The underpinnings of the 2019 model are tweaked from the 991.1, albeit with similar hardware. Rear-wheel steering makes a return with marginal adjustments for increased performance and Porsche's full suite of active suspension tech makes it increasingly quicker than the previous generation. Both of these features are standard, as are active engine mounts and a fully variable electronic rear diff. All of this trick equipment's effectiveness is transferred to the track via 21-inch by 12.5-inch rear wheels wrapped in massively-wide 325/30 tires. The fronts are staggered to 20-inch by 9.5-inch with 265/35 rubbers, covering the 380-millimeter brakes at all four corners. An all-around upsize is available with Porsche's Ceramic Composite Brake system which offers 410-millimeter front brakes and 390-millimeter rears. Collectively, all of these features are wrapped in extreme aero that helps the RS produce twice the downforce of the current GT3 at 124 miles per hour. The Porsche's front end and hood display the most obvious changes for this model year with NACA ducts incorporated into the design to promote quicker, more efficient brake cooling. The familiar front splitter and wheel arch vents also make a comeback, allowing for better aerodynamic properties where it matters most. A delectable assortment of materials makes up the GT3 RS' body panels including ultra lightweight polyurethane front and rear fascias, a carbon fiber decklid, and magnesium roof. These bits and pieces help shave overall weight to around 3,200 pounds in standard trim.
5460 Sport package that bundles an active sport exhaust, black tailpipes, the Sport Chrono package, and the sport suspension. Thus configured into the sportiest roofless 911鈥攆or the moment, at least鈥攖he cabriolet handily outran the general feeling of bigness you get in towns and parking lots and left us with a deep appreciation for its massive grip. Updated with new plumbing on both sides of the combustion chambers, the twin-turbo flat-six shrugs off the extra 160 pounds spread through the new car. That said, squeezing 443 horsepower from a modest 3.0 liters means a whiff of turbo lag is inevitable in the right鈥攅r, wrong鈥攕ituations. Porsche points out that the torque curve is more linear than in the outgoing Carrera S, which is a clever way of saying that the torque peak now arrives 600 rpm later. Granted, that peak is 22 lb-ft taller, plateauing at 390 lb-ft between 2300 and 5000 rpm. The PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, now with eight forward gears, continues to be the perfect partner, strategizing and executing shifts with terse Germanic efficiency. A seven-speed manual will join the range eventually, but not until Porsche clears it through Europe's increasingly onerous homologation process. 134,650, respectively. That's a largely theoretical price, of course, as you're unlikely to make out with a 911 wearing anything less than five figures in optional equipment. 50,000 in options, pushing it beyond the 540-hp 911 Turbo's starting price. Those who can will pay those kinds of prices鈥攁nd they should, because there's nothing else like it.
This week's top tech stories feature Facebook, Slack, and Apple. You might think our third contributor has lost his mind. How Many Vehicles Will Tesla Deliver in Q2? Expect huge growth both sequentially and year over year. Tesla bears dominated the headlines yesterday. Today, the bulls got a chance to weigh in. Demand concerns once again take the spotlight. The new week got off to a good start for the market overall. Is a short squeeze in the works? Fewer tariffs are bad for some in the solar industry. Where Will Tesla Be in 1 Year? The top electric-car maker's CEO has some lofty dreams. Have People Stopped Listening to Elon Musk? Tesla鈥檚 founder made quite a few interesting predictions at Tuesday鈥檚 shareholder meeting, but based on the stock's reaction, investors aren鈥檛 taking him at his word. The news fairy never rests with Tesla. Here鈥檚 what鈥檚 been going on the last few months, and what it means for Tesla鈥檚 long-term future.
What Should Investors Think About Tesla's Panasonic Pause? The two companies are freezing plans to expand the Nevada Gigafactory. Should investors be worried? What Will Buffett Buy Next? Warren Buffett is getting hungry for an elephant-sized acquisition. Our analysts speculate on what that might be. Reading between the lines of the Tesla news circus reveals a very different story than the one Elon Musk puts out. With EVs gaining ground, demand for batteries is building, and companies on top of that wave are going to soar. Reading between the lines of the electric car maker鈥檚 short-term chaos hints at an unpleasant long-term story. The electric car innovator finally hit its 5,000 Model S vehicles a week production target 鈥?but the underlying story is more complex. Also, catch up on big news from Harley-Davidson, GE, SpaceX and more. Not in a good way, though. Meanwhile, Spotify and Fitbit delivered lackluster results.
What on Earth Is Tesla Doing? Elon Musk seems to have the ability to spin anything into gold, but how many more delays will institutional investors put up with? Tesla has put another quarter on the books, and what a remarkably Tesla-like quarter it was -- for better and for worse. Is a short squeeze in the works? The electric car company attracted lots of negative analyst commentary after it slashed car prices and announced a "hardcore" cost-cutting effort. Two analysts think Tesla stock is a buy. The electric-car maker is reportedly aiming to deliver 33,000 vehicles or more in North America alone during the final month of Q2. Some investors may believe the electric-car maker's stock has been oversold. Shares are down again as one analyst slashes his price target for the electric-car company's stock. Is yet another cost-cutting initiative a sign of trouble for the automaker? Shares of the electric-car company slid around 6% Monday morning. Here's what you should know.