GER: Porsche to develop driving-oriented 911

Based on the new 911 GT3 RS production sports car, Porsche has designed a customer sport race car for GT3 category racing around the world: the 911 GT3 R. In developing the 500 hp-plus (368 kW) racing ‘nine-eleven’, special attention was paid to its lightweight design, enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, reduced consumption, improved handling, further optimised safety as well as lowering service and spare parts costs. The 911 GT3 R features the distinctive double-bubble roof, and the wheelbase which has been lengthened by 8.3cm compared to the previous generation. This ensures a more balanced weight distribution and more predictable handling particularly in fast corners in comparison to the previous GT3 R.

Porsche revealed the new Boxster Spyder, a purist sports car, at the New York International Auto Show. The new range-topping Boxster retains the independent character of the previous Spyder, which has already attained cult status. For example, the classic fabric roof is still opened and closed by hand, and the sports car is available with only a manual transmission. The Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports-car driving experience but with contemporary performance. This means firm sports suspension with a 20 mm lower ride height, powerful brakes taken from the 911 Carrera, even more direct steering, and a 3.8-litre flat 6-cylinder engine with an output of 375 hp.

Paddle shifters and CVTs may be the way forwards, but certain car manufacturers have not forgotten the good old H pattern shifter. Porsche is one of them, choosing to equip their latest and hottest variant of their Cayman, the GT4, with a six-speed manual. The Cayman GT4 is the most powerful production Cayman ever, courtesy of a 3.8-litre flat-six sourced from the 911 Carrera S. In this trim, the 6 cylinder produces 380bhp at 7,400rpm. As expected, the Cayman is RWD, and will hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds. Porsche says that the car has received a set of suspension which decreases overall ride height by 30mm. It also has better brakes, and a large fixed rear wing. The aforementioned parts have either been sourced from or inspired by that from its bigger brother, the 911 GT3. A bit of extra cash will get you ceramic brakes, CFRP seats and the Club Sport pack.