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  • Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster

    Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster August 27th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, August 27th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster

    Late last year Porsche unveiled its updated Boxster and Cayman range but there are still several other models based on the same Boxster/Cayman platform in the works. One of these is a high-performance RS model, recently seen testing at Germany’s Nurburgring, and another is a long-rumored chopped 'Speedster' model.

    However, development of the next-generation model is also well underway and images of a prototype for the car have once again surfaced. This time the prototype has been spotted on its way to Germany’s Nurburging circuit for some high-speed testing.

    A rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight,...

    Late last year Porsche unveiled its updated Boxster and Cayman range but there are still several other models based on the same Boxster/Cayman platform in the works. One of these is a high-performance RS model, recently seen testing at Germany’s Nurburgring, and another is a long-rumored chopped 'Speedster' model. However, development of the next-generation model is also well underway and images of a prototype for the car have once again surfaced. This time the prototype has been spotted on its way to Germany’s Nurburging circuit for some high-speed testing. A rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder platform for the next-gen Boxster recently began making the rounds. The thought coincides with possible rumors of a revived 914 that could be co-branded by both VW and Porsche, targeted at different market sectors, which means the new Boxster could certainly be fitted with a highly charged four-banger. If that’s the case, we're sure Porsche will still offer a six-cylinder option for upper range models. Such a design premise might offer more room to launch a detuned entry-level Carrera also aimed at improving emissions ratings. Even the current six-cylinder Boxster and Cayman, the most efficient in Porsche's line, emit about 222 g/km of CO2--about 100 g/km more than the projected 2015 limits. Whatever Porsche has in store for the new car, we’ll have to wait until its expected arrival in 2011 to find out. Read More

  • Mcchip liberates 400HP from the Audi TT-RS with ECU mod

    Mcchip liberates 400HP from the Audi TT-RS with ECU mod July 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Mcchip liberates 400HP from the Audi TT-RS with ECU mod German tuning firm Mcchip specializes in optimizing the vehicle management systems and electronic control units of cars to eke as much performance out of them as possible, and its latest product focuses on giving the new Audi TT-RS a significant boost in the performance department - not that the standard TT-RS was lacking in power to begin with.

    From the factory, the standard 2.5L turbocharged Audi TT-RS has 340hp being cranked out by the five-cylinder engine, and a fairly impressive 325lb-ft of torque. With a rather cheap adjustment from Mcchip, however, horsepower can be increased up to 380hp with a second stage to be unveiled by the... German tuning firm Mcchip specializes in optimizing the vehicle management systems and electronic control units of cars to eke as much performance out of them as possible, and its latest product focuses on giving the new Audi TT-RS a significant boost in the performance department - not that the standard TT-RS was lacking in power to begin with. From the factory, the standard 2.5L turbocharged Audi TT-RS has 340hp being cranked out by the five-cylinder engine, and a fairly impressive 325lb-ft of torque. With a rather cheap adjustment from Mcchip, however, horsepower can be increased up to 380hp with a second stage to be unveiled by the company later on that will lift this figure to around 400hp. Torque, meanwhile, is lifted to a massive 406lb-ft, giving the chipped Audi TT-RS performance to outpace rival sports cars – not bad for an engine displacing just 2.5L. The increases in performance are the result of higher boost pressure and optimization of the engine management system, and the extra power lifts the top speed of the Audi TT-RS to 186mph, rather than the standard vehicle's 155mph. Similarly, the acceleration time from standstill to 62mph is reduced from 4.6 seconds to a cracking 4.1 seconds, and while this is certainly an impressive figure perhaps the most impressive part of the tuned TT-RS is the price tag of the chip - just €899 ($1,275) for unlocking some real supercar rivaling performance. Additionally, Mcchip is offering some other modifications for the car that will be slightly more expensive than the chip - including 20-inch custom alloy wheels from Cargraphic that run for €6,600 ($9,357), as well as an adaptive shock absorber system that will set customers back €1,100 ($1,600).2010 Audi TT-RSMcchip Audi TT-RS Read More

  • Spy shots: Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabrio takes to the 'Ring

    Spy shots: Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabrio takes to the 'Ring July 14th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 14th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 18 Comments

    Spy shots: Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabrio takes to the 'Ring The previous Mercedes Benz CLK is something of an enigma - built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sits in its own unique segment and has no direct competition from its rivals. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the U.S., but the car is set to meet its demise with the arrival of the new E-Class Coupe in a couple of months and the Cabrio in the middle of next year.

    Latest spy shots show a prototype for the Cabrio model testing at Germany's Nurburgring, and as expected it draws heavily from the recent ConceptFASCINATION. The car will be about 10cm longer than... The previous Mercedes Benz CLK is something of an enigma - built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sits in its own unique segment and has no direct competition from its rivals. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the U.S., but the car is set to meet its demise with the arrival of the new E-Class Coupe in a couple of months and the Cabrio in the middle of next year. Latest spy shots show a prototype for the Cabrio model testing at Germany's Nurburgring, and as expected it draws heavily from the recent ConceptFASCINATION. The car will be about 10cm longer than the CLK Cabrio that it replaces and it sticks with a traditional folding soft top. The engine lineup should mirror the Coupe, which means four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 150kW/200hp to 285kW/382hp - the top end model being the E500/550. The decision to move the CLK to the E-Class platform will allow Mercedes to introduce a new entry-level coupe and convertible based on the C-Class, finally providing the carmaker with a direct competitor to BMW’s popular 3-series two-door models. You can see a preview of such a car in our previous story by clicking here. The story doesn’t end there, however, as Mercedes is also expected to launch a new ‘shooting brake’ model based on the ConceptFASCINATION, although no official details about its release have been mentioned.2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio spy shots2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class Coupe Official Read More

  • New Opel Astra Cabrio in the works

    New Opel Astra Cabrio in the works June 23rd, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, June 23rd, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    New Opel Astra Cabrio in the works With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and sporty Coupe are almost certain, latest reports indicate that a stylish Cabrio model will also resurface for the sixth-generation Astra.

    Sitting as the flagship model in the Astra range, the new Cabrio will replace the current Astra TwinTop but will be touted as a much sportier model. The new Astra Cabrio will feature just two seats and go up against premium roadsters expected from Mini and Volkswagen, according to AutoExpress.

    In... With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and sporty Coupe are almost certain, latest reports indicate that a stylish Cabrio model will also resurface for the sixth-generation Astra. Sitting as the flagship model in the Astra range, the new Cabrio will replace the current Astra TwinTop but will be touted as a much sportier model. The new Astra Cabrio will feature just two seats and go up against premium roadsters expected from Mini and Volkswagen, according to AutoExpress. In keeping with this premium positioning, the car will also sport a folding metal hard-top, as well as xenon headlights, a full bodykit and chrome exhaust tips. Its interior will be derived from the standard Hatchback but supportive bucket seats and leather trim will continue the luxury/performance theme. Powertrain options will reportedly include a 270hp (201kW) 2.0L turbocharged petrol unit, which should be able to accelerate the car from 0-60mph in less than six seconds and see it reach a top speed of more than 150mph. In addition, there will be new 150hp (112kW) 1.4L turbo as well as a 170hp (127kW) 2.0L CDTI for diesel fans. Opel’s new Astra is yet to make its world debut and after that there are still the respective launches for the Wagon and Coupe, expected for sometime in 2010. Only then will Opel launch the new Astra Cabrio.2010 Opel Astra2010 Opel Astra wagon preview Read More

  • Last Mercedes Benz CLK Cabrio rolls off the line

    Last Mercedes Benz CLK Cabrio rolls off the line June 19th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, June 19th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 1 Comment

    Last Mercedes Benz CLK Cabrio rolls off the line While production of the CLK Coupe ceased back in January, the CLK Cabrio has been rolling off the Karmann factory floor in Osnabrück, Germany, right up until today. Karmann is an independent vehicle manufacturer specializing in convertible models and has built a number of cars for major automakers like Mercedes Benz and Audi.

    Unfortunately for Karmann, the global economic crisis has hit it hard, causing a number of manufacturing contracts to dry up. This has led to the company filing for bankruptcy and as of Monday next week no more production will be taking place at Karmann until it can emerge from the bankruptcy process, reports... While production of the CLK Coupe ceased back in January, the CLK Cabrio has been rolling off the Karmann factory floor in Osnabrück, Germany, right up until today. Karmann is an independent vehicle manufacturer specializing in convertible models and has built a number of cars for major automakers like Mercedes Benz and Audi. Unfortunately for Karmann, the global economic crisis has hit it hard, causing a number of manufacturing contracts to dry up. This has led to the company filing for bankruptcy and as of Monday next week no more production will be taking place at Karmann until it can emerge from the bankruptcy process, reports Automotive News Europe. As for the CLK Cabrio, the car will remain on sale until the arrival of the new E-Class Cabrio in the first half of next year. According to Mercedes, there is sufficient stock to last until that time. Karmann, on the other hand, may have a bright future in the form of a new partnership with German electrical utility Energy Group (EWE). The two companies have stated that their goal is to "explore the integration of electric vehicles into the EWE electricity and telecommunications network", and already a concept vehicle has been produced. Given Karmann’s prickly financial state, however, it may be some time until we see the company back to full scale production. Read More

  • Caractere enhances Audi’s A5 Cabrio range with new styling kit

    Caractere enhances Audi’s A5 Cabrio range with new styling kit June 10th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 10th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Caractere enhances Audi’s A5 Cabrio range with new styling kit Unlike many of their competitors, the Belgians at Caractere don't do the European version of tacky, flashy tuner cars. Instead, they focus on adding minor enhancements that give the owner a unique look without clamoring for attention.

    The design program for the Audi A5 Cabrio offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the newly introduced drop-top, with special pieces for the high-performance S5 model.

    An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. Wheels in both 19 and 20in... Unlike many of their competitors, the Belgians at Caractere don't do the European version of tacky, flashy tuner cars. Instead, they focus on adding minor enhancements that give the owner a unique look without clamoring for attention. The design program for the Audi A5 Cabrio offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the newly introduced drop-top, with special pieces for the high-performance S5 model. An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. Wheels in both 19 and 20in sizes are available as part of the program, though since it's a piecemeal system, you can always opt for your own if Caractere's designs don't suit your tastes. Overall, the result is surprisingly tasteful, and a definite step outside the norm for the latest round of German car body kits. For more of Caractere's work, check out the firm's design program for the Audi A5 and S5 Coupes by clicking here.Audi A5 by CaractereCaractere Audi A5 and S5 Cabrios Read More

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