AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster 0 comments



by Damon Lavrinc

When it comes to a German-American face-off, you could do a lot worse than pitting the BMW M3 against Ford's 5.0-liter V8 powered Mustang. How much worse? How about a comparison test between a base Porsche Boxster and Ford's turbocharged, torque-steering Focus RS.

Granted, the rationale for the shoot-out came down to cost. Across the pond both the Boxster and the Focus sticker for about the same amount. But that's about where the similarities end. Almost.

While the Focus channels over 300 horsepower to the front wheels, it also tips the scales 3,200 pounds. Compared to the 2,900-pound, 255-hp, rear-driven Boxster, Ford's hottest hatch comes off as rather portly, although both manage to run to 60 mph in under six seconds.

But beyond the stats and the all-too-important lap time, the real question is how best to spend your sports car money and which vehicle is the most entertaining to drive.





Jay Leno gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder 0 comments



by John Neff

One of the things we like most about Jay Leno, aside from being a hugely knowledgeable car guy, of course, is his access. Who else would Porsche pick for some private time in a hangar with its forthcoming hybrid supercar, the 918 Spyder, during last week's festivities in Pebble Beach? Certainly not us. We waited by the phone, but sadly Porsche never rang.

Jay did get the call, however, and in addition to being allowed to place his all-denim outfit within inches of the 918 Spyder, he also got face time with Michael Mauer, Head of Design for Porsche. Jay didn't have total access, however, as Mauer shot down his request to open the hood and view the car's high-tech secret powertrain. Ah, well.

Follow the jump to hang with Leno as he learns more about the 918 Spyder straight from the designer's mouth.

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