Autoblog

TechArt's performance modifications to Porsche's already-impressive sports cars might seem akin to adding a third warp nacelle to the starship Enterprise for the pure fun of it, but who are we to argue with the results? The supertuner/niche manufacturer has readied its latest creation for debut at the upcoming Essen Motor Show (think SEMA for European manufacturers). The TechArt Turbo Cabriolet follows the usual formula, offering incremental power upgrades culminating with a ridiculous 630 hp/604 lb-ft. This, while retaining the Turbo's AWD system and offering the added benefit of topless motoring. 911 GT2? What's that?

The added juice comes from new turbos, extensively upgraded intake and exhaust plumbing, and new engine management programming that ties it all together. TechArt also doctors the chassis, allowing the car to be lowered an additional 25mm via the factory PASM setup. Buyers can choose between two aero packages and the usual assortment of wheel/tire/interior upgrades, resulting in a bespoke convertible sports car with a top speed of 214 mph. Montgomery Scott not included.

PR pasted after the jump.

[Source: TechArt]

Click image for newly-expanded gallery

This video we've embedded after the jump would be a lot better if it nixed the music and let the 911 Turbo Cabriolet's 3.6L twin-turbocharged flat six do the talking. Lord knows it's a far more engaging soundtrack than the chillout/electronica we're required to take in while we watch the new Turbo Cabriolet cruise some scenic areas, drop and raise its roof, and then drive some more. Still, if you're looking for a quick fix of open-air Turbocharged Porsche, this might be enough to satisfy your immediate need.

Follow the jump to watch, and be sure to check out the gallery as well, as it's been updated with a ton of new shots direct from the mothership in Zuffenhausen

[Source: Streetfire]

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Motor Trend put together a list of future vehicles to come out of Stuttgart over the next few years and although most of the vehicles listed have either already debuted (Targa, GT3 RS) or are common knowledge among devout readers of Autoblog (GT2, Panamera, 928), the article contained a few minor revelations, in the form of new models and technological hurdles.

Naturally, the first order of business is the new variant of the 911, predictably dubbed the 998, which has hit the displacement equivalent of a brick wall. Porsche's engineers have found that the flat-six engine is ill equipped to manage more than 4-liters of displacement and in an effort to achieve the expected increases in performance, the 998 will focus more on weight-saving materials, such as aluminum and will come equipped with a DSG transmission to shave those valuable tenths.

Motor Trend also reports on the development of a small SUV to slot in underneath the Cayenne, which will be based off of Audi's new Q5. The new 'ute will have more performance potential than its Germanic sibling and is expected to come in a three-door body style. The comparisons to Porsche's foray into the Dakar Rally are inevitable, so this new vehicle will have massive shoes to fill if it ever sees the light of day.

Other models worthy of note include a Cayman RS, which will serve as a stripped down model of Porsche's mid-engine masterpiece, although power upgrades from the factory will be minimal as to avoid competition with the Cayman's rear-engine big brother. The new Carrera GT is also on the drawing board, but Motor Trend cites insiders as saying that the new mid-engine, V10 super car won't make it to production until after this decade.

[Source: Motor Trend]