5 Dream Models We Wish Porsche Would Put Into Production

From a revived 914 to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan fighter, Porsche has plenty of options.

A few weeks ago, we reported on speculation surrounding new Porsche models up until 2022. Among this list, many of the models we have been dreaming Porsche would build were discussed. As it's futile trying to predict the future, we wanted to speculate on some dream Porsche models that we would like to see from the German automaker. We like to think that at least one of them will be green lit for production.

Porsche 718 Cayman RS

Rumors have been circulating of imminent replacements for the Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder, which will be based on the new 718 platform. The old GT4 and Spyder were great cars, but they were slightly limited by tall gearing as to not embarrass the 911. We hope Porsche finally lets the 718 Boxster and Cayman live up to their full potential with the 4.0-liter flat-six from the GT3. The 500-hp mill will likely be detuned for the 718 twins, though we'd love to see an RS version with the full 500 hp. The last GT4 and Spyder were manual only, so we'd like to see the manual remain as an option with the addition of a PDK.

Porsche 911 Safari

Porsche has seemingly stretched the 911 range to fill every conceivable segment. Recently, a new trend has emerged on the aftermarket to build off-road safari versions of old 911 models. Pictured here is a 1973 SC, which was modified by Eric Brandenburg. Leh Keen has also been producing awesome Safari 911 cars, including one for the Smoking Tire's Matt Farah. Porsche should get in on the game and build its own Safari 911.

Porsche 928

One of the rumored models in the Porsche pipeline is a Panamera coupe, which would revive the 928 nameplate. We'd love to see a comfortable four-seat GT from Porsche, as the back seats in the 911 are more of a fancy parcel shelf than actual chairs. Toss in the 680-hp drivetrain from the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, and the 928 could be one of the ultimate GT cars on the market.

Porsche 914

One of the least likely models on our list would be a revived 914. Porsche built the 914 from 1969 to 1976 with either a flat-four or flat-six engine. We understand that Porsche is a prestigious brand, but the four-cylinder Macan shows an attempt to offer an affordable model. Even a base 718 with 300 hp costs $55,300, which is pretty expensive. Load up a 718 and it's easy to approach six-figures. We'd like to see Porsche introduce a model below the 718 called the 914, with around 200 to 250 hp and a well-balanced mid-engined layout.

Porsche Cayenne Three-Row

The Porsche Cayenne is a great SUV, but as we have learned from other automakers, buyers really want to have a third row. We think Porsche could make the Cayenne even more popular by adding a three-row version or creating a separate SUV model to slot above the Cayenne. This model could carry a more expensive starting price tag and focus on luxury to compete with cars like the Range Rover SVAutobiography and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

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5 Dream Models We Wish Porsche Would Put Into Production

From a revived 914 to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan fighter, Porsche has plenty of options.

A few weeks ago, we reported on speculation surrounding new Porsche models up until 2022. Among this list, many of the models we have been dreaming Porsche would build were discussed. As it's futile trying to predict the future, we wanted to speculate on some dream Porsche models that we would like to see from the German automaker. We like to think that at least one of them will be green lit for production.

Porsche 718 Cayman RS

Rumors have been circulating of imminent replacements for the Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder, which will be based on the new 718 platform. The old GT4 and Spyder were great cars, but they were slightly limited by tall gearing as to not embarrass the 911. We hope Porsche finally lets the 718 Boxster and Cayman live up to their full potential with the 4.0-liter flat-six from the GT3. The 500-hp mill will likely be detuned for the 718 twins, though we'd love to see an RS version with the full 500 hp. The last GT4 and Spyder were manual only, so we'd like to see the manual remain as an option with the addition of a PDK.

Porsche 911 Safari

Porsche has seemingly stretched the 911 range to fill every conceivable segment. Recently, a new trend has emerged on the aftermarket to build off-road safari versions of old 911 models. Pictured here is a 1973 SC, which was modified by Eric Brandenburg. Leh Keen has also been producing awesome Safari 911 cars, including one for the Smoking Tire's Matt Farah. Porsche should get in on the game and build its own Safari 911.

Porsche 928

One of the rumored models in the Porsche pipeline is a Panamera coupe, which would revive the 928 nameplate. We'd love to see a comfortable four-seat GT from Porsche, as the back seats in the 911 are more of a fancy parcel shelf than actual chairs. Toss in the 680-hp drivetrain from the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, and the 928 could be one of the ultimate GT cars on the market.

Porsche 914

One of the least likely models on our list would be a revived 914. Porsche built the 914 from 1969 to 1976 with either a flat-four or flat-six engine. We understand that Porsche is a prestigious brand, but the four-cylinder Macan shows an attempt to offer an affordable model. Even a base 718 with 300 hp costs $55,300, which is pretty expensive. Load up a 718 and it's easy to approach six-figures. We'd like to see Porsche introduce a model below the 718 called the 914, with around 200 to 250 hp and a well-balanced mid-engined layout.

Porsche Cayenne Three-Row

The Porsche Cayenne is a great SUV, but as we have learned from other automakers, buyers really want to have a third row. We think Porsche could make the Cayenne even more popular by adding a three-row version or creating a separate SUV model to slot above the Cayenne. This model could carry a more expensive starting price tag and focus on luxury to compete with cars like the Range Rover SVAutobiography and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

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Owner Selling Old And New Acura NSX: Which Would You Buy?

It's more than a black or white decision.

With some sports cars – say, the Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette, for example – choosing which version can be the most difficult part. Not so much for the Acura NSX, which has only been produced in two essential iterations, and with few derivatives or substantial options to speak of. That leaves anyone looking to pick up an example of Honda's supercar with one choice to make, above all else: old or new?

That's the choice bidders will face next month at LA's famous Petersen Automotive Museum, where RM Sotheby's will be holding its next auction.

Among the tempting lots on the docket for the Petersen sale are two examples of the NSX, consigned by the same owner.

In one corner, we have a rather pristine black-on-black '91 NSX – a splendid example of the original, made in its first year of production, still retained by its original owner, and showing just 6,000 miles from new. It packs a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 with VTEC, mounted amidships in a world-first aluminum monocoque chassis, sending 270 hp to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, with superb handling balance honed by the legendary Ayrton Senna.

In the other, its modern successor: a 2017 NSX, the 223th of 581 examples made (also in its first year of production), in Casino White Pearl with a black interior. That same single owner has only put 2,700 miles on it since taking delivery last year. At its heart is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, paired to a trio of electric motors to send 573 hp (more than twice the original's output) to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic.

The auctioneer estimates the '91 model to fetch around $90-110k, and the new one about $125-150k when the gavel drops on December 8. For your money, which would you choose?

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5 Dream Models We Wish Porsche Would Put Into Production

From a revived 914 to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan fighter, Porsche has plenty of options.

A few weeks ago, we reported on speculation surrounding new Porsche models up until 2022. Among this list, many of the models we have been dreaming Porsche would build were discussed. As it's futile trying to predict the future, we wanted to speculate on some dream Porsche models that we would like to see from the German automaker. We like to think that at least one of them will be green lit for production.

Porsche 718 Cayman RS

Rumors have been circulating of imminent replacements for the Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder, which will be based on the new 718 platform. The old GT4 and Spyder were great cars, but they were slightly limited by tall gearing as to not embarrass the 911. We hope Porsche finally lets the 718 Boxster and Cayman live up to their full potential with the 4.0-liter flat-six from the GT3. The 500-hp mill will likely be detuned for the 718 twins, though we'd love to see an RS version with the full 500 hp. The last GT4 and Spyder were manual only, so we'd like to see the manual remain as an option with the addition of a PDK.

Porsche 911 Safari

Porsche has seemingly stretched the 911 range to fill every conceivable segment. Recently, a new trend has emerged on the aftermarket to build off-road safari versions of old 911 models. Pictured here is a 1973 SC, which was modified by Eric Brandenburg. Leh Keen has also been producing awesome Safari 911 cars, including one for the Smoking Tire's Matt Farah. Porsche should get in on the game and build its own Safari 911.

Porsche 928

One of the rumored models in the Porsche pipeline is a Panamera coupe, which would revive the 928 nameplate. We'd love to see a comfortable four-seat GT from Porsche, as the back seats in the 911 are more of a fancy parcel shelf than actual chairs. Toss in the 680-hp drivetrain from the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, and the 928 could be one of the ultimate GT cars on the market.

Porsche 914

One of the least likely models on our list would be a revived 914. Porsche built the 914 from 1969 to 1976 with either a flat-four or flat-six engine. We understand that Porsche is a prestigious brand, but the four-cylinder Macan shows an attempt to offer an affordable model. Even a base 718 with 300 hp costs $55,300, which is pretty expensive. Load up a 718 and it's easy to approach six-figures. We'd like to see Porsche introduce a model below the 718 called the 914, with around 200 to 250 hp and a well-balanced mid-engined layout.

Porsche Cayenne Three-Row

The Porsche Cayenne is a great SUV, but as we have learned from other automakers, buyers really want to have a third row. We think Porsche could make the Cayenne even more popular by adding a three-row version or creating a separate SUV model to slot above the Cayenne. This model could carry a more expensive starting price tag and focus on luxury to compete with cars like the Range Rover SVAutobiography and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

View the original article here

5 Cars That Would Be Better With Rear-Wheel-Drive

These cars could all be improved with a simple drivetrain swap.

In video games like Forza, swapping a car's drivetrain is as easy as clicking a button. However, stuffing a Lamborghini V12 and AWD into a Miata is not as simple as video games would have you believe. In the real world, automakers have to design a car around what drivetrain it will accept. Building a RWD car is often more complex and expensive than building a FWD car, so most affordable cars are FWD. We thought of five FWD cars that could have been better if their manufacturers had made them RWD instead.

We just spent a week reviewing the Nissan Maxima SR Midnight Edition and we were pleasantly surprised by the car. In our opinion, Nissan really nailed the styling on the Maxima both inside and out. However, there were a few areas that needed improvement. Nissan calls the Maxima a four-door-sports-car (4DSC), which is a bold statement. Sports cars are typically RWD, but the Maxima still uses FWD. We think that RWD could really transform the Maxima into a true 4DSC that people will want to buy. Many people complain about the Maxima's CVT transmission, but we actually thought it was a pretty good unit. If the Maxima was a bit more dynamic to drive, it could be just about perfect.

The Volkswagen CC is another gorgeous sedan that makes our list. We had the chance to drive a 2017 CC, and were suitably impressed. The CC is about to be replaced by the stunning Arteon, which will also be based on a FWD platform. The CC was available with a 3.6-liter V6 with AWD, but this was still a predominantly FWD system. The CC has always been one of those cars that looks better than it drives. The CC is a perfectly comfortable cruiser, but the car does little to inspire sporty driving on a winding road. We think that if the CC was RWD, it could be a perfect luxury car from Volkswagen.

We've been pretty harsh about Acura's flagship sedan, the RLX, stating on numerous occasions that this overpriced attempt at a luxury flagship should have been sent straight to the crusher instead of dealer showrooms. The RLX is part of a much larger issue at Acura. The company doesn't seem interested in building anything interesting (aside from the NSX). The RLX starts at almost $55,000, and for that price there are plenty of fun, RWD luxury cars on the market. The RLX did little to impress us at its price point and we don't know if RWD would even be enough to save it. We just hope that Acura can remember how to be fun before it becomes completely irrelevant.

The Mazda 6 is high on our list of the most fun mid-size sedans to drive. Granted, when the competition is the Chevy Malibu and Toyota Camry, being fun to drive is not a high benchmark. We wish that Mazda would bring back the MazdaSpeed 6 with AWD and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the company says that it is "too mature for that." Even though the turbocharged SkyActive engine will fit in the 6 and the 3, Mazda refuses to put it in. We do like how the Mazda 6 drives, but if it was RWD it would really stand head and shoulders above the competition in a segment that is severely lacking on fun.

Having called a used Ford Taurus SHO a bargain, buying one new makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. We wish that Ford would take a chance and build a full-size performance sedan with RWD. GM took a chance with the SS, but did almost nothing to try and market it. The Ford Taurus needs to be replaced, and we wish that Ford would make it a badass RWD sedan with the 5.0-liter V8 from the Mustang. We'd love to see the SHO return with the 5.2-liter V8 from the Shelby GT350 or a supercharged version of of Mustang GT engine. That would certainly make people forget about the Dodge Demon for a moment.

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Would You Buy An Electric Car That Charges In Just 10 Minutes?

General Motors is developing just such a car.

No matter how amazing electric cars become, they still lag behind internal combustion engines when it comes time to refueling - or in this case, recharging. Even using Tesla's fast-charging stations, EVs take around 30 minutes to charge, whereas a simple fillup of gasoline takes just a few minutes. Porsche has been trying to match Tesla with its own network of fast chargers and Honda claims its EVs will charge in just 15 minutes by 2022, but according to a report by Automotive News, these companies may all play the second fiddle to General Motors if the company's plans come to fruition.

GM is currently working with Delta Americas to develop a fast-charging system as part of a three-year project. The goal is to create an EV that can replenish its batteries with 180 miles of driving range in just 10 minutes. While not as quick as filling up with gasoline, this could open EVs to a broader market of consumers. GM is reportedly readying 20 EV models with this capability to go on sale by 2023.

GM's system would add about 18 miles of driving range per minute. Compare this to Tesla's superchargers, which add around six miles per minute, and Porsche's upcoming Taycan, which the company says will add around 12 miles per minute. GM's claims would place it at the top. As of now, the Chevy Bolt requires around 30 minutes to gain 90 miles of range, so cutting the time by two-thirds and doubling the range gained seems like a lofty goal. If GM is successful, it could change a lot of opinions about EVs.

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