Car Fanatic

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 - The announcement of this special edition

It seems that Porsche they were surprised by the announcement of this special edition of 911. The company had closed the line that normally build the engine of a car like that, so when the top brass decided they needed a final 997, Porsche had to restart production.

The GT3 is, of course, in true 911, making a derivative of the final farewell to the 997 GT3 appropriate, before the arrival of the 991. Porsche GT3 launched in 1999 to meet the demands that the 911 had gone soft, that the 996 is larger than the body and the water-cooled engine. Some in the marketing department of the company expects to sell a few hundreds or thousands at most, but Porsche has sold about 15 000 GT3. This is even more surprising when you consider the fact that the GT3 has been available only sporadically.

The most extreme is the GT3 RS. Porsche says that 85 percent of shoppers make their car RS on the track regularly. Porsche now leads with 4.0 GT3 RS, which is lighter and more powerful and handles better. It is 4.0 in the car title refers to its engine displacement. While others use a GT3's 3.8-liter flat-six, the 4.0 has the driver of R and migrate only continue GT3 RSR. The bump in displacement results in a longer race that Porsche could not increase the inside diameter of the cylinder. Titanium connecting rods and a single-mass flywheel to shave a few kilos, but all other changes of the 3.8-liter six GT3 improve air circulation. The 4.0 gets a larger air filter flow, a modified intake manifold with lower exhaust runners and a less restrictive, the latter of which reduces the stress and noise amplifier return to the same extent. The result is an increase in output of 450 hp and 500 hp with a torque of 317 edges to 339 lb-ft.

Three pedals, a clutch

Porsche offers its PDK dual-clutch at any GT3, and that remains true 4.0. Although the company claims is better than a box PDK Manual civil context, keeping it away from the GT3 family seems a tacit admission that there is nothing like the control offered by the manual transmission (also one of the seven-speed, we have received provides confirmation of the new generation of the Porsche 911). In addition to the traditional manual is lighter than the PDK, and allows experts to initiate drifts more even playing in the switch.

To view our history, Porsche has planted in the quiet village of Hohenstein-Ödenwaldstetten. Here in the south of Stuttgart Swabian Jura, deserted roads would be the embodiment of peace and quiet, except for the far cry from six to be squeezed flat. The 3.8 is not exactly a tractor engine, but the 4.0 is a significant improvement. His wonderful linear power curve peaks at 8250 rpm and torque is at 5750. "A racing engine, and you have to explode at the top," said Andreas Preuninger, project manager for special vehicles from Porsche. Exploiting the fact, but despite its 8500 rpm redline, it accelerates to 4.0. smoothly without any hiccups just above idle is shot both in the rpm range we often find a higher speed than it would in 3.8 The numbers speak for themselves:. Porsche claims 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, 0-120 in less than 12 years, and a top speed above 193 mph Redline.

Of course, the company claimed would make the regular GT3 60 in 4.0 seconds, and we recorded 3.6 for the car. Figure 4.0 on the management of work in about 3.4 seconds, with a quarter mile is about 11.6.

Porsche sophisticated and Cher

4.0 Management of RS is almost perfect, and the transition to oversteer is soft and easy to handle. The steering is well weighted and linear, and the brakes bite hard and immediately. The carbon-ceramic discs are optional, but even the basic configuration is among the best on the market. Porsche assembles dynamic engines are the norm, and although they add four kilos or more, how they gain strength to better handle the mass of the engine mounted at the rear in tight corners easily disability compensation.

We have not had the chance to play with the settings, this time, but the suspension and rear spoiler can be adjusted to the track. Initial plans, diving mounted on the corners of the fascia do an admirable job of fighting high-speed elevator that still affects about 911.

Expects the 4.0 RS is lighter than a GT3 RS. The hood, front fenders and seats are carbon fiber, and even the air conditioning and radio are standard, buyers can choose one or both are in favor of the facility. An optional lithium-ion battery saves 24 pounds. Since lithium-ion batteries suffer reduced capacity subfreezing temperatures start, buyers control the battery light is also a lead-acid unit for those winter road trips in Alaska. In Europe, the 4.0 RS has been improved. Thank you bureaucrats that we do not get the right light one-piece seats (only 18 pounds each!) The district polycarbonate windows and rear window, or cage.

A $ 185,950, the 4.0 RS is not cheap. But this did not stop customers: all 600 are already sold, such as 126 which is sent to our shores. To distinguish them from less GT3s unique aerodynamic aids, and special tracks. 911 GT3 RS 4.0, probably the most beautiful road 997 ever, is only available in two colors: black and white. White Carrara is a special projects guru Preuninger preferred. "And 'innocent', he says, barely able to hide a smile.

2010 Honda VFR1200F Dual-clutch Transmission - First Ride

Two wheels, two clutches, no waiting.

Although Honda has not yet been a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) in one of his cars, has just been introduced for the first time the device

that the type of one of its bikes. VFR1200F is powered by an HP-170, 1237 cc V-4, and has an optional, fully electronic, multi-mode, the DCT (1500 dollars).

Honda transmission is the practice of car, with two clutches and two rotating shafts and each other, each responsible for half of the six-speed transmission. However, constant mesh, the dog of the contacts between the system chosen by a motorized drum movement is typical of motorcycles.

There are two automatic programs (regular and sports), and full manual operation, to receive commands triggered by the left bar. There is no clutch lever to pull. "Normal" sixth gear heads is true for the environment with enthusiasm, while "sport" boosts the number of rounds much higher. Manual mode contains the gears until the rev limiter steps somewhere over 10,000 revolutions per minute.

If it is not so specific as some versions of the car, the Honda DCT works well, adds a new dimension to what is already a very good bike. With the DCT, VFR1200F sell $ 17,499.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic - with aluminum wheels

The subcompact market for such things as the standard alloy wheels are big news. Guess what? 2012 Chevrolet Sonic comes standard with aluminum wheels. Honestly, we really so. But the biggest news, upcoming Chevy econobox is really fun to drive. This is a turnaround compared to the outgoing Aveo, which is marketed exclusively in the bargain-basement prices. Sonic, on sale this autumn, aims to attract buyers in the quality, features, and borrow the phrase of the German automotive abused, driving pleasure.

A brief warning: Our exposure of conduct was limited to pre-production prototypes in a configuration (1.4 liter turbo, gearbox or five-door) to a circuit Raceway Lucas Oil fortune in Indianapolis, Indiana. In other words, we will not be able to give a final review until we have more time in a production car finished. But so far, the worst thing about the name of Chevrolet subcompact new Sonic. There is not much wrong with the word itself, but for many other elements of popular culture (fast-food drive-ins, video games, hedgehog, team basketball in Seattle earlier) come readily to mind that "American car affordable."

Aside from that, there is much to like Sonic, particularly the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, we try. Shared with the Cruze, turbo four gets 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, 18 hp and 26 lb.-ft. more than the Ford Fiesta, a clear rival. And when paired with a six-speed manual transmission, Chevrolet promises a 40-mpg highway fuel economy rating for the Turbo Sonic. The second engine (also de la Cruz) is a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter, 138 hp doing the same, but with a reduced torque figure of 125 lb-ft. Sonic is a little different gear and weighs about 400 pounds less than the Cruze, so we expect better acceleration and fuel economy across the board. (In a comparison test last year, posted an automatic-equipped 1.4 t Cruze, a run of 8.0 seconds from 0 to 60 km / h).

Sonic the turbo pulls well above 3000 rpm, no significant lag at low revs, despite a maximum torque of 1850 rpm low. However, a strong engine and sweet. This is not the second coming of the Volkswagen GTI, but the Sonic Turbo injects fun into a serious segment performance usually takes a back seat. Chevrolet had a Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta on hand for comparison, and Sonic held up well. In the lap times, all the drivers present in almost two seconds faster than Sonic in the next Fit-Fast, but some is undoubtedly due to greater acceleration in the rate. The Honda, which is geared shorter, feels better at low revs. And Ford has less body roll. However, Sonic seems to be very well cope with the adjustment and the Fiesta and Mazda 2. The direction of the Chevrolet is light and responds quickly to turn.

Handling eventually gives way to understeer (the Honda can be thrown up), but until the limit of Sonic is reactive and behaves predictably, even in the ways of braking. We would like to be a little more on the shifter, but it is acceptable for that price.

It should be practical and affordable

Sonic is an economy car, which means sacrifices in comfort. The rear seats have armrests and cup holders, but are sufficient living space, even behind a driving position more than six down. Both sedan and hatchback Sonic sharing the same wheelbase 99.4 inches. The four-door, with 173.1 inches, is 14.1 inches longer than the hatch, but lost in the space race of 14 cubic feet of trunk space in the hatch is 19. The gate also headroom a little better in the rear seats. The cargo area of the five-door model, though not as broad or clever as the Honda Fit has a removable floor that creates a false floor with the seats folded. There is also a place for the cargo deck to slide behind the rear seats.

Chevrolet does not reveal the price of Sonic until the landing is approaching the market today, only mentioning that it is a competitive segment. We means the starting price is about $ 14,000, and, as is the case with the Fiesta and the Fit, the highest shear models (including turbo), ranging up to $ 19,000. To keep the Fiesta, we're guessing Sonic Control brings a prize of its attractive appearance, although I must say that the sedan Sonic manages to find something less than squat, a huge success in this segment. The LS base set, with Sonic the wheels and air conditioning, central locking, keyless entry, stability control, airbags, and an impressive 10.

We're not quite ready to leave the "super" prefix Sonic, but it would not mark the return of small cars in America, not only in his name. As part of GM's restructuring, Sonic will be built in Lake Orion, Michigan. The good news for Chevy, however, is that calls on its merits Sonic as a coach and not as a piece of patriotism with flags.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe - has sold nearly 20,000

Since 2008-C63 AMG is for sale, Mercedes has sold nearly 20,000 examples worldwide of the sedan and its non-car counterpart. Not bad for a machine hard-core enthusiast, but Mercedes still think it is to leave something on the table. Enter the latest addition to the range C-Class AMG, the C63 coupe. It turns out that the biggest competition of the C63, the BMW M3 is available in coupe and sedan shells, too.

According to Tobias Moers, AMG "Dr. Frankenstein" and director of vehicle development, the C63 coupe is designed with a strict "no compromise" long. When pressed, he admits that marketing Moers Benz added a glass roof in two parts as standard equipment. He said that the main contribution affects only the empty weight and high center of gravity. But the veteran of 17 years AMG says that I can still feel it.

Most drivers do not. They're too busy basking in the glory that has 451 horses underhood contrast to 7200 times per minute. Tack on another 30 with the AMG package development (PS). Normally, when the Option Pack, uncorks a few ponies, which makes it a virtual octane, that is, to map the engine's computer. Although the AMG is actually reflash the DP, will also throw in the SLS-borrowed from the internals of the motor (forged pistons and connecting rods and crank light) and 6.2-liter V-8. The new components reduce back and forth and rotating mass to seven kilograms. Maximum torque is more than satisfactory, to 443 pound-feet, while the controller 155 jumps to top speed 174 mph

Pricing remains in limbo, but is expected to add as much as AMG DP $ 6000 estimated cost base of $ 63.500 when the coupe hits dealerships in September. The fluency in the language of AMG style the connection of the brake calipers red AMG carbon fiber and small spoiler on the trunk. The real curiosity synthetic suede finish on the oval wheel.

Compared to the C63 hatchback, coupe, yes, short of two doors and a seat. As in the four-door style elements AMG aggressive start to the large lower grille opening and finishing at the rear with a diffuser. The new cut into the profits of the harvest in 2012 sedan chassis tweaks, too. The wheels are paired with an increased negative camber, and every bush was adjusted, which have springs and dampers. The wet clutch pack engine to transmission coupler given the green light, thanks to improved efficiency (less waste than a torque converter) and faster switching (as little as 0.1 seconds).

At 3900 pounds, cut about 100 pounds lighter than the sedan. But as before, outside the line of traction is the limiting factor in the initial acceleration. Fortunately, the transmission update includes Launch Control, slingshotting the C63 with DP to 60 km / h for no more than 3.8 seconds, with quarter-mile mark passed in 12.1. Non-DP C63s will be a little late in the quarter.

Speaking of traction, the old C63 had known the young man, just loved the happy ass antics. Updates to suppress the beginning of this little, inching closer to a neutral balance. Return to still be around the gas-lift situations, and healthy for gas applications. Catching him is a breeze, despite a light control, and further corrections are necessary to maintain the curved line. In addition, there is more room for maneuver in the middle of what they prefer.

If the office route does not remember the passengers that are special in a Benz, the high-side seats and moans escape evil. A comparison with the M3 is imminent. Until then, let's call this one in a line of AMG monster.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class / C250 / C350 Coupe - Best-sellers around the world

Best-sellers around the world of Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan and station wagon. But because of the Mercedes CLK is a hierarchy of product grown to become the E-Class Coupé, the marketing people think of Stuttgart more potential sales in the range C And that is why the Mercedes engineers have developed a new two-door, four-seater C-Class coupe.

But this new car is not just a smaller version of the E-Class two-door. It is basically a cheaper version. C coupe that costs only about $ 1,500 more than a similar C-Class sedan, and it shows. The design is less expressive, with wheel arches while shape and a rear end that closely resembles that of class C sedan. It is doubtful that anyone will recognize the influence of SL on the cut C is the design of the headlights, or the presence of BMW Hofmeister kink adjacent to the glass of the car on the back side. It is more likely that Americans will instead see the shadow of the Honda Accord Coupe here.

To differentiate it from the C-Class sedan, the roof of the new coupe is 1.5 inches lower. However, based on the same wheelbase of 108.7 inches and the same length 180.7 cm wide and 69.7 inches. Like the sedan, has B-pillars, and let's be honest: A cut with the B-pillar is like Angelina Jolie with braces. (Orthopedic braces, no braces. Caliente.) And unlike the more expensive E-Class and CL-cut, the cut C does not have electric rear windows or easy backdoor function that takes the front passenger seat. Worst of all, no seat belt delivery system, which is a fine of two doors. Instead, the dashboard features a unique design features a new infotainment system with silver buttons. The steering wheel is similar to the CLS. In fact, the interior looks great. Mercedes calls it a "classroom environment" and the main safety sedan C (ATTENTION ASSIST, nine airbags) are available here.

Like the Mercedes E-Class and S-Class coupe, the new C coupe offers an optional special request, just a sports suspension package, called the dynamic behavior. It lowers 0.6 inch and stiffened springs and shock absorbers of the body. The advantage is an agile sport mode, even if it softens up the system if it detects a transition midflight poor roads occurs in just 10 milliseconds. Management package also includes stability control-based torque vectoring system. Curves fast accession to the limit, when the sensors detect stability control without violating understeer, the system slows down the inside rear wheel to help the yaw moment. As a result, C coupe turns into corners and a genuine desire for precise control. As the new Mercedes SLK, the difference between sport and normal driving mode is unusually wide, so two very different driving characteristics.

We drove a four-cylinder C250, which follows the principle of rationalization: a reduced ability to compensate for the direct injection and turbocharger. Mercedes' based on an opaque naming conventions, 250 packs of 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower 5500 rpm. Of course. Compared to the V-6 powered C350, turbo four produces 101 horsepower and 44 less pound-feet of torque less. But the C250 does not slouch in the torque department: the top 229 pounds-feet of it between 2200 and 4300 revolutions per minute. Thus the load changes the speed most commonly used in the region seem more spontaneous, and the C250 feels more agile on winding roads than the C350, which offers up to 273 pound-feet between 3500 and 5250 revolutions per minute. C250 will be seven-speed automatic. 1.8-liter turbocharged engine can work very effectively to reach the observed 30 mpg. Performance is what you expect from our estimates, 0-60 in 6.7 seconds.

Thanks for the various developments, such as a new crankshaft torsional damper, 1.8-liter runs comfortably at low revs. Consequently, changes between 1200 and C250 2000 rpm in city traffic, improving mileage by about seven percent, according to Mercedes.

But a cut is not designed to save gas. It is built to shorten the breath. He can not.

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI TS - a concrete improvement any time capacity

For most people, a Subaru Impreza compact sedan to a concrete improvement any time capacity. But fans have long known the dark side. The WRX is referring to the WRC rally car, and for several years now, offered Americans Subaru STI with even more power. Sophistication, however, is not the TSI is not. He is impetuous and noisy, with a blade that makes it look like she was ready to launch into space.

Subaru STI now overshadow it with TS, which means "developed by STI" and seems unnecessary. The model will be sold at Japanese Subaru at home, but we were invited to try a return on the roads and highways in the vicinity test the company's European Development Centre and in Ingelheim, Germany. "tuned by STI" Appendix in mind, we expected an Impreza with wings even more monstrous and flares. What we found instead the center's director, Hideki Arai is a very subtle development of the TSI. We would not say refined, but even at first glance, it is obviously more mature and sophisticated.

Nine Pound Fixation

For one thing, losing STI STI tS massive rear wing, instead displaying a discreet spoiler. Carbon fiber roof sections 9 pounds, making an aluminum hood and ultra-light wheels with unique design to save nine each. Arai-san said at the outset a strut brace and said that the suspension has been reworked thoroughly. The TS Impreza STI is only available as a sedan with four doors.

The powertrain is unchanged in the STI Japanese market: a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four making 304 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Those who want can have an automatic, but they get downgraded to a HP 2.5-liter 296 to 258 pounds which is just pi. Called "A-Line", the automatic car is much less expensive than the TS manual.

We went for the six-speed, course, and offers an exceptional driving experience. There is very little turbo lag, and the 2.0 pulls ahead of the power band. Rural roads are the domain of this car. The TS is compact and agile, and well-weighted steering is a joy to go round corners. The suspension was adjusted and feels a bit softer than the regular STI, which helps the TS remains calm, even on bumpy and uneven. It also makes the TS more pleasant companion on the road, where it remains stable and comfortable, and shooting with enthusiasm at its maximum speed of 155 mph. As regular STI TS exhaust note is very quiet, and for our taste, can be a bit more aggressive.

BMW targeted by Subaru?

TS, but it is not aggressive behavior, is a refinement. "We want to use advanced technology to compete in the premium segment," says Arai-san. And although he admits that Subaru has not yet been, but would like to eventually see the TS TSI, from the likes of the BMW M3. Sounds like a stretch, but let's say that the idea of adding a superior performance, tastefully decorated in more familiar WRX is very interesting.

Although tS first run of 500 units will be limited to the Japanese market, Subaru is seriously considering starting line abroad. TS concept could be extended to the other model lines, and perhaps the imminent arrival of two-door sports car. We would like to see tS yet separated from the WRX STI and models, but the TS IST is an excellent first step. "We will watch the market and want to get a reaction," said Arai-san. Ours is certainly positive.

2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S - makes 516 pounds of torque on a regular cut

Not that any lack of power Panamera. The 300 hp V-6 is fast, the 380-hp and 400 hp hybrid V-8 is faster still, and 500 hp turbo-yes, let's just say we pushed a 3.3 seconds from 0 to -60 in the short 4400 pounds of this rocket. But it is Porsche, and where a turbo is a Turbo S is not far behind. So here's the Panamera Turbo S, the most powerful with 50 hp, with a change of ECU and more responsive thanks to turbocharger with modified turbine blades made of titanium-aluminum. The basic design of the Turbo model bi-turbo 4.8-liter V-8 remains unchanged.

The difference is not insignificant. Panamera Turbo makes 516 pounds of torque on a regular cut, and the Turbo S offers up to 553 lb-ft or 590 overboost function. Our estimates 0-to-60 mph time for three seconds flat and top speed indicated 190 mph Porsche increases of 2 One of the great PDK transmission, the ZF seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It routes power to all four wheels, a clear trend towards the rear pair.

The Germans have all the fun

Get Panamera owners are as lucky as those on the lawn of the car the German house, where it is legal to take up to top speed, so unless you like prison, Porsche 175 owner and this high altitude does walk you'll have to take our word for ultra-high performance speed of this car. At almost any speed, the faster the Porsche of the four-door charging forward with a threatening growl. This is in contrast with, say, Mercedes-Benz S600 or BMW 760i in which speed is based in the surreal silence, and it does not take very long road up to the Panamera. This does not mean it's a terrible deal. The Turbo S masks the actual speed very well, and 120 km / h feels like 70. Remarkably, however, the Panamera would be even more effective in killing the speed of implementation, especially when equipped with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, that bites immediately and aggressively.

However, the definition and design a little 'awkward, the Panamera is not a sports car, and this four-door hatchback sedan tips the scales more than two tons. Fortunately, the ship is not much better job covering the size and mass as the Panamera Chubby plates. Hydraulic steering is well weighted and gives a linear feedback. Among luxury liners, the Panamera is clearly the best treatment, with impeccable stability and precise cornering, despite the precautions swing around a heavy V-8 and turbo. Torque-vectoring system with a standard dynamic chassis control forces fundamentally Porsche Panamera corners, and it is virtually impossible to throw the car off course less than its income wildly exaggerated, and an input speed crazy. The car is always attentive to these things, but:. It 'impossible to turn off the stability control system completely, even if the "off" to suggest the opposite.

If the car is in a bad mood and you push the brake, the system always starts in

Within beautiful, at least

As in other Panameras, Turbo S front and rear seat room is adequate for the class of a short passage of luxury cars and a long center console, front and rear is a beautifully crafted and look expensive and tasteful. Would be closed within a flawless experience but occasional creaking joints and a few seams that do not conform to standards, such as the Audi.

Although it includes many options for $ 136K Turbo performance standard, $ 174 175, the Panamera Turbo S is not exactly a great value. Moreover, the Turbo S can not be upgraded to 540 hp and 553 lb-ft of the same couple with an energy package that includes $ 21 730 turbo modified. However, the cheapest car is not the Turbo S color schemes and other unique gifts and cosmetics most notable, of course, is the flagship.