BMW X4 vs Porsche Macan

While not exactly identical in terms of pricing and engine options/performance, the Porsche Macancan be compared to the new BMW X4 without having to move the goal posts at all.

You can now order either model for around $50,000 with a three-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine, a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of just over five seconds and the promise of a really sporty ride, despite the obvious drawbacks being tall has on it.

The $49,900 (excluding delivery) Macan S with a 3.0-liter bi-turbo V6 producing 335hp (340PS) for a 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint in 5.2 seconds (5.0 sec with Sport Chrono pack), can steer some customers away from buying $48,925 (delivery included) BMW's X4 x35i that has a 3.0-liter turbo six churning out 300hp for a 0-60mph in 5.2 sec, and vice-versa.

The BMW sits at a disadvantage in this comparison, being the newer of the two models, so there are no reviews of it to speak of, whereas the Porsche has already been tested and is looking very impressive. The X4 needs to drive better than the reportedly so-so X3 it’s based on, in order to still call itself sporty in the company of the Macan.

Next up is the problem of interior space. Both have plenty of it for the first row of seats, but the number/amount of rear passengers/cargo you’ll be able to carry will likely differ.

If it’s anything like what BMW did when turning the X5 into the X6, then the X4 will probably feel more cramped in the back in terms of headroom and not have that much space for luggage, whereas the Macan seems more spacious both in the back and in the boot. That’s courtesy of its more wagon-esque profile that makes it more understated and appealing than the very noticeable side profile of the pigmy-hunchback Bimmer, at least to me…

With the main points having been considered, which of the two would you have as a daily driver? Vote and comment below.

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Porsche Confirms New 911 Targa for Detroit, Drops First Video Teaser

Porsche has confirmed the world premiere of an all-new 991-generation 911 Targa at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Although it offers no information about the car or photos, we’re expecting the new 911 Targa to look similar to what we’ve seen in the leaked patent images last month.

There is, however, one supposedly leaked photo (featured above), said to have been scanned from the latest issue of Quattroruote magazine, and which came to our attention via Inautonews. We don't know if it's real or not.

It shows that, unlike the previous 997 generation, the new 991-based 911 Targa will go back to its roots, sporting a folding soft top replacing the previous model’s glass roof that slid under the rear window, a thick B-pillar and a wraparound glass rear window – a tribute to the original 911 Targa from the late 1960s (pictured below).

As usual, the 911 Targa will be the choice of those who want something halfway between the 911 Cabriolet and the coupe.

The new Porsche 911 Targa is expected to offer two engine choices, a base 345hp 3.4-liter flat six and a more powerful 395hp 3.6-liter unit in “S” guise. It’s uncertain whether the new model will be offered only with four-wheel drive as the previous 997 model or if it will be available with rear-wheel drive as well.

Besides the 911 Targa, another Porsche world premiere in Detroit will be the Cayenne Platinum Edition. Scroll down to watch the…unrevealing video teaser of the new 911 Targa.

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StudioTorino Puts an Italian Twist to New Porsche Cayman, Only 20 will be Built

Whereas the previous model we showed you from StudioTorino, the Mercedes-Benz SL Shooting Brake, was a purely conceptual project, the Porsche Cayman S-based Moncenisio previewed in these sketches will be built in a limited run of 20 numbered units that will be available for order beginning from this November, following the release a real-life prototype model in October.

The Italian design studio and coachbuilder will keep the Porsche Cayman S' mechanicals intact, meaning it will be powered by a 321hp (325PS) 3.4-liter flat-six engine linked to either a manual gearbox or a PDK dual-clutch transmission.

The rest of the car, including the exterior and the interior, will be heavily re-worked with the Porsche gaining a new body with plenty of carbon fiber parts, different 20-inch wheels and a fresh paint job in a special shade of blue, plus a customized interior.

On its website, StudioTorino notes: "The price for the transformation of a new “Fuoriserie MONCENISIO” is €135,000 [about US$180,500 at today's rates]. It is understood that the client will provide Studiotorino with his/her own  licensed and registered Cayman S."

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Old timers would probably have had a hard time believing it in 1963, but despite all odds, Porsche's legendary 911 sports car series is celebrating its golden anniversary this year.

While many things have changed in the world and, of course, in the 911 itself, since then, there are two basic elements that have defined all generations of the series: the trademark design and shape of the car, and the mounting of a flat-six engine behind the rear axle, which has its roots in the original VW Beetle.

For its Golden Jubilee, Porsche has crafted a special commemorative edition of the 911 Carrera S, with production appropriately limited to exactly 1,963 examples.

Set for a world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September (the same venue hosted the debut of the original 911 in 1963), the 911 Carrera S 50 Years Edition will go on sale in September, with UK pricing set at £92,257 (we’re still waiting for prices in other countries, including the U.S.).

While based on the regular, rear-wheel drive Carrera S with the 395hp (400PS) 3.8-liter flat-six engine, the special anniversary 911 wears the 44mm wider rear body of the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. It will be available in two unique colors to this model - a darker Graphite Grey and a lighter Geyser Grey metallic, plus a regular black shade. Besides the ‘911 50’ badge finished in two-tone 3D-style on the rear lid, the special edition features high-gloss window frames, SportDesign exterior mirrors and ‘Fuchs’ style 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, styling touches that bring to mind the original 911 include the green labeling on the instruments with white pointer needles and silver caps, and the snazzy fabric pattern that evokes the ‘Pepita’ tartan design from the 1960s on the center section of the leather trimmed sport seats that can be specified in Agate Grey or Black with decorative stitching. Looking at these seats makes us wonder why we don't get more fabric upholstery options for modern day cars.

Other highlights for the special Porsche model include ‘911 50’ logo on the seat headrests, the rev counter and the aluminum door sill plates, and the Porsche Exclusive trim on the gear lever and door panels.

The 911 50 Years Edition also comes with a sports exhaust system, a specially tuned version of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) to compensate for the wider rear body, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, a 4.6-inch color touch-screen for the info- and navigation system, automatic climate control and Bi-Xenon headlights.

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Porsche Says 918 Spyder will be Faster than Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1

Despite having less power and being heavier that its archrivals the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1, Porsche believes the upcoming 918 Spyder will be the faster than both. At least that’s what Porsche’s product manager James Eastwood said in an interview with CAR magazine.

The question on everyone’s lips is whether Porsche will upgrade the 918’s engine and electric motors producing a combined 795-horses to match its rivals' outputs of more than 900bhp. The answer is a surprising no.

“We don’t need to,” Eastwood told the publication. “Although our car is heavier, its technology makes the car faster on the road and track. In rear-drive cars like our competitors, you still have to do all your braking in a straight line, compromising corner-entry speed. Thanks to the 918’s torque-vectoring and independently-driven front wheels, we can maintain better drive and achieve far higher entry and mid-corner speed.”

Eastwood added that the 918 Spyder will weigh 1,700 kilograms (3,748 pounds), with fuel and fluids on board. However, the lightweight Weissach package will cut 50 kg (110 pounds) of weight from the car. Speaking of the optional package, Eastwood said around 50 percent of customers have opted for it.

As for the number of 918 Spyders that are spoken for, Eastwood didn’t provide details, but said Porsche will have no problems selling the 918 units it will make. “We can’t confirm sales numbers, but even though we are producing far more cars than LaFerrari (499) and McLaren P1 (375) we’re not worried about selling 918 examples being a problem. Our last limited-edition supercar – the Carrera GT – sold 1,275 units,” said Eastwood.

Final performance specs are not yet ready, but the product manager said Porsche expects cars with finished aerodynamics and powertrains to improve on the current numbers. The 0-100 km/h sprint time is now under 3 seconds, with top speed rated at 203 mph (327 km/h).

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2014 Porsche Panamera Facelift with New Twin-Turbo V6 and Hybrid V6 Leaked

Images and initial specifications of the refreshed 2014 Porsche Panamera have just leaked online ahead of an official release, which should follow later in the day or during this week.

As we've seen many times through the prototype models over the past year or so, the cosmetic tweaks for the first facelift of the Panamera are concentrated on the two ends, with the front gaining newly shaped headlights and bumper, and the rear end, LED tail light clusters, a new bumper, modified tailgate and a relocated license plate holder.

There aren't any visible updates to the interior in these pictures, but we will have to wait for Porsche and the official announcement to be sure.

As far as the powertrains are concerned, the revised Panamera is said to gain a new S E-Hybrid plug-in variant combining a 3.0-liter V6 unit with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack producing a combined output of 410hp, and a new new twin-turbo'd 3.0-liter V6 gasoline unit making 413-horses (419PS) that replaces the naturally aspirated 395hp (400PS) 4.8-litre V8 in the S model.

We'll update this post once Porsche released full details.

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