It was almost inevitable images of Porsche’s next generation (991) 911 would leak before its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in just three and a half weeks time. And sure enough pics of manual and PDK versions of the car have surfaced online.The silver car is significant as it confirms a seven-speed manual will be available from launch, the blanked off central vent under its front licence plate marking it as a three pedal variant. The red car’s additional radiator in that space identifies it as a PDK version.These shots also confirm an overall length similar to its (997) predecessor, and illustrate the visual impact of an extra 100mm in the wheelbase (the 997’s wheelbase is substantially shorter than the Boxster/Cayman’s).Despite significantly slimmed down taillights, on first impression the car looks fatter from the rear 3/4 view. It is also approximately 50kg lighter thanks to the extensive use of light alloy in the chassis and body as well as the switch to an electric steering set-up. While recent 911s have been steel cars with aluminium used in critical locations, the 991 is fundamentally an aluminium car with steel used where needed.Expect an improvement in combined cycle fuel economy in the region of 13percent (8.5L/100km vs 9.8) for the base car.The base Carrera is powered by a 261kW version of the Boxster/Cayman’s 3.4-litre DI flat six, while the Carrera S cops a 283kW version of the current car’s 3.8-litre boxer.The new 911 is scheduled to hit European showrooms before the end of this year, with all-wheel-drive, convertible, targa roof, GT3, turbo and GT2 versions to follow over the next two years.
Porsche will reveal the all-new 911 at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show – but images of the new sportscar have already been leaked in the US, showing Porsche’s icon uncovered for the first time.
They reveal an evolutionary design (well, you wouldn’t expect anything else, would you?) but with proportions and detailing better-honed than ever before.
Porsche has codenamed the new 911 ‘991’ and has given it more powerful flat-six boxer engines: the base 3.4-litre produces 350hp, the regular 3.8-litre producing 400hp. Both are greener too. Cleverly, the body uses a mix of aluminium in its construction, a bit like the Audi TT. This reduces weight and ensure the new 911 is even faster.
The long-awaited VW Up! is finally here and ready to hit the market, four years after it was first seen as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Volkswagen up! is a series of city car concepts that are anticipated to be the basis for the Volkswagen Group New Small Family (NSF) series of models, which is expected to include a new Volkswagen Lupo
Ahead of the city car’s German market debut in December, the Up! will once more be going to Frankfurt, this time in final production form.
Peugeot has revealed a radical concept car to take centre stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which it says demonstrates unique thinking that will drive future production cars.
The Peugeot HX1 is a ‘prospective concept’ that proposes solutions for vehicle architecture, aerodynamics, modularity, equipment, interior materials, the environment and even drivetrains.
This uses a 2.2-litre turbodiesel at the front (one actually shared with the current Peugeot 508 GT) and an electric motor at the rear: it thus has four-wheel-drive functionality and can also run under electric power alone.
Take a look at some of the strangest customised car interiors from around the world that make the standard car interiors look rather average in comparison.
Thanks to TV shows like Pimp My Ride bringing more extreme modifications into the limelight, car fanatics have become a little custom crazy of late.
Here are some top tips to keep car ownership affordable:
Forget to maintain a logbook
Tracking every repair and service on your car will save you money and long-term peace of mind. It’s especially important to keep all receipts to remind you who did what and when as well as to give you confidence to know if you’re being pushed into a repair your car doesn’t need. A service logbook helps with the resale value too.
Buying premium fuel
You may think premium is best for your car but that’s not always true, especially if you have an older car.
Generally, its only high performance cars that “require” high-octane fuel so if it’s just “recommended” you can still buy regular and it won’t damage your car.
Tyres
Guaranteed, when it comes to changing your tires, you’ll be guided towards the pricey super grip, high performance variety. Unless you’re burning it up on a racetrack, everyday driving needs everyday tires. Oh and keep them inflated properly for added efficiency.
Air filters
Old air filters clog up over time and can significantly affect the mileage you get out of a tank. Try to fit a fresh filter every 40,000 kilometres for economical benefits.
Coolant
Most mechanics suggest flushing out and replacing coolant regularly. If you have a fair few k’s on the car then yes, but modern coolants are designed to last five years, so only change it when you need to.
Navigation Systems
Did you know that having a built in navigation system can add an extra $2,000 to the price of the car? Don’t base your car buying decision on it, shop independently for one or use your Smartphone instead.
Car Maintenance
When it comes to car maintenance basics, many of us are clueless. But learning a few simple tricks, like changing a tire or replacing wiper blades is worth it in the long run.
Unnecessary tune-ups
The manufacturers have the car in mind; the dealerships have money on theirs. So don’t fall for endless “tune ups” that aren’t necessary. As long as your car’s running well, stick to the manufacturer’s suggestions.
Insurance
Don’t buy more cover than you need and research the market. Do you really need fully comprehensive cover on a 20-year-old rust bucket? Probably not. Shop around for a deal and remember you’ll probably get stung if you renew with the same company after a years up.
Car wash
Unless you have a swanky ride that needs the whole shebang, why pay the big bucks at a car wash when you can do it yourself with a bucket, sponge and some elbow grease. Come on…
A salute to the best barrel rolls, crashes and car chases in cinema history…
The inventions that revolutionised automobile history, enabling our enjoyment and safety of the cars we own today.
Check out the car manufacturers that have cashed in on the advertising action.
