Tag: Roadster

IN THE NEWS: Porsche Boxster Spyder Premiers in New York

April 1, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Atlanta. Porsche is highlighting the 2015 convertible season by celebrating the world premiere of the new Boxster Spyder. This pure sports car will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show. The new top model of the Boxster range retains the unique and unmistakable character of the previous Spyder, which has already attained cult status. For example, the classic roadster top is still opened and closed by hand, and the Boxster Spyder is only available with a manual transmission, benefiting both weight savings and driver enjoyment.

Staying true to roadster DNA, the Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports-car driving experience combined with truly exceptional performance. This includes a firm sport suspension with a 20-mm lower ride height, brakes taken from the 911 Carrera S, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with an output of 375 hp, culminating in a genuine sports car experience with outstanding driving dynamics. It is the lightest model of the current Boxster line, and the most powerful Boxster to date. Taking only 4.3 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph, the Boxster Spyder has a top track speed of 180 mph.

The distinctive design of the Boxster Spyder includes stylistic elements reminiscent of legendary sports and race cars from Porsche. Two prominent streamliners that extend down along the sweeping rear lid behind the headrests pay tribute to the 718 Spyder from the 1960s. The manually operated, lightweight top is suitable for everyday use with an electric clasp, while bringing to mind roadsters from the past. The fins that stretch back from the top to the rear lend the vehicle’s silhouette its characteristic design. The front and rear fascia’s also are unique to the Boxster Spyder, and an air outlet is located in front of the forward luggage compartment.

More so than in any other Boxster, the interior of the new Spyder creates an atmosphere that elicits a feeling of pure driving pleasure. The driver and passenger sit in standard Sport Seats Plus, while the new steering wheel with a diameter of 360 mm (compared to 370 mm in other Boxster models) helps ensure the mid-engine roadster can be driven precisely and with great agility.

In line with the model’s traditional roadster character, neither a radio nor an air conditioner is included as standard equipment in order to reduce weight. However, both can be ordered as optional equipment at no cost. Furthermore, the entire range of Boxster audio systems is available for customers to choose from as an option, including the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with navigation.

The new Boxster Spyder will be launched in the U.S. market in October and can now be ordered at dealerships. In the United States, the MSRP is $82,100, not including a $995 destination charge.

IN THE NEWS: Aston Martin Takes the Covers off V12 Vantage Roadster

July 16, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Aston Martin is opening up a new world of exhilarating driving excitement with the announcement of the hotly anticipated 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster.

When it arrives in markets around the world later this year the new sports car will become the luxury British marque’s most potent, fastest and fastest-accelerating series production roadster to date and follows in the broad tyre tracks of the V12 Vantage S Coupe that was launched to worldwide acclaim in 2013.

Providing the most visceral yet engaging open-top experience in Aston Martin’s current range, the new V12 Vantage S Roadster delivers characteristic sporting agility underpinned by an enviable sports ‘soundtrack’ generated by its naturally aspirated V12 engine and expertly-tuned sports exhaust.

Equipped with the latest 565 bhp Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring state-of-the-art Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 201 mph and sprinting from rest to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds.

Peak and low rev torque is delivered in abundance. With 457 lb ft available at 5,750 rpm the V12 Vantage S Roadster is not to be found wanting in this vital department. Crucially, too, low rev torque – measured at just 1,000 rpm – peaks at a colossal 376 lb ft. Together, these statistics demonstrate the Aston Martin engineers’ ability to create a ‘flatter’, yet ‘fatter’, torque curve which supports exceptional driveability and strong pick-up through the gears.

Aston Martin Director of Design, Marek Reichman, said: “The V12 Vantage S Roadster is the mechanical embodiment of this company’s exceptional spirit.

“Beautiful, powerful and spirited it is as spectacular to listen to as it is to look at. The new roadster is truly a treat for the senses with, underlying all this, the capacity to deliver one of the most dynamic, exciting and stirring driving experiences in our current range.

“I’m sure the V12 Vantage S Roadster will appeal to luxury sports car enthusiasts worldwide who want to add a truly exceptional new model to their garage.”

Race car technology

As with its coupe sibling, race car technology runs right through the DNA of the V12 Vantage S Roadster with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

Another clear example is the new car’s gearbox, the Sportshift™III ASM (auto-shift manual) transmission. Engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the latest generation Sportshift™III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery. The unit, which replaces the six-speed manual gearbox found in the previous V12 Vantage Roadster, is also appreciably lighter – saving 44 lb versus its forebear.

This race-derived and motorsport-proven technology – used routinely in Aston Martin Racing’s race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars – provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The Sportshift™III transaxle, from transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport and track-focused developments that ensure the V12 Vantage S Roadster is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated engine.

The use of three-stage adaptive damping, allied to three-stage DSC and two-stage ABS, allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver’s requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended chassis capabilities is a ‘Sport’ mode, controlled via a button on the centre console that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver’s requirements.

Optimum braking performance is delivered via the specially-created carbon ceramic discs all round, with near-identical brakes appearing on the brands ultimate GT, the Vanquish. Meanwhile a whole new exhaust system – derived from that of Aston Martin’s most expensive and exclusive production model, the One-77 hypercar – is light, small and wonderfully sonorous.

The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering offers a quick, slick, 15:1 ratio and, linked to the adaptive damping button, it offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the ‘Sport’ or ‘Normal’ settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

Pure power, beautifully presented

As Aston Martin’s most overtly sporting convertible car, with a more dynamic character even than the luxurious Vanquish Volante ultimate GT or refined DB9 Volante, the V12 Vantage S Roadster has been styled to reflect is position as the flagship convertible in the Vantage family.

In keeping with the V12 Vantage S Coupe, the Roadster does away with the famous aluminium vanes in the Aston Martin grille – replacing them with a carbon fibre arrangement that also includes sporty black or titanium silver mesh. Created to maximise airflow to the V12 engine, the new grille is inspired by both the remarkable CC100 Speedster Concept and the Vantage race cars.

Other distinguishing features of the V12 Vantage S Roadster include the option of lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels.

The new Roadster retains the same compact proportions of its predecessor while features such as the pronounced bonnet louvres, optional bold graphics (painted carbon front grille, front grille lipstick and tailgate panel) as well as the exterior carbon pack and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting abilities.

Inside, as out, the new car has been styled to reflect its powerful nature. New-style seat trim and door trims, with Sport and carbon fibre Lightweight seat options – present V12 Vantage S Roadster buyers with an exciting array of choices.

The optional Interior Carbon Pack, which adds carbon fibre to the car’s facia and door pulls, plus the availability for the first time in a V12 Vantage S Roadster of black pedals, further enhances personalisation options for those in search of a truly bespoke sports car.

Q by Aston Martin

Meanwhile,For V12 Vantage S Roadster, the company is introducing a Q by Aston Martin Collection which consists of bespoke features that are entirely in keeping with the character of the car.

For V12 Vantage S Roadster this includes a palette of bold exterior and interior colours; body coloured carbon bonnet louvres; a red tint or satin finish to the carbon fibre elements on the exterior and interior of the car; a full carbon fibre centre console, black anodised and machined rotary controls and a steering wheel with a leather on-centre stripe in the chosen interior accent colour.

Marek Reichman added: “The new V12 Vantage S Roadster not only looks the part, but has been engineered and built to showcase the ethos of Aston Martin: power, beauty and soul.

“We believe that it is a truly exceptional sports car, with the capacity to set pulses racing just by its sound alone. The authentic appeal of its style, performance, quality and craftsmanship ensure its stands head and shoulders above others in its sector and delivers that most precious of experiences – fun – in abundance!”

PICK OF THE DAY: One-Owner Original 83,000 Mile Mercedes-Benz 190SL

May 26, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

As the smaller sibling of the legendary W198 300SL, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL was from a time when ‘Sports’ was still a genuine attribute to the ‘Sports Leicht’ model designation. Future generations, while sporting, leaned toward touring and became increasingly less leicht. Although its 1.9 litre inline four-cylinder put out less than half the horsepower of the 300SL (which was at the time the fastest production car in the world), it had much of the same character. Their resemblance, while not identical, is unmistakable. The W121 190Sl was somewhat heavier and less nimble than its contemporaries like the Porsche 356, Alfa Romeo Giulia, or Jaguar XK, but it was better planted and its fully independent suspension with double wishbones and stabilizer at the front, as well as power-assisted brakes delivered a more confident racy feel. This was further enhanced by the high-quality Mercedes-Benz construction. With 300SL prices soaring past the million-dollar mark, it’s no surprise that 190SL prices have been skyrocketing accordingly. Only a few years ago, it wasn’t unheard of to find a driver-quality 190SL for under $30,000. Today, that likely wouldn’t buy a rough project car. Most collector-quality 121s are into six figures. Today’s example appears to be an exceptionally well-kept one-owner 190SL with relatively low miles. It is said to have had a quality repaint in its original Ivory color at some point in the 90s and some of that is beginning to show some age. Its original interior however shows beautifully, as does the original motor (Webbers being used currently but original Solexes are included in the sale). Undercarriage is spotless. As a lifelong New Mexico and Colorado car, what minor rust there was in the boards has been addressed and the car sits today completely free of rust. Although not heavily optioned, it does include the hard top (~$300 in 1956 dollars), which judging from the condition of the soft top, must have been its primary cover. It is also well-document with its original service book, “instruction” manual and several service records including a recent $9,000 service, ensuring that the car is ready to go for its second owner. Find it here at Worldwide Vintage Autos in Denver Colorado with a Buy-it-Now on eBay of $97,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Impressive Series 4 Alfa Romeo Spider

May 20, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Over its 30-year production run, the Type 105 Alfa Romeo Spider captured the essence of La Dolce Vita as no other car before or since. Associated with Italian movie stars and a movie star in its own right—appearing in films like Under The Tuscan Sun, Wayne’s World, Fletch, and of course The Graduate—it was stylish, nimble, sporty, and radiated a spirit of carefree adventure. From the iconic boat-tailed Duetto to the Kammbacks to the more unified design of the final series, they remained more or less unchanged in their appearance, whilst engine choices ranged from the early cars’ twin-cam 1600 to the lively 2.o litre motors with Motronic injection used in the Series 4. These last Spiders, produced from 1990-1994 are the most refined, with wraparound taillights and body-colored bumpers and side moulding, along with the aforementioned Bosch EFI motors that significantly improved reliability and power band, making these the most drivable of the 105s. Even today, they feel as modern as an MX-5 Miata or late Model Honda S2000, yet retain that unmistakable, classical Alfasong exhaust note. While mid-generation Spiders are lingering in the $5-10,000 range, these Series 4s have been escalating and are second only to the Duettos for collectibility. Certainly there are many that were bought for enjoyment and have well over 50,000 miles. This was also the only 105 Spider to offer automatic transmission, so there are some decent examples that can be found in that price range. Guideline examples, with under 50,000 miles, solid history and proper originality, are getting harder to find for under $15K. This 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider looks to be mostly original, with only an aftermarket CD player straying from its factory spec. While not original, the new top and upholstery are factory correct, giving it a fresh appearance without too many points deducted. It is said to have been extremely well-maintained throughout its life, which has seen just under 40,000 miles. For about the same money as a second-hand Miata with similar miles, it’s an investment-quality classic Italian roadster that’s amoré. Find it here on Craigslist in Richmond VA for an attractive $12,000.