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Video: Porsche-powered VW Transporter vs. Cayenne Turbo

corsa — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:32:26 +0000

German tuner TH Automobile took a VW T5 Transporter, dropped in a 560-hp twin-turbo 3.6 liter flat-six from a 996 GT2, and pitted it against a Cayenne Turbo.

Called the TH2, this smoking Transporter does 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds and hits a top speed of nearly 175 mph. So how does it measure up to the Cayenne Turbo? Watch the video to find out.

[source: AutoBlog]

The Singer 911: I’m In Love!

corsa — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:23:21 +0000

It’s rare that a non-factory Porsche catches my heart, unless it wears the familiar “Ruf” badge. But here is one car that has stopped me in my tracks.

It is called the Singer 911, and from the outside it looks like a 1970s-era 911. But if that’s what you are thinking, you are so wrong.

Singer Vehicle Design debuted this prototype at Pebble Beach earlier this year, and what a machine. Starting with a 1980s-era 911 donor, Singer strips the car down to its bare shell to reinvent it into a “celebration of the golden air-cooled era of the world’s most important sports car.”

First, the chassis is stiffened, and a lightweight integral backbone and a roll cage are added for rigidity. Most of the steel body panels are replaced with full carbon fiber composite bodywork styled after the 1970s-era 911, and coated in this stunning “Racing Orange” paint. As a modern touch, Bi-Xenon headlights are tucked away in the fenders, and an active speed-sensitive spoiler is fitted to the rear.

The suspension is modified with Moton shock absorbers, Eibach coilovers, and Jerry Woods Enterprises/Smart Racing Products adjustable sway bars. A fully adjustable electric/hydraulic power steering system is also in the mix. Four-piston brakes from the Porsche 930 are added, covered by custom Zuffenhaus forged aluminum three-piece wheels styled after the famous “Fuchs” wheels, 17″ x 9″ in front (with 225/45-17 Michelin Pilot Sport Cups) and 17″ x 11″ in the rear (with 275/40-17 Michelin Pilot Sports Cups.)

The engine is a highly modified 3.82 liter flat-six with six individual throttle bodies. A 997 GT3 crankshaft, oil pump and titanium connecting rods help it rev to a sweet 8,000 rpms. Power output is 425 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. As icing on the cake, the Motec M800 ECU features data logging, launch control and traction control. All this is mated to a Getrag G50 six-speed transaxle with a limited slip differential.

Inside, the original-style 911 instrument cluster is updated with all-new gauges, including a sweet chronograph. The interior is not carpeted, but it is trimmed in supple dark racing green leather. A new version of the classic MOMO Monza steering wheel and re-engineered vintage 911 Recaro seats complete the vintage look. There is also a modern touch in the interior, with a lightweight air conditioning system, a Garmin navigation system, an iPod interface and Bluetooth connectivity.

So does it go as good as it looks? Yes! Weighing only 2400 lbs, the Singer 911 gets from 0 to 60 in just 3.9 seconds, 0 to 100 in 8.5 seconds, and has a top speed of over 170 mph.

No word on cost, but I would do bad things to get ahold of one of these.

For more info, check out the Singer Vehicle Design website.

And view lots and lots of pictures after the jump… trust me, you want to look at them.

[source: Singer Vehicle Design]

Chopped, Dropped, and Fugly: The Chopster

corsa — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:41:50 +0000

The styling of the Cayenne has always been controversial, but I think everyone can agree that this customized pepper is just plain fugly.

Built by Mansory, it is called the Chopster. (To be fair, it isn’t a pure Mansory vehicle, it is the first vehicle since Mansory purchased Rinspeed’s Porsche turning business a year ago.)

Mechanically, it is pretty impressive: the turbocharged V8 is bumped up to 710 horsepower with 655 lb-ft of torque, good for a top speed of 188 mph. And with 420 mm rotors up front and 375 mm rotors in the rear, combined with the 23 x 11 inch wheels, it will stop too.

The interior is pretty crazy, with a DVD player, laptop, monitors in the headrests, and a refrigerator. IT also has a redesigned center console and dash, and individual sports seats. And lots and lots of carbon fiber.

But it is the exterior styling where it goes astray. The bodywork adds 80 mm to the width of the Cayenne, while the top has 60 mm chopped out of it. It also features lots of LED lighting and is covered in more carbon fiber.

As for price? No clue, but I bet it matches the outrageousness of the Chopster.

To see a ton of pictures, head over to World Car Fans.

[source: World Car Fans]

Insane GT9R Convertible Coming from 9ff

corsa — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:52:27 +0000

Remember the Veyron-killing 9ff GT9R? The one that did 0 to 60 in the 2-second range? The one that easily tops 255 mph? Now the tuner has decided to cut the top off, creating the GT9R Convertible.

Packing a whopping 1120 hp, only three examples of the topless supercar will be built, adding to the 20 examples of the tin-topped GTR9. All of them will likely be sold in the UAE, so don’t plan on seeing one at your local PCA event.

For more info, check out the special 9ff UAE website the tuner has set up.

[source: 9ff via Autoblog]

TechArt Does the Boxster and Cayman

corsa — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:06:11 +0000

The Boxster and Cayman are the latest models from Porsche to get the TechArt treament, with the famed tuner announcing several upgrades for the mid-engine P-cars.

The Aerokit I is a bodykit that features new front and rear spoilers, a sportier exhaust and sport springs. The Aerokit II features different front and rear spoilers from Aerokit I along with new side sills, mirror moldings, and LED daytime running lights. A track-widening package is also included, along with your choice of two different suspensions that can lower the car by up to 30 mm.

TechArt is also offering various interior upgrades which include a special 3-spoked steering wheel, front and rear center console, special door trims and door entry sills, custom leather upholstery, aluminum sport pedals, and lots of carbon fiber.

No word on pricing, but more pics and the full press release from TechArt follow the jump.

[source: TechArt via Autoblog]

PRESS RELEASE:

TECHART program for Porsche Boxster/Cayman

Leonberg – Porsche upgrader TECHART presents its new individualization options for the newest Boxster and Cayman models. Features include two Aerokits, daytime running lights, a set of sport springs, as well as carbon interior packages. “Our upgrade options enhance both the exterior and the interior, fulfilling our clients’ desire for more individual exclusivity,” explains Tobias Beyer, spokesperson for TECHART Automobil GmbH.

TÜV certified Aerokits
Both of the new Aerokits I+II from PU-RIM implement components that were tested in a wind tunnel to optimize their drag coefficients. In addition, the downforce on both axles is perceptibly higher. Essential Aerokit components are a front spoiler with a spoiler lip that match the body’s color, side sills, and a rear area that has been optimized in terms of both design and aerodynamics. The rigid rear spoiler and a rear apron with a diffuser look ensure greater stability at extreme speeds. Both models’ exhaust systems add a sporty touch to the striking rear design. Two round TECHART exhaust tailpipes in glossy or black chrome handle the rear exhaust flow. In comparison to series models, the engine sound is more sonorous and hollow, though it yields to a powerful crescendo at the highest RPMs.

New daytime running lights system in the Aerokit II
A multifunctional daytime running lights system was developed for both TECHART’s Boxster-based Roadster design and its Cayman-based TECHART GT design. The LED system units combine daytime, idle, and parking lighting in a single cohesive housing. The different modules are elegantly integrated into the upper part of the front spoiler. The light intensity automatically adjusts to the selected driving lights setting. Moreover, the daytime running lights dim automatically when either of the turning signals is active to improve their visibility.

Sporty chassis
The performance spectrum of the new individualization options is also evident in the chassis of the Boxster and Cayman. The 19- and 20-inch aluminum wheels expertly transmit the power of these 2.9 and 3.4 liter engines to the road. The TECHART Formula, Formula II, and Formula III forged wheels both ensure abundant ventilation for the wheel arches and allow the braking systems to be seen. The tight alignment of TECHART’s set of sport springs directly permit any steering angles. Thanks to TECHART’s Vario and VarioPlus threaded suspension chassis, the models can be lowered up to 30 mm during assembly and optimally adapted to suit the individual demands for each vehicle. To ensure sufficient traction for this high-performance system, TECHART recommends the Conti Pneu Sport Contact 3.

Exclusive interiors
Because TECHART runs its own saddlery, it can offer a nearly limitless variety of custom interior designs. For instance, the interior can be completely outfitted with the finest leather and decorative seams in contrasting colors. Moreover, carbon interior packages I+II further expand the options for high-quality stylizing of all ornamentation. Additional accessories like aluminum sport pedals, a 3-spoked sport steering wheel, or illuminated entry sills with individual logos round out the diverse options for the design of the interior

Specifications:

Body and chassis

Aerokit I
- Front spoiler I with front lip
- Rear spoiler I

Aerokit II
- Front spoiler II and II GTS with front lip and
- Multifunctional TECHART daytime running lights
- Rear spoiler II and II GTS
- Side sills
- Mirror moldings
- Track-widening package I
- TECHART Vario, VarioPlus threaded chassis

TECHART exhaust system

- “Racing” sport exhaust system rear silencer
- 2 round exhaust tailpipes in glossy or black chrome

Wheel-tire combination

- TECHART Formula, II, III forged light metal wheels, one-piece,
with Continental Sport Contact 3

Interior

- Cockpit hood
- Sport chronometer dial
- TECHART 3-spoked sport steering wheel
- Front and rear center console
- Individualized door trims and door handles
- Door entry sills in carbon/stainless steel with illuminated personalized logo
- Leather upholstery and decorative stitching in custom-selected colors
- Aluminum sport pedals
- Carbon interior package I + II

Another Tuned Panamera: The Gemballa Mistrale

corsa — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:43:47 +0000

Not to be outdone by 9ff, Gemballa has announced their new Panamera-based offering: the Mistrale.

Gemballa says the Mistrale will pump out a ridiculous 750 hp, and will feature new brakes (420 mm front discs with six-pot calipers and 380 mm rear discs with four-pot calipers), 22-inch forged allows, and an air suspension that lowers the car 40 mm.

Of course, an aerokit will also be part of the package. While I typically think tuner aerokits are over-the-top, I actually link the Carrera GT-esque rear end treatment of the Mistrale. Also, I think Gemballa’s wheels are much cooler than the 9ff wheels.

Check out more pictures and the full press release after the jump.

[source: Gemballa via Autoblog]

GEMBALLA MISTRALE – the new, fascinating GEMBALLA luxury limousine based on Porsche Panamera models

Right at the market introduction of the Porsche Panamera, GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG for the first time publishes images of the GEMBALLA MISTRALE and presents fascinating features. The design of the GEMBALLA luxury limousine is even more dynamic, more striking and significantly more exclusive than its serial counterpart. For perfect surface quality and custom-fit processing of the newly designed aerodynamics components, GEMBALLA mainly uses the ultra-light and high-strength material carbon.

Part of the dynamic front look is a far more sporty front skirt. Larger air inlets guarantee the optimal supply with fresh air for future performance increases. An integrated carbon lip and an elegantly formed bonnet with slotted ventilation ducts complete the lifting-force reducing front. A striking eye-catcher of the GEMBALLA MISTRALE and visual allusion to the classic 911-design are the extended front and rear fenders. A newly designed rear apron with integrated diffuser provides enough space for four end pipes of the sport exhaust system and seamlessly fits into the overall package.

But not only design and aerodynamics are refined by GEMALLA. Also the performance of the four-door automobile is significantly improved. A newly programmed air suspension module with extended setting range lowers the centre of gravity up to 40 millimetres. For especially ambitious customers, GEMBALLA offers a height-adjustable coilover suspension. In connection with the ultra-light 22-inch forged rims both versions render best vehicle control and also optimal road contact. For excellent deceleration values and perfect pedal control, GEMBALLA adds a high-performance brake system. 6-piston brake callipers with 420 millimetre brake discs at the front axle and 4-piston brake callipers with 380 millimetre brake discs at the back axle replace the serial components.

GEMBALLA, the specialist for high-end Porsche refinement and innovative engineer design plans further modifications, such as powerful performance enhancements up to 750 hp for different serial engines. And also in the interior, owner Uwe Gemballa leaves his distinctive mark with an innovative design and unsurpassable quality as usual. For more information about the GEMBALLA MISTRALE and the extensive GEMBALLA refining programme, please visit the web site www.gemballa.com

9ff Gives More Details on Panamera-based Offerings

corsa — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:15:23 +0000

Porsche tuner 9ff has unveiled more details for its upcoming models based on the Panamera. The new offerings are all based on the Panamera Turbo and there are three models to choose from.

The PT-55 boosts power from 500 to 550 hp via an ECU upgrade and new air filters. The PT-60 adds a new exhaust system to boost power to 600 hp. And finally, the PT-65 swaps out the turbos to take power to 650 hp, and also adds a full aero kit. In addition, 22-inch three-piece wheels and various interior upgrades will be available across all models.

No word yet on price or availability. Check out another rendering after the jump.

[source: 4wheelsnews.com via Autoblog]

Gemballa Mirage GT Gold Edition

corsa — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:08:43 +0000

According to Motor Authority, Gemballa has introduced yet another version of their Mirage GT, this one called the Gold Edition.

Based on the Carrera GT, the Gold Edition adds about 60 hp to the stock Carrera GT mill to bring it up to 670 hp. The car will do 0 to 62 in 3.7 seconds and 0 to 124 mph in 9.7 seconds, along the way to a top speed of 208 mph.

But main “feature” of the Gold Edition Mirage GT is… well… the gold styling. In addition to lots of carbon fiber, it features a gold-on-white color scheme and custom gold alloy wheels. The interior includes more gold accents.

To me, it is just plain ugly and garish. But I’m sure there is a sheik somewhere just waiting for this gold-trimmed beast.

More pictures after the jump.

[source: Motor Authority]

More Details: Switzer Performance P800 997

corsa — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:39:26 +0000

Back in June, we first told you about Switzer’s 800 hp 997 twin-turbo. Now, they have released more pictures and details, and the beast officially has a name: the P800 997.

The 800 hp will push you from 0 to 60 in less than three seconds. It will rocket you through the quarter-mile in just over ten seconds. No word on top speed, but I think it would be safe to assume it is well past the double-century mark.

The P800 997 features custom GT30 turbochargers, custom Switzer MONSTER intercoolers, electronic boost control, headers and custom exhaust, and a carbon clutch pack. No word on price, but if you have to ask….

Check out more pics, a dyno test video, and the full press release after the jump.

[source: Switzer via Autoblog]

Oberlin, OH – 30JUL2009 – 800 hp Switzer L5 PKG for 997TT

When Tym Switzer and his crew at Ohio-based Switzer Performance introduced their 800 hp P800 package for Porsche’s track-focused GT2 back in June, a number of inquiries expressed significant interest in the package, but a number of customers asked if they could get the same level of power from the AWD 997TT.

Switzer’s answer was a resounding “Yes!”, which brings us to the car pictured here – an 800 hp, all-wheel drive “Yes!” that takes advantage of the 997′s superior traction and shorter gearing to deliver staggering acceleration figures. Think sub 3-second 0-60 runs and 1/4 mile times consistently under 10.5, and you start to get the idea: this car is a monster.

“The P800 kit for the GT2 evolved from the SLEDGEHAMMER project car that ran in the 9′s last year,” offers Tym, “that was a race-gas package, but as the program developed, we were able to move to a more streetable package and keep the factory DME, unlike the SLEDGEHAMMER, which used a stand-alone system. Other than that, everything that made the SLEDGEHAMMER so special is still right there in the P800 GT2, and it’s still right there in this 997.”

Switzer’s P800 997 package apes their GT2 package’s use of custom GT30 turbochargers with custom billet compressor wheels on ball-bearing center sections in lightweight stainless housings, the heat generated by the turbocharged six is still dissipated by Switzer’s own MONSTER intercoolers, and Switzer’s own DME calibrations still keep everything copacetic. Unlike the GT2, however, the 997TT-based P800 does not require a new intake manifold or upgraded throttle-body. Switzer explains, “Porsche developed a model-specific intake manifold for the GT2, which worked perfectly with the stock VTGs, but didn’t flow enough for the GT30Rs. The 997TT just doesn’t have that problem, which is great because it’s easier to install, and saves the customer some money, too.”

Switzer’s 800 hp P800 package for the 997TT includes Switzer’s competition-style exhaust and headers, an upgraded carbon clutch package, electronic boost control, and the previously mentioned GT30R turbos, MONSTER intercoolers, and ECU software. This package is available now through Switzer Performance dealers. Contact Switzer dealers for more.

How Do You Make a Cayenne Uglier?

corsa — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:21:18 +0000

While I don’t mind the looks of the Cayenne, it has certainly been called “ugly” by more than a few. But a Russian tuner has managed to make even the most jaded Cayenne think the stock Cayenne is a work of art next to this thing.

Status Design has taken a Cayenne and somehow grafted on an old-school Cylon-looking frontend… and from there it just gets worse.

I’m not sure what they call their modified Cayenne, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So if you dare, check out a couple more images after the jump in color schemes that are even worse than the one pictured above.

[source: Jalopnik]