First Drive
2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
Driving At 300km/H Brings Out The Lizard

*Control's voice jacks into my inner ear: "Three hundred kilometers per hour is an artificial goal. The measure of distance over time is a hollow construct, a distant echo of larger, more crucial dimensions." Not now! I silently shout. I've just flogged the 911 Turbo Cabriolet past 250 km/h and, as the speedo continues to sweep toward the car's 310km/h top speed, Control intones again. "The perilous path leads to truth only when the goal is ignored."

Get out of my head. But Control continues its harangue, making my auditory nerve feel like a wolverine is gnawing at it. "There is nothing to be learned at 300 km/h that cannot be learned at a slower, more balanced state."

Control's dime-store philosophizing makes some sense-if I wasn't hammering a brand-new, audaciously red 911 Turbo Cabriolet down the left lane of the autobahn, heading southwest into the wine country of the Rhine valley while armadas of cloud cruise azure skies and fields of wheat wave budded crowns in the warm breeze.

Fortunately, I'd long ago armed myself against Control's blather and can blow away its (I hate to admit) well-conceived arguments for moderation. This clears the way for Lizard, the most elemental and beloved of my partners in thought and deed. Lizard's governance may be basic compared to Control's, but Lizard has an advantage. It makes me feel good; Control makes me feel bad. And since I'm a knee-jerk animal of sybaritic tastes, I have no problem deciding which of the two gets to stay in my head.

When I'm driving, for instance, it's as though Lizard has created a nerve path to my right foot that feels similar in structure and effect to the bundles of axons that make erectile tissue that most agreeable of tissues. Lizard is also the part of the brain that caused German authorities to allow unlimited top speeds on the autobahn. Lizard determines too whether particular g-forces are pleasurable or signify a threat, and which mechanical noises are soothing or disruptive.

So, Lizard has certain freedoms of action, but Control is never far away, hanging around (I'm often reminded) as "a safety net in case your sorry ass is about to fall off a cliff." I've never found out if those words are metaphorical or not. And, if so, whether they would extend to 310 km/h. So I back off just as the speedo tickles 300. "Did you find truth?" needles Control. This time I mutter out loud: "Shut up." And Lizard hisses: "Fassster, fassster..."

OK, the difference between 186 and 192 mph is rather insignificant. Either speed is silly when sharing the road with mere mortals and I'd already learned, after an hour behind the wheel, how absolutely wonderful Porsche's drop-top Turbo is at sane speeds. It's just that Lizard loves an open autobahn and never resists the lure of setting a new personal-best top speed. Neither do I. For now, Lizard seems satisfied with 186 mph.

Full disclosure: I've had a long and passionate love affair with the 911 and, though we've had our ups and downs, I still feel like a honeymooner when I climb into one and suffer desire for no other car. Every tactile and cerebral sensation is stimulated, yet I never feel overwhelmed by its performance. Like a perfect partner in the carnal arts, the 911 seems to amplify my skills while also forgiving my, pardon the expression, shortcomings.

The Turbo is not only the pinnacle of the 911 line-up, it's also the world's most affordable supercar. Even $136,500 seems reasonable when its fun factor is compared to the Lamborghini LP640 Roadster and Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR convertible. In those cars, I always hope I don't do something wrong; in the Turbo, I enjoy all the things I'm doing right. High speed is a small part of a sports car's appeal, but the Porsche obliterates the difference between here and there with such ease that it makes those who drive it, even those with Lizards in their heads, feel they're in total Control.

2008 Porsche 911Turbo Cabriolet

*Layout
Longitudinal rear engine, all-wheel drive

*Engine
3.6-liter flat six, dohc, 32-valve

*Transmission
Six-speed manual

*Suspension
F: Independent, MacPherson-type coil spring/strutR: Independent, five control arms, coil spring/strut

*Brakes
Six-piston 13.78-inch cross-drilled internally vented monobloc calipers

*Dimensions
Length x Width x Height (in.):175.2 x 72.9 x 51.2Wheelbase: 92.5 in.Curb Weight: 3726 lb

*Performance
Peak Power: 480 hp @ 6000 rpmPeak Torque: 457 to 501 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm0-62 mph: 4.0 sec.Top Speed: 192 mph

*Why we love it: Time-bending power, easy to drive fast

*Why we don't: The extra weight

The price tag: $136,500

First Drive

2008 Maserati GranTurismo
The trident returns to grand touring

*Maserati has taken a decidedly different approach with its GranSport replacement, the all-new GranTurismo. Instead of playing the relentless cat-and-mouse game of building a better 911, the company abandoned the highly competitive performance coupe segment and emerged with a car of a more fitting demeanor: a grand tourer.

Considering this legendary automaker helped pioneer this class over a half-century ago, it rightfully belongs there. Although the GT draws design inspiration from past Maserati models-including the 1953 A6GCS-this is no retro throwback. The GT is refreshingly contemporary in every respect, even taking cues from Maserati's futuristic Birdcage show car.

Based on a shortened Quattroporte, the GT is substantially larger than the outgoing coupe: over a foot longer, an inch wider and two inches taller. It's also a substantial 550 pounds heavier. Large as that may seem, the extra size and heft is proportionately packaged, resulting in one of the most attractive and visually striking Maseratis ever.

The car's long hood, short overhangs, raked A-pillars, and sloping roof and deck create a classic silhouette. Penned by Pininfarina, the GT is twice as elegant as its forebear with sleeker, more sensual lines. This sexy exterior also affords a super-slippery 0.33 Cd.

In the tradition of a true grand tourer, the two-plus-two cabin is comfortable for four average sized adults, with ample rear leg- and headroom. In addition to the car's four full-size sport buckets, rear passengers get their own ventilation, armrests, cup holders and stowage areas. The front driver's seat should be able to position itself further back, allowing even more front legroom when rear passengers are not present, but this is a minor irritation from an otherwise near-perfect, impeccably tailored cabin.

Italian-ness runs throughout the design and layout of the cabin, which features supple leather upholstery, contrasting stitching and lots of quality trim. There are so many finishes and combinations available, including 19 exterior body colors, it's likely that each custom-ordered GT will be unique. Even the four-piston Brembos are offered in a range of colors, including black (standard), red, yellow, blue, titanium and silver. Other amenities include a multimedia system with a seven-inch nav screen and premium eight-channel/11-speaker Bose surround sound. It also has a 30GB hard drive and Bluetooth arrives with mid-2008 models.

Adequate stowage is another hallmark of the traditional grand tourer and, while over six inches shorter than the Quattroporte, engineers still managed to produce a trunk with a decent 9.2 cubic feet, said to accommodate two regular size golf bags or a complete set of Ferragamo fitted luggage.

The GT feels as much at home on the open autostrada as it does traversing narrow and winding mountain roads. While tailored for sporty performance through a re-tuning of the shared Quattroporte's mechanicals, the front and rear double wishbone suspension is still fairly soft. Buyers in this luxury bracket appreciate a little more comfort and a little less jarring.

This is not to say the GT can't hold its own through tighter sections. Overall weight distribution (49/51 percent split) is ideally balanced, providing just the right amount of rear-wheel bias. Combined with a limited-slip diff, this set-up offers neutral-to-slight understeer and plenty of confidence to attack the bends. Even more so when the transmission's Sport mode is engaged, which reduces body roll, increases throttle response by 20 percent and provides 40 percent quicker gearshifts. It also holds lower gears longer and revs more freely, with full-throttle upshifts at a lofty 7200 rpm.

In this range, the 4.2-liter V8 is a virtuoso on song. Strategically placed behind the front axle, the 405-hp engine is mated to a silky six-speed auto gearbox. In addition to the Sport setting, driving modes include Normal (default), Manual (via stick or paddles) and Ice, which locks out first gear and gearchanges take place at a maximum of 3000 rpm.

Although it's perhaps best suited to the open road, where its comfort and long legs are appreciated most, this is a car to drive hard and enjoy for hours on end and never tire. With no electronic speed limiter, stay in the throttle long enough and it will hit a claimed top speed of 177 mph. An acceleration time of zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds is also impressive-a wink quicker than the Quattroporte, but shy of the Gran Sport's 4.8-second sprint.

In a milieu where sportiness and luxury go hand and hand, the GranTurismo is off to a great start. With a base of $114,650, it's also well positioned price-wise, sandwiched between other class players such as the BMW M6, Mercedes-Benz CL550, Jaguar XKR, and the pricier Aston Martin DB9 and Bentley Continental GT. With 2007's production already sold out and only a mere 1400 examples set for '08, the Maserati GT also brings a high level of exclusivity. Its 'true' two-plus-two seating, exquisite Italian styling and well-rounded performance make it all the more irresistible.

2008 Maserati Granturismo
*Layout
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive

*Engine
4.2-liter V8, dohc, 32-valve

*Transmission
Six-speed automatic w/Manumatic shifting

*Suspension
Front/rear double wishbone

*Brakes
13-in. front/rear disc, four-piston Brembo

*Dimensions
Length x Width x Height (in.): 192.2x72.7x53.3
Wheelbase: 115.8 in Curb weight: 4145 lb

*Performance
Peak Power: 405 hp @ 7100 rpmPeak Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm 0-60 mph 5.1 sec.Top Speed: 177 mphFuel Economy: 11city/16 hwy

*Why we love it:
Italian styling, luxurious/comfortable 2+2 cabin, engine, handling

*Why we don't:
Hefty curb weight, few on-board electronics, languid out of the gate

The price tag: $114,650

First Look
2008 Audi A4
Audi dude-y

*This is the new Audi A4, completely redesigned and sitting on the longest wheelbase of its class. Which means shorter overhangs, greater passenger and luggage space, and a front axle location that is six inches further forward than the previous model's. So weight distribution and handling balance is also improved. Quattro models have a sporty rear-biased 40/60 power split, but all future A4 drivers can enjoy the new Audi look, first seen with the A5. Options include an updated version of Audi's multi-tronic continuously variable transmission and Drive Select technology that allows the driver to customize throttle response, suspension damping, power steering assistance and transmission shift points. And how does a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system sound?

First Look
2008 Porsche GT2
Hark The Stuttgart Angels Sing

*Pardon a tingle of excitement as if Christmas has come early, but the new Porsche 911 GT2-the fastest-ever 911-has just been launched. Just look at those large front air intakes and that massive rear wing.

Available solely in rear-wheel drive and with a manual six-speed gearbox, the 997 GT2 accelerates from zero to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 204 mph. A quick hosanna, if you please. The 3.6-liter engine is based on the 911 Turbo's, with two turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). It achieves maximum output of 530 hp at 6500 rpm, with 501 lb-ft peak torque maintained consistently between 2200 and 4500 rpm. Its unladen weight of 3175 pounds gives the GT2 a power-to-weight ratio of just six pounds per horsepower. The 50-hp increase in power over the 'regular' 911 Turbo is accomplished by fitting the twin turbos with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimized turbine housing, raising pressure to an even higher level.

This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear muffler and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment. This reduces weight by approximately 50 per cent compared to a stainless steel equivalent. It also has Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard, featuring discs of a composite carbon fiber/ceramic compound that ensures maximum stopping power with a high level of consistency. And having PCCB reduces unsprung weight by around 44 pounds.

The previous model eschewed traction control, but it's probably wise to have the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. The new GT2 rides on 19-inch light-alloy wheels, with 235/35 tires at the front and 325/30 items at the rear. No word on price yet, but every kid's college fund is in mortal danger.

First Look
Hamann Range Rover Sport
Genghis Car

*Hamann calls its widebody kit for the Range Rover Sport the 'Conqueror.' The treatment includes a sportier front end with two integrated high beams and a pair of foglamps, new side sills and wheel arch extensions, roof spoiler, and a rear apron to tie it all together. Five wheel designs are available, going as big as 23 inches (Edition Race are pictured). Engine tuning for the naturally aspirated V8 can push power up to 323 hp, or as much as 475 hp and 450 lb-ft in the supercharged vesion. Hamann also offers a big-brake kit for the front axle and interior mods that include an eight-piece carbon fiber trim package, aluminum pedals and custom upholstery.

Tuned
ART CLS, GL
Illuminating

*Nuremberg-based ART offers new tuning packages for the Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 and GL. For the CLS, there's a supercharger system and sport exhaust, engineered to push peak power to 374 hp. A body widening kit is also available, along with signature six-spoke ARTstar2 wheels, measuring 20 inches across. Interior enhancements options include custom carbon and leather trim, as well as trick 'steplights' illuminating the door sills.

For the SUV, ART offers aerodynamic components which include dynamic new front and rear fascias (which reportedly won't affect the vehicle's towing abilities), monoART1 wheels (sized upwards of 22 inches), sport exhaust systems and interior accoutrements which also include those slick door sill steplights.

Art Tuning www.art-tuning.de North America: H EuroElites 510.770.8550

Tuned
Novitec Tridente
More poke

*Novitec has called its upgrade program for the Maserati Quattroporte the Tridente, for obvious reasons. It boosts engine output by 13hp through modifications to the ECU and by fitting a new stainless steel exhaust system. So now the Ferrari-sourced V8 belts out 413 hp at 7100 rpm and 345 lb-ft of torque at 4650 rpm. An adjustable Novitec/KW coilover suspension is also available along with NM1 forged 20-inch wheels wearing 245/35 (front) and 285/30 (rear) Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires.

Novitec Rosso www.novitecrosso.com North America: CEC 800.766.0064 www.cecwheels.com

First Look
2008 Audi RS6 Avant
The Most Powerful Yet

*The RS6 is back-with a vengeance. It will be the most powerful production Audi in history, about 570-hp worth. Peak torque weighs in at 479 lb-ft, available as early as 1500 rpm all the way up to a 6250-rpm redline. These figures come courtesy of a bi-turbo V10 based on the power unit found in the current S6. Reportedly, the car can sprint to 100 kph, or 62 mph, in 4.6 seconds. Transferring power to the imposing 19-inch (or optional 20-inch) wheels is the latest generation of Quattro all-wheel drive with a standard 40/60 front-to-rear power split.

A new all-hydraulic version of Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) contributes to the car's on-road composure, diagonally connecting shock absorbers through a central valve. It will feature a three-stage driver selectable control to allow a choice between comfort, dynamic and sport settings. A reconfigured version of the Electronic Stability Program is also present, programmed to intervene 'as late as possible' in order to maximize the spirited driving experience. ESP can also be turned off entirely if you think you have the brass.

Other features include optional ceramic brakes and RS-specific interior appointments like Alcantara-accented sport seats, the flat-bottom sport steering wheel and wheel-mounted shift paddles for manual gear changes. And to prove the latest RS car isn't just about high performance, Audi claims 'real world' fuel economy up to 20.3 mpg, plus, of course, the Avant platform's 58.6 cubic-foot load capacity. Unfortunately for us, the new RS6 is not destined for the US market-at least initially.

Tuned
Hamann 3 Series Convertible
Extra Hop For The Open Top

*Proving no Bimmer is safe for long, Hamann has released its tuning programs for the latest 3 Series convertibles. All models can benefit from sport air filters and chip tuning, increasing power by 13 hp on the 325i and 17 hp on the 330i. The 335i can now exhale through a four-pipe sport muffler and see gains as high as 37 hp. Aerodynamic kits are available, including a front bumper spoiler, side skirts and a rear skirt, and fitted carbon-Kevlar mirror caps. Suspension and brake mods are also on offer, along with three custom wheel patterns sized all the way up to 20 inches.

Hamann Motorsport www.hamann-motorsport.de