2012 Porsche Boxster latest details

According to the latest sources, the next-generation Boxster, also known as the 981, is being conceived almost entirely from scratch.

The 981 will feature a new cab-forward design to better distinguish the model from the 911. Its dimensions will grow by 60 mm (2.36 inches) at the wheelbase and 37 mm (1.46 inches) in total length, while the height loses 10 mm (0.39 inches) and the front overhang is reduced by 25 mm (0.98 inches). The new cabin will provide more legroom, 18 mm (0.70 inches), for occupants of its two seats.

Weight comes down too, by 15 kg (33 lbs) to 1320 kg (2904 lbs) for the standard model while the Boxster S will tip the scales at 1340 kg (2948 lbs).

The Boxster will also feature some unique styling cues on its front and rear fascias, its own headlamps and taillights, a new side air intake design and a steeper windscreen. All making the model very different from the 911.

But the real distinct factor will be a new flat-four power plant that Porsche is developing that will be a flagship engine of the next Boxster and Cayman models. The four-cylinder unit will displace 2.5 liters and feature a larger bore than on the current 2.7 liter engine. The 2.5 liter will be twin-turbocharged up to around the 360 bhp (268 kW / 365 PS) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque mark.

The 2.7 liter engine stays, with a bump in power from 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) to 265 bhp (198 kW / 269 PS) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. The 3.4 liter for the Boxster S will deliver 315 bhp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque compared to the current 291 hp (217 kW / 295 PS).

It is also said the new 2.5 liter straight-four will come in various performance stages, which may mean it will eventually replace the 2.7 liter unit altogether.

The new Boxster is scheduled for a debut at the Detroit auto show in January 2012.



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2012 Porsche Boxster latest details

According to the latest sources, the next-generation Boxster, also known as the 981, is being conceived almost entirely from scratch.

The 981 will feature a new cab-forward design to better distinguish the model from the 911. Its dimensions will grow by 60 mm (2.36 inches) at the wheelbase and 37 mm (1.46 inches) in total length, while the height loses 10 mm (0.39 inches) and the front overhang is reduced by 25 mm (0.98 inches). The new cabin will provide more legroom, 18 mm (0.70 inches), for occupants of its two seats.

Weight comes down too, by 15 kg (33 lbs) to 1320 kg (2904 lbs) for the standard model while the Boxster S will tip the scales at 1340 kg (2948 lbs).

The Boxster will also feature some unique styling cues on its front and rear fascias, its own headlamps and taillights, a new side air intake design and a steeper windscreen. All making the model very different from the 911.

But the real distinct factor will be a new flat-four power plant that Porsche is developing that will be a flagship engine of the next Boxster and Cayman models. The four-cylinder unit will displace 2.5 liters and feature a larger bore than on the current 2.7 liter engine. The 2.5 liter will be twin-turbocharged up to around the 360 bhp (268 kW / 365 PS) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque mark.

The 2.7 liter engine stays, with a bump in power from 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) to 265 bhp (198 kW / 269 PS) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. The 3.4 liter for the Boxster S will deliver 315 bhp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque compared to the current 291 hp (217 kW / 295 PS).

It is also said the new 2.5 liter straight-four will come in various performance stages, which may mean it will eventually replace the 2.7 liter unit altogether.

The new Boxster is scheduled for a debut at the Detroit auto show in January 2012.



Click for Full Size


Click title for the source

2012 Porsche Boxster latest details

According to the latest sources, the next-generation Boxster, also known as the 981, is being conceived almost entirely from scratch.

The 981 will feature a new cab-forward design to better distinguish the model from the 911. Its dimensions will grow by 60 mm (2.36 inches) at the wheelbase and 37 mm (1.46 inches) in total length, while the height loses 10 mm (0.39 inches) and the front overhang is reduced by 25 mm (0.98 inches). The new cabin will provide more legroom, 18 mm (0.70 inches), for occupants of its two seats.

Weight comes down too, by 15 kg (33 lbs) to 1320 kg (2904 lbs) for the standard model while the Boxster S will tip the scales at 1340 kg (2948 lbs).

The Boxster will also feature some unique styling cues on its front and rear fascias, its own headlamps and taillights, a new side air intake design and a steeper windscreen. All making the model very different from the 911.

But the real distinct factor will be a new flat-four power plant that Porsche is developing that will be a flagship engine of the next Boxster and Cayman models. The four-cylinder unit will displace 2.5 liters and feature a larger bore than on the current 2.7 liter engine. The 2.5 liter will be twin-turbocharged up to around the 360 bhp (268 kW / 365 PS) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque mark.

The 2.7 liter engine stays, with a bump in power from 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) to 265 bhp (198 kW / 269 PS) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. The 3.4 liter for the Boxster S will deliver 315 bhp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque compared to the current 291 hp (217 kW / 295 PS).

It is also said the new 2.5 liter straight-four will come in various performance stages, which may mean it will eventually replace the 2.7 liter unit altogether.

The new Boxster is scheduled for a debut at the Detroit auto show in January 2012.



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2011 Anderson Germany Audi R8 Hyper Black

ANDERSON Germany from Dusseldorf helps a practically perfect Audi R8 with specific interventions to attract unlimited attention. First, the performance of 5.2 liter engine and 525 hp was increased, that provides now up to 8700 rpm, 589 hp and accordingly grown torque. This power increase was implemented through the Rennkats exhaust system (this alone allows to save 22 kg weight), a software optimization, and air filter modification. Of course, the exhaust path has a remote-controlled valve adjusting system that lets the driver opt from three different levels of noise. So much for the “inner values”.



Among external and thus visible changes, it is worth to mention exclusive carbon-coated 19-inch rims painted in body color with edging in Racing Orange style. Through the rim, the brake caliper is visible, of course, painted in Racing Orange as well.



On the other hand, the carbon exterior package should also be mentioned which, apart from the window frames, has “covered” various other parts like the front spoiler lip, rear spoiler for improved downforce, the rear diffuser and the mirror. All windows and rear lights were tinted. Last but not least is the expensive paint finish in black mirror which Anderson worthily called Hyper Black. This paint gives the R8 V10 somewhat a black soul.



The interior finish with matte black carbon fiber leather combined with orange Alcantara holds any comparison. At this point, this so-called carbon interior package includes the handbrake handle, the radio visor, the ashtray, the handles of the seat adjustment, door panels, and the side panels of the center console and shifter surround. And finally, the already first-rate sports steering wheel was additionally enhanced with visible carbon.

The Conversations: Terrence Malick - Part I

Everyone is talking about Tree of Life. Well, everyone who lives in New York or Los Angeles or made it to Cannes. The rest of you can get your fix by heading over to The House Next Door for Part I of The Conversations: Terrence Malick, in which Ed Howard and I discuss his first four pictures: Badlands (1973), Days of Heaven (1978), The Thin Red Line (1998) and The New World (2005). We discuss Malick's affection for nature, his use of narrators and his implementation of music. We also discuss whether Malick's pictures are "too pretty." So give it a read, and let us know what we missed.

Click here for an archive of The Conversations.

Volkswagen to sign major battery contract with Bosch

German automotive supplier Bosch is set to announce a major battery contract with Volkswagen, according to Reuters. By awarding Bosch the contract, VW, which previously inked a battery-related deal with Sanyo, will have at least two massive companies lined up to supply it with batteries for upcoming electric vehicles like the E-Up! and Golf Blue-e-motion. Most automakers are accelerating efforts to electrify many of their vehicles, which means that competition over battery suppliers is quickly heating up.

Volkswagen has said that it will launch battery-powered vehicles in 2013 and expects these zero-emissions automobiles to account for around three percent of its worldwide sales by 2018. Both VW and Bosch declined to reply to Reuters' request for more info on the rumored battery deal.

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Volkswagen to sign major battery contract with Bosch

German automotive supplier Bosch is set to announce a major battery contract with Volkswagen, according to Reuters. By awarding Bosch the contract, VW, which previously inked a battery-related deal with Sanyo, will have at least two massive companies lined up to supply it with batteries for upcoming electric vehicles like the E-Up! and Golf Blue-e-motion. Most automakers are accelerating efforts to electrify many of their vehicles, which means that competition over battery suppliers is quickly heating up.

Volkswagen has said that it will launch battery-powered vehicles in 2013 and expects these zero-emissions automobiles to account for around three percent of its worldwide sales by 2018. Both VW and Bosch declined to reply to Reuters' request for more info on the rumored battery deal.

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