OCTOBER 25, 2017

(Porsche images)
This is the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T. Porsche says that it is "reinvigorating the concept of the puristic 911 T model from 1968" with less weight, a manual transmission with a shorter constant transaxle ratio and a standard mechanical rear differential lock for heightened driving pleasure. The 911 Carrera T ("T" stands for Touring) is also equipped with several performance-enhancing features that are not available on the standard 911 Carrera. This includes the PASM Sport Suspension with a 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower ride height, a shortened gear lever with an embossed shift pattern in red, and seat centers made of Sport-Tex material. Rear-axle steering is not available for the standard 911 Carrera but is an option for the 911 Carrera T. Based on the 370HP 911 Carrera Coupe, the new 911 Carrera T emphasizes lighter weight and a more sport feel. The rear windshield and rear side windows are made of lightweight glass, and door opener loops on the inside replace the conventional door openers (like the RS models). Like the 911 GTS models, sound insulation has been reduced. Weighing 3,142 pounds, the 911 Carrera T is the lightest model in the 911 Carrera range.
The 911 Carrera T is fitted with an aerodynamically optimized front spoiler lip that comes with the PASM Sport Suspension. The SportDesign exterior mirrors are painted in Agate Grey. The 20-inch Carrera S wheels are painted in Titanium Grey with a stripe bearing the model designation. The louvers of the rear decklid grill, the Porsche logotype, and the model designation "911 Carrera T" are finished in Agate Grey. The "T" features a standard Sport Exhaust System with black exhaust tips. Paint options of Lava Orange, Black, Guards Red, Racing Yellow, White and Miami Blue as well as the metallic colors Carrera White, Jet Black and GT Silver are available.
The 911 Carrera T is fitted with black 4-way electrically adjustable Sport Seats Plus with seat centers in Sport-Tex. The headrests are embroidered with a black "911" logo. When ordered with the optional Full Bucket Seats (available on a 911 Carrera model for the first time), rear seats are deleted. The GT Sport Steering wheel with leather rim, also standard, comes fitted with a switch for driving mode selection. The shortened gear lever with shift pattern embossed in red is reserved for the 911 Carrera T. The interior trim on the dashboard and doors is in black as are the door opener loops. The Carrera T Interior Package is new: With available contrasting colors in Racing Yellow, Guards Red or GT Silver, it provides additional colored accents via the seat belts, the  "911" logo on the headrests, the door opener loops, and the seat centers made of Sport-Tex.
The twin-turbo 3.0 flat-six in the "T" develops 370HP and 339 lb-ft of torque available in a broad range between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. With the manual transmission with a shorter constant transaxle ratio and the mechanical rear differential lock, the 911 Carrera T accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, 0.1 second quicker than the standard 911 Carrera. The manual version reaches a top track speed of 182 mph. When equipped with the optional PDK transmission, the 911 Carrera T reaches 60 mph in 4.0 seconds using the standard launch control feature and has a top track speed of 180 mph. The 2018 911 Carrera T is now available for ordering and is expected to reach U.S. dealers by March 2018. The base MSRP is $102,100, excluding the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee. Editor-in-Chief's Note: All that for a tenth of a second? As I've said many times before, Porsche's ability - and out and out gall - to extract ever more money from its faithful is simply mind-blowing.  Back in the day Porsche had the 911T, the 911E and the 911S, in that order. Now Porsche is trying to assign new gravitas to the "T" for the people who just can't quite step up to an "S"? Please. Porsche marketers are the cynical Master Manipulators of this business. Their ability to create desirability by designing smoke-and-mirrors packages calculated to entice its followers knows no bounds. And as long as enough of the faithful keep buying, Porsche marketers are going to keep coming up with them. What's next? Are they going to change the name PDK to Sportomatic? -PMD

(Audi images)
Audi says that its new Audi A7 Sportback is the "classic example of Audi’s new full-size class design language." It is supposed to be better in every way and it will be here in the U.S. sometime next year. That is all.

(Ford)
The new Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 for 2018 will bridge the gap between the Mustang GT Performance Pack and the GT350. Performance Pack Level 2 includes all of the features of Performance Pack Level 1 – unique chassis and antilock brake tuning, unique stability control and electric power-assisted steering, Brembo™ six-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors, a k-brace, larger radiator, silver-painted strut tower brace and a TORSEN® rear differential with 3.73 axle ratio - and takes it even further. The Performance Pack Level 2 features a lower, more aggressive stance, aerodynamically balanced high-performance front splitter and rear spoiler, all designed to add more downforce. Custom-tuned MagneRide® dampers and quicker steering calibration combine with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires to provide better response with new manual transmission-equipped Mustang GT with Performance Pack Level 2. Other improvements over Performance Pack Level 1 equipment include a 67 percent stiffer rear stabilizer bar, a 12 percent stiffer front stabilizer bar, 20 percent stiffer front springs and rear springs that are 13 percent stiffer. Jamie Cullen, Ford supervisor for vehicle dynamics development, led road test efforts to ensure the car delivers ultra-responsive steering, braking and handling performance. “It will just beg you to go faster,” said Cullen. “The car has lightning-quick response and never gives up grip.” You'll be able yo get a Mustang GT with Performance Pack Level 2 next Spring.

(Toyota)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: The SEMA Show allows car company designers to blow off steam. Some of it works and some of it doesn't, but in the end it's an undeniable exercise in creativity for creativity's sake. For example, Lexus has hooked up with the Marvel Studios "Black Panther" movie and this is the result - the "Black Panther" Inspired LC. -PMD

(Mazda images)
Mazda has unveiled two concept models at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show. The Mazda KAI Concept compact hatchback (above) "heralds a new generation of Mazda cars" according to the Japanese manufacturer. And the VISION Coupe (below) represents Mazda’s design vision for next-generation models. 

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Check out this drone video of the Atlanterhavsvegen - Atlantic Road - in Norway, dubbed "the world's most beautiful road." Worth it. -PMD

Editor's Note: Check out The Autoextremist on the latest episode of Autoline This Week, which focuses on one of Peter's ongoing concerns as we confront our automotive future - "Is America In Danger of Losing Its Wanderlust?" -WG