Long Live the 997

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

Remember how I said that the GT3 RS 4.0 would be the last 997 Porsche would ever produce? Well, it seems that it might not be the case as Porsche have just unveiled the Carrera 4 GTS, an all-wheel drive version of the standard Carrera GTS. It still has the 3.8-liter 408 horsepower Flat-6 engine which will take it from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds on to a top speed of 188 MPH. And since it has all-wheel drive, it serves as a great all-rounder for you money-savers in search for something fast. There's nothing else to know about this car except that prices start at $110,200 for the coupe, $120,100 for the cabriolet, and that it might be the last 997 Porsche will make til the Frankfurt Motor Show when the 998 will be revealed.

M5 Track Day

2012 BMW Concept M5 (F10)

It looks like BMW's getting ready to debut their premier sports saloon, the M5. Rumor has it that with the limiter off, it will reach 200 MPH on its new 4.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged 552 horsepower V8 engine. That is quite fast for a heavy saloon, even though when it will be released, the limiters will be jammed on. Anyway, other equipment include a new M-Sport 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission), an optional 6-speed manual, and, if possible, X-Drive All-Wheel Drive. Now, I know some of you might be looking at this and getting all angry at BMW for putting All-Wheel Drive and a sports saloon, but this is actually a very good idea. Yes, it might relieve the joy of doing donuts or drifting around corners for pleasure, but what about when it rains or snows? You'll need traction to keep the tires down. The only carmaker I know that can do this with rear-wheel drive is Jaguar. In fact, they've done it on all three cars. But, as for everyone else, all-wheel drive is the way to go, and I think this will come in handy. Well, hopefully they'll make the models separate. Anyway, back to the matter at hand, the production M5 F10 was seen a track in Miramas, France doing some proper rear-wheel drifting for all you tail-happy fans out there. Check out the action below and be sure to tune in this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show when the car is unveiled.

Das Rally

2012 VW Polo R WRC

It seems that we have new competition entering WRC this season as VW have pulled back the covers on their rally racer. Say hello to the VW Polo R WRC. In order to meet WRC requirements, VW fitted the rally car with 1.6-liter TSI Turbo-4 engine producing 300 horsepower, a racing all-wheel drive system, a new aerodynamic kit, and sport-tuned suspension. You'll see this car do some rally action in 2013 with Mini, Ford, and Citroën. VW's already anticipating some wins. Let's hope they do gather some.