2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4

Sometime during the mid '90s, the Big Three stepped up the fullsize truck arms race in a serious way. While Chrysler, Ford and General Motors had always fought tooth and nail for every last possible customer, suddenly trucks began evolving into more than just utilitarian work horses. While the old payload and towing one-upmanship continued in earnest, pickup design began swelling with broad grilles, massive wheels and flanks to match. Option sheets suddenly glittered with choices previously confined to luxury vehicles, and MSRPs began covering wide territory as base models got cheaper and upper trims explored new fiscal heights.

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4

With all of Detroit's resources going to the fullsize game, domestic midsize entries like the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota, GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado were left to rot on the vine. After all, why would buyers want to pony up equivalent cash for a less capable truck? Because, as the 2012 Nissan Frontier quietly reminds us, getting a job done is never about having the biggest tool. It's about having the one that's right for the task at hand.

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4

Make no mistake, the Frontier isn't some rosy-faced young gun. Nissan has left the truck largely unchanged since the current generation debuted in 2009. A new appearance package, complete with the saucy vinyl get up and the 19-inch Dark Hyper Silver finish wheels you see here, quietly sum up the width and breadth of the machine's evolution over the past three years, but that isn't such a bad thing. The Frontier still looks good with its purposeful grille and flared fenders. While the Toyota Tacoma received a mild facelift for 2012, the changes weren't enough to put the Taco leagues ahead of its Nissan rival aesthetically, though it does outsell the Frontier nearly 3-to-1.

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4

We're particularly fond of the color-matched wheels and grille on our Frontier tester, and while the graphics are a bit too campy for our tastes, the truth is they provide a commendable link to the truck's early days as the loveable Hardbody.

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4

The Frontier's Crew Cab configuration does trim the overall bed length down to just under five feet at 59.5 inches. That leaves the cargo area virtually square, serving up a total of 27.1 cubic feet of storage. The space isn't huge, but it's enough to cart around landscaping materials with ease, and we found it more than capable of hauling a set of fenders and a windshield frame for a project vehicle with space to spare. This setup clearly isn't for tackling serious tasks, but it's more than enough to handle light-duty suburban chores without subjecting a vehicle's interior to the slights of moving dirty or abrasive cargo.

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4

Speaking of interiors, there is a surprising amount of space indoors. We comfortably fit four grown adults in the cab of the Frontier without issue, and while the back seat can be a bit stiff, it's more than adequate for hops of less than an hour. We doubt kids will mind the way back for longer treks. The rear bench does offer some clever folding solutions for storing or transporting larger items when you don't need the extra passenger space, and we appreciate the small storage cubbies with tie-down netting as well.

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4

But the Frontier starts to show its age indoors. Hard plastic seems to have been the only material available to Nissan when designers were working up the bill of materials for the cockpit. The door panels, dash and center console are all vast wastelands of the stuff, and the center stack looks as if it would have earned a skeptical eye back in 2009. Three years later, the cabin simply looks aged. We're all for trucks being utilitarian, but our Frontier carried an MSRP of $29,085, including an $810 destination fee. That stack of cash will earn you one very well equipped Ford F-150 or a Ram 1500 with an interior as work oriented as it is comfortable and attractive.

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4

That sticker price included the SV Sport Appearance Package, which included all sorts of gear hardly worth noting. In fact, we were more struck by what was missing from the list. Buyers won't find any sort of navigation system, satellite radio or meaningful smartphone integration, though Bluetooth hands-free calling is part of the party. With other manufacturers packing their equivalently priced fullsize rigs with equipment, Nissan is in sore need of upping its game on the Frontier.

The vehicle's mechanicals remain stout, though the hardware has greyed significantly. The 4.0-liter V6 engine in our tester served up 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque and came mounted to a five-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case. Those figures may have been adequate in 2009, but nearly four years later, the automotive world has grown to offer buyers forced-induction four-cylinders that offer that kind of grunt. Likewise, engines like the Chrysler Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 offer more horsepower and greater efficiency from less displacement.

And it's efficiency where the Frontier really suffers. With an Environmental Protection Agency rating estimated at 14 miles per gallon city and 19 mpg highway, the little Nissan drinks with all of the fervor of a fullsize truck. For comparison, the 5.0-liter V8-powered, four-wheel-drive 2013 Ford F-150 manages to match the Frontier in fuel economy while delivering nearly 100 additional horsepower and pound-feet of torque.

That's a damn shame, because we really enjoy the way the Frontier drives. While the SUV segment has been subjected to a crossoverification that will eventually see every high-rider handle like a 1998 Dodge Caravan, midsize trucks like the Frontier remain just that – trucks. Its live rear axle hops around over railroad tracks, and the body-on-frame jitters are all present and accounted for, but we wouldn't have it any other way. The Frontier offers great visibility for its size, and with appropriately weighted steering and confident brakes, we couldn't find a fault with the way the truck behaves on road.

More importantly, while bruisers like the Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado easily best the Frontier in every meaningful category, the little Nissan is considerably easier to drive. Whipping around parking garages, through crowded city centers or down a tight trail pose no threat to the appropriately sized pickup, and while that isn't quite enough to offset the vehicle's shortcomings for us, it certainly helps balance the ledger.

After our week with the Frontier, we found ourselves troubled by the feeling that Nissan is leaving its midsize pickup offering to wander down the same unfortunate trail blazed by the now-defunct Ford Ranger. The Ranger grew obsolete because Ford stopped significantly investing in the workhorse, choosing instead to focus its resources on the highly profitable fullsize game. The Frontier has found itself at an important crossroads. Nissan can either take the time to invest in more efficient, more capable powertrains or prepare to watch its sales disappear. As much as it pains us to say, obsolescence isn't some far-off future for the Frontier. It's knocking on the pickup's front door right now.

Articles Source : Autoblog

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

The compact crossover segment moves incredibly quickly, so it’s not exactly a surprise that the Mitsubishi Outlander – which is now close to seven years old – is largely surpassed by its competition. Fortunately for Mitsubishi, an all-new 2013 Outlander - which debuted today at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show – is just around the corner.

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

If the new Outlander looks a bit familiar, there’s a good reason: its exterior styling is closely modeled after both the PX-MiEV and PX-MiEV II concepts, which debuted at the 2009 and 2011 Tokyo auto shows, respectively. Although the rounded, chunky form – which Mitsubishi claims suggests “and” almost makes the new Outlander look substantially larger than its predecessor, it’s little more than an optical illusion. The 2013 Outlander’s width, height, and wheelbase remain unchanged, while its overall length actually decreased by about a half-inch.

Arguably, the most welcome change comes from within. Despite the addition of some soft-touch materials and an available two-tone color scheme, the present Mitsubishi Outlander is at a disadvantage when it comes to interior appointments. The 2013 Outlander may change that: from what we can see, Mitsubishi gave it an attractive, cleanly-arranged instrument panel, and the automaker pledges materials are far more sophisticated than before. Certainly, the available third-row seat appears to be an improvement: although space appears to remain tight, the two-passenger seat – now split 50/50 – seems far more substantial than the previous jump seat-like appendage.

Mitsubishi announced two engine choices for Europe (a 2.0-liter I-4 and a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel I-4), but specifications for a North American-market 2013 Outlander are still forthcoming. What is known is the model will almost certainly spawn a plug-in hybrid variant, as previewed by both PX-MiEV concepts.

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander will first be available in Russia this summer; from there, the model is scheduled to launch in Europe, Japan, China, and North America. Europe may be an interesting market for the 2013 Outlander: once upon a time, Mitsubishi shared its crossovers with both Peugeot and Citroen, who marketed the vehicle through their own dealer networks. PSA’s recent alliance with General Motors – which includes potentially sharing vehicles and platforms – could possibly spell an end to Mitsubishi’s arrangement.

Articles Source : Motortrend

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

Porsche is doubling its range of driving fun in the new 911 generation by launching the all-wheel drive Porsche 911 Carrera 4 on the market in four model versions. The new sports cars with their uniquely powerful proportions combine the excellent traction and driving stability of the active Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system with the benefits of lightweight design, new engines and additional assistance systems - traction and dynamics to the fourth power.

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

Despite enhanced engine and driving performance, all four models consume significantly less fuel than their respective previous models; in some cases the savings add up to as much as 16 per cent. So, the new all-wheel drive 911 is consistently following the same course as the 911 Carrera Type 991 presented in 2011. The Carrera 4 takes top efficiency and performance to an even higher level.

The most distinctive identifying feature of the 911 with all-wheel drive is still the wide rear section: compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the wheel housings at the rear are each 22 mm wider, and each of the rear tyres is 10 mm wider. This increases the track width of the 911 Carrera 4 by 42 mm, and the track width of the S-model by 36 mm. The impressive look at the rear is highlighted by an exclusive tail-light panel with parking light and rear light functions. The tail-light panel runs directly under the spoiler edge and visually joins the two rear lights. For one, this emphasises the powerful back end of the vehicle; for another, it lends the all-wheel drive models a unique and very distinctive night design. When the lights are turned on, the illuminated rear light band visually connects the rear lights and signals that a new all-wheel drive 911 is driving ahead.

All-wheel drive

The new all-wheel drive 911 cars are equipped with the latest generation of Porsche Traction Management (PTM). It is based on the system of the 911 Turbo, Type 997 and was especially optimised in its control strategy with a special focus on improving efficiency and fuel economy.

As a result, PTM now supports the typical Porsche coasting function of the 911 equipped with PDK. If the vehicle is coasting without drive power, the PTM clutch is opened. This reduces the braking torque of the all-wheel drive system, which in turn improves fuel economy.

Transmissions: seven speeds for dynamics and efficiency

The Porsche strategy for realising efficient performance includes two transmissions that deliver uncompromising sportiness as well as long gear ratios that improve fuel economy: the world's first seven-speed manual gearbox in passenger car production and the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), which also has seven gears. This means that drivers of the 911 Carrera with a manual gearbox can enjoy the same fuel economy advantages that the PDK is known to deliver: up to 19 per cent lower revs at the same vehicle speeds, which improves fuel economy by up to ten per cent in constant speed driving.

Chassis and control systems

In developing the new 911 Carrera generation, preparations were already made in tuning the chassis for the additional driving of the front wheels in the new all-wheel drive 911. That explains why the vehicle is largely based on the rear-wheel drive version. A significant exception is the wider track of the rear axle. Together with PTM all-wheel drive, this offers even higher stability in bends, even with powerful acceleration.

As in all 911 models, the longer wheelbase - lengthened by 100 mm compared to the previous model - provides for significantly better driving stability at high speeds. Other systems that guarantee top driving performance - some standard and some optional depending on the model - are the further advanced Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), dynamic engine mounts, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), innovative electro-mechanical power steering, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), a high-performance brake system and the car's wheels and tyres.

PASM sport chassis with downforce at the rear axle

The PASM sport chassis - which sports a ride height lowered by 20 mm and an aerodynamic package - is also offered in the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 models. This aerodynamic tuning results in less lift at the front axle and even provides downforce at the rear axle. In sum, the lift is zero. As a result, a 911 Carrera 4 with PASM sport chassis delivers exceptionally good road contact at high speeds and reacts very spontaneously and directly to steering inputs.

Driving through a bend faster and safer: Porsche Torque Vectoring

Offering even further enhanced agility in the new 911 cars is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which is standard in the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and is available as an option in the Porsche 911 Carrera 4. There are two versions of the system: PTV with mechanically locking differential for cars with a manual gearbox and PTV Plus with electronically controlled, fully variable differential lock for PDK vehicles. Essentially, when driving through a bend PTV/PTV Plus uses specific brake interventions at the inside rear wheel to improve agility and steering precision with a highly dynamic style of driving, and the differential lock improves the car's acceleration potential coming out of a bend.

Even sportier at the press of a button: from Sport button to Sport Chrono package

All 911 Carrera cars already have a Sport button as standard. It lets the driver choose tuning optimised for comfort and fuel economy or tuning that emphasises sporty performance. The optional Sport Chrono package with the additional Sport Plus button enables an even wider spread between sporty tuning and ride comfort in everyday driving. Besides configuring all relevant systems and functions for maximum performance, the Sport Chrono package also has controlled dynamic engine mounts.

New in the Sport Chrono package: downshifting with double declutching

The Sport Chrono package includes an analogue and digital chronometer; the optional PCM also has a performance indicator with memory function. Another new feature of the optional Sport Chrono package is that for vehicles with a manual gearbox it has been extended to automatically double declutch during downshifts in Sport Plus mode. In quick shifting, this better adapts engine speed to the lower gear, letting the driver utilise the engine's power or braking ability more effectively.

Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control for impressive performance gains

Making a decisive contribution towards impressive performance gains in the new 911 generation is Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) - an optional feature of the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. With this system, the 911 attains a new level in terms of lateral acceleration and handling. Body roll of the vehicle is nearly fully compensated by the variable stabiliser system up to maximum lateral acceleration, e.g. when steering into a bend, driving through a bend or quickly changing lanes. Because of the reduced roll angles, the tyres are always optimally aligned to the road surface, so that they can transmit maximum force in any direction. This boosts potential vehicle speeds when driving through bends.

Body and roof

The innovative lightweight body of the new 911 Carrera range was developed for top driving characteristics in both the Coupé and Cabriolet - and for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions - with just minor modifications.

All models share the weight advantages of the aluminium-steel construction with substantially improved rigidity, supplemented by local reinforcement elements in the soft-top 911s. The new 911 Carrera cars with all-wheel drive are up to 65 kg lighter than previous models.

911 Cabriolet: unique fabric roof with coupé properties

An eye-catching feature of the soft-top all-wheel drive 911 cars is the panel bow top - a new development by Porsche. This innovative technology has succeeded in creating a previously unattainable coupé-like roof arch of the soft top when it is up, and this leads to aerodynamic advantages as well. In addition, the weight of the entire top nearly matches that of the previous model, despite being longer and offering significantly improved comfort. Another innovation in all soft-top 911 Carrera cars is the integrated and electrically deployed wind deflector. Installing and removing it are now a thing of the past.

Interior and features

The interior of the new all-wheel drive 911 cars that is making its appearance is based on the new generation concept. The central design element is the centre console that rises towards the front. It provides excellent ergonomics that integrate both the driver and front passenger.

The operating concept permits uncomplicated and intuitive control of key vehicle functions. Already equipped with standard features that are extensive and high-end, the new 911 Carrera 4 cars can be customised to a wide variety of individual tastes with an extensive list of options.

Sport seats for dynamic driving and long trips

The defining interior element of all 911 Carrera cars is the standard sport seat system with electrically adjustable backrest angle and seat height. The optional sport seats with fully electric 14-way adjustment add - in addition to adjustments of the standard seats - electric adjustment of the longitudinal position, seat cushion angle, seat cushion depth and four-way lumbar support. The Sport Seat Plus option that is also available offers 18-way adjustment and more prominent side supports; it also offers adjustment of the side supports on the seat and backrest for optimal lateral support in all driving situations.

New: lightweight sport shell seats made of fibre-reinforced polymer

For 911 Carrera drivers with very sporty performance standards, Porsche offers new especially lightweight sport shell seats with folding backrests, integrated thorax airbag and manual longitudinal adjustment. The seat shell is made of glass-reinforced and carbon-reinforced polymer with a visible carbon surface. A special feature is the pivot point of the backrests, which lies high in the side supports. The lateral support that is characteristic of race car shell seats is thereby also assured in the pelvic area. However, the folding backrest still enables convenient loading of the luggage compartment in the rear.

Articles Source : NetcarShow

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The entire front fascia of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has been completely made over versus last year’s model. The signature pronounced, trapezoidal grille opening and recessed fog lamp housings are still present, but now feature a new, more simple and clean shape. Another appealing detail is the new chrome trim surrounding the outer perimeter of the recessed fog lamps.

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

 

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The highly-stylized front/rear fascia makeover – along with new black-colored side sills – enrich the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s already athletic-looking aesthetic demeanor, further separating Mitsubishi’s compact crossover from its more mundane peers.

With an impressive EPA fuel mileage rating of 31 highway mpg, and the availability of either front- or all-wheel drive, the stylish 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compelling choice for young families or active individuals that combines the space and versatility of an SUV with the outstanding ride quality and improved fuel economy of an exceptionally engineered car.

Standard equipment on all Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models includes stylish 18-in. alloy wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; Electric Power Steering (EPS); FUSE Handsfree Link System™ that allows voice-activated operation of an iPod® and a cell phone, remote keyless entry; eye-catching rear LED combination tail lamps; heated outside mirrors; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; and air conditioning with micron filter. Among the included safety features are driver knee airbag; Hill Start Assist (HSA); Active Stability Control (ASC); Traction Control Logic (TCL); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and an advanced front air bag SRS with passenger weight and driver’s seat position sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors.

The top-flight SE version adds further luxuries such as a dynamic 6 speaker premium audio system with SiriusXM™ satellite radio with 3-months subscription service; heated front seats; one-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; climate control system with full-auto air conditioning; rain-sensing wipers; super-wide beam xenon head lights and FAST key passive entry system.

Articles Source : Lincah

Why Does Toyota Think that a Pink Crown Athlete Symbolizes its…Athletic Nature? [w/Videos]

Perhaps you can help us figure out what’s with the pink-colored 2013 Toyota Crown Athlete that was presented this week in Japan under the soothing sounds of Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the night", since our knowledge of the Japanese language is limited to words like "Konnichiwa" and "Sayōnara" and the company doesn't allow access to its "Re-Born" website for visitors outside of Japan.

2013 Toyota Crown

We looked up the available colors for the new Crown Athlete, and pink wasn't among the shades offered on the car's online configurator.

If you missed out on the news, the 14th generation of Toyota's Japan-only, premium mid-size sedan, was introduced in two flavors, the more luxurious Crown Royal and the supposedly sportier Crown Athlete that adds a 3.5-liter V6 engine to the mix, in addition to a hybrid powerplant with a 2.5-liter inline four, and a 2.5-liter V6, that are offered on both variants.

As well as sharing your thoughts on the pink Crown Athlete, you can also take a look at the videos released by Toyota after the break.

Articles Source : Carscoop

eBay Motors reveals where it sells the most cars and which brands are the most popular

While most of our time on eBay Motors is spent looking for a good eBay Find of the Day article or daydreaming about our next project vehicle, there are plenty of people who actually use the site to purchase cars and parts – to the tune of $3.7 billion in Q3 2012 alone. With the year coming to a close, eBay Motors has revealed the top makes and models that have rolled across its virtual auction block and where these purchases were made.

2013 Ford Mustang

2013 Ford Mustang

2013 Ford Mustang

2013 Ford Mustang

2013 Ford Mustang

2013 Ford Mustang

The Big Three occupied the top three spots for the top makes, while American muscle cars (Mustang, Corvette and Camaro) and Ford pickup trucks (F-250 and F-150) were the top five models. Of the $3.7 billion brought in during Q3 2012, eBay says that $2 billion was from vehicle sales and the remaining $1.7 billion was from parts and accessories. Not surprisingly, more than three-quarters of all vehicles sold on eBay during this same time period were interstate transactions with California, Florida and Texas drawing the most sales.

Articles Source : Autoblog

Peter Schreyer Becomes Kia's First Non-Korean President

The man who played if not the, one of the most important roles in turning around the global reputation of Kia as the firm's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has been appointed to the role of president, the first non-Korean to hold that title in the automaker's history.

Schreyer, who will keep his position as Kia's design boss, is one of three presidents at the company. His promotion is a sign that the Hyundai and Kia group wants design to play an even greater role in the future as it continues its global expansion challenging Germany's car industry.

The German-born, 59 year-old designer joined Kia in 2006 after a bright career at the Volkswagen Group where he contributed to the appearance of several VW and Audi models including the Passat and the first generation Audi TT and Beetle.

In a recent interview with Automotive News, Volkswagen patriarch Ferdinand Piech admitted that it was a mistake for the company to not hold on to Schreyer: "We should not have let him go," commented Piech.

Among other Kia models penned by Schreyer and his design team, include the production Optima, K7, Sportage and Quoris, and the Track'Ster and GT concepts.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Flogging a Gold-Finished Lamborghini Aventador Around an Empty Port Looks Fun

Unless you're stuck in traffic, it doesn't really matter where you drive to enjoy an Italian exotic like the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, but doing so in a gold-wrapped example in an empty port in Miami, is an experience not many people will get in life.

Enter the world of NueVueProductions and its unnamed driver who had the unique opportunity to have some slippery fun with Prestige Imports Miami's Project AU.79 Aventador during the shooting of a short film in Florida.

The Project AU.79 Aventador is the meticulous work of Brett David and his team who spent some 70 days (!) to turn the stock white Lamborghini into the flashy gold-finished product you see in the pictures and videos that you can enjoy right past the break.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Nissan's Born-Again Datsun to Share Platforms with Lada

From the moment Nissan announced that it will revive its dormant Datsun brand with the goal of conquering emerging markets, we knew that cars like the 240Z were out of the question.

 

Lada Kalina 2013

 

Lada Kalina 2013

 

Lada Kalina 2013

 

Lada Kalina 2013

 

Lada Kalina 2013

At the time, one CarScoop commentator projected that the new generation of Datsun models "are going to be rebodied Dacias", which as it turns out, isn't too far from the truth.

Today, Nissan revealed that the new low-cost Datsun models will share their platform and other underpinnings with Russia's Lada, which in mid-2014, will pass into the ownership of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

"Datsuns will be built off the new Lada Kalina platform," Nissan executive vice president Colin Dodge told Autonews Europe.

Dodge (the man, not the brand…) said the cars from the two brands will use a common modular platform with shared components including braking and fuel systems as well as steering mechanicals, noting, however, that "the upper body and interior will be completely different, You won't notice it as a Lada".

Datsun will reveal its first two models towards the end of 2013 with sales to start in Russia, India and Indonesia the following year. A third model series will arrive in 2015, while Datsun has plans to expand in other emerging markets as well.

In a previous report, The Wall Street Journal cited several company sources including Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn as stating that Datsuns will have a starting price as low as $3,000 or about €2,300 at the current exchange rates.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

The same goodness you would get from the new Porsche 911 Carrera (Type 991), is now carried over to the new Cabriolet version.

Forever being the king of European sports cars, the legendary Porsche 911 is became sacred to the brand since the first one came out in 1963. Now, 48 years has passed and after undergoing several model changes, this is it. The much awaited full model change for the king of European sports cars is made to be more stunning, sleek and stylish.

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

At first glance, the 991 looks the same as the outgoing 997 but take a second look and you'll see all the body panels are new as are the Porsche design DNA carried from the Panamera saloon. In fact, you can see the Porsche label spelled it out at the back. This design really more like an attractive swimming instructor in her racing swimsuit. That looks nice.

Now at the interior, it is well-sculpted and well-refined to meet up with its Porsche design DNA and this exactly looked like the Panamera and the second-generation Cayenne. What's amazing is the new high resolution multi-function screen for the best user-friendly experience. It can be somewhat very essential when it comes to navigation and this is the one that works, well kind of. This looks a lot nicer than the 997's interior that is somewhat "it's cool if you're an 11 year old boy" but it's certainly cool.

Seems that this one is perfect for the road and track because the Porsche 991 remains the same RR (Rear-engine, Rear-wheel-drive) layout that became the epitome of the 911 history for 48 years. At the normal 911 Carrera, it is powered by a 3.4L boxer engine that produces 350PS of power and 390NM of torque. The hardcore 911 Carrera S is powered by 3.8L boxer engine that produces 400PS of power and 440Nm of torque. With the 7-speed PDK is considered to be available, get ready for this because the new Porsche 991 comes with the world's first 7-speed manual transmission! That's right folks, a 7-speed manual transmission. Seven gear stickshift! This is definitely the first of its kind because over the years the maximum gear of a manual transmission is six, which of course we love it, but is there such thing in a world is a 7-speed manual transmission? Here in Porsche, it exists and its exclusive to the 991, providing combined fuel economy of 9,2 Liter/100 km at the standard 911 Carrera Cabriolet and 9,7 Liter/100 km at the flagship 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. We are very jealous to see this legend equipped with the world's first 7-speed manual.

Available in 14 colors: Schwarz, Indischrot, Carraraweiss, Racinggelb, Basaltschwarz, Aquablau, Platinsilber, Dunkelblau, Anthrazitbraun, Achatgrau, Rubinrot, GT-silber, Cognac, and Limegold.