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Chris Harris condemns demonization of Porsche Carrera GT in wake of Walker death

When something bad happens, it's easy to resort to scapegoating. At least for some of us, that seems to be exactly what has happened following the tragic death of actor Paul Walker and racer Roger Rodas, who were killed on November 30 in a Porsche Carrera GT. Even though officials have not yet determined the cause of the crash, that isn't stopping many theories from being put for - theories that include blaming the Porsche supercar. Rather predictably, not only is the CGT's difficult nature getting examined, but indeed, the nature of all high-performance cars is being put under the public's microscope, with some wondering what the need for all the power is.
A Google search of "Porsche Carrera GT" will find no shortage of articles about the razor-sharp handling and outright speed of the CGT. Pistonheads' Chris Harris has a different, insightful take on both the Carrera GT and the nature of all fast cars. He reflects on the matter, ironically, en route to drive the successor to the car that killed Walker and Rodas, the 900-horsepower 918 Spyder hybrid supercar.
We think it's well worth a read, as it makes a number of good points about modern high-performance automobiles and the way they're used. Click over and take a look.

Hot Wheels goes Outlaw with Magnus Walker Porsches

Magnus Walker, of Urban Outlaw fame, insists his story is just like that of any kid. But instead of becoming a fireman or an astronaut, Walker's childhood dream was to have a specific car. A Porsche 911 Turbo just like the one he fell in love with at the 1977 Earls Court Motor Show in London, to be exact. Today, he's famous both for having an eye-catching collection of 911s, as well as a compelling story behind them. Walker collaborated with Hot Wheels so a new generation of kids can find their dream, just like he did with that Porsche. Today, Walker and Hot Wheels will unveil the line of diminutive Porsches he helped to create, starting with the company's beginnings: a Porsche 356A. "There was something about this car, the Porsche," Walker told Autoblog last week in his Downtown Los Angeles garage. "You either had the Ferrari Boxer on the wall, a Lamborghini Countach on the wall, or a Porsche Turbo. There was something that attracted me to this car. That dream never went away." Jun Imai, Design Manager at Hot Wheels, said Walker's story and ties to the Porsche name were a match for the maker of toys that are commonly found on a living room rug. "All Hot Wheels cars have a story, just like all the cars in his collection," Imai said. The partnership with Waker, Imai said, is a product of the way Hot Wheels now gauges the pulse of car culture, with inspiration coming from what's parked out on the streets, printed in magazines and being shared on the internet. There was something that attracted me to this car. That dream never went away. "Up until five years ago, we were a V8 muscle car brand," Imai said. "Now it's, 'What is the modern hot rod?' It could be a Porsche or an E30 BMW. Everyone's into something different, so we take that into consideration." Imai said that Walker's collaboration is just that, rather than slapping his name onto a new series of products. "We're not just doing replicas of his car, that's almost obvious and easy," he said. "We thought, let's have him come in, let's have him actually design graphics for the cars where he's an integral process." For Walker, though, the Hot Wheels cars reflect the growing accessibility of car culture. Despite the modern popularity of video games - Magnus made an appearance in the latest Need for Speed game - Walker says the appeal of Hot Wheels spans from the youngest budding enthusiasts to people older than the original 356.

Porsche rolls out new Macan GTS with 360 horsepower [w/video]

Porsche is expanding both its Macan line and its range of GTS models with the launch of the new Macan GTS. The new performance model slots in between the Macan S and Macan Turbo, packing a mightier punch, upgraded equipment, and sportier styling. The enhancements naturally start under the hood, where the Macan GTS packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 good for 360 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. That's 20 more horses than the Macan S but 40 less than the Turbo, driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is a 0-60 time quoted at 5.0 seconds (or 4.8 with the optional Sport Chrono pack) and a top speed of 159 miles per hour. You know, just to stick it to the other German cars that limit themselves to "only" 155. Of course, Porsche didn't just tinker with the engine and leave it at that. Compared to the Macan S, the GTS features a retuned air suspension, recalibrated electronics, ride height lowered by 10 millimeters, and 20-inch wheels with a matte black finish. The interior also benefits from specific sport seats with Alcantara trim, and the new Porsche Communication Management system. There's a new exhaust system and upgraded brakes, as well. The Macan GTS is just the latest such model to join the range, alongside GTS versions of the Boxster, Cayman, 911, Panamera, and Cayenne. While sales of the new Macan GTS start today in its home market, US customers will have to wait until March to place their orders. MSRP is listed at $67,200 (plus destination), pretty evenly splitting the difference between the existing S and Turbo models. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Porsche Macan GTS – Improved Power and Performance Enhanced driving dynamics, enhanced driving fun Atlanta, Georgia. Porsche announces the new Macan GTS. With more power, a reengineered suspension, unique GTS-specific exterior and interior appointments, and new connectivity options, the new Macan GTS provides an enthusiastic driving experience that enhances the current Macan range. Based on the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the Macan S, the Macan GTS incorporates hardware changes and a unique engine calibration to allow the engine to develop 360 hp at 6000 rpm and 369 lb.-ft. of torque between a broad 1650-4000 rpm.