2011 Porsche Panamera P680

Their latest program is for the Porsche Panamera Turbo and as you can expect, Switzer gave it a robust tuning upgrade. They added their newly developed P680 hardware on the German luxury saloon’s 4.4-liter V8 engine and its resulting output from the standard 500 horsepower and 516 lb/ft of torque to a mouth-watering 680 horsepower and right about 700 lb/ft of torque.

Ohio-based tuning specialist, Switzer Performance, is fast making a name for itself in the aftermarket industry, having created a growing number of projects that include the Nissan GT-R E900 and the Porsche 911 GT2.

In addition to the P680 hardware, the added boost in output was also aided by the addition of a new intercooler system and the company’s own Siemens ECU upgrade. All in all, the Switzer-tuned Panamera Turbo is now capable of hitting 0-60 mph in a little over three seconds with a top speed of 215 mph. The whole package is now available for a base price of $22,000, which may sound like a fortune, except for the fact that it does give the Panamera enough boost to become a gnarly monster

Read More

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spyder

The MP4-12C Spyder will feature a retractable hard-top, but will maintain the same mechanical setup and general design found in the standard model. Under the hood, we’ll more than likely find the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 that will deliver a total of 592 HP. This engine will be mated to a 7-speed twin-clutch Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG) that will be controlled via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. The 0 to 60 mph will be made in about the same 3.3 seconds, while top speed will be 205mph.

McLaren’s response to Ferrari’s 458 Italia Spyder is well on its way, thanks to the success achieved by the MP4-12C coupe. The new MP4-12C Spyder was confirmed back in 2009 and should be arriving within the next year if it plans to tackle Ferrari’s drop top. When it does arrive, expect the new model to be priced at a few thousand more than the $230K coupe.

Read More

Preview for 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill

Represented by drivers and racers from ten different countries - France, Italy, Japan, Spain, New Zealand, Sweden, Mexico, Australia, Great Britain and the USA - the 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will feature 194 different racers, all of which are looking to win their respective classes and break some records in the process.

The 89th installment of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb opens this weekend, which means that now seems like an appropriate time to provide a preview of what is arguably the world’s most famous hill climbing competition.

The festivities start on June 24th in downtown Colorado with the Fan Fest, a free event that is expected to gather about 35,000 fans from 5:00-10:00 pm. As part of the festivities, fans will get the chance to see all the participants with their racers, as well as enjoy live music, motorcycle jumps, the Denver Broncos cheerleaders, and, of course, a chili cook-off.

Even Hollywood star and car aficionado, Paul Walker, will be on-hand for the event as he was tapped to be the driver of the Porsche 911 Pace Car. Riding shotgun beside Walker for the ceremonial lap will be Colorado Springs, Mayor Steve Bach.

Read More