2012 Geneva Motor Show : The All-New 2013 Porsche Boxster Officially Previewed

On the back of the unveiling of the 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet in Detroit, Porsche has wasted no time showing off its next work of art in the form of the Boxster.The open-top two-seater has an entirely new lightweight body and completely revamped chassis, weighing less than its predecessor and riding on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. Coupled with larger wheels and a new electromechanical power steering, the mid-engine sports car boasts significantly enhanced driving dynamics.

It also boasts up to 15 percent better fuel-efficiency than previous models.Arguably the most handsome Boxster Porsche has ever created, the redesigned roadster benefits from shorter overhangs and a windscreen that's been shifted forward. Revised headlamps and a more slender air intake also work well as does the spoiler blending into the tail lights.Passengers are now enclosed by a redesigned fully electric top, dispensing with the convertible top compartment lid. As a result occupants have more space, reflecting Porsche's new outline that includes a raked center console and what appears to be upgraded interior materials.

 

The Boxster and Boxster S have debuted together, and both are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection. Efficiency is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function.What about performance we hear you cry? Well, the base model now delivers 265hp from a 2.7-liter flat six nestled behind the seats, ten horses more than its larger displacement predecessor; the Boxster S delivers 5hp more than before with 315hp managed by its 3.4-liter six. Both are mated to a manual 6-speed transmission with an optional 7-speed PDK that offers the best fuel consumption and acceleration performance.   

0-60mph for the Boxster is rated at 5.4 seconds, and 4.7 seconds for the Boxster S with uninterrupted gear changes to the power flow.Porsche is offering a Sport Chrono Package for the Boxster as an optional extra, which features dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. 

Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear axle differential lock is also a new feature.Expect the new models to hit US showrooms this summer just in time for the drop top season, priced at $49,500 for the base Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S.  

 

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Industry News : Reborn Lancia Stratos Officially Not Happening

Industry News : Reborn Lancia Stratos Officially Not Happening: According to a recent post from Jalopnik, it's now officially official that the reborn Lancia Stratos is dead even before arrival.For those who weren't aware, around a year or so ago a German company set off to build a modern version of the famed Lancia Stratos from the early 1970s.The new car was designed by famed Italian design house Pininfarina and was based on the chassis of the also wonderful Ferrari F430.

 

It had beautifully customized carbon fiber body panels that did a wonderful job of bringing the iconic wedge design to the 21st century. The new Stratos was so well received not only for its styling, but also for its performance. In fact, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo took it for a test spin around a track and walked away impressed. Perhaps a little too much.

Ferrari has reportedly denied the small company the opportunity to bring it to market, even on a small scale. The apparent reason Ferrari CEO Dr. Amedeo Felisa gave is that he "opposes production of other vehicles by companies that work with Ferrari." 

More specifically, he feared any competition to the 458 Italia. There is a glimmer of another hope, however.The German company has also mentioned that they're talking with Renault into letting them build a modern Alpine A110 Berlinette. Still, knowing that the new Stratos won't be coming to market is a definite bummer. 

 

source: jalopnik.com