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Porsche planning new 911 Speedster as 550 tribute

Some look at the emergence of a new Porsche 911 and see a car. But to Porsche engineers, it might as well be a reset button. Because every time a new 911 comes out, it sets off a tidal wave of new variants to follow, including convertibles, turbos, targas, GT3s... the works.
The next down the pipeline, though, could be one of the most desirable. That, according to German publication Auto Bild, will be a new 911 Speedster. When it arrives early in 2015, the special roadster will reportedly be limited to just 550 examples in tribute to the original 550 Spyder.
It'll reportedly have hidden door handles, a chopped-down windshield and a fabric top to be used only in case of emergency, manually disappearing below a carbon-fiber cowling. All of which makes it sounds as much like a bigger version of the Boxster Spyder as a successor to the last 911 Speedster (pictured above), and that's no bad thing at all.

Volkswagen reportedly to name Matthias Muller CEO

Porsche chief executive officer Matthias Muller is expected to be named CEO of Volkswagen AG, the Wall Street Journal and other sources reported Thursday morning. Muller, 62, has led Porsche since Oct. 1, 2010, and jumpstarted the sports-car brand's expansion around the world. He replaces Martin Winkerkorn, who stepped down Wednesday amid the company's worsening diesel scandal. At least three more executives are also expected to be fired, including Volkswagen's US chief and the heads of Audi and Porsche research and development. Both brands are divisions of VW. A US spokesman wouldn't confirm the reports. An official announcement is expected at VW's board meeting on Friday. Muller's ascension caps a stunning week of turmoil for Volkswagen, which manipulated software to make its diesel-powered vehicles appear cleaner during testing that they are in real-world driving. The charges were revealed last week by the EPA, which cited the work of researchers at West Virginia University. About 482,000 vehicles are affected in the United States, which will be subject to recall, and VW estimates about 11 million of its vehicles around the world have the rigged software. The well-regarded Muller was viewed as a front-runner for the job even before Winterkorn stepped down. Before helming Porsche, he oversaw all vehicle projects globally for VW from 2007-2010. Previously, he was in charge of the Audi and Lamborghini product lines, and earlier in his career was responsible for the Audi A3 program in the 1990s. He joined Audi in 1977. He's trained as a toolmaker and studied information technology in Munich. His last name is sometimes spelled Mueller in English. Muller faces immediate challenges as he takes over VW's sprawling 78-year-old industrial empire, including recalls and regulatory actions around the world. In the US alone, the company faces a fine of up to $18 billion. VW, an industrial symbol of Germany, is also far larger than any unit Muller has run in his career. While Porsche sold 189,849 vehicles in 2014 globally, it's one of many VW brands. Collectively they sold 5.04 million vehicles through the first six months of this year, making Volkswagen the world's largest automaker. Related Video:

2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder marks the return of something great [w/video]

Welcome back, Porsche Boxster Spyder. We absolutely adored the previous version – a roadster focused solely on driver enjoyment and simplistic perfection. Heck, we didn't even care that it had cloth loops for door handles. And this new model looks to (somehow) offer even more to love. Let's start with that engine: the 3.8-liter flat-six tuned to produce 375 horsepower and mated exclusively to a manual transmission, which powers the Spyder to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 180 mph. But power isn't the only thing that makes the Spyder package so great. It uses brakes from the 911 Carrera S, is the lightest Boxster in the range, sits 20 millimeters lower to the ground than the standard car, and still features the manually operated cloth roof from the previous car. And it looks fantastic. Fan-freaking-tastic. Inside, there's a whole lot of nothing, and that's just fine with us. Want a radio? That'll be extra. Air conditioning? Open your wallet for that, too. Seems odd in a car that'll start at $82,100 when it goes on sale later this year. But once again, this Boxster Spyder is a tactile sports car whose only mission is to offer outstanding driving dynamics – comfort options are optional, but not necessary. We can't wait to get our hands on this one. New York International Auto Show 2015: World Premiere of the Boxster Spyder New top model in Boxster family Atlanta. Porsche is highlighting the 2015 convertible season by celebrating the world premiere of the new Boxster Spyder. This pure sports car will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show. The new top model of the Boxster range retains the unique and unmistakable character of the previous Spyder, which has already attained cult status. For example, the classic roadster top is still opened and closed by hand, and the Boxster Spyder is only available with a manual transmission, benefiting both weight savings and driver enjoyment. Staying true to roadster DNA, the Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports-car driving experience combined with truly exceptional performance. This includes a firm sport suspension with a 20-mm lower ride height, brakes taken from the 911 Carrera S, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with an output of 375 hp, culminating in a genuine sports car experience with outstanding driving dynamics. It is the lightest model of the current Boxster line, and the most powerful Boxster to date.