TechArt was created in May 1987 with the idea of fusing technology and art. The aim is to meld perfect design with functional technology.
Today, TechArt offers complete tuning conversions for the Porsche 911 (964, 993 & 996) and 986 Boxster. This includes body styling, light alloy wheels, sports exhausts, performance enhancements and sports suspensions. The interior program is extensive, leaving no hide untouched. Stateside, TechArt sprang to prominence with its blisteringly fast CT3, clad with an outrageous body and interior. A fellow worker down the hall still has the CT3 poster on his wall.
2000 TechArt Porsche 911 Cabriolet
TechArt joins several other Porsche tuners in its attempt to restyle the 996 with more aggressive lines. Although the car is significantly longer and wider than its predecessor, it doesn't look that way--when placed side-by-side, I bet the previous 993 gets more looks.
TechArt's solution involves significant body augmentations, including its "Turbo"- look flared rear steel fenders, front bumper spoiler, side skirts and rear wing. Although it still looks fairly sedate, the proportions reveal themselves when you step behind the car and look down. This damn thing is fat! Huge TechArt Daytona wheels measure 11x18 in. with 285/30ZR-18 Continentals; the fronts are 8.5x18s with 225/40ZR-18s. TechArt's suspension stiffens the underpinnings, and its engine program features a revamped computer and stainless-steel exhaust. TechArt claims the program is good for 30 more bhp.
TechArt's trademark wild interior styling was also present, including its steering wheel, gauge faces, aluminum pedals and custom leather.
TechArt's appointments certainly create an aura of unabashed individualism--and though that's not really my style, I'm sure the approach has its fans. This car was significantly louder than our long-term 996 coupe, trumpeting its raspy exhaust note all through the canyon. It did not feel any faster than our car nor did it handle any better--but I suppose that's the price one pays for 20 miles of headroom.
CEC specializes in style. Period. If you want to personalize your car's styling, go see Claus. Although the tuners CEC represents have significant European engine tuning programs available, little of it makes its way over here. CEC is not an engine tuner nor does it claim to be. CEC can, however, outfit your ride with a gorgeous suit. You'll want to bulk up elsewhere.
CEC
16200 S. Figueroa St.
Gardena, CA 90248
(800) 766-0064
www.cecwheels.com
When first introduced, the Boxster drew less than ecstatic reviews from some press members due to its moderate performance levels. These criticisms were cast aside with the S model and can now be forever forgotten with TechArt's new 3.4-liter Boxster S conversion. By virtue of a 96mm bore, special pistons, heads and a bevy of other mods, this powerplant pushes out 310 bhp and 365 Nm of torque. Zero to 62 mph comes up in a scant 5.1 sec., and terminal speed tops out at 278.
TechArt Automobildesign GmbH, RoentgenstraBe 47, D-71229 Leonberg (Hoefingen), Germany; phone: 49-(0)7152/93-39-0; fax: : 49-(0)7152/93-39-33; TechArt is imported and distributed in the U.S. by CEC Wheels; (310) 767-1111.
Few sports cars capture the imagination as does Porsche's Turbo. While Lamborghini and Ferrari are unique as a class, they are still members of a class, an exclusive class, but a class nonetheless.
From an outward appearance, Porsche's 911 family has always been unique. From its teardrop-shaped cabin and rearward-canted headlights, the style is singularly 911. As the 911 evolved, Porsche engendered its brood with styling and design changes to suit the intended purpose, the look often reflecting motorsports heritage and the inevitable raising of the bar.
Tuners, such as Gemballa, Kremer and Zender, from days of old have emulated factory efforts with their own renditions of performance specials. TechArt, arguably one of the newest tuners, has in recent years usurped its rightful position as Porsche tuner/stylist extraordinaire.
With the introduction of the newest generation Porsche Turbo, TechArt engineers and stylists have been hard at work, recently introducing their own Porsche wide-body kit
The wide-body kit is engineered to improve airflow at high speed in the interests of stability and control. The front spoiler, which mounts on the factory piece, reduces lift at the front axle. The rear spoiler consists of a new wing integrated into the factory popup design. Side skirts are said to improve airflow around the car.
With excellent performance out of the box, TechArt engineers upped the ante with a horsepower upgrade kit; acceleration improves to 3.7 sec. from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h).
Suspension and handling are also improved with a Tech Art-designed suspension and 18-in.-diameter wheels. TechArt parts are imported and distributed in the United States through CEC.