Here Are More Details About The New Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder

Lighter, more powerful, and naturally aspirated.

It’s no longer a secret that Porsche will shoehorn the 911 GT3’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six into the upcoming Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder. While we still don’t know exactly when either of those mid-engine delights will be revealed (a good guess would be Geneva for at least one), Autocar has managed to gather a few more details about both cars. First off, a six-speed manual will come standard while the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox will be optional for those wanting to maximize track performance times.

Porsche can’t allow a supposed “lesser model” to outdo the 911 GT3, so that engine will be slightly detuned from 493 hp to around 425 hp. Considering the 718 Boxster is already lighter than the 911, we doubt anyone will complain. Speaking of lightweight, the Spyder especially requires a number of weight-saving methods in order to achieve Porsche’s desired power-to-weight ratio. Problem is, any roadster/convertible weighs more than its coupe counterpart, but Porsche has experience overcoming this. The Boxster Spyder has always been the feather light, end of the generation ultimate variant for a number of years.

As such, the 718 Boxster’s electric folding hardtop is a goner; that mechanism system, impressive as it is, is simply too heavy. Instead, the familiar Spyder “tent top” will be utilized. Convenience features such as air conditioning and a radio will also be absent, though they could be optional. Sound deadening materials will also be removed, and this is actually a smart thing because Spyder buyers will naturally want to hear as much of the open road as possible. A set of Michel Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires will come standard in order for the new Boxster Spyder to be one of the best-handling cars Porsche has ever built. It’ll certainly be the best-handling Boxster so far.

Overall exterior styling, save for the top, will be very similar to the new 718 Cayman GT4. However, the latter will be equipped with a large rear wing because, since it’s a coupe, will be considered even more hardcore.

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Here Are More Details About The New Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder

Lighter, more powerful, and naturally aspirated.

It’s no longer a secret that Porsche will shoehorn the 911 GT3’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six into the upcoming Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder. While we still don’t know exactly when either of those mid-engine delights will be revealed (a good guess would be Geneva for at least one), Autocar has managed to gather a few more details about both cars. First off, a six-speed manual will come standard while the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox will be optional for those wanting to maximize track performance times.

Porsche can’t allow a supposed “lesser model” to outdo the 911 GT3, so that engine will be slightly detuned from 493 hp to around 425 hp. Considering the 718 Boxster is already lighter than the 911, we doubt anyone will complain. Speaking of lightweight, the Spyder especially requires a number of weight-saving methods in order to achieve Porsche’s desired power-to-weight ratio. Problem is, any roadster/convertible weighs more than its coupe counterpart, but Porsche has experience overcoming this. The Boxster Spyder has always been the feather light, end of the generation ultimate variant for a number of years.

As such, the 718 Boxster’s electric folding hardtop is a goner; that mechanism system, impressive as it is, is simply too heavy. Instead, the familiar Spyder “tent top” will be utilized. Convenience features such as air conditioning and a radio will also be absent, though they could be optional. Sound deadening materials will also be removed, and this is actually a smart thing because Spyder buyers will naturally want to hear as much of the open road as possible. A set of Michel Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires will come standard in order for the new Boxster Spyder to be one of the best-handling cars Porsche has ever built. It’ll certainly be the best-handling Boxster so far.

Overall exterior styling, save for the top, will be very similar to the new 718 Cayman GT4. However, the latter will be equipped with a large rear wing because, since it’s a coupe, will be considered even more hardcore.

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Geek Out Over The Coolest Details Of The New Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Technical details galore. We know you can't resist.

Improving the already brilliant 911 GT3 RS was never going to be easy. But this is Porsche we're talking about. A company that prides itself in constantly pushing the boundaries of it butt-engined sports cars. So when the updated 911 GT3 RS was revealed earlier this year, we knew Porsche did more than just offer a new paint color and a bit power more. Okay, so there is more power from the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, 20 hp and 7 lb-ft of torque, to be precise, and a new exterior color. But we shouldn’t ignore the many other improvements.

And who best explain some of those highlights than Porsche’s Andreas Preuninger, direct of the GT model line. Joined by former Formula 1 and Porsche driver Mark Webber, the pair talk GT3 RS details. Lots of geeky details. For example, where was weight removed and how?

What specific components make the engine even better than its immediate predecessor? How many liters of oil are pumped per minute now versus before? What system came from the GT2 RS? You get the idea. Oh, and let’s not forget the Weissach Package and, for example, the unique wheels it offers. And speaking of the Weissach Package, Preuninger acknowledges it’s become such a popular option with GT3 RS buyers that Porsche is struggling to keep up with demand.

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Porsche Taycan: More Details Revealed

It’s still at least a year away but customers can’t wait to have a go.

The Taycan may only be due for release at some point late in 2019 but there has been so much interest in the car that Porsche claims to have received over 10,000 order requests from potential customers. That should allay the fears of those within the company who thought that the introduction of an all-electric Porsche might be met with a negative reaction.

With such a lot of interest surrounding this potentially game-changing supercar, UK publication Auto Express managed to get access to some pre-production prototypes that are being built at the rate of two a day, to uncover a few more details.

As with any brand-new addition to a model range, getting the production numbers right ahead of time can be tricky. Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman for Finance and IT at Porsche is tasked with this job and he said that they plan to sell up to 25,000 units per year. “We are capable of ramping up our production capacity substantially if demand exceeds expectations.”

If the Taycan performs as promised, those production figures are sure to be on the conservative side. And about those performance claims, for now, Porsche engineers are not revealing exact battery specifications or driving range but they say that up to 310-miles should be possible and the 350kW fast charging system could add 180-miles of range in as little as 9 minutes.

Powertrain-wise the Taycan should develop over 600 horsepower and will have a permanently excited synchronous electric motor (PSM) at each axle. These motors are developments of the units used on the Le Mans winning 919 LMP1 car and are both lighter and more compact than traditional electric motors.

The 0-62mph sprint will take around 3.5 seconds while 124 mph will arrive less than 9 seconds later. Porsche usually understates its acceleration claims, so it may even be a bit quicker in real-world testing. What they do say is that these figures will be repeatable over and over again without losing performance. Now that is something that should appeal to its core customers. A head-to-head against Tesla's own Model S will be an interesting comparison indeed.

The plan is to expand the Taycan line to include more affordable variants, rumor has it that there will be three in total with power outputs starting at 400 hp with a rear-wheel-drive option a possibility at a later date. Over-the-air updates will also be possible with the Taycan, and may include infotainment upgrades, power boosts as well as safety tech improvements.

Interestingly, the Taycan’s architecture will also be used as a base for the upcoming Bentley EV and a fully electric Porsche SUV is also in the cards by 2022 at the latest. The full Taycan reveal will take place at next year’s Frankfurt Auto Show and it will spearhead a new era of electric Porsches, that, according to Meschke, would make the traditional Porsche a niche offering by 2030.

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2019 Acura RDX Design And Details Teased Before New York Reveal

All-new RDX gets 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged engine and A-Spec variant.

Acura isn’t wasting time with the all-new 2019 RDX. After revealing the RDX Prototype at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Honda’s luxury brand will bring an example wearing production sheet metal to the New York Auto Show later this March. The 2019 Acura RDX goes back to its roots, powered by a new 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine sending power to the pavement via the brand’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system.

Acura didn’t detail specifics for the 2.0-liter turbo engine, but expect output to be similar to that of the Honda Accord—252 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. The RDX’s 10-speed automatic—a segment first—will likely offer the same paddle shifters as the Accord, too. Acura claims the 2019 RDX is the “most extensive Acura redesign in more than a decade,” which it says will set the tone for “a new era” for the brand. Its exterior will likely wear near identical sheet metal to that of the RDX Prototype, and probably the same interior, too. Acura calls it “Precision Cockpit” and it includes the brand’s True Touchpad Interface.

Like other Acuras of late, the RDX is expected to gain an A-Spec variant toward the top of its trim range. While Acura didn't specify how the A-Spec model will differ from other RDXs, don't expect more power or performance as the brand has generally limited A-Spec modifications to visual enhancements. Instead, any additional performance would likely arrive in the form of a new S-Type trim, which could bring with it a newly developed V6 engine. The 2019 Acura RDX is an all-American affair, designed by the folks at Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California, and developed by engineers in Raymond, Ohio. The third-generation SUV will go on sale later this year.

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