"with All Despatch" By Alexander Kent on 2040-parts.com

Porsche is developing a new four-cylinder engine set to power entry-level model

High-ranking officials at Porsche's Weissach research and development center in Germany have confirmed that engineering work is progressing on a four-cylinder horizontally opposed gasoline engine, details of which were first revealed by Autoweek earlier this year. The new boxer unit--which is earmarked to power a new mid-engine, entry-level model that insiders describe as a spiritual successor to the iconic 550 Spyder--looks set to become an integral part of Porsche's future model plans. Insiders suggest it will also be offered on the third-generation Boxster and the second-generation Cayman later on in their respective model cycles.

Acura releases specs, photos of the ZDX

Acura confirmed specs and released more photos Monday of the new ZDX, which is scheduled to arrive this winter as a 2010 model. The ZDX is the vehicle being pitched as a “four-door sports coupe” and, as expected, will come with a 3.7-liter V6 engine making 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. That's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Race like a champion with the Race of Champions smartphone app

The winter months bring a lull to motorsports. Many of the series champions are wrapped up. Luckily, that gives drivers time to compete in the yearly Race of Champions.