Hofele-Design Takes on First Generation Porsche Boxster with 986 Speed GT Package

If you happen to own a first generation Porsche Boxster 986 and want to improve the roadster's looks - in the traditional sense of the word and not in the way some replica makers propose (i.e. this Boxster based Lamborghini), you may want to take a look at Hofele-Design's new Speed GT styling package.

The "Speed GT" body kit for Boxster comprises of a new front bumper with larger air intakes and optional LED daytime running lights, a restyled rear bumper with side air vents and a diffuser, side skirts and a big rear wing that is claimed to imitate the styling of the 911 series.

It is worth noting that the rear bumper can either be combined with the factory exhaust system or a newly available Hofele-Design sports muffler with a deeper sound.

Side graphics with the "Speed" logo and new 18-inch "Silverstone" alloy wheels along with LED tail lamps and headlight masks, complete the looks.

In addition to the styling updates, Hofele-Design also offers optional performance upgrades for the chassis and boxer engines.

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Video Preview of Porsche Boxster-Based Bugatti Veyron Replica in the Making

While we certainly won't go as far as calling the Boxster the Fiero of the 2010s, thanks to its mid-engine layout and a significant drop in pricing of the first generation models, Porsche's roadster model is becoming increasingly popular as a donor car among replica makers. Recently we showed you a Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster clone based on a Boxster S, but now there's a new project car making the internet rounds.

This time the Porsche model will lend its hardware to a Bugatti Veyron replica that is being built as we speak by a man who goes by the name Orlando M. The replica maker explains that the car will not be put up for sale upon completion but will be used as a personal vehicle. The project is still under development but you can take a sneak peek of the process in the videos after the jump.

Via: Topspeed

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Gemballa Returns with Tornado Tuning Package for the New Porsche Cayenne

German tuning specialist Gemballa has announced a comprehensive package of goodies for the Porsche Cayenne called Tornado. This is the company’s first creation since former CEO and founder Uwe Gemballa was found dead in South Africa, after allegedly being involved in a money laundering scheme with a wanted Czech felon.

Starting with the bodykit, most tuners apply carbon fiber body panels by bonding them to modified factory steel pieces. However, this method doesn’t lighten the car and according to current Gemballa CEO, Andreas Schwarz, it’s not the way these materials should be used. “Carbon-fibre is a high strength, low weight structural material that needs to be used honestly, and not just for decoration”, Mr. Schwarz said.

Consequently, Gemballa went on and replaced most of the steel panels as well as many plastic parts on the Cayenne with carbon fiber equivalents. As a result, the company claims it has shaved a total of 70 kg or 154 lbs over the standard car, while retaining all security-related features, like side impact protection bars.

The Tornado boasts a modified front bumper with enormous air intakes that channel air to the brakes and are flanked by vertical LED daytime running lights. The wheel arches have been significantly widened, increasing overall width to 2.05 meters (81 inches). Many of the lightweight panels were left exposed, creating a sharp contrast with the white paintjob. At the back we can find rounded tail-lights, complementing the design of the four exhaust tips.

Huge 22-inch alloy wheels shod in 205/35 front and 335/30 rear tires, round up the exterior updates.

Gemballa doesn’t go into details when it comes to interior modifications, simply stating that these are still in development and will be “characterized by both elegance and functionality”.

As far as power is concerned, Gemballa is working on a Stage Two engine conversion for the Tornado, which will increase peak output to 700 hp and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque, through turbocharging. Upgraded Brembo brakes accompany the power boost.

The Tornado will have a limited production run of only 30 units. Full specs and pricing should follow soon.

By Csaba Daradics

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Porsche Launches New 911 GT3 RSR Endurance Racer

Porsche has unveiled an updated version of its 911 GT3 RSR racecar, which will participate in next year’s GT Championship. The German firm's engineers modified the exhaust system and air intake housing, with the 4.0-liter boxer powerplant delivering 5 more horsepower, for a total of 455 hp at 7,800 rpm. While the power increase isn't much of an improvement, Porsche claims that the six-cylinder unit is better adapted to different fuel grades and its driveability is superior compared to the outgoing model.

The car also comes with a modified bodykit with a new front lip providing higher downforce, while the rear wing’s position has changed. In addition, there are larger front wheels and new LED tail lamps, borrowed from road-legal 911s.

The base price for the 911 GT3 RSR has been set at €410,000 (US $542,430), plus VAT. All the aforementioned modifications are available as a kit for the 2010 season cars.

By Csaba Daradics

Technical description Porsche GT3 RSR (2011 model year)

Engine

Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine; 3,996 cc; stroke 80.4 mm; bore 102.7 mm; 455 hp (335 kW) at 7,800 rpm; max. torque 450 Nm; air restrictors 2 x 28.6 mm; max. revs 9,400 rpm; four valve technology; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle butterflies; fuel injection.

Transmission

Porsche six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift; oil/water heat exchanger, single-mass flywheel; hydraulic disengagement lever; three-plate carbon-fibre clutch; rear wheel drive; limited slip differential 45/65 percent.

Body

Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel; aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler; aerodynamically optimised front underfloor; adjustable rear wing; 90-litre FT3 safety fuel tank with fast filling function; air jack; welded-in safety cage; race seat (driver’s side only) with flame retardant upholstery; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire extinguishing system.

Suspension

Front axle: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar; power steering.

Rear: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar. Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).

Brake system

Brake system with balance bar control.

Front: Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 380 mm diameter; racing brake pads.

Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 355 mm diameter; racing brake pads.

Wheels

Front: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (12J x 18 ET 34); central bolt.

Rear: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18 ET 12.5); central bolt.

Electrical system

Motec display with integrated data recording; multi-function display with integrated gearshift indicator; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 80 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight

1,220 kg

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New Porsche 911 Shows its Panamera-Style Snout in South Africa

Once again, Carscoop's photographers have caught the all-new generation of Porsche's 911 sports car series testing. However, this time, they snagged a barely camouflaged prototype not in Germany, but in South Africa. And even though our man with the camera wasn't able to capture a crystal clear shot of the front end of the 2012MY 911, it's fairly obvious that the styling is heavily influenced by the Panamera.

From there on, despite some changes here and there such as the exterior mirrors that are mounted on the doors instead of on the window frame, the redesigned tail lamps and a slightly lower roofline, the basic silhouette and proportions remain the same. An extensive aerodynamic package with an active front spoiler and variable air-intakes, is believed to be in development.

We expect more differences inside the cabin with some fresh bits and pieces borrowed directly from the Cayenne and Panamera parts bins.

The new model, codenamed '991', may look eerily similar to today's generation of the 911, but underneath the body there's a revised platform that has grown a few inches in length and width. Furthermore, Porsche's engineering team is also said to have made good use of exotic and lightweight materials to reduce the sports car's overall weight.

The 911's engine lineup will be revised with upgraded six-cylinder boxer units boasting the latest technological advancements including direct injection and start/stop systems for gains in power as well as reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At launch, Porsche will offer two variants - the Carrera and more powerful Carrera S models, with the Turbo and other versions such as the GT2 and GT3 to follow down the line.

Delivering power to the rear or to all four wheels will be a standard six-speed manual gearbox (depending on the model) joined by an optional seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppel Kupplung) twin-clutch transmission with shift paddles behind the wheel.

Chances are that Porsche will choose its home show in Frankfurt, Germany, next year to present the world premiere of the new 911.

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Topcar jumps on the Porsche Cayenne Tuning Bandwagon with Vantage GTR 2

Topcar might be a newbie in the industry, but the Russian tuning firm is churning one proposal after the other. Following a display of project cars at this year's Essen Motor Show, the company has unveiled its latest package in the form of the Vantage GTR 2 for the latest Porsche Cayenne.

Limited to 50 units, the package overhauls the SUV's looks with a full bodykit comprised of carbon Kevlar and carbon fiber components, including front and rear bumpers, bonnet, ultra-wide wheel-arches and a rear diffuser. New two-tone black and white alloy wheels complete the exterior make up. Furthermore, the Moscow-based tuner offers multiple performance upgrades with the output ranging from 550 to 750 hp.

By Csaba Daradics

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