Next Porsche 911 confirmed to launch with 7-Speed Manual Transmission

Several corporate sources have confirmed that Porsche will offer a seven-speed manual in the next-generation 911.

The point is to offer a tall, seventh gear for improved efficiency and reduced engine noise during long cruises. The shifting experience is said to be similar to that of the current six-speed manual.

As to the next 911 itself, it carries the internal 991 designation and is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this September. It will be based on the stretched architecture of the 996/997 and offer more rear seat space and a more comfortable, luxurious interior. Vehicle stability will be improved thanks to a longer wheelbase. Future generations of the 911, however, are expected to share many components with the next-gen Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo as part of the VW Group’s highly flexible Modularer Sportbaukasten, or “modular sports architecture.” When and if this platform convergence happens, the 911 will keep its rear-engine layout, although the powerplant may nevertheless be moved forward significantly.

Porsche’s seven-speed manual only adds to the multiple gearbox options in the sports-car segment, which include dual-clutch, torque-converter, and modified automatics; traditional manuals; and even an entirely new single-clutch automatic in the Lamborghini Aventador. Will the seven-speed manual be offered by other automakers as well? At present, a supplier source tells us additional interest in the technology is limited.

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Next Porsche 911 confirmed to launch with 7-Speed Manual Transmission

Several corporate sources have confirmed that Porsche will offer a seven-speed manual in the next-generation 911.

The point is to offer a tall, seventh gear for improved efficiency and reduced engine noise during long cruises. The shifting experience is said to be similar to that of the current six-speed manual.

As to the next 911 itself, it carries the internal 991 designation and is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this September. It will be based on the stretched architecture of the 996/997 and offer more rear seat space and a more comfortable, luxurious interior. Vehicle stability will be improved thanks to a longer wheelbase. Future generations of the 911, however, are expected to share many components with the next-gen Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo as part of the VW Group’s highly flexible Modularer Sportbaukasten, or “modular sports architecture.” When and if this platform convergence happens, the 911 will keep its rear-engine layout, although the powerplant may nevertheless be moved forward significantly.

Porsche’s seven-speed manual only adds to the multiple gearbox options in the sports-car segment, which include dual-clutch, torque-converter, and modified automatics; traditional manuals; and even an entirely new single-clutch automatic in the Lamborghini Aventador. Will the seven-speed manual be offered by other automakers as well? At present, a supplier source tells us additional interest in the technology is limited.

Click title for the source

Next Porsche 911 confirmed to launch with 7-Speed Manual Transmission

Several corporate sources have confirmed that Porsche will offer a seven-speed manual in the next-generation 911.

The point is to offer a tall, seventh gear for improved efficiency and reduced engine noise during long cruises. The shifting experience is said to be similar to that of the current six-speed manual.

As to the next 911 itself, it carries the internal 991 designation and is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this September. It will be based on the stretched architecture of the 996/997 and offer more rear seat space and a more comfortable, luxurious interior. Vehicle stability will be improved thanks to a longer wheelbase. Future generations of the 911, however, are expected to share many components with the next-gen Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo as part of the VW Group’s highly flexible Modularer Sportbaukasten, or “modular sports architecture.” When and if this platform convergence happens, the 911 will keep its rear-engine layout, although the powerplant may nevertheless be moved forward significantly.

Porsche’s seven-speed manual only adds to the multiple gearbox options in the sports-car segment, which include dual-clutch, torque-converter, and modified automatics; traditional manuals; and even an entirely new single-clutch automatic in the Lamborghini Aventador. Will the seven-speed manual be offered by other automakers as well? At present, a supplier source tells us additional interest in the technology is limited.

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KBR Motorsport tuned VW Passat CC

It has been a long time since we last saw a tuning firm getting its hands on the Volkswagen Passat CC, but today we received news on a freshly developed styling and performance package for the mid-size sports saloon by German firm KBR Motorsport.

The tuning company starts on the outside with a bespoke foil-wrap in a so-called dull olive gray finish matched with new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped around 225/30 ZR20 tires and a new exhaust tail pipe. To Passat CC’s aggressive stance is further enhanced with a lowered KW Variant 3 coilover suspension.

KBR Motorsport’s press release makes word of a tuning kit for the Passat CC’s turbocharged engine that lifts output to 260-horses, but does not specify the powerplant. Looking at the available engine range in Germany, chances are KBR Motorsport’s tune concerns the 2.0-liter TFSi, which delivers 210-horsepower in stock form.

The German tuner said that the complete package is priced at €11,000



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KBR Motorsport tuned VW Passat CC

It has been a long time since we last saw a tuning firm getting its hands on the Volkswagen Passat CC, but today we received news on a freshly developed styling and performance package for the mid-size sports saloon by German firm KBR Motorsport.

The tuning company starts on the outside with a bespoke foil-wrap in a so-called dull olive gray finish matched with new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped around 225/30 ZR20 tires and a new exhaust tail pipe. To Passat CC’s aggressive stance is further enhanced with a lowered KW Variant 3 coilover suspension.

KBR Motorsport’s press release makes word of a tuning kit for the Passat CC’s turbocharged engine that lifts output to 260-horses, but does not specify the powerplant. Looking at the available engine range in Germany, chances are KBR Motorsport’s tune concerns the 2.0-liter TFSi, which delivers 210-horsepower in stock form.

The German tuner said that the complete package is priced at €11,000



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KBR Motorsport tuned VW Passat CC

It has been a long time since we last saw a tuning firm getting its hands on the Volkswagen Passat CC, but today we received news on a freshly developed styling and performance package for the mid-size sports saloon by German firm KBR Motorsport.

The tuning company starts on the outside with a bespoke foil-wrap in a so-called dull olive gray finish matched with new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped around 225/30 ZR20 tires and a new exhaust tail pipe. To Passat CC’s aggressive stance is further enhanced with a lowered KW Variant 3 coilover suspension.

KBR Motorsport’s press release makes word of a tuning kit for the Passat CC’s turbocharged engine that lifts output to 260-horses, but does not specify the powerplant. Looking at the available engine range in Germany, chances are KBR Motorsport’s tune concerns the 2.0-liter TFSi, which delivers 210-horsepower in stock form.

The German tuner said that the complete package is priced at €11,000



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Video: VW GTI Edition 35

Volkswagen will be bringing 3 special Golf editions to the 2011 Wörthersee show.

The Golf GTI 16S is a racer based on the 1977 Golf GTI developed by KWL Motorsport that comes with a 1.6 liter unit instead of the usual 2.0 liter TFSI. The power plant generates an impressive 215 PS (158 kW / 211 bhp) and is mated to a 5-speed racing gearbox from VW Motorsport.

The 16S also features a Billstein chassis and an 80-liter fuel tank and is a Group 4 competitor at the 24hr race at the Nürburgring.

Speaking of Nürburgring, VW will also be bringing its Golf24 endurance racer to the show.

The real celebratory model to commemorate the Golf GTI's 35th anniversary, though, is the Golf GTI Edition 35 - a model which will actually make it to showrooms and onto the streets.

The Edition 35 comes with more power than the standard GTI via the revised 2.0-liter TFSI petrol engine unit doling out 235 PS (173 kW / 232 hp) instead of the usual 210 PS (155 kW / 207 hp).

The Golf GTI Edition 35 is already available for order in Germany with prices starting at €30,425.

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Video: VW GTI Edition 35

Volkswagen will be bringing 3 special Golf editions to the 2011 Wörthersee show.

The Golf GTI 16S is a racer based on the 1977 Golf GTI developed by KWL Motorsport that comes with a 1.6 liter unit instead of the usual 2.0 liter TFSI. The power plant generates an impressive 215 PS (158 kW / 211 bhp) and is mated to a 5-speed racing gearbox from VW Motorsport.

The 16S also features a Billstein chassis and an 80-liter fuel tank and is a Group 4 competitor at the 24hr race at the Nürburgring.

Speaking of Nürburgring, VW will also be bringing its Golf24 endurance racer to the show.

The real celebratory model to commemorate the Golf GTI's 35th anniversary, though, is the Golf GTI Edition 35 - a model which will actually make it to showrooms and onto the streets.

The Edition 35 comes with more power than the standard GTI via the revised 2.0-liter TFSI petrol engine unit doling out 235 PS (173 kW / 232 hp) instead of the usual 210 PS (155 kW / 207 hp).

The Golf GTI Edition 35 is already available for order in Germany with prices starting at €30,425.

Click title for the source

Video: VW GTI Edition 35

Volkswagen will be bringing 3 special Golf editions to the 2011 Wörthersee show.

The Golf GTI 16S is a racer based on the 1977 Golf GTI developed by KWL Motorsport that comes with a 1.6 liter unit instead of the usual 2.0 liter TFSI. The power plant generates an impressive 215 PS (158 kW / 211 bhp) and is mated to a 5-speed racing gearbox from VW Motorsport.

The 16S also features a Billstein chassis and an 80-liter fuel tank and is a Group 4 competitor at the 24hr race at the Nürburgring.

Speaking of Nürburgring, VW will also be bringing its Golf24 endurance racer to the show.

The real celebratory model to commemorate the Golf GTI's 35th anniversary, though, is the Golf GTI Edition 35 - a model which will actually make it to showrooms and onto the streets.

The Edition 35 comes with more power than the standard GTI via the revised 2.0-liter TFSI petrol engine unit doling out 235 PS (173 kW / 232 hp) instead of the usual 210 PS (155 kW / 207 hp).

The Golf GTI Edition 35 is already available for order in Germany with prices starting at €30,425.

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Audi prepares 503HP A1 Clubsport Quattro for Worthersee

Every year, fans of the Volkswagen Group get together at the Wörthersee festival, held in Reifnitz, Austria, to share their passion about cars. The show is so big that the VW Group’s brands spare no money to develop dedicated one-off models for the event. Audi’s star attraction at this year’s Worthersee Tour (June 1 to 4, 2011), which celebrates its 30th anniversary, is the ludicrous A1 clubsport Quattro.

The one-off show car is a rally-inspired A1 hatch that uses a heavily modified version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine found in the TT RS and the RS3 Sportback. The five-pot normally produces 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft), but thanks to the systematic tuning of the turbocharger, intercooler, induction tract and the exhaust, output has been boosted to 503-horsepower and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque.

Power is transferred to all-four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, both sourced from the TT RS and enhanced by Audi’s engineers.



Weighing in at 1,390 kilograms (3,064 pounds), the A1 clubsport quattro can go from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.7 seconds, and from 0 to 200km/h (124mph) in just 10.9 seconds. The 50-70mph (80-112km/h) overtaking can be completed in fourth gear in 2.4 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically governed at 250km/h or 155mph.

Audi’s engineers also equipped the special A1 with a high-performance braking system that includes six-piston callipers grabbed by perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs up front and large steel discs at the rear. The car rides on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels and an adjustable coilover sports suspension.

On the outside, the A1 clubsport quattro is finished in a Glacier White matte paint finish contrasted by high-gloss black roof arches with the roof itself made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The front wings, the doors and the rear side panels of car have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.3-in.), while it also sports a new front bumper and grille assembly, a vented hood, side exhaust outlets, a large roof wing, a bespoke rear bumper with a diffuser and unique mirrors.



Inside, Audi decided to eliminate the rear seats and use the space to place a large crossbar to further stiffen the body as well as two racing helmets. There are two lightweight bucket seats sourced from the Audi R8 GT that feature a carbon fibre chassis and four-point belts. Many areas are covered with exposed, matte-finished carbon fiber while Audi reduced the car’s weight by removing several features such as the infotainment system. In addition, simple loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.

While Audi has no current plans to introduce a production version of the show car, the A1 clubsport quattro is believed to hint at an upcoming high-performance version sporting either the S1 or RS1 badge.

Along with its physical debut at the Wörthersee fest, the Audi A1 clubsport quattro will also make a brief online appearance in the Need for Speed World where it will be offered to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4.



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Audi prepares 503HP A1 Clubsport Quattro for Worthersee

Every year, fans of the Volkswagen Group get together at the Wörthersee festival, held in Reifnitz, Austria, to share their passion about cars. The show is so big that the VW Group’s brands spare no money to develop dedicated one-off models for the event. Audi’s star attraction at this year’s Worthersee Tour (June 1 to 4, 2011), which celebrates its 30th anniversary, is the ludicrous A1 clubsport Quattro.

The one-off show car is a rally-inspired A1 hatch that uses a heavily modified version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine found in the TT RS and the RS3 Sportback. The five-pot normally produces 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft), but thanks to the systematic tuning of the turbocharger, intercooler, induction tract and the exhaust, output has been boosted to 503-horsepower and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque.

Power is transferred to all-four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, both sourced from the TT RS and enhanced by Audi’s engineers.



Weighing in at 1,390 kilograms (3,064 pounds), the A1 clubsport quattro can go from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.7 seconds, and from 0 to 200km/h (124mph) in just 10.9 seconds. The 50-70mph (80-112km/h) overtaking can be completed in fourth gear in 2.4 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically governed at 250km/h or 155mph.

Audi’s engineers also equipped the special A1 with a high-performance braking system that includes six-piston callipers grabbed by perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs up front and large steel discs at the rear. The car rides on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels and an adjustable coilover sports suspension.

On the outside, the A1 clubsport quattro is finished in a Glacier White matte paint finish contrasted by high-gloss black roof arches with the roof itself made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The front wings, the doors and the rear side panels of car have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.3-in.), while it also sports a new front bumper and grille assembly, a vented hood, side exhaust outlets, a large roof wing, a bespoke rear bumper with a diffuser and unique mirrors.



Inside, Audi decided to eliminate the rear seats and use the space to place a large crossbar to further stiffen the body as well as two racing helmets. There are two lightweight bucket seats sourced from the Audi R8 GT that feature a carbon fibre chassis and four-point belts. Many areas are covered with exposed, matte-finished carbon fiber while Audi reduced the car’s weight by removing several features such as the infotainment system. In addition, simple loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.

While Audi has no current plans to introduce a production version of the show car, the A1 clubsport quattro is believed to hint at an upcoming high-performance version sporting either the S1 or RS1 badge.

Along with its physical debut at the Wörthersee fest, the Audi A1 clubsport quattro will also make a brief online appearance in the Need for Speed World where it will be offered to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4.



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Audi prepares 503HP A1 Clubsport Quattro for Worthersee

Every year, fans of the Volkswagen Group get together at the Wörthersee festival, held in Reifnitz, Austria, to share their passion about cars. The show is so big that the VW Group’s brands spare no money to develop dedicated one-off models for the event. Audi’s star attraction at this year’s Worthersee Tour (June 1 to 4, 2011), which celebrates its 30th anniversary, is the ludicrous A1 clubsport Quattro.

The one-off show car is a rally-inspired A1 hatch that uses a heavily modified version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine found in the TT RS and the RS3 Sportback. The five-pot normally produces 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft), but thanks to the systematic tuning of the turbocharger, intercooler, induction tract and the exhaust, output has been boosted to 503-horsepower and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque.

Power is transferred to all-four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, both sourced from the TT RS and enhanced by Audi’s engineers.



Weighing in at 1,390 kilograms (3,064 pounds), the A1 clubsport quattro can go from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.7 seconds, and from 0 to 200km/h (124mph) in just 10.9 seconds. The 50-70mph (80-112km/h) overtaking can be completed in fourth gear in 2.4 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically governed at 250km/h or 155mph.

Audi’s engineers also equipped the special A1 with a high-performance braking system that includes six-piston callipers grabbed by perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs up front and large steel discs at the rear. The car rides on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels and an adjustable coilover sports suspension.

On the outside, the A1 clubsport quattro is finished in a Glacier White matte paint finish contrasted by high-gloss black roof arches with the roof itself made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The front wings, the doors and the rear side panels of car have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.3-in.), while it also sports a new front bumper and grille assembly, a vented hood, side exhaust outlets, a large roof wing, a bespoke rear bumper with a diffuser and unique mirrors.



Inside, Audi decided to eliminate the rear seats and use the space to place a large crossbar to further stiffen the body as well as two racing helmets. There are two lightweight bucket seats sourced from the Audi R8 GT that feature a carbon fibre chassis and four-point belts. Many areas are covered with exposed, matte-finished carbon fiber while Audi reduced the car’s weight by removing several features such as the infotainment system. In addition, simple loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.

While Audi has no current plans to introduce a production version of the show car, the A1 clubsport quattro is believed to hint at an upcoming high-performance version sporting either the S1 or RS1 badge.

Along with its physical debut at the Wörthersee fest, the Audi A1 clubsport quattro will also make a brief online appearance in the Need for Speed World where it will be offered to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4.



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