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FROM GERMANY: the Autobahn Will Not Stay as it is Much Longer

S4cabriofoxone submitted on 2/6/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 9:34:09 PM

22 user comments | Category: Rumors | Source: | SOURCE: www.edmunds.com

Tag Links: Germany, Cars, Speed

BERLIN — German car enthusiasts breathed a sigh of relief over the weekend as German Chancellor Angela Merkel backed measures to retain open speed limits on the country's autobahns.

She is holding fast against criticism from the European Union suggesting Germany is lagging behind in efforts to reduce ozone-depleting emissions.

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FROM GERMANY: the Autobahn Will Not Stay as it is Much Longer

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S4cabriofoxone

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— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)


User Comments

kart1

First off: Damn Environmentalists!

Germany needs its Autobahns to have the unrestricted zones available, because simply there is nothing else that reminds people of Germany. Autobahn limitless speeding is the major thing that people remember and something that people look forward to. So Germany keep them open just to have the privelege to say that you have no speed limits.

And to end:

Damn Environmentalists!

— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 2:04:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

tundraboy

Those damn environmentalists! I so wanted the bald eagle to go extinct. Damn them for getting DDT banned. Also, those forests and national parks, they're just a blight on the landscape. I want to see barren, grey vistas all around. Where are the smokestacks belching black fumes into the atmosphere? Where are the hazy toxic clouds to blanket our cities? Doesn't anyone realize that those are the marks of truly advanced civilizations?

— tundraboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 10:41:40 AM | | Votes: 1   

Heyhuub

Frickin Treehuggers!

— Heyhuub (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 3:32:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

pchera01

I want to drive there one day

— pchera01 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 3:51:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

AUTO_UNION

Autobahn rocks. Last summer I was driving there about 260km/h and there were many people who were driving faster than me. And all the time i could see competing BMW and Audi drivers against each other.

— AUTO_UNION (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 3:58:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Willis

That must have been one "fast" car if you were driving 260 km/h...

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 4:24:07 AM | | Votes: 4   

jeffy210

Willis,

Not really, any stock 5-series, A6 or E-Class and above is capable of doing 155mph in Germany. I managed to get a 530i up to 160 (albeit on a slight hill) with absolutely no argument from the engine.

German cars are designed specifically to be run at their max speed while still maintaining ride and comfort. (another point my fiance's 330i had no trouble running consistently at 220 km/h... damn limiter).

Speaking of limiters, unlike American limiters/governors it does not cut the fuel supply at a specific speed causing the roller coaster speed problem, it just locks you at that speed, the engine is quite capable of more.

— jeffy210 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 11:00:49 AM | | Votes: 4   

Willis

...any stock 5-series, A6 or E-Class...


A base model 520i or E200 Kompressor will not be capable of 260 km/h. The same applies to the various diesel models. Most German cars are limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) anyway, unless you're driving a Porsche or Volkswagen performance car (they didn't sign the gentleman's agreement).

Most rentals are diesels or smaller engined gasoline models. Perhaps Auto Union got his speed wrong, but 260 km/h is pretty much impossible for those rental cars to achieve.

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 12:05:17 PM | | Votes: 4   

ryaajus

I really miss Germany. I was in Frankfurt. I always had to go outside of the city to drive fast. I remember a lot of traffice then (1991) but I can imagine it's worst now. People here in the US think you can drive as fast as you want anywhere on the autobahn.

— ryaajus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 9:53:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

AUTO_UNION

That was somewhere between Augsburg and Munich. A long streight line. And there was a lot of traffic, guess I was lucky.

— AUTO_UNION (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 5:13:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Willis

Yes, but 260 km/h is a very high speed and most rental cars etc. are not even capable of that speed. Forgive me, but I am just a little skeptical.

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 6:17:52 AM | | Votes: 1   

ryaajus

Willis, I lived outside of Frankfurt for 4 years and I drove 220kmh on a regular basis outside of the city. I don't understand the skepticism. You must have never been to Germany...I was driving an old Mercedes 300 with a column shift 4 or 5 speed...It's been so long (1991) I can't remember the year fo the Mercedes. I would do 220k-260k and the car would feel like it's doing 55mph...and yes...some people passed by me...in the city there are speed limits but once you hit the country...free sailing...you have to realize that American versions always have governors to limit your speed but the european versions don't.

— ryaajus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 9:50:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Willis

Yes, a Mercedes 300 can crack the 125 mph+ barrier, but what about a 200D or a 250D or those 300D's they have over in Europe? ;-)

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 12:18:45 PM | | Votes: 2   

Shredmo

For the Americans on this site, 260kph is roughly 161mph. I have driven a passenger sedan at 150mph, and due to sheer wind resistence, I can assure you, no matter the vehicle, it will be nothing like traveling at 55mph. A german car may be better suited for this task than any other made in the world, but please.

— Shredmo (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 11:00:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

rg12345

I just did around 160mph with my A4 2.0T a few weeks ago .. The limiter was removed (chip programming) and I was able to pass the 130mph limiter I used to have before. There is almost no feeling while driving in straight line at any speed, at least in my car. Although I would take my chance on the easiest turn at that speed. I just don't trust my car at that speed. But I usually commute at about 120-130mph (when street is empty).

Si if the small 2.0T Audi engine can do 150+ easily, I don't see why with a heavier car (with bigger engine) you would have any problems(like A6/A8,5/7 series, E/S class .. etc).

I remember doing 235KM/h (about 145mph) for 20 minutes straight SEVERAL TIMES with a 2001 C Class. It's all just about the traffic and the street you are. If it's crowded there is no reason passing everybody with double the speed, unless you wanna kill somebody.

— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 11:59:31 AM | | Votes: 1   

ryaajus

what I meant was it was a smooth ride..no shaking..but fast....you couldn't tell that you were going that fast..Not sure if you've ever driven in a luxury automobile or not, so you might not know. Hell, I say the same thing about my S430 and my Q45...when I'm traveling, I always have to catch myself. I look down and I'm doing 100.

— ryaajus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 12:28:39 PM | | Votes: 1   

KoruKinshi

The autobahn won't be the same? The hell it won't be the same! I need to visit Germany before they kill the lack of speed limits there too! It's bad enough that Montana killed it.

— KoruKinshi (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 3:10:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Carboy

F**K YOU DAMN TREEHUGGERS!!

— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 4:55:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

trd1

This really sucks, because i wanted to drive on the Autobahn one day. its like one of those things to do before I die. lol

— trd1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 5:39:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

no1listensanyway

Don't worry im sure Dubai will supplement the world with an even better autobahn.

— no1listensanyway (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2007 6:16:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

scottmann911

As for the comment from (cawimmer430) larger BMW's and Mercedes' are rare in Germany......That is not true! I have spent 13 of the last 15 years over here with the US Army. I have and continually drive my Euro Spec 540IL. What is actually true and I hope is what he/she was referring to is that not too many Germans prefer to drive those cars due to fuel economy and gas prices. Besides, with todays technology it is not uncommon for a smaller diesel engine with a turbo to pass me on the autobahn! Even when I cruise 260kmh I will still get passed!

The funniest thing ever was when I brought my 1990 Mustang Saleen over here and got passed by an Escort! Somewhat shocked I then made the switch to Euro Cars!!!

Don't get me wrong....I still have an american vehicle. I have a JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005) that hates the autobahn. Once I get to 85mph it shakes like I've got mud tires on. And it only gets around 11-13 miles to the gallon!

But if you really want to experience the autobahn....You need to buy you a crotch rocket (sport bike) and let it go. I have been up to speeds in excess of 200mph and have still been passed by other vehicles......S600/ GT4S DB9 and some Mazzerati's!

As for Shredmo, I to commute on a daily basis in excess of 150mph. I leave at 0500 every morning from Wiesbaden to work in Hanau which is roughly 35 miles. I can make it in 20 minutes which includes some bundes strasses (secondary roads). And yes there is a difference at that speed. YOU GET THERE FASTER!

— scottmann911 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/23/2007 7:27:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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