Porsche Boxster Spyder - Sport Car Pictures

Porsche Boxster Spyder - Porsche’s current cool 2 seater roadster car, the Boxster is to get a performance makeover for the final few years of its life when a light and fast hardcore version called the Boxster Spyder hits UK car showrooms. The Porsche Boxster Spyder, revealed in these official Porsche pictures below, will make its motor show debut at next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show, before going on sale in the UK in February 2010. 

 

 

Based on the current cool car that is the Boxster S, the Spyder gets modest power and torque hikes over the Boxster S, running instead the same 3.4-litre engine and tune as the current Cayman S, which develops 315bhp at 7200rpm and 273lb ft at 4750rpm.

Contributing just as greatly to this car’s improved performance will be the weight-saving regime Porsche has put it though. The Spyder is 80kg lighter than a regular Boxster S, and its 247bhp-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio compares impressively to that of a regular Boxster S (227bhp-per-tonne), a Cayman S (233bhp per tonne) - even an entry-level 911 Carrera (241bhp-per-tonne).

 

 

There are signs of that weight-saving programme all over this car. Up front, the regular Boxster’s daytime running lights and fog lamps have been removed and blanked off. At the rear, the car’s automatic roof system has been completely taken out, replaced with a lighter, manually-operated canopy-style roof and new “double-bubble” style rear deck.

Porsche’s weight-saving programme leaves an equally noticeable legacy inside the Spyder’s cabin. A pair of lighter and more supportive bucket seats take the place of the standard Boxster S’ chairs, and belt-like door pulls replace the regular car’s interior doorhandles. There is no air conditioning as standard and no CD/radio, although buyers will be able to option these systems. The car does feature electric door mirrors and electric windows.

Equipped with Porsche PDK double-clutch gearbox and Sport Chrono Plus package (which includes the all-important launch control), the Boxster Spyder will crack 62mph from launch in just 4.8sec – two tenths of a second quicker than a standard S. It’s slightly more fuel efficient than a Boxster S too, although because its roof must be removed for top speed runs, it has a higher co-efficient of drag and a slightly more modest top speed of 166mph.

The Boxster Spyder’s chassis will have a more focussed, sporting specification and set-up than a Boxster S’, although exact details on that remain to be confirmed. Expect a lower ride height, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, and fixed rate dampers weighing less per corner than Porsche’s sophisticated PASM dampers.

Exterior design flourishes unique to the Boxster Spyder include restyled air intakes in its front valance and on its flanks, a new high-level brake light at the rear and an extended rear spoiler. On the inside, a body-coloured transmission tunnel and fascia accent set the car apart.

Carscoop’s A-to-Z Guide to the 2012 Detroit Motor Show

Every year, the first major international auto show takes place on American soil: it’s the North American International Auto Show, or NAIAS as it is more commonly known, and it’s located right in the heart of the U.S. automotive industry, Detroit.

It’s only natural, therefore, for domestic manufacturers to display their newest models at the Motor City.

Among other presentations, Ford will unveil its new Fusion global mid-size sedan that will be sold as the Mondeo in other parts of the world including Europe, while Cadillac is already releasing spoilers of the brand new 2013 ATS and so is Dodge, which will introduce the first product of the Fiat-Chrysler collaboration, the Alfa Giulietta-based 2013 Dart compact sedan.

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Hyundai's 40mpg 2012 Sonata Hybrid Priced at $26,610*

Hyundai has released pricing information for its 2012 model year Sonata Hybrid sedan, which starts at $25,850, or $26,610 if you include a $760 delivery fee*. That's a $55 increase over the 2011 model.

While there are no cosmetic or mechanical changes for the 2012MY, Hyundai has added its Blue Link telematics system the car's standard equipment.

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New Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition Brings Some Luxury Touches to UK Market Model

With the new UK market X-Trail Platinum Edition, Nissan is looking to up the luxury ante for its 4x4 model by adding extra equipment and certain styling touches that are not available on the rest of the range.

On the outside, the front and rear of the Platinum edition get extra protection with the fitment of protection plates located below the bumpers, while the profile is treated to chrome-plated side steps and door protection mouldings.

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Kia Presents Korea's First Production Electric Model, the New Ray EV

The new Ray EV is not only Kia's first attempt to enter the electric car market but it is also the first production EV to be introduced by a Korean automaker.

The battery-powered model is based on the recently launched Ray city car, which is only offered in Kia's home market. It shares the regular model’s major dimensions and, in a global first for an EV manufacturer, is built on the same production line as the conventional combustion-engine models.

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Cadillac gives Regular 2012 CTS Models the "V" Touch with New Touring Package

Taking a page from its German rivals in the premium segment, Cadillac is now offering some of the performance and styling elements of its flagship V-series on the standard 2012 CTS models with a new Touring Package that is offered on the V6-powered versions of the Sedan, Coupe and Sport Wagon models. .

Faralli & Mazzanti Launches Ultra-Exclusive Evantra Supercar

Luca Mazzanti is a 37-year old (soon to be 38, actually, since his birthday is on January 1st) Italian who was born in Tuscany and, like many a young boy, dreamed about building his own supercar one day.

The difference between Mazzanti and almost every other boy that has the same thoughts is that Luca didn’t grow out of it, but instead focused on making his dream come true.

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Honda Adds 2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine to 2012 Crosstour Range

We were expecting Honda to drop a four-cylinder engine to its renamed Crosstour model (previously known as the Accord Crosstour) for a quite some time now, and today, the Japanese company finally made the move.

Scheduled to go on sale in the U.S.A. in the beginning of January 2012, the new base version of the Crosstour is fitted with Honda's 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine that produces 192-horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm.

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New 2013 Lexus GS 350 Keeps 2011MY's $47,775* Price Tag

We're accustomed to carmakers upping prices on brand-new models, especially if when they feature significant enhancements over their predecessors. But given the competition from its German rivals, Lexus decided to play it safe and keep the base U.S. price of its all-new 2013 GS 350 sedan unchanged over the outgoing model.

“With all of the enhancements to the all-new GS, the base price remains the same at $46,900*,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “We expect the GS will suit the needs of many drivers and compete well in the segment.”

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Official: New Mercedes E300 BlueTEC Hybrid and E400 Hybrid to Debut in Detroit

Carmakers’ research and development departments around the world are focusing most of their attention not so much in performance as they used to in past years, but in improving fuel consumption and lowering CO2 emissions as much as possible.

Mercedes-Benz claims to set new standards in the executive segment with the development of two new hybrid versions of its latest E-Class sedan and estate models, both of which will receive their world premiere at next month's Detroit Motor Show.

The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid combines a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 204HP and 500 Nm (368.7 lb-ft) of torque with an electric motor that has an output of 20 kW (27HP) and 250 Nm (184.3 lb-ft). It also features an auto stop/start system, regenerative braking, a pure electric mode and a “sailing” function.

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AMP to Debut All-Electric Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Detroit Motor Show

Adding another new green vehicle to the long line forming at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, AMP Electric Vehicles will premiere it's latest electric conversion based on the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Ohio-based company is in the business of converting gasoline-powered vehicles to electric having previously offered a battery-powered version of the Saturn Sky while it currently converts the 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 and the Chevrolet Equinox (for fleet use).

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Another Video Drive of the 2013 Scion FR-S at the Sodegaura Raceway

Among all new car presentations made in 2011, the models that received the most attention from auto enthusiasts all over the world this year were arguably the sports coupe triplets born from the partnership between Toyota and Subaru.

But that was to be expected as affordable and focused rear-wheel drive sports coupes have become an increasingly rare sight in our days.

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Tesla Releases Full Pricing Details on 2012 Model S, Starts from $49,900 After Tax Credit

Even though first deliveries won't begin until fall of 2012, Tesla has dropped final U.S. pricing and options on its most ambitious project to date, the new 2012 Model S electric sports saloon.

The BMW 5-Series-sized sedan is available for order in two trim levels, basic and Performance.

The basic version is offered with a choice of three battery options with 40 kWh, 60 kWh and 85 kWh, priced at $57,400, $67,400 and $77,400 respectively or $49,900, $59,900 and $69,900 respectively after a $7,500 federal tax credit.

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Official: Super-Duper Audi A1 Quattro with 256-Horses [44 Photos]

Audi has officially presented the meanest and baddest production version of its A1 series yet, aptly called the A1 Quattro. Both its name and styling details such as the white colored alloy wheels clearly draw on Audi's rallying heritage.

The first ever quattro version of Audi's premium supermini, which was previously thought to be named RS 1, will be produced in a limited run of just 333 units with sales to start in the second half of 2012.

Powering Ingolstadt's hot hatch is a tuned 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and turbocharging technologies that produces 256HP at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 350 Nm (258.2 lb-ft) continuously available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm.

The 2.0 TFSI is couple to a six-speed manual gearbox and Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Audi says the A1 quattro sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 245km/h (152mph), while it consumes on average less than 8.5 lt/100km (27.7 US mpg).

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Audi R8 LMS Ultra to Compete in Next Year's FIA GT1 World Championship as Well

Only a month after the introduction of the improved R8 LMS Ultra and Audi has revealed plans to compete in the FIA GT1 World Championship next year with two examples of its latest GT3 racecar, which will be independently fielded by Team WRT. .

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 380 GT Makes a Quick Appearance on Film

It has been a while in internet time since we last heard about the revitalized 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – a little over a month, to be precise, when the facelifted model was introduced in its home market of South Korea.

We still don't know when and where Hyundai plans to debut the sports car in North America, although we presume it will most likely take place in one of the upcoming international motorshows like the Detroit venue in January, the Chicago Auto Show in February or the New York Auto Show in April.

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New Donkervoort D8 GTO gets Audi TT RS's 2.5-liter Turbo with up to 400-Horses

It's been two and a half years in the making but Donkervoort Automobielen has finally unleashed its next generation sports car, the new D8 GTO.

The long-nosed roadster was developed in close collaboration with Audi Quattro GmbH, which provided a modified version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five found under the hood of the RS3 and TT RS.

According to Donkervoort, the 2.5 TFSI has undergone a diet and lost 30 kg or 66 pounds over the standard Audi variant.

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New 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS is All Show, Little Go, will Debut in Detroit

When General Motors previewed the Chevrolet Sonic series with the Aveo RS Concept at last year's North American Auto Show, the company also hinted at a spicier version inspired by the study.

Following the launch of the regular Sonic models, Chevrolet has now revealed the production Sonic RS that will go on sale late next year after making its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

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Jeep Announces UK Pricing for Grand Cherokee SRT8 and New 3.0 CRD Overland Summit

Five months after the UK launch of the regular versions of the brand-new Grand Cherokee, Jeep has announced that it is bringing the flagship SRT8.

Billed as the best-performing Jeep ever, the £58,995 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is powered by the new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that produces 465HP and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates from standstill to 0 to 60mph [96km/h] in 4.8 seconds, has a top speed of 160 mph [257 km/h], and brakes from 60-0 mph in 116 feet.

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New Volvo V40 Five-Door Hatchback Teased Ahead of Geneva Motor Show

We've been following the development of the five-door version of the next generation Volvo C30 for quite some time, and today, the first official teaser image of the compact hatchback found its way onto the web.

There's limited information on the car as Volvo has not yet released an official statement, but the crew over Autoblog.nl reported that Volvo's CEO Stefan Jacoby said that the five-door model will be named V40 (and not V30 as it was rumored) and it will receive its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Salon next March.

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