2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4s on 2040-cars

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Porsche Macan Turbo gets a Performance Pack, because more power is better

The entire Porsche Macan lineup is turbocharged, but the Turbo (with a capital T) is the fastest, most powerful model. And now, thanks to a new Performance Package, the Macan Turbo solidifies its role as the benchmark. With the package, the Macan Turbo's twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 gets bumped up to 440 horsepower (40 horsepower more) and 442 pound-feet of torque (an increase of 36 pound-feet). The increase results in a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the regular Macan Turbo, and a higher top speed of 169 mph, up five mph. The Macan Turbo was already quicker than its competition, but the new pack increases the performance gap between the Audi SQ5, Mercedes-AMG GLC43, and BMW X3. Opting for the Macan Turbo with the Performance Package also adds a lower suspension, upgraded brakes, and the makes the Sport Chrono Package equipment standard. The Performance Pack also adds more options, including 21-inch wheels similar to the Porsche 911 Turbo's, LED headlights, and various trim that can be finished in black. The interior also gets a sportier touch with the addition of Alcantara touches and carbon-fiber pieces. The Macan Turbo with Performance Package is available now for $87,495 – or $10,445 more than a base Macan Turbo. As we said in our first drive of the Macan Turbo, it's an impressive machine. So while the Performance Package makes it even better, that's a lot of money for a slight increase in performance. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Porsche Macan Turbo with Performance Package News Source: PorscheImage Credit: Porsche Porsche Crossover SUV Luxury Performance porsche macan porsche macan turbo

J.D. Power study identifies top seats for your tush

File under News your fanny can use: The seating systems in the Ford Escape and Edge, the Audi A3, Chevrolet Cruze, Kia Cadenza, Porsche Cayenne and Toyota Tundra received top marks in a new J.D. Power study on seating and seat belt quality and satisfaction. The J.D. Power 2017 Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study asked more than 77,000 new owners and lessees of 2017 model-year cars and light trucks to rate their vehicle's seats and seat belts within the first 90 days of taking ownership. The survey is broken up into seven vehicle segments and scored on total seat problems per 100 within each segment, with awards presented to the seating system supplier. Canadian auto supplier Magna won three of seven first-place awards for its seating systems in the A3, Escape and Edge. Ireland-based Adient got top marks for its seats in the Cadenza and Cayenne. Lear Corp. won for the Cruze, and Avanzar Interior Technologies scored highest for seats in the Tundra. J.D. Power says its study is intended for automakers and suppliers with quality and satisfaction information to be used in developing and marketing seating systems. "But the results are just as interesting to a consumer audience," the company says. "After all, some drivers spend a considerable amount of time behind the wheel, and it's helpful to know which vehicles offer the most comfortable seats for those long commutes." Ain't that the truth. Ford was the only automaker whose seat systems, both manufactured by Magna, received top honors in two segments: the Escape for mass-market compact SUV and the Edge for mass-market midsize/large SUV. J.D. Power says it used 22 attributes to measure seat quality, three measures of seat belt quality and 12 to measure satisfaction. Awards were presented to the seating suppliers. Related Video: Image Credit: Audi Auto News Design/Style Audi Chevrolet Ford Kia Porsche Toyota Safety JD Power seats

Lightspeed Classic 911 rocks out with its sprockets out

Singer does a pretty damn good job re-imagining the Porsche 911, but the faithful will aptly tell you that it's not the only name in the business. Munich-based Autoaktiv Motorsport also does a pretty compelling rendition of the classic German sports car. It's called the Lightspeed Classic, and this video clip casts it in light as good as we've ever seen. The brainchild of former Porsche engineer Ralf Skatulla, the Lightspeed Classic is based on the 964 but upgrades some key components while keeping the classic style. Power comes from a 3.8-liter flat-six from the 964 RS (albeit rebuilt with titanium components) that's been retuned to deliver 340 horsepower. It's got the gearbox from a 996 Turbo, the clutch from a 997 GT3 RS, and the brakes from a 996 GT3 Cup, along with Michelin Pilot Sport rubber coating a set of Fuchs-style BBS alloys. The result, as you can see, is lovely. Especially with Tim Schrick behind the wheel. The German racing driver is also a television personality, co-hosting D Motor – Germany's equivalent to Top Gear – alongside Sabine Schmitz and Carsten van Ryssen. Which is all well and fine, but what you really want to do is scope out the footage for yourself. If you dig Porsches (or even if you don't), it'll probably be the best 49 seconds you'll spend all day. Related Video: