German Car Scene

Month: December 2011

  • Akrapovic BMW 1 Series M Coupe


    Akrapovic, the exhaust manufacturing specialist, has released this sweet BMW 1 Series M Coupé track video today. Already producing 246 kW (335 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) in standard form, the company’s Evolution system releases a further 51 kW (70 hp) and 65 Nm (48 lbs-ft) from the Baby M’s twin-turbocharged 3.0 L straight-six. (more…)

  • Volkswagen eT! on the move


    Here’s some footage of Volkswagen’s new eT! concept going about its business.

    Designed and created with input from the Deutsche Post AG (the German Post Office) and Braunschweig’s University of Art, Volkswagen sees this electrically powered research vehicle as the delivery van of the future, which can follow the driver’s commands via a wrist-mounted touchscreen device. (more…)

  • Multivan Business from Volkswagen


    Volkswagen has unveiled its new Multivan Business, the flagship model in the Multivan series.

    Using the Highline equipment package as its base, the Multivan Business features wooden trim elements and Nappa leather upholstery covering all the seats, which are electrically operated and heated for the occupants in the rear, while the sliding table can be easily slotted between the second row of seats when not in use. There’s also an integrated cool box and remote-controlled heating. Other standard fare includes on-board wireless internet, an RNS 510 radio navigation system, parking assist with reversing camera, lane change assistant, Bi-Xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and electric sliding doors. A DVD player with flip-down 10-inch screen can be added as an option.

    Buyers can choose from two diesel and one petrol engine; a 103 kW (138 hp) and 132 kW (177 hp) TDI, or the mighty 150 kW TSI (201 hp) unit. All powerplants can be specified with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

    Prices start a € 67,595 for the 103 kW (138 hp) model.

    [Source: Volkswagen] (more…)

  • Porsche 993 GT2: From Road to Racetrack


    Porsche fans decided which model they wanted to see put through its paces and, judging by the outcome, they have real taste. Watch this stunning 993 GT2 doing what it was designed to do at Silverstone. Enjoy! (more…)

  • Special SLK 55 AMG highlights Mercedes-AMG and Ducati cooperation


    Mercedes-AMG and Ducati will have a joint display at this weekend’s Bologna Motor Show in Italy, highlighting the two companies’ coalition with the new SLK 55 AMG and a Ducati Streetfighter 848 bike.

    As well as wearing the same “Streetfighter yellow” paintwork as the Ducati, the SLK 55 AMG also receives black nappa leather trim on its door panels, armrests, beltlines, roll-over bars, dashboard, shift lever gaiter and AMG Performance steering wheel – all with contrasting yellow stitching. The door sill plates also feature yellow LED back-lighting. Currently a one-off, the AMG Performance Studio says it may offer this colour combination as an option to customers – if there is sufficient demand.

    The most powerful SLK to date, the SLK 55 AMG is equipped with a 5.5 L V8 engine that develops 310 kW (422 hp) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. That’s enough to propel the hot Roadster to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.6 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). We’re guessing it’s not quite as fast as that 97 kW (132 hp) Ducati, but we know which one we’d choose…

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz] (more…)

  • Alpina reveals BMW B3 GT3


    BMW fans know Alpina, a manufacturer in its own right, for producing some great performance and styling programs that compliment the Bavarian brand’s road vehicles. But, with a pedigree in motorsport stretching back to the 1960s, and a European Touring Car Championship title under its belt, Alpina decided to return to the track this year in the BMW B6 GT3, winning the ADAC GT Masters Championship in the process. As a celebration, Alpina has created this limited edition B3 GT3 model.

    Powered by the twin turbocharged 3.0 L six-cylinder engine from the Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo, the B3 GT3 is fitted with a lightweight exhaust system, developed jointly with Akrapovic. The removal of the middle silencer, combined with the use of titanium in the rear silencer and tailpipes, sees a drop of 11 kg and an extra 6 kW (8 hp) released, resulting in 300 kW (408 hp), 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque and a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 4.6 seconds.

    Chassis upgrades include special top mounts with adjustable plates at the front, and a coilover suspension kit that allows adjustment of the ride height, and damper compression and rebound. The high-performance motorsport brake set-up uses 380 x 35 mm discs up front with 6-piston calipers, and 4-piston calipers at the rear with 355 x 32 mm discs.

    Despite an increase in size (8.5 and 9.5 x 19-inches), the Alpina GT3 Classic forged alloy wheels are 25 percent lighter than the factory rollers. Their clean 20 spoke design suits the Himalaya Grey paint finish, while those Michelin Pilot Sport Cup+ tyres are probably best kept for track use…

    Aerodynamic features include a carbon fibre front splitter, diffuser and downforce-inducing rear wing.

    The B3 GT3 can be ordered in Mineral White metallic and Black Sapphire metallic or Alpina Blue matt metallic as a special option, while inside, the upholstery is trimmed in black leather and Alcantara, including the lightweight RECARO seats and flappy-paddle steering wheel. If you really want to get noticed, Alpina can apply the green/blue/silver wrap that serves as a hommage to its B6 GT3 race car.

    The B3 GT3 will be limited to just 99 units – each with its own numbered plaque, and is priced at € 90.000 (including 19 percent VAT).

    [Source: Alpina] (more…)