Lexus Rocks the F-Sports at SEMA 2009

Motor Authority - blog Tag: Stuttgart

  • 2012 Porsche Lineup Preview

    2012 Porsche Lineup Preview October 28th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 28th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 1 Comment

    2012 Porsche Lineup Preview

    The next couple of years will see a blitz of new model launches for Porsche with updates and redesigns planned for virtually every model in the automaker’s lineup. The guys at Autocar have compiled a list of what’s brewing within the walls of Porsche’s Stuttgart headquarters.

    Between now and 2012 there will reportedly seven new model launches, starting with a V-6 powered Panamera and a turbodiesel version too next year. These are likely to be entry-level models for the Panamera range, which mean they’ll stick with rear-wheel drive configurations and be low on horsepower, but as with anything wearing a Porsche badge...

    The next couple of years will see a blitz of new model launches for Porsche with updates and redesigns planned for virtually every model in the automaker’s lineup. The guys at Autocar have compiled a list of what’s brewing within the walls of Porsche’s Stuttgart headquarters. Between now and 2012 there will reportedly seven new model launches, starting with a V-6 powered Panamera and a turbodiesel version too next year. These are likely to be entry-level models for the Panamera range, which mean they’ll stick with rear-wheel drive configurations and be low on horsepower, but as with anything wearing a Porsche badge they should still be exciting drives. Next year will also see the launch of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, the second generation of the performance SUV. We know from recent spy shots that the next Cayenne will be smaller than the current model, which has been criticized for being too heavy and cumbersome for a Porsche. Following the introduction of the new Cayenne will be a hybrid version of the SUV in late 2010 or early 2011. Porsche is targeting V8 performance with four-cylinder emissions and efficiency--exactly what you'd expect of a hybrid. In 2011, Porsche will launch its second hybrid model, a gasoline-electric version of the Panamera with the same powertrain as the Cayenne hybrid SUV. Moving on, the model we’ve all been waiting for ever since the first spy shots of test-mules were revealed as far back as 2007--the 998 Porsche 911. The latest generation of the iconic supercar is due in 2012 and it’s going to be virtually brand new. Of course, styling will be evolutionary but the platform will be longer and wider than the one in the current 997. These alterations are down to a modified steel floorpan and new suspension. Beyond the new 911, things start to get a little murky. The on-again-off-again Porsche Roxster SUV is reportedly in the works for a late 2012 or early 2013 launch. Destined to be based on the same platform as the Audi Q5, the baby SUV will be available in both three- and five-door configurations and borrow strongly from the 911’s styling. Finally, a successor to the 928 is said to be in the works. Based on the Panamera, this new model will be available in both coupe and convertible bodystyles and isn’t due until 2013. [Autocar] Read More

  • Report: Porsche planning hardened Panamera GTS flagship

    Report: Porsche planning hardened Panamera GTS flagship July 2nd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 2nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    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 June 30th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 30th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    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 June 25th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 25th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 1 Comment

    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

  • Porsche starts Panamera production, offers free factory tours

    Porsche starts Panamera production, offers free factory tours May 13th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, May 13th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    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 April 21st, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, April 21st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 41 Comments

    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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