The New Porsche 911 Gains All-Wheel-Drive

As all-wheel-drive 911s accounted for approximately a-third of the previous-generation 911s, Porsche didn't waste much getting getting the new all-wheel-drive 911s out. They come for the 2013 model year in the names of Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S in both coupe and convertible form.

You can tell an all-wheel-drive 911 from the rear-wheel-drive 911s from a slightly wider rear and a light strip connecting the two taillights. You can also cheat and read the badge on the rear, of course. But other than those details, there's basically no other differences. Both the 350-horsepower flat six, 400-horsepower flat-six and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and manual transmissions, and all other bits carry over from the rear-wheel-drive 911.

The new all-wheel-drive 911s are up to 143 pounds less heavy than the previous-generation all-wheel-drive Carreras. Light weight contributes to an EPA-estimated 20/28 city-highway miles per gallon fuel economy rating the Carrera 4 coupe.

Adaptive cruise control and a related pre-collision system make their appearance for the 911 with the new all-wheel-drive models. These safety technologies will find their way to other 911s. For all 911 coupes, a sliding glass moonroof is standard equipment.

Base price leaps a few thousand dollars for the new all-wheel-drive 911s. $91030 is as cheap as you can go for a base Carrera 4 coupe. A Carrera 4 convertible can be had for $102930, a Carrera S coupe is $105630, and finally a Carrera S convertible starts at $177530. The aforementioned models will go on sale in the dawn of 2013.

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Mini's Continuation of Expensive Little Cars

The John Cooper Works (JWC for short) moniker for Mini has meant high performance. Now, the Cooper John Cooper Works is supplemented by the bigger John Cooper Works Countryman. An all-wheel-drive, 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder powered fun little hatchback might lead you to believe it would be sensibly priced, but the JWC Countryman instead starts at $35550, and that's only the beginning of the story for more options. At that point, you can get a lightly equipped sports sedan than is more powerful and far more refined than the JWC Countryman would be. If you really want Mini's British charm and relatively go-cart like handling with more space than a regular JWC Cooper and an even costlier JWC Cooper convertible, this is it for you. The JWC package does get you 19-inch wheels and red trim inside and out, though. If you're looking at competitors, the Volkswagen Golf R will have to be the sole car. Its starting price is within $200 of the JWC Countryman's, and...

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I'll be Gone for a While

Well, it's that time of the year where students go back to school, and I am no exception. Since this is my first year of high school, I am super excited and anxious. But with the inevitable assignments and assessments, I feel I should take a break from my blog. The next time I will return will be Monday-Wednesday on Thanksgiving week. Until then, my readers! -Jason L.

From the Passenger's Seat

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