The Porsche Boxster has been around for about 15 years and has only seen two generations and a facelift in 2008. Luckily for the guys over at Porsche, the mid-engined roadster is doing fine without the extra renovations. For 2011, the Boxster isn’t coming at us with extra packages or additional bells and whistles, but it is arriving in style with its usual sleek and unique exterior, and its good ol’ faithful 2.9L six cylinder Boxer engine.
The Porsche Boxster doesn’t really scream incredible speed with a power output of 255hp at 6,400rpm and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s 0-60mph sprint of 5.6 seconds isn’t the best time for sports cars in this class and its 163mph isn’t the best either. What is cool about this engine setup is the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) which can minimize these performance numbers and provide a more comfortable ride.
Pricing for the 2011 Porsche Boxster starts off at a reasonable $47,600 for the base model which comes with the standard six-speed transmission. Add the seven-speed PDK gearbox and that price jumps up to $51,020. And then there’s the addition of a few "extras" that could jet propel this price to a not-so-comfortable, underwear up the butt kind of feeling.
Hit the jump to get the good, the bad, and the oooh about the 2011 Porsche Boxster.
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Ford keeps on winning with its Mustang and will be introducing several new models into the lineup. In a way, Ford has been very careful with its brand and taken every precaution before introducing a classic name such as the BOSS 302.
The original Mustangs were available in several different styles throughout their run and some of the most famous are the Shelby, BOSS, and Bullit versions. When Ford introduced this newest Mustang architecture, it too was available in Shelby GT500 spec and commanded quite a bit of respect around a race track.
For 2012, Ford has given official details about the BOSS 302 version that will be bringing an even more track-oriented experience to the table.
The original BOSS 302 was built for the Trans-am race series and featured a more stripped down version of the body and a 4.9-liter V8 complete with shaker hood. The new model will use the basic 5.0-liter V8 from the GT model, but has been upgraded significantly to deliver high levels of performance.
UPDATE 01/23/2012: Since Ford has yet to reveal any serious details from the testings performed on the new Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, Sport-Auto Magazine took it upon themselves to run a performance test on the car at Hockenheim. Turns out, the Mustang has better braking performance than the Porsche 991 and is faster than the Aston Martin DBS, Audi R8, Ferrari California, and BMW M3 in Hockenheim.
The video, shown past the jump, starts off with burning rubber and a couple of drifts as a warmup, but then it moves on to showing the car in action on the race track. The Mustang’s potent 302 cubic-inch 5.0-liter V8 shreds through its 444hp, killing the vehicles listed above, but failing to outdo the BMW M5 F10.
Hit the jump for more details on the 2012 Ford Mustang BOSS 302.
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After being officially revealed for the 2010 model year, the Acura ZDX enters the 2011 model year offering the same level of luxury and performance. The 2011 ZDX will be offered in three trim levels: ZDX ($45,645), ZDX with Technology Package ($50,145), and ZDX with Advance Package ($56,195).
Designed as a competitor for the BMW X6, the ZDX features exquisite design elements consisting of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles, and bold fender flares. It is powered by a V6 engine that delivers 300 HP and comes standard with a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission.
"The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It combines the best attributes of a coupe, a sedan and a sport utility – all wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package – that will attract an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Acura ZDX.
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The Acura RL entered production in 1996 after Honda took their Legend model and slapped on the Acura badge. Since then, fourteen year have gone by and only two automotive generations have passed. Still in it’s second generation, the Acura RL is getting some new features for the 2011 model year coming in three different trim levels: RL, RL with Technology Package, and RL with Advance Package.
For starters, the 2011 Acura RL is dumping its "Double Power Plenum Grille for a newly designed front end and getting plenty of technology to make the drive a bit easier. The inside of the sedan also sees some changes with a new interior color (Sea Coast) and a new Dark Burlwood textured trim.
Power updates are non-existent, so expect to get the same V6 engine from last year that produces 300hp. However, the RL is getting a new all-sequential SportShift six-speed transmission that allows the sedan to boost its fuel economy from 16/22 to 17/24.
"The RL continues to set the benchmark for the innovative use of customer-relevant technology," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "There aren’t many production cars at any price that offer more advanced technology or drive system sophistication."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Acura RL.
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The Lexus GS has been around for 19 years, but before the fourth generation closes on the luxury sedan, the GS will enter the 2011 model year with a standard Smart Stop Technology as an additional measure of consumer confidence. Customers will have to choose from two different models: the GS 350 priced at $46,000 and the GS 460 priced at $54,470. After this year, the LexusGS will be entering its fifth generation in 2012 so we expect to see many changes for the 2012 model.
The GS 350 is powered by a V6 engine that is mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, while the GS 460 gets a more powerful V8 mated to an eight-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. Both models come with RWD, but the 350 also sees an AWD version. Will a couple of key German models have reason to fear this luxury sedan?
Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Lexus GS.
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