German Car Scene

Month: February 2012

  • Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG review by Roadfly


    Roadfly’s Ross Rapoport recently got behind the wheel of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG for a road test. Powering this four-door Coupe is AMG’s glorious 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, which develops 391 kW/525 hp and 700 Nm of torque in standard form, or 415 kW/557 hp and 800 Nm when specified with the AMG Performance package. 0-100 km/h (62 mph) occurs in 4.4 and 4.3 seconds respectively, while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

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  • BMW 640d xDrive revealed


    BMW has announced the addition of a 640d xDrive version to its 2012 6 Series line-up, joining the BMW 640i and BMW 650i. Available in Coupe and Convertible form, the model uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 630 Nm (465 lb/ft) of torque.

    Power is fed to the xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox, resulting in a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time – for the Coupe – of just 5.2 seconds, while average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 5.7 – 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (depending on the tyre format), with 149 – 153 grams of carbon dioxide being emitted every kilometre.

    The 640d xDrive can be specified with BMW’s M Sport package, which includes an aerodynamic body program, LED front fog lamps, Black Chrome tailpipes, and 19-inch (or optional 20-inch) double-spoke alloy wheels. Moving inside, past the M sill plates, there are unique Anthracite Alcantara/leather sports seats with blue stitching, a multifunction M leather steering wheel with flappy gearshift paddles, and hexagonal aluminium trim inserts.

    [Source: BMW]

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  • BMW Concept M135i announced


    BMW has announced details of its brand new Concept M135i ahead of its world premiere at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

    Based on the latest three-door 1 Series, the Concept M135i is the first model from the new BMW M Performance line-up to feature a straight six-cylinder petrol engine; a twin-turbocharged 3.0 motor developing over 300 hp. Other notable features include an uprated M sports braking system and 18-inch M light alloys in a double spoke design.

    Visually the BMW Concept M135i wears muscular flared arches reminiscent of the 1 Series M Coupe, larger front air intakes, a rear apron finished in Dark Shadow metallic which frames a pair of ‘telling’ tailpipes, and the obligatory M striping decals. The mirror casings are painted Ferric Grey, while the side window surrounds are treated to BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line trim.

    The new Concept will make its debut on March 6 along with other models from the BMW M Performance automobile range.

    [Source: BMW]

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  • Vorsteiner previews Porsche 991


    Tuning specialist Vorsteiner has released a few details of its package for the new Porsche 991 model.

    More information regarding the V-GT program is on the way, but we can tell you that it includes a carbon fibre front spoiler with sculpted brake ducts and a replaceable central splitter, side skirts, a muscular bonnet, a finned rear diffuser and ducktail rear spoiler. There’s also a replacement roof panel, again constructed from carbon fibre.

    Vorsteiner can provide owners with a choice of 20- and 21-inch forged aluminium wheels and exhausts systems constructed from stainless steel and titanium.

    [Source: Vorsteiner via Teamspeed]

  • Four-door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG on the way?


    According to Autoblog, these sketches relate to a German patent filing for a four-door version of the brilliant Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe.

    However, rather than go down the route of extra wide gullwing doors (as seen on the F125! Concept) this family-friendlier model will feature a set of rear-hinged suicide doors to allow easy access to the back seats.

    Personally we’d like to see such a model, but perhaps with regular front doors – as seen on the SLS AMG Roadster – leaving the Coupe as the only car to use the gullwing openings, respecting the memory of the company’s iconic 1950s 300 SL Coupe.

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  • ABT Volkswagen up!


    Kempten-based ABT Sportsline GmbH has revealed its take on Volkswagen’s baby up! ahead of its official unveiling in Geneva next month.

    Admitting that its retro-themed program takes inspiration from yesteryear’s fun cars, where crazy power wasn’t a fundamental factor in motoring, ABT’s up! wears a carbon-look reverse cut-out stripe across its roof and bonnet reminiscent of ones seen on the classic Mini, while the red side decals offer a Fiat Abarth 595 SS feel. There are also red headlight surrounds and discreet sill extensions, as well as hub caps and mirror casings bearing the ABT logo.

    A new rear bumper insert allows the fitment of a twin tailpipe exhaust system, while a suspension kit brings the up! a little closer to the road.

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