| Three words best describe the 2008 car model year — electronics, power and safety. What’s coming from the each of the major automakers for 2008? Here’s a summary of the models on offer. | |
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Porsche
Porsche’s 911 GT2
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Porsche is debuting its fastest 911 production car ever. The 911 GT2 generates an astounding 530 horsepower from its 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged, boxer, six-cylinder engine.
It’s enough to jettison the lightweight sports car from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds. Top speed, on a racetrack, is 204 mph. Note the previous 911 GT2 “only” had 480 horses.
Other exotic details of this new model are tailpipes and muffler made of titanium, and brake discs made of a carbon fiber/ceramic compound. Price, if you have to ask, is more than $191,000.
Meantime, 2008 brings a 911 Turbo Cabriolet priced at more than $136,000. The 2+2, all-wheel-drive sports car uses the same 480-horsepower, 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged, boxer, inline six cylinder that’s in the 911 Turbo Coupe.
But the new Cabrio includes a fabric top that can go up or down in less than 20 seconds, even if the car is traveling nearly 30 mph.
And in March, look for the first Porsche Cayenne SUV in the United States with a manual transmission. The new Cayenne GTS, offering a six-speed manual, also will feature a lowered suspension with the Active Suspension Management system used on Porsche’s sports cars, and a higher-power V-8 than what’s in other Cayennes.
Check out the Porsche models that DFW Elite Auto Rental has or join the Car Club to drive one of many high end luxury or exotic cars. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20889740/?pg=14#New_cars_2008_070914