Porsche - page 84

Be it road cars or motorsports, Porsche is a brand that is steeped in tradition and there are certain things about models like the 911, that the German marque should be very careful about changing or altering, or it could leave the Porsche faithful reaching for the pitchforks. Think stuff like the five-gauge instrument cluster with the big analog tachometer in the center, or the twist-and-turn Le Mans-style starter that sits to the left of the steering wheel.

Manthey Racing was recently spied yet again testing their GT3 RS MR Prototype at the Nurburgring. The prototype has been wrapped in monochromatic camo this time around, but we can discern that the Manthey Racing team has worked their aerodynamic magic on this GT3. For starters, the rear wing looks like it belongs on an airplane, composed of a large fin, attached to where the rear windshield used to be. YouTuber Arc Driver recently dropped a video taking us through a detailed breakdown of all the modifications to the MR Prototype. Manthey Racing is known for Porsche-centric body kits and their in-house race team. Incidentally, the team recently claimed victory in the LM GT3 Category at Le Mans, and they did so in the Porsche GT3R Racecar.

The 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is a high-performance sports car that bridges the gap between the Carrera S and the top-of-the-line Turbo models. It combines the iconic 911 design with cutting-edge technology and exhilarating driving dynamics. The 2022 model is part of the 992-generation 911 lineup (the 992-generation represents the eighth iteration of the iconic sports car), which was introduced in 2019.

The 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is the latest iteration of the iconic German sports car, now with even more power and refinement. This open-top version of the 992-generation Turbo S boasts a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine that churns out an impressive 640 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, significantly increasing over its predecessor. With this extra muscle, the latest model rockets from 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 mph.

With Automobili Rimac taking over Bugatti in 2021, the world expected the Chiron’s successor to be a rebadged Nevera. However, the French automaker just defied expectations and has instead stuck with internal combustion. Forget, turbocharged hybrids; Bugatti has ditched the W16 and in its place has worked with Cosworth to develop an all-new, naturally-aspirated V16 engine that revs to 9,000 rpm. It produces 1,000 horsepower. Additionally, there’s a tri-motor setup with 800 horsepower and a 37-mile all-electric range. Combined, this is an analog hybrid supercar with 1,800 horsepower on tap. For the first time, we actually have a modern-Bugatti that actually sounds good. This move begs the question: with Porsche holding a fat 45% stake in the recently formed Bugatti-Rimac, could we see a similar surprise approach from the upcoming flagship Porsche, i.e. the 918’s successor?

Being the most capable 911 around a racetrack, the 992.1 911 GT3 RS is just a toned-down version of the 911 GT3 R endurance racing car. The aggressive bodywork isn’t just for show, but has a genuine functional purpose. Right from its design (that massive rear wing is just otherworldly for a street-legal production car) to delivering flat-out performance, thanks to its high-revving naturally aspirated flat-six, the 911 GT3 RS is an enthusiast’s dream that costs Ferrari money. Aerodynamics is the magic formula that transforms a fast sports car into a track-devouring monster. It’s all about manipulating the airflow around the vehicle to maximize performance and handling.

Even before it first debuted back in 2007, the R35 Nissan GT-R had its sights set on the Porsche 911 Turbo, outgunning it on its home turf, i.e. the Nürburgring. While the rivalry between the two has been fierce for over a decade, Godzilla is bowing out after a 15-year reign. While production ends in the U.S. for the 2024 model year (2025 in Japan), enthusiasts can grab the final editions. The 2024 Nissan GT-R boasts a revised front fascia, grille, wings, and rear end designed to improve aerodynamics without sacrificing downforce. Nissan engineers meticulously crafted a new mesh grille for better cooling and lower drag. At the same time, the top-of-the-line Nismo version receives a more aggressive rear wing and additional aerodynamic elements. A new "Stealth Gray paint" job completes the Nismo package, marking an apt send-off for this JDM icon.

Porsche has given its popular Cayenne SUV a fresh look for the 2024 model year, marking a significant update since the sport-ute entered its third generation in 2017. This facelift brings a redesigned front and rear fascia, along with a revamped cabin with more screen real estate than ever, giving the Cayenne a sharper, more modern appearance.

Bugatti has kicked off an exciting new chapter with a YouTube docuseries. This series takes viewers on a journey into the brand’s future, led by the visionary Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac. The pilot episode, released on June 18th, features Rimac outlining his vision for the successor to the legendary Chiron supercar. The successor has big shoes to fill, but Mate seems up to the challenge. As a CEO who launched a hypercar company from his garage in Croatia, he understands the expectations of automobile enthusiasts everywhere. "Bugatti is a legacy built by extraordinary people," Rimac states in the film.

The swan-neck rear wing, an aerodynamic spoiler design innovation that debuted in motorsport, emerged in response to safety regulations introduced by the Automobile Club de I’Quest (ACO) in 2009. These regulations aimed to address concerns about rear-wing-induced accidents during high-speed races. Engineers constantly tinkered, trying to squeeze out more downforce without sacrificing speed to increase on-track stability.

Remember YouTuber Danny Z’s budget Porsche that we featured recently? Danny and his crew bought a beat-up 996 911 from Copart Auctions for $10,000. They completely transformed the looks of the stock car by throwing on a GT3 body kit. But the driving experience left something to be desired. It was time to make the car handle better, on a budget, of course. While this isn’t a full-blown tune to unlock more performance from the flat-6, the Copart Porsche did receive a few vital upgrades to improve its handling and more crucially, the way it sounds.

The 2020 Porsche Taycan isn’t just a pretty face (and it is a very pretty face). This electric marvel delivers mind-blowing acceleration, sharp handling that will leave you grinning, and a head-turning design that commands attention. But the magic truly lies beneath the sleek exterior. The Taycan boasts several engineering firsts for electric vehicles. It’s the only production EV to sport a two-speed transmission, translating into neck-snapping bursts of speed when you push the pedal.