Despite announcing British driver Richard Westbrook as one of their factory drivers for 2008 Porsche’s {link} plans for the coming motorsport season still remain a little uncertain. The Stuttgart manufacturer are waiting for their supported teams to finalise their 2008 plans before announcing their complete driver line up.
An all encompassing blog about German cars, car manufacturers, tuning and motorsport.
18 December 2007
McLaren Mercedes in 2008.
The 2008 driver line up at McLaren Mercedes {link} for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship has been finalised. Heikki Kovalainen {link} is Lewis Hamilton’s {link} new team mate and both are looking forward to the challenges of the coming season. McLaren’s team looks like being one of the most exciting and quickest in 2008.
Audi in 2008.
After a slow start to 2008 Audi {link} will go model crazy! The spring sees the long awaited RS6 estate (the saloon arrives in autumn) enter showrooms followed by the A4 estate and the new A3 Cabriolet. A face lifted A3 appears in the summer of 2008 as does the Audi TTS and Roadster. The late autumn sees models galore from Ingolstadt’s finest. Starting with the SUV Q5 Audi then aim to launch the face lifted A6 and the A5 Cabriolet. As already mentioned the RS6 saloon follows on from the A5 Cabriolet with the Audi winter offerings being the awesome Q7 V12TDI, the S4 (saloon and estate) finish things off for 2008. Expect more hybrid technology plus the more powerful V10 R8 S to be showcased throughout the next year.
The Audi RS6 benefits from a BMW M5 challenging twin turbo V10 that produces an impressive 580PS whilst the face lift on the normal A6 brings its styling in line with the latest A4 and A5 models, including LED light technology and daylight driving lights.
With 3 cabriolet models reaching the dealerships in 2008 Audi could be said to be taking the roof off motoring. The new A3 Cabriolet and A5 Cabriolet are complete newcomers whilst the Roadster is effectively the second generation TT cabriolet. Both A3 and A5 Cabriolets will be available with the same specifications as the solid roof models. Unlike the TT Roadster, the A3 and A5 will not be available as S line models. The TTS (275PS and four-wheel drive) is the S model of the TT and TT Roadster range, offering the power and traction expected from an Audi S model.
Subtle alterations to the front and rear styling of the A3 are the outward signs of its summer face lift. Importantly for A3 sales a selection of new engines (offering better emissions and consumption and increased performance.) will be slotted in to the range. This should broaden the appeal of the A3. Hybrid versions of the Audi A3 are still quite some way off from making appearances in dealerships.
Audi’s Q5 is designed to do everything the Q7 does but in a more compact package, although at 4.7 meters in length the Q5 is no shrinking violet! Offering a selection of petrol (2 litre FSI) diesel (2.0 & 3.0 TDI) engines the Q5 is very similar in concept to the new Mercedes GLK. The Audi Q5 does have an interesting feature that should set it apart from it’s competitors; an active rear differential. This rear differential is designed to give the Q5 improved sports handling (almost rear-wheel drive handling despite being four-wheel drive), which should certainly prove to be advantageous on all surfaces. The Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro, a Q5 design study is on display at the Los Angeles Motorshow and give clear indications of what to expect from the Q5 when it appears at the end autumn (a cabriolet roof is not part of the Q5’s specification as yet though.).
The Audi RS6 benefits from a BMW M5 challenging twin turbo V10 that produces an impressive 580PS whilst the face lift on the normal A6 brings its styling in line with the latest A4 and A5 models, including LED light technology and daylight driving lights.
With 3 cabriolet models reaching the dealerships in 2008 Audi could be said to be taking the roof off motoring. The new A3 Cabriolet and A5 Cabriolet are complete newcomers whilst the Roadster is effectively the second generation TT cabriolet. Both A3 and A5 Cabriolets will be available with the same specifications as the solid roof models. Unlike the TT Roadster, the A3 and A5 will not be available as S line models. The TTS (275PS and four-wheel drive) is the S model of the TT and TT Roadster range, offering the power and traction expected from an Audi S model.
Subtle alterations to the front and rear styling of the A3 are the outward signs of its summer face lift. Importantly for A3 sales a selection of new engines (offering better emissions and consumption and increased performance.) will be slotted in to the range. This should broaden the appeal of the A3. Hybrid versions of the Audi A3 are still quite some way off from making appearances in dealerships.
Audi’s Q5 is designed to do everything the Q7 does but in a more compact package, although at 4.7 meters in length the Q5 is no shrinking violet! Offering a selection of petrol (2 litre FSI) diesel (2.0 & 3.0 TDI) engines the Q5 is very similar in concept to the new Mercedes GLK. The Audi Q5 does have an interesting feature that should set it apart from it’s competitors; an active rear differential. This rear differential is designed to give the Q5 improved sports handling (almost rear-wheel drive handling despite being four-wheel drive), which should certainly prove to be advantageous on all surfaces. The Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro, a Q5 design study is on display at the Los Angeles Motorshow and give clear indications of what to expect from the Q5 when it appears at the end autumn (a cabriolet roof is not part of the Q5’s specification as yet though.).
11 December 2007
Königseder GT'aime.
Austrian tuning firm Königseder {link} have re-worked the Opel GT in their own special style. With 300PS, massive Brembo brakes, KW variant 3 coilover suspension, specially designed spoilers, 20" wheels and stunning wooden (yes wooden) floor mats this modified GT is very special indeed!
Volkswagen in 2008.
2008 is the year that Volkswagen {link} expand their environmentally aware Bluemotion product range tremendously. Volkswagen also re-launch an old model, add another variation to an old favourite and face lift their most important model. Bluemotion fever starts in early spring as the Golf Estate becomes the latest VW to gain a specialised environmental model. As spring turns to summer the Caddy gets its very own Bluemotion version; the Touran is the last Volkswagen in 2008 to get a Bluemotion model, which arrives at the end of summer. Spring sees the Golf estate get the a 4Motion (four wheel drive) version. A coupe version of the ever-popular Passat is due for an early summer release. The Scirocco is re-launched at the end of summer making 2008 the year for Volkswagen coupes. As the year draws to a close Volkswagen’s most important model morphs into its sixth incarnation, the Golf 6 replaces the Golf 5 in early winter 2008.
Volkswagen’s every present ability to innovate will continue at all the major motor shows; expect the “Small Family” concept to continue apace. The Beetle will start drawing styling concepts and a new Volkswagen pick up is expected to appear just before the new year bells toll for 2009.
The Scirocco is once again Golf based and starts its life as a front wheel drive, petrol powered car. Later in its life expect to see four-wheel drive and diesel versions. Drawing heavily from Volkswagen’s IROC design study the Scirocco will be the manufacturer’s return to the small 2+2 sports coupe market segment. Promising to be more performance orientated than the original the new Scirocco will be going head-to-head with Audi’s TT.
Volkswagen’s Golf has always been the hatchback benchmark since its introduction in 1974. The current Mark 5 version is an accomplished car with the GTI being a remarkable hot-hatch once more. As of November 2008 the Golf 5 will be old hat, the Golf 6 will be the new hatch in town. Offering more space and better features all in a car the same size as the current Golf 5 Volkswagen’s latest incarnation promises to be a very interesting package. A smaller grille, daytime driving lights, smaller headlamps and smaller rear lights will be the most obvious styling differences between Golf 5 and 6. The main differences will be under the body. For the first time active damping will be available as an option on the Golf. Smaller capacity engines will be a feature of the Golf 6, the petrol TFSI engine range will be used widely (Not only 1400cc, 1800cc and 2000cc but also as a 1200cc version too.) as will VW’s new Common Rail diesel range. Volkswagen are aiming to make their Golf 6 larger and more luxurious whilst having lower emissions and better fuel economy. The Golf 6 will be available as a 3 door and 5 door hatch from the outset; performance, estate, hybrid and ‘Plus’ versions will follow in 2009/2010.
Months prior to the Golf 6 launch Volkswagen dealerships will benefit from a couple of new Golf Estates. First up in the Bluemotion model which offers better emissions and consumption thanks to aerodynamic and mechanical tweaks. A month later the Golf estate will be available with the 4motion four-wheel drive system.
The Passat Coupe will offer a new dimension and style to the Passat range. Obviously styled differently to the saloon and estate Passats the 4 door Coupe will also benefit from revised active damping for added performance.
Volkswagen’s every present ability to innovate will continue at all the major motor shows; expect the “Small Family” concept to continue apace. The Beetle will start drawing styling concepts and a new Volkswagen pick up is expected to appear just before the new year bells toll for 2009.
The Scirocco is once again Golf based and starts its life as a front wheel drive, petrol powered car. Later in its life expect to see four-wheel drive and diesel versions. Drawing heavily from Volkswagen’s IROC design study the Scirocco will be the manufacturer’s return to the small 2+2 sports coupe market segment. Promising to be more performance orientated than the original the new Scirocco will be going head-to-head with Audi’s TT.
Volkswagen’s Golf has always been the hatchback benchmark since its introduction in 1974. The current Mark 5 version is an accomplished car with the GTI being a remarkable hot-hatch once more. As of November 2008 the Golf 5 will be old hat, the Golf 6 will be the new hatch in town. Offering more space and better features all in a car the same size as the current Golf 5 Volkswagen’s latest incarnation promises to be a very interesting package. A smaller grille, daytime driving lights, smaller headlamps and smaller rear lights will be the most obvious styling differences between Golf 5 and 6. The main differences will be under the body. For the first time active damping will be available as an option on the Golf. Smaller capacity engines will be a feature of the Golf 6, the petrol TFSI engine range will be used widely (Not only 1400cc, 1800cc and 2000cc but also as a 1200cc version too.) as will VW’s new Common Rail diesel range. Volkswagen are aiming to make their Golf 6 larger and more luxurious whilst having lower emissions and better fuel economy. The Golf 6 will be available as a 3 door and 5 door hatch from the outset; performance, estate, hybrid and ‘Plus’ versions will follow in 2009/2010.
Months prior to the Golf 6 launch Volkswagen dealerships will benefit from a couple of new Golf Estates. First up in the Bluemotion model which offers better emissions and consumption thanks to aerodynamic and mechanical tweaks. A month later the Golf estate will be available with the 4motion four-wheel drive system.
The Passat Coupe will offer a new dimension and style to the Passat range. Obviously styled differently to the saloon and estate Passats the 4 door Coupe will also benefit from revised active damping for added performance.
Opel in 2008.
Opel {link} have an important new model release in 2008, plus a few additions to their current models, a face lift and a new version of a current model. First up, just after the New Year parties have died down, is the face lift of the Zafira. Hot on the heels of the updated Zafira is the new Agila in early spring. The middle of 2008 sees Opel launch their Ecoflex model designation into the Astra, Corsa, Meriva and Zafira ranges. The replacement for the Vectra is available from the end of autumn with the saloon Aura arriving in dealers a few months before the Aura estate.
The Opel Ecoflex models are optimised to offer the best environmental performance possible by using slightly revised aerodynamics, light weight materials, altered gearing and different tyres. Similar in concept to Mercedes’ Bluetec, Volkswagen’s Bluemotion and Skoda’s Green Line, Opel’s Ecoflex models concentrate on better economy and lower emissions. Opel’s first Ecoflex model will be a 1300cc CDTi Corsa in mid-spring.
The Opel Ecoflex models are optimised to offer the best environmental performance possible by using slightly revised aerodynamics, light weight materials, altered gearing and different tyres. Similar in concept to Mercedes’ Bluetec, Volkswagen’s Bluemotion and Skoda’s Green Line, Opel’s Ecoflex models concentrate on better economy and lower emissions. Opel’s first Ecoflex model will be a 1300cc CDTi Corsa in mid-spring.
Red Bull and El Matador.
Carlos Sainz (El Matador) has won the FIA Marathon Rally World Championship {link} in his Red Bull sponsored Volkswagen Race Touareg. Carlos Sainz won the FIA title by finishing 2nd overall on the recent UAE Desert Challenge. Giniel de Villiers finished in second overall in the championship, once again driving a Volkswagen Race Touareg. Volkswagen Motorsport {link} also secured the team’s championship in the FIA Marathon Rally World Championship.
Porsche in 2008.
2008 is a year in which Porsche {link} launch a new variation of one model and then face lift their most successful and instantly recognisable model. The Cayenne GTS slots into the Cayenne model range around Valentine’s Day. Autumn sees Porsche’s ubiquitous 911 get its latest face lift. The latest incarnation of the 911 promises to be the best yet, it will not be a dramatic departure from the current model (997) but will offer a few noticeable technological advances. Firstly will be the use of direct fuel injection (similar to Audi’s FSI system), which helps to reduce fuel consumption whilst increasing power output. The new Porsche will also see the re-introduction of the PDK gearbox concept. PDK was the forerunner of the DSG twin clutch gearbox and was fitted to the racing Porsche 962 around 20 years ago. It took Audi’s engineers to take the gearbox from racing through rallying (as fitted to the Audi Quattro S1) and onto the road. Porsche (in conjunction with gearbox specialists ZF) have now developed their own twin clutch system that will replace the old auto ‘box in the new 911. Expect other models to benefit from the new gearbox as soon as practical.
Daytime driving lights.
BMW were the first German manufacturer to pioneer daytime driving lights on their M models. Now Audi have started to incorporate them into their new models. Following from Audi’s lead new Volkswagen and Porsche models will now be available with daytime driving lights.
With more European nations and the EU itself expected to require lights to be used when driving on main roads it is reasonable to expect more manufacturers to incorporate daytime driving lights into their models.
Daytime driving lights are specifically designed to be seen rather than to aid vision, they draw light electrical power but help with road safety. Surveys and studies (in Europe and the former Russian states) have shown that driving with lights on during daylight helps reduce accidents.
With more European nations and the EU itself expected to require lights to be used when driving on main roads it is reasonable to expect more manufacturers to incorporate daytime driving lights into their models.
Daytime driving lights are specifically designed to be seen rather than to aid vision, they draw light electrical power but help with road safety. Surveys and studies (in Europe and the former Russian states) have shown that driving with lights on during daylight helps reduce accidents.
Mini in 2008.
Mini {link} launch the Cooper Works in the middle of 2008. A few concepts on based on the Mini Clubman are a possibility late in the 2008 show season but it does really seem to be a year of consolidation for Mini.
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet.
Porsche {link} have had a 911 Turbo Cabriolet in their range for 20 years and with approximately half of all 911 sales being cabriolets there is no under estimating just how import this version of the 911 Turbo. This is latest incarnation of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is arguably the best Porsche have yet produced. Certainly it makes a good impression on paper.
With four-wheel drive and 480PS this is a very rapid cabriolet; not as fast as the Mercedes SLR McLaren but rapid all the same. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 4 seconds before a top speed of 192mph is reached. With ample torque from low revs (620Nm @ 1950rpm) and an excellent 6-speed gearbox the 911 Turbo Cabriolet can be powered along B roads at impressive (and highly enjoyable) speeds. The optional ceramic brakes really inspire confidence and combine perfectly with the suspension and four-wheel drive system to ensure acceleration and deceleration grip is far in excess of that required for road use.
Performance figures for any cabriolet now include the all important “roof time”; how quickly does the roof open or close. The Porsche 911 Cabriolet is certainly no slouch in the roof department taking 20 seconds for transition between its two states (open and closed). More impressively and possibly more importantly, the roof will close or open at road speeds of up to 30mph. Operated by the press of a button or remotely the 3-layer roof offers good sound and weather insulation. With a concealed roll bar the 911 Turbo Cabriolet offers classic styling and wonderful wind-in-the-hair motoring yet none of the purposeful coupe styling has been lost. Build quality is typical Porsche, solid and top class.
The Porsche is an excellent cabriolet, as a performance or sports coupe it is also impressive. As an everyday sports cabriolet the Porsche is probably the best option available offering everything a driver could want.
With four-wheel drive and 480PS this is a very rapid cabriolet; not as fast as the Mercedes SLR McLaren but rapid all the same. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 4 seconds before a top speed of 192mph is reached. With ample torque from low revs (620Nm @ 1950rpm) and an excellent 6-speed gearbox the 911 Turbo Cabriolet can be powered along B roads at impressive (and highly enjoyable) speeds. The optional ceramic brakes really inspire confidence and combine perfectly with the suspension and four-wheel drive system to ensure acceleration and deceleration grip is far in excess of that required for road use.
Performance figures for any cabriolet now include the all important “roof time”; how quickly does the roof open or close. The Porsche 911 Cabriolet is certainly no slouch in the roof department taking 20 seconds for transition between its two states (open and closed). More impressively and possibly more importantly, the roof will close or open at road speeds of up to 30mph. Operated by the press of a button or remotely the 3-layer roof offers good sound and weather insulation. With a concealed roll bar the 911 Turbo Cabriolet offers classic styling and wonderful wind-in-the-hair motoring yet none of the purposeful coupe styling has been lost. Build quality is typical Porsche, solid and top class.
The Porsche is an excellent cabriolet, as a performance or sports coupe it is also impressive. As an everyday sports cabriolet the Porsche is probably the best option available offering everything a driver could want.
Mercedes in 2008.
For 2008 Mercedes {link} are face lifting 5 models and introducing one completely new model. Face lifts start with the CLS, SLK and SL models in early spring. Summer sees both the A Class and B Class getting face lifts with the final face lift of the year coming in the autumn for the ML model range. Mercedes launch their new GLK SUV model range as winter 2008 starts.
The new Mercedes Bluetec C Class debuts in 2008, first in V6, then 4-cylinder diesel form. Mercedes Bluetec models are optimised to return the best possible emission and fuel consumption figures through filters, catalysts and electronics.
The face lifting of the SLK is less dramatic that that undertaken on the SL range. The SLK gets subtle styling alterations combined with minor technical improvements. The SL, meanwhile, undergoes a great, more dramatic transformation. Mercedes have changed the front of the SL completely as well as altering the rear lights too. Mechanically the face lifted SL range is topped by the 6.2 litre V8 engine which replaces the old 5.5 litre supercharged engine of the current model.
New for 2008 is the Mercedes GLK the company’s small SUV, although small remains a relative term. Using a selection of 4 and 6 cylinder engines and electronically distributed four-wheel drive the GLK is expected to offer serious competition to the new Audi Q5 and BMW’s X3 and X5.
The new Mercedes Bluetec C Class debuts in 2008, first in V6, then 4-cylinder diesel form. Mercedes Bluetec models are optimised to return the best possible emission and fuel consumption figures through filters, catalysts and electronics.
The face lifting of the SLK is less dramatic that that undertaken on the SL range. The SLK gets subtle styling alterations combined with minor technical improvements. The SL, meanwhile, undergoes a great, more dramatic transformation. Mercedes have changed the front of the SL completely as well as altering the rear lights too. Mechanically the face lifted SL range is topped by the 6.2 litre V8 engine which replaces the old 5.5 litre supercharged engine of the current model.
New for 2008 is the Mercedes GLK the company’s small SUV, although small remains a relative term. Using a selection of 4 and 6 cylinder engines and electronically distributed four-wheel drive the GLK is expected to offer serious competition to the new Audi Q5 and BMW’s X3 and X5.
Volkswagen Passat.
After some 34 years of production the Volkswagen {link} Passat has passed the 15,000,000 mark early last month. With some impressive new models (including the long awaited R36 and Coupe) due to complement the current model range the Passat looks set to continue its rise in popularity.
Rallye Masters 2007.
Anton Werner and Ralph Edelmann have won the ADAC Rallye Masters championship {link} driving their Porsche GT3. Reviving Porsche’s rallying tradition in Germany Werner/Edelmann had to wait until the last round to secure the title. 2007 was the first year that GT cars were allowed to enter the Rallye Masters championship so it was pleasing for the Porsche GT3 team to win the championship immediately. The Bavarian GT3 team won the championship by a mere 2 points from the second placed Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution team.Despite the fact that GT3 has been successfully competing on rallies in Belgium for a couple years 2007 was the first year that it could compete on German stages. Other GT cars have also been competing elsewhere in Europe including the Aston Martin GT in Britain.
Porsche Cayenne GTS.
Porsche {link} have added a genuinely sporty model to the Cayenne range, the Cayenne GTS. With 405PS from its improved 4.8 litre V8 engine (a 20PS increase over standard) the GTS is powerful and responsive. Combined with a lower final drive ratio (4.1:1 rather than 3.55:1) the performance figures of the GTS are good; for a 2.3 tonne SUV a 0-62 time of 6.5 seconds is quick and the top speed of 155mph is more than adequate (these figures are not stunningly different to those of the Cayenne S it must be said).
Where the Porsche Cayenne GTS is a noticeable improvement over the Cayenne S is in handling, it sits 24mm lower to the ground and has the fabled PASM active damping system fitted. This allows more speed to be carried through corners and results in a far more enjoyable and rewarding drive. By setting the suspension and engine to sport mode the GTS is an enthralling and rapid vehicle, allowing B road miles to be dispatched quickly, safely and enjoyably all with a glorious V8 rumble from the 4-exit (GTS specific) exhaust system.
Porsche have styled the Cayenne GTS in a similar vane to the Turbo with large intakes on the front bumper. The GTS also has wheel arch extensions and a rear roof spoiler that separate it from other models. The optional 21” wheels (fitted with 295/35 tyres) complete the exterior styling perfectly (they do however ensure that the GTS is a road SUV and not an all surface SUV). The interior benefits from new sports seats front and rear and they are definitely required. The extra lateral support they offer (both front and rear seats) is much appreciated when the GTS is driven to its capabilities.
The GTS fits between the Cayenne S (385PS) and the range topping 500PS Cayenne Turbo although one feels that power output is a little low; a total of 420-430PS would have been far better. The three letters GTS have always symbolised something special with Porsche, think of the 928 and even the 924 and you think of distinct power gains and the surge of adrenaline, the Cayenne GTS isn’t quite as impressive. Certainly it is beautifully responsive, it handles exceptionally well and is fast it just isn’t what a GTS should be. The Cayenne GTS should have been based on the Turbo… Design to be the sports version of the Cayenne the GTS is a very enjoyable SUV and that does offer sporty performance as good as, if not better than its competitors.
Where the Porsche Cayenne GTS is a noticeable improvement over the Cayenne S is in handling, it sits 24mm lower to the ground and has the fabled PASM active damping system fitted. This allows more speed to be carried through corners and results in a far more enjoyable and rewarding drive. By setting the suspension and engine to sport mode the GTS is an enthralling and rapid vehicle, allowing B road miles to be dispatched quickly, safely and enjoyably all with a glorious V8 rumble from the 4-exit (GTS specific) exhaust system.
Porsche have styled the Cayenne GTS in a similar vane to the Turbo with large intakes on the front bumper. The GTS also has wheel arch extensions and a rear roof spoiler that separate it from other models. The optional 21” wheels (fitted with 295/35 tyres) complete the exterior styling perfectly (they do however ensure that the GTS is a road SUV and not an all surface SUV). The interior benefits from new sports seats front and rear and they are definitely required. The extra lateral support they offer (both front and rear seats) is much appreciated when the GTS is driven to its capabilities.
The GTS fits between the Cayenne S (385PS) and the range topping 500PS Cayenne Turbo although one feels that power output is a little low; a total of 420-430PS would have been far better. The three letters GTS have always symbolised something special with Porsche, think of the 928 and even the 924 and you think of distinct power gains and the surge of adrenaline, the Cayenne GTS isn’t quite as impressive. Certainly it is beautifully responsive, it handles exceptionally well and is fast it just isn’t what a GTS should be. The Cayenne GTS should have been based on the Turbo… Design to be the sports version of the Cayenne the GTS is a very enjoyable SUV and that does offer sporty performance as good as, if not better than its competitors.
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