Back to Porsche

Porsche Parts Accessories Cars

Models

view grid view horizontal compact blog view
Porsche Offers New Options For Cayenne, Macan And Panamera

Porsche Offers New Options For Cayenne, Macan And Panamera

Porsche models are arguably some of the most factory-customizable vehicles on the market, but that didn’t stop the Germans from introducing a range of new options for the Panamera sedan and the Cayenne and Macan crossovers. The new features are offered via Porsche Exclusive, the division responsible for a wide array of bespoke models ranging from the Boxster to the Cayenne, and the list includes enhancements for both the exterior and the cabin, as well as a new exhaust system.

The biggest news here is the availability of the Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment system for all Panamera models. The feature that debuted in the Panamera Turbo S Exclusive Series, a limited-edition, U.S.-spec sedan built in only 100 units, adds two high-resolution 10.1-inch color touchscreen displays in the front-seat backrests. An integrated DVD player, two USB ports, an SD card slot and an HDMI port provide connection to a wide range of devices, while an integrated camera allows video telephony. The entertainment system also features internet connectivity and mobile access. The system will retail from €3,082.10 (around $3,234 as of 03/13/2015) in Germany.

Continue reading to learn more about Porsche’s new options.

Read more
Porsche Classic Announces New Navigation Radio

Porsche Classic Announces New Navigation Radio

With the restomod industry experiencing a boom in recent years, Porsche seems to have caught the bug as well, and its Classic division now offers a navigation radio system that blends modern technology with a retro look. On top of that, the system fits perfectly into the DIN-1 slot that has been used by Porsche since almost forever, meaning that the thingamagig is suitable for every 911 built from 1964 onward, at least until the 993 generation, since newer models started coming with factory-installed infotainment systems.

The system can be retrofitted to all other classic Porsche models as well, including front- and mid-engined ones made up until the mid 1990s, meaning that no matter how old your Stuttgart sports car is, it can now have the modern amenity of a a navigation radio system. Apart from the GPS function, the system offers radio reception and also comes with support for a wide array of external music sources that can be controlled from the available touchscreen display.

Despite offering just a 3.5-inch screen in order to blend in into the dashboard of older Porsches, the device is based on the modern Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system, with maps for the navigation being stored on a microSD card with 8 GB of memory. Before running to your nearest Porsche Classic Partner, you may want to learn that the navigation radio costs 1,184 euros ($1,341 as of February 2015) in Germany.

Continue reading to learn more on Porsche Classic’s navigation radio.

Read more
2015 Porsche Macan Sport Design by Porsche Exclusive

2015 Porsche Macan Sport Design by Porsche Exclusive

The Porsche Macan probably doesn’t need any more aesthetic upgrades; it already looks like a born and bred Porsche, right down to the subtle styling hints attributed to its big brother, the Cayenne. But who am I to tell Porsche what it can and can’t do, especially when it comes to offering new personalization options for its new crossover? The truth is, Porsche Exclusive’s new options for the Macan are added luxuries to the Macan. You don’t need it, but it’s nice to know that it’s being offered, you know, just in case you want to give your Macan a personalized touch.

Porsche Exclusive’s Sport Design package comes with a comprehensive list of upgrades, including lights and aero upgrades. New bi-xenon headlights are available, as are dark-colord LED rear lights, both of which are part of the Sport Design package. These lights come with the new Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and are matched with smoked LED rear taillights with their own dark red lenses.

A new front apron, side-sill panels, side blades, and a new lower rear bumper section are also being offered in case an owner wants a more dynamic-looking Macan. You can also opt to install a new set of 21-inch Sport Classic wheels that Porsche is offering in three color options and finish off your personalized Macan with a new sports exhaust system with modified silencers and a pair of stainless steel chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

Don’t worry. The Macan’s interior was also given its due attention. The Sport Design package features a new ’Limed Oak’ interior package that includes overlays to the decorative trim on the doors and instrument panel.

Click past the jump to read more about Porsche Macan.

Read more
Porsche Spreading the Rev-Matched Downshifting Love

Porsche Spreading the Rev-Matched Downshifting Love

Rowing your own gears is an artwork that takes years to gain a firm grasp of and many people never truly master it. Heel-to-toe downshifting, which is essentially the replacement for “double clutching” in older transmissions, allows you to match the engine speed to the transmission speed on the downshift. This speed matching helps eliminate embarrassing and lap-time-killing bucking as the synchros attempt to match up the speed of the engine and transmission. On top of that, it can also help extend the life of the synchros.

In most cars, heel-to-toe shifting takes careful placement of your right foot, so you can press the brake pedal and still tap the throttle lightly to increase the engine speed just before releasing the clutch. This takes loads of practice to master, if you can ever master it. If executed perfectly, your car eases into the downshift more smoothly and accelerates out of it much quicker.

Well, Porsche is now making this heel-to-toe shifting almost autonomous on several of its vehicles. We already learned that the Sports Chrono package on the 2013 Carrera 4 and 4S will boast this feature, but now reports are saying that this system will also come to the Boxster and Cayman lineups.

On the downside, you cannot fine-tune this system to meet your driving styles, like you can on the Nissan 370Z, as Porsche assumes its engineers are good enough to develop this system to cover just about any driver. Given all of their past ventures, we don’t doubt their ability one bit.

With this new addition, the Porsche lineup is showing that it is dead set on allowing its drivers to have maximum fun with minimal effort.

view all
Read more
Spy Shots: Take a glimpse at the Porsche Macan's interior

Spy Shots: Take a glimpse at the Porsche Macan’s interior

In the past few weeks, Porsche has been busy developing both the 918 Spyder and the upcoming Cayenne Junior - aka Macan. Today, our spy photographers have caught the car testing one more time, and luckily, they have also managed to take the first shots of the interior.

The interior images aren’t as clear as all of us would like them to be, but they are still enough to see that the next Macan will be stuffed with all of the latest technology. Some of these elements may even be borrowed from the new Boxster’s interior, including the information on the on-board computer, communication, audio settings, and the navigation system being displayed on a high-resolution TFT color screen. Other elements include a 3-spoke sports steering wheel and all kinds of leather goodness.

As for the engines to be used in the next Macan, Porsche has already confirmed that the SUV will get a 370 HP 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine for the Turbo version, as well as a new four-cylinder engine with an output of about 220 HP. There will also be a diesel version for markets like Europe, and a hybrid version that could combine a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor.

The new Porsche Macan will go into production in 2013, so we should get tons more information before that time comes. Stay tuned!

Read more
Porsche battles with the four-cylinder engine; regulations may make final call

Porsche battles with the four-cylinder engine; regulations may make final call

Porsche’s future entry level models have been rumored to sport a new four-cylinder horizontally opposed gasoline engine, but Porsche Canada CEO, Joe Lawrence, is trying to nip that in the bid. Lawrence was recently at the ALMS race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park when he confirmed that the flat-four is definitely just a rumor.

At that point, everyone could basically let the flat four rumor go, but Lawrence immediately followed that statement up with the fact that he would actually like to see it sometime in the future. If everyone’s not on board with letting it go then the flat four cannot possibly be dead in the water, so we’re back to square one...again.

The four-cylinder horizontally opposed gasoline engine was initially rumored to be used for the upcoming baby Boxster (aka 550) which has been put on hold due to the lack of expected demand. What we see happening is new fuel economy regulations making it necessary for the four-pot to be used, even for the Baby Boxster when it gets dragged off the backburner, as well as for the Cayman. Automakers can’t make their decisions based on the market sometimes because the government forces their hand when it comes to strict environmental guidelines and as Lawrence said, "Porsche is not exempt from increasingly strict emissions and fuel economy regulations" and it’s "more likely that you’ll see more turbocharging in more vehicles moving forward." The government is, after all, the puppeteer in this stage show.

Read more
2013 Porsche Exclusive 911 Carrera S

2013 Porsche Exclusive 911 Carrera S

If you are not completely satisfied with the new 400 HP Porsche Carrera S, the company is now offering a new power enhancement kit developed by the Porsche Exclusive department. The new kit will increase the 3.8-liter boxer engine’s output from the standard 400 HP up to 430 HP. As a result, the 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made in just 4 seconds and top speed will go up to 190 mph with the PDK tranny and 191 mph with a seven-speed manual gearbox.

In order to obtain these impressive updates, as well as keep the same fuel economy, Porsche added different camshafts and an entirely new variable resonance intake system design with six air flaps and a resonance flap. A Powerkit can be activated at the push of a button, making the two exhaust lines merge and generating a powerful engine sound.

Next to these changes, the new Porsche Exclusive 911 Carrera S also comes with a series of exterior updates. These changes will include a new front apron with powerful air intakes and a fixed rear spoiler in legendary "ducktail" form. For customers who want even more, Porsche is also offering an Aerokit Cup which includes an additional fixed rear wing over the rear spoiler and a special front spoiler lip with additional air intakes. The interior will receive lots of decorative trims, including brushed aluminum and carbon.

view all
Read more
Porsche rated best German brand in U.S for servicing

Porsche rated best German brand in U.S for servicing

If there’s anything Americans love more than American cars, it’s German cars. BMW’s, Audi’s, and Mercedes’ roam the streets of the U.S. like no other European alternatives, and sports car manufacturer Porsche is right up there with the best of them. Discounting the huge 911 sales Porsche records in the U.S, sales of the Cayenne and Panamera are also extremely high with Porsche selling no less than 25,320 cars in total in 2010 in the U.S.

And with so many sales you could excuse the German brand for being a little rough around the edges when it comes to servicing, but in a recent poll conducted by the Customer Service Index 2012 of 84,000 new car owners from the past three years, results showed that customer satisfaction for Porsche was the highest of any other German brand for their service and personal care of customer cars.

In an official press release, Porsche stated that it “isn’t just constantly raising the quality and thoroughness of its repair and maintenance standards through continuous improvement processes but also optimises the call on its customers’ time to their advantage – from the making of the appointment to receipt of the vehicle to its return.”

Sure some of Porsche’s English may be off, but we can forgive them for that, however these results don’t show the full story. While Porsche is the best of the German brands, it only rates 5th in terms of luxury brands behind Lexus, Cadillac, Jaguar, and Acura.

Nevertheless, we have to commend Porsche for this achievement, as Americans are as picky with their cars as they are fanatical about them.

view all
Read more
Patent images reveal new Porsche 911/991 Aerokit and SportDesign packages

Patent images reveal new Porsche 911/991 Aerokit and SportDesign packages

According to Carscoop, a series of new patent images are tipping customers off on new styling packages for the new Porsche Carrera and Carrera S models. The Aerokit Cup, SportDesign front apron, and SportDesign packages will be available in European markets for a starting price of €2,380.04 for the SportDesign front apron, €4,186 for the SportDesign, and €4,993.30 for the Aerokit Cup. No information has been revealed as to whether these news styling packages will be finding their way to the US just yet.

These new styling packages haven’t been fully revealed yet so details on the exact additions are a bit sketchy. From what we can tell, accessories for each of them will include a fixed rear wing, a different front bumper with an apron, and an overall sportier look. Expect to see a few changes for the interior as well, but there’s no way to confirm that at this point.

That’s it on the details for these new package, but considering these images are already out, expect to see the new packages revealed soon.

view all
Read more
2013 Porsche 911 GT3 To Come Standard With Manual Transmission

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 To Come Standard With Manual Transmission

The rate at which manual transmissions are slowly being offered in fewer and fewer cars simply blows our minds here at TopSpeed. There are few driving pleasures which can match up to performing a picture-perfect upshift, or even better, performing a perfect downshift with some heel and toe action thrown in. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people are not petrol heads, and only use cars to get from point A to point B.

However, there is a silver lining in this seemingly never ending cloud of darkness. Sources very close to Porsche have leaked to Teamspeed that the upcoming 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 will come standard with a manual transmission, with the technologically-advanced, yet less satisfying, PDK transmission set to be available as an optional extra.

Automotive and Porsche enthusiasts all over the world, you may now take a deep sigh of relief. With some of Porsche’s main competitors including Ferrari and Lamborghini phasing out manuals, we only assumed Porsche would follow suit, but thankfully, we were mistaken.

Don’t get overly excited however, as manual Porsches will eventually be a thing of the past, and if this report holds water, the 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 may be the very last Porsche to come with three pedals. If demand is high enough for the manual, Porsche will likely also offer it in the 911 GT3 RS which would likely make a debut 12 to 18 months after the GT3.

So, the moral of the story. Well, if you’re looking for a new Porsche, don’t go with the boring old Carrera or Carrera S, wait for the 911 GT3 to come out and order it in a manual, as we cannot foresee a world without real drivers cars!

view all
Read more
Porsche to offer more turbocharged engines

Porsche to offer more turbocharged engines

Porsche’s only turbo engines are found in the 911 Turbo, the Cayenne Turbo, and the Panamera Turbo, but that all may change soon. Porsche is planning on replacing natural aspiration with turbocharging in a series of other models, including the model set to carry the previously rumored four-cylinder engine.

These new turbo engines will have the advantage of delivering more horse power, as well as reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The car will also be equipped with a turbo engine that will sound completely different, which certainly matters when comparing sports cars.

In an interview with Dutch magazine, Autovisie, a Porsche technician offered a few more details on this upcoming technology: "Turbos are purely for improving the performance and are still only used on the top models. But the combination between smaller engines and turbocharging is a very promising way to lower the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Because of these two factors we will be offering turbo engines in models below the top series in the future. A four-cylinder boxer engine with a turbo is conceivable. But as before, the name 911 Turbo will only be for the model with the highest level of performance used."

We’ll see if we can dig up more information to pass along, so stay tuned!

Image above is a rendering of the 2013 Porsche 911/991 Turbo.

view all
view all
view all
Read more
Porsche 911 Turbo will get tri-turbo system

Porsche 911 Turbo will get tri-turbo system

Following the spy shots revealed yesterday of the upcoming Porsche 911 Turbo playing in the snow is a fantastic bit of news about what it will be carrying under that luscious hood. Turns out, the 911 Turbo will be powered by a 3.8 liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, but not equipped with a twin-turbo system as one would expect. Instead, Porsche is following in BMW’s footsteps by offering a tri-turbo system.

This system is currently in the final phase of development and, according to the first details, will help raise the engine’s output from the current 495 HP to somewhere in the region of 525 HP — or the same as that of the current 911 Turbo S. It will include the usual twin turbochargers found in the current engine, but will get a smaller unit mounted close to the engine to boost low-end response. This system will also improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.

Once this tri-turbo system is complete, not only will it fit in with the 911 Turbo, but will also get dropped in the next-generation 911 GT2 and GT2 RS.

view all
view all
Read more
Porsche to choose new 911 engine soon

Porsche to choose new 911 engine soon

With the rest of the industry already turning their attention towards developing more means of improving fuel efficiency, it appears that German automaker Porsche is ready to join the fold as far as the direction of their next generation engines for the 911 are concerned.

The word comes from Porsche 911 Powertrain Project Manager, Thomas Krickelberg, who laid out the company’s plans to develop a new range of turbocharged engines that could be in the offering for most of the 911 range. According to Krickelberg, Porsche is looking at two options for their engines: one that reduces displacement on turbocharged engines and another that involves improving their naturally aspirated engines through reduced friction and improved combustion.

“We haven’t made a decision yet,” Krickelberg said. “We have to make a decision very soon [by the end of] this year.”

While both options are still on the table, the most likely result from these discussions will be smaller capacity engines, which could even drop all the way to the legendary 2.7-liter capacity that was used in the 911 of the 70’s and 80’s. In the end, the decision on what kind of engines the next generation Porsche will most likely depend on upcoming regulations, both in Europe and in the US.

For his part, Krickelberg would rather see naturally aspirated engines on future Porsches as they are regarded as the best of the lot to drive for purists of the German brand.

Whatever decision Porsche ends up making with regards to its future engines, a lot of considerations still have to be made. And while the company does put tradition in high regard, they have, in past occasions, veered away from it in favor of producing a better product overall.

Whether the company does go down that route again with their new engines still remains to be seen. One thing we do know is that Porsche needs to cover all their bases before making any decisions on the matter.

view all
Read more
1973 Porsche 911 by dp Motorsport

1973 Porsche 911 by dp Motorsport

Over the years, tons of tuning companies have gotten their hands on a Porsche 911 at some point or another. Typically, with every new generation 911, there’s hundreds or thousands of kits to improve upon the standard model. Very rarely, however, do we come across a tuning kit for a much older model such as this 1973 Porsche 911. German tuner, dp Motorsport, has decided to take on this task with an impressive body kit, interior updates, and a boost of power to 310 HP.

The new body kit used for the 1973 Porsche 911 is made entirely from carbon fiber and includes a new front bumper, hood, fenders, lightweight doors, rear fender flares, rear bumper, and rear spoiler. Both hoods were also equipped with quick release fasteners. The Porsche’s standard windows have been replaced by a set of green-toned Plexiglas windows and lightweight lamp lenses were also installed, both for the sake of saving some weight. This is also the reason the carbon roof panel has been manufactured using the sandwich vacuum technique.

Full story after the jump.

view all
Read more
Porsche's new supercar may be built on the next R8 platform

Porsche’s new supercar may be built on the next R8 platform

When Porsche announced plans for a new supercar that will take on models like the Ferrari 458 Italia, it was believed that the new model would be built on an entirely new platform. Apparently, Porsche was forced to change its plans because Volkswagen is suggesting that the company use the same platform as the next Audi R8. The logical explanation behind it is that Volkswagen thinks the next R8 platform will provide a suitable architecture for the Porsche, but really it all comes down to saving some cash on development.

Porsche is dead-set on using a bespoke platform, but if they do, they may be delaying the release of their new sports car to about 2020, alongside the third generation of the R8 and Gallardo. That long wait may be the only reason Porsche decides to give in to Volkswagen and use the R8’s underpinnings. The market may lose interest in the vehicle if they are forced to wait that long.

Regardless of Porsche’s decision, the new Audi R8 facelift will be headed to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show for its unveiling. The car will receive both exterior and interior updates, as well as an increase in power. The base 4.2L V8 will jump to 444 HP from the current 424 HP and the 5.2L V10 will be tuned to deliver 533 HP, up from the current 518 HP.

view all
view all
Read more
Porsche's next entry level models will use a new four-cylinder engine

Porsche’s next entry level models will use a new four-cylinder engine

We’ve been hearing a lot of talk about Porsche’s future engine choices and with inquisition usually comes some form of confirmation. Apparently, "high-ranking officials at Porsche’s Weissach research and development center in Germany" have spilled the beans to AutoWeek about a four-cylinder horizontally opposed gasoline engine fitted for a future entry level Porsche model. This new engine is slotted for a spiritual successor to the 550 Spyder, but will first find its home in the third-generation Boxster and the second-generation Cayman.

Porsche’s new four-cylinder engine will be built on the same architectural elements as the classic horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine currently being used in the 911 family. The new engine will use a combination of light-pressure turbocharger induction and piezo-guided direct injection. It will be offered in two different versions: an entry level displacing 2.0 liters and a larger 2.5-liter unit. The bigger version is believed to deliver up to 380 HP and will be used for the S versions of the models mentioned.

This confirmation also brings us one step closer to a confirmation for the all-new flat-8 engine that has been rumored to go into Porsche’s new Ferrari competitor. It is possible that this new flat-eight can be an extension of the now-confirmed modular four cylinder engine.

Stay tuned for more details on Porsche’s engine development!

view all
Read more
Porsche's Ferrari rival may feature a flat-8 engine

Porsche’s Ferrari rival may feature a flat-8 engine

It was only yesterday that Porsche CEO, Matthias Mueller, officially confirmed the brand’s plans for a future Ferrari rival, but already there are rumors flying around about the future sports car. During the unveiling of the new Porsche 911/991, Wolfgang Hatz (Porsche Head of Research and Development) revealed that a flat-eight boxer engine is being considered for the future Ferrari rival.

This new option stems from Porsche engineers’ angst over not being able to take the 911’s flat-six engine past 4.0 liters. Moving to a flat-8 would be the next logical step considering Porsche’s major competition - Ferrari - currently dominates the market in this price segment with its V8-powered sportscars. That alone would be enough for Porsche to develop a new eight cylinder engine, but the company also feels the switch would be necessary if they plan to successfully differentiate the new model from both the 911 and the next-generation Cayman.

The new flat-8 engine should be an easy development for Porsche because the company has already created a turbocharged flat-four engine that will be dropped into a future entry level roadster. This engine is modular and can be extended into the next-generation flat-6 and flat-8. Porsche also has a history with the flat-8 engine. Back in the late 1960’s, Porsche built an air-cooled 1.5L flat-8 for Formula One that extended to a 3.0 L version for the Porsche 908 in 1968. That engine was able to pump out 300 HP back then, making a competitor for the 458 Italia’s 570 HP V8 an attainable goal.

When created, the new engine will be mated to an updated version of the Carrera GT’s ultra-compact transmission.

Read more
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 gets a boost from Akrapovic

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 gets a boost from Akrapovic

Akrapovic is widely known for attaching their exhaust systems to some of the nicest cars on the market. Vehicles such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Mitsubishi Evo X have all received this treatment. Now, with its 500 HP naturally aspired engine, the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is one of the most impressive cars available on the market, but Akrapovic have provided what we are going to call a tuning detail to further tweak its performance.

Akrapovic actually has five different exhaust systems which will increase the engine’s output by up to 17 HP, depending on the version chosen. The first system is an Evolution exhaust system that will add 12 HP and 10 lb-ft. Then there is the Evolution Race which will add 17 HP and 16 lb-ft of torque. The Sports cup version will add 8 HP and 11 lbs-ft and the Slip-On exhaust system will add 4 HP and 2 lbs-ft. Finally, there is the Slip-On Race version that adds more horsepower and torque, although those numbers are not specified. All of these systems will include titanium link pipes with exhaust valves and a titanium end muffler.

view all
Read more
Future Porsche 911 Targa 4S may get old school Targa option

Future Porsche 911 Targa 4S may get old school Targa option

Porsche hasn’t offered the fixed Targa roof option on the ever popular 911 model since 1996 when it got replaced by a sliding glass roof version on the 993 models. Before that, automakers were quivering at the thought of the Department of Transportation banning convertibles so the Targa roof was invented to beat the system. That fear ended up being entirely unwarranted and the Targa top, made popular by the Porsche Targa, started to fade off into the distance. Now, a couple of German magazines are jump-starting the rumor mill with whispers of a fixed roof Porsche Targa comeback for the new generation 911. Could it be so?

The way we see it, the idea of bringing back the real Targa option isn’t very likely in today’s market. More of the concepts that are being brought out tend to have a more modern design and for a major automaker like Porsche to revive a concept that is way past its expiration date seems unlikely. We have a feeling that the current glass plates are here to stay. That being said, if Porsche were to go the vintage route and bring back the Targa option, it would be interesting to see its response. It could be a huge success, or it could leave people shaking their heads like they did when the Cayenne and Panamera first came out.

Either way, we expect to see the first models in the 911 line-up in September. At the point, we’ll get all of our answers as to Porsche’s decision on the matter. Stay tuned!

view all
Read more
No hybrid technologies for the next Porsche 911

No hybrid technologies for the next Porsche 911

A few days ago, there were some rumors suggesting that the next generation Porsche 911 would be offered with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System, but in a recent interview with AutoCar, Panamera Hybrid development chief, Michael Steiner, said that the company has no plans in using any kind of hybrid technologies for the sports car: "That’s nonsense. The system is currently applied to a race car. Nothing else is planned. The new 911 will not be offered with hybrid drive for the foreseeable future. If and when it is, then it will most likely happen as a plug-in."

So, instead of using a KERS system, Porsche will be focusing on finding the best solution for combining lightweight steels, aluminum, and magnesium. The magnesium has significant production advantages over the carbon fiber, but it requires protection from corrosion. He also said that Porsche will try to combine PDK dual-clutch transmissions with electric motors to encourage the driver to rev more, even though this may be slightly less efficient.

view all
Read more
Porsche engines in Alfa Romeo models? Depends on who you ask

Porsche engines in Alfa Romeo models? Depends on who you ask

Volkswagen has been trying to get Alfa Romeo away from Fiat for a little while now, but it seems that their tactics have been less than persuasive and more than aggressive. A Fiat spokesman has even said, "We shut the door in their [VW’s] faces and now they’re trying to get in the window." One would think that would dissuade VW from pushing any further, but that person would be wrong.

Now, in Volkswagen’s attempt to become the world’s largest car manufacturing group by 2018, the German automaker is still pushing the sale and planning on what it would do if successful. Turns out, VW will be utilizing their close relationship with Porsche so that Alfa Romeo projects could benefit from the same flat-four engine that will be used in the Baby Boxster set to debut in just a few years.

If this component sharing is accomplished, this engine could make way for a revival of the Alfa Romeo Alfasud, or its successor the 33. The Alfasud was a compact car produced by Alfa from 1971-1989 and was one of Alfa Romeo’s most successful models. However, before that is even attempted, VW could decide to plop that flat four into Alfa’s newest concept: the Alfa Romeo 4C GTA.

So, apparently Volkswagen is not taking no for an answer even though Fiat has repeatedly stated that the brand is not for sale. Fiat even denied rumors that VW representatives met with local government representatives at Alfa’s Arese plant, calling them "complete and utter fantasy." All we can say is that Volkswagen should take their time with this deal if they ever want it to go through. Remember, relationships are like farts; push too hard and things may just get messy.

view all
Read more
2011 Porsche 997 Turbo by D2Forged

2011 Porsche 997 Turbo by D2Forged

D2Forged Wheels is an American wheel tuning shop that’s considered as one of the best in the industry. Recently, the boys at D2Forged presented their latest creation for the Porsche 997 Turbo, aptly called “The White Darkness”.

These guys are no strangers to outfitting cars with the best rims in the game, as evidenced by their previous work on an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. So it only seems right that their latest piece of work would come in the name of Porsche – a 997 Turbo, to be exact.

On it’s own, a Porsche 997 Turbo is already a car that packs a very mean wallop with a 3.8-liter flat-six engine that produces 500 horsepower. You add that powertrain and the iconic 997 aesthetic design with D2Forged’s set of special MB1 Titanium Graphite 20” wheels they affectionately call “The White Darkness” and you have the makings of a stunning sports car that only adds to the American wheel tuning company’s already impressive line-up of state-of-the-art rims.

Read more
Video: Building a Bugatti Veyron replica

Video: Building a Bugatti Veyron replica

Over the years we’ve encountered some people who seem to take great pride and joy in turning their cars into replica exotics. Some have done a piss poor job at it while others have been good enough to make their cars ‘resemble’ these exotics, forgetting the fact that if any of the onlookers would dare lift the hood, the vehicle would be exposed as the fraud that it is.

Earlier reports have said that a replica Veyron was done using a Porsche Boxster platform. But we’ve since gotten clarification that the photo we showed you is actually a real Veyron with no hint or trace of copycat-ism on it. Must’ve been why it looked too good to be a replica.

Having said that though, having said that, there really is a project being undertaken by "Orlando M." to make a replica Veyron using a Boxster platform that’s going to look impeccably like the real deal. The project is still being undertaken and unfortunately, it’s going to be for Orlando M’s personal use only. You can check out how the process is done in these videos that we’ve been given. Take a look!

Hit the jump for more videos.

Read more