German Car Scene

Month: February 2012

  • TechArt teases Porsche 991 program


    Leonberg-based Porsche tuning specialist TechArt has revealed images and details of its 991 program ahead of its official début in Geneva next month.

    The aero package includes a front spoiler with integrated splitter, two aero wings which fit into the grilles on the air inlet vents and a pair of sill extensions. At the rear there’s a striking wing with third brake light and a diffuser insert for the bumper. TechArt also offers trim panels for the mirrors and headlights. The only performance tweak currently available is a valve-controlled sports exhaust system which culminates in quadruple oval tailpipes.

    Known for its wide range of alloy wheels, TechArt can provide you with its five-spoke Formula wheel or the lightweight Formula III forged wheel in a five-double spoke design, which offers a weight advantage of up to 15 percent compared to a cast wheel. This reduces the rotating and unsprung mass which instantly improves the 911’s driving dynamics. Both wheels are available in 20- and 21-inch diameter sizes.

    TechArt promises that it can create any interior for your 991, but its show car will be wearing black leather and Alcantara with contrasting yellow elements and stitching, carbon fibre inserts and a three -spoke sports steering wheel with flappy paddle shifters.

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  • Audi A3 e-tron pilot program to be launched in the U.S.


    Today, at the annual TED Conference, Audi has announced details of its A3 e-tron pilot program in the U.S., which will take place throughout the year in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Denver.

    Based on the popular Audi A3 Sportback currently available in the U.S., the zero driving emissions Audi A3 e-tron relies on a fully electric powertrain, fed by a 26 kw lithium-ion battery allowing a range of around 145 km kilometres (90 miles). Output is a respectable 270 Nm (199 lb/ft) of torque, which is enough to provide a 145 km/h (90 mph) top speed.

    Speaking at TED2012 in California, Johan de Nysschen, the Audi of America President said, “Audi is committed to refining Audi e-tron technology and we expect our plug-in vehicles to become a significant choice for our buyers within a growing line of advanced, efficient Audi powertrains over the coming years. With the program Audi engineers and technical experts will explore EVs in a real world setting and monitor how e-tron technology operates in everyday scenarios.”

    [Source: Audi]

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  • Volkswagen Polo R WRC makes public appearance


    Volkswagen Motorsport’s striking new Polo R WRC car was given its first public outing at the weekend, during Volkswagen’s Winter Night event in Ellmau, Austria. Works driver Sébastien Ogier was on hand to pilot the Polo around the icy oval, along with Carlos Sainz, who was there to please the crowd in a Race Touareg. The classic Beetle and Golf action is also pretty cool to witness.

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  • Clarkson drives the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series


    From this weekend’s Top Gear; Clarkson gets behind the wheel of the epic C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series from Mercedes-Benz and compares it to Maserati’s GranTurismo MC Stradale model. With a 6.2 L V8 that fires 380 kW/517 hp and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque to its rear wheels, the Black Series cracks 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds. And we want one. Badly.

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  • Audi R8 LMS retains Bathurst title


    Christer Jöns, Christopher Mies and Darryl O’Young battled through the rain and fog to ensure that Audi’s R8 LMS could secure its “King of the Mountain” title at Bathurst for the second time in succession.

    Even a spin into the gravel trap – resulting in a slip back to third place – could not prevent the black number ‘1’ car from taking the win, and providing the Audi Sport customer racing R8 LMS with its 119th win in three-years.

    Sadly, the second R8 LMS from Phoenix Racing didn’t enjoy such a great twelve hours at Mount Panorama Circuit. Piloted by Warren Luff, Craig Lowndes and Mark Eddy, the number ‘2’ car started strong, climbing from fifth on the grid up to the front of the field, until a five-minute time penalty for a severed fuel hose saw the white R8 drop back five laps. During lap 157, Mark Eddy lost control in the tricky conditions, hitting a concrete wall, causing terminal suspension damage. Hong Kong’s Frank Yu suffered a similar fate in the Audi R8 LMS of Team United Autosports, retiring with frame damage on lap 60.

    “We were fighting for twelve hours straight, from the beginning through to the end, and we did so in difficult overall conditions. We won but two of the Audi cars did not finish due to accidents. In the end, one R8 LMS made it, and our youngsters prevailed with a really cool showing. A tremendous performance!” said Romolo Liebchen, Head of Customer Sport quattro GmbH.

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  • Porsche action at Clark International Speedway


    Here’s a cool video by Struan Wallace of the Wreckless Inc stable. Filmed at a recent Porsche Drive Day, held at Clark International Speedway to promote the new 991 model, the footage features a little offroading and some neat sideways action – performed by professional drivers from the rally and DTM world. We’re glad we’re not footing the tyre bill…

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