When Porsche introduced the Cayman in 2006, one thing was abundantly clear: Porsche had muzzled its midship coupe to prevent cannibalizing 911 sales. Despite a more favorable weight distribution and an unflappable chassis, the Cayman lacked the power to exploit its excellent underpinnings, even in "S" guise. So like its Boxster sibling, the Cayman was destined to play second fiddle to Porsche's iconic rear-engine flagship. From a business perspective, Porsche's decision made sense. For enthusiasts, it was yet another bitter pill from Zuffenhausen.

When the Cayman underwent a refresh, there was always hope that a turbocharged variant would be included in the line-up. Predictably, that never happened. So the Cayman continued to stand on the lower/middle rung of the Porsche ladder, offering less power and a lower price than the 911. The Cayman could dance. It just needed an extra bit of oomph.

That's where Mike Levitas comes in. Mike is the brains behind TPCRacing of Jessup, MD. Born of a family of automotive tinkerers, Mike spent most of his formative years learning about turbos and turning that knowledge to race cars – fast, reliable race cars that won championships. Like most other Porsche enthusiasts, Mike thought the Cayman could use more power. Turbocharged power. But unlike most of the marque's devotees, Mike made it happen.

Levitas began producing race cars back in the late Eightes, and over the course of the next decade and a half he managed the turbocharger programs for the Nissan 300ZX, Mazda RX7, Lotus Esprit and Consulier GTPs in the IMSA Supercar Series. Mike's background and advanced aeronautical training eventually led him to build some of the best Porsche race cars around. Porsche Club racing, Motorola Cup action, and a brief dip into Mercedes sedans eventually led him to the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series.

In 2000, TPCRacing began racing under its own banner, racking up more than 20 class wins (including one at Daytona in 2006) and an unprecedented 1-2-3-4 sweep of the driver's championship. The team was so dominant that the lead car during that championship season never missed a podium. With all of that race history as a test bed, TPC thought it was time to offer some of its accumulated wisdom to the masses.



TPCRacing is now known as one of the premier outlets for readying your Porsche for track duty. Turbochargers, suspension upgrades and computer reflashing are all available to professional and club racers. And for those who'd like a little more performance out of their daily drivers, TPCRacing has you covered in spades. While most of the company's work is devoted to 911s, TPC thought the Cayman needed a little something extra as well. They picked up a Guards Red 2006 Porsche Cayman S a couple of years ago and went to work.

The result is the TPCRacing Cayman S Turbo Kit. Producing around 485 horsepower, it's packing more ponies than – until recently – nearly any vehicle in Porsche's lineup, save the GT2. And that's only with 5.5-pounds of boost. With such a low amount of pressure, the turbo kit puts barely any additional stress on the stock internals of the 3.4-liter flat-six.



TPCRacing sells its Cayman Turbo Kit (with intercooler) for a buck less than ten grand. It includes nearly everything needed for installation: a cat-back exhaust, turbocharger, liquid-to-air intercooler, new intake plenum, all brackets/plumbing/fitting/hardware/clamps, upgraded injectors and custom silicone piping. The ECU needs to be shipped to TPC for reprogramming, but anyone with a fair amount of mechanical aptitude can do the installation. The total tab for our tester was about $12,000 according to the owner. Of course, he also went nuts with suspension, brakes, wheels, tires and body mods that more than doubled that figure.

A few extra bits are recommended by TPC, although they're not included in the kit. Pop for a set of GT3 spark plugs as well as the factory Porsche front-center radiator and associated ducting and brackets, and it will add around $750 to the tab. Tiptronic cars can skip that last item, as they're already equipped with the front-center radiator. The downside for Tiptronic owners is that the installation requires modifications to the transmission mounting brackets as well as relocating the transmission oil cooler.

TPC is also working on a non-intercooled Turbo Kit that eliminates the need for the liquid-to-air intercooler as well as the front center radiator and all the additional plumbing and water pump. Boost levels are a bit lower, but so is the price – an estimated $7,490.



We got a chance to sample the full-on intercooled turbo kit and, needless to say, it's like no Cayman we've met before. It's a mid-engine Jekyll and Hyde. In normal commuter duty the TPC drives exactly like any other Cayman on the road. That's to say it has near perfect handling, with some of the best brakes and most precise steering ever engineered into a road-going vehicle. But dip into that throttle a bit deeper and... whoosh! As if a giant hand dropped down from the sky and gave you a gentle shove, you're hurtled along into extra-legal speeds in seconds.

There's no drama, only a throatier roar from the exhaust that fades as the RPMs drop. Although not quite as transparent as the factory turbo setup in the 997 Turbo, it feels just as fast. The power is available at seemingly any RPM too. There's a progressive feel rather than the expected lag and burst of traditional tuner turbos – further proof that Mike and his crew know more than a thing or two about balancing linear performance and potent thrust.



Our seat time was all too brief, but it was more than enlightening. Levitas is a manic bit of energy, equal parts mad scientist and grassroots racer. Two of his customers, David and Kevin, happened to be computer engineers and even they were hard pressed to keep up with Mike's constant stream of technical babbling. The one thing they definitely picked up is Mike's passion for his work and ability to build an impeccably well-thought out and professional turbo kit.

Our sentiments and disappointments were echoed by several of Mike's customers. While most would prefer a factory Cayman Turbo, Porsche didn't build one. That left the door wide open for tuners and TPC happily stepped in to fill the void. For around $12,000 over the price of a Cayman, customers can have a unique, track-friendly daily-driver that's ready to trounce its rear-engine grandfather, while still costing less and retaining its reliability. That's a 400-hp formula we can get behind. Now we just need to start trolling Craigslist for used Caymans...

[Source: Autoblog]

sports cars

Porsche is not just known for performance cars, but also for a crack team of engineers (how else do you expect to get that kind of performance from six-cylinders?) So it’s no surprise that Porsche is in line to pick up a Tesla Roadster. Inside Line got the scoop from a Tesla spokesperson, "A Porsche senior engineer actually came over a few weeks back, and he was seriously analyzing the car in every detail."

Porsche is reportedly working on its own lithium-ion car, possibly to use on its own cars or offer to other makers through its engineering arm. One of the easiest ways to understand any technology is testing and reverse engineering successful technology, so there no telling what Porsche may do when its Tesla arrives.

Tuner Ruf has actually already assembled a 911 with ithium-ion battery power, but Porsche is doesn’t seem to be impressed with that car. Instead the German car company went shopping in California. But just like GM’s and Toyota’s Hyundai Genesis purchase, Porsche isn’t getting any special treatment. Tesla said Porsche is "pretty far down on the list of current orders."


[Source:Inside Line]

sports cars

After what seems to be about the last three decades of seeing spy photos of Porsche's first four-door super sedan, the Panamera, the car is now officially official. Porsche is calling this a four-door grand touring sports car rather than a coupe or sedan. According to the Stuttgart-based brand, the Panamera combines traditional Porsche dynamic behavior with a spacious interior and GT comfort. Unfortunately, they seem to have left an attractive shape out of the equation. Any hopes we had that the Panamera would look better when the camouflage was removed have been quickly dashed.

Power for the Panamera will come from a range of V6 and V8 engines that will likely mirror the Cayenne lineup. The engines will run from a paltry 300 horsepower up to the 500-hp unit from the Cayenne Turbo. Both naturally aspirated and turbo models will be included, with most using direct fuel injection. Getting the power to the wheels will be a choice of six-speed three-pedal gearbox or a seven-speed dual clutch unit. All-wheel drive will be an option on top of the standard rear-wheel drive, as well. At some point, probably sometime later in 2010-11, a hybrid variant will also debut. There's no word on whether Porsche will add the 3.0L diesel V6 now appearing in the Cayenne to the Panamera, but production starts next spring for a summer on-sale date.

[Source: Porsche]

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Porsche made it all official today. New European regulations that result in tax credits for diesel vehicles have spurred the automaker to drop an oil-burner under the hood of the Cayenne starting in February, 2009. Audi's 3.0L TDI V6 gets the call and will give the Cayenne diesel 240 horsepower, a peak torque rating of 405 lb-ft and a 25 mpg fuel economy number. The all-important (in Europe) CO2 emissions number is 244 g/km. There are no visual indicators to distinguish the diesel from the gas-powered base Cayenne. You have to look under the hood, where the engine cover is emblazoned with "3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel Injection" if you're hell-bent on finding some branding.

Porsche 3.0 V6 Turbo DieselWhile the diesel Cayenne is a Europe-only model for now, Porsche pretty much says that other markets and countries are to follow. Will that include us? Who knows. You can bet that Stuttgart's going to keep tabs on how well Mercedes' new Bluetec trucks and Audi's forthcoming U.S.-market Q7 TDI do in the States before it makes a decision. We don't see them shipping over the Cayenne diesel unless it's pretty clear that it'll find an audience.


[Source: Porsche]

SUV

Alongside the facelifted Cayman and Boxster, Porsche brought this gorgeous 1955 550 RS Spyder owned by none other than car nut Jerry Seinfeld. While we love the silver in which we usually see this car painted, the light blue really makes it stand out. The 550 Spyder holds a special place in the hearts of Porsche fans, giving the make its first overall win back in the 1956 Targa Florio. Just 70 examples were produced, making it one of the most valuable Porsches, as well. Power comes from a 1.5L air-cooled aluminum flat-4 producing 110 horsepower and 88.5 lb-ft torque. That might not sound like much, but the motor only had to push around a mere 1,213 lbs.

Porsche

Even as the industry swirls in turmoil, Porsche continues to offer hope to enthusiasts as they relentlessly increase performance without sacrificing efficiency. For 2009, Porsche has given the Boxster and Cayman a mild facelift, along with updating the interior and accessories. More importantly, and following in the footsteps of the 911 Carrera PDK, all 2009 Cayman and Boxster models are also offered with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission (aka PDK). Mated to the new transmission are two significantly reworked engines featuring direct injection. The result is more power, and improved fuel economy (we shouldn't fail to mention that the PDK accelerates faster than the six-speed manual). Porsche is offering two engines in 2009. The standard engine is a 2.9-liter flat-six rated at 255 hp. The "S" models are fitted with a more powerful 3.4-liter sending 310 hp to the gearbox. Like the Carrera, go-fast options on the sporty mid-engine two-seaters include active suspension (PASM) and ceramic brakes (PCCB). Look for both to arrive in showrooms in early 2009.

Porsche

For Porsche Cayenne GTS owners who wish they would've opted for the forced induction 'ute, edo competition has come up with a performance and styling package that helps close the gap between the two models. The German tuner adds another 45 horsepower through the use of high-flow cats, a performance air filter, and a recalibration of the ECU. As a result, the Cayenne GTS is capable of reaching 60 mph in a mere 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. Handling and braking is improved with massive 15-inch, six-piston front brakes and an adjustable sport suspension. Other upgrades include 22-inch forged wheels, power dome hood, a new front fascia, and a variety of interior options.

[Source: edo competition]

SUV

2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid will be arriving after a few more days. It will carry a $21,000 premium over the V6 Porsche Cayenne, but for your $67,700 you will hold onto the performance and gain a economical help. The six cylinder supercharged, 333 horsepower with the help of battery does 0 - 60 in 6.1 seconds and it gives 25 miles per gallon. In addition, you will get a max speed of 37 mph in electric operation.

Porsche

Porsche started a search for the oldest model in the country, in August, on Porsche's 60th anniversary in America. Porsche announced the winner: Dr. Robert Wilson's rejuvenated 1952 Strawberry Red 356 Cabriolet and its 60 horsepower, 1.5 liter tail-mounted engine. This car was brought by Max Hoffman, who also, in 1950 brought Porsche to the country.



Richard Brumme has an even older Porsche, which was brought but not sold here. A blue 1950 356 Cabriolet, according to Porsche it was one of the first produced car.

Porsche

With the 911 looking largely the same for the past 46 years, the Cayenne looking the way that it does, and the new Panamera greeted with mixed reviews (at best), it should come as no surprise that there are others interested in taking a crack at designing the next Porsche. Especially since the next one down the wind tunnel could very well be a roadgoing supercar based on the RS Spyder prototype racer to succeed the Carrera GT... one of the best Porsche design in decades.

What you see here is the vision of Iranian designer Emil Baddal, who appears to have blended some unmistakable Zuffenhausen DNA with a sort of Veyron-esque profile. Which isn't so far fetched when you consider that Porsche and Bugatti now fall under the same umbrella. Baddal hasn't issued any theoretical powertrain specifications to go with his design, so we'll just have to imagine them on our own.

[Source: Emil Baddal on Designerspace via CarScoop]

sports cars

You can tell pretty much everything you need to know about the Porsche 911 Speedster just by looking at it. It's a 911, which means it's got a flat-six engine in the ass-end and it's got... ahem, classical styling, for better or for worse. We'll just go ahead on record right now and say that it's not nearly as pretty as the original 356 Speedster it's meant to evoke, but what is?

Moving on, there are 408 horsepower from the 3.8-liter engine driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK, of course, we just like typing the full name) dual-clutch transmission. The run to 60 is dispatched in 4.6 seconds and the top speed is just shy of 190.

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Nestled in between Porsche's perennial favorite 911 Carrera S and audacious 911 GT3 is the automaker's latest creation – the 911 Carrera GTS. It features the slightly wider body of the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 models, but only delivers its power to the rear wheels. Speaking of power, Porsche has upgraded the 3.8-liter flat-six to crank out 408 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and with added visual bits like 19-inch RS Spyder wheels and SportDesign front and rear fascias, this is indeed the middle child 911 that we'd be happy to live with.

The 911 Carrera GTS is making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, and we've snagged some live shots of both the coupe and cabriolet under the auto show lights.

sports cars

When we look at the 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, it's hard not to slip away to daydreams of blasting around the Nürburgring channeling Walter Röhrl the whole time. After all, this is Porsche's most powerful 911 yet (that's still street legal!), boasting 620 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six. Getting to 60 miles per hour takes just 3.4 seconds and you'll be doing 205 mph flat out.

All of this goodness plus some matte carbon fiber bodywork and a red Alcantara interior can be yours for $245,000. The line forms to the right.

sports cars

The seriously limited edition Porsche 911 Sport Classic -- for Porsche, at least -- makes our nostalgic tails wag, even though the gray exterior color is difficult to pin down and we couldn't get over the feeling when we checked out the Espresso-hued internals that we were looking at an entirely different car.

Even after all that, though, we weren't put off: what could have been a regrettable voyage to schmaltzy contrivances actually shapes up with modern purpose. Buyers can expect to be enchanted by vented tail, booming exhaust pipes, and Fuchs wheels, and more than adequately propelled by the 403 hp out back. The appreciation on its €169,300 ($240,702 USD) purchase price began yesterday.

sports cars

The 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo differs from the Six Million Dollar Man in one crucial way; while it's better, faster, stronger, it can also be much, much yellower if you prefer. However, the last thing you want to be is yellow if you plan to explore the Turbo's capabilities. These 500 hp respond best to firm commands, the new Porsche Torque Vectoring responds to firm inputs, and the Coupe's $132,800 price tag ($143,800 for the Cab) respond to a bank account with the firmest of foundations. Perhaps our favorite thing about the car: no gas guzzler tax. That's hot for so many reasons. Not to diss yellow, but we'll stick with a manual black-on-black Coupe with the center-lugged wheels. The one on the Frankfurt show floor wouldn't be a problem, either.

sports cars

Yes, we made fun of the GT3 RS's pink lips when we saw the PR shots. But in person the Guards Red accents look, well, Guards Red. However, even in these hot off the show floor photos, Guards Red comes off pink against the slate gray body. So, the photos are tinted pink, but trust us, in reality they ain't. Got it? Good! Now, as for the rest of the car, it's truly, incredibly wonderful.

Now more than ever we wish we were fabulously wealthy, because we would so buy this car. From the carbon fiber seats to the built in roll cage to those intensely sexy wheels, we're just smitten. Big time, wreck your life, drain your 401K, run-off-to-Argentina-with-your-mistress-at-the-expense-of-your-family-and-political-career smitten. To refresh your memory banks a bit, the new RS has a 3.8-liter flat-six that pumps out 450 naturally aspirated horses. And it only comes with a stick, which makes it that much dreamier. Plus, for the hardcore amongst you, there's the optional lithium-ion battery that saves 22 pounds

PRESS RELEASE:

Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.

The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.

Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car's handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use.

Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track.

To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.

The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.

The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system.

The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.

sports cars

Quick trivia question: what automaker was the first to build a hybrid? Did you guess Honda or Toyota? Interestingly, a full 109 years ago, Professor Ferdinand Porsche built a fully functional hybrid automobile, though it was certainly a much different animal compared to the Prius and Insight hatchbacks of 2010. In any case, Porsche is looking to enter the hybrid and electric automobile market in a big way just as soon as battery technology will allow it.

Porsche's opening salvo in the eco-wars will be the full hybrid Cayenne and Panamera models, probably in late 2010 as 2011 models, but there's more to come. Speaking at a press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Michael Macht, Porsche's recently-appointed president and CEO, says:

I am also convinced that one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in its line-up... We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid – in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?

Recent spy photos indicate that Porsche may already be well into the development phase of its electric 911 program, so this news doesn't exactly come as a shock. Still, while Porsche is just talking about eco-friendly sportscars in press releases at Frankfurt, rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are busy showing off their own factory concepts

PRESS RELEASE:

Porsche Says It Is Working on Alternative Powered Sports Car

New CEO unveils four new high-powered 911s and hints at future hybrid and electric vehicles at Frankfurt Auto Show

ATLANTA, September 15, 2009 - Speaking publicly for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Porsche's new president and CEO, Michael Macht, revealed that Porsche is considering and working hard on an electric-powered sports car that would meet the high demands of the Porsche brand.

"I am also convinced that one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in its line-up," said Macht at the company's press conference today. While he cautioned that so far the available battery technology is not "sufficient to meet Porsche's strict requirements," he said "our engineers are already working hard on this challenge."

"An electric sports car would therefore only make sense for Porsche if it offers performance and a cruising range similar to that of current sports cars in the market," he said. "We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid – in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?"

Macht pointed out that Porsche has a long legacy with hybrid technology as it was exactly 109 years ago that Professor Ferdinand Porsche built the first fully functioning car with hybrid technology.

Speaking about Porsche's newest model, Macht said the new Panamera Gran Turismo is already generating thousands of orders just three days after its market launch in Europe.

The highly anticipated Panamera represents Porsche's fourth model line and is the brand's first-ever four-door sports car. It goes on sale in the U.S. on October 17, 2009.

"Although the car has only been at the dealership for three days, we already have 4,500 orders for the Panamera, most of them from customers who have not even seen the car yet," he said Macht. "And since test drives for customers have only just started, sales of the Panamera are already making a very positive start."

Another highlight of the press conference at Frankfurt was Porsche's presentation of its new 2010 911 Turbo, the flagship of the venerable 911 range.

"The 911 Turbo is the spearhead in innovation throughout Porsche's complete range of sports cars. It has been successful in the market for 35 years, accounting throughout this period for almost 80,000 units sold worldwide," said Macht.

Premiering alongside the venerable Turbo will be a series of asphalt-burning 911s, including the 911 GT3 RS, and its race ready sibling the 911 GT3 Cup car.

Porsche also took the wraps off its limited-edition 911 Sport Classic at the Frankfurt show, marking a return to the tradition of occasionally issuing ultra-exclusive production cars. The Sport Classic will not be offered in the U.S. Production will be strictly limited to 250 units.

Follow us: www.twitter.com/PorscheNewsWire and www.facebook.com/Porsche

Note: Photos of the new 911s and Panamera are available to accredited journalists on the Porsche Press Database at press.porsche.com - Footage is available to registered users at http://thenewsmarket.com/porsche.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 202 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful brand in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars, Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the U.S. and soon the four-passenger Panamera, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.

sports cars

Proving once again that you really can’t have too much of a good thing, Porsche is unveiling a new flavor of 911 at this year’s Paris Auto Show. The Carrera GTS will be available in both coupe and convertible body styles, and will slot in just above the Carrera S in Porsche’s lineup.

The GTS sports an additional 23 horsepower from its 3.8 liter flat-six motor, thanks to a modified intake tract and exhaust. The motor is now good for 408 horsepower, but torque remains unchanged at 310 ft lbs. The good news is that peak torque arrives some 200 RPM lower than on the Carrera S, so the GTS should still pull harder to redline than it’s lower priced sibling. Porsche claims a 0 to 100 kph (62 miles per hour) time of just 4.2 seconds, which makes the GTS one tenth of a second quicker than the Carrera S. Top speed also goes up by 2 miles per hour on the GTS, which is now said to be good for 190 mph.

The Carrera GTS will be available with both six speed manual and Porsche’s PDK double clutch automatic transmissions. The car will be launched in the EU first, and is expected to hit dealer showrooms by the end of this year. You can expect to see it in U.S. Porsche dealer showrooms some in Q1 2011.

sports cars

Hot on the heels of introducing its latest 911 Turbo model, Porsche has unveiled details and photos of its 2010 911 GT3 RS. The new model gets a host of upgrades that should make it even more potent, including an additional horsepower from a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six (previously 3.6-liter) that brings total output to 450 bhp –15 more than its GT3 counterpart. As expected, power is routed through a six-speed manual transmission with shorter ratios than the one in the GT3.

Handling has been further improved with a purpose-built PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) suspension, a wider track both front and rear made possible by larger wheel arch covers, and dynamic engine mounts that are able to adjust their stiffness and damping effect depending on driving conditions.

For the exterior, the new RS is by far the most outrageous looking car Porsche has ever built with large-and-in-charge graphics, revised front and rear fascias consistent with Porsche's current design themes, and a new carbon fiber rear wing mounted on aluminum supports. Lowering weight was also a priority, and the new GT3 RS gets an optional lithium-ion battery that saves 22 pounds over the standard unit and a lightweight titanium exhaust system. Pricing is listed as $132,800 for the U.S., with an official introduction coming at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

[Source: Porsche]

PRESS RELEASE:

Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.

The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.

Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car's handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use.

Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track.

To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.

The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.

The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system.

The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.

sports cars

First, there was the Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition, soon followed by the Gemballa Mirage GT Gold Edition. And now, there's a third version that's just slightly different on the outside, but it's the one we'd buy if we had a spare Porsche Carrera GT, an extra $300k in an off-shore account and an economy that didn't put the kibosh on conspicuous consumption -- or we lived in Dubai. Behold, the Gemballa Mirage GT Matte Edition.

It's everything that the other Mirage GT Editions boast -- 3.7-second 0-to-60, 208 mph top speed, 670 horses -- but it's nasty, as in Doom on Wheels, with nothing but silver accents over light-eating black paint. A shame about the blue-on-blue alcantara interior, though.

sports cars