German Car Scene

Month: February 2012

  • 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet


    Following on from its more aggressive looking Concept car, Volkswagen has unveiled the brand new Golf GTI Cabriolet model ahead of its official reveal in Geneva next week.

    Powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as its hatchback counterpart, the GTI Cabriolet has 155 kW (210 hp) and 280 Nm of torque at its disposal, and can be specified with an optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission or standard six-speed manual. 100 km/h (62 mph) appears in 7.3 seconds, while top speed is 237 km/h (147 mph), with average fuel consumption working out at 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres (DSG: 7.7 l/100 km).

    Apart from the electrically-powered fabric roof, which folds away in just 9.5 seconds, the rest of the car bears all of the distinctive GTI elements of the tin-topped model, including a honeycomb front grille with red edging around the upper section, vertical fog lights, smoked LED tail lights, discreet sill extensions, and a rear diffuser which frames those twin chrome tailpipes. 17-inch ‘Monza’ alloy wheels with 225/45 tyres come as standard with 18-inch ‘Detroit’ wheels with 225/40s available as an upgrade.

    Moving inside, there are stainless steel pedals, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever gaiter – all with red stitching, while the seats are trimmed in classic tartan ‘Jacara’ cloth upholstery (or optional ‘Vienna’ leather).

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  • MINI John Cooper Works Countryman


    MINI has released details of its new high-performance John Cooper Works Countryman, making it the sixth JCW model in the current MINI range and the first to be equipped with the ALL4 all-wheel drive system.

    Available with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, or optional six-speed automatic, the JCW Countryman is powered by a newly developed 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with variable valve control, which produces 160 kW (218 hp) and 280 Nm (207 lb/ft) of torque (300 Nm on overboost). That’s good enough for a 7.1 second 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph), while fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 7.2 litres per 100 km (automatic: 8.0 L/100 km).

    Standard equipment includes a JCW-spec aerodynamic kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, slightly lower suspension with stiffened springs and damper settings, uprated anti-roll bars, a sports exhaust system with chrome tailpipes, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). Items on the options list include Chili Red, Light White and Jet Black paintwork for the roof and mirror casings – with matching stripe set, and 19-inch light-alloy wheels.

    Moving inside the cabin, the sports seats are trimmed in Carbon Black cloth (or Lounge Leather as an option), piano black door panel and centre console inserts. The optional Chili Red package features a leather-trimmed steering wheel, dark dial faces, an anthracite roof lining and red elements for the centre console and door panels.

    Due to make its début at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, you can expect to see it in your local MINI dealership by Spring 2012.

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  • evo drives the Porsche 991 Carrera


    The latest issue of evo magazine sees Contributing Editor Richard Meaden putting Porsche’s new 991 through its paces on the winding roads around Wales, and here’s the accompanying video. When equipped with PDK, the 3.4-litre 257 kW (350 hp) Carrera on test is capable of cracking 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds.

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  • Lumma Design CLR 9 S Porsche 991


    Lumma Design is the latest company to offer styling options for Porsche’s new 991 model, with the CLR 9 S program.

    Making its official début at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the aero package includes headlight rings, a vented front spoiler with an integrated lip and a grille that features thick bars rather than the factory car’s blades. The rear is a more subtle affair with a discreet three-piece boot lid spoiler stretching out to the light’s edges and a quad tailpipe kit in a pipe-in-pipe design. These can be ordered separately or connected to the valve controlled sport silencer. The kit will be available in PUR-RIM or full carbon fibre.

    The wheels shown are Lumma’s ultra-light GS/R forged rims, which measure 9 x 20 inches and 12 x 20 inches, and wear 245/30 and 305/30 high-performance rubber. The GS Monoblock and RS-C multi-piece wheels can also be specified for the 991.

    Moving inside, the cabin has been finished in a mixture of red leather and black alcantara, with the seats, dashboard, rooflining, door panels and steering wheel all reupholstered. Aluminium sill plates and leather-trimmed velour mats complete the look.

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  • Mercedes-Benz CL Black Edition by Prior Design


    Prior Design, the Kamp-Lintfort styling specialist, has unveiled its unsubtle widebody kit for the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (C216).

    Reminiscent of the SL 65 AMG Black Series, the kit is imaginatively named the Black Edition and consists of a replacement front bumper featuring colossal air apertures, wide fenders, side skirts, rear arch extensions and a rear bumper with integrated diffuser.

    There’s also a muscular-looking vented hood and fake roof scoop, which is a mistake, while the Gunmetal Grey alloys are sized 10 x 20-inches on the front and 13 × 20 inches out back. Nice wheels, but they’re not enough to fill those humongous arches, making this CL look a little like a elephant on a skateboard.

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  • Lamborghini Aventador Molto Veloce by DMC


    Düsseldorf-based styling specialist DMC has created a selection of aero pieces for Lamborghini’s bonkers Aventador model.

    The Aventador Molto Veloce program is constructed from carbon fibre and consists of a front spoiler, central splitter, side skirts based on the Gallardo Superleggera’s, a diffuser and tunnel, and a raised Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce-inspired wing at the rear.

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