2001 Porsche 911 Turbo on 2040-cars

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Porsche's Mauer recalls the history of the 918 Spyder, hints about next-gen 911

The night before Porsche handed me the keys to its 2015 Macan to drive on both road and track, the company threw together a great dinner for the assembled media in Leipzig. Hosted in Porsche's spaceship-shaped customer delivery center in the eastern German town, I'll admit that I spent the bulk of my night grabbing hors d'oeuvres from passing waiters (they do a nice tuna sashimi), milling around a collection of historic and interesting vehicles on the top floor and gulping down Warsteiner.
In an era of mega car companies, the story of how the 918 came to be was really refreshing.
Before the evening was over, however, Porsche design chief Michael Mauer stopped by my table to exchange pleasantries and thank us all for coming out to drive the Macan. My fellow diners and I passed a pleasant half-hour or more picking the brain of the forthcoming Mauer, and somehow or another, the topic turned to Porsche's newest supercar, the 918 Spyder. In an era of mega car companies (the Volkswagen Group included) and massive development teams, the story of how the 918 came to be is really refreshing.

Porsche updates Macan range to match new GTS

Porsche just rolled out the new Macan GTS, packing a number of enhancements and updates. But while some of those revisions remain limited to that specific model, others are being shared across the Macan range. Chief among the updates to the Macan is the new Porsche Communication System, which was introduced on the latest 911 variants, then on the Macan GTS, and now on the rest of the small crossover lineup. The system centers around a seven-inch touchscreen display and integrates onboard wifi, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity, and a new 3D navigation interface. The revised Macan can also be had with full dynamic LED headlights instead of the bi-xenon units. Finally, Porsche is also offering some new accessories for the Macan Turbo, including new interior and exterior packages, as pictured in the gallery above. There are new 21-inch wheels, trim pieces, and smoked rear lights for the outside, and Alcantara trim and other special touches for the cabin as well. The updates and packages are being rolled out initially in Porsche's home market, but should be arriving Stateside as well in due course. Exclusive exterior and interior packages for the Macan Turbo More functionality and individuality for the Porsche Macan Stuttgart. Porsche is significantly upgrading the Macan. To coincide with the world premiere of the Macan GTS at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, the new model year of the compact SUV is also receiving enhanced infotainment and comfort features. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) now comes in the Macan as well. Just a short while ago, the system celebrated its debut in the 911. Highlights are real-time route navigation, simplified operation and an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. Porsche is also offering new full-LED headlights as an option for all models of the sporty SUV. Greater comfort and functionality are augmented by a bonus in sportiness. A re-engineered steering controller provides a more direct handling experience and improved contact with the road. Extended exterior and interior packages are available as options exclusively for the Macan Turbo. Now customers can introduce even more individual styling to their vehicle. The new PCM generation: easier operation and improved connectivity The centrepiece of the infotainment system that comes as standard in all Macan models is the new, high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen. The redesigned user interface employs intuitive operation, similar to that of a smartphone.

Jaguar F-Type pitted against Porsche 911 Cabriolet by Tiff Needell

You knew it wouldn't take long and it looks like EVO is first onto YouTube with a battle between the 2014 Jaguar F-Type and the 2013 Porsche 911. Tiff Needell spends a few laps warming up the tires (read: drifting like mad) in each droptop before getting in a timed run to see who's champion and who's second best.
Before the bell rings, its the Porsche that's got everything to lose, the 50-year-old era-defining sportscar getting on with a 3.4-liter flat-six, 350 horsepower, a seven-speed manual and a 3,197-pound curb weight. Other sportscars, like the F-Type, continue to eye the 911 like a flag atop Everest that they plan to first touch, and then rip from its socket. The mid-trim Jaguar rolls into the contest with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 380 hp, an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a curb weight of 3,521 pounds.
The video below shows you what happens when you let all those numbers fight it out on the same stretch of curvy track. Check it out.