German Car Scene

Month: February 2012

  • BMW DTM teams complete Estoril testing


    BMW Motorsport, BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG were all present for the recent M3 DTM test program in Estoril.

    Completing 969 laps, which equates to around 4,000 kilometres, five of the six DTM pilots: Andy Priaulx, Augusto Farfus, Bruno Spengler, Martin Tomczyk and Dirk Werner all took part in the three day program, with full-time test driver Marco Wittmann taking the place of recent recruit Joey Hand, who was testing at Sebring for BMW Team RLL in readiness for the 2012 American Le Mans Series.

    “I think we made another step forward with this test. We managed to try out many things and learned a lot. That’s exactly what you want during a test at this stage of the season’s preparations,” said BMW Team Schnitzer’s Bruno Spengler.

    [Source: BMW Motorsport]

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  • 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR tests at Sebring


    Porsche’s 2012-specification 911 GT3 RSR race car has made its testing début ahead of next month’s Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring race.

    Still in virgin white, the new cars, which were in attendance along with the Flying Lizard Motorsports, Paul Miller Racing, and Team Falken Tire customer teams, will go on to compete in the American Le Mans Series.

    48 mm wider than its predecessor, the 911 GT3 RSR is powered by a 4.0 L six-cylinder boxer unit which develops 338 kW/460 hp thanks to the mandatory air-restrictor fitted, while gears in the six-speed sequential transmission are changed via steering wheel-mounted flappy paddles.

    “Our test program on various international race tracks is currently running at full speed. We are very pleased with the car’s performance and drivability,” said Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport.

    [Source: Porsche Motorsport]

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  • 2012 BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible revealed


    BMW has released details and images of its brand new 2012 M6 model in Coupe and Convertible configuration.

    Making use of the same 4.4 L V8 Twin Turbo engine as the company’s F10 M5, the M6 has 412 kW (560 hp) and 680 Nm (502 lb/ft) of torque at its disposal, resulting in a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 4.2 seconds for the Coupe (Convertible: 4.3 s) and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) which climbs to 305 km/h (189 mph) when the M Driver’s Package is specified. The transmission used is BMW’s seven-speed M Double Clutch system, which sends power to the rear wheels via an Active M Differential. The M carbon-ceramic brakes are optional.

    Visually, the Coupe features a CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) roof, while both versions are easily identified by their flared wheel arches, wider side skirts, adaptive LED headlights, trademark M gills, kidney grille with black double slats, an aggressive front bumper with large air intakes and lower spoiler, rear apron with diffuser, quadruple tailpipes and 19-inch (20-inch as an option) forged M alloy wheels.

    Inside the cabin there’s Merino leather upholstery, carbon fibre trim, illuminated sill plates, 2-zone automatic climate control, an M-specific instrument cluster and Head-Up Display. M Drive buttons on the steering wheel can call up individually configured settings related to the car’s engine responses, M Servotronic mapping, Drivelogic shift program, DSC stability control and damper settings.

    [Source: BMW]

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  • Auto Express tests the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S


    Auto Express gave racing driver Owen Mildenhall the keys to a new Porsche 911 and sent him to Bruntingthorpe proving ground, before moving on to north Wales to see how to see how it performs on the wintery B roads. Good for 298 kW (400 hp), the Carrera S on test can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds – or 4.1 s with Sport Plus engaged.

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  • Hartge BMW 1 Series


    Beckingen-based BMW tuner Hartge has developed a few upgrade options for the 1 series (F20) 5-door model.

    Visually Hartge offers a wide range of 19-inch wheels, including the silver ten-spoke Classic 2 items and multi-spoke Ultimas, which can also be ordered in smoky silver. The -30 mm spring set helps to achieve a more respectable ride height, while inside the cabin there’s an aluminium pedal set and footrest, a steering wheel emblem and velour floor mats bearing the company’s logo.

    Engine conversions begin with the 116d, which jumps from 85 kW (116 hp) up to 104 kW (142 hp), the 105 kW (143 hp) 118d develops 128 kW (174 hp), and the 120d climbs from 135 kW (184 hp) to 160 kW (218 hp) along with an impressive torque figure of 450 Nm (332 lb/ft).

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  • Opel adds Corsa Kaleidoscope edition to the range


    Opel has just announced the addition of a Kaleidoscope edition to its popular Corsa hatchback range.

    Available in two metallic colours: pepperdust and technical grey, the Kaleidoscope edition features a high-gloss black roof, mirror casings and a grille bracket, while inside, the seats, which display a pattern that gives this special edition its name, are stitched with either silver or gold thread. The door inserts and air vent rings are finished in curry or matt chrome, while the door panels are trimmed in denim.

    Based on the Color Edition trim level, standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted heat protection glazing, leather steering wheel with audio system controls, radio/CD player, chrome tailpipe and aluminium pedals.

    Petrol powerplants begin with an economical 51 kW (70 hp) 1.2 ecoFLEX engine right up to the turbocharged 1.6 which develops 110 kW (150 hp) and 210 Nm (155 lb/ft) of torque, while diesel fans are given the choice of a 70 kW (75 hp) 1.3 CDTI and a 96kW (130 hp) 1.7 CDTI version. Transmissions include a five and six-speed manual gearbox, a five gear easytronic and an automatic.

    Prices start at € 15,425.

    [Source: Opel]

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