Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet revealed

Porsche has released the first pictures of the new 911 Carrera Cabriolet, which will debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

It arrives in UK showrooms on 3 March, with prices starting at £79,947 for the standard 350bhp 3.4-litre Carrera, rising to £89,740 for the range-topping 400bhp 3.8-litre Carrera S. There will be a choice of a seven-speed manual gearbox or a PDK seven-speed semi-automatic.

 In keeping with tradition, Porsche has chosen a fabric top for its latest convertible, rather than a folding metal roof as fitted to main rival the Mercedes SL.

The folding mechanism is made of magnesium to save weight, while aerodynamics are improved by the smooth profile of the lowered roof.

What’s more, its shape has been carefully engineered to exactly match the plunging roofline of the coupe when it’s in place. The cabriolet features the same aluminium and steel body construction and advanced traction control systems as its hard-top equivalent.

There are no pictures of the roof mid-fold, but as on previous 911 Cabriolets, the electrically operated hood concertinas and is then stored beneath a cover ahead of the engine.

Porsche is promising that this 991 version will be the best-handling Cabriolet yet, thanks to its lower kerbweight, wider front track, stiffer body and longer wheelbase.

Carbon-ceramic brakes will be offered as an option to improve stopping power, while the rear wing adjusts its position when the roof is down to maximise downforce.

The car also offers a host of driver assistance systems, such as PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) and PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring), which controls the amount of power fed to each wheel in order to increase cornering speeds.

The performance-orientated Sport Chrono pack lowers the car’s suspension by 20mm.

2012 CARACTERE PORSCHE CAYENNE

Caractere is a brand always with the aim of combining performance, quality and design, and at the same timeCaractere Exclusive is a company specialized exclusively in the development and marketing of accessories for luxury vehicles. Furthermore Caractere Exclusive offers a full conversion kit which includes aerodynamic parts, light alloy wheel rims, sport exhaust systems and carbon fiber interior trim. All of this of course is especially developed for the PANAMERA and for the Cayenne. Moreover the company is in the process of developing a full range of equipment for the 991 and is intending to develop new products for new models as soon as they are launched on the market.

Too return to our muttons, Caractere Exclusive offers for the Cayenne a full conversion kit. It includes an aerodynamic kit, light alloy wheel rims, a sport exhaust system and a set of carbon fiber interior trims- thus making the vehicle look more adorable then ever. To go further into details, the aerodynamic kit consists of a complete front bumper, a complete rear bumper, a set of side skirts, a set of wheel arch extensions and a roof spoiler.

Additionally the company offers a sport exhaust system which enhances the performance and changes the sound of the engine. Next, Caractere Exclusive has improved the image of the vehicle more with the CW1 GRAPHITE or SILVER wheel rims 10×22” at the front and 11×22’’ at the rear. CW1 wheel rims are also available in the same widths in 20’’ and 21’’. Eventually, for the interior Caractere Exclusive offers a set of real carbon fiber trims which are available in various colours and different finishes.

2012 Detroit Auto Show: Maserati Kubang SUV Making North American Debut

Not much is known about Maserati’s upcoming Kubang SUV, with the exception that we’ll get another look at it next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Italian automaker first showed the Kubang concept to the world at the Frankfurt Motor show, but Chrysler has managed to keep details such as engine choices under tight wraps. Maserati spokesman Jeff Ehoodin even declined to comment to the Detroit Free Press if the concept SUV being shown off would be the Kubang, and any other details that would go along with it.

While Maserati remains silent about the possible Porsche Cayenne competitor, Fiat and Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne has made it known a vehicle like the Kubang will be built in Detroit. Marchionne discussed a Maserati that would have the same underpinnings as Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and a Dodge Durango but would have different sheet metal and a Ferrari engine. Currently the Jefferson North facility is responsible for the assembly of the Grand Cherokee and Durango and we expect that if the Kubang actually makes it to the production line, this is where it would be built.

Maserati is currently part of Fiat, which also owns 53.5 percent of Chrysler and all the brands within that group as well. The Kubang concept is scheduled to be unveiled at the Fiat-Chrysler display in Detroit next month. The Kubang is one of 40 vehicles scheduled to be unveiled in Detroit next month so keep checking back for more updates on the Kubang and the North American International Auto Show as well.