Motor Authority - blog Tag: Leipzig Motor Show

  • Report: Porsche planning hardened Panamera GTS flagship

    Report: Porsche planning hardened Panamera GTS flagship Automakers love to build as many models as possible from a single platform as this helps them spread initial investment costs, as well as risk, that can often run up into the billions of dollars. This is especially true for smaller automakers with limited budgets and low production volumes. Case in point is Porsche, which has just developed a brand new platform for its 2010 Panamera sedan.

    The current range includes the standard Panamera, the sportier Panamera S, AWD Panamera 4S and the twin-turbocharged Panamera Turbo, all of which feature a 4.8L V8 engine in either naturally-aspirated or turbocharged guises.

    However, next year Porsche... Automakers love to build as many models as possible from a single platform as this helps them spread initial investment costs, as well as risk, that can often run up into the billions of dollars. This is especially true for smaller automakers with limited budgets and low production volumes. Case in point is Porsche, which has just developed a brand new platform for its 2010 Panamera sedan. The current range includes the standard Panamera, the sportier Panamera S, AWD Panamera 4S and the twin-turbocharged Panamera Turbo, all of which feature a 4.8L V8 engine in either naturally-aspirated or turbocharged guises. However, next year Porsche will expand the lineup with a new entry-level V6 model and a petrol-electric hybrid, and there’s talk that a two-door Cabrio model is also in the works. Now, Autocar is reporting that a diesel version powered by a Volkswagen Group engine is planned and that it will be followed by a new high-performance Panamera GTS flagship. When asked about the possibility of a Panamera diesel, a senior Porsche executive said: “There are V6 and V8 diesels within the VW Group that could be used as a basis.” That points to the same 240hp (179kW) 3.0L V6 from the Cayenne, or even the 322hp (240kW) 4.2L V8 diesel from the Audi A8. As for the GTS, the hardened version of the Panamera would be based on the Turbo model but will do away with that car’s standard air-suspension and adopt steel springs in the same fashion as the Cayenne GTS.2010 Porsche Panamera2011 Porsche Panamera Cabrio preview Read More
  • Porsche Panamera hybrid and V6 models coming next year

    Porsche Panamera hybrid and V6 models coming next year The past couple of months has seen a blitz of stories about the new Porsche Panamera, such as its dramatic 94th story reveal in a Shanghai skyscraper and its official world debut. For now, the four-door Porsche will only be offered in various V8-engined guises, but more economical engines are expected to be arriving soon - including a hybrid model.

    Currently, Porsche has a Cayenne SUV prototype that uses a 3.0L V6 hybrid engine sourced from Audi, and it wouldn't be surprising if this engine found its way into the Panamera for the more environmentally conscious Porsche buyers out there.

    Speaking with the Associated Press, Porsche executive... The past couple of months has seen a blitz of stories about the new Porsche Panamera, such as its dramatic 94th story reveal in a Shanghai skyscraper and its official world debut. For now, the four-door Porsche will only be offered in various V8-engined guises, but more economical engines are expected to be arriving soon - including a hybrid model. Currently, Porsche has a Cayenne SUV prototype that uses a 3.0L V6 hybrid engine sourced from Audi, and it wouldn't be surprising if this engine found its way into the Panamera for the more environmentally conscious Porsche buyers out there. Speaking with the Associated Press, Porsche executive board member Michael Macht confirmed that there will be a Cayenne hybrid next year and a “Panamera hybrid soon after." Porsche purists may balk at the idea, but there is also expected to be a conventional V6 engine for the new Panamera - in other words, Porsche's famed flat-six won't likely be making an appearance in the new four-seater model. Porsche's head of research and development, Wolfgang Durheimer, has previously explained that the flat-six engine doesn't fit in the front of the Panamera because of the particular shape of the engine bay, as well as the fact that the suspension would get in the way. A V6-engined variant will certainly bring down the cost of the cheapest Porsche Panamera, which for now resides with the Panamera S that starts at a little under $90,000. Assuming a petrol-powered V6 becomes the entry-level model, with conventional suspension rather than Porsche's air suspension system, we could see the Panamera drop a large amount of that $90,000 price tag.2010 Porsche Panamera Read More
  • Porsche Design releases new luxury collection for the ultimate Panamera fan

    Porsche Design releases new luxury collection for the ultimate Panamera fan Following the introduction of the updated 911, Boxster and Cayman and Cayenne over the past 24 months, Porsche is now presenting its fourth model line in the form of the new 2010 Panamera. The four-seater Gran Turismo, marrying the comfort of a luxury saloon with the outright performance of a sports car.

    Following this inclination, Porsche Design, the company’s accessories and licensing business, has released a new set of luxury goods titled the Panamera Collection. The set includes luggage, watches, clothing and lifestyle accessories that Porsche Design claims is a reflection of the sporting character of the Panamera itself. Whether... Following the introduction of the updated 911, Boxster and Cayman and Cayenne over the past 24 months, Porsche is now presenting its fourth model line in the form of the new 2010 Panamera. The four-seater Gran Turismo, marrying the comfort of a luxury saloon with the outright performance of a sports car. Following this inclination, Porsche Design, the company’s accessories and licensing business, has released a new set of luxury goods titled the Panamera Collection. The set includes luggage, watches, clothing and lifestyle accessories that Porsche Design claims is a reflection of the sporting character of the Panamera itself. Whether or not people who can afford a Panamera will want to wear items of clothing or watches bearing the name of their car remains to be seen. The main item is a new luggage series built with an aluminum frame and a polycarbonate outer casing. There are three models in various sizes, which are available in the original Porsche exterior colours. There is also a set of watches available in black or shades of brown, including both a Chronograph Panamera and Chronograph Panamera Turbo. Other items include sailing style outdoor jackets that are water-repellent and wind-proof. The collection’s release will coincide with the market launch of the Panamera on September 12, 2009.2010 Porsche PanameraPorsche Design Panamera Collection Read More
  • VW Golf GTD diesel sports hatch hits the market

    VW Golf GTD diesel sports hatch hits the market Late last year, reports emerged claiming Volkswagen was working on three separate sports-oriented versions of the popular Golf hatchback. The first of these we've already seen in the form of the recently launched GTI, and this spring the second star of the trio, the GTD oil-burner, was revealed ahead of its debut at the Leipzig Motor Show. Today, the car is officially on sale in Germany, accompanied by a sheaf of new photos.

    The GTD features a 2.0L turbodiesel engine with 170hp (127kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. This engine will fully comply with tough Euro 5 emissions standards, yet still accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in 8.1... Late last year, reports emerged claiming Volkswagen was working on three separate sports-oriented versions of the popular Golf hatchback. The first of these we've already seen in the form of the recently launched GTI, and this spring the second star of the trio, the GTD oil-burner, was revealed ahead of its debut at the Leipzig Motor Show. Today, the car is officially on sale in Germany, accompanied by a sheaf of new photos. The GTD features a 2.0L turbodiesel engine with 170hp (127kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. This engine will fully comply with tough Euro 5 emissions standards, yet still accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds when equipped with VW’s six-speed DSG (a six-speed manual is also available). At full-throttle, the GTD will be able to reach a top speed of around 222km/h. While the acceleration figures don’t seem that impressive for the GTD, the torquey nature of the engine and low-end pulling power should ensure performance fans won’t be too disappointed - the peak torque of 258lb-ft (350Nm) comes on at just 1,750rpm. However, fuel consumption is where the GTD really shines, with a claimed fuel-economy of 44.4mpg (5.3L/100km) for the European cycle – a marked improvement over the GTI's more thirsty figures of 31mpg (7.4L/100km). Combine this with the car’s 55L fuel tank and theoretically it will be able to drive over 1,000km on a single fill. Other features of the car include a unique rear diffuser, dual exhaust pipes, a chrome grille, 17in alloys and a sports chassis. Production for the GTD will start next month, with sales following soon after that. Luckily for Golf fans, the GTD is not the last of the hot Golfs - VW has one more card up its sleeve in the form of the upcoming 'R' variant of the Golf, set to replace the current VW Golf R32. Details are scarce, however early reports are claiming the car will be fitted with a 270hp (201kW) engine churning out power to all four wheels - 22hp (16kW) more than the outgoing R32. The engine is expected to be a four-cylinder turbo model, unlike the R32 which used a naturally aspirated V6. There's no definitive word yet on whether VW will bring the GTD to the U.S., though rumors are circulating that hint it's under consideration. Check out the 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD gallery below to see the new photos of the car.VW Golf Mark VI official photos2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK VI2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD Read More
  • Porsche starts Panamera production, offers free factory tours

    Porsche starts Panamera production, offers free factory tours Porsche's new Panamera may have been revealed to the world in a glitzy event at the Shanghai Motor Show but production of the car has only formally started this week. To mark the occasion, Porsche has also announced that it will be offering buyers and enthusiasts alike the chance to see the Panamera without all of its makeup on - at a free, two-hour factory tour in Leipzig.

    With the car officially launching in select European markets this September and in the U.S. this November, Porsche is keen to let future customers see the complete production process at its newly upgraded Leipzig plant in Germany.

    In order to accommodate the new model,... Porsche's new Panamera may have been revealed to the world in a glitzy event at the Shanghai Motor Show but production of the car has only formally started this week. To mark the occasion, Porsche has also announced that it will be offering buyers and enthusiasts alike the chance to see the Panamera without all of its makeup on - at a free, two-hour factory tour in Leipzig. With the car officially launching in select European markets this September and in the U.S. this November, Porsche is keen to let future customers see the complete production process at its newly upgraded Leipzig plant in Germany. In order to accommodate the new model, Porsche reports that the Leipzig plant had to undergo a 22,000 square meter expansion that took around two years to complete. During that period, no factory tours were allowed for around eight months, but now the company will begin tours again to give visitors a chance to get up close with the newest addition to the Porsche stable. Additionally, visitors will be able to book tours where they can then drive certain Porsche vehicles on the nearby racetrack or off-road facility themselves, or be taken for hot laps by Porsche's own test drivers. For those that eventually decide to purchase and take ownership of their Porsche cars from the factory, the company also offers a free meal in its restaurant and a driving course for owners with a professional driving instructor.2010 Porsche PanameraPorsche Panamera Leipzig production line Read More
  • Porsche Panamera squeezed into elevator for 94th story presentation

    Porsche Panamera squeezed into elevator for  94th story presentation In the lead up to the unveiling of its Panamera sedan at the Shanghai Motor Show this week, Porsche made a special presentation of the car to a select group of customers and dignitaries on the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center. Getting the car up to the special event platform, which stands more than 425m above ground, proved to be no small feat as the Panamera could barely fit in the building’s biggest elevator.

    In order to get the car in, Porsche had to build a specially designed ramp and stand the Panamera upright before it could be rolled into the building’s freight elevator.

    The particular model used was the... In the lead up to the unveiling of its Panamera sedan at the Shanghai Motor Show this week, Porsche made a special presentation of the car to a select group of customers and dignitaries on the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center. Getting the car up to the special event platform, which stands more than 425m above ground, proved to be no small feat as the Panamera could barely fit in the building’s biggest elevator. In order to get the car in, Porsche had to build a specially designed ramp and stand the Panamera upright before it could be rolled into the building’s freight elevator. The particular model used was the base Panamera S, which was joined the next day by the AWD Panamera 4S and twin-turbocharged Panamera Turbo on the stands at the Shanghai Motor Show. The Panamera will go on sale in Europe this September, and will arrive in U.S. showrooms just one month later. The Panamera S will start at $89,800, while the AWD 4S will start at $93,800 and the flagship Turbo from $132,600. Later this year Porsche will introduce an entry-level V6 model and a petrol-electric hybrid.2010 Porsche Panamera2010 Porsche Panamera interior2010 Porsche Panamera technical preview2010 Porsche Panamera squeezed into elevator of Shanghai World Financial Center Read More

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