2009 Porsche Cayenne Gts Sport Utility 4-door 4.8l on 2040-cars

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Porsche reviving 718 name for new Boxster and Cayman

The next-generation Boxster and Cayman are coming next year, and when they launch, they'll have a new name: 718. There's historical significance there – in 1957, Porsche launched the 718 racecar with a mid-mounted, four-cylinder engine. And when the new Boxster and Cayman come to market, they'll be powered by a new turbocharged, flat-four engine, mounted amidships just like in the current cars. That powertrain isn't a surprise, but the name change certainly is. Officially, the cars will be called 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, and Porsche says the two models "will share more similarities than ever before," both visually and mechanically. What's more, Porsche confirms the 718 Boxster will carry a higher price tag than the 718 Cayman, which is a switch from the company's current pricing strategy – right now, a base Cayman costs $500 more than a standard Boxster. Technical details haven't been confirmed yet, but an earlier report suggests the 2.0-liter flat-four will produce 240 horsepower in the base cars and 300 hp in the S models. GTS versions are tipped to produce as much as 370 hp from this same flat-four engine. Both 718 models will be unveiled throughout the course of 2016. Have a look below for Porsche's official statement. Related Video: Boxster and Cayman to be branded as 718 model range next yearPorsche's mid-engine sports cars to receive new name Atlanta, Georgia. The mid-engine sports cars from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG will be named 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, respectively, when the models are introduced over the course of 2016. The 718 designation is a reference to the ground-breaking sports car Porsche introduced back in 1957, which achieved great success in a number of renowned car races. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will share more similarities than ever before – both visually and technically. In the future, both will have equally powerful turbocharged flat-four cylinder engines. The Roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupe – as is the case with the 911 models. The 718 model range is driven by the four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. The latest example is the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, which is powered by a highly-efficient, turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine.

There's a Porsche Cayman under here somewhere

What we have here is the work of Dubai tuner Royal Customs that is controversial even beyond its styling. The Middle East aftermarket house says it spent fourteen months developing a bodykit for the Porsche Cayman, and the results seem to be aimed at those who wish their coupe were a 918 Spyder - the nose, strake-filled and widened rear fender, carbon fiber wing and massive diffuser all cribbing some from Stuttgart's new hybrid supercar.
Even without a buyer, the Alpha One Concept is already controversial. When WorldCarFans posted on the Royal Customs car recently, German tuner Alpha-N Performance wrote in alleging that the Dubai package copies their design from two years ago, which was also called the Alpha One, a design with which it's clear the Dubai Alpha One shares numerous cues. We asked Royal Customs about its relationship to the Alpha One car, we were told, "Yes, there is a lot we can say about the remarkable similarities all of which will be explained by our press release by Mr. Emil from Autogespot. Please wait for the official release and you will have the full exciting story. It's an 'actual success story' and not a 'replication' story."
The response is referring to an "extensive report" on the car coming out of Autogespot. Royal Customs doesn't have the Alpha One Concept on its site yet, so we're still missing quite a few details on it, such as whether the Porsche engine has been given a similarly 918-ish workover. We do know that the company says each car takes 30 days to build and it will only build three of them, which is a number that should satisfy any haters and, even more so, its buyers. You can decide which side of the fence you're on by having a close look at it in the gallery above.

Evo sets up duel of Porsche 911s

What's better, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive? That question has occupied auto enthusiasts for years, and so far, we've not really had a solid answer one way or the other. Evo has opted to take another whack at this tough question by pairing a pair of Porsche 911s against each other for a track battle.
In one corner, we have the two-wheel-drive 911 Carrera S, complete with the lickity-split PDK transmission, a sports suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes. In the other corner, it's the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4S in a much mellower spec, with a seven-speed manual, as well as standard brakes and suspension. While the results seem like they'd be a foregone conclusion, some very British weather is there to act as the great equalizer.
We've got the full video down below. Have a look, and let us know if you agree with Evo's results.