2012 Porsche Boxster S rendered

2012 Porsche Boxster S artist rendering, 1024, 30.07.2010 / Teamspeed.com

WCF reader porschecarreragtmay6 has sent us a new rendering of the 2012 Porsche Boxster S. Although the image has a few rough spots, overall the illustration is fantastic.

In a post to Teamspeed.com forums, the artist was working with the impression that the front end would be rounder, with new air intakes, and bigger panels to make "the car longer and wider." He added LED daytime lights, a redesigned rear spoiler, and a new front spoiler.

Called the 981 inside Porsche offices, the next Boxster will attempt to hit sub-180 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer. As such, they may use a three-cylinder engine with a turbo charger to deliver around 250 horsepower (186 kW), similar to the 2.9-liter flat-six already in use.

Naturally, a larger, more powerful engine would be available on the next Boxster S. That engine could kick out 320 hp (239 kW), slightly more than the current 3.4-liter flat-six. A redesigned seven-speed PDK transmission will also be on offer.

Thanks again, to porschecarreragtmay6 for providing us with the latest drawing. Keep 'em coming!

Source: teamspeed.com

Nissan GT-R SpecM spy video

Undergoing testing on the Nurburgring

Spy photographers have managed catch the Nissan GT-R SpecM on video.

Undergoing testing on the Nurburgring, the SpecM is supposedly positioned as a soft-core GT-R version for people who are more concerned about cruising than hitting apexes. As such, the model will feature a comfort-oriented suspension and a higher quality, luxurious interior.

If you're afraid Nissan is watering down the GT-R, rest assured the SpecM will have the guts to run with the world's best. Like the standard model, power will be provided by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine with 485 hp (362 kW / 492 PS) and 434 lb-ft (588 Nm) of torque.

On the styling front, there's not much to write home about. Everything is virtually identical to the SpecV, except the rear bumper has air outlets.

Source: carscoop

Red Bull set to dominate as flex saga continues

Mark Webber (AUS), Red Bull Racing, German Grand Prix, 25.07.2010 Hockenheim, Germany / Copyright: Batchelor / xpb

Red Bull's dominance seemed apparent on Friday, as the controversy about flexible front wings looked set to continue.

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were a second clear of the next best runner, Robert Kubica's Renault, in the morning practice session in Hungary.

Slow-motion replays captured by the sport's broadcaster Formula One Management highlighted the extent to which the extremities of the RB6's front wing bend towards the track.

The highest-placed Ferrari was Hockenheim winner Fernando Alonso, 1.8 seconds off the pace, amid suggestions the team has decided not to run its flexible wing at the Hungaroring.

"We will see what we will end up using," said chief engineer Chris Dyer.

Red Bull's Christian Horner told the BBC: "I'm sure the Ferraris will be quick around here -- but I'm also sure the circuit will suit our car, and our drivers like driving here."

According to the official weather forecaster, there is a chance of rain for the afternoon practice session.

Source: GMM

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Pricing Announced - Accepting Orders on Nov 16th

Starts at €149,000

Following the US ordering guide leak, Mercedes has released official pricing information for the highly anticipated SLS AMG Gullwing.

Available for pre-order on November 16th, the SLS AMG starts at €149,000 (€177,310 with 19% VAT) in Germany. Options include a ceramic composite high-performance braking system (€9500), an AMG performance suspension (€1200), light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design (€950), and forged wheels in a 10-spoke design (€2000). Other goodies include a carbon-fiber engine cover (€4000) and "alubeam silver" (€10,000) and "monza grey magno" (€3,250) paint schemes.

Inside, the SLS can be outfitted with an AMG performance steering wheel in leather and Alcantara (€400), sport seats (€3300), carbon-fiber trim (€3500), exclusive nappa leather upholstery (€2500), a memory package for the front seats and steering wheel (€1225), a six-disc DVD changer (€660), and a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system (€5900).

While the car won't be launched until spring 2010, prospective buyers can configure their SLS at the AMG website (www.mercedes-amg.com) or go to a local Mercedes dealer for more information.

As you may recall, the SLS AMG is powered by a 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 engine that produces 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque. Backed up by a seven-speed double-declutch transmission, the SLS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph).

Source: Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG local pricing announced

Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced the official pricing of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – the modern interpretation of the classic Gullwing.

The manufacturer’s list price for the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG stands at $464,000 for Australian customers, excluding dealer delivery and all on road costs.

Unfortunately, paying for the privilege of parking an SLS AMG in your own personal garage is likely to cost closer to $550,000 once charges such as GST, the Luxury Car Tax, registration fees, stamp duty, CTP and the like are factored into the equation.

It would well be worth it however as this is the first and only super sports car independently developed in-house by AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz, and pays homage to the iconic and highly collectible Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

To put the final drive-away pricing into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG carries a MLP of $129,400 (inc GST) but must also add $3,269.23 for dealer delivery (inc GST), a further $22,560.97 for the LCT, $974.96 for rego and CTP along with $6,865.00 for stamp duty, giving you a drive-away price of $163,070.16 – and that’s before you have even looked at the options list.

Thankfully buyers may find comfort in the fact that the SLS AMG is powered by a highly-tuned version of the AMG 6208cc V8 engine developing 420kW at 6800rpm and 650Nm at 4750rpm – boasting a power-to-weight ratio of 3.86 kg/kW thanks also in part to the low vehicle weight.

Power is channelled to the rear wheels via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission boasting rapid fast gear changes with virtually no loss of tractive force – in as little as 100 milliseconds.

With figures like that, it is not hard to believe the SLS AMG’s quoted performance figures of zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 317 km/h.

Porsche Leipzig factory produces 25,000th Panamera

Porsche AG has announced it has built its 25,000th Panamera recently. The vehicle that marked the occasion was a ruby red 3.6-litre V6 variant, which was delivered to a customer in the US.

Even though the design of the Panamera is a little controversial… or rather, bad, the big four-door luxury Porsche has still won the hearts of plenty; ‘a face only a mother could love’ type deal, it seems. This is the fourth series of the model for Porsche, which has become extremely popular in just 10 months after it’s release.

Bernhard Maier, Porsche Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing said in a recent report,

“The benchmark performance of our Panamera V6 models wins over our customers worldwide. Even in the USA, a country with a preference for V8 engines, they impress with their efficiency and sportiness. The 4-door combines these aspects with the comfort and exclusivity of the luxury class.”

The Porsche Panamera has been on sale since Septemeber 2009 in S (rear-wheel drive) and 4S (four-wheel drive) variants, both offering either a 294kW, 4.8-litre V8 or a twin-turbo version of that engine producing 368kW. The 220kW, 3.6-litre V6 has only been on sale since May 2010. Prices start at $193,000 for the base model V6.

Hyundai wins Germany’s Autobild Quality Report 2010

Last week, Hyundai was listed at the top of Autobild magazine’s annual Quality Report 2010. The report threw Hyundai in against Germany’s best manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, proving Hyundai can indeed excel, even amongst the best of them.

The coveted award takes in many factors, including car ownership, build quality and warranty and recall information. It also included feedback received from 9278 owners, who’ve lived with their cars for some time. Interestingly, data was also collected and taken into account from Germany’s Technische Uberwachung Verein (TÜV) report which included 7.5 million vehicle inspections.

It’s yet more proof that Hyundai is finished catching up and is beginning to lead the way in certain areas of the automotive industry. Oliver Mann, Hyundai Motor Company Marketing Director, said recently,

“Hyundai is always proud to receive awards for its products, particularly this one from AutoBild, which places the company ahead of brands many have considered to be at the pinnacle of the industry.”

In 2007, Hyundai placed 11th in the same report. In 2008, it placed 5th and in 2009 the report was not conducted. Now sitting in top place, Hyundai has been consistently progressing up through the ranks.

*Update: 2010 Quality Report, translated as best as CarAdvice could do from Autobild magazine
(Lower the score, the better)

1. Hyundai 2.3
2. Honda 2.4
3. Audi 2.6
=4. Mazda 2.6
=4. Toyota 2.6
6. Mitsubishi 2.6
7. Suzuki 2.7
8. BMW 2.7
9. Mercedes-Benz 2.7
10. Nissan 3.0
11. Seat 3.0
12. Skoda 3.0
13. Ford 3.1
14. Kia 3.1
15. Opel (Holden) 3.1
16. VW 3.1
17. Renault 3.6
18. Citroen 3.7
19. Fiat 3.7
20. Peugeot 3.9