Porsche’s Best-Selling SUV Is About To Get A Makeover

A new spy video shows that the Porsche Macan will receive one last facelift before the new model.

It’s been over four years since Porsche first introduced the Cayenne’s smaller sibling, the best-selling Macan. But while Audi has since replaced the Q5 which shares the same platform, Porsche isn’t planning to bring out an all-new Macan until 2021 which will have a range of engine options including an all-electric powertrain. To keep its design fresh, Porsche gave the Macan a makeover back in 2016 with a new facelifted model, and now a new spy video suggests that another facelift is just around the corner.

The prototype model featured is wearing little camouflage, but the footage was unfortunately captured during a heavy rain storm so some details are hard to make out. By the looks of things, the 2018 Porsche Macan’s facelift will be subtle. The biggest change can be seen at the back, as the sporty SUV’s taillights have been restyled.

There also appears to be a full-width reflector panel across the tailgate like the all-new Panamera and Cayenne. It also boasts a revised front fascia with LED daytime and new air ducts, as well as restyled front and rear bumpers. Elsewhere, the headlights have been upgraded with new LED graphics, but their overall shape remains the same. As for powertrains, the updated Macan is expected to replace the current car’s turbocharged 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engines with more advanced 3.0-liter and 2.9-liter units. The 3.0-liter V6 unit powering the current Macan S produces 335 hp, while the twin-turbo 3.6-liter powering the current Macan Turbo produces 394 hp.

Chances are the 2018 Porsche Macan facelift will receive modest power upgrades across the range. All should be revealed soon, as Porsche's updated compact SUV is expected to join the lineup this April.

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Modified Porsche 964 Gets A Vintage Makeover

The unique creation is called ‘The Speedy Irishman.'

Built between 1989 and 1994, the 964 generation of the Porsche 911 was the first time the iconic sports car was redesigned in more than two decades, resulting in looks that were both classic and modern. Singer Vehicle Design uses these models as the basis for its restorations, and now German tuner DP Motorsports, a company renowned for modifying classic Porsches, has offered its take on the 964.

The company calls its vintage-looking creation ‘The Speedy Irishman’ as a reference to the car's Irish Green exterior color.

It started out as a standard rear-wheel drive Carrera 2 model before the team at DP Motorsports added a body kit made from carbon and kevlar reinforced plastic. These modifications widen the body by nearly an inch. Vents have also been added below the headlights, while metallic mirrors and a revised engine cover make The Speedy Irishman resemble a model from the 1970s.

As for the “Speedy” part of the name, the car is powered by a tuned 3.8-liter boxer six-cylinder engine that delivers 321 horsepower, instead of the original 3.6-liter unit that would normally be found in a 964-generation Porsche 911. Power is sent through a G50 five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential off an RS model. To sharpen up the handling, KW Clubsport coilovers and Unibal strut bearings have been installed, while the 17-inch forged Fuchs wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

Like the exterior, the cabin is an interesting blend of vintage and modern. New Recaro sports seats feature brown leather around the edges and a plaid pattern in the center. Elsewhere, Alcantara covers the Momo Prototipo steering wheel, dashboard, and center tunnel, and the gearshift knob consists of multilayer bonded wood. Modern luxuries include Porsche Classic's navigation system with a 3.5-inch screen. DP Motorsport is asking for 198,000 euros (around $230,000) for The Speedy Irishman, which includes the value of the base vehicle.

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One-Off Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabrio Gets Insane 850-HP Makeover

$330,000 transformation sees drop-top 911 Turbo S given Porsche 918 levels of performance.

Dealerships are selling the recently facelifted 911 Turbo S Cabrio from around $170,000, so when German tuning house Wimmer announced it was offering a one-off model for 310,000 Euros (just under $330,000 at current exchange rates), eyebrows were raised. Described as the ultimate everyday supercar and recently discovered as being the fastest accelerating car on the planet, there doesn’t seem to be an awful lot wrong with the 991 Turbo S.

Yet the Solingen-based tuner decided to comprehensively modify the 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six, and the result is an astonishing new output of 847 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, up from 580 hp and 553 lb-ft. Upgrades include custom-built turbochargers and camshafts, a new intercooler, cylinder head machining, upgraded pistons and connecting rods, a high-pressure pump, BMC high-flow air filter, and Saeco tube kit, while the fuel pump, intake manifold and throttle valve have also been modified. A Wimmer-RS stainless-steel exhaust with electronic throttle system sporting two 100-cells sports cats by HJS round off the powerplant overhaul.

Top speed now stands at an incredible 227 mph, up from 205 mph, while the 0-62 mph sprint happens in a lightening 2.6-seconds, down from stock Turbo S’ 2.9-second time. Wimmer claims the one-off 911 will hit 124 mph in 8.4 seconds and reach 187 mph in just 17.9 seconds. Other upgrades include a KW clubsport suspension priced at 5,850 ($6,213) Euros, and an upgraded PDK transmission for 6,400 Euros ($6,797). Alternatively, buyers can hand over 310,000 Euros ($330,000) for the completed car, which includes the vibrant orange vinyl wrap.

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Acura RDX Makeover

Three years after Acura unveiled the RDX the car maker has decided to give the 2010 RDX model a little bit of lift here and there. A change is the new air intake between the revised fog-lamp housings. The taillights have largely remained the same, but Acura fans will notice that the satin frame around the license plate pocket now matches the finish on the front grille. The RDX's powertrain is unchanged, providing the same turbocharged 240 hp 2.3-liter four with 260 lb-ft of torque.

Some of the only mechanical changes for the 2010 model are the addition of a front-wheel drive model and a change to the brake actuation hardware. Although these changes are subtle, the Acura RDX retains its much prize comfortable ride and handling.

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