Motor Authority - blog Tag: Roadsters

  • Rendered: Entry-Level Porsche Roadster

    Rendered: Entry-Level Porsche Roadster November 5th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 5th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 6 Comments

    Rendered: Entry-Level Porsche Roadster

    Hot on the heels of this morning’s reveal of the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder comes this new computer-generated rendering of what a brand new ‘entry-level’ roadster model from the esteemed sports car company could look like.

    There have been countless reports on Porsche adding a fifth model to its lineup, one that is cheaper than the Boxster and several executives at the company have even hinted at the car. The introduction of such a model would allow Porsche to increase its sales while maintaining exclusivity of hallowed models like the 911.

    If built, the new model could be built along the lines of the original Porsche 914...

    Hot on the heels of this morning’s reveal of the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder comes this new computer-generated rendering of what a brand new ‘entry-level’ roadster model from the esteemed sports car company could look like. There have been countless reports on Porsche adding a fifth model to its lineup, one that is cheaper than the Boxster and several executives at the company have even hinted at the car. The introduction of such a model would allow Porsche to increase its sales while maintaining exclusivity of hallowed models like the 911. If built, the new model could be built along the lines of the original Porsche 914 of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Though the lightweight mid-engined Porsche 914 was far from a perfect machine, it has developed a cult following that keeps it active in the streets and on tracks around the world to this day. With Volkswagen now sitting on an advanced mid-engined platform developed for its Bluesport roadster concept and eventual production version, as well as Porsche’s strengthening links with the German auto giant, the case for a new baby Porsche roadster is made even stronger. The baby roadster would be a joint effort between Porsche and Volkswagen though the basic mechanicals would likely be drawn primarily from Volkswagen’s massive corporate parts bin. The two engines with the most potential are the 1.4-liter turbocharged/supercharged TSI unit that's good for 170 horsepower and the 125 horsepower turbodiesel four-cylinder. Expect it to come sans-LSD, however, in order to keep the car from vying too closely with the lower end of the Boxster range. At an estimated 2,200 pounds and 170 horsepower, the baby roadster could be expected to give the standard Lotus Elise a run for its money, especially considering it is likely to benefit from Porsche's legendary suspension tuning and steering design. There remains no official confirmation of any such joint project as yet--it's still purely in the realm of speculation, and optimistic at that--but it does make sense. Tight fuel economy requirements make production of a quick, nimble and miserly car an appealing maneuver, and tying it into established enthusiast history could help Porsche side-step issues that such a model might create for its image. Not that the Panamera, soon to be available in diesel and hybrid forms, or the Cayenne in its many guises do much to keep with the company's tradition of sports car-focused performance. Read More

  • Report: Next-Gen Mazda MX-5 Will Be Smaller And Lighter

    Report: Next-Gen Mazda MX-5 Will Be Smaller And Lighter November 5th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 5th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Report: Next-Gen Mazda MX-5 Will Be Smaller And Lighter

    The launch of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 has reportedly been pushed back as far as late 2011 because of a number of major changes in store for the car. Not only is Mazda developing a new lightweight platform and fuel-efficient powertrains, but a new coupe version is also expected to join the ranks.

    The MX-5’s chief developer, Takao Kijima, has previously stated that the new model will be smaller and at least 10% lighter than the current car, which means a kerb weight of less than 2,200 pounds.

    The goal for Mazda will be to make the car’s styling and proportions closer to that of the original 1989 model. However, interior...

    The launch of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 has reportedly been pushed back as far as late 2011 because of a number of major changes in store for the car. Not only is Mazda developing a new lightweight platform and fuel-efficient powertrains, but a new coupe version is also expected to join the ranks. The MX-5’s chief developer, Takao Kijima, has previously stated that the new model will be smaller and at least 10% lighter than the current car, which means a kerb weight of less than 2,200 pounds. The goal for Mazda will be to make the car’s styling and proportions closer to that of the original 1989 model. However, interior space and safety will be better than the current car due to improved engineering and clever packaging. Finally, both a folding hard-top roof and a conventional fabric soft-top are expected, as well as a possible coupe. It appears the MX-5 Superlight concept from the recent 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show was not just a farfetched fantasy but a preview of what a future version of the popular roadster could be like. Thanks to a series of weight saving measures, the concept car checked in at a barely-there 2,190 pounds. In terms of powertrains, an inside source has revealed to Autocar that it would come with a range of light and compact 1.4 and 1.6-liter engines with direct-injection and turbocharging technologies. The source also revealed that the car could pick up an electronic power steering system to help conserve more fuel. Other goodies could include a dual-clutch transmission as well as a revised suspension set-up that does away with the bulky double wishbone front end on today’s car. To save additional weight, Mazda may adopt new steel construction methods that enable less metal to be used in its cars’ bodies. When can we expect to see the new car? Most likely at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. [Autocar] Read More

  • Spy Shots: BMW Z4 M Sport Package

    Spy Shots: BMW Z4 M Sport Package October 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Spy Shots: BMW Z4 M Sport Package

    While it isn’t the high-performance Z4 M that we’re all waiting for, BMW is yet to even confirm such a car, this latest prototype spied at the Nurburgring confirms that there will be at least a Z4 with some distinct M styling cues.

    The M Sport Package will include the typical exterior upgrades to give a sharper, sportier appearance, along with interior upgrades to enhance the driver-car interface. New pieces should include a BMW M shifter, M steering wheel and M footrest. Carbon fiber trim is also likely to be available.

    In combination with the M Sports Package, customers will also likely have the choice of exclusive paintwork...

    While it isn’t the high-performance Z4 M that we’re all waiting for, BMW is yet to even confirm such a car, this latest prototype spied at the Nurburgring confirms that there will be at least a Z4 with some distinct M styling cues. The M Sport Package will include the typical exterior upgrades to give a sharper, sportier appearance, along with interior upgrades to enhance the driver-car interface. New pieces should include a BMW M shifter, M steering wheel and M footrest. Carbon fiber trim is also likely to be available. In combination with the M Sports Package, customers will also likely have the choice of exclusive paintwork and wheel designs. What’s not clear is whether or not engineers are also testing a range of new BMW Performance accessories designed for the latest 2010 Z4. Some previous accessories include minor power-up mods, beefier brakes, and transmission upgrades. It looks like we will have to wait until the new Z4 M Sport Package is released early next year. Other models in the BMW fleet available with an M Sport Package include the 1, 3, 5, and 7-Series as well as the X5, which you can read about in our previous story. Read More

  • Study Finds Convertibles May Be Harmful To Your Hearing

    Study Finds Convertibles May Be Harmful To Your Hearing October 7th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 7th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Study Finds Convertibles May Be Harmful To Your Hearing

    Convertibles may be slower than their hardtop cousins, not as safe, and less practical, but when you go for a cruise with the top down on those perfect late summer afternoons, all those little annoyances are immediately forgotten. Unfortunately, a new study has found another reason to in favor of the hardtop.

    The study, which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation in San Diego this week, has found that riding in a convertible with the windows down appears to expose people to noise levels that can damage hearing over time.

    British ear, nose and throat surgeon, Dr. Philip...

    Convertibles may be slower than their hardtop cousins, not as safe, and less practical, but when you go for a cruise with the top down on those perfect late summer afternoons, all those little annoyances are immediately forgotten. Unfortunately, a new study has found another reason to in favor of the hardtop. The study, which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation in San Diego this week, has found that riding in a convertible with the windows down appears to expose people to noise levels that can damage hearing over time. British ear, nose and throat surgeon, Dr. Philip Michael, himself a convertible fan, tested noise levels in seven different cars traveling at speeds of 50, 60 and 70 mph. Noise levels average around the 88-90 decibel mark, which is 4-5 decibels above the save level of noise range. Slowing down won’t work either as much of the problematic noise comes from surrounding traffic, the engine and exhaust, and the tires from other cars and trucks on the road. Convertible owners shouldn’t worry too much, however. Winding up the windows reduces noise levels to 85 decibels. "A large component of the noise you are exposed to is wind noise," Michael explained. [Los Angeles Times] Read More

  • Report: Porsche Exec Hints At Model Cheaper Than Boxster

    Report: Porsche Exec Hints At Model Cheaper Than Boxster October 6th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 6th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 6 Comments

    Report: Porsche Exec Hints At Model Cheaper Than Boxster

    Porsche’s current financial troubles are no secret, which is why it’s understandable that the company would welcome any additional sources of income. One suggestion is the introduction of a new entry-level roadster positioned below the current Boxster and built along the lines of the Porsche 914 of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

    Speaking with Germany’s Automobilwoche, Porsche research and development chief Wolfgang Dürheimer said the priority right now is to produce a car significantly cheaper than the current "bottom-of-the-range" Boxster.

    Though the original lightweight mid-engined Porsche 914 was far from a perfect...

    Porsche’s current financial troubles are no secret, which is why it’s understandable that the company would welcome any additional sources of income. One suggestion is the introduction of a new entry-level roadster positioned below the current Boxster and built along the lines of the Porsche 914 of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Speaking with Germany’s Automobilwoche, Porsche research and development chief Wolfgang Dürheimer said the priority right now is to produce a car significantly cheaper than the current "bottom-of-the-range" Boxster. Though the original lightweight mid-engined Porsche 914 was far from a perfect machine, it has developed a cult following that keeps it active in the streets and on tracks around the world to this day. With Volkswagen now sitting on a new mid-engined platform developed for its Bluesport roadster concept and eventual production version, as well as Porsche’s strengthening links with the German auto giant, the case for a new baby Porsche roadster is made even stronger. Porsche’s production manager Michael Macht has also previously stated that the car could be priced as low as €33,000 to €35,000. If built, the baby roadster would be a joint effort between Porsche and VW though the basic mechanicals would likely be drawn primarily from VW's massive corporate parts bin. The two engines with the most potential are the 1.4-liter turbocharged/supercharged TSI unit that's good for 170-horsepower and the 125-horsepower diesel four-cylinder. Expect it to come sans-LSD, however, in order to keep the car from vying too closely with the lower end of the Boxster range. At an estimated 2,200-pounds and 170-horsepower, the baby roadster could be expected to give the standard Elise a run for its money, especially considering it is likely to benefit from Porsche's legendary suspension tuning and steering design. While Porsche is yet to make any official confirmation--it's still purely in the realm of speculation, and optimistic at that--but it does make sense. Tight fuel economy requirements make production of a quick, nimble and miserly car an appealing maneuver, and tying the car into established enthusiast history could help Porsche side-step issues that such a car might create for its image. Not that the Panamera, soon to be available in diesel and hybrid forms, or the Cayenne in its many guises do much to keep with the company's tradition of sports car-focused performance. Read More

  • Report: Ferrari 458 Italia Spider Confirmed

    Report: Ferrari 458 Italia Spider Confirmed September 28th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 28th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 4 Comments

    Report: Ferrari 458 Italia Spider Confirmed

    The stunning new 2010 458 Italia supercar, Ferrari's replacement for the outgoing F430, was just revealed to the world a few months ago, but already Ferrari is thought to be working on an open-top version of its latest supercar, previewed here in this latest computer generated rendering. Today reports from Italy are claiming the Spider is now more than mere speculation.

    Likely to be called the 458 Italia Spider, according to the reports Luca di Montezemolo has confirmed the Spider's development, though it won't be built until about two years after the hard-top's delivery begins in January, which pegs its release for sometime in early 2012.

    ...

    The stunning new 2010 458 Italia supercar, Ferrari's replacement for the outgoing F430, was just revealed to the world a few months ago, but already Ferrari is thought to be working on an open-top version of its latest supercar, previewed here in this latest computer generated rendering. Today reports from Italy are claiming the Spider is now more than mere speculation. Likely to be called the 458 Italia Spider, according to the reports Luca di Montezemolo has confirmed the Spider's development, though it won't be built until about two years after the hard-top's delivery begins in January, which pegs its release for sometime in early 2012. While Ferrari has a adopted a folding hard-top roof for its most recent convertible model, the California, the 458 Italia Spider is likely to retain the lightweight soft-top roof seen on the F430 Spider and high-performance Scuderia 16M. Apart from the roof and some chassis reinforcements, the 458 Italia Spider should be identical to its hard-top sibling, which means power will come from a 4.5-liter V-8 engine rated at 570 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque and sending torque to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Dimensions should remain at 4,527 mm in length, 1,937 mm in width, and 1,213 mm in height, though weight will almost certainly be higher than the hard-top's 1,380 kg measurement. [Autoblog.it] Read More

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