Leftlane News posted some new spy shots of the next-gen Cayenne, and this time it is the Turbo that was spotted.

I have to say it looks pretty good to me, but I’m not so thrilled about the reports that the new Cayenne will put more emphasis on “on-road” performance, and remove some of the off-road capabilities the current Cayenne is known for.

To see the spot shots, click here.

[source: Leftlane News]

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]

Porsche has revealed the new Boxster Spyder, the lightest Porsche you can buy.

The Boxster Spyder will be a third standalone model, next to the Boxster and Boxster S. It sheds 176 lbs by removing the top mechanism, using aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS, brining it down to 2,811 lbs.

Mechanically it ain’t no slouch either, getting an extra 10 hp over the Boxster S (up to 320 hp) as well as an all-new sport suspension that lowers the car 20 mm, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels. When equipped with the PDK and Sports Chrono Package, the Boxster Spyder will get from 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds. Top speed is 166 mph.

Styling changes include a single-piece rear decklid with two Carrera GT-like bulges behind the seats and a fixed rear spoiler. A low-slung lightweight soft top adds to the purposeful sporty looks.

The new Boxster Spyder will be introduced at the L.A. Auto Show next month, and goes on sale in February 2010 with a price of $61,200. Get in line now!

More pics, video, and full press release after the jump.

[source: Porsche via Autoblog]

Porsche’s newest entry will be the lightest in its line-up

The 2011 Boxster Spyder goes on sale February 2010. U.S. pricing is $61,200.

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]

A couple months ago Porsche brought over some diesel Cayennes from Europe to let some U.S. journalists drive them, and Autoblog was one of the lucky ones.

They only had the oil-burning pepper for less than an hour, but that was enough time for them to conclude that the U.S. market needs this version of the Cayenne.

The diesel Cayenne shares a 3.0 liter turbo V6 with the Volkswagen Toureg TDI and the Audi Q7 TDI. This engine puts out 240 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. That’s good enough to get from 0 to 62 in a respectable 8.3 seconds and to a top speed of 133 mph. But even more impressive is the U.S. EPA combined fuel rating of 25 mpg, compared to 16 mpg for the gas V6 Cayenne. The diesel also has an impressive 7700 lb tow rating.

To read their full review, head over to Autoblog.

[source: Autoblog]

It’s official: the Panamera is avoids the gas guzzler tax by getting an EPA rating of 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway in the Panamera S and 4S models, and a 15/23 mpg rating for the Panamera Turbo.

The mileage ratings are pretty surprising considering the size and power of the Panamera. (It’s closest rival ,the Maserati Quattroporte GT S only gets 12/18 mpg, and it has 66 hp less than the Panamera Turbo.) Reasons that the Panamera mileage is so impressive include the DFI, PDK transmission, and start/stop technology.

[source: Autoblog]

Are you bummed because your 911 GT3 or GT3 RS is too heavy? Don’t worry, Porsche has you covered.

Porsche has just released a new line of lightweight components for retrofitting your 997 GT3 or GT3 RS for style and performance.

Developed by engineers in the Porsche Motorsport Division, you have lots to choose from. Accessories include a new dual-tailpipe made of titanium that reduces the weight of the car at the rear, and features a white-metallic finish that turns blue when exposed to high exhaust temperatures, just like on a race car.

You can also add a carbon fiber spoiler lip and carbon fiber ram air scoops on your rear decklid for another reduction in weight and added style. Carbon fiber mirrors are also available, along with a carbon fiber front air outlet for above the bumper, that features just one middle bar instead of three for a more open structure.

Finally, titanium-colored second-generation 19-inch GT3 wheels feature bolts made of forged aluminum, finished in red eloxy-plating.

Check out more pictures after the jump, and head to your Porsche dealer to pimp out your GT3 or GT3 RS.

[source: Porsche]

It is common knowledge that Ferdinand Porsche, at the request of Adolf Hitler, designed the VW Beetle. However, a Dutch historian and author claims otherwise.

According to Paul Schilperoord, the Beetle may have actually been designed by Jewish engineer Josef Ganz, with Porsche taking the credit. In his new book Het Ware Verhaal van de Kever (”The True Story of the Beetle”) he says Ganz had an idea for a new revolutionary car called the Maikäfer (or “May Beetle”) that featured an engine in the rear, an independent suspension, and a streamlined body.

Schilperoord says Ganz didn’t have the financial backing to build his car, so he started publishing articles calling for a revolution in car design. He was eventually arrested by the Gestapo in Nazi Germany, but eventually was released. He then moved to Switzerland and tried to build his car, but the Swiss government supposedly tried to steal his design. Finally, Hitler decided he liked the design and had Porsche build it.

Ganz ended up in Australia, where he worked for Holden then died poor and in obscurity.

[source: Ganz-Volkswagen.org and AD.nl Autowereld via Autoblog]

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]

The rumors swirling around VW’s plans for Porsche are flying around fast and furious. One day they are saying they will be adding more Panamera variants to the lineup, and the next they are saying they are going to kill the Panamera. Now, there is another rumor involving the Panamera: platform sharing.

This latest rumor says VW is considering sharing the 2010 Panamera platforms with some of its other brands. Apparently, Lamborghini has been ruled out as a recipient, but that leaves brands like Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, and VW itself.

Speculation on what cars would use it would be the new Bentley Continental GT, or a new Audi sedan (to replace the A8 or slot in above it?) or maybe a new super-sedan from Bugatti.

At this point, it’s anyone’s guess what is going to happen… might as well add this rumor to the pile.

[source: Motor Authority]