JULY 31, 2019

(Porsche images)
Porsche is expanding the model range of the new 911. Following the introduction of the 911 Carrera S and 4S models, Porsche is now introducing the new standard 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera Cabriolet. The new models are powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat six engine with model-specific turbochargers, developing 379HP at 6,500 rpm and 331 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,950 to 5,000 rpm. Fitted with the standard 8-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission, the 2020 911 Carrera accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, this time drops to 3.8 seconds. Both times represent an improvement of 0.2 seconds compared to the previous 911 Carrera Coupe with PDK. The 2020 911 Carrera Cabriolet offers similar performance, reaching 60 mph from standstill in just 4.2 seconds, and in 4.0 seconds flat when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package. Top track speed is 182 mph for the 911 Carrera and 180 mph for the 911 Carrera Cabriolet. 
The new 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera Cabriolet are equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management). As on the 911 Carrera S and 4S models, the electronically variable damping system comes standard and offers two selectable modes, "Normal" and "Sport", emphasizing ride quality and handling. The wheels on the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera Cabriolet feature a staggered diameter, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. They are fitted with 235/40 ZR 19 and 295/35 ZR 20 tires, respectively. Larger wheels with a staggered 20/21-inch diameter (standard on 911 Carrera S and 4S models) are optionally available. The standard internally ventilated and perforated grey cast-iron brake rotors on the 2020 911 Carrera models measure 13.0 inches front and rear and feature black four-piston calipers. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) can be ordered as an extra.  As on the S models, Wet Mode is included as standard equipment. This function automatically detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. The driver can then call up vehicle settings particularly suited for wet roads at push of a button, or by means of the mode switch on the steering wheel (when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package). 
Inside, the new 911 Carrera shares the interior with the previously introduced S models, including redesigned seats, the traditional centrally positioned tachometer, and the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a 10.9 inch touch screen and improved connectivity. A control panel of five buttons with the look of classic toggle switches creates the transition to the center console controls. The 2020 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera Cabriolet are available to order now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers early next year. Bring ca$h: The MSRP for the 911 Carrera is $97,400, while the 911 Carrera Cabriolet retails for $110,200 – both not including the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee. The all-wheel-drive versions of these models will be announced soon.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: All of sudden Porsche pricing has become distinctly problematic with the emergence of the 2020 Corvette Sting Ray. Porsche operatives have been jacking up prices for years now, to the point that many of the Porsche faithful have become disgruntled or just flat-out pissed-off. The Porsche option list is usurious by itself, a work of gulp fiction that is unconscionable. The new Corvette presents a serious alternative to the Porsche 911 in terms of performance, looks and genuine value for the money; and it will be very interesting to see how it all plays out. -PMD
The only visual distinction between the standard 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S/4S derivatives are the exhaust openings in the rear fascia. To differentiate between the engine variants, the standard 911 Carrera models feature one rectangular, single-tube tailpipe on each side, while the S models are fitted with a set of round twin-tailpipes on each side. The optional Sport Exhaust system distinguished by two oval tailpipes can be ordered for all models. 

(Cadillac images)
Cadillac has revised its XT5 for 2020 with 40 improvements, including a new standard turbocharged engine, enhanced technologies, and revised design cues inside and out. The 2.0L turbo’s twin-scroll turbocharger with its unique, three-step sliding camshaft "help the engine optimize performance across the rpm band, for a greater feeling of on-demand power at all speeds," according to Cadillac PR minions. It is rated at an SAE-certified at 237HP (177 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm). The available 3.6L V6 is rated at 310HP (231 kW) with 271 lb.-ft. of torque (367 Nm). Both engines have direct injection, camshaft phasing, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and automatic stop/start to optimize efficiency. Other stuff? The XT5’s exterior features standard LED headlamps with IntelliBeam on all models. Additionally, the lower front and rear fascia have been updated, while a new 18-inch wheel design is standard on Luxury and Premium Luxury versions, while a new 20-inch wheel design is also available. The XT5 Sport features new 20-inch wheels standard. Luxury and Premium Luxury models feature revised front struts and driveline enhancements designed to improve ride comfort and road isolation, while the Sport model includes standard dual-clutch Sport Control AWD with Active Yaw Control, Continuous Damping Control adaptive suspension, quicker steering ratio and the 20-inch wheels. Models with the 2.0L Turbo feature a new, electronically controlled braking system that replaces the conventional vacuum-assisted system. With it, a compact electric motor provides power braking assistance and enhances overall efficiency by reducing the parasitic engine drag incurred with a traditional vacuum booster. It also provides excellent response and feedback. The 2020 Cadillac XT5 will be built at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly facility and will be available late this summer.

(Audi)
The 2020 Audi S7 features a twin turbocharged 2.9-liter TFSI® V6 with 444HP and 443 lb-ft of torque (+109 hp/+74 lb-ft over the A7), which propels the five-door coupe to 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The standard eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission with quattro® all-wheel drive works in tandem with a new 48V electric electric compressor to help eliminate turbo lag and enable immediate throttle response. Standard S-tuned adaptive air suspension and upgraded brakes allow drivers to effortlessly switch between dynamic and comfortable driving experiences. The available S sport package adds dynamic all-wheel steering and a quattro® differential to offer increased maneuverability at all speeds. The S sport package also adds sport exhaust and red brake calipers. Other S7 standard equipment includes the Audi virtual cockpit; four-zone automatic climate control; top-view camera system with Virtual 360 view; Bang & Olufsen® 3D Premium Sound System. The MMI® Navigation with MMI® touch response® system (10.1-inch upper, 8.6-inch lower) replaces the rotary dial and the conventional buttons of the previous model with two large, high-resolution touch displays, enabling fast access to functions and a high degree of personalization. The available HD-Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light and high-beam assistant (standard on Prestige models) are 30 percent more energy-efficient than standard LEDs. A full suite of standard and available driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise assist with traffic jam and turn assist and Audi side assist with rear cross traffic assist and vehicle exit warning is also offered. How much? Bring ca$h: The 2020 Audi S7 Premium Plus model starts at $83,900. The Prestige model starts at $89,500.

(Loren Hulber photo)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Longtime AE reader Loren Hulber won Best in Class in the "Rise and Fall of Cadillac Fins" class at the Concours of America in Plymouth, Michigan, on Sunday. Loren's fantastic 1949 Cadillac was chosen from a class of sixteen stunning Cadillacs with fins from 1949 to 1964. -PMD 

Editor-In-Chief's Note: A few more thoughts on the new Corvette in no particular order. 1. I wouldn't have shown the new Corvette in Red at the intro event, because comparisons to Ferrari were inevitable. I would have presented the car in the now classic GM Styling/Design Metallic Silver, or even in the Ceramic Matrix Gray Metallic production color. 2. By the way, kudos to GM Design for the expanded color palette on the new Corvette. It's long overdue but well done. 3. Try as it might, GM wasn't able to keep the car under wraps, and that's really too bad. The company never should have driven it in New York or at the Corvette Museum, camouflaged or not. Ford is still the reigning champion when it comes to that; the company kept the Ford GT under cover until the very last moment, which maximized the impact of its reveal. 4. Kudos to GM's True Believers for sticking with its tried and true V8. Yes, there are other versions coming, but a hot V8 in the latest Corvette - instead of a Turbo V6 - was the only way to go. 5. Kudos again go out to GM's True Believer designers who delivered a striking, beautiful interior with a distinctive point of view. I can't wait to see it - and the machine - in the flesh. -PMD 

(GM images)
GM has confirmed that its Tonawanda, New York, engine plant will build the company’s next-generation 6.2L Small Block V8 that will power the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Production of the new mid-engine Corvette begins at GM’s Bowling Green, Kentucky, assembly plant in late 2019. The next-gen 6.2L Small Block LT2 V8 will offer 2020 Stingray customers the most horsepower and torque of any entry-level Corvette: SAE-certified to 495HP and SAE-certified to 470 lb.-ft. of torque (when equipped with performance exhaust). 

 

AE Song Lyrics of the Week:

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want
And I've waited so long
Stacy, can't you see?
You're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong but
I'm in love with Stacy's mom

"Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne