Autoblog

Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST

Our pals over at Car and Driver, now helmed by our esteemable buddy Eddie Alterman, just released their 2010 10Best Cars. Quite an undertaking. As they put it, "58 contenders. $2.5 million total. 12,000 test miles logged." For those keeping track, this is the 28th time C/D has published their 10Best. Surprises this year? No not really. The BMW 3 Series continues its unabated drive of dominance to 10Best history with an impressive, will-probably-never-be-duplicated 19th straight win. Not to be too outdone, the Honda Accord also makes the cut for a 24th time, though not consecutive.

Also note that while the Audi S4 makes the grade, the run-of-the-mill (so to speak) A4 does not. We're also pleased to see the Ford Fusion Hybrid getting its just dues (again, it's interesting that the gas-only version doesn't). And of course, you've got your yearly appearance by the Mazda Miata MX-5, Porsche Boxster / Cayman and Volkswagen GTI. Falling off the list this year? The Chevrolet Corvette, Infiniti G37, and the Jaguar XF.

Would we have done things much differently? Probably not much, though we must admit we were pulling for the highly impressive Suzuki Kizashi to make its debut and we're a bit surprised to not see one of the new crop of pony cars on the list. Maybe next year. Alphabetical list of winners after the jump.

[Source: Car and Driver | Image Source: R.S. Owens]

Continue reading Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars

Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Total Croc: Porsche suing popular shoe company over naming rights?

Michael Harley — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, Porsche, Humor

Porsche AG is known for vigorously defending its intellectual property. It's understandable, as the company has spent more than half a century building its performance-oriented automotive brand around design patents, logos, and the company's familiar vehicle nomenclature. Crocs, Inc., on the other hand, is a shoe manufacturer credited with introducing the world to low-cost injection-molded foam footwear. Crocs does not build cars... um, thankfully.

What Crocs did do was name its popular sandal the "Cayman" (pictured at right). Of course, this set off all the alarms at Porsche as that name is already trademark registered by the automaker for its two-seat sports coupe. What followed next was expected... in mid-May, Crocs received a letter from Porsche notifying them of the alleged trademark infringement. At the end of July, Porsche filed a notice of injunction in German courts against the European use of the Cayman name by Crocs.

While we realize that few of our readers would ever confuse a pair of Crocs' Cayman with the Porsche Cayman, one has to wonder if Porsche is taking this a bit too far. Rumor has it that the Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean are monitoring the situation and already working on their own legal defense... Hat tip to Freddy for the lead!

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman

[Source: Deadline Watch]

Total Croc: Porsche suing popular shoe company over naming rights? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche to pull Boxster production from Magna over Opel stake?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

2009 Porsche Boxster S - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a great deal of international haggling, Magna ended up winning the competition for Opel. One of the many questions to be answered now is: How will the deal affect Magna's engineering and assembly business? Even as companies like VW and BMW have said they would be looking closely at working with Magna if it owned Opel, Magna head Frank Stronach must have been convinced he could keep his clients happy.

That hasn't happened yet, and now Porsche is saying it might take future production away from Magna. The Stuttgart firm contracted Magna to build the next Boxster and Cayman in 2013 in Austria, but now it's worried that its costs and engineering might end up in the wrong hands if left with Magna.

Porsche's alternatives would be to keep Boxster production in-house at Zuffenhausen, where the cars are currently made, or to contract with Karmann, which just earned a chunk of VW's electric car business. The alternatives for Magna, though, aren't so clear - with BMW and VW also casting wary eyes, does it continue with the carmaker adventure at the risk of losing the business that got it to the top in the first place?

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

[Source: Autoweek]

Porsche to pull Boxster production from Magna over Opel stake? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shooting Fake: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake a Top Gear hoax [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Porsche, Humor, Design/Style

Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake hoax - Click above to watch video after the jump

Punked, we've been punked! And that's OK. In the high powered, fast paced ~~deeply sexy~~ world of car blogging, mistakes are going to be made. And every once in a while a group of mayhem minded jokers can easily gum up the gears of the machine by providing an elaborate prank as grist for mill. Such is the case with a certain Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake, cooked up by the former editor of TopGear.com, Jared Holstein as a parting gift.

The New York Times is reporting that while Holstein thought up the viral plan, the execution was left up to summer interns. One intern, a digital design student named Matt DuVall, carried out the design using Maya, a high powered 3d rendering program used to make movies like Ice Age. Under Holstein's direction, DuVull used as many Porsche design themes as possible, including lots of cues from the Panamera, Porsche development wheels, a Porsche mule lookalike bumper and even the same license plate used on Porsche mules. Then they rendered the "car" in HD, added it to a clip of an alley in Brooklyn, degraded it's quality and added Italian music to make it seem as if some kids captured the shooting brake mule on their phone somewhere in Europe. So, so sneaky. If you haven't seen it yet, we've included the original video after the jump.

Then came our part. Another intern, John Masters (who is getting his masters in media studies) began sending links to car sites. Sites like Autoblog! Masters then created what looked like a screen shot from the highly anticipated (and blogged about) Forza Motorsport 3 and dropped it into a Czech Forza Forum and wrote in Czech to "add a layer of deception and plausibility." Sneaky, sneaky. We of course, ate it up. More than once. In our defense, we did punctuate every headline with a question mark. Still, joke's on us, and the rest of the automotive press. They totally got us.

Why'd they do it? Says Holstein, "Eh, there wasn't any cruel intention... we manifested an automotive Liger because... it was fun to do. That said, if Porsche actually built it, I'd start stripping at bachelorette parties (again) to afford one." He's right, a Cayman Shooting Brake would be incredibly sweet. One more thing. If you pause the video at the 9 second mark, you can see part of a little white Stig helmet poking out from the rear hatch. We're so spitting in Jared's food next auto show. OG video after the jump.

[Source: NYT | Image: Matthew DuVall]

Continue reading Shooting Fake: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake a Top Gear hoax [w/VIDEO]

Shooting Fake: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake a Top Gear hoax [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shot? Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake revealed?

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Porsche

Yes, well, wouldn't this be something. We've heard rumors and innuendo concerning the supposed Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake. In many ways, a shooting brake (also properly spelled with a hyphen -- shooting-brake) is the perfect vehicle. Small and light like a sports car, but capable and practical like a station wagon. Combine chocolate with peanut butter and voila! A most excellent product.

Is this for real? Probably not. The first one spotted, the black Cayman Shooting Brake, was most likely a cardboard and tape job hacked together to allow engineers easy access to the engine bay. Maybe Porsche broke down and shoved a much needed turbo (or two) into the Cayman's rump. But hey, maybe, this really is a leaked photo of Porsche's first ever shooting brake (or something from Rinspeed?), and not just an ambitious but ultimately fake Photoshop. Wouldn't that be sweet?

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shot? Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More evidence of Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Porsche, Toys/Games, Rumormill

In order to put real cars in video games, game studios need to buy licenses from automobile manufacturers. Remember that Cayman shooting brake/breadvan mule recently spotted on the streets of Europe and supposed by many commenters to be a fake? It's been captured in Forza Motorsport 3.

While this doesn't mean we'll be seeing such a conveyance on the roads any time soon, or that it is in fact a Porsche product and not a tuner special, gamemakers Turn 10 would need to have spoken to Porsche (or whomever is responsible) about including a car that no one even know about a few weeks ago. If this is all real then, after the unlikely Panamera, could the next item on Porsche's list really be a mid-engined mini wagon? Hat tip to Mike.

[Source: Forza Central]

More evidence of Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Video: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake caught on camera phone?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Videos, Hatchback, Porsche

Camera phones are turning into quite an asset in this business, as readers of various automotive news sites across the interwebs and around the world have turned into legions of spy photographers. In this instance, one such reader-turned-paparazzo (apparently in Italy, no less) caught on video what appears to be some sort of Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake test mule.

Looking something like the product of a one-night-stand between said Porsche and either a Volvo C30 or an original BMW Z3-based M Coupe, the supposed mule is wearing all black, but apart from that, it appears to be undisguised. Of course, this could be a one-off made by someone with no official connection to Porsche (Rinspeed, anyone?), but then again, it could be a harbinger of a model to come. What do you make of it? Follow the link to view the spy video and voice your opinion in our comments section below. Thanks for the tip, Bill!

[Source: Top Gear]

Spy Video: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake caught on camera phone? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche Cayman Clubsport coming in October

Alex Nunez — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Porsche

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche Cayman S

Brit buff mag Autocar says that Porsche is readying a lightweight version of the new Cayman, with plans to create a single-make racing series for it as it already does with the 911. The Porsche Cayman Clubsport, as it'll reportedly be called, will weigh 220 pounds (100 kg) less than the standard-issue car. The weight savings will come via a stripped interior, lighter bodywork and wheels, and a "simplified" lighting system. Engine/transmission changes aren't expected to be part of the go-fast recipe, but the 314-horsepower six that's fitted to new Cayman S ought to deliver more than ample punch in the lighter Clubsport. Autocar says that a price premium of £4K is expected over the regular Cayman S, and that the car should arrive in the UK market in October. Porsche finally gives the Cayman S an engine that makes it a legit alternative consideration to the 911, and now it seems ready to turn up the heat even further with a lightweight version. Man, where do we sign up?

Gallery: 2009 Porsche Cayman S

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Porsche Cayman Clubsport coming in October originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Porsche

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Porsche Cayman

Porsche is going to unveil its newly freshened Boxster and Cayman models at the LA Auto Show today. As you can see in the galleries below, their noses and tails have been redone with a touch of Carrera GT, but each car now has a unique look. More importantly, the engines and transmissions have been updated as well, with the 2.9L and 3.4L powerplants getting Porsche's direct fuel injection for a 10-25 hp bump depending on the model. Along with the extra oomph, owners will get better mileage with fuel economy rising 11-16 percent. Part of that boosted mileage comes from the direct-injected engines, but the newly available Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK, double-clutch gearbox also deserves praise.

The base Boxster and Cayman will now have 255 hp and 265 hp respectively, and the S versions will be rated at 310 for the Boxster S and 320 for the Cayman S. A Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control will also get to to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. At the other end of the lineup, the Boxster with a six-speed manual will do it in 5.9 seconds. Gas mileage should run 25.5-26.4 mpg. The new models will hit the market in February 2009, with European prices ranging from Euro 38,600 for a base Boxster to 61,493 for a Cayman S. The full press release is after the jump, and we have official high-res images set up in the galleries below. Plus we'll have our own live, firsthand impressions in a few hours.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK

LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Boxster/Cayman facelift leaked?

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Porsche

Click above for a gallery of the 2010 Porsche Boxster and Cayman

The team at Autoweek.nl supposedly snatched a few images of the facelifted Boxster and Cayman from Porsche's configuration page, revealing a slightly revised set of headlamps and air intakes, along with restyled LED taillights inspired by the 2009 911. But what's mounted amidships is far more important.

The 2010 Porsche Boxster and Cayman will go on sale next year, rumored to be powered by a new 2.9-liter engine. The standard models will be putting out approximately 265 hp and 222 lb.-ft. of torque, while the S-equipped line will feature the same engine equipped with direct injection. Output is reported to swell to 320 hp and 274 lb.-ft. of torque, with power being sent to either a six-speed manual or Porsche's new PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

Expect more details to be revealed next month.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster/Cayman leakage

[Source: Autoweek.nl]

Porsche Boxster/Cayman facelift leaked? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Cayman with bigger wheel arches, a mule for the S Sport?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

The Cayman has two events to get ready for: the Cayman S Sport, and a facelift. A blacked-out Cayman with larger wheel arches and bolt-on fender flares was spotted recently, and it could be a tester for either car. With the rumored suspension tweaks for the Cayman S Sport, this could be making room for a serious set of rubber to take advantage of, not to mention 303 hp. Or perhaps the next Cayman will get some bigger shoes... and that wouldn't be such a bad thing either.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: Cayman with bigger wheel arches, a mule for the S Sport? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche releases new special edition Boxster and Cayman S

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Specialty

Click above for high-res gallery of the new special ed Boxster

With both the Boxster RS 60 Spyder and Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 already sold out, Porsche is moving on to its next pair of special edition mid-engine sportscars. Both of the new exclusive models feature a boost of a modest eight horsepower, but what differentiates them from their standard stablemates is more in the trim.

The Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 is now decked out in Carrara White, from the exterior body color and the 19" SportDesign wheels to the center console and instrument faces. Grey racing stripes and a grey roof with black leather, meanwhile, complement the white theme.

The Cayman S Sport takes more of a "GT3 Junior" approach. The car comes standard in either orange or bright green, with the scripted name popping out of the retro black stripe on the lower flank, which is complemented by black wheels, black sideview mirrors and a blacked-out interior. (Black, red, yellow, white and silver are also available for the exterior color.) The Cayman S Sport also comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), a sports exhaust system, Alcantara grip trim, bi-xenon headlamps, the Sports Chrono Package and sports seats, and the ride height is dropped by fifteen millimeters.

Only 500 examples of the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 will be offered, along with 700 units of the Cayman S Sport. Check out the images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump for all the angles.

Gallery: Porsche Cayman S Sport

Gallery: Porsche Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche releases new special edition Boxster and Cayman S

Porsche releases new special edition Boxster and Cayman S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: 303 hp Porsche Cayman S Sport

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Porsche

Click above for a larger image of the Porsche Cayman S Sport.

The Cartribe crew is living up their reputation as the newest embargo breakers in the biz, with a follow up to their original story that the Porsche Cayman is getting a serious Sport injection ahead of the new model's debut next year.

The Porsche Cayman S Sport is packing 303 hp, up from 295 hp, and will come equipped with Porsche's Active Stability Management system, a 10mm suspension drop, blacked-out wheels and a two-tone paint scheme aping the 911 GT3.

Pricing is rumored to be set at £49,890 and expect more details to be revealed shortly.

[Source: Cartribe.co.uk]

Leakage: 303 hp Porsche Cayman S Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Porsche Cayman S Sport

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

The Porsche Cayman is due for a makeover, and to coincide with the automaker's 60th anniversary, Porsche will be offering a Sport version of its mid-engine coupe as a fitting send off before the next generation arrives in 2009.

CarTribe is reporting that the Cayman S Sport will be equipped with some of the same kit featured on the Boxster S Sport, including a chronos package, upgraded brakes and suspension, along with a two-tone paint scheme that could ape the Porsche 911 GT3. Power upgrades will be nominal and pricing is expected to be around £47,000 in the UK. Porsche might roll out the Cayman S Sport at the London Motor Show this week, but it's more likely to be soft launched later this year.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

[Source: CarTribe via WCF]

Rumormill: Porsche Cayman S Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

Michael Harley — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Performance, Porsche

2008 Porsche Cayman S - Click above for high-res image gallery

To many, the Porsche Cayman is just a look-alike twin to the drop-top Porsche Boxster. While it shares a platform, underpinnings, and even engine choices with its two-seat sibling, the Cayman performs a decidedly different role and delivers even more gratifying performance. Porsche dropped off a top-of-the-line Cayman S in the Autoblog Garage. It offers a more powerful engine and larger brakes over the standard Cayman model. Follow the jump to read our impressions on the Porsche Cayman S after we held the keys in our hands for a week.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

All photos copyright Michael Harley / Weblogs Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

Review: 2008 Porsche Cayman S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche to move Cayman & Boxster production from Finland to Austria

Noah Joseph — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

Click for a hi-res gallery of Porsche production in Finland

Porsche has announced that production of its Boxster and Cayman models is to shift to component supplier Magna Steyr's facility in Austria beginning in 2012. Last year the contract with Finland's Valmet to assemble the two associated mid-engined models was extended through 2012, after which the terms will expire and Magna will take over.

Porsche CFO and deputy chairman Holger P. Harter stressed that the decision was not a vote against Valmet - which has to date built over 200,000 vehicles for Porsche - but rather the result of several elements that Magna brought to the table: firstly, Magna's production is scalable so that it will only manufacture what Porsche's own factory in Zuffenhausen (where the rear-engined 911 series is made) cannot handle. Secondly, Magna is able to assume some development responsibilities along with the final assembly. Thirdly, Magna's proposal was more financially attractive (read: cheaper) than Valmet's. And finally, Magna already supplies various components to Porsche - including convertible roofs and body panels - creating the opportunity for future synergies between Porsche and various Magna subsidiaries.

Click on the thumbnails below to view the Porsche Boxster and Cayman production facility at Valmet in Finland.

Gallery: Porsche production at Valmet

[Source: Porsche]

Porsche to move Cayman & Boxster production from Finland to Austria originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Revised Porsche Boxster/Cayman

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Porsche

Spies have caught the restyled Porsche Boxster and its hardtop sibling undergoing testing, and in keeping with Porsche tradition, the changes are easy to overlook. The majority of the restyling is visible in the haunches of the Cayman, where the tail lamps have grown and become more curvaceous - feminine even. Up front, LEDs have been installed within the new front fascia and AutoExpress expects some upgraded materials to find their way inside Porsche's midship duo when the refresh is unveiled later this year.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: Revised Porsche Boxster/Cayman originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solstice F430: Abomination or Pontiac perfected?

Dan Roth — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Etc., Pontiac

click above to view more images of the Solstice F430

There's a pretty healthy argument to be made for leaving the styling of your Pontiac Solstice alone. It did end up in production virtually off the show floor, as evidenced by the cockpit's spaciousness and spectacular materials (hint: saracasm). But there's always at least one person who's not content to leave well enough alone. Luckily, Mr. Paul MadMods seems to have what's known in the biz as mad skillz. What that means is he has a way of working with his hands in a painstaking manner to turn out customized cars that don't scream "HACK JOB!"

Aesthetics, however, are another whole thing, and we're sure that this choice of colors and body mods won't sit well with everyone, but you have to give the guy credit, it's all nicely done. We also have to give props for not creating a full-on Ferrari replica. Paul states that his intent was just to incorporate cool cues from cars that he sees. Thus, his Solstice wears an F430 nose, Porsche Cayman side intakes serving as extractors in the front quarters, tons of custom electronics and a snarling custom turbo installation, too. It's pretty amazing to see how much like a kit car the Solstice actually is. It's not the most comfortable little mini-'Vette, but it's well engineered platform-wise. After seeing how easily the Solstice takes to wrenching, we want one of our own to trick out. When we need an F430 nose, we know who to call.

Thanks for the tip, Aman!

[Source: CarDomain via KitCarsForum]

Gallery: Ferrari nosed Solstice

Solstice F430: Abomination or Pontiac perfected? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 is ultimate designer car

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Porsche

click above image to view more pics of the Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition

Porsche displayed one extra cool looking Cayman S at the LA Auto Show, with a heckuva mouthful of a name. This black on black Cayman S was sporting 997 Turbo wheels and a unique stripe and lettering set, plus a moniker that would cost more than the car if sold by the syllable. Officially known as the Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1, it impressed us with its surprisingly attractive stripes and its handsome Turbo rims. Very sharp. As we told you back in August, this special Cayman S was built to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche's original Porsche Design project, their first chronograph. Porsche Design is perhaps best known for its consumer goods, but this 777-car limited edition Cayman shows that they can dress up cars, as well.

Porsche has worked hard to incorporate the Porsche Design look into a Cayman S. The gauge cluster takes on the appearance of a Porsche Design chrono, and the entire car is finished in black inside and out. The body is lowered 10mm and the exterior is further set off by the 19-inch 911 Turbo wheels and matte black accent striping on the doors, hood, roof, and rear deck. Black Alcantara and a special plaque on the instrument panel help trim out the passenger cabin. Each car also comes with a briefcase packed with Porsche Design goodies including a chronograph, pen, sunglasses, knife and keyring. Like the car, these personal items are finished in all black. Porsche Design Edition 1 sales kick off this month in Germany, with US sales following in January of 2008. The price? €58,600 in Germany (€69,942 with the 19% VAT factored in). We presume US pricing will be announced closer to its arrival Stateside and don't harbor any doubts that Porsche will easily sell out the 777-car run.

[Source: Porsche]

Gallery: Porsche Cayman S "Porsche Design Edition 1"

LA 2007: Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 is ultimate designer car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: Porsche Cayman Club Sport spied?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche

The introduction of the Porsche Cayman S was met with equal parts reverence and revilement, with many criticizing Porsche's midship masterpiece as being underpowered despite a chassis that was begging for more oomph. While tuners have been swapping larger engines from the top-of-the-line 911 into the Cayman, its doubtful that Porsche's pencil pushers would risk cannibalizing sales of its 40-year old flagship. However, the idea of making an RS-version of the Cayman may be on the horizon, as this newest spy shot reveals.

The next generation Cayman - likely to be unveiled in Geneva - will feature a few minor changes keeping with Porsche's long-held tradition of slowly evolving the breed. But a lightweight, track-friendly edition might also be available in the near future. The shot above shows a new Cayman (note the drawn down headlamps) undergoing testing, with a roll cage mounted aft of the two front seats. Could it be a Club Sport version? Hopefully we'll find out in a few months.

[Source: autoblog.it]

Enter the Rumormill: Porsche Cayman Club Sport spied? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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