New York Preview: 2009 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder Limited Edition

It’s no secret that Porsche’s Boxster was inspired by the German sports-car maker’s classic 550 Spyder racing model. And it’s also no secret that Porsche loves to run limited-editions of its popular roadster. The first generation Boxster (that’s 986 for those in the know) saw a special 550 Spyder commemorative edition made in limited numbers, while the current (987) Boxster has a North American-only special edition on the market now, of which only 500 examples were produced - all in Porsche’s GT3 RS Orange paint.

Now, yet another special edition has been produced that once again harks to the Boxster’s heritage. Based on the current Boxster S, the Boxster RS 60 draws its inspiration from the 550 Spyder’s successor, the Type 718 RS 60 Spyder. Produced for the 1960 racing season in which numerous class wins were achieved, the 718 RS 60 Spyder became known as a dragon-slayer after it scored its first overall victory at the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring, dominating over rival cars possessing significantly more power. And that’s kind of the point with the Boxster RS 60 Spyder as well.

Porsche won’t be coming to the Bologna Motor Show in Italy empty handed. Instead, the souls from Stuttgart will be unveiling a limited edition Boxster S that draws inspiration the automaker’s 1960 win at the 12 Hours of Sebring in the Type 718 RS.

The Boxster RS 60 Spyder comes swathed in GT Silver Metallic paint with a Carrera Red interior to match the #42 car it’s attempting to channel, along with a serialized silver plaque on the dash proclaiming its limited numbers and a new front spoiler. But it’s not just a bit of extra glitz heaped atop the already competent Boxster S. The stock rollers are swapped in favor of a set of 19-inch Porsche SportDesign alloys, the suspension benefits from Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system (PASM) and the flat-six is uncorked with a sports exhaust that bumps output to 303 HP.

Appropriately, only 1960 units will be available worldwide, with a base price of 53,000 euro abroad.





PRESS RELEASE

Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder Echoes Sporting Heritage

Porsche is presenting a new version of the mid-engined Boxster roadster at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy on December 5 - 16. In its distinctive design, features and philosophy, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder echoes the classic motorsport era of the 1960s, and in particular the success of Porsche sports cars during that period.

After countless class wins around the circuits of Europe and America, in 1960 the Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder beat competitors with much larger engines to score its first overall victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida, USA, one of the most prestigious long-distance sports car races, courtesy of Hans Herrmann and Olivier Gendebien.

The new Boxster RS 60 Spyder reflects the sporting character and design purism of that successful mid-engined two-seater sports racing car. The RS 60 Spyder is based on the acclaimed Boxster S model, but differs significantly in terms of its performance and features.

Externally, the RS 60 Spyder is distinguished by a unique front spoiler and 19-inch diameter Porsche SportDesign alloy wheels, which spacer plates have moved outwards purposefully in the wheel arches. A modified sports exhaust system combined with dual tailpipes increases engine output to 303 bhp as well as adding further definition to the car’s appearance. Completing the sporting orientation to the driving experience is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which adds further dynamism to the Boxster chassis.

Distinctive GT Silver Metallic paintwork is accentuated by the contrasting natural leather interior in Carrera Red. The roof is also finished in red. As an alternative, there is also the choice of Dark Grey natural leather in conjunction with a Black roof. The tail light clusters are also finished in red.

Inside, door trim strips made of stainless steel proudly bear the “RS 60 Spyder” model designation. The leather interior trim is further distinguished by a textured surface on the centre sections of the sports seats and the centre door linings, and this also extends to the steering wheel rim and handbrake lever. Completing the sporting ambience is a bespoke gear lever.

Complementing the exterior appearance, the faces of the instrument dials have a GT Silver Metallic finish and with this model not having the usual hood over the instrument cluster, the large central rev counter and the two circular dials on either side bring something of the flair of a racing car to the cockpit.

Further features include the windscreen surround finished in black, as well as the centre console, the seat backrests and the roll hoops all finished in GT Silver Metallic and thus harmonising with the seat belts also finished in Silver.

Reflecting its model designation, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder is limited to 1,960 examples, each one proudly bearing a silver-coloured plaque on the lid of the glove compartment.

The Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder will be priced from £45,400 including VAT, and deliveries in the UK and Ireland begin from March 2008.

2009 Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive, Inc., an American car company specializing in environmentally friendly, premium sports car company, unveiled its first production car, the Fisker Karma, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The Fisker Karma is a four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan that will be priced starting at $80,000. The first deliveries will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009 with annual production projected to reach 15,000 cars.

The car was named Karma because the car allows consumers to practice good Karma, driving a car that is environmentally friendly without sacrificing the extreme comfort and style of the luxury automobile category.

The Q DRIVE plug-in hybrid technology that was developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive consists of a small gasoline engine that turns the generator, which charges the lithium ion battery pack, powering the electric motor and turning the rear wheels.

The hybrid technology allows the car to be driven emission free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening. If consumers follow this daily routine, they will only need to fuel the car only once a year.

The Karma was designed in such a way the battery pack is located at the center of the vehicle between the two axles, providing optimal vehicle driving dynamics, maximum safety, and proportionate design.

From the press release, the Karma’s luxurious interior features four individual first class seats, a modern and sophisticated interior design and a spacious luggage capacity that can fit two golf bags and luggage in the trunk. Other features include:

Electronic Aides: Navigation system, DVD system incorporated into seat backs and state-of-the art push button controls
Seating Comfort: Four individual “first class” seats
Driving Modes: The driver will be able to select between two modes of driving. The first mode is “Stealth Drive”, which is the quiet economy mode for optimal relaxed and efficient driving. By flipping the second paddle behind the steering wheel, the car will switch to “Sport Drive”, which will access the full power of the vehicle.
At the exterior, the Fisker Karma features structure and body panels that will be made of aluminum to keep the overall vehicle weight as low as possible, a new drive train configuration that will provide optimal weight distribution, low and wide stance, self-contained climate control, an option to purchase a set of solar panels for their roofs or garages where they can generate electricity during the day to charge the car overnight. Other features of the exterior from the press release include:

Exterior Panels: Extensive use of lightweight materials used for optimal weight and driving dynamics
Solar Panel Roof: The Karma will offer self-contained climate control, as consumers will have the option to purchase a full length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior cabin while the car is parked
Plug-In Configuration: Small bonnet “doors” for easy charging and engine fluids refill
22-inch lightweight alloy wheels
LED tail-lamps
Driver visibility: Front fenders visible with a view of the long hood

Toyota FT-HS coming in 2009

The June '07 print edition of Automobile is full of juicy information, and one of the more significant bits of news appears in a sidebar on page 30. According to the magazine, Toyota has given the FT-HS hybrid sports car the green light, and the Calty-designed production version will make its debut in 2009. It's being billed by Automobile as the spiritual successor to the late, lamented Supra -- a position that's hard to argue assuming you can look past the probable lack of an inline 6. Like the concept, the two-seat FT-HS will pair the company's Hybrid Synergy Drive with an as-yet-undetermined gasoline engine (the concept utilized a 3.5-liter V6). Power and pricing aren't discussed, but if the numbers thrown around when the concept was introduced -- 400 horses and mid-level dollar amounts -- are feasible, the thing should have plenty of takers.



Pairing a potent hybrid powertrain with essential sports-car fundamentals, theFT-HS is a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion in a concept that addresses the question, “What is a suitable sports car for the 21st century?”Boasting a powerful V6 3.5L engine, the FT-HS is coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® to produce a target power output of approximately 400 horsepower and a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range. At a mid-priced market position, the FT-HS would be a true “attainable exotic” with 21st-century performance.A sculpted front and rear remove mass around key functional components, while the roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to


reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas.The FT-HS's interior features create a dedicated driver's cockpit that includes a cross-car instrument panel structure and delta-wing driver pod. An integrated instrument panel surrounds the driver, creating an enclosed pod effect. Armrests flow seamlessly into the door and surrounding interior. Seating is optimized for a lightweight appearance and function: The seating accommodates four and then converts to a two-seater when the roof retracts.

2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept

Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai’s second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

Sports car today: Lotus Eagle 2009

After many and many rumors and spy shots, Lotus Eagle finally on show. Lotus Eagle 2009 will make its world debut in July at the London Motor Show. The new 2+2 sports car will go on sale towards the end of the year at a price of $90.000. Lotus announced a convertible version is also in the works and will be launched few months after the coupe.
The 2009 Lotus Eagle will be placed between the Elise and next-generation Esprit, and is designed for those who love the Elise, but also want a little more room and comfort.

The 2009 Eagle will be powered by a tuned version of Toyota’s V6 engine used in the Camry. It will be offered with two different displacements: 2.5 liters and 3.0 liters with power between 200 and 300 hp. The Lotus Eagle 2009 was announced to be a real sports car with 0 to 60 mp sprint to be made in less than 5 seconds. More info will gather on this Lotus Eagle later on…