Will it be the last naturally aspirated 718 Boxster? Whenever the end is near for the current generation Porsche 718 Boxster, the German automaker goes all out with the last variant of the popular roadster, the Spyder. Likely to arrive sometime this summer, the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is currently undergoing final testing, evidenced only a few weeks ago by spy shots featuring a lightly camouflaged advanced prototype. It was immediately evident this was the Spyder thanks to its tent-like soft top, a trademark feature limited solely to this hardcore variant. Although Porsche, like it always is regarding future models, has been mum on details, we鈥檝e managed to learn quite a bit about what could be the final naturally aspirated 718 Boxster (formerly known as just 鈥楤oxster鈥?. Power is expected to come from the very same 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six found in the 911 GT3, though it鈥檒l be detuned from the latter鈥檚 500 hp to around 425-450 hp, give or take. Power will be directed to the rear wheels only through either a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. Those seeking to optimize track performance are recommended to go with the latter gearbox option.
An ideal (or close to it) 50:50 weight distribution is all but guaranteed. One of the other key obstacles engineers had to overcome was weight. As is the case with all convertibles, slicing off the roof, believe it or not, increases weight because of necessary structural additions needed for rigidity. And because the Boxster Spyder has always been the lightest of the current generation, specific weight-saving changes are needed. For starters, the electric folding top is swapped out in favor of that aforementioned 鈥渢ent top鈥? Without the mechanism needed for the automatic soft top, a couple hundred pounds is eliminated right there. Features like sound-deadening materials, air conditioning and a radio will also be removed, although the latter two could be options. Porsche is so hardcore about shaving weight that as it's done in the past, removed the traditional (metal) interior door handles, in favor of nylon-like handles. As far as the exterior goes and aside from the unique top, previous spy shots clearly show a new rear diffuser and the rear pair of 鈥渉umps鈥? A set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires will be standard to further provide the best-handling driving experience possible. Although we expect Porsche to reveal the new 718 Boxster Spyder sometime this summer online, it likely won鈥檛 make its live debut until early October at the Paris Motor Show.
While we previously reported on the upcoming Porsche 4-door due out next year, the German manufacturer has released the first photos of the sedan. As expected, from seeing the various spy photos scattered about the Internet, the Panamera is not something we will categorize in the drop-dead beauty department. While it does have a strong family resemblance through its design language, will this be enough to give it the street presence required of such a lofty price tag? The pictures we see certainly don鈥檛 flatter, but take a look at this video and see if it changes your perspective. We feel this may indicate a better looking car in person. In the category of updates, Porsche is trickling down new technology developed for the 997 refresh to its Boxster and Cayman models. The most notable improvements are more powerful and more fuel efficient engines, along with the new PDK dual-clutch transmissions. Some minor exterior updates have been implemented as well. The sum of these changes makes Porsche's entry-level offerings that much more desirable.
Two highly exclusive race cars have been added to the portfolio of ALL TIME STARS, Mercedes-Benz Classic鈥檚 marketplace for classic vehicles. The Formula 1 MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 W04 race car is the car in which Lewis Hamilton won the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix and secured three other podium places. The AMG-Mercedes C-Class touring car (W 203) is part of the generation of DTM vehicles in use between 2004 and 2007, vehicles which earned AMG-Mercedes two driver鈥檚 championships and two brand championships. One-off vehicles and examples of very small series are generally reserved for the company鈥檚 own collection. However, the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection already contains more than one example of both of these cars. That鈥檚 why ALL TIME STARS is now opening up these motor racing gems to the market. In doing so, the Mercedes-Benz Classic marketplace is responding to strong demand from top international collections for exclusive items such as these.