Autoblog

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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Baby got back: HSV launches ClubSport R8 Tourer

Alex Nunez — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, GM, Holden, Australia, HSV

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the ClubSport R8 Tourer

HSV's ClubSport R8 Tourer has officially arrived, giving our friends from Down Under the means to haul stuff, ass and any combination thereof as long as they part with $65K AUD. The super-duper Commodore SportWagon has got LS3 V8 power with 425 horses and 405 lb-ft of torque ready to transfer its rear tires to the ozone layer. To further underscore the undeniable awesomeness of this package, the standard gearbox is a six-speed manual. An automatic is available as an option, as are 20-inch wheels and a full-leather interior. Chances of us seeing this here? Essentially zero, since Pontiac is getting the Ute (G8 ST) instead of the wagon. That's just a shame. Sure, it's no Wagon Queen Family Truckster, but a hypothetical Pontiac G8 Safari GXP would deliver raucous fun for the whole family.

Gallery: HSV ClubSport R8 Tourer

[Source: HSV]

Baby got back: HSV launches ClubSport R8 Tourer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NISMO releases Club Sport package for R35 GT-R

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Supercars, Nissan

Click either image for a high-res gallery.

NISMO has finally released all the details on its line of upgrades for the R35 Nissan GT-R, and per usual, there's good news and bad news.

On the positive side, the parts are the typical blend of OEM quality and fitment, with a focus on tighter handling and weight reduction. The Club Sport tuning package includes the Chassis pack made up of race-tuned Bilstein Damptronic adjustable dampers sheathed in 18.5kg/mm (front) and 9.6 kg/mm (rear) springs. The combination of rock-hard coils and adjustable damping at both low and high speeds should make the GT-R stickier in the corners and more stable while bombing through a fast sweeper. Rounding out the handling package is a set of Rays forged aluminum wheels, sized 20x9.5-inches in front (+45mm offset) and 20x10.5-inches (+25mm offset) in the rear, and wrapped in Bridgestone RE070R run-flats, sized 225/40 and 285/35, front and rear. These are rumored to be the same rollers we'll see on the Spec-V when it's unveiled in Paris this October.

The rest of the parts focus on weight reduction, beginning with a lightweight axle-back exhaust that drops 11 pounds from the GT-R's curb weight, along with a carbon fiber undertray that reduces air turbulence and parasitic drag. Upgraded carbon-fiber backed and leather-trimmed seats are also part of the package, which retains the side airbags but nixes the electronic controls, reducing weight by another 13 pounds total. Naturally, some NISMO badging rounds out the upgrades.

Now here's the bad news: the parts are only available in Japan as a package, can only be installed by 12 NISMO-authorized shops and come in at a whopping ¥5,460,000 (over $50,000). However, some U.S. importers have already worked out a distribution deal with NISMO, but for those of us in the States, we don't get the added benefit of the three-year/60,000 km warranty.

Gallery: NISMO R35 GT-R Club Sport

[Source: NISMO via JPCNews]

NISMO releases Club Sport package for R35 GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official (almost): Audi TT clubsport quattro

Alex Nunez — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Audi, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the TT clubsport quattro

Last year at the Wörthersee tour, VW and Audi threw red meat to the fans in the form of the Audi TT Clubsport quattro concept and the VW Golf GTI W12 650. Each was awesome in its own way, and now VW/Audi has set a precedent. For the Wörthersee 2008, Audi had already announced it would be bringing the A3 TDI clubsport quattro concept. Today, it drops shoe No. 2 by revealing a much more production-oriented version of the TT clubsport quattro. This is the same car that was spied out in the open last week. Officially, it's still a concept. Realistically, you know this thing's going into limited production.

The '08 edition of the TT clubsport follows in the '07 show car's footprints. Like its forebear, it packs 300 horsepower underhood (presumably from a TFSI four). That juice is directed to all four wheels via quattro AWD with Audi S tronic (i.e. Audi-ese for DSG) handling shifts. Nineteen-inch wheels shod in 35-series rubber are tucked under the clubsport's widebody kit. Up front, you'll find DRLs and a blacked-out grille, while out back you'll find a diffuser integrated in the bumper. Speedster humps sit beside the roll hoops and the chopped windscreen incorporates little baby A-pillars to help create a near-wraparound look. That's also your giveaway that this is a production car -- do you really think Audi would have bothered engineering a second version with real pillars if it didn't plan on selling it? Inside, the black interior is accented with plenty of aluminum and orange leather accents.

At the end of its press release, Audi tells us "Small-series production of this model cannot be ruled out." Well, duh, guys. You've just come out with a refined concept of a concept. You couldn't telegraph this any more if you wanted to. We look forward to seeing this Audified speedster redux in showrooms and the Autoblog Garage at some time in the not-very-distant future.

Gallery: 2008 Audi TT clubsport concept

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Officially Official (almost): Audi TT clubsport quattro

Officially Official (almost): Audi TT clubsport quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi TT Speedster headed to limited-production for Middle East market

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Audi, Specialty, Middle East

Click above for a high-res gallery of the spied Audi TT Clubsport Quattro.

Car dropped a dime on Audi HQ to get the scoop on the automaker's production plans for the recently spied TT Clubsport Quattro, and as suspected, the roof-less coupe will be making a limited production run. Audi plans to produce between 50 and 100 examples on the open-top TT, but there are no plans on offering it in the UK, the U.S. or other markets outside of the Middle East. The rationale behind the decision centers on the warm climes and lack of rain in the Middle East, along with Audi's commitment to becoming a purveyor of the finest automotive wares. It's a smart move on Audi's part, but we can't help but feel slighted by the decision. Tonneau technology has certainly evolved since its original implementation in post-WWII roadsters, so we would've hoped that such a solution would be offered to enthusiasts around the world.

Gallery: Audi TT Clubsport Quattro - spy shots

Gallery: Audi TT clubsport quattro concept

[Source: Car]

Audi TT Speedster headed to limited-production for Middle East market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro.

Audi has released the first official images of its newest concept before the wraps are taken off at the Lake Wörther Tour in Austria later this month. Think of the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept as a smaller, racier, more attainable version of the Audi R8 V12 TDI concept shown in Detroit, with power provided by the highest specific output diesel in the world.

Look past the DTM-inspired bodywork and you'll get an aluminum-enhanced glimpse of the oilburning jewel that lies beneath. The 1,968cc turbodiesel produces 221 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque available at an oh-so-low 1,750 rpm. Power is sent through a six-speed manual transmission before it reaches the ground through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi claims that the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro can reach 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 149 mph. We believe it.

While the body work might be a bit over the top, the tuned A3 sits 26mm lower than stock and rides on 20-inch wheels that fit cleanly into blistered wheel arches, widening the A3's track by 33 mm in front and 46 mm in the rear. Stopping power in the front is provided by six piston calipers clamping 356mm carbon ceramic discs, while standard steel brakes are fitted out back. Inside, it's all business with a bit of show car flare, including a flat-bottom steering wheel, bolstered buckets, aluminum trim, toggle switches and a red starter button to get the party underway. Audi has also fitted the concept with a its Drive Select system, which can change throttle response, exhaust sound, power steering assist, ESP settings and magnetic ride damping on the fly.

Audi isn't saying that the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro is destined for production, but it would make an excellent runabout for the times when rolling the R8 V12 TDI to the store would be overkill.

Make the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

Continue reading Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 18:26:00 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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King of the 'Ring: Pagani Zonda F sets new Norschleife lap record

Noah Joseph — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars

You can make a car that accelerates. You can make a car that brakes. You can make one that handles. One that corners. One with a high top speed. But to make one that does it all is a different story entirely. That's why automakers go to the Nürburgring. Its northern loop is twenty-two kilometers of twists, turns, dips, straights, chicanes...even a carousel. And it's got a new champion.

The Pagani Zonda F recently lapped the track that claimed Lauda's ears in a scant 7:27:82, edging out the previous ruler, the Porsche Carrera GT (which it also rivals for carbon-fiber content in its construction). The Zonda's hot lap shaved a mere two milliseconds off the Carrera's time, but those are two milliseconds the German supercar evidently couldn't muster on its own home track. How embarrassing, ja?

The specific model that hit the high time was a Clubsport version, which itself will be trumped by the even more extreme Zonda R before designer Horacio Pagani goes back to the drawing board for the Zonda's successor.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Gallery: Pagani Zonda F at Geneva 07

King of the 'Ring: Pagani Zonda F sets new Norschleife lap record originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AudiWorld flogs the 535HP MTM RS4 Clubsport

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Audi

Messing with perfection is a tough trade, but for the world-renowned Audi tuners at MTM, it's another day at the office. Based out of Wettstetten, a suburb of Ingolstadt, and headed by an ex-Audi engineer who took part in the development of the quad-ring's turbo'd five-cylinder engines of the '80s, MTM has a hard-earned reputation for being the best in the biz, and they're not letting that rep subside.

Their newest creation is tasked with pushing the performance envelope of Audi's most hardcore grocery-getter, the RS4. By strapping a liquid-to-air intercooled, Lysolm-type supercharger onto the 4.2-liter V8, the MTM RS4 Clubsport can surge to sixty in under four seconds. How's that possible? A strict diet and a motor able to produce 535 HP and 428 ft.-lb. of torque - all on the stock internals.

Continue reading AudiWorld flogs the 535HP MTM RS4 Clubsport

AudiWorld flogs the 535HP MTM RS4 Clubsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jun 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speedster Redux: Audi TT clubsport quattro concept

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 May 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Audi

Click image for gallery

For the big Wörthersee 2007 enthusiast meet, Audi has created a new design study that will take its place among the thousands of Volkswagens descending upon the Austrian lake region. The event kicks off today and runs through the weekend, and if you happen to be visiting Austria, it may well be worth a visit just to check out the Audi TT clubsport quattro in person.

It's impossible to look at the concept and not make the Porsche Speedster connection, with its barely-there windscreen (pillarless, wraparound, and wiper-free) and low-to-the-ground stance. Unlike the lithe, iconic Porsche, however, the Audi has more visual heft, thanks to the TT's high sides and chunkier 21st-century design. In front, this thing's anything but subtle. The dominant shield grille is flanked by large intakes that are presumably required to feed the 300-horsepower TFSI four-cylinder residing behind them. Like the flagship R8, the clubsport's four rings are moved to the hood. The TT clubsport gets an eye job, too, as evidenced by the LED running lights integrated with the headlamp clusters. Big RS4-style open-spoke wheels sit inside the bulging flared fenders and allow a clear view of the orange-calipered ceramic disc brakes. At the rear, dual tips and a fully-exposed muffler poke through the bodywork, and when viewed from above, the clubsport takes on an hourglass shape that hints at the muscle it packs beneath its skin.

More info and the official press releases can be found after the jump.

[Sources: Audi, Autobild via German Car Blog]

Gallery: Audi TT clubsport quattro concept

Continue reading Speedster Redux: Audi TT clubsport quattro concept

Speedster Redux: Audi TT clubsport quattro concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA: Pontiac Solstice Club Sport Z0K

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Performance, Porsche

We really liked this one. Fun little track version of Pontiac's most flingable car. Orange must be this year's black, as it seemed to be everywhere this year. Perhaps the Halloween theme got to the designers' heads. This particular example was a little less vibrant than some, but orange none-the-less, reminding us of traffic cones. Maybe like the ones you'd see out in a parking lot to help mark the track during a SOLO II event. Which is appropriate here.

Celebrating the Solstice's first-ever Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Showroom Stock B National Championship, Pontiac presented this fully race-prepared Solstice Club Sport. Kind of a template for how weekend warriors can set up their own Solstices for SCCA racing. As all SCCA Club Racing Solstices do, this one comes with the Z0K Club Sport regular production order option, which includes a five-speed manual, ABS, a limited-slip differential and the stiffened FE3 suspension.

The engine, unfortunately is the stock N/A 177-hp, 2.4-liter Ecotec, but this is SEMA so the show version also features some of the necessary safety equipment required by the SCCA (rollcage, Hoosier 245/35R18 racing tires, Stainless Steel Brakes Corp. racing brakes, Sparco six-point safety harness and fire suppression system) and what really made this Solstice shine, a bitchin' removable carbon fiber hardtop. More pics after the jump.

Continue reading SEMA: Pontiac Solstice Club Sport Z0K

SEMA: Pontiac Solstice Club Sport Z0K originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden HSV E-Series lineup unveiled

Alex Nunez — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 07:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc.

The Holden HSV E-Series cars officially broke cover yesterday, courtesy of the Australian Drive.com website. This comes just a few days after shots of a ClubSport R8 were accidentally leaked onto the web.

The ClubSport R8 in the leaked photographs is joined by the the the similarly bespoilered GTS and the more staid Senator Signature. All three cars share the same powertrain: Chevy's 6.0L LS2 V8, which is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The combo is good for 411 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of asphalt-shredding torque. With the manual shifter, the E-Series cars run to 62 mph in 4.96 seconds. Cars equipped with the auto accomplish the feat in 5.04 sec. Either way you cut it, they're fast.

While they're based on the new VE Commodore, the HSV E-Series vehicles incorporate unique front and rear fascias and large vents aft of the front wheel wells to visually differentiate them from the standard-issue Commodores. In fact, the cars feature 301 elements that are unique to them.

(Continues after the jump)

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Continue reading Holden HSV E-Series lineup unveiled

Holden HSV E-Series lineup unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Aug 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solstice a formidable opponent at SCCA

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Pontiac

Pontiac's newest offering to the convertible market has been gaining more traction (pun intended) in the world of motor sport. Nowhere is that pervasiveness being felt more than in the Showroom Stock B (SSB) class of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Before 2006, the top slots were dominated by the likes of Mazda and Toyota, with the Miata (MX-5) being one of the most popular choices for weekend racers. That paradigm has begun to shift and in turn, the number of Solsti competing in the SSB Class has quadrupled, from one to four, within the last few months.

At the head of this onslaught is Andrew Aquilante, an 18-year old rookie who claimed his first victory at Lime Rock on July 30th and then proceeded to sweep the Northeast Division championship this past weekend at the Pocono International Raceway. Aquilante's Solstice is running the factory installed Z0K Club Sport package that includes upgraded brakes, an LSD and the FE3 suspension kit.

Although not up to Spec Miata numbers yet, it seems the Solstice is proving to be a serious contender for the disposable income of many aspiring racers.

Full press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Solstice a formidable opponent at SCCA

Solstice a formidable opponent at SCCA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Cayman RS in the works?

John Neff — Mon, 15 May 2006 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Porsche

According to regulars at the Nurburgring in Germany, a lightened Porsche Cayman with a rollbar and race-style seats with harnesses has been seen doing laps on the famous 14-mile course. This has led some to speculate about a new ultralight model of the Cayman that could be badged as an "RS" or "Clubsport."

The Cayman has proved its mettle with critics, but its inevitable problem is that it's too good for its own good. If any more power is pumped into the Cayman, it would likely become as fast as its more expensive big brother, the 911. As it stands, the Cayman is only a tick or two behind the venerable rear-engined offering. This is why a diet for the Cayman makes sense. If Porsche keeps the power par for the course and reduces weight by extracting amenities, the resulting Cayman could carve a niche for itself that wouldn't cannibalize the more luxurious 911's sales.

There's also the caveat that a German tuner could simply be testing new mods on the 'Ring, and we're all just full of crap.

[Source: PistonHeads via autoblog.it]

Porsche Cayman RS in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 May 2006 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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