Mad About Cars

The new Porsche Cayenne has been spotted being tested in Germany and a fine car it looks indeed.

The shape of the new Cayenne is similar to the previous version, but with sleeker lines and more aggressive looks. Under the bonnet is expected to be a 4.8litre V8 that produces 400hp but the turbo version should have the bi-turbos the Panamera sees, that deliver 500 horses. There are going to be diesel versions too, with a standard V6 TDI that produces 240hp and a 3.0 litre V6 that produces 333 horses of power.

The car looks great , we can’t wait to see it in the metal.

While Americans still settle for the 200-horspower Audi A3, our counterparts in Europe have had the option of buying its higher-performance stablemate, the S3 for quite some time. While an RS 3 variant has long been rumored, it has never surfaced from the four-ringed factory; that is until now.

Beginning in early 2011, Audi will start shipping the RS 3 Sportback, a faster, more developed version of the luxurious hatchback that shares its architecture with the Volkswagen Golf. While the A3 and S3 are both powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder, the S3 having a slightly larger turbo and intercooler, the RS 3 will get the same 2.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection five-cylinder found in the TT-RS.

The five-cylinder will not only provide the appropriate rally-car roar, but roughly 340-horspower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The RS3 will pull off 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds according to Audi, and in accordance with the infamous “gentleman’s agreement,” the car will be electronically limited to 155 mph.

Aston Martin has unleashed the latest iteration of its V8 Vantage GT4 race car, which comes into the 2011 race year with several important updates. The new V-8 engined racing car takes design inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce. It also has a remapped 4.7-liter engine offering increased levels of power and torque.

As with the current 4.7-liter Vantage GT4, which made its race debut in 2009, the 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with key attributes being carried over including the aluminum chassis, base engine and suspension design. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can, for the first time, choose a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system.

I have had my Seat Leon just over 2 years and up to now i have had no issues well just one but will talk about that shortly. The drive is smooth and the speed is pretty impressive although it is a six gear Turbo Sport.

Back to the only issue i have had with the car is that when it starts up it occasionally makes a rattling noise i have done some research and it seems to be a common issue however it seems the dealership try to ignore this issue as i have took it in several times and they have told me it is fine.

Many people struggle to think of Christmas presents for their teenagers. When asked what they want, teenagers often either say “money” or if you really unlucky, will shrug their shoulders and utter something undecipherable.

Everyone has a teenager in their family that they have to buy a present for, so instead of putting a crisp £10 note in a Christmas card, why not have a look at the different calendars available for 2011. Calendars are a Christmas favourite and you can even personalise them so they fit in with your teenager’s interests or hobbies.

If you have a teenager who is mad about cars, you can look at the different car calendars that are available. From Ferrari calendars to BMW calendars, there is loads of choice on offer. If you do a search online there are calendar sites where you can buy personalised calendars so you can scour the net and choose pictures of your favourite cars for every month of the year. You can then either design the car calendar yourself or you can get the company to do it for you.

If your teenager is a car enthusiast, they may already have picture of themselves standing next to one of their favourite cars. All these pictures can also be included on the calendar.

So don’t get revved up by your stroppy teenager, buy them something that they will use – a car calendar.