Porsche

Porsche just unveiled a new limited edition Boxster S. Available this spring, Porsche is only producing 987 of these bad boys. The 2012 Boxster S Black Edition is a 320-horsepower roadster and comes with a long list of standard features, and at a price less than a Boxster S with comparable equipment.

Only available in solid black (and when they say solid black, they MEAN solid black), it has a black convertible top, black-painted 19-inch Boxster Spyder design wheels, black safety bars, black side air intake grilles - even the twin exhaust tailpipes and the model designation on the rear luggage compartment lid are black. A Black Edition model designation is also embossed on the side of the fabric roof. What about the interior? It's black too, but uses aluminum and stainless steel as accents. Read more

J.D. Power and Associates yesterday released its 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study Results. The study surveys owners of 3-year old models that were purchased new and asks them if they have experienced any of almost 200 different problems within the last 12 months. The results of the study help educate consumers when considering the next new or used car purchase. Manufacturers also pay attention, giving them insight into what they need to do to build better models.

Porsche leads the overall rankings, but some big improvements were seen from domestic automaker Ford. All of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands placed in the top 10 of the list with Lincoln showing the most significant improvement, climbing six positions from 2009 to rank second. The redesigned Lincoln Navigator contributed to Lincoln's rank position this year, improving by 61 PP100. Other notable Lincoln vehicles are the Mark LT and MKZ. Both ranked highest in dependability in their award segments:

• Entry Premium Vehicle – Lincoln MKZ (97 PP100)
• Large Premium MAV – Lincoln Mark LT (120 PP100)

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Techart has created a custom body kit, the Aerokit 1, for the Cayenne. The kit features a redesigned front panel, deeper front spoiler, integrated driving and fog lamps and additional cooling vents, deeper sills, a rear apron with integrated diffuser and a low drag roof spoiler.

Those who opted for Porsche's air suspension system can use Techart's unique suspension control module to lower and raise the body. Also, you get 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Diamaris tires, quad exhaust pipes, a three-spoke Techart sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals and custom leather trim. If that isn't enough, you can opt for 22-inch body colored wheels, a custom bonnet and piping leather trim.

The TA 055/D1power upgrade will boost the vehicle's 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine from 240hp (176kW) to 290hp (213kW) and take the torque from 550Nm to 630Nm at 2,200rpm. Also, to 500Nm of torque is available from just 1,100rpm and lasts right up until 4,000rpm. Thanks to the engine upgrades, this SUV can accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds.

As of now, Techart has not released any info on how much these upgrades will cost or when they will be available.

Russian tuner firm, Status Design, has taken the Porsche Cayenne SUV and given it a very nice and unique look. Status has outfitted the Cayenne with an insane, full body kit, which does look really good.

The new bumper makes use of specific angle to help generate more air flow into the air-intakes, similar to what we have seen in the Audi R8. There is also a new hood, with a pointed nose that goes down towards the front grille and some new front fenders.Read more

We've seen Gemballa mod the Carrera GT supercar before under the Mirage GT title. Most of their mods include a nice paint scheme; however, matte paint jobs are the hot item now and when applied to a Mirage GT... pure epicness!

This Mirage GT will feature the same 670hp (500kW), 465lb-ft (630Nm) of torque engine that we've seen in other versions, which isn't a bad thing.

Race Specs:

• 0-62mph (100km/h) = 3.7 seconds
• 0-124mph (200km/h) = 9.7 seconds
• Top Speed = 208mph (335km/h)

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German tuner, Cargraphic, has announced a new performance and visual package for the new Porsche Cayenne Diesel. For just $1,650, you will get a new ECU upgrade to boost power output from the SUV's Audi-sourced 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine.

With the performance upgrade, your standard 240hp (179kW) and 405lb-ft (550Nm) will be boosted to 290hp (216kW) and 465lb-ft (630Nm) of torque; not bad. You can also get a new suspension upgrade for the Cayenne's air-suspension system that can adjust the vehicle's ride height for roughly $1,987.

Body modifications include a new front bumper with integrated fog lights for $2,984, a rear diffuser for $656, new fenders for $1,721, sporty side skirts for $1,405, and optional alloy wheels ranging from 20 to 22-inches for varied prices.

Not a bad setup; however, it would be nice if an all-inclusive package were offered at a discounted price.

Magneto rheological (MR) fluid can make physics class fun! It has the ability to quickly alter its physical property from a low-viscosity liquid to a very stiff, nearly solid substance in milliseconds with introduction of a magnetic field. Well now, thanks to Delphi, this technology, that used to only be used in shock absorbers, is going to be used in engine mounts. And the first car to get these new mounts is the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3.

With these new engine mounts, controlling the noise and vibration of the powertrain will be much easier and can improve stability and traction, especially during "transient torque events." As someone who recently busted an engine mount, transmission mount and torque mount, I can safely say that this is very true and it also greatly improves the car's comfort level. Plus, as in my case, if one mount goes, more can easily go, too.Read more

Gemballa has released a new kit for the amazing Porsche Carrera GT. The Mirage GT "Carbon Edition" will produce 670hp (500kW) at 465lb-ft (630Nm) of torque.

Its times are:

• 0-62mph (100km/h) in 3.7 seconds
• 0-124mph (200km/h) in just 9.7
• Top speed of 208mph (335km/h)

Read more

The last "great" Porsche that was street-legal was the Carerra GT. The Carerra GT came out about 5 years ago. We need a new insane Porsche! Luckily, it seems that Porsche is considering taking their RS Spyder American Le Mans Series (ALMS) race car and tuning it for the street.

The current RS Spyder produces between 485-503hp (362-375kW) and houses a 3.4L V8 engine. The weight clocks in at 1,705lbs (775kg). The LMP2-class RS Spyder has placed or won at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans, in addition to other races and the 2006-2008 LMP2 ALMS manufacturer's championships.

The car has an impressive history and makes me want this car to become all the more real. For information on what type of specs a street-legal Porsche RS Spyder may have, click here.