German Car Scene

Month: September 2012

  • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG MC700 by mcchip-dkr


    Obergartzem tuning specialist mcchip-dkr has developed the MC700 program for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

    Available in two levels of tune, the company fits its supercharger kit, along with optimized ECU software and a Capristo performance exhaust system with adjustable flap control. Those changes see output from the 6.2-litre V8 rise from 420 kW (571 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb/ft) of torque to 507 kW (680 hp) and 770 Nm (568 lb/ft). The hairier Stage Two option includes sports catalysts and further ECU tweaking to produce 526 kW (706 hp) and 793 Nm (585 lb/ft).

    Prices for the conversions are €69,900 and €78,999 respectively.
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  • Wide-track Audi Q7 S line by Kahn


    Bradford-based stylinghouse Kahn Design has fitted its wide-track body program onto a Glacier pearl white Audi Q7 S line, for your pleasure.

    The aero package consists of wider vented fenders, rear wheel arch extensions, a high-level tailgate spoiler and a lower rear bumper section with matte black diffuser and integrated tailpipes. Two additional pieces for either bumper are utilized to continue the lines of the arches. Completing the exterior is a set of Kahn’s popular RS-R wheels, measuring 9.5 and 10.5×22-inches, while the ride height is dealt with thanks to the fitment of an electronic lowering module.

    Moving inside the cabin, past the quartet of stainless steel sill plates and aluminium foot pedals, the seats have been re-upholstered in quilted and perforated black leather with red sections and stitching, while the speedometer and rev counter are now cream and red respectively.

    This particular car, complete with 171 kW (230 hp) 3.0 TDI engine and usual S line features, is available to purchase for £61,875 (€78,056).
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  • Lamborghini Gallardo Soho by DMC


    Düsseldorf-based specialist DMC has developed a new body program for owners of early model (2004-2008) Lamborghini Gallardos desiring the looks of the later LP570-4 model.

    The aero package includes a replacement front bumper and mesh, a rear bumper with diffuser section and panel to accommodate the latest tail-lights. A pair of clear-coated carbon fibre side skirts and a raised rear wing complete the aesthetics. DMC can also supply a more extreme SV wing. Price is available on asking.
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  • Audi RS 5 Cabriolet revealed


    Audi has released details of its new high-end RS 5 Cabriolet model.

    Sharing the same 4.2 FSI V8 engine and seven-speed S tronic transmission as its RS 5 Coupe counterpart, the Cabriolet has 331 kW (450 hp) and 430 Nm (317 lb/ft) of torque at its disposal, meaning 100 km/h appears in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but Audi will raise this to 280 km/h (174 mph) upon request.

    Available with the same equipment as the Coupe version, such as drive select; a feature that allows the driver to tailor the steering system, S tronic, throttle valves and exhaust sound flaps to suit their tastes, the MMI navigation plus system with seven-inch colour screen and DVD drive, and Audi connect with integrated WLAN hotspot which can be customized to include Audi traffic information with Google Earth images and Street View.

    The lightweight fabric roof, which is lined with a special heat and noise insulating foam layer, can be opened and closed at the touch of a button in 15 seconds and 17 seconds respectively – even while travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph). When opened, the roof mechanism takes up just 60 litres of volume from the Cabriolet’s 380 litre luggage compartment.

    Visually, everything else is standard RS 5 fare, including those bulging wheel arches, ten-spoke 9 x 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch options), imposing hexagonal single-frame grille, aggressive fascia with large air intakes, wedge-shaped xenon plus lamps with LED strips, rear diffuser and large oval tailpipes. Exterior finishes will include one monochrome colour, four metallic and pearl effect colours and three crystal effect paints, with roof sections in either black, brown, grey or red.

    Deliveries to German customers will begin in early 2013, with pricing starting at €88,500.
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  • MINI John Cooper Works GP officially revealed


    MINI has released details of the new John Cooper Works GP model ahead of its début at the Paris Motor Show (September 29 to 4 October 4).

    Powered by a tweaked version of the Cooper S turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, the GP has 160 kW (218 hp) and 260 Nm of torque, enough for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds and a 242 km/h (150 mph) top speed. A time of 8:23 minutes around the Nürburgring. That’s 19 seconds quicker than its predecessor and faster than cars such as Audi’s TTS Coupé and the Lotus Exige S. Good going for a vehicle capable of averaging 7.1 l/100 km (39.8 mpg imp).

    Also contributing to the GP’s performance is the aero package which consists of a larger front spoiler, aerodynamic shielding beneath the engine, an aggressive diffuser and bespoke carbon fibre rear wing that reduces lift forces at the rear axle by 90 per cent.

    Chassis enhancements include the introduction of 330 x 25 mm front brakes discs with six-piston calipers and 280 x 10 mm discs at the rear, along with an adjustable coilover suspension set-up and front and rear strut braces. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is combined with a special GP racing mode rather than the usual DTC, meaning that just ASC braking occurs instead of power reduction cutting in. The EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) software brakes the inside wheel while turning, and redirects that drive power to the outer wheel, which is making contact with the road, or track..

    Visually, the JCW GP is finished in exclusive Thunder Grey metallic with red mirror casings, bonnet scoop edging and air intakes in the front apron. ‘GP’ side stripes and rear badging, xenon headlights in black shells and lightweight alloy wheels derived from items on the MINI Challenge race cars. Measuring 7.5 x 17-inches, they come wrapped in 215/40 R17 sports rubber or standard-size 205/45 R17 tyres as an option. Moving inside, there’s a just pair of Recaro sports seats, thick-rimmed JCW leather steering wheel, chunky chrome gearknob, piano black trim, anthracite roof lining, rev counter and speedometer dials and that all-important Sport button.

    Once again, just 2,000 units will be built, with MINI UK announcing a price of £28,790 (€36,314).
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  • Three-door Golf VII surfaces on Volkswagen’s configurator


    Following on from Volkswagen’s reveal of its Golf VII model yesterday, the company has taken the unusual step of débuting the three-door version on its German website.

    Popping up on the site’s configurator, the range-topping Highline, pictured here, starts at €24.175, while lower down the food chain, the Comfortline cars begin at €18,925. If your budget won’t stretch that far the 1.2 TSI Trendline can be had for a measly €16,975.
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