 120 km/h (74 mph).

    Measuring just 3547 mm in length and 1506 mm in width, the for-us is small compared to its peers, but has a 613 mm longer wheelbase and 50 mm wider track than the fortwo, helping to make use of its bijou dimensions.

    Once the tailgate is slid down, the 900 mm cargo area not only reveals mounting points to accommodate a pair of smart ebikes, but, thanks to the integrated docking station, both bikes are kept fully charged for when the occupants need to venture into traffic-calmed zones – and beyond.

    The North American International Auto Show will run from 14 – 22 January.

    [Source: smart] (more…)

  • Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet test by Fifth Gear


    After almost ten years in the wilderness, Volkswagen’s Golf Cabriolet is back on the scene. So Fifth Gear’s Vicki, Tiff and Jonny put it through its paces to see how it compares to its rivals – such as Renault’s Megane CC. (more…)

  • MINI JCW Championship package


    MINI has unveiled an optical program for Cooper S Countryman and Cooper SD Countryman owners looking to add a rally feel to their machine.

    The MINI John Cooper Works Championship package consists of chequered flag go-faster stripes for the flanks, along with the familiar 37 for the doors; a number currently seen on Dani Sordo’s WRC car, but synonymous with Paddy Hopkirk’s iconic 1964 Monte Carlo Rally-winning vehicle.

    There’s also a pair of carbon fibre slanting side scuttles on the fenders, and additional spotlights up front which are available in Chrome and Black, while the Double Spoke R129 alloy wheels are finished in Matte Black.

    [Source: MINI] (more…)

  • Drag race: BMW M5 versus its rivals


    In the latest issue of evo, a group test was carried out to see how the brand new BMW M5 stacked up against its rivals, including the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG, Porsche Panamera S and Jaguar’s XFR. Here’s a 0-1000 metre drag racing video from the day. (more…)