Porsche Flaunts New 911 Targa in Latest Promo Video

There’s no doubt that the roof of the Porsche 911 Targa will be the main reason people will buy the car. Why would anyone bother with the 911 Targa when the 911 Coupe promises to offer a sharper driving experience and the 911 Cabriolet a lot more open sky above the passengers’ heads?

A homage to the original 1965 Porsche 911 Targa, the new model really nails it in terms of design – not to mention the sophisticated, but let's be frank, rather pointless roof opening mechanism.

And since you know all the details about the 991 Targa, Porsche released a promotional video whose single purpose is to make you want to buy a 911 Targa. Well, as long as you have set aside $101,600 in the U.S. (the price of the base 911 Targa 4 model) or €109,338 in Germany, Porsche would be more than glad to have you in their showrooms.

Scroll down to watch the Porsche 911 Targa in action.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

Mayor Boris Johnson Takes a Ride in New Range-Extender Cab Proposed for London

Thankfully, the seemingly Mitsuoka-styled Nissan London Cab won’t be the only way for future tourists and locals to travel the city, as it will not be the sole next-gen taxi to be used. The new Metrocab, that borrows its name and shape from the old British-built Metrocab (1987 – 2000), is a range extender that has been in the works since 2007.

Developed by UK-based Frazer-Nash subsidiary Ecolive Ltd., it uses two electric motors driving the wheels at the back, plus a petrol engine of unspecified capacity to top up the battery when almost out of power. It will be even cleaner than the Nissan NV200, with its 1.6-liter petrol engine, offer seating for six and excellent all-round visibility for all passengers (including a panoramic glass roof).

Moreover, its looks are nowhere near as ridiculous as those of the bug-eyed Japanese van and actually kind-of work as a design proposal that also serves more of a practical role (of being cavernous inside).

Reports suggest that it could hit 75+ mpg UK (62.5 mpg US or 3.76 l/100km).

The video posted below shows the current mayor of London, Boris Johnson, having a go in one of these new Metrocabs that are said to begin working trials this month, and getting the tour from those who created it.

Check it out by scrolling down to after the virtual jump.

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO

New Seat Leon ST Gains 4Drive AWD Versions, Available Only with Diesel Engines

The new Seat Leon ST is now available in "4Drive" all-wheel-drive versions. Making its debut at the Vienna Auto Show (January 16-19), the Seat Leon ST 4Drive is offered with two diesel engines: a 104hp/105PS 1.6-liter and a 148hp/150PS 2.0-liter.

The 4Drive system is a permanent all-wheel-drive system that uses a newly developed multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control – a fifth-generation Haldex clutch.

The AWD system works in conjunction with the four-wheel EDS dynamic control system consisting of electronic differential locks on both axles, the extended electronic differential lock for better traction while cornering (XDS), the electronic stability program and the multi-collision brake.

In normal operation, the clutch sends most of the engine power to the front wheels, but when traction suffers, the torque is diverted to the rear as well.

The two TDI engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission, with average fuel economy standing at 4.5 l/100 km (52.2 mpg US) for the 1.6-liter and 4.8 l/100 km (49 mpg US) for the 2.0-liter. CO2 emissions are rated at 119 and 124 grams per kilometer, respectively. Both models are fitted as standard with a start/stop system and braking-energy regeneration.

The 2.0 TDI model sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds, while the 1.6 TDI does it in 12 seconds. Top speed is rated at 211 km/h (131 mph) and 187 km/h (116 mph), respectively.

The Seat Leon ST 4Drive 1.6 TDI will be introduced in Europe this April, with the 2.0 TDI model to arrive in summer.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

Callaway Ushers Out 2014 Corvette Stingray S610 Supercharged Tune

Can't wait for the new Corvette Z06 and its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with over 625 ponies? No problem, as the aftermarket industry has you covered with Callaway releasing its S610 tuning program that promises to turn the regular 2014 Corvette Stingray into a…Z-like beast.

At the heart of the tune is the addition of a supercharger that relies on an Eaton TVS four-lobe, high-helix rotor pack, with Callaway also meddling with the exhaust system to give the LT1 V8 a peak output of 610hp at 6,400 rpm and 556 lb-ft (753Nm) of maximum torque at 4,500 rpm, up from 455hp and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm).

Callaway quotes a 0-60mph (100km/h) time of 3.4 seconds and the quarter mile in 11 seconds flat at an exit speed of 125mph (201km/h).

The S610 package also adds embroidered floor mats, door sill panels, an underhood build plaque and a bespoke key fob, while there are plenty of optional parts to further enhance the look and performance of the C7, including a coil-over suspension, carbon fiber aero bits and different wheels.

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A New British Automaker in the Making

Britain has had a knack for giving birth to small car making businesses for, well, ever since the modern world gave us the automobile, and this tradition continues in our times.

British businessperson and car enthusiast, David Brown, wants to be a part of this story with a new brand that carries his own name, "David Brown Automotive" and which will launch in April 2014, promising "to refresh the classic British sports car, for the 21st Century".

The company won't say what kind of luxury car it intends to introduce in a few months' time, but says that it hired key industry talent for its creation, including a design team led by Alan Mobberley, who was Chief Designer at Land Rover for 19 years, until 2005, with automotive engineering experts, Envisage Group, developing the vehicle for production.

"David has not settled for an update of any existing model," reads a statement from the British startup. "He has commissioned a completely original exterior and interior design, sourced bespoke British suppliers for interior trim and materials and the car has been thoroughly engineered for low-volume production, combining the latest manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship."

The upcoming new model, currently codenamed “Project Judi”, will be made available for sale in limited numbers and is said to combine a "classically-inspired exterior design, with the latest in performance, dynamics, technology".

Founder Brown elaborates: “I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences. This is what I want in a car, but it’s not something anyone really offers. So, I’ve created it myself.”

The company said it will release further information on the car closer to its launch date.

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BMW M4 vs Lexus RC F, Which Super Coupe Would You Take? [w/Poll]

It is hard to imagine a wilder interpretation of Lexus’ answer to the BMW M4 Coupe, the RC F. Based on an already daring design, the RC coupe, the RC F is the type of design that you either love or hate. One can tell designers were given a free hand to make the car as aggressive as possible and my opinion is that, they did a fine job.

The BMW M4 Coupe, on the other hand, features an aggressive styling as well, but seeing the two cars side by side (albeit only in photos) makes it clear to me that the RC F looks more dramatic. To put it another way, I’m sure that if the two cars were to be driven down a crowded boulevard in quick succession, there would be more people turning their heads after the Lexus than the BMW.

Sure, design will always be a matter of personal taste and one could argue that the BMW’s understatement is more appealing and the RC F’s aggressiveness is just too vulgar. Also, let’s not forget that tradition is way more important for BMW than Lexus, with BMW M cars usually featuring more restrained, understated lines than their competitors.

On the other hand, Lexus designers were not constrained by anything other than their imagination and this is why the RC F looks so dramatic. Furthermore, they had a wilder car to work on from the beginning - the standard Lexus RC.

Another difference between the two cars that can’t be spotted in the photos is that the M4 Coupe features a 425hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine, while the RC F is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 unit with “more than 450hp”.

Scroll down to take a look at the shots of the two cars put side by side and let us know which car is your favorite in the poll that follows.

By Dan Mihalascu

Poll: Which super coupe gets your vote?

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