Mini Cooper - Repair and Service Redwood City - Mini adds back manual transmission on more models - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

 

 Mini removed the 6-speed manual from its options list early last year, citing at the time supply issues while it promised a return of the transmission at a later date.

It lived up to its promise last fall, when it reintroduced the manual transmission as an option on its signature Hardtop.

Now it's added the option back on two more models: the 4-Door Hardtop and Convertible. The manual can be equipped on the Cooper and Cooper S grades. The alternative is an 8-speed automatic.

Recently, Mini conducted a survey to find out just how much interest there was for manual transmissions, and the results were positive for the old stick shift. Around 63% of respondents agreed learning how to drive a manual was a a rite of passage and an important life skill.

2023 Mini Convertible Seaside Edition

 

When it came to specific age groups, Mini discovered nearly half (49%) of all Gen Z respondents indicated they didn't know how to drive a manual. When asked if they were willing to learn, 53% of the Gen Z respondents indicated they were interested in learning how to row their own gears. That proportion grows when all ages up to 34 are counted; in this case 67% said they were eager to learn.

Anyone actually willing to learn how to drive stick can do so through Mini. The automaker has been running a manual transmission driving course since last fall at the BMW West Coast driving school located at the Thermal Club private racetrack in California. The current cost of the course is $499.

 source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1138740_mini-adds-back-manual-transmission-on-more-models

 

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com

 

 

Porsche - Repair and Service Redwood City - 2024 Porsche Cayenne undergoing testing ahead of spring debut - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

 

Porsche is out testing prototypes for an updated version of its Cayenne mid-size SUV, which is confirmed to launch in the spring as a 2024 model. The German sports car brand released images of the Cayenne undergoing testing on Wednesday.

The automaker said there will be tweaks to the powertrain lineup, chassis, connectivity, and list of standard features. The goal for engineers, the automaker said, is to deliver a vehicle with an even wider range between on-road performance, comfort, and off-road capability.

There will be design tweaks, too. The popular performance SUV is set to take on a radical—at least for Porsche—new look judging by the changes spotted on the prototypes.

The front end has been completely revised and features new headlights with a flatter, more angular shape similar to the design used on the Taycan electric car. The headlights are Porsche's latest matrix LED design, featuring four individual projectors instead of the single main unit on the current Cayenne range.

2024 Porsche Cayenne prototype

 

The taillights have also been concealed, suggesting a new concept here. We can also see that the tailgate has been revised, as the recess for the license plate has been moved onto the rear fascia. This design is already used on the related Cayenne Coupe, which is about to undergo a similar update.

Porsche hasn't provided a look inside the new Cayenne, but it will be updated to integrate a fully digital dash similar to the one in the Taycan. A 12.7-inch screen is expected to serve as the instrument cluster, while a 12.3-inch touchscreen is expected to serve as the infotainment hub.

2024 Porsche Cayenne prototype

 

In the chassis department, Porsche will make adaptive dampers a standard feature across the range. Larger diameter tires will also help improve comfort and grip levels.

It isn't clear what updates Porsche has planned for the powertrains, though there are rumors the Cayenne S will drop the current twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 in favor of Porsche's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8.

2024 Porsche Cayenne prototype

 

Typically, Porsche dials up the horsepower on most grades with its updates, so powertrain tweaks in other grades are also likely. The lineup currently tops out with the Turbo S E-Hybrid grade, which is rated at a stout 670 hp.

While the Cayenne Coupe has a new Turbo GT grade with a twin-turbo V-8 that delivers 631 hp on its own, it isn't clear if this grade will make it into the regular Cayenne lineup.

 source:https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1131190_2024-porsche-cayenne-teased

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com