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German Car Blog, Performance, Tuning, Motorsport, and Modification News
Published on 09-06-2012 07:50 PM
Here is a very cool release from GIAC who just released software to tweak the 250Q DSG transmissions such as those found in the MKVI GTI and the GLI. The software is available in two stages. The first of which is obviously more mild but provides smoother clutch engagement, launch control set at 3400 rpm, and a remapped sport mode which will hold gears longer and also protects over the transmission overheating. ...Published on 09-06-2012 06:41 PM
Ok, follow on this one folks. Even though the new 4 Series designation is for two door cars the Gran Coupe version having four doors will under the 4 Series name because it is said to be a four door "coupe." Somewhat make sense? Regardless as the 6 Series Gran Coupe has been very well received and is a stunning design BMW hopes to repeat the success on a smaller scale using the 3 Series platform. ...Published on 09-06-2012 03:49 PM
Here is the new and absolutely stunning Audi RS5 convertible. The specs read exactly the same as the RS5 coupe which starts at $68,900 so expect a premium on top of that for the drop top. Not going to be cheap but it will come with a 450 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 with an 8500 RPM redline fed through a 7-Speed dual clutch gearbox. The all wheel drive is capable of distributing the power 40:60 front to rear. ...Published on 09-06-2012 04:12 AM
Here is a superb road test from the magazine Autocar where they compare the new C63 Black Series Coupe to the 997.2 GT3 RS 3.8. Now they absolutely adore the car awarding 4.5 out of 5 stars. The only knocks on it really are its fuel consumption (who cares at this price point?) and its weight. The weight criticism is valid with the car at just slightly over 4,000 pounds. For a track special that certainly is a heavyweight especially in comparison to the svelte GT3 RS 3.8. ...Published on 09-06-2012 02:55 AM
Now the new Porsche 991 Carrera S is a highly impressive piece of machinery. Porsche basically made the Carrera S as quick as the 997 GT3 as the PDK model was able to do a Nurburgring laptime in the same amount of time as the updated 997.2 GT3. Tiff Needell uses the 7-Speed manual version of the 991 Carrera S versus the GT3 which is considerably slower than its 991 Carrera S PDK counterpart. ...Published on 09-06-2012 02:30 AM
The thought was we would all have to wait a bit before we would see the three door or coupe version of the new Golf VII. Well, Volkswagen actually intentionally or accidentally leaked these images themselves on their German website through their Golf configurator. The three door version looks just as good albeit sportier than its five door sibling. Now if we could get pictures of the Golf VII GTI and the upcoming Golf R model already. ...Published on 09-05-2012 10:30 PM
Mansory is known for extravagant and expensive body kits. Their W204 C-Coupe offering is no different and certainly over the top. There are aspects of it that still look good while being aggressive such as the carbon fiber vented hoot and the carbon fiber trunk spoiler. Unfortunately, the other pieces detract from what could be a classy upgrade. The rear diffuser is not bad but we have to wonder what the person who designed the exhaust tips was thinking. ...Published on 09-05-2012 08:30 PM
We knew the upgraded S63tu (technical update) Twin Turbo 4.4 liter V8 in the F10 M5 would be stronger than the standard S63 Twin Turbo V8 4.4 liter units in the X5M and X6M even accusing BMW of sandbagging. We just did not think it would be this much stronger. We first reported on the differences between the S63 V8's in the M SUV's and the F10 M5 in June of last year and the M5 S63tu V8 has higher compression at 10.0:1 versus 9.3:1 and runs more boost at 22 psi versus 17 psi for the SUV's. ...Published on 09-05-2012 06:03 AM
As reported in March of this year, the GLK would receive a facelift for the 2013 model year. This facelift included minor styling changes but most exciting was the updated 3.5 V6 motor under the hood. The GLK350 would go from the M272 3.5 liter V6 with 268 horsepower to the direct injected M276 3.5 liter V6 with 302 horsepower and start/stop technology. Car and Driver got their hands on the new GLK350 in rear wheel drive and 4Matic all wheel drive and here are their results. ...Published on 09-05-2012 02:22 AM
Insideline did a quick test video of the USA TT-RS. Our version only comes in 6-speed manual which is a bit of a bummer as the DSG would no doubt put up quicker numbers. Insideline managed to hit 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and the 1/4 mile came in a rather disappointing 13.0@105.6. They were testing on a very hot summer day in Southern California with what appeared to be a VBOX so one should keep that in mind. ...Published on 09-05-2012 02:11 AM
Well, only two races are left in the 2012 ALMS season. Those two races being the Virginia International Raceway 240 on September 15th and the Petit Le Mans on October 20th. Porsche scored a large victory at this past weekends Baltimore GP with factory drivers Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler taking the victory. Chevy and Ferrari finished in 2nd and 3rd respectively to round out the top 3 and Porsche inched closer to second place BMW in the standings. ...Published on 09-04-2012 11:53 PM
Here we have three runs between a Cobb Stage 2 tuned BMW 335i and a tuned Boss Mustang from a stop. The first run has both cars approaching a light and the Boss gets on it first and pulls steadily away. On the second run there appears to be some miscommunication during the honks and the 335i gets a large jump with the Boss being unable to run it down. The third run seems to be the cleanest with a nice launch from the 335i but the Boss makes up ground before the 335i lets off. ...Published on 09-04-2012 11:36 PM
Here is a comparison video pitting three very fast luxury sedans against one another from a stop and from a roll. The cars are a tuned W221 S65 AMG (Wheelsandmore Stage 2 tune ~720 horsepower) and two stock cars in a Jaguar XJL Supersport and Porsche Panamera Turbo (with a Techart body kit). On paper the advantage is clearly in the favor of the S65 AMG which has much more power and torque versus either car but is the heaviest of the group. ...Published on 09-04-2012 05:10 PM
It is getting harder and harder to be a BMW fan. When the controversial decision was made for BMW to leave Formula 1 it was justified using the economic downturn as the reasoning. BMW profits are up, they are selling more cars than ever, and they have money to spare. Unfortunately that money is going to the BMW "i" brand and into new GT models instead of the top level of Motorsport. BMW seems content with ALMS and DTM and rules out any return to Formula 1 at this time. ...Published on 09-04-2012 04:50 PM
Well here it finally is, the new MKVII Volkswagen Golf. The exterior is not ground breaking or radical simply a nice evolution. The tailights are a bit more aggressive as well as the headlights with their edgy angles. The interior is a major upgrade with a modern and simple cabin. As reported previously, this new model is lighter, roomier, wider, and more efficient. The official reveal is set to take place shortly so more details will be coming in. ...Published on 09-04-2012 02:55 AM
Here is another titanium exhaust system from Agency power this time for the Porsche Panamera Turbo. The full system includes a high flow center pipe, mufflers, and 76mm exhaust tips. The entire weight of the system is only 28 pounds with 14 pounds of that weight coming from the mufflers, impressively light. A lifetime warranty is included showing that they stand by the system which is a great value at $3,500. ...Published on 09-04-2012 01:11 AM
Volkswagen as of late has seemed to buy just about any and every automotive manufacturer in sight. The latest rumor was that they would be acquiring Lotus. All of this after finalizing the Porsche takeover, picking up Ducati, and acquiring heavy truck maker MAN. Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn stated, “We have enough to do at the moment in taking our twelve brands to where we want to be." ...Published on 09-03-2012 09:37 PM
The 2013 Audi RS5 is an absolutely gorgeous vehicle that we are thrilled Audi decided to bring to the USA. The old 4.2 liter FSI V8 was upgraded and now puts out 450 horses revving to a very impressive 8500 RPM. This power routed through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission is good enough to get it to a 12.5@110 in the 1/4 mile or in other words similar quickness to an E92 M3 DCT from a stop but likely still slightly slower from a roll on the top end. ...Published on 09-03-2012 06:40 PM
This is a very large development in the world of Motorsport with the American Le Mans series and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car series set to merge. Speed reports that the two will race under a single banner as early as the 2014 race season. Questions arise as to how the rules will change and what cars/classes will compete. It would seem GRAND-AM will be the sanctioning body and classes from both will merge together. ...Published on 09-03-2012 06:10 PM
Rejoice W211 E55 and 55 AMG fans, the day is finally here. We first announced that this upgrade was being developed in December of last year and as usual Weistec diligently worked on it and delivered as promised. The 3.0 liter supercharger upgrade is officially on the market. There are several advantages to the 3.0 liter twin screw versus the factory 2.1 liter namely in the areas of efficiency and heat management which is vital for a positive displacement application. ...
Today, 09:56 PM