German Car Scene

Month: September 2012

  • SEAT introduces Mii Auto


    SEAT is following the Volkswagen up!’s lead by adding an automatic option to it Mii range.

    An automated version of the current five-speed manual transmission, the driver simply chooses from D (Drive), N (Neutral) or R (Reverse) and the gearbox selects the optimum gear for that particular situation. Alternatively, the cogs can be changed up or down – manually via the gear lever.

    Weighing a mere three kilograms more than the Mii’s five-speed manual ‘box, the automatic uses electromechanical actuators to control the gate selection and disengage or engage the gears., while another motor controls the clutch mechanism.

    Available in SE trim with the 55 kW (75 hp) 1.0-litre engine, the Mii Auto is a standalone model with a slightly improved consumption figure of 4.5 l/100 km compared to the manual’s 4.7 l/100 km. Standard equipment on the SE includes 14-inch ‘Silva’ alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, gloss white dashboard trim, heated electric mirrors, air con, electric front windows and electronic stability control. UK customers will need to part with £10,390 or £10,740 for either the three- or five-door model, and anyone ordering one before the end of this month gets a free Portable System touchscreen infotainment unit.

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  • BMW 1 Series hatchback by 3D Design


    Japanese styling specialist 3D Design has revealed its new styling options for the F20 BMW 1-Series model.

    The body add-ons are constructed from urethane and include a lip spoiler that attaches to the M Sport front bumper and a rear spoiler for the top of the hatch. Inside, 3D can provide a sport pedal set, e-brake handle and embroidered floor mats.

    For the moment, the only mechanical upgrade is a performance exhaust system developed jointly with technology partner Arqray, but 3D is aiming to introduce further components in the very near future, including a suspension kit.
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  • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series renderings


    Many thanks to the guys at BenzBoost for sharing these renderings of the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series with us.

    Up until now we’ve only seen a spy video of the hotter Gullwing in action, but these images help to put meat on those camouflaged bones. We can expect the usual Black Series formula of wider arches, optimized aerodynamics and around 492 kW (660 hp) from its tweaked 6.2-litre V8. Basically, the closest thing you’ll get to driving an SLS AMG GT3 on the road.
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  • RWB Thailand at Idlers 12 Hours


    Here’s a video by Spankin’ Fish Films following this year’s Idlers 12 Hours race from Team RWB Thailand’s perspective. RAUH-Welt Begriff owner Akira Nakai invited them to take part in the endurance event, which saw a smörgåsbord of his extreme Porsche 911s descend on his workshop in Chiba for final preparations prior to the amateur endurance event. Enjoy.
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  • Mercedes ML-Class by Hofele Design


    Donzdorf tuning specialist Hofele Design has released details of its Gleefully-titled Starcruiser GT550 program for the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.

    Starting at €6,500, the 14-piece wide body kit comprises of a replacement front bumper with enlarged air intakes and LED daytime running light modules, vented wheel arch extensions and a rear apron with diffuser section and quadruple tailpipes. Completing the look, Hofele can provide a range of alloy wheels, including these REVERSO II items, measuring 9 and 10 x 22-inches and an electronic lowering module which drops the SUV by 40 mm up to speeds of 80 km/h. Anything above that and the ride height returns to factory level to “maintain comfort and security”.

    Inside the cabin, Hofele reupholsters the seats, door panels, arm rests and steering wheel in ‘Star-Light’ bi-colour leather with ornamental seams. Pricing starts at €5,900, with that figure rising to suit specific requests.
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  • MINI Paceman images leak out


    Following on from the official camouflaged MINI Paceman images, Motoring File has now unearthed a handful of leaked images.

    Complete with sloping roof, revised tailgate and LED rear lights, the stylish Paceman has been created to fill the gap between the three-door hatchback and five-door countryman, with MINI hoping to grab a piece of the premium compact SUV segment, of which the Range Rover Evoque is dominating.

    With a roofline sitting 1.7-inches below that of the Countryman, a 0.4-inch reduction in ride height, and 20 kg weight deficit, the Paceman will make better use of the powerplants available to it, including the regular range of petrol and diesels, right up to the top-end 160 kW (218 hp) John Cooper Works version.

    Expect to pay a premium of around €1,500 on top of the Countryman’s price tag when the Paceman hits showrooms towards the end of this year, following its world début at the Paris Motor Show (September 29 to 4 October 4).
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