New Boxster, most powerful convertible Corvette, electric Lola, Pininfarina concept

[Wouter Melissen]

Porsche today revealed the first details of the third generation Boxster. Due to be launched in Geneva, the compact roadster is effectively a brand new car, boasting a bigger but lighter chassis than its predecessor. The base model is equipped with a 2.7 litre engine that is both smaller and more powerful than the outgoing flat six. The range topping Boxster S uses the familiar 3.4 litre unit, which for the occasion has been tweaked to produce 5 horses more. Both models will become available in the coming months with either a six-speed manual or a PDK double clutch, 7-speed automatic.
Marking both the model's 60th anniversary and the final year for the current generation, Chevrolet have released the Corvette 427 Convertible. Effectively a Z06 with the roof removed, it is the first 'C6' drop top powered by the 505 bhp LS7 V8. Extensive use of lightweight materials have kept the weight down, giving the special Corvette a superior power to weight ratio over far more exotic machinery. Optional on all 2013-model year Corvettes, the 427 Convertible comes standard with the 60th anniversary package.
At this week's Low Carbon Racing Conference in Birmingham, Drayson Racing Technologies took the wraps off the Lola B12/ 69EV. Developed in conjunction with Lola, this promises to be the fastest all-electric racer yet. The LMP1 based machine is powered by four electric motors and features active aerodynamics. Not built to specific regulations, the B12/69EV's main goal is to go as fast as possible using electric motors only. Drayson do hope to develop the car into a contender for the FIA Formula E world championship scheduled for 2013.
Earlier in the week Italian design house Pininfarina sent us the first glimpse of their Geneva destined show car. Dubbed the Cambiano, it promises to be an 'elegant and refined' sport sedan.

Enjoy the links:

2012 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible - Images, Specifications and Information

2012 Lola B12/69EV - Images, Specifications and Information

2012 Pininfarina Cambiano - Images, Specifications and Information

2012 Porsche Boxster S - Images, Specifications and Information

2012 Porsche Boxster - Images, Specifications and Information

[thebrochureman]

The Corvette looks very nice.

[culver]

I've been a C6 fan but it seems pretty clear that GM is starting to throw together every combination of existing parts and tricks to eek out the last bit of the C6's life. I guess it's not like Porsche doesn't do a dozen different "special" editions of basically the same car but this one is clearly getting towards the end of its days.

BTW, even the base C6 was great to drive and many of the criticisms of the car are from those who have never driven or likely been in one.

[f6fhellcat13]

Have you driven a C6, culver?
How is the interior? Is it as bad as it is made out to be?

[culver]

Have you driven a C6, culver?
How is the interior? Is it as bad as it is made out to be?

If you watch Victory by Design Corvette, I drove the blue C6 featured in the video. It looked identical to this one:


Are the interiors bad... yes and no. First, the steering wheel's airbag cover is really cheap looking. That's just bad. Most of the materials are actually quite good. For instance, the door panels are about on par with those in the E39 BMW. The seats are not crap as many claim. They are quite comfortable but they don't hold you as well as you might wish given the car's potential. The ride is actually quite good. The Top Gear claims about heavy clutch and hard ride were complete BS. The clutch pedal was lighter than my SAAB's and wasn't noticeably stiffer than say a Honda Accord's.

Anyway, the interior materials are about on par with the Cayman/Boxster. The panel gaps, feel, etc are all basically equal. The plastics feel just as hallow or solid as those in the P-car. The controls move nicely. The problem is the interior has a few parts that look cheap. While Porsche seems to build their large panel gaps into the design (it's a nice visual void) GM made them look accidental. The radio and AC controls are bespoke but they look like they came from the parts bin. Sadly it's really just the steering wheel and the center stack looking cheap that give the impression that the interior is cheap.

Of course it also doesn't help when Top Gear decides that will be their thing to poke fun of... well that and the rear leaf spring, they seem to be OK with the front leaf spring.

So, in the end I would say it isn't that bad and it is not cheap but GM didn't get much value for the cost they put in because the styling made people think it was cheaper than it really was. Certainly a new interior for the C7 will be a BIG help for the car.