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Techart Porsche 911 Targa 4S is a tuner's attempt at being tasteful

We've not been terribly nice to the aftermarket tuners of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. That's largely because they don't deserve our kindness. Techart, though, is not going to be the subject of derision, largely because aside from painting this Porsche 911 Targa a particularly lurid shade of yellow (and finding seat upholstery and trim to match), the changes aren't particularly offensive. Hell, paint it black, silver or red, and it'd just look like a more aggressive Porsche. That's largely because it is. Techart has behaved itself, fitting a brand new body kit featuring a new rear spoiler, diffuser, front splitter and side skirts, and replacing the much of the interior componentry with carbon fiber and aluminum components. The tuner doesn't mention the exact name of the shade used both inside and out on this Targa, although those with more conservative tastes will rest easy knowing that "stylistic harmony with standard or Techart individual paint is guaranteed." Techart's deft aesthetic treatment hides a similarly light tweaking under the sheetmetal. This car features a new exhaust system, complete with four staggered exhaust pipes that have been finished in black chrome. And that's it. There aren't 17 turbos or a new intake manifold crafted from free-range ivory. It's the same 400-horsepower flat six found in a normal Targa 4S. Techart has fitted its own springs, although it doesn't tell us how much (or even if) the ride has been lowered. 21-inch alloys round out the more practical changes. Check out our full gallery of live images of Techart's latest creation, direct from Geneva. Related Video: News from the TECHART world 03.12.2014 TECHART for the Porsche 911 Targa 4 models Closed roof – open driving pleasure. TECHART Automobildesign sharpens the character of the seventh Porsche 911 Targa 4 generation. Using the right mixture of restraint and emphasis the TECHART Aerodynamic Kit transfers the sportive TECHART design language to the unmistakable lines of the four-wheel drive sports car. TECHART Formula IV light-alloy wheels in 21-inch communicate aesthetic innovative capacity all around. Interior refinement specialists of the TECHART in-house saddlery use precise handiwork to translate the exterior design elements stylistically into the vehicle's interior. TECHART Aerodynamic Kit for die Porsche 911 Targa 4 models. Porsche 911 silhouette. Wide body with active taillight strip. And of course a glass roof with iconic aluminium bar.

Jay Leno puts carbon fiber wheels to the test on a Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Jay Leno's Garage usually focuses on looking at cars new and old, speaking to their owners and then Jay taking a drive to see what he thinks. However, Leno throws his usual shtick to the curb this week to do a full product test of the carbon fiber wheels from a company called Carbon Revolution. If you're not interested in hearing about wheels for 18 minutes, don't worry. They get mounted on a Porsche and are tested back-to-back with stock wheels, and Leno takes the 911 for a track test, too.
While carbon-fiber wheels aren't exactly a new idea, Carbon Revolution's goal is to create a lightweight, one-piece product that can be mass produced. The company even claims that it already has a deal with an OEM automaker to offer them on a vehicle in a few years. The key to the technology is that it doesn't need an expensive autoclave to be made.
In the meantime, the company's carbon fiber wheels are available as an aftermarket option for about $15,000 a set, according to the video. They weigh in at about 15.5 pounds each and offer OEM-levels of stiffness, so they could cut some unsprung mass off of a performance car. Watch here as Jay and his mechanic Bernard lap Willow Springs and give their feedback about what they think of this cutting-edge technology.

Pininfarina teases its Tesla- and Bugatti-baiting EV supercar

Pininfarina isn't being bashful when it comes to getting into the car business. The Italian design house has revealed a sketch of the PF0 Concept, an electric supercar aimed directly at the world's fastest and most expensive vehicles. With upward of 1,000 horsepower, along with an expected price in the millions of dollars, this extreme EV is meant as a calling card for Pininfarina's upcoming range of electric cars and SUVs. So should the likes of Tesla, Porsche, Ferrari, Bugatti and Lamborghini be worried? Pininfarina might be new to building its own cars, but the company has many decades of experience designing and engineering some of the most desirable cars of all time — including many of the finest supercars to have worn a Ferrari badge on their nose. As we reported earlier this year, Pininfarina has teamed with Indian auto manufacturer, Mahindra, to develop a range of high-end EVs. With this roughly $500 million investment, not to mention some engineering help from Croatian supercar manufacturer, Rimac, Pininfarina aims to start high. The company will first introduce a hypercar, based on the PF0 Concept, within two years, then bring along a range of more affordable electric cars and SUVs. These will more directly take on the likes of Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus, and Tesla Model X. So yes, if you're in the business of building expensive cars, especially ones with a lot of batteries positioned inside them, Pininfarina's plans for the PF0 (that's a zero, not the letter "O," by the way) should make you sit up and take notice. "Automobili Pininfarina is a pioneering new business created to service the most discerning clients in the world," said Michael Perschke, CEO for Automobili Pininfarina. "Our product portfolio will launch with an innovative, zero-emissions hypercar that represents the progression we aim to make at the pinnacle of the luxury and sports car market." According to its press release, Pininfarina is currently presenting its "business and product plans to prospective retailer partners, clients and media in New York this week." After its tour of the Big Apple, look for Pininfarina to officially reveal the PF0 Concept during Monterey Car Week in August. Related Video: Design/Style Green Bugatti Lamborghini Porsche Tesla Electric Future Vehicles Luxury Performance Pebble Beach supercar mahindra hypercar Rimac