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Three years after the first Cayman GT4 Clubsport was revealed the successor is being unveiled, the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport represents the next step in the evolution of the model. For the first time, two versions of the near-standard mid-engine racer will be available, with the 'Trackday' model for ambitious amateur racers and the 'Competition' variant for national and international motor racing. At the forefront of the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport鈥檚 development is the focus on improved driveability and faster lap times but also on the sustainable use of raw materials: enter the natural-fibre composite material. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is the first production race car to feature the body parts. The driver and co-driver doors, as well as the rear wing, are made of an organic fibre mix sourced primarily from agricultural by-products such as flax or hemp fibres. They feature similar properties to carbon fibre in terms of weight and stiffness.
Under the hood of the 718 GT4 Clubsport resides a 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 313kW at 7500rpm and 425Nm at 6600rpm which is transferred to the rear wheels via a Porsche six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. There鈥檚 also a mechanical rear axle differential lock. Pulling all that horse-power to a halt is a racing brake system featuring steel brake discs all round which measure 380 millimetres in diameter. Other racing features include a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness. Trackday' versions are geared towards an amateur driver looking to take part in a private track or clubsport events without major effort and outlay. This variant features a fixed shock absorber setup, air-conditioning system, a rescue hatch in the roof, a handheld fire-extinguisher and an 80-litre FT3 safety fuel cell. The ABS, ESC and traction control assistance systems ensure forgiving handling at the limit and can also be deactivated if desired. Both versions are available to order immediately with deliveries beginning from February. 254,000 Aussie) before on-road costs.
The Cayenne hybrid, which will use a 34kW electric motor, is expected to be launched sometime this year or early next year. The Panamera hybrid will be introduced around 2010. The same technology in the Cayenne hybrid will be used in the Panamera version. Since its founding in the 1930s, Porsche has become an icon in the automobile industry today. Its products are highly acclaimed even by its rivals. The company is now a leader in the industry. Porsche is now doing consultancy services to some of its competitors including Harley-Davidson, Daewoo and Subaru. These companies seek the services of Porsche in developing and designing their own models. Recently, the Stuttgart, a Germany-based carmaker increased its stake in Volkswagen A.G., another popular German car manufacturer especially popular with contract hire users. It now owns around 30% of shares in Volkswagen, although observers are saying the company may have owned more. German laws do not allow a stockholder to own more than 30% of shares in Volkswagen. Porsche is determined to take over control of the Volkswagen firm. It is interesting to note, meanwhile, that Porsche founder Ferdinand Porsche created the first Volkswagen car. He designed the Type 32 model, the predecessor of the Volkswagen Beetle.
The fourth generation Nissan 300zx hit the U.S. Since its nationwide drop, car enthusiasts have been fascinated by this wondrous machine. Not only has it gained the attention of sport car drivers all over the world, but it has also garnished more awards than most cars have ever dreamed of seeing. 300ZX should definitely have been featured in The Fast and The Furious Series, as the fastest car. Topping out at 280 mph, the 300ZX holds the land speed record, awarded at the 1991 Bonneville Speed Trial. The Z32 could reach 60 mph, easily in just under 6 seconds! The Fairlady Z easily made the Chevy Corvette, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Mazda RX-7, Dodge Viper, Toyota Supra and Porsche 968 shutter in fear at the thought of racing against it. But racing awards are not the only titles that the 300ZX holds under its hood. In 1990, the first year of the fourth generation, Motor Trend named the 300ZX "The Import Car of the Year" and "One of the Top Ten Performance Cars". Further, the Z32 was placed on Automobile Magazine's "All-Star" list, and honored with "Design of the Year" by the same forum.
That same year, Road & Track and Car and Driver called the 300ZX "One of the Ten Best Cars in the World". Many cars gain these distinctions in their first year, and then quickly lose their popularity and fan base. For seven straight years, from 1990-1996, Car and Driver awarded the 300ZX "One of the Ten Best Cars", and for five years, from 1990-1994, it was on Automobile Magazine's "All-Star" list! The reputation of the Z32 is virtually unheard-of! Even after Nissan stopped importing the Fairlady Z to the United States, it continued to win awards. The question remains, will the 300ZX continue to win awards? The answer is a resounding, YES! People are modifying and accessorizing the Z32, so that it will continue to be faster, sleeker and more appealing. ZX continuing to excel at races and drifting challenges. Commerce sites that offer every possible thing for every possible vehicle. However, when I buy aftermarket parts and accessories, I want to buy them from someone who loves and respects the Fairlady Z as much as I do!