German Car Scene

Month: September 2012

  • ‘Aesthetics S’ hints at future Mercedes-Benz S-Class


    Mercedes-Benz will be débuting its latest ‘Aesthetics S’ sculpture at this year’s Paris motor Show, offering a glimpse of future S-class models.

    The relief-like sculpture will be combined with an projection display later this month, utilizing light reflections to create a three-dimensional shape. The ‘Aesthetics S’ continues the company’s series of sculptures, following on from ‘Aesthetics No. 1’ (2010), ‘Aesthetics No. 2’ and ‘Aesthetics 125’ (both 2011). Previous versions of the S-Class, including the 189, 108, 126 and 221 series will also feature in the flowing sculpture, highlighting the visual impact of this iconic saloon throughout the decades.

    “The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always impressed with its timeless design, which has existed for decades and has always pointed the way ahead. The sculpture is a continuation of this, and sets the scene for the development of a new S-Class,” commented Head of Design, Gorden Wagener.
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  • 700 hp RENNtech CLS 63 AMG driven


    In this brand new episode of DRIVE, Matt Farah heads over to Florida to talk to Hartmut Feyhl about his respected tuning company, RENNtech, and to get behind the wheel of a 700 hp Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG. Beneath the hood of this particular animal, the 5.5-litre V8 has been treated to a pair of upgraded turbochargers, optimized ECU software and a new exhaust system.
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  • Mercedes-Benz SL 500 by Graf Weckerle


    Karlsruhe-based styling specialist Graf Weckerle has released details of its program for the current Mercedes SL-Class.

    Using a white 320 kW (435 hp) SL 500 as a base, Graf Weckerle has gone for a maritime theme by painting a Navy Blue coachline along the body, while the interior has been fully re-upholstered in the same colour leather with contrasting white stitching and piping. Embossed headrests and floor mats are a constant reminder of who carried out the work, while those crests on the seats have been created from 750 solid white gold and feature white enamelling detail.

    As with the Graf Weckerle’s Audi R8, this SL-Class has been fitted with multi-piece wheels from its new Collection Sport range with colour-coded centres. Sized 9.0 and 10.5 x 20 inches, they come wrapped in 255/30 R and 295/25 R tyres and wear hand-enamelled centre caps bearing that familiar crest. A set of lowering springs completes the proceedings.
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  • Opel Mokka engine options


    Opel has confirmed its initial engine options for the company’s stylish new Mokka SUV, which is due to go on sale next month.

    The petrol range begins with a entry-level Front-Wheel Drive 85 kW (115 hp) 1.6-litre engine, which is followed by a turbocharged 1.4 litre variant developing 103 kW (140 hp) and 200 Nm of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual and All-Wheel Drive as standard, it can return a combined figure of 6.4l/100 km.

    On the diesel side of things, the 1.7 litre CDTI, which produces 96 kw (130 hp) and 300 Nm of torque, consumes 4.5 litres of fuel every 100 kilometres in FWD guise with manual transmission, rising to 5.3 l/100 km on the automatic version. The 1.7 CDTI automatic variant aside, all models feature a Start/Stop system.

    Other standard features of note include Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control.
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  • Sky garages


    A skyscraper designer has come up with a solution to those pesky parking problems in Singapore by allowing owners to house their prized possessions in their very own living rooms. A biometrically-controlled lift at the base of Hamilton Parks, on swanky Orchard Road, scoops up the supercar and transports it up to a glass-fronted garage attached to your apartment. If you’re interested in living there, you’ll be needing between €7.6 and €19 million.
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  • RUF RGT-8 and Yellowbird driven


    Here’s Sport Auto’s Christian Gebhardt behind the wheel of the impressive RUF RGT-8. Powered by a RUF-designed lightweight 4.5-litre 90° 8-cylinder engine, the RGT-8 develops 410 kW (550 bhp) and 500 Nm of torque. The original CTR Yellowbird also came along for the ride. Yes, this narrow-bodied lightweight model, which develops 350 kW (469 hp) and 553 Nm, is the actual model from that iconic ‘Faszination’ video. The V8-engined 997 GT3-based car certainly sounds different. What do you think?
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