Category Archives: Article

Web article or magazine (paper) article

4-cylinder Boxster and Cayman Video Footage at NBR??

I just saw the following posted on Facebook:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-videos/this-is-probably-the-flat-four-cayman-at-the-nurburgring

I also posted awhile back about the fact that Porsche was considering using the flat-four layout in upcoming engine options for the Boxster and Cayman.

I then saw the videos provided on that page.  First, they posted a baseline video, so that people know how a current Cayman sounds:

Then, they posted a Boxster andCayman with what’s unarguably a flat-four motor:

I prefer the sound of the flat-six, but the flat-four isn’t bad.

EDIT:

There’s quite a bit of uproar with the Porsche “purists” on R&T’s Facebook page…check out the comments:

 

Mazda RX-7 Returns for 2017 with 450-hp Turbo Rotary?

Motoring is reporting that a new Mazda sports car will arrive in 2017 with a turbocharged rotary engine making around 450 hp.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a return of the rotary. Way back in 2011, when the rotary-powered Mazda RX-8 was going out of production, we reported that a next-generation rotary engine could appear by 2017. This corroborates Motoring’s story, who say that this new, small-displacement turbocharged rotary would make its way into a new Mazda sports car that will likely be called the Mazda RX-7. In 2013, we reported that a new RX-8 replacement could arrive by 2017 with direct fuel injection — so long as Mazda had already bolstered its profits by selling more mainstream cars.

Read more @ http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1407-report-mazda-rx-7-returns-for-2017-with-450-hp-turbo-rotary/?sm_id=social_20140711_27635776

Note:  I’m iffy on if some of these manufactures should delve in the past.  After seeing hints of what the NSX could be, I keep thinking that when these older cars were first designed and sold, they had certain goals in mind:  high performance, affordable, lightweight, great handling dynamics.  When we see these cars being brought back to life in today’s world, they’re usually unattainable by the masses, ultra-complicated, heavy, and while having great handling dynamics, it usually isn’t because of the suspension alone (it’s usually tied to a computer).  IMO, that’s not good.  This is why I’ve always loved the simplicity of the Subaru BRZ.  You have all that in a tiny car that was designed to give the driver/owner enjoyment…there’s no need for 300HP, or sophisticated systems to assist the driver in having fun.  I’m pretty sure the next RX-7 won’t be such a car.

2015 Radical RXC – Race Car For The Streets

 

2015 Radical RXC

Awesome!  If I didn’t have kids (and to send all three of them to college)…

If you want the V-6 in your Ford Mustang to work harder, you could fit hotter cams and larger valves. Or you could sling it behind your head and clothe it in Le Mans-lookalike bodywork. How about 1985 pounds of curb weight and an equal dose of downforce, a power-to-weight ratio that dusts a Ford Shelby GT500 and a 0-60 mph time of 2.7 seconds? Yeah, that’d do it. That, in a nutshell, is the Radical RXC. Built in the United Kingdom, the RXC is now available in the U.S. The really radical bit is that it will be street legalized on an individual basis.

Read more @ http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1407-2015-radical-rxc-driven/#ixzz38IetF1ET

US-spec Alfa Romeo 4C loses nothing in the transition to U.S. trim

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/first-drives/2014-alfa-romeo-4c-first-drive-review-us-spec

The fact that the US-spec version of the Alfa Romeo 4C doesn’t turn into a weighted-down pig of a car due to US-mandated requirements is pretty amazing!  In fact, the review states that the car being driven was particularly robust.

Although I’m usually pretty vocal about this car not being the end-all-be-all of hardcore sports cars (the car has been quite sensationalized), the car is gorgeous and I love the “lighter is quicker” concept.  It’s not the car I desire, but I’d be lying if I stated the car was ugly and not a driver’s car.

Another review is here (Automobile Magazine is the author of the article).

Porsche to Manufacture Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder Engines.

Apparently, Porsche is interested in producing some new engines:  flat-fours.  Per CAR magazine:

A 1.6-liter version will produce 210 horsepower, a 2.0-liter version will be good for 286 hp, and a 2.5-liter version will produce 360 hp.

As well:

The horizontally opposed engine layout will obviously cut CO2 and boost economy, yet keep a genetic link to the famous flat-six engines which have powered the 911 for decades. Don’t forget 2014’s Porsche 919 Hybrid Le Mans racecar also uses a four-cylinder engine, albeit a V4.

Subaru is the only other car manufacturer to build flat-four engines, which typically have a charismatic soundtrack as evidenced on the Impreza family over the years.

Digital Trends has further information:

With power outputs that high and displacements that low, expect all engines in this family to feature turbocharging and direct injection. Each engine will also feature the same horizontally-opposed boxer configuration as the company’s signature six-cylinder motors.

The 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines are expected to find their way into the Boxster, Cayman, and Cayenne, with other models likely to follow as Porsche grapples with stricter global emissions standards.

The 1.6-liter version is reportedly in limbo. It was apparently intended for a “baby Boxster” sports car that could have spawned Audi and Volkswagen siblings, but has now been shelved.

I’ve heard at least one Subaru enthusiast complain that Subaru should be trying to build a boxer engine that outputs 350-360 HP.  If you look across the car-maker spectrum, there are not that many 4-cylinder cars in production (mass produced) that are making power at that level.  In fact, there’s currently only one.  The CLA45 AMG.  And that car is $50K+.  The engine is also fortified to Hell and back, too (much of the money they want for the car is due to the fortification process of the engine).  Now, Porsche is attempting something similar.  Notice a trend?  It’s the luxury manufacturers that are designing H.O. 4-cylinder engines.  No one else is.  That’s a niche Mercedez and Porsche can afford to fill.  I highly doubt a Japanese manufacturer will do this (they haven’t yet).  Now, Mitsubishi was producing the FQ series of Evos, but I’m not sure those should be factored into this discussion, as that variant of Evos are expensive as hell, only available to the UK, and are very limited productions).  And you see where Mitsubishi is now (they’re in financial trouble and have been for years).

If a Subaru fan wants more power, there’s a vast aftermarket world available to him/her.  There’s no need to pine/whine about what Porsche and Mercedez are making…a Subaru rarely compares to cars such as those, although a recent comparison of an BMW 4-series, a CLA45 AMG, and a 2015 Subaru STI ended up with the STI being on top due to its handling characteristics.  I think Subaru knows what they’re doing.  There’s no need for them to be enticed into a HP war that escalates into a vehicle that’s not attainable to most average people.  Subaru is doing fine and has been for awhile.  Just my 2 cents.

Ford Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost – 18 PSI Boost Peak w/ Twin Scroll Turbocharger!

http://www.roadandtrack.com/go/first-looks/5-things-learned-2015-ford-mustang-ecoboost-23

The 2.3-liter runs 18 psi of boost (not that you’d know it)

Where the center dash vent would be on a six- or eight-cylinder, the turbo four’s cockpit embeds a pair of blue-over-black dial gauges. Closest to the driver is oil pressure; next over is a boost gauge. We noted a max of 18 psi (a smidge over 1.2 bar) indicated during the test runs; it appeared to taper towards 15 psi at redline.

Torque felt adequate and spool was quick, though we were expecting a little more pep in its step. The soundtrack is in the same spirit as the Focus ST, though with a bit more grunt and sans induction noise—save one section of full-tilt lift into heavy braking, there wasn’t much sneezing and whirling from the 2015 Mustang’s twin-scroll snail.

Still, they seem to be fudging on the peak HP & torque numbers.  I’ve seen 315 – 330 HP and relatively the same in peak torque.  And no, it’s not the same engine as the Lincoln MKC (tune and supporting parts will be totally different).

ReBlog – Subaru’s Unsuccessful Stint In Formula 1

http://aclassblog.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/subarus-unsuccessful-stint-in-formula-1/

In the world of rallying, Subaru occupy the upper echelon of success.  A storied history that spanned multiple decades saw World Rally Championships for the likes of Colin McRae and Petter Solberg.

I saw this on another blogger’ site. This is a very interesting article, as I had no idea that Subaru participated in F1, short-winded stint as it was.

Subaru did not do so well in F1…it seems that maybe their expectations weren’t realistic or maybe they didn’t understand the full undertaking of such a project.

ReBlog – Subaru EJ25 Repair

http://emptyroadchronicles.com/2014/05/06/car-tech-the-subaru-headgasket/

 The OEM head gaskets on the EJ25D have a tendency to fail just as much as the sun has a tendency to rise in the east.  If you have one and the head gaskets have NOT been replaced, here is what you need to do to remedy a tragedy.

This is a pretty interesting article to read if you’re a gear-head and crave quirkiness…yes, the boxer design is quite quirky.

 

Subaru UK to attempt to set new lap record at Isle of Man TT course

 

https://plus.google.com/114005208860575868874/posts/VsXChe47HPc

+Subaru UK has announced plans to attempt to set a new lap record at the Isle of Man TT course with the 2015 #WRX #STI.

Set to be driven by British rally champion Mark Higgins, the model will attempt beat the previous record of 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds. That particular record was set by Higgins in the previous-generation WRX STI in 2011.

As a refresher, the 2015 WRX STI has turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 227kw and 393nm of torque. It is connected to a six-speed manual transmission and a symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

While Subaru says the car is a standard production model, it will be equipped with retuned springs and dampers to “minimize any potential damage when the car encounters the many bumps – and jumps – at high speed along the course.” The model will also be outfitted with a roll-cage, a racing harness and a fire suppression system.

According to Higgins, “Setting the record was totally exhilarating and one of the highlights of my career – Bray Hill certainly added to the thrill! As a Manxman, I love the TT Races and I have a huge amount of respect for the TT riders and what they do. It will be a real honor to attempt a new fastest car lap.” (WorldCarFans)

C&D – New vs. Old: 2013 Porsche Boxster vs. 2005 Acura NSX-T

 

2005-acura-nsx-t-and-2013-porsche-boxster-photo-588332-s-986x603

I like car magazine articles such as this one, because I can relate to the older cars very well, and older cars such as the 2005 NSX are still desirable, even if they’re no longer made.  An excerpt from the article:

Driving a new Acura NSX in 2005 was a bit like trying to text on a Motorola StarTAC. Yes, that was the best mobile phone of the 1990s, but it was hardly the best tool for the job. And yes, Acura had updated the NSX over its life, but by 2005 this aluminum supercar was past its sell-by date. Its V-6 still sounded as good as it did when it arrived in 1990; it was just that the 290-hp NSX couldn’t compete in a streetscape filled with400-hp Corvettes911 Turbos, and AMGs. And certainly not with its $90,000 sticker.

The 2013 Porsche Boxster is a good car to compare the 2005 NSX against, and, surprisingly, the NSX holds it’s own when comparing handling characteristic between the two (and engine comparisons give the NSX the edge, as it appears to have a torque advantage).

The rest of the article is linked below.  I enjoyed this read.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/new-vs-old-2013-porsche-boxster-vs-2005-acura-nsx-t-comparison-test