German Car Scene

Month: February 2012

  • Five-door SEAT Mii revealed


    Sit down for this breaking news, because here’s a real bolt from the blue… SEAT has just confirmed that its baby Mii model will also be manufactured in a five-door configuration.

    Following in the tyre prints of Volkswagen’s virtually identical up! and its Skoda counterpart, the Citigo, the Mii will be offered with a super-frugal 1.0 L three-cylinder developing either 60 hp (45 kW) or 75 hp (56 kW). Fuel consumption is impressive enough at 4.2 l/km and 4.3 l/km respectively, but the Ecomotive versions can go a little further. Technology, including brake energy recovery and a start/stop system, sees those figures drop to 4.2 l/km and 4.2 l/km, yet their top speeds remain the same at 160 km/h and 171 km/h.

    Notable optional extras include a large panoramic sunroof with sliding roof blind, the SEAT Portable System, which is a removable infotainment device with a five-inch touchscreen and voice control phone capability, and the brilliant City Safety Assist. Working at speeds up to 30 km/h, this system uses lasers to identify potential obstacles and can take avoiding action by automatically applying the car’s brakes.

    [Source: SEAT]

    (more…)

  • Top Gear Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster review


    From last night’s Top Gear; here’s Jeremy Clarkson testing the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. Using the same 6.2 L V8 unit as its gullwing-doored sibling, this 420 kW (571 hp) ragtop cracks 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds, while top speed is 318 km/h (197 mph). Enjoy.

    (more…)

  • Snow drifting in a 1 Series M Coupe


    Regular readers will be familiar with Andre de Vries’ drifting exploits, most recently in a new BMW M5. We’ve also previously seen him in a BMW 1 Series M Coupe – but not in the snow! While most of us might avoid taking the Baby M out in such conditions, de Vries, who is well known for competing in the Dutch Supercar Challenge and Winter Endurance Series, clearly relishes a flurry or two. Great control. (more…)

  • BMW Classic launches online parts shop


    BMW Classic Parts Supply has just launched its new online shop, allowing enthusiasts to order parts for their cherished classics.

    The site offers a range of over 35,000 components for BMW cars and motorcycles built between 1960 and around 1990 – but large, heavy parts, dangerous materials and electrical items are excluded. BMW also supplies information regarding the suitability of parts for its various models.

    The online shop will make its début at the Bremen Exhibition Centre during the Bremen Classic Motorshow this weekend, with the service initially offered to customers in Germany before expanding to the rest of Europe by April.

    More companies need to offer this type of outlet in order to keep those motorized pieces of history on the road.

    [Source: BMW Classic]

  • Porsche Panamera Turbo S by edo


    Ahlen-based tuning specialist edo competition has released its upgrade program for the mighty Porsche Panamera Turbo S.

    edo fits new air filters, exhaust manifolds, turbochargers, a full stainless steel exhaust system with butterfly valves and high-flow catalytic converters, before reprogramming the car’s engine management system. Those modifications see output from the 4.8 L V8 powerplant rise from 550 hp (410 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb/ft) of torque to a colossal 522 kW (700 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb/ft). That translates to a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.5 seconds, compared the standard vehicle’s 3.8 s, while the sprint to 200 km/h (124 mph) tumbles from 13.5 s down to 11.4 s. Top speed is electronically limited to 340 km/h (211 mph).

    Other components includes edo’s suspension lowering module which allows the Panamera’s ride height to be reduced by up to 30 mm, and the company’s 22-inch wheels finished with a carbon fibre look.

    (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz Citan previewed


    Mercedes-Benz has released details and renderings of its new urban delivery van, the Citan.

    Taking its name from a combination of the the words “city” and “titan”, the Citan, which will make its world debut at next September’s IAA Commercial Vehicle Show, is the latest addition to the company’s van range, joining the Vario, Sprinter and Vito models.

    Available configurations include a panel van, a crewbus and a mixed-use vehicle. Customers will also be able to specify the Citan in a variety of lengths and weights. Drivetrains will include the familiar low-emission, fuel-efficient diesel and petrol engines – including a BlueEFFICIENCY version. An electric drive E-CELL model is also being developed. Given that the slightly larger Vito E-CELL has a range of healthy 130 km range, an electric Citan makes perfect sense for delivery duties.

    [Source: Mercedes-Benz]

    (more…)