‘Supercar Superbuild’ Preview Sunday On Smithsonian Channel Sunday

SUPERCAR SUPERBUILD: PORSCHE 911

Premieres Sunday, March 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

For more than 50 years, the iconic Porsche 911 has been an icon of the sportscar world, but now faces fierce competition on the racetrack and the showroom floor. In order to adapt in the face of worldwide fuel economy concerns that affect high-performance machines, the venerable brand’s answer is to break from tradition and alter its famous flat six-cylinder engine. The new, turbo-charged flat six-cylinder engine helps the 911 create 260 horsepower and a top speed of 152 mph.

SUPERCAR SUPERBUILD: AUDI R8

Premieres Sunday, March 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

The Audi R8 has been one of the most successful racing automotive stories over the last two decades, winning numerous Le Mans competitions and several top world endurance championships. But the pressure is on to stay ahead of the game, and Audi’s new R8 sets the pace with its modern, sleek style and high-tech advancements, which are reshaping the automotive industry. Now the brand has a second generation R8 waiting in the wings – but will this new machine live up to the legacy, or has Audi already reached its zenith?

SUPERCAR SUPERBUILD: MINI

Premieres Sunday, March 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

In 1961, Formula One team owner John Cooper decided to try souping up a more attainable machine, the inexpensive Mini. The result is perhaps the world’s first true blue-collar sportscar – the Mini Cooper, whose design is unapologetically British. Over 50 years later, after a German economic resurrection, the brand is building one of the most affordable ways to have fun on four wheels.