Smoking Tire's Latest; 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera S - Worth Every Penny

The Smoking Tire just released this video review of the 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera S on the street.  Just a week or so ago, they released a track drive of this car and if you haven't seen it yet, head on over to their YouTube channel and check it out.

Audi 2014 Big Game Commercial - Doberhuahua

Check out the latest from Audi, their new commercial for the super bowl.

Sad News from Michael Schumacher's Doctors Today

Autoblog.com and a few other websites are reporting some sad news this morning regarding Michale Schumacher.  According to reports from a medical conference, Schumacher's condition was a topic of discuss, particularly in regards to the duration of his medically inducted coma.  Anything beyond eight days is very dangerous and Michael has been in a coma since the end of December.
  We are all hopefully that Schumacher will be able to win this fight, but as the days pass by, unfortunately, that seems less and less likely.

A Little Saturday "Motor"vation

A Little Saturday "Motor"vation in the form of Frikadelli Racing - Season 2013

Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee: Todd Barry

The latest episode of Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee features Todd Barry.  Check it out below.

Top Gear Season 21 Sneak Preview

We've known for a few weeks now that series 21 of Top Gear will premiere on the 2nd of February (Super Bowl Sunday) but haven't has a clear of a picture what's in store until now.  Check out all the photos on the topgear.com website.

Wilmington North Carolina Home Owner's Association DUI stop

  The Truth About Cars recently published an article about an individual in Wilmington North Carolina that
was stopped by a Home Owner's Association (HOA) Security Guard for speeding through the HOA's neighborhood.  The Security Guard (from a private company, not a sworn law enforcement officer) smelled alcohol and called for assistance from the University Police.  Because the Univesity Police didn't have jurisdiction off campus, they had to call the Wilmington Police.  The Police charged the driver with DUI and carrying a concealed weapon.
   The driver was able to appeal the case by arguing that the security guard had no proper training in DUI or speed enforcement.  The courts initially agreed but that decision has now been overturned.
  The bottom line of this is that HOA Security Guards are legally able to conduct traffic stops that a sworn police officer would not be able to conduct.  So according to the author over at TTAC, "we all can."  While I don't completely agree with that argument, this court ruling should give all North Carolina residents, particularly Wilmington, cause to second guess their HOA and security firms hired by them.  Could this same argument be used for one of these private companies to enter and search your residence? possibly!
  Check out the full article and discussion over at TTAC

Tim Allen's 1968 Camaro 427 COPO - Jay Leno's Garage

Dezer Collection Miami

If you are in the Miami area or headed there to escape the snow and looking for something to do, the Dezer Collection may be just the thing.  I have not checked it out in person, but after reading the list of their vehicles,  I am ready to book a flight.  Some of the highlights of their collection include James Bond's Aston Martin from the 1964 "Goldfinger" movie.   Also featured is the Misubishi Eclipse from the Fast and Furious movies and the motorcycle from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade".

   You can learn more about their collection and plan your trip from their website: http://www.dezercollection.com

Top Gear: Series 21 Teaser Trailer - BBC Two

Just about two weeks until Season (Series 21) starts on BBC Two. 

Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS

  The folks over at Autoblog.com have published a handful of photos of the GTS trimmed Boxster and Cayman.  As mentioned in their article, info about these varients were leaked a few months back along with the Macan and Targa.  Looks like the GTS Boxster and Cayman are the last of that leak to be officially unveiled.
   It will be interesting to see what other standard features Porsche puts in these two cars, but the one getting the most attention is the horsepower bump putting them at 340hp.  This bump puts them even closer to 911 performance territory.  Porsche did almost the same thing with the previous versions of the Boxster/Cayman when they released the Cayman R/Boxster Spyder. Both of these versions were quickly snatched up by P car mid engine fans and I expect this latest GTS to go similarly quick.
   The used Cayman Rs and Boxter Spyders have held value fairly well, with the biggest items determining their price to be how they were equipped.  While the PDK versions are faster the manual transmission models have been held in much higher regard by driving purists.  Only time will tell what the release of these two new models will have on the used R and Spyder market.

Check out the full story and all the photos over at AutoBlog.com

Buying a Volkswagen from an old lady...

Buying a Volkswagen from an old lady...

   Just think about this next time your buying used and think your getting an incredible deal.

Gran Turismo 6 Update 1.03 Now Available

  A new update for Gran Turismo 6 has been released.  This update, 1.03, includes the all-new Toyota FT-1 Concept Coupe and a full interior for the BMW M4.   Also updated is the new seasonal events and probably the most useful feature, real time updates to the power points when modifying a vehicle.  I've found the lack of this to be especially annoying when trying to fine tune a vehicle.  One of the current seasonal events has a PP limit of 631 and would require a constant back and forth, up and down on the power level to get the PP just right.

Porsche 911 Targa unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show

The new Porsche 911 Targa 4

 Yesterday Porsche unveiled the new 911 Targa at the Detroit Motor Show.  Both new models are equipped
with all wheel drive and start at just a bit over $100,000.  Porsche is marketing this as the best of both worlds, the fun of a convertible with the security and solid feel of a hard top.  Check out the full press release from Porsche below.

Atlanta. At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Porsche is introducing two new models to the 911 range: the 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S. These models are the first to combine the classic Targa concept with cutting edge, innovative roof technology. Just like the legendary original 911 Targa of 1965, the new models feature the distinctive Targa roof bar, a movable front roof section, and a wraparound rear window. But unlike the classic 911 Targa, the roof segment can be opened and closed at the push of a button. The fully automatic roof system stows the Targa top behind the rear seats.

Both 911 Targa models exclusively come in AWD version, featuring the wider rear track and body, and the same Porsche Traction Management (PTM), found in all 911 all-wheel-drive models. It is an active all-wheel-drive system that helps to ensure the optimal distribution of drive power for optimum traction in most road scenarios, whether on long straights, through tight corners, or on surfaces with different friction coefficients. The combination of the wide body, the Targa bar, and the wraparound rear window results in an extremely sporty and low-slung profile.

The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a horizontally opposed 3.4-liter 6-cylinder engine with 350 hp. Equipped with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Targa 4 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and is capable of a top track speed of 174 mph (175 mph with the manual transmission). The 911 Targa 4S delivers 400 hp from its 3.8-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine, and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds when equipped with optional PDK and Sport Chrono package.  The 911 Targa 4S is capable of reaching a top track speed of 183 mph when equipped with a manual transmission and 182 mph with PDK.

The 911 Targa 4 will have an MSRP of $101,600 while the 911 Targa 4S model will have an MSRP of $116,200. Both cars also have a destination charge of $995.  Deliveries of the 911 Targa in the U.S. are scheduled to begin this summer.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, including the Macan and Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 189 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.

At the core of this success is Porsche's proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

Connect with us socially: http://www.twitter.com/Porsche, http://www.Facebook.com/Porsche,http://drive.porsche.com/us and http://www.instagram.com/Porsche

For Porsche apps: http://www.porsche.com/usa/entertainment/apps/

Note: Photos and video footage are available to accredited journalists on the Porsche Press Database at http://press.porsche.com/

Wilmington Cars and Coffee January edition

A few week's back I wrote about Wilmington Cars and Coffee  and their upcoming January meet at Schaffer BMW in Wilmington, North Carolina.  You can check out that post here.
  If you were not able to make it or just wondering what types of vehicles showed up, here are a few photos of some of the more unique vehicles.

There were tons of great cars out that day, despite the chilly weather.  The parking lot was fully of every type of make and model available.  No matter what you drive, this is the meet for you.  Check out the groups facebook page at Wilmington Cars and Coffee  for more info.

That's a Man's Corner: Isle of Man Tourist Trophy

I've never been the biggest fan of motorcycle racing but this video has changed my mind.  Just watching this makes me start checking out the next running and planning out flights and hotels.  These guys are riding on the edge and pushing themselves and their bikes to the absolute limits.  Just one wrong move, one lapse of concentration and it's all over and by all I mean not just the race.

Porsche 911 Targa will debut at the North American International Auto Show

It's been a few years since Porsche unveiled their latest version of the 911 platform and they are still rolling out the completely new model line for it.  Just a short while ago we saw the new Turbo and now we are just a few days away from seeing the new Targa.  There have been more than a few renderings and spy photos floating around but why bother now, it's now only two days away from seeing it for real.
   Also on display in Detroit will be the all-new Cayenne Platinum Edition and the Cayenne Diesel Platinium Edition.  And of course, their brand new model line, the Macan S and Macan Turbo will be on display.  Porsche lists the base price for the Macan S as $49,900 putting in reach for quiet a few buyers.  I haven't had to chance to see or drive one yet, but all the reviews indicate they have kept the Porsche sports car DNA in and it drives like a great sports car.
   Read Porsche's press release here. and check out more about the North American International Auto Show here.

84th International Motor Show website updated

The website for the Geneva 84th International Motor Show website has been updated.  Check out the english version here.
   There should be more than a few new cars and concepts unveiling and we can't wait to see what this year's show will bring.

PS3: Gran Turismo 6 Photo Travel how to

Here's the latest from http://www.gran-turismo.com a guide to using the photo taking feature in the game.  I've used the photo taking briefly just to test it out but haven't fully explored it's capabilities yet.  It is a rainy weekend here in eastern North Carolina, so this might be the perfect opportunity.  Check out the full guide here.

Fast Lane Daily

+Fast Lane Daily is a great show.  If you are not watching Derek D, you are missing out.  Check out their Fast Lane Daily and watch my favorite episode of theirs, the 1,000th episode Germany trip.

youtube channel here;