« March 6, 2005 - March 12, 2005 | Main | March 20, 2005 - March 26, 2005 »
March 16, 2005
Porsche Panamera - more info and pics
The 4th model Porsche, the Porsche Panamera, is essentially a successor to the classic Porsche 928. It's a front engine with rear-wheel drive layout. It's also a 4 passenger car, unlike most other Porsches, excluding the non-sporty Cayenne.
Rumor has it that VW is looking to add a new rear-wheel drive model to its line-up, to fit it between the Passat and the Phaeton, and they may be in collaboration with Porsche on this project. Much like the Porsche Cayenne and the VW Touareg which share the same platform.
The Porsche Panamera will use the same engines offered for the Porsche Cayenne, which includes a 4.5L V8 with and without a turbo, producing 450 hp and 340 hp, respectively. In addition, there may be a 500+ hp model in the works.
The Panamera will be competing against other monster GT cruisers like the Mercedes CLS, BMW M5, Maserati Quattroporte, etc. Interestingly enough, the concept picture shows the Panamera with suicide doors, like on the Mazda RX8. But it's still early, as the concept isn't even due until this fall. And the release date isn't until 2008.
For more information refer to AutoWeek's article.
Photo courtesy of Autocar
Posted by Hubert at 2:12 AM | Comments (0)
Mazda MX-5 Limited
The new Mazda MX-5 (aka Miata) will be launched in the later part of 2005. At the same time, a limited edition Mazda MX-5 Limited will also be launched, with only 3,500 units worldwide. The Mazda MX-5 Limited will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on March 25th.
The MX-5 Limited will feature lots of chrome parts, to make it stand out from the standard model and make it look more fancy. It'll also come rolling in unique 17 inch aluminum alloy wheels with a silver finish. Like the standard MX-5, the MX-5 Limited will get the new 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, with 6-speed manual transmission as a standard option. The Limited edition MX-5 will also have unique exterior and interior color schemes.
It looks great, but I want the Mazdaspeed MX-5. I hope they don't wait until the end of the product cycle to make a Mazdaspeed version like they did with the last MX-5, the Miata. The Mazdaspeed Miata comes with a very responsive turbocharger which makes the already fun Miata even more fun.
Refer to FastDrive's article for more information.
Posted by Hubert at 1:54 AM | Comments (0)
Honda NSX-R GT
Honda has introduced a very limited and special version of the NSX-R called the NSX-R GT. The NSX-R isn't available in the US. It's basically a more sporty NSX. It has improved aerodynamics, better handling, more optimized engine for better response, larger wheels and brakes with wider tires, etc. Essentially like the Integra TypeR was to the regular Integra, or the Civic TypeR to the Civic.
The NSX-R GT further enhances the NSX-R, mostly on visuals. It has more exaggerated body parts with more air flow. All body panels are made from carbon fiber, for minimal weight and lots of strength and rigidity. It even has a F1 type air intake above the roof in the rear. Plus, it has a larger exhaust.
It's a shame that the NSX-R GT has basically the same exact performance as the NSX-R. Which is no slouch by any means. It has a 3.2L V6 making 280 hp. Recall that the US NSX makes 290 hp, which is more than the Japanese NSX-R. But I belive that's just the manufacturer's ratings to avoid having to raise the price of the car excessively. I think there are laws there that force car manufacturers to increase their prices if they exceed 276 hp. So in reality, I bet it makes more than 280 hp, but who knows.
Still, for such a hefty price, 357,700 Euros ($476,000), it's just not worth it. Even though it's very exclusive, with only 5 versions to be released. Shoot, I could buy 5 NSXs at that price and I'd still be pretty exclusive. Plus I'd have 5 times the power.
For information regarding the NSX-R refer to Honda's website. For more information about the NSX-R GT check out FastDrive's article.
Posted by Hubert at 1:20 AM | Comments (1)
March 15, 2005
Factory Five Racing GTM-200
Super car performance and looks for under $20,000?!!! That's the goal with the nearly finished Factory Five Racing GTM-200 Supercar. The GTM is a kit car and is planned to be launched in the summer of 2005.
The GTM uses a C5 Corvette V8 engine, a Porsche 911 transaxle (G-50), Wilwood brakes, among other parts from well known contributing companies. It weighs under 2200 lbs with all the fluids!!! This baby should easily accelerate 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, assuming it doesn't suffer from traction problems.
I'm personally very excited about this car, as it's not only affordable, it'll have great performance, and it should be fairly easy to maintain given the common parts and components used in the car (e.g. Corvette engine). I just hope it'll have a solid and reliable structure and it'll handle good.
Sources: Factory Five Racing and FastDrive.
Posted by Hubert at 12:14 AM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2005
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet released in the US
The new 997 body Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet models (convertibles) are now available for sale in the US. There's the 355 hp 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, and the more tame 325 hp 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
The convertible top of the Cabriolets is operated with the press of a button. In 20 seconds the top can be opened or closed, even while moving at up to 31 mph. The rear side windows can also be lowered when the top is down.
As compared to the previous 996s, the new 997s get more power, less weight, a stiffer structure, wider track, and bigger wheels. Not to mention various exterior visual changes, in particular the rounder front lights which make it look more like the 993 Porsches that we all loved.
The Carrera Cabriolet comes with the 3.6L 6-cylinder boxer engine, while the Carrera S Cabriolet comes with the 3.8L 6-cylinder boxer engine. Both engines feature VarioCam, Porsche's variable valve timing and lift technology.
Compared to the Carrera coupes, the Cabriolets weigh 187 lbs more (3263 lbs for Carrera Cabriolet and 3319 for Carrera S Cabriolet) due to the convertible top and all the mechanisms to operate it, in addition to safety features necessary for convertibles. This results in a slight increase in 0-60 mph times, but no changes to their top speeds, thanks to the effective aerodynamics of the Cabriolets.
911 Carrera Cabriolet specs:
engine: 3.6L 6-cylinder boxer
power: 325 hp @ 6800 rpm
torque: 273 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
0-60 mph (manual): 5.0 seconds
0-60 mph (Tiptronic S): 5.4 seconds
top speed (manual): 177 mph
top speed( Tiptronic S): 174 mph
911 Carrera S Cabriolet specs:
engine: 3.8L 6-cylinder boxer
power: 355 hp @ 6600 rpm
torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
0-60 mph (manual): 4.7 seconds
0-60 mph (Tiptronic S): 5.1 seconds
top speed (manual): 182 mph
top speed( Tiptronic S): 177 mph
For more information check out Porsche's website or AutoWeek's article.
Posted by Hubert at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)