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2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S specs, photos, pricing

by Mark | May 3, 2013 | 0 comments

2014 911 Turbo updates include a new all-wheel-drive system, active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and up to 560 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged flat six.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S

Fifty years ago, the Porsche 911 made its debut at the Frankfurt auto Show and then 10 years later came the first 911 Turbo prototype.

Now, for the 911 Turbo’s 40th anniversary, Porsche has just released official specs, photos and pricing for the latest 911 Turbo and Turbo S, which go on sale at the end of this year.

Porsche calls the Turbo models “the technological and dynamic performance peak of the 911 series.”

Updates include a new all-wheel-drive system, active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and up to 560 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged flat six-cylinder engine.

New 20-inch wheel design.

It also rides on 3.9-inch longer wheelbase and 20-inch wheels.

Porsche’s active anti-roll system (Dynamic Chassis Control) is optional on the base turbo and standard on the Turbo S. The Turbo S also comes with extras that were once options, including the Sport Chromo Package Plus and carbon ceramic composite brakes.

All for quicker acceleration. The 911 Turbo with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, on its way to a top track speed of 196 mph.

The 911 Turbo S gets to 60 mph 2.9 seconds, with a top track speed of 198 mph.

Performance
The twin- turbocharged, direct injection 3.8-liter six produces 520 hp in the 911 Turbo and 560 hp in the S.

Power is transferred to the drivetrain through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK), with auto start/stop at idle.

Official mileage estimates are not final, but Porsche expects improvements in real-world fuel economy.

Induction and engine sounds are piped to the cabin by a speaker diaphragm.

Wide body
Visually, the Turbos have the widest bodies: rear body panels a broader by 1.1 inches over the 911 Carrera 4. The fenders have a nearly level surface, about the width of a hand, between the C-pillar and the outer edge of the car body.

Other styling differences include forged two-tone 20-inch aluminum wheels, with center hub locks on the Turbo S. The Turbo S also gets -LED headlights that feature four-point daytime running lights and camera-based high/low beam control (Optional for the base model).

An even wider body.

Rear wheel steering
Rear wheel steering system consists of two electro-mechanical actuators (rather than conventional control links) on the left and right rear axles.

The steering angle of the rear wheels can be varied by up to 2.8 degrees, depending on vehicle speed.

At speeds to 31 mph, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction that the front wheels are turned. That essentially corresponds to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase by 9.8 inches. The system lets the car turn faster into corners and noticeably simplifies maneuvering and parking.

Above 50 mph, the system steers the rear wheels parallel to the front wheels.

This is equivalent to a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase by 19.6 inches and gives the car tremendous directional control capability, Porsche says.

At the same time, the steering input by the driver leads to significantly faster build-up of lateral force at the rear axle, which responds to steering commands even more quickly.

The interior was completely redesigned for the Turbo, with a richer list of extras for the S model.

Active aerodynamics
The new active aerodynamic system is a retractable three-stage front spoiler (pneumatically extended) and a deployable rear wing with three adjustable wing positions.

In the performance position, the entire spoiler is fully extended to add considerable down force at the front axle. The rear wing also is extended to its maximum height “with the greatest angle of attack,” Porsche said in the release.

Dynamic performance is improved so much, Porsche says, that lap times at the North Loop of the Nürburgring are improved by up to two seconds. The new 911 Turbo S carves through the 12.8 miles of the North Loop of the Nürburgring – nicknamed “The Green Hell” by Jackie Stewart – in less than 7.6 minutes – with standard production tires.

The 2012 Corvette ZR-1 went through the same 154-turn course in 7 minutes, 19.63 seconds.

New interior
The interior was completely redesigned for the Turbo, with a richer list of extras for the S model. Its cabin is trimmed in black with Carrera red and standard 18-way power adjusted Sport Seats Plus.

A Bose sound system is standard, but for the first buyers can upgrade to Burmester system. Other options include a radar-controlled cruise control system, camera-based road sign recognition and speed limit recognition.

Turbo pricing starts at $149,250. The Turbo S starts at $182,050. Pricing includes the $950 freight charge from Zuffenhausen.

The 911 Turbo S gets to 60 mph 2.9 seconds, with a top track speed of 198 mph.

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Overview

by Mark | May 1, 2013 | 0 comments

The 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Earns its Supercar Ranking In Price and Performance

The 545-hp GT-R Track Edition was pushed even harder on the Nurburgring for more track-competition ability. (Photos courtesy of Nissan)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Ppricing was announced today for the 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition. The new two-seat competition model will have a limited production of 150 cars for the U.S.

The four-seat GT-R coupe is sold in three all-wheel-drive models. Pricing starts at $100,590, including the $1,000 freight charge from Japan. All models route power through a dual-clutch sequential six-speed rear transaxle.

The new Track Edition claims a supercar ranking in price and features. The two-seater with competition upgrades starts at $116,710.

Learn more about Nissan’s performance cars here.

The Track Edition interior has blue-trimmed, high-grip front seats.

The Track model back seat is trimmed in a lightweight quilted cloth mat.

Lightweight wheels on the Track Edition GT-R

RAYS lightweight wheels.

Track Edition upgrades

Its features include a specially tuned suspension, special brake cooling guides, a front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts, and a lightweight quilted cloth mat in place of rear seats.

Changes to the GT-R’s four-wheel independent suspension include special Bilstein DampTronic gas pressure shock absorbers and higher spring rates.

Inside, the Track Edition gets blue-trimmed, high-grip front seats with special leather and fabric. Magnesium paddle shifters are standard on all models.

The 545-hp GT-R engine.

Special features

Other special features are a handmade, lightweight dry carbon fiber rear spoiler and metallic black six-spoke RAYS forged lightweight wheels. The run-flat tires are ultra-high performance Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT, nitrogen filled.

The carbon-fiber spoiler.

The wheels and spoiler are also available for the Black Edition, which starts at $110,300. Other Black extras include a red and black interior, Recaro leather-trimmed seats, and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler.

2014 Nissan GT-R upgrades

GT-R upgrades for the 2014 model year include some performance tweaks and a new optional interior with hand-stitched Amber Red semi-aniline leather on the front seats.

The Nissan GT-R’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 has 463 foot-pounds of torque from 3,200 to 5,800 rpm. The power band was recalibrated for better response in the middle range of 4,500 to 6,000 rpm and for more acceleration above 6,000 rpm. Redline is at 6,400 rpm.

The Nissan GT-R Track Edition has a curb weight of 3,796 pounds and a very low drag coefficient of 0.26.

Car Reviews

McLaren P1 winter testing, video and photo

by Mark | Apr 30, 2013 | 0 comments

McLaren will begin deliveries of the P1 supercar this summer. Its price of $1.34 million buys a car equipped for road and track, the company says, and “just” 375 cars will be built.

P1 winter testing video: http://youtu.be/Hb_6pNFqqNA

The McLaren P1 is intended to be “the best driver’s car in the world on road and track,” the company says. Its price of $1.34 million buys a car equipped for road and track and “just” 375 cars will be built in the new production center in Woking, Surrey, UK, later this year.

The company was testing its 903-horsepower, plug-in electric supercar in northern Sweden at the Arctic Circle.

The P1, so named for “first place” or “position one” in Formula 1 racing. It’s an earned badge for the company, which in its 47-year F1 history has 182 Grand Prix victories and 155 pole positions to-date. The name also company history: the McLaren F1 was known internally as Project 1, or P1.

The powertrain is a McLaren-developed IPAS gasoline-(petrol) electric powertrain with revisions to the company’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8. It is coupled to a single electric motor and small but-high energy battery pack. Combined power output is 903 hp.

As important as absolute power is the electric motor’s ability to provide instant torque. 0-62 mph takes less than 3 seconds and it can be driven about 6.2 miles in electric-only mode at speeds to almost 100 mph. Top speed is limited to 215 mph.

‘It may not be the fastest car in the world in absolute top speed, but that was never our goal,” chief engineer Paul Mackenzie said in a press release. “Rather, we believe it is the fastest ever production car on a racing circuit, a much more important technical statement, and far more relevant for on-road driving.”

Its technological credentials are impressive. The car has an unprecedented amount of downforce for a road vehicle, Mackenzie said, “similar levels to a GT3 racing car and yet with even greater ground effect.”
The downforce boosts cornering and braking performance and helps balance, stability and driveability at all speeds he said.

The car’s agility is due in part to active aerodynamics and adjustable suspension, both now banned in Formula 1 racing, he said, because of the perceived performance advantage.

Air flow is optimized around the body by an active wing and underbody panels. To harness downforce, the F1 style rear wing can extend by about 4.7 inches on road and to nearly 12 inches on the track.

The hydro-pneumatic suspension – RaceActive Chassis Control – can lower the car by nearly 2 inches in Race mode, to produce ground effect aerodynamics. It also has adaptive spring rates, roll control, pitch control and damping. In Race mode, the spring rates stiffen by 300 percent, which will allow cornering grip of more than 2g.

Power is driven to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) is a plug-in electric system. The battery is charged by kinetic energy from the engine, such as when decelerating and it can be plugged in to recharge.

The electric power assist system, developed by McLaren, can provide up to 176 hp from the electric motor, which can then be used as a boost at the touch of the steering wheel button. The nitrous-like charge operates only when close to full throttle
“It’s pretty cool to turn up, silently, in a million dollar McLaren,” said Mackenzie.

Deliveries begin this summer.

Car Reviews

2014 Lexus IS sedan pricing and pics

by Mark | Apr 29, 2013 | 0 comments

2014 Lexus IS sedan on sale summer

Standard equipment includes real-time traffic and weather information without a subscription.

The all-new 2014 IS sedan will arrive at dealerships this summer with two V-6 engine choices in rear or all-wheel drive. Starting prices for the 204-horsepower IS 250 range from $36,845 for the rear-wheel drive model to $39,380 for AWD. The 306-hp IS 350 ranges from $40,360 to $42,595; pricing includes the $895 freight charge. More than $1,400 in previously optional equipment has been made standard for the new model, Lexus says.

The new styling has “aggressive elegance,” Lexus says, and includes the new “spindle” grille treatment.

The IS engineering injected more overall body rigidity for “a more dynamic driving experience with enhanced stability and body control with improved ride comfort,” Lexus said in a statement. The stiffer body came from new, laser-screw welding, adhesive body-bonding and more spot welds.

The multilink rear suspension, revised front suspension and steering were adapted from the larger GS sedan.

Design enhancements to the cabin include an improved seating position for the driver and more headroom. The back seat also has more roominess and easier ingress and egress, Lexus said. Separating the shocks from the springs made for a larger trunk.

Standard IS features include HID headlamps, L-shaped LED daytime running lights, paddle shifters, dual zone climate control, a next-generation Remote Touch Interface and a display audio with a color 4.2 inch TFT multi-information display. In an industry first, the new multimedia system delivers real-time traffic and weather information without a subscription.
Safety features include 10 air bags.

The F Sport package includes a full-mesh grille and special front bumper.

Premium, Luxury and F SPORT packages will be available for all models.
The Premium package ($1,050 for RWD models) adds LED headlamps and heated and ventilated front seats.

The Luxury Package ($3,665 for RWD models) includes the Premium package plus a perforated leather upholstery, wood trim, electrochromic exterior mirrors (with reverse tilt), rain-sensing wipers, driver seat memory, a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, center stack knee pads and blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.

The F SPORT package includes a center-mounted tachometer with moving bezel adopted directly from the LFA.

The revised F SPORT Package ($3,115 for IS 250 RWD and $3,620 for IS 350 RWD) adds a full-mesh grille and special front bumper, LED headlamps, 18-inch split five-spoke wheels, front sport seats and a more aggressive sport-tuned suspension. Inside, all F SPORT models have a center-mounted tachometer with moving bezel adopted directly from the LFA.

The IS 350 F SPORT adds standard Adaptive Variable Suspension with a Sport S+ drive mode.

For the first time, the F SPORT package is also available for IS AWD models.

Car Reviews

Big Bad Beach Cruise #10, San Diego car-show gallery

by Mark | Apr 28, 2013 | 0 comments

Big Bad Beach Cruise #10, April 27, 2013

Cars from all clubs around San Diego County gathered at the Foster’s Freeze, 5129 Waring Road in the Allied Gardens neighborhood.

Around 60 cars and twice as many enthusiasts split from the Foster’s Freeze in Allied Gardens at 6:30 p.m. Saturday for the sunset cruise to Silver Strand. The cruise was organized by the Whammer Jammers club and was open to all makes, models and years. And there was something from just about every era. There were hot rods, of course, from T-buckets to roadsters, coupes, sedans and pickup. There were three Cobras, a Ford GT and a Ford Raptor SVT. There were projects, lead sleds, re-creations and a sweet ’67 VW Beetle.

a fine split-window was among the 60 cars on the cruise.

At the driver’s meeting all were advised by Tom Harmon (“1QWKRAT” pro street Chevelle) that this cruise is not a sanctioned meeting, it is for a fun. “Don’t be stupid, don’t get hurt and ‘represent,’ ” he said. Zubi in his silver ’63 Nova SS would be the lede car and gave seasoned guidance: “I will not go over 55 mph. If we do, we stretch it out too far and leave people behind.”

And after a quick prayer to keep our angels about us, the gathering fired up for sunset at the Silver Strand on Coronado Island, then back across the big bridge to the Classic Malt Shop in Point Loma.

A caravan of 60-plus customized cars is a sight to see. Here are some of the sights.

Silver streak.

Sparkly paint on this ’54.

Order up: One burnout, heavy on the smoke.

Details on Norm Schmidt’s ’40.

and the interior.

Vince Yamasaki’s Frenched custom.

Woody Downing’s ’32 Ford roadster.

and engine.

SUV 57, the wagon predecessor to the modern SUV!

It was family time on the Big Bad Beach Cruise.

Room to spare for a travelin’ rod.

Bad Asps. Some of these guys had gone on a 230-mile cruise earlier in the day.

You don’t see one of these every day.

Glenn Rogers with his “Snake Eyes.” These Cobras are by Superformance, built to the specs of Carroll Shelby Licensing.

Glenn’s work space. The paper clips on the steering wheel are to clip the maps for a drive route. Sort of a paper GPS.

Richard Trusty’s ’33 High boy.

And it sounds as good as it looks.

Too hot to handle?

Tony’s ’54 Gasser. Straight front axle, Cherry Bombs and caged.

Gary Sinclair’s 1915 Ford T-bucket leg-burner. Love the long-tube headers

To the driver’s meeting.

. Chrome love.

Car girls, Holly and Amanda.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.

Coronado, Orange Avenue.

Eyes right, for the Hotel Del.

There was also a Can Am Spyder in the group. That’s Russ Prigg’s ’49 Olds woodie to the right.

Over the hood on Orange.

Leaving Coronado for the Strand. Pickups – newer and old.

Green light. Hit it … with respect!

Tom Harmon’s quick rat.

What nice ’63.

“ARTZ 32”

Elena LeBlanc and Norm Schmidt.

Coastal cruising.

The Silver Strand at sunset.

Wild deuces.

This is why rods are built.

Ya gotta drive ’em.

Elena and Norm.

Power transfusion to Zubi’s ’63 Nova SS.

Mark Mendelsohn’s Bonne wagon.

Surf wagon?

Lowriders roll in.

Low and slow

The end of the day for a wedding.

Finished trunk with a spare belt for the ’33 high boy.

Hump backs.

Sunset, the great equalizer of enthusiasts.

Jessica’s Charger SRT8.

with color-changing lights.

Coronado Bridge return, to the Classic Malt Shop, 3515 Midway Drive.

Lining up for burgers (beef, buffalo or ostrich) and good ’50s diner food.

Hustling up the orders.

’40 Ford heading home.

Car Reviews

Cajon Classic Cruise season opener: gallery of show cars

by Mark | Apr 26, 2013 | 0 comments

Welcome to the renovated downtown El Cajon.

The 2013 Cajon Classic Cruise had its season opener April 24 along the broad Main Street and promenade of El Cajon. The cruise nights will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 25 and each has a theme and a club highlighted in the Car Corral.

Opening night had a good turnout of around 300 cars and a well-populated Bike Row. Main Street was closed for the occasion and people strolled freely among cars on either side and along the center strip. The renovated downtown area never looked better or more inviting.

The evening fired up at 5 p.m. with the national anthem and a flyover by a World War II era Navy SNJ trainer. “Little Effort and the McCoys” rocked the promenade area and DJ Jumpin’ Jack Flash filled Main Street with tunes and announcements. De La Fuente Cadillac had a prominent display of the new 2013 ATS compact sport sedan and a midsize CTS.

“Little Effort and the McCoys” rock out in the promenade.

The restaurants, several with sidewalk dining, were doing a brisk business. The red sauce at Nicolosi’s is worth the trip, but their specialties include lasagna and a rich mac ‘n cheese that can be loaded with accessories, such as bacon and sausage.

The annual cruise has been organized by “Charger Steve” Lordigyan since 2006. He is the current president of the San Diego Association of Car Clubs (recently reorganized from the San Diego Car Club Council). He’s also active in the East County Cruisers club, has a collection of movie cars and a website for his “star” cars (ChargerSteve.com). He also stages a few other car shows through the year, including the big Wild Rides show in Pacific Beach (Aug. 18), for which Catherine “Daisy Duke” Bach will attend.

The Downtown El Cajon business partners put on the Cajon Classic with the support of sponsors, including Sycuan Casino, El Cajon Harley-Davidson, Law Tigers, SDG&E and De la Fuente Cadillac. It is free to view and show a car. Volunteers from the East County Cruisers help with traffic flow (people and cars) and just about anything else that is needed.

Upcoming theme nights include the May 1 Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Topless Night (convertibles) May 22, Charger Steve’s Starz Carz June 12. Off-Road Madness on July 17 and Thunder on Main Sept. 25 will again have full street closures.

The season opener was the best attended in three years, said Charger Steve, but attendance was held back by the cool and rain-threatening weather. In the pre-recession years, the opener could have been brought in as many as 5,000 visitors and 450 cars.

Details at DowntownElCajon.com. And follow the car-club news at www.carclubcouncilofsandiego.com/

See what was on the Promenade this week: