2013 Porsche Carrera

 2013 Porsche Carrera 4 And 4S

After testing the all-wheel drive version of the new generation Porsche 911 Carrera for quite some time, Porsche has finally dropped the official details on the new Carrera 4 and 4S models. The new models will make their world debut at the 2012 Paris Auto Show and will be put on sale at the end of the year. Prices for the German market will start from 97,557 euro ($122,300 at the current rates) for the coupe and 110,290 euro ($138,200 at the current rates) for the convertible model.

The new Carrera 4 is powered by a 3.4-liter flat-six engine that delivers a total of 350 HP, while the 4S version gets a 3.8 liter engine that produces 400 HP. The standard version can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, while the 4S will do the sprint in 4.1 seconds. Top speed for the 4S coupe version goes up to an impressive 185 mph.

Next to being more powerful than the previous generation, the new Carrera 4 and 4S models are about 143 lbs lighter. The two models have also been equipped with the AWD Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and feature 22mm wider rear wheel arches when compared to the standard Carrera.

UPDATE 09/06/2012: Porsche has unveiled a new series of six videos featuring the latest Carrera 4 and 4S models. Enjoy!

UPDATE 11/06/2012: Porsche has unveiled a promo video for their new Carrera 4 model. The video is called "Two impressive red lines" and it is the first in a series of films introducing the UK launch of the new 911 all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models.

Exterior

In June 2012, we busted the 2013 Porsche Carrera 4 and 4S models whipping around the Nürburgring in an effort to work out the kinks in this upcoming revamp. The Carrera was bearing very little clothing, but still had enough on to leave a little bit to the imagination.

Like a tough game of Where’s Waldo, it takes a keen eye to spot the differences between the front end of the 2013 model and the 2012 model. The first thing we notice is that the nose is ever-so-slightly wedged more so than the 2012 model. Porsche also scrapped the all-too-typical boring Porsche front fascia and installed a new one. This new fascia boasts wider side air inlets and a slightly narrower mouth without the two side bars that we had on the 2012 model. Also changed up are the turn signals, as the 2013 model boast harder-angled, hockey-stick-style turn signals up front.

The mirrors have also moved from being A-pillar mounted to sitting on the top of the door – a trend gaining steam in the auto industry as of late. As you approach the back end of this AWD Porsche, you’re going to find a backside that is slightly more voluptuous than the RWD 911, as there’s an extra 44 mm of cushion to make room for the AWD system and the wider tires.

From the rear, you’re going to find the same illuminated taillight bar that was shown off on the 2013 911. You also get one fewer engine cooling louver, making the count three instead of four. Porsche also scrapped the old and fat looking taillights on the 2012 Carrera and replaced them with more triangular and thinner units.

As you reach the redesigned integrated rear diffuser, you will also find two large oval exhaust exits, as opposed to the four smaller units found in the previous generation.

In all, the redesigned 2013 Carrera 4 and 4S look pretty much as expected, as we have already seen the redesigned 911 and we knew it wouldn’t stray too far from its roots. Still, this is a great job building onto a legend, as opposed to tearing it down and starting over.

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2012 Porsche Cayenne

2012 Porsche Cayenne Diesel by Kahn Design

Kahn Design is keeping busy releasing a new tuning program every week. So far, they have been focusing on Land Rover models, but this week’s package du jour is for the Porsche Cayenne 3.0 Diesel.

Kahn started by adding a very cool aerodynamic package which includes vented front and rear wide wheel arches with integrated front and rear air dams, a lower boot lid spoiler, and exterior Kahn enamel wing shields. The door handles are finished in matte black, while the brake calipers are finished in liquid gold. They have also opted to put in LED daytime running lights for the front wheel arch vents and privacy tinted glass. The final element of the exterior package is a new set of 22" Kahn RS wheels finished in a color chosen by the customer. There is also a sports lowering module which provides the car with a sportier appearance.

For the interior, the package adds black and carbon quilted and perforated leather with ivory contrast stitching, a black and carbon quilted leather center glovebox, a red and cream colored speedo and rev counter facia, and balck charcoal finish floor mats.

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Audi SQ5 TDI 2013

Audi is currently showcasing its SQ5 TDI exclusive concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The SQ5 TDI is the top model of the Q5 model series and is the first S model in Audi’s history to feature a diesel engine. The SQ5 TDI exclusive concept showcases new interior and exterior design solutions and a limited run of only 50 vehicles will be made available to the market, with production due in the first quarter of 2013. Exterior and Interior Styling When the SQ5 TDI exclusive concept goes into limited production next year, it will feature the exclusive Aral Blue crystal effect exterior finish. Like any S model Audi, the exterior mirrors are finished in aluminium and xenon plus headlights and LED Daytime Running Light (DRLs) are fitted as standard. Four exhaust tailpipes dominate the rear-end. The interior incorporates contrasting materials. The multifunction sports steering wheel and gear lever gaiter are finished in black fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching in white, including the centre armrest and dashboard cover. The seats are also covered in fine Nappa leather with white stitching and woven leather is used on the centre section of the seats, a first for a production vehicle. The Alcantara headlining, sunroof blind, inlays and door applications are finished in white. The inlays, with open-pored veneer, are natural grain ash while the door trims and entry sills feature exclusive Audi badges.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class First Impressions

Introduced in 1997, the first Mercedes-Benz M-Class was one of the first mid-size luxury SUVs on the market, a segment that has grown substantially since then and has become very competitive.

The new M-Class is still built in Alabama. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com)

There’s nothing wrong with the current ML. However, rivals like the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Lexus RX and Porsche Cayenne are raising the bar every time a new generation comes around. Has Mercedes succeeded in improving on an already excellent product? Definitely.

What’s plain and simple: the new ML, still built in Alabama, is an extremely comfortable and competent SUV, just like the old one. The suspension is not as firm as in the X5, even when the optional Active Damping System (ADS) is set to the Sport mode. This results in a ride that tackles many types of road surfaces without disrupting the cabin’s serenity. The ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC we drove was the perfect companion for the 5-hour road trip that Mercedes organized for us.

Although the steering is light and precise, it would benefit from a quicker ratio; while it’s fine for normal driving, I found that it required a little too much rowing in the twisty, high-speed portions of our mountainside trek. Still, for the ML’s purpose and character, it’s more of a wish than a complaint.

After the 5-hour drive aboard the BlueTEC version, I jumped into a gas-powered ML 350 and hit the trails. Even without the optional AIRMATIC suspension (bundled with the aforementioned ADS), the ML performed admirably through the off-road route and on the 20-mile stretch of twisty gravel roads. Getting to the summer cottage in the boonies should be a cinch in the M-Class, and Mercedes will even add an off-road package sometime in 2012.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Read More: Luxury Cars, Mercedes-Benz, Reviews, Test Drives

Test Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

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2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Click image to enlarge

Related links More Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG reviews on Autos.ca Manufacturer’s web site Mercedes-Benz Canada

Review and photos by Peter Bleakney

Photo Gallery:
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG may have been the worst choice for our relaxed summer tour of Niagara wine country.

To clarify, this is by no means a slag on Mercedes-Benz’s brilliant reinterpretation of its legendary 1955 300SL Gullwing. In fact, this retro-modern projectile is worth every penny of its $198,000 asking price, in my opinion.

It’s just that my wife, Claire, bless her heart, has a slight aversion to sudden g-forces of the lateral and linear variety; and bellowing V8’s; and heavy right feet. She also has no problem expressing her distaste for hooliganism at the wheel by jabbing said offender in the right shoulder with great swiftness.

Thus my conundrum.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Click image to enlarge

You see, as soon as that gullwing door swung shut I discovered an additional passenger within. That would be the Devil, perched on my left shoulder and goading me towards all kinds of wickedness. “Come on you wimp, plant it! What’s a night on the couch?” It didn’t help that this car was jet black. Temptation, I know thy name.

While the SLS’s party trick is a pair of roof-hinged doors, it’s what lives under that long hood that gives Beelzebub such sway – an AMG-designed, 563-hp 6,208 cc, naturally-aspirated V8 that brings 469 lb.-ft. of torque to the party.

If ever a car could justify its price on sound alone, the SLS AMG might be the one. Pressing the start button on the centre console awakens the hand-built V8, bringing it to an ominous idle. Blip the throttle and the revs jump like there’s no flywheel. From there on it bellows like the hounds of hell, wailing to a metallic 7,250 rpm redline.

But it doesn’t stop here. On overrun, there is a cacophony of burbles, blats and pops spewing from the twin tailpipes that only a conservatively muffled large-displacement bent-eight can provide.

Hell yeah!

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Click image to enlarge

As we burbled our way along the bucolic roads of wine country, I told the devil to shut his cake hole, respected Claire’s wishes (and her left jab) and relied on my memory of past road and track experiences in the SLS AMG to enliven the drive.

Despite its appearance, sound and layout, the 2011 SLS AMG is not an untamed rear-drive beast waiting to bite you at the first opportunity. Sure, it’s not the dynamic equal of a Porsche Turbo S or Audi R8, but its brand of retro-brutish performance is easily accessible. It is neutrally balanced, shows astounding grip and very quick turn in. With the standard limited-slip rear differential, you can put the power down hard and early when exiting corners.

And that long hood is not just for show – the dry-sump V8 is nestled low and well back behind the front wheels. It connects to the new 7-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle (developed in conjunction with Getrag) via a 167 cm carbon-fibre drive shaft. The SLS brags a 48/52 front to rear weight bias.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Click image to enlarge

As might be expected, visibility from within is not great, but the simple cabin is exquisitely crafted with deeply bolstered Nappa leather seats, large rotary vents and silver-faced gauges that hark back to earlier times. This car benefited from a $5,100 extended interior carbon fibre trim package on top of the “regular” $5,000 carbon fibre upgrade. Yikes!

With the optional $1,700 AMG sport suspension, the ride is hardly cosseting, but neither does it punish. The steering is surely accurate, although not as tactile as in the Audi or Porsche.

Claire: “Aww, look at the new-born lambs.”

The Devil: “Hey loser. Here comes a big sweeper. I dare you.”

Me: “Shut up!”

Claire: “Pardon?”

And so it went.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Click image to enlarge

A rotary switch on the centre console gives the driver a choice of four shift maps. Controlled Efficiency (C) is the most relaxed – it starts in second gear – while Sport (S) gives 20 per cent faster shifts with rev-matching on downshifts. Sport Plus (S+) further sharpens shift time and Manual gives complete control over upshifting. There is also an RS (race start) launch control setting.

The ESP (electronic stability control) has three levels: normal, the more lenient sport mode and off. Once you’ve tailored the car to your liking, this dynamic cocktail can be stored and called up via the AMG button.

This tester was fitted with the optional $14,200 carbon ceramic brakes. Yup, you read that right. For track work, these lightweight units make sense, but compared to the standard steel units, they are grabby, harder to modulate and are prone to squeak.

After parking on the main drag in Niagara of the Lake, I popped the doors and started taking pictures. Within minutes it became almost a mob scene. The car was surrounded by gawkers and cell-phone snappers. One girl actually jumped in so her boyfriend could take a picture. Did the Devil make her do it?

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Click image to enlarge

Time for our getaway: I politely shoed them off, and cleared the crowd with a couple of jabs on the happy pedal.

And then, as I approached the on-ramp to the QEW, it happened. My right hand (involuntarily, mind you) reached down and selected Sport Plus. My left hand tickled the paddle and flicked down a trio of gears. My right foot… well, you know.

The SLS squatted for half a beat, the massive rear 295/30ZR20-inch Contis did a quick sidestep and then we bolted like a raging feral beast, powering through in a beautifully defined arc.

The only thing louder than the exhaust was a strange cackling in my left ear.

Pricing: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Base price: $198,000 Options: $37,500 (AMG 19-inch/20-inch 10-spoke forged alloys, $2,800; carbon ceramic brakes, $14,200; interior carbon fibre trim, $5,000; extended interior carbon fibre trim, $5,100, exterior carbon fibre trim, $2,200; carbon fibre engine compartment cover, $6,000; AMG performance steering wheel, $550; AMG sport suspension, $1,700) A/C tax: $100 Freight: $1,995 Price as tested: $237,645

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