Autoblog

2013 Porsche Panamera GTS [w/video]

Matt Davis — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Porsche, First Drives, Luxury

The Panamera That Can Win Over Purists

The roads winding from the southernmost coast of Spain up to Ascari Race Resort near the town of Ronda are enough to bring telling tales out of any car that professes to have high performance intentions. What talented few acquit themselves well on these roads are then exposed to the 3.4-mile Ascari circuit, and that's usually enough to send most of them home in a huff of brake dust and blow-by.

This time in the crucible, it's the 2012 Porsche Panamera GTS, a car first shown under the hard lights of November's Los Angeles Auto Show. Despite not being the most powerful in the range, this naturally aspirated GTS is tipped to offer the most race-like dynamics of the entire Panamera portfolio. And after 100 or so miles on public amusement park roads and 20 or so on the track, this plus-size GT showed us it's capable of dicing it up like a 911 or Cayman while delivering an understandably different experience from behind the wheel.

Continue reading 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS [w/video]

2013 Porsche Panamera GTS [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Shelby GTS

Drew Phillips — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford, New Car Reviews

Bringing The Shelby Name To The Masses

The Shelby name doesn't come cheap. Vintage Shelby Mustangs and Cobras can command six or sometimes even seven figure sums. The current Shelby offerings are much cheaper - the GT350 is priced around $70,000 while the Ford-built GT500 is a little less expensive with a base price just short of $50,000 - although we still wouldn't consider them attainable to the average guy with a mortgage and 2.5 kids.

Shelby sees that as a problem. The majority of its customers are the people who craved a GT500 or Cobra back when they were kids in the 1960s. Those customers are getting older, and like many other automakers, Shelby has decided to reach out to younger buyers. At the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Shelby announced the GTS, a new model designed to be attainable to the masses. The GTS would be available in both V6 and V8 form and, with a package price of $9,995, could be had for less than $33,000 in base form. "It's a car that reaches a younger buyer while acknowledging the economic realities of our times," said Shelby American president John Luft at the time.

We have to wonder, though. Are younger buyers interested in buying a Shelby Mustang? Will people actually buy a Shelby with a V6? We aimed to find out for ourselves and picked up a V6 model in Race Red with White Le Mans stripes at Shelby's facility in Gardena, CA for a week-long test.

Continue reading 2012 Shelby GTS

2012 Shelby GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan rolls out competition-spec 370Z NISMO

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Nissan, Racing

As well-known as Nissan is for sports cars like the 370Z and GT-R, it's also known on racing circuits for its formidable competition machinery. In fact, Nissan has just enjoyed one of its most successful racing seasons yet, and on the back of that season, it is releasing a new customer racing car.

The Nissan 370Z Nismo RC packs an array of competition modifications. Its weight has been trimmed to 2,954 pounds and its 3.7-liter V6 engine juiced up to 355 horsepower - just slightly more than the street-legal Nismo Z. That power increase comes courtesy of a competition-spec exhaust and returned engine management. The RC also packs a race-spec clutch, flywheel, plus oil, transmission and diff coolers. Inside is a Recaro racing bucket with a six-point harness, Sparco steering wheel and carbon-fiber dash, plus a full FIA-regulation roll cage and fire extinguisher.

The package was designed from the get-go to meet FIA GT4 regulations, as well as World Challenge GTS specifications and Nissan says it can easily be modified to race in the Grand-Am GS class as well. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Nissan rolls out competition-spec 370Z NISMO

Nissan rolls out competition-spec 370Z NISMO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ginetta reveals new Farbio-based G60 in full

Noah Joseph — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, UK, MISC

Many elements typically lead up to the launch of a new car - or a new version of an existing one - and the gestation of this latest supercar has played out before our eyes over the course of the past year or so.

What you're looking at is the new Ginetta G60, but if it looks familiar, there's a good reason for that. The British racing firm and sportscar manufacturer acquired Farbio - the firm started by Arash Farboud who later established Arash sportscars in its place - back in March 2010. Then within the past week, Ginetta teased the arrival of a new model. Initially dubbed the GXX, the G60 has now been revealed as the product of the acquisition and Ginetta's tinkering with what was known as the Farbio GTS since.

Based on the GTS, the Ginetta G60 packs a 3.7-liter V6 sourced from the Ford Mustang, mounted amidship and driving 310 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed transmission and limited-slip differential. That's about the extent of the wizardry employed in the G60, however, which does away with such assists as power steering, anti-lock brakes and any electronic nannies for a purist's driving experience.

Ginetta says its latest toy is capable of running to 60 in less than four seconds and topping out over 165 mph, but only 50 examples will be offered at £68,000 - equivalent to $105k at today's exchange rates.

Ginetta reveals new Farbio-based G60 in full originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche gives us another with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 May 2011 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not exactly sure what's in the water over in Stuttgart, but something apparently makes the folks over at Porsche wake up most mornings and think, "There aren't enough versions of the 911. We should make another." It's the same time-to-make-the-donuts spirit that has already given us more than twenty versions of the iconic rear-engined sportscar, and has now given us two more in the form of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS coupe and cabriolet.

When the rear-drive Carrera GTS debuted last September, it included the wider bodywork typically reserved for all-wheel-drive models. Now Porsche has backed it up with the Carrera 4's traction, packing the same 408-horsepower 3.8-liter flat-six as its rear-drive counterpart for an identical 4.6-second sprint to 62 mph - that's in coupe form with the six-speed manual, to which you can add or subtract 0.2 seconds for the cabrio and PDK dual-clutch transmission, respectively.

A restyled front bumper with lip spoiler, side skirts, black 19-inch RS Spyder wheels and sport buckets trimmed in Alcantara round out the package, which now stands as the flagship of the Carrera range - those being the naturally-aspirated, non-Motorsport models in the 911 family. Prices start at $110,200 and spiral upwards from there. Details in the press release after the jump and high-res photos in the gallery.

Continue reading Porsche gives us another with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS

Porsche gives us another with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Vicki from Fifth Gear takes BMW's M3 GTS out for some fun in the rain

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Racing

2011 BMW M3 GTS - Click above to view video after the jump

Vicki Butler-Henderson has driven her fair share of amazing cars. She started racing karts when she was a kid, has been an instructor at Silverstone and has been a TV host and automotive journalist since the mid-1990s. Suffice it to say, it takes a lot to impress Ms. Butler-Henderson.

As the following video shows, the 2011 BMW M3 GTS managed to do just that. She describes exactly what she loves about the GTS while hooning its wheels off around a very wet, very slippery test track, and between guttural sounds and breathless description, Butler-Henderson points out that the M3 GTS's prodigious power, phenomenal brakes and telepathic steering make it "an amazing, amazing car." Click past the jump to check out the footage for yourself.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: Fifth Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Vicki from Fifth Gear takes BMW's M3 GTS out for some fun in the rain

Video: Vicki from Fifth Gear takes BMW's M3 GTS out for some fun in the rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alleged Porsche dealer meeting notes point to many new models

Zach Bowman — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Rumormill

If you thought Porsche was going to cool its jets after rolling out the Panamera, you've got another thing coming. A quick hit of information has crept out of a sales managers' meeting that says we can expect a rash new models to head our way soon. Supposedly, Stuttgart is eying the creation of a new 911 Speedster with a $200,000 price tag and a 408 horsepower mill at the tail end. If true, the car will sport widebody sheetmetal and come equipped with the PDK and two-wheel drive.

There's more. Early 2011 just might bring the 620-horsepower GT2 RS to the US. Buyers will have the option of equipping the car with carbon fiber fenders, but that will likely add to its $245,000 base price.

If that's a little too rich for your blood, you can always opt for a widebody version of the Carrera called the GTS. With center-lug wheels, a sport exhaust and 408 horsepower, the coupe will set you back a still heady $103,100. Porsche also supposedly mulling a Cayman with the same sort of treatment given to the Boxster Spyder - less weight, more power - for around $65,300.

And what of the mighty 918 Spyder? According to the post, dealers haven't heard word either way, but they expect a final answer by the time Pebble Beach rolls around later this summer. We've asked Porsche to verify the above claims, but have yet to hear back, so stay tuned.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Team Speed]

Alleged Porsche dealer meeting notes point to many new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Droolworthy: BMW releases M3 GTS specifications

Zach Bowman — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW, Racing

BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh yes, kids and kiddies. BMW has just dropped the juicy details on the spanking new M3 GTS. Here's the skinny: under the hood is a 4.4-liter V8 with 450 horsepower and 324 pound-deet of twist. All that muscle kicks at the rear tires via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and helps the car get to 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 189 mph. BMW's army of Bavarian engineers managed to slim the car's weight down to around 3,373 pounds, which should make the already wicked M3 even more devilish on track.

Speaking of tossing the M3 GTS around on track, BMW has fitted the car with a bolted-in roll bar as well as factory mounting points for an additional cage. While the standard three-point belts are par for the course, the race-bred German comes with six-point belts for both front occupants as well. Stopping duties fall on hefty six-piston calipers squeezing on 14.9-inch rotors up front and four-piston blocks out back.

If you want it - and lets face it, we all want it - get ready to shell out a lofty $170,000.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: BMW]

Droolworthy: BMW releases M3 GTS specifications originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sport improves upon original recipe

Zach Bowman — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Suzuki, First Drives

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Miami isn't exactly a driver's town. It's a tangle of perfectly perpendicular secondary streets demarcated by lengthy stoplights and the occasional drawbridge or toll booth. Perched on the very tip of Florida, it's one of the last places we would voluntarily spend time behind the wheel, but despite the bumper-to-bumper traffic, hair-raising lane changes and lawless nature of the traffic patterns, high-end metal is the norm down here.

We're fighting for our right to merge against a Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari F430 and a murdered-out Nissan GT-R as we make our way toward South Beach, contemplating the implications of dinging a car worth more than our mortgage when it dawns on us: The high rollers around us should make way - we're driving one of the most unique cars in the country.

Suzuki was kind enough to hand us the keys to one of the only Kizashi Sport models in existence. In fact, this is the same prototype that took center stage at the New York Auto Show, and while the suits in Japan have demanded that this Sport eventually meet with the Great Crusher in the Sky, the company's PR team have managed to keep the sedan from meeting its untimely fate long enough for us to do battle with traffic.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sport improves upon original recipe

First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sport improves upon original recipe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW preparing even hotter M3 GTS-R

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot on the trails of BMW's victorious return to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year, rumors have surfaced that an even hotter version of the M3 GTS is on the way. The orange wündermobile was unveiled barely six months ago, complete with 450-horsepower V8, upgraded brakes, rolling stock, suspension and aero package and a stripped interior. But if that's not enough to tickle your fancy, a few supposedly informed fanboys say that Munich is preparing to celebrate - and bid farewell to - the E92 M3 with an even fiercer derivative.

Tentatively dubbed the M3 GTS-R, the ultimate 3 Series is expected to benefit from yet another power upgrade, plus more carbon fiber body panels - all decked in matte black - to further reduce weight and pack even wider wheel arches packing Y-shaped five-spoke rims and blending into fat side sills. There's even word of a streetable implementation of the company's F1-derived KERS regenerative braking system for push-to-pass boost. Sounds tasty; stay tuned for more. Thanks for the tip, Barry!

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: M3Post]

Rumormill: BMW preparing even hotter M3 GTS-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW M3 GTS gets wrung out on the 'Ring

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 May 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, BMW

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The BMW M3 GTS is expected to carry some serious track cred. The extremely limited edition Bimmer packs 450 horsepower from a 4.4-liter V8 engine, while weight is cut by 419 lbs compared to a typical M3. Sounds like a dream come true. But if you planned on picking up one of the 90 M3 GTS models costing 115,000 Euro ($145,000 in U.S. funds), you're too late. The most capable E92 M3 is already sold out, but you can at least hit the jump to see video of a bright orange GTS as its takes on the famed Nürburgring.

In the BMW-produced video, M3 test engineer Günter Sillinger takes the GTS for a spin around the 'Ring, then tells us just how great the high-strung coupe handles. Sillinger may be biased, but since we may never get behind the wheel of one of the select GTS coupes, we'll have to take his word for it when he says, "It's the most uncompromising, fastest and thrilling M3 ever." Follow the jump to watch the 2:19 video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW M3 GTS gets wrung out on the 'Ring

Video: BMW M3 GTS gets wrung out on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Alex Nunez — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, GM, Holden, Australia

The HSV E Series 2 lineup - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just as wounds from the Pontiac G8 being ripped from us are beginning to scar over, HSV has torn them open anew by revealing version 2.0 of its Commodore-based E Series lineup. It's facelifts all around for the gang of Aussie stoplight brawlers, four of which - The GTS, Maloo R8, ClubSport R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer - even get the erstwhile Poncho's twin-scoop hood. The more luxurious Senator Signature and long-wheelbase Grange models have smooth hoods and less overall ornamentation. Either one would have made a sublime performance Buick, but oh well...

The most extreme looker of the bunch is the range-topping HSV GTS (front and center), which rocks a vicious Fu-Manchu blackout treatment on its new front fascia. All of the cars get new wheels, LED running lights, and new treatments out back as well. Every HSV machine also has an LS3 V8 pumping out 317 kW (425 hp), except the GTS - its LS3 makes 325 kW (435 hp). To further drive home the point, 317 or 325 badging is prominently displayed on the back of the GTS, Maloo, and the two ClubSports so that other drivers have a better understanding of why their doors just got blown off. The Corvette's new launch control system is on every manual gearbox-equipped car, and a manual is standard equipment on all of them but the Grange, which is only sold with a six-speed auto. Finally, new "SV Enhanced" options such as upgraded wheels, bi-modal exhaust, and, in the case of the GTS, 6-pot front brakes let drivers trick things out even further.

It's basically a massive laundry list of good stuff we'll probably never ever see in the U.S. now that GM leadership has put a bullet into the whole North American Zeta sedan idea once and for all. Obviously, this rots. Follow the jump for the official HSV press release and have a gander at the new cars in the gallery below. The photos are all labeled so you know which car is which. That way you'll know precisely what it is that we're missing out on.

Gallery: HSV E Series 2 Lineup

[Source: HSV]

Continue reading Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Porsche plans to expand its Panamera line-up to include three new powerplants - a Volkswagen-sourced V6, a diesel and some manner of hybrid - but in addition to offering new engines, the automaker may offer a harder, more performance-oriented model to slot in above the Turbo.

Similar to the strategy Porsche employed with the Cayenne, this new model - which could be dubbed the Turbo S or GTS - would nix the Turbo model's standard air suspension and instead fit a set of performance-tuned springs and shocks to maximize grip and on-track prowess.

As for future powertrains, a senior Porsche executive told Autocar that VAG's V6 and V8 diesels could be fitted to future Panameras, and we wouldn't be surprised to find the new Audi S4's supercharged, petrol-powered 3.0-liter V6 in Porsche's first production sedan in the coming years.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Mitsubishi finally announced what we've known all along: the five-door Lancer Sportback is coming to the States for the 2010 model year and sales will begin this summer.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback builds on the already competent Lancer sedan, although the overall length is slightly longer to accommodate the new hatch. One-touch auto-folding rear seats split 60:40 to make room for "active lifestyle" parcels and Mitsubishi dropped the rear cargo area floor by three inches to create 52.7 cubic-feet of space when the rear thrones are folded flat.

The Sportback will be available in two trims, beginning in GTS form and equipped with Mitsubishi's 168 hp, 2.4-liter inline four mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT with six "virtual" ratios. More importantly, the Sportback will be offered in Ralliart guise, with the detuned Evolution X's turbocharged 4B11 2.0-liter four putting out 237 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be doled out to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system with Active Center Differential (ACD), and buyers can opt for either the six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift transmission (TC-SST) or CVT gearbox, both of which are manipulated by a set of magnesium-alloy paddle shifters.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but once all the options boxes are ticked on the Ralliart, expect the price to still be under $30k. Make the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer

Officially Official: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA docs confirm 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback coming in GTS and Ralliart trims

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Any chance we get to grill a Mitsubishi PR person about the 2009 Lancer Sportback, our questioning inevitably centers on whether the five-door will be packing the Lancer Ralliart's turbocharged, all-wheel-drivetrain. At the New York Auto Show, we were told that the Sportback would "probably" carry the Ralliart's 237-hp, turbocharged inline-four and Evo IX-derived AWD system, but nobody from Mitsubishi would confirmed it. Some snooping at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website reveals that Mitsubishi has already filed with the Feds for three different drivetrains for the 2009 hatch, including the GTS' 2.4-liter four-pot attached to either a CVT or five-speed manual, and a 2.0-liter DOHC turbo equipped with an "Automatic (S6)." The automatic in question is almost assuredly the six-speed twin-clutch (TC-SST) gearbox available on the Ralliart. For those of you unable to get around the recently redesigned 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX hatch's shape, a credible contender has arrived, and it should be hitting dealers this spring.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

[Source: EPA via IL]

EPA docs confirm 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback coming in GTS and Ralliart trims originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Alex Nunez — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Porsche

2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche makes sports cars backed by a rich tradition and race history. The thought of something wearing the badge that's also able to cart around your family and a load of their assorted junk was once laughable. Today, of course, that thought manifests itself in the form of the Porsche Cayenne. Even now, the idea of the Porsche SUV still seems wrong. Sure, the red Cayenne GTS in the Autoblog Garage has a spec sheet that looks exciting on paper. 405 V8-sourced horses and that shield on the hood makes you almost forget the five doors and 4,900 pounds that fill out the rest of the package. Read on to find out how the 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS fared as a family hauler during a quick vacation up the coast.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Continue reading Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Stripped-out, lightweight Maserati Gran Turismo

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Maserati

First there was the Maserati Gran Turismo. Then came the Gran Turismo S. Then came spy shots of a Gran Turismo Spyder. And now we have spy shots of a low-down, one-seater, roll-cage and plexiglass-window equipped Gran Turismo Trophy edition sporting three huge holes in its hood. The Trophy version is said to have 413 hp, which is down from the 440 hp of the S -- but it would also be a lot lighter. Claimed to have a new ECU and exhaust, the car gets from zero to 62 mph in just four seconds. As best we can tell from the translation, this naked Gran Turismo Trophy edition is meant to compete with the Porsche GT3, or to compete in a U.S. racing series. While we find those possibilities a little odd, they must have built it to compete with something, and no matter what that something is, we say bring it... Follow the link for more spy shots of the race-ready Maser.

[Source: Autofun via Auto Blog Italy (no relation)]

Spy Shots: Stripped-out, lightweight Maserati Gran Turismo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Duel: HSV GTS and FPV GT-P face off Down Under

Alex Nunez — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:48:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Ford, GM, Holden, Australia, FPV, HSV

FPV vs. HSV is basically Australian for "Ford vs. Chevy," but on steroids. The two performance divisions have elevated the production of the muscle sedan to an art form, with audacious looks and big power ruling the day. It's as if the original American muscle car era never ended, but got a passport and moved Down Under. Granted, we in the States don't have much to complain about lately, with Aussie muscle now available in a Pontiac wrapper, as well as the 21st century editions of Camaro, Challenger and Mustang waiting to wreak havoc at stoplights.

Still, the sweetest fruit is that which is forbidden, so you might be interested in the Motoring Channel's super acronym showdown: FPV GT-P vs. HSV GTS. The FPV is based on the new Ford FG Falcon, which arrived earlier this year, while the HSV's Holden Zeta platform underpinnings are now a couple years old. Both have V8s, both look evil, and tires break into cold sweats at the mere thought of being mounted on either machine's rear axle. With these two rides, the differences are such that picking a winner is akin to choosing between porterhouse and prime rib. It's not as if you're going to be disappointed either way, but deep down, you do have a preference. Click here to read which menu item the Motoring Channel likes best. Thanks for the tip, Torrent!

Gallery: HSV GTS

Gallery: 2008 FPV GT-P

[Source: Web Wombat/Motoring Channel]

Duel: HSV GTS and FPV GT-P face off Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V Eight developing modern Jensen Interceptor SX supercar

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Specialty

We've already told you about a company called V Eight that has rebirthed the Jensen Interceptor S with an LS2 and modern mechanicals for £75,000, and already, 60% of the allotment of 50 has been sold. That kind of success has got V Eight looking at a successor for the S, and they might have found it in the Jenson Interceptor SX.

The SX would be rebodied over a original donor car, just like the Interceptor S. And while it would still look like a Jenson, as you can see from the official rendering above, the design would be much more modern. The Interceptor SX would get a luxurious interior on the inside and use an LS7 V8 making 620 horsepower for propulsion. To be offered at a price of £145,000, the SX already has deposits from buyers of the Jenson S. As far as we're concerned, if you're going to revive the empire, this is the way to do it.

Gallery: Jensen Interceptor S

[Source: Innovation Cars]

V Eight developing modern Jensen Interceptor SX supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: Ferrari 599 roadster and F149

Noah Joseph — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

The internet, as usual, is rife with speculation. Today's source is the FerrariChat message forum, where members claim to have inside information on two new Ferrari models that are anticipated for launch within the next couple of years.

The news concerns a convertible version of the current 599 GTB Fiorano, an illustration of which you see above (courtesy of AutoGespot). FChat member "supraman55" says his local dealer confirmed the upcoming model for a debut at either Detroit or Geneva in 2009. Speculation surrounding the 599 Spider is backed up by an interview with Ferrari's General Director, Amadeo Felisa, which appeared recently in the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport. When asked about a convertible 599, Felisa confirmed that Ferrari is developing such a model for possible production in a limited series like its predecessor, the 575-based SuperAmerica. We'll add our own fuel to the fire by speculating that, based on traditional Ferrari nomenclature revived for the 599 GTB, the roadster will likely carry the 599 GTS designation, perhaps married to another name to replace Fiorano for the open-air version.

[Sources: FerrariChat, Auto Motor und Sport, AutoGespot]

Continue reading Enter the Rumormill: Ferrari 599 roadster and F149

Enter the Rumormill: Ferrari 599 roadster and F149 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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