Cars Reviews

Following this month’s reveal of the new facelifted 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S models comes latest spy shots of the updated Turbo Cabrio model due at the end of the year. It will be hard to spot the difference between the new and the old as the spy images reveal because most of the planned changes will be taking place under the sheet-metal.

The facelifted 911 Turbo range is expected to get an extra 20hp (15kW) to give it an edge over the new Nissan GT-R and return its supremacy at the Nurburgring. The bump in power is courtesy of a new direct-injection system, which is also expected to improve fuel economy. In line with the changes in the new 911 facelift range, the engine in the updated Turbo will also sport increased combustion chambers, a new crankshaft and an upgraded oil and water pump.

Power levels will likely fall close to the 500hp (373kW) mark, which combined with the quick-shifting Doppel Kupplung (dual clutch) gearbox should ensure quicker acceleration and track times.

Visually, the car is being enhanced with larger front air intakes and new fog-lights in the front bumper, giving a more aggressive look. At the rear are a new set of LED taillights and a new diffuser similar to that on the new GT3. Read More......

With the covers coming off Ferrari’s all-new California GT only a month ago, a test-mule for the carmaker’s next supercar has already been spotted. The test-mule, disguised under the body of a modified 360, was spotted on the streets of Modena and was easily distinguishable by its centrally mounted exhaust pipe and taped-off engine bay.

It’s still too early to gauge what the test-mule is for but initial speculation suggests it could be the next-generation F430 or a powertrain mule for the Enzo-successor. According to the spy photographers, the test-mule was also sporting an F430 front bumper and camouflaged rocker panels.

Late last month reports emerged claiming Ferrari’s next supercar would be based on the Millechili Concept but built on a modified F430 chassis. Power is expected to come from a new V10 engine churning out in excess of 600hp (450kW).

Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo also confirmed recently that the carmaker was developing new hybrid technology for its production cars based on the Kinetic Energy Recycling System (KERS) gearbox set to feature in its F1 cars next year, and before that a spokesman said the company was even open to V6 turbo technology as it attempts to battle new emissions and fuel-economy regulations. Read More......