february 4, 2015

(Porsche)
The new Porsche Cayman GT4 "clearly demonstrates Porsche’s dedication and passion to continue to promote truly industry-leading two-door sports cars in the future – sports cars that are developed at the Motorsport department in Weissach," according to the manufacturer. It also immediately becomes the driver's Porsche, as far as we're concerned. The Cayman GT4 - which utilizes components from the 911 GT3 - turned in a lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nürburgring, the same lap time as the 2011 911 GT3. The engine, chassis, brakes, and aerodynamic design of the Cayman GT4 are configured for maximum driving dynamics "while retaining the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of the Cayman," according to Porsche. Powered by a 385 hp 3.8-liter flat-six engine derived from the 911 Carrera S engine, the Cayman GT4 is only available with a six-speed manual transmission - hallefrickin'luja - with dynamic gearbox mounts. The numbers? Zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds; a top track speed of 183 mph. The chassis – which features a 30 mm lower ride height and a generously sized brake system – consists almost entirely of components from the 911 GT3.

The interior of the Cayman GT4 includes a smaller sport steering wheel and standard sport seats, which are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara®.

The exterior aerodynamic package of the Cayman GT4 is distinguished by three pronounced inlet openings at the front and a large, fixed rear wing. Available options include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, carbon fiber composite bucket seats, and a custom Sport Chrono Package featuring a Track Precision app. The Porsche Cayman GT4, which makes its world debut in early March at the Geneva International Motor Show, will arrive at U.S. dealers in July 2015 with a starting MSRP of $84,600. The MSRP does not include a destination charge of $995.

(Ford)
Ford revealed the all-new Focus RS at a press event yesterday in Cologne, Germany.

(Ford)
The all-new Focus RS is powered by a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that produces "well in excess of 315 horsepower," according to the manufacturer. The new RS will be available in the United States, but not anytime soon - probably eighteen months from now. 

(Ford)
The Focus RS employs an innovative new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which utilizes twin electronically controlled clutch packs on each side of the rear drive unit. These manage the car’s front/rear torque split, and can control the side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle. Other exclusive chassis features include sports suspension with spring rates, bushings and antiroll bars – all of which are stiffer than those found in Focus ST - and two-mode switchable dampers, which offer a firmer setting for track driving. A carefully tuned electric power-assisted steering system working in combination with a more rigid front suspension knuckle design and shorter-link arms "delivers connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel," according to Ford.

(Ford)
Careful aerodynamic optimization of the front splitter, large rear spoiler and underbody features eliminates lift forces on the RS, and the final design "delivers balanced performance with zero lift front and rear for optimum high-speed handling and stability," according to Ford. A large rear diffuser - which also contains the twin round high-performance exhaust outlets - is also part of the RS package. The side profile is dominated by the sculptured rocker panels and exaggerated wheel lips that house a choice of multi-spoke 19-inch RS alloy wheels, including a high-performance lightweight forged design finished in low-gloss black. Ford engineers worked closely with Michelin to develop a choice of high-performance 235/35 R19 tires to complement the driving dynamics of the Focus RS: a standard Pilot Super Sport tire for every-day use, and an optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire for enhanced vehicle dynamics on the track. Other Focus RS features include heavily bolstered, partial-leather Recaro sports seats, a flat-bottomed leather-covered steering wheel, alloy pedals and unique instrument graphics within the main cluster. An additional bank of gauges above the center console displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure. Four colors will be available including Nitrous Blue, Stealth Gray, Absolute Black and Frozen White. Why the car revealed in Cologne inexplicably featured the same special Liquid Blue paint first seen on the all-new Ford GT revealed last month at the North American International Auto Show - even though the color apparently will not be available - is a mystery.

(Porsche)

If that "standard" Porsche 911 Turbo seems a little too mild looking down at your local Starbucks on Saturday morning, Porsche has just the ticket for you. Porsche Exclusive is now offering an Aerokit for the Porsche 911 Turbo models, which includes a new front spoiler and a completely redesigned rear deck lid that has a fixed rear spoiler with side winglets (the automatically adjusting rear wing remains functional). Porsche says that the "Aerokit Turbo” underwent extensive wind tunnel testing and test drives on the test circuit at the Porsche Development Center in Weissach, Germany. Customers can order one of two versions of the "Aerokit Turbo" – in the car's body color or in high-gloss black. In addition to the Aerokit add-ons, the standard side skirts and rear fascia are also painted. In the black version, the air intake cover on the rear lid is also painted black to match the retractable rear wing. The Aerokit will be available on all 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S models worldwide via Porsche Exclusive, or it can be retrofitted by Porsche Tequipment. The "Aerokit Turbo" can now be ordered from Porsche Exclusive when ordering a new car for an additional $6,950. Aerokit retrofitting will also be offered by Porsche Tequipment through participating authorized Porsche dealers, for $6,886 (excluding paint finish, assembly, and installation).

(Porsche)