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Porsche planning Cayman GT4 racer

To say that Porsche is big in racing is like saying that Warren Buffett dabbles in mergers and acquisitions. But while it fields the 919 Hybrid at Le Mans and in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the bulk of its racing activities are undertaken by private teams that buy customer racecars from the factory. Those in turn are largely based on the 911, but the latest intel from the motor racing world indicates that Zuffenhausen is planning a more accessible customer race car.
The new, more affordable competition car is to be based on the Cayman and built to GT4 specifications, slotting in below the 911-based GT3 Cup, GT3 R and RSR. Autosport reports that Porsche has already developed a prototype and will shortly commence testing. Details are scarce at the moment, but the Cayman GT4 would seem to compete against the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage N24, Nissan 370Z Nismo GT4 and Maserati GranTurismo MC. It will also likely help Porsche foster enthusiasm for a potential road version that's already been spotted undergoing testing. Previous GT4 racing conversions of the Cayman, like the one pictured above, were carried out by third-party racing constructors not recognized by the factory.
Porsche may not be the only one showing interest in the category, however. BMW is said to similarly be considering a GT4-spec version of its M235i Racing model to compete in the same class, taking the place of the defunct M3 GT4 as the Bavarian marque's entry-level customer racing car.

Porsche introduces Boxster and 911 Black Editions

In case choosing which Porsche to buy weren't challenging enough, the German automaker has announced a new special edition to make it even more so - particularly for people who like the murdered-out look. Called the Black Edition, it's being offered on the 911 and Boxster. As you might have guessed, the principal defining feature is the black on black color scheme, with metallic black paint available as an option. But it also comes bundled with otherwise optional equipment as standard. Both versions come from the factory with heated seats and auto-dimming mirrors as well as embossed headrests, unique sill plates and a Sport Design steering wheel. The 911 version also includes 20-inch wheels, dynamic LED headlights, front and rear Park Assist, reversing camera and Bose audio. It's based on the standard 3.4-liter model with 350 horsepower and is available in rear- or all-wheel drive and in coupe or carbio form. The Boxster Black Edition likewise starts out with the base 2.7-liter, 265-hp model, and upgrades with its own set of 20-inch wheels, wind deflector, bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, navigation, upgraded audio and park assist. Porsche dealers in the US are now taking orders on the Black Editions, with deliveries set to commence at the end of July. Pricing range from $59,100 for the Boxster and $88,800 for the 911 Carrera, ratcheting all the way up to $104,600 for the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (all prices excluding the $995 destination charge). Show full PR text Exclusive editions of 2016 Porsche Boxster and 911 Carrera in classic color combination In elegant black: Porsche 911 Carrera and Boxster Black Editions Atlanta. Porsche has created a special model of the 911 Carrera and Boxster: the Black Edition. The combination of black exterior and interior emphasizes the timeless, classy elegance of each sports car. As the name indicates, Black paint is standard, while Jet Black Metallic is available as an option. Standard equipment on the 911 Carrera and Boxster Black Edition models has been enhanced in regards to the wheels, headlights, and sound system while additional equipment has been included such as the Sport Design steering wheel, door sill guards with Black Edition logo, heated seats, auto dimming rear-view mirrors, and the headrests are embossed with the Porsche Crest. The 911 Carrera Black Edition is based on the standard model with a 3.4 liter flat-six engine developing 350 hp.

Porsche 944 Turbo jumps in the MotorWeek wayback machine

While there's no shortage of five- or ten-minute time wasters on the Internet, we humbly submit MotorWeek's awesome series of retro reviews as the best way to take up a short break. This time around, we have a classic Porsche from the 1980s, with John Davis reviewing the 944 Turbo. With a whopping 247 horsepower, the 944 Turbo still represents something of a performer even today, with Davis and Company recording a solid 5.7-second sprint to 60. While it might hold its own against today's hot hatchbacks, it's clear that today's vehicles have come a very long way in terms of interior equipment. Among the things MotorWeek highlights that seem weirdly out of place today include the passenger front airbag and, among the variety of old fashioned controls scattered throughout he cabin, the hilarious equalizer controls for the 10-speaker Blaupunkt stereo.