So how much reliable power can you really get out of a 6 cylinder engine? Well it looks like Porsche aims to answer that question.
The new 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 (997 Body Style) has an astonishing 530 hp turbo charged 6 cylinder power plant that will sling shot it 0-60 mph in about 3.6 seconds with a top speed of about 204 mph. Another really impressive figure is the claimed 0-100 mph in 7.4 seconds.
Combining that incredible power with Porsche’s uncanny ability to put that energy to the road, the rear wheel drive GT2 will give any super car a run for its money.
The 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 (997 body) is expected to hit the states in early 2008 with a MSRP about $191,700.
This is not a classic car that you take on a leisurely Sunday drive; it’s a classic car that can destroy a lot of new sports cars at the line.
The 1976 to 1977 Porsche Turbo Carrera (930) arrived at dealers with an astonishing 234 hp with 253 lbs of torque weighting only 2635 lbs. It is powered with a turbo charged 2.7 liter flat 6 cylinder air cooled engine. With the impressive horse power to weight ratio, the Porsche Turbo Carrera (930) redefined the term “turbo lag”. The Porsche Turbo Carrera will rocket 0-60 mph in about 4.9 seconds. The turbo lag in this model is so predominant that it almost makes the vehicle dangerous. Great care must be taken in taming this beast.
The 1976 and 1977 Porsche Turbo Carrera (930) does suffer from some mechanical imperfections (as reflected in the market price of these models), so great care must be taken in selecting one of these historic vehicles.
So here it is the so-called Porsche Turbo killer the 2009 Nissan GT-R (Skyline). The Nissan GT-R will prove to be a real competitor with its super car performance.
Nissan is touting that the twin turbo V6 engine in the GT-R will produce 473 hp and 433 lbs of torque. This all wheel drive beast is said to do 0-60 mph in about 3.5 seconds and a top speed of about 192 mph.
The Nissan GT-R Skyline had nothing to prove with its already legendary handling. The only downside in my mind is the 6 speed GT6 dual clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel without a manual transmission option.
Well until this rocket ship hits the States, the Porsche Turbo and the other monsters that already roam out streets are safe. But, with a rumored MSRP of $80,000, this could prove to be a real threat to the already kings of the hill.
The Porsche GT2 (996 model) defines what a super car should be able to do, go really fast for a long period of time. The Porsche GT2 is not a street car it is a track car that has been legalized for the road. Porsche took the already impressive Porsche 911 Turbo (996) platform and turned it into a super car.
It always amazes me how Porsche can make a 3.6 liter flat 6 cylinder engine produce such tremendous reliable horsepower. The Porsche GT2 packs an astonishing 456 hp and 457 lbs of torque which will rocket this race car from 0-60 in about 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph.
What makes the Porsche GT2 different than the Turbo? Well here are a few key distinctions:
• About 39 hp (Porsche 911 Turbo 996 has 415 hp).
• The Porsche GT2 has rear wheel drive and the Turbo has all wheel drive.
• About 350 lbs (the Porsche GT2 weights about 3150 lbs and the Turbo weights 3500 lbs)
• Lower to the ground. If you have a driveway with an incline or decline, you will probably rub if you attempt to pull a Porsche GT2 up or down it.
• 2 Seats (Porsche GT2 does not have rear seats like the Turbo)
• $65,500 difference in price (Porsche GT2 base MSRP was about $181,700 and the Turbo’s base MSRP was about $116,200)
With all of the above differences, Porsche created an absolute monster. Although the Porsche GT2’s are rare, current pricing is relatively reasonable (for a super car) since Porsche announced the release of the 997 GT2.
In 2002 Volkswagen released their popular Passat Wagon with a 4 liter W8 engine. If you are scratching your head over the W8, it is basically two V4 engines side by side sharing the same crankcase.
The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 has 275 hp and 273 lbs of torque which will launch it 0-62 mph in about 6.5 seconds with the 6 speed manual transmission (about 7.8 Seconds with the 5 speed tiptronic manual transmission). The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 has a top speed electronically limited to 130 mph in the USA (155 mph in Europe).
Although the Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 will not compete on the back roads with the more appointed Audi S4 Avant, its all wheel drive makes for stable and confident handling.
The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 is relatively rare due to its original MSRP (around $38,000) which was somewhat more than a lot of people where willing to pay for a Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 was produced from 2002 to 2004. The 2002 and 2003 fall within the $10K to $20K price range. Again with any used car you should consider getting a pre purchase inspection.
Do you really need a 10 cylinder twin turbocharged station wagon? I think so, and Audi does too. Welcome the 2009 Audi RS6 Avant which is nothing short of spectacular in looks and power.
A welcomed more aggressive design makes this super wagon stand out from the crowd. The flared wheel wells and the sleek front grill makes the Audi RS6 Avant look like it is moving before it even gets into gear.
The 2009 Audi RS6 Avant is powered by an incredible turbocharged V10 engine that puts out an amazing 580 hp and 480 lbs of torque. Audi is boasting that the RS6 Avant will sprint 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and quickly reach its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Audi has also improved its already well designed Quattro system to match enormous power with handling. The Audi RS6 Avant has a 6 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel to allow manual up shifting.
The interior lives up to Audi’s uncanny ability to match style and class while maintaining functionality.
The Audi RS6 Avant is rumored to hit the showroom floor in Mid 2008 and the MSRP has not been disclosed.
Mercedes is known for their luxurious interiors and they do not exclude their C series from this reputation. The Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon combines classic lines with a luxurious ride. It is powered by a 215 hp and 221 lb of torque 3.2 liter 6 cylinder engine. The Mercedes C320 Wagon comes with an automatic transmission and is able to go 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds.
Handling is crisp and the transmission is relatively smooth (except for a mild hesitation when you first step on the gas pedal). What makes the Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon so compelling is the luxurious accommodations and beautiful lines.
The rear wheel drive Mercedes C320 Wagon was produced from 2002, 2003 and 2004, but keeping with our $10K to $20K price range we could only include the 2001 and 2002 model years.
So you are looking for something a little newer to choose from Fahrcar.com’s “Top Hot German Station Wagons” list. Then take a look at the 2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T. Audi combines a very functional yet stylish design into the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T.
The Audi A4 Avant 1.8T is powered by a 4 cylinder 1.8 liter turbo charged engine that produces 170 hp and 166 lbs of torque. The Audi A4 Avant will go 0-60 in about 7.8 seconds. Although the acceleration may not be at aggressive as the other station wagons on the list, the Audi A4 Avant’s real attribute is in its handling with the standard all wheel drive power train.
With the combination of relatively good fuel efficiency, first-rate handling and stand out styling, the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T makes the list. Although the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T has an available 5 speed automatic transmission, we feel that the manual transmission is much better suited with this turbo charged 4 cylinder engine. Pricing for the 2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T’s price range falls on the high side of the $10K to $20K. Again a pre purchase inspection is always a good idea with any used vehicle.
Beautiful styling and an aggressive power is the only way to describe the BMW 540i Sport Wagon. Its 8 cylinder 4.4 liter engine has 282 hp and a whopping 324 lbs of torque launching this family truckster 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds and does the ¼ mile in about 14.4 seconds at 95.6 mph. With the optional sport suspension the BMW 540i Sport Wagon’s handling is very unlike a typical station wagon. As with all 5 series BMW from this time period the BMW 540i Sport Wagon is rear wheel drive.
The BMW 540i Sport Wagon is only available with a smooth 5 speed Steptronic automatic transmission with the ability to manually up shift or downshift. The comfortable and spacious interior lends itself to long trips. The exterior has classic lines with an aggressive overtone.
This body style was produced from 1999 to 2003. A 1999, 2000 or 2001 should be readily available in the $10 to $20K price range. As with any used vehicle you definitely should have a pre purchase inspection completed.
So you are in the market for a family truckster, but the car enthusiast in you won’t let you buy a minivan or large SUV. Well her are a few suggestions that will satisfy the both you and your family.
For many years the station wagon was slowly replaced by the SUVs and Minivans. In recent years we have seen the reemergence of station wagons. German car manufacturers, especially, recognize the need for both space and performance in one well designed package. So here are a few options in the used sporty station wagon market from German car manufacturers in the $10k to $20k price range. Please keep in mind these top station wagons are the opinion of the author and represent a short list from a long list of excellent vehicles.
2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant – Housing the same power plant as its sedan brother, a twin turbo 6 cylinder engine, the Audi S4 Avant is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Putting out 250 hp and 258 lbs of torque the Audi S4 Avant is able to sprint 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. Utilizing Audi’s legendary Quattro all wheel drive power train this wagon is capable of handling the twisting back roads with ease.
The interior of the Audi S4 Avant is elegant yet functional making this sports wagon a pleasure to travel in. The Audi S4 Avant is available with either an automatic or 6 speed transmission.
The Audi S4 Avant typically is priced on the upper end of the $10K to $20K price range (as of the publish date of this article) depending on condition and mileage. As with any used car a Pre Purchase Inspection should be must.
