Daily Archives: March 1, 2016
2017 Porsche 911 R Is The 911 GT3 We’ve All Been Waiting For
Porsche’s 911 GT3 was welcomed with a lukewarm response despite having one of the best automatic transmission ever built mainly because Porsche purists are looking for a track-ready Porsche 911 with a manual gearbox.
Although the Porsche 911 GT3 shifts amazingly quick and was tuned to deliver fast lap times around the race track, there was still nothing better than a car with three pedals and a stick. Thankfully, the new Porsche 911 R is making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show today.
New images have already been leaked of this manual transmission 911 R, but there’s also another that set this thing apart from the 911 GT3—the 911 R has no rear wing.
In terms of exterior, these two exteriors are identical to each other except for the fact that the Porsche 911 R has no rear wing. But overall, they have the same bumpers, rear fenders, wheels, side skirts and mirrors.
The only thing that sets the 911 R apart is the engine lid, which has a conventional grille and retractable spoiler taken from the Porsche Carrera models. It also has a redesigned front spoiler lip and rear underbody diffuser.
Inside, the 911 R features a sporty interior with few comfort features just like the standard 911. Some other interior elements are bucket seats, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and lightweight door panels.
For the 911 R, Porsche used the larger, 4.0-liter in the GT3 RS. The output is similar to the RS with 500 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The biggest change, of course, is that the 911 R shifted to a manual gearbox with no option for an automatic transmission.
The Porsche 911 R is made for race track purists, but the manual transmission came with disadvantages, too. The 0-60 mph is achieved in 3.7 seconds. This falls behind the GT3 and GT3 RS, which can complete it in 3.3 and 3.1 seconds, respectively.
The Porsche 911 R will probably sell for $120,000. Only 600 units will be produced.
Spy Shots of the 2018 Buick Regal Surface
We finally got some spy shots of the prototype for the Buick‘s next generation Regal. It was spotted while being tested in the United States.
Based on the spy shots provided by Autoevolution, the 2018 Buick Regal will most probably be a bigger car than the previous edition.
The new Buick Regal is set to be in showrooms next year as a 2018 model. Like the current model, it will come with Opel’s Insignia. The same version will also be available in Australia and New Zealand as the next Holden Commodore.
Overall, the Buick Regal is expected to look like a downsized version of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse. Buick’s signature can clearly be seen on the waterfall grille, as well as the same winged badge on the current LaCrosse.
But what’s even more interesting is that the new Regal has a more conventional notchback body while the Opel features a fastback roof. Currently, the latest Regal and Insignia have an identical body.
Highlighting the Buick Royal’s performance is the General Motors Company’s E2XX platform, which was designed specifically for a front-wheel drive, mid-size models.
It can be recalled that the platform was launched in 2016 for the Chevrolet Malibu. A longer version, which was featured in the latest LaCrosse, promises even better performance. Key features of the platform included lightweight construction and better riding suspension.
The Buick Regal’s base option will most probably have a four-cylinder with turbocharging. The current model’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine is still the expected one to be used in this new model.
The transmission will be an eight-speed automatic. The standard version will be a front-wheel drive while there will be an option of an all-wheel drive.
The new Insignia will debut at the 2016 Paris Auto Show in October while the new Regal should come shortly after at one of the major North American auto shows. But before the Regal arrives, we’ll be seeing a new Verano.
Ford Fiesta ST Upgraded To 200 BHP
The Ford Fiesta ST hatch has gotten a good upgrade with 200 bhp and a nicer trim. We expect to see this at the Geneva Auto Show this March 1.
This would definitely steal some spotlight from the other hatchbacks and sedans currently lined up for the motor show. The hatch’s iteration was given more power plus a nicer trim since its going to presumably end its run soon.
Some who bought the Ford Fiesta ST may be slighted with the release of the ST200 model, but those who can get their hands on the new iteration would be greatly pleased.
According to TopGear, the changes aren’t exactly earth shattering, but they are enough to merit a second look. The Ford Fiesta ST200 will have a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that ups the ante to 197bhp (or 200PS, hence the name), shaving a couple of tenths off the 0-62mph time, which now stands at 6.7 seconds.
Ford is also promising better in-gear performance, so its six gears should just be enough.
Ford also allows special specification and customization of the ST200. There’s a new “Storm Grey” paint, some fancy matt black alloys, and lots of nice red detailing inside and out.
All of these features are exclusive to the ST200, which only 500 will be made each year. This will, of course, keep their bragging rights strong. This might strongly remind you of the And if you recognise the short-run 2.5-litre V6 Mondeo ST200, released in 1999.
Prices have yet to be announced, but we are expecting the ST200 to be somewhere near the £21,000 range. Expectedly, some may frown at this since it’s a few thousands more than the standard edition, but the ST200 is a bargain compared to the Renaultsport Clio Trophy or Peugeot Sport 208 GTI, both will probably cost around £22,000 once they are released.
