Porsche shows new Panamera Turbo S

Porsche is upping the ante in the super sedan segment with a new top model, the Panamera Turbo S. The new P Turbo S gets an updated V8 that features improved twin turbochargers with titanium–aluminum turbines and a modified engine control (Titanium–aluminum reduces the turbine and compressor wheel's weight, which results in a quicker turbo response). The changes give the engine a 10 percent boost in horsepower to 550 ponies and the torque numbers jump to a max of 590 lb./ft. when the over-boost function is used. With the help of Launch Control, the P Turbo S can reach 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds to a top speed of 190 mph. Fuel economy is expected to match the non-S Turbo model, but then if you can afford the new P Turbo S... Everything in the Panamera catalog comes standard on the P Turbo S like the 20-inch Turbo II wheels and sides skirts, with special interior colors available shortly. All this Porsche sedan goodness will set you back a whopping $173,200 (plus taxes, license, fees, and $975 for delivery and destination). With Porsche's new ads, it will be interesting to see how this new model will fit in to the advertising scheme. Suggestions? How 'bout rapid grocery cart? I mean if a 911 Turbo can be a school bus and a Cayman is a pick-up...

Source: Porsche - Press release after the jump.

Quick Look: Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai has been on a bit of a roll. The Sonata has been a sales and design success and now comes the new Elantra. The 2011 Elantra is the latest model to use Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture" design philosophy (to good result I might add). The new Elantra does not look like your typical economy compact sedan. Elantra is the latest budget compact to offer features that were not typically available in previous economy cars like premium audio, a rear-view camera, and navigation systems. Elantra comes in two main flavors, GLS and Limited, with various packages (GLS Standard, Popular, Preferred, Navigation, and Limited and Limited Premium) so that you can create the Elantra of your dreams. Pricing starts at $14,830 (+ taxes, license, fees, $720 freight, and options) for the Elantra GLS Standard up to $21,980 (+) for the Elantra Limited Premium. Elantra comes equipped with Hyundai's new 1.8-liter "Nu" engine (148 hp) mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. EPA mpg numbers are 29/city and 40/highway for either transmission. Like some of Elantra's competition, the 2011 model is EPA-rated as a mid-size vehicle (based on interior volume) even though it competes in the compact class. Two-tone interiors are featured in GLS models (grey or beige) with the Limited version receiving a black monotone interior. Elantra comes with all of Hyundai's latest safety equipment including six-airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, and more. The Hyundai Assurance program is standard and now includes the 5-year/60,000 mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and 5-year complimentary Roadside Assistance. The competition is gaining ground (the 2012 Focus and Civic will be available in the next few weeks), but Hyundai has a stylish, economical, and high-value compact that should be on your "must test and consider" list.

Source: Hyundai - Comprehensive press release and spec/features charts after the jump.

Just For Fun - Fiat 500C video

Fiat's 500C will make it to the US market in the upcoming year. The 500C is a quasi convertible/extended fabric sunroof model that provides open-air fun. Cute. European model shown.

Source: Fiat

Top Five Posts as of 3-27

Another week, another Top Five list. Jeep reclaimed the #1 spot with the Jeep celebrates 70th Anniversary with special editions post.

The #2 spot goes to 2012 Honda Civic shown.

Taking the #3 spot is the 2012 ZL1 reveals Chevy performance Camaro-style (right) post.

Ford debuts new Ranger Wildtrack in Geneva post got the fourth largest number of page views.

Rounding out the Top Five is the Revised Mercedes SLK hits the road with new roof option and more for 2012 post (below).

Recent posts at sister site
uautoknow.net Classic.

Mercedes Driving Academy coming to a teenager near you.

Chevy Captiva comes to the US for fleet customers.

Toyota delays Prius v launch.

2012 Fiesta gets new customization packages (right).

New "Imported from Detroit" merchandise available.

Buick LaCrosse with eAssist gets big mpg numbers

Buick is taking an interesting tack with the standard drivetrain in upcoming 2012 models. GM has developed Buick's eAssist system that mates an Ecotec four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid tech and a six-speed automatic to create amazing mpg numbers for cars of this size and class. The best part is that the Ecotec four with eAssist is the "base" engine in the LaCrosse, meaning you don't necessarily pay more for high mpgs. Early estimates show that the LaCrosse, Buick's large sedan, equipped with eAssist is expected to post mpg ratings of 25/city and 37/highway. These numbers will help GM meet its fuel economy requirements and prove that the government's recent fuel economy requirements are attainable. And, with $5 a gallon gas looming, consumers will appreciate it too. The mild hybrid system adds 15 hp to the 2.4-liter Ecotec four that gets its power from lithium-ion batteries mounted in the trunk (see pic below). The Buick LaCrosse with eAssist uses typical hybrid tactics to maximize fuel economy like regenerative braking, Eco-gauges in the instrument cluster, and engine shut-off tech. The LaCrosse also received some under body aerodynamic tweaking to reduce airflow turbulence to improve efficiency. What you get in effect is a large sedan that will seat five comfortably, yet get fuel economy typical of much smaller cars. Looks like a "win-win" to me. You can get your own Buick with eAssist (the Regal gets it too) later this year.

Source: Buick - Press release and pics (2) after the jump. Video post.

Buick LaCrosse E-Assist overview video

Source: Buick

Chevy shows new Colorado before Thailand debut

Trucks are big business. The Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado have been the best-selling vehicles (car or truck) in the US for years. But with gas prices approaching $5/gal., compact and mid-size trucks may see a sales resurgence. Right now the only new small (er) truck on the market is the Toyota Tacoma. But Chevy's new Colorado, which is debuting in Thailand in concept form, may change that. What you see is the next Colorado and according to published reports it's coming to the US market. It's a good-looking pick-em-up that reflects Chevy's recent design philosophy with clean lines and a split grille with the large bowtie logo. The show truck is a 4WD extended-cab model with 20-inch wheels, off-road tires, a streamlined “cab collar” design with a body-colored hard tonneau cover on the bed, and an efficient 2.8-liter diesel engine (this would be a good vehicle for GM to use to re-introduce diesels to the US). The look is similar to Ford's recently introduced Ranger Wildtrack. When you look at the Colorado Show Truck's interior, it looks like it was driven out of a showroom and not what you'd expect from a concept vehicle. I guess it really is ready to go. We should expect various four-cylinder and (possibly) V6 power when it is introduced in the US. Maybe when the new Colorado makes it to the US, Ford will change their collective minds and bring the new Ranger to our shores. Expect a gaping maw grille and subtle tweaking for the GMC version. And GM, bring the diesel engine too. Lead the way, don't follow.

Source: Chevrolet - Press release and pics (2) after the jump.

Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid supercar a reality

Porsche's 918 Spyder hybrid supercar is going into limited production in 2013 for a lucky few. Only 918 vehicles will be produced worldwide with an asking price of $845,000. What will those lucky few get you ask? A hybrid sports car with a 500 hp V8 engine with two electric motors (one at each axle) that adds an additional 218 hp. All that power gets to the road through the seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch gearbox. The 918 Spyder can run for a short distance on electric power alone and the electrical energy is provided by a lithium-ion battery pack that is charged by the car's hybrid systems. The 918 Spyder can also be plugged in for re-charging from your household current. Early estimates show very high (especially for a supercar) fuel economy and incredible performance with the 918 Spyder hitting 60 in 3.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 199 mph. The body is made of lightweight composites and the manually removable roof sections can be stowed in the front luggage compartment. For those 918 Spyder owners (orderers?) that can't wait to get their hands on this piece of automotive history, Porsche will offer a special 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder Coupe or Cabriolet model (only 918 available for $160,700 for the Coupe and $172,100 for the Cabriolet versions) to tide them over (see pic after the jump). The pics in this post are of the 918 Spyder Concept, but the official Porsche renderings of the production car (at the end of the press release) show that the car and the Concept are almost identical but you can expect some minor tweaking. Hopefully, the green accents (to remind you that this is a hybrid after all) will disappear. If you've got the bucks and you can't wait to have one, get thee to a Porsche dealer now cuz they are taking orders and they should go fast.

Source: Porsche - Press release and pics (7) after the jump.

Mercedes unleashes AMG C-Class Coupe

The all-new C-Class Coupe isn't even out and about and the hi-per AMG version is being introduced. The C63 AMG Coupe gets the tuner division's 6.3-liter V8 that puts out 457 hp and hits 60 in just over 4 seconds. The shifting duties are handled by AMG's SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission that features varying shifting modes, "S", "S+" and "M," as well as a "C" mode that helps maximize fuel economy.  If you add the AMG performance package the power number jumps to 487 (hp). As the C-Class Coupe top model, the C63 AMG Coupe gets all the go-fast and handling goodies and appearance tweaks like spoilers and special wheels and body kit. A new C63 AMG Coupe "Edition 1" model will be available with features like premium quality interior details, AMG sports seats, door center panels and armrests in black designo leather with contrasting seams on the sports seats, porcelain piano-lacquer look trim, two-tone AMG performance steering wheel, "Edition 1" badging, AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in matte black, and more. As with most high-end cars (even the "compacts"), the new C63 AMG Coupe can be personalized to the hilt and to the limits of you credit or checkbook. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump. US pricing hasn't been announced, but if the Euro prices are any indication, the C63 AMG Coupe will approach six figures - fast.

Source: Mercedes Benz - Comprehensive press release and pics (3) after the jump.

Quick Look: Aston Martin Rapide and Rapide Luxe

Few automakers would take their sports/super cars and turn them into sedans. Even fewer could pull it off, but Aston Martin did with the beautiful Rapide and the Rapide Luxe. Rapide is based on Aston's flexible platform that underpins the company's sports cars like the DBS, DB9, Vantage and the new Virage. Rapide gets the company V12 (470 hp) that puts the power to the road through a special six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It only takes 5.0 seconds to hit 60 on the way to a top speed of 188 mph in the rapid Rapide.
Luxury touches are everywhere and the standard features list is long with items like, full leather, real walnut wood trim, power everything, a Bang & Olufsen 1000 W BeoSound Rapide custom sound system tailored to the Aston with 15 speakers, 20-inch alloy wheels, BlueTooth, vehicle alarm with immobilizer, eight airbags, electronic parking brake, and lots more (check out the long list in the press release). Being a luxury tourer, the Rapide is also available with numerous options to allow personalization of your Aston with several wood, alloy, and bamboo interior trim options; a twin-screen rear entertainment system with wireless headphones; custom colors (in and out); two 20-inch wheel options; special brake caliper colors; cooled front and rear seats; a first aid kit; and well...you get the idea. The new Rapide Luxe is a newer model that puts all of the most popular options into one easy to order package (including the rear entertainment system which works independently from the vehicle sound system if you like by the way). Expect to bring a large checkbook to your Aston Martin dealer if you want one of these beauties, but you and three of your friends will travel quickly in luxury, comfort, and style.

Source: Aston Martin - Comprehensive press releases and pics (3) after the jump.

Top Five Posts as of 3-20

This week I'll abandon the attempts at post intro and list the Top Five (most popular) Posts based on page views in order of popularity:

2012 Honda Civic shown,

Jeep celebrates 70th Anniversary with special editions,

2012 ZL1 reveals Chevy performance Camaro-style.

Dodge spreads the R/T around (above right),

Ford debuts new Ranger Wildtrack in Geneva (below right).

Most recent posts at sister site -
uautoknow.net - Classic:

New "Imported from Detroit" merchandise available,

German Open winner to get new A5 Cabriolet,

Porsche announces production site for new "Cajun,"

J.D. Power Dependability Study results for 2010 announced,

BMW intros three new...bikes.

Quick Look: Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro

Automakers are trying to squeeze every mpg from their vehicles not only to meet regs, but to provide a respite from today's rising gas prices. US consumers have not (yet) accepted diesel engines with open arms (partially due to the GM diesel engine fiasco from years ago and higher than unleaded-regular fuel prices) so hybrids are one way to go (although many carmakers are showing diesel hybrids to really max-out their fuel economy). The Q5 Hybrid quattro is Audi's latest "green" entry. The Q5 Hybrid utilizes a turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injected four mated in parallel to an electric motor through an eight-speed Tiptronic manumatic transmission that drives all four wheels. The hybrid drivetrain produces 245 hp and 354 lb./ft. of torque to get you to 60 in 7 seconds on the way to a top speed of just under 140 mph. Fuel economy is not yet EPA-rated, but the Q5 Hybrid returns about 35 US mpg/combined in Audi's testing. The Q5 Hybrid's lithium-ion battery pack is cooled by its own cooling system (when needed) and Audi's MMI infotainment system has been updated for hybrid duty. When the Q5 Hybrid quattro makes it to the US, expect the new model to sit at the top of the Q5 range with features, equipment, and a price to match. I'll take mine in black please.

Source: Audi - Press release and pics (4) after the jump. Video post.

Audi Q5 Hybrid videos (2)

Source: Audi

2012 Acura TL goes on sale

Acura looked at its middle child, made the decision, and rushed said child to the plastic surgeon. Rhinoplasty ensued (a redesigned front bumper, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang). The results are a definite improvement. There was a bit of a butt lift as well (new rear bumper with repositioned license plate opening, smaller rear reflectors, updated taillights, and a thinner rear trunk edge). The interior surfaces were massaged, car tech was upgraded, and a new transmission was added. The TL is available with a 3.5-liter (280 hp) and the TL with SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) comes with a 3.7-liter V6 (305 hp). Both models receive the new six-speed automatic and the SH-AWD has the option of a six-speed manual tranny. Fuel efficiency is improved through engine enhancements and the new transmissions. TLs come with 17-inch alloys and the SH-AWD model gets the 18-inch wheels (shown). Two packages are available the Technology (Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, and an Acura/ELS Surround® 440-watt Premium Audio System) and Advance (ventilated front seats, larger wheels and a new blind spot information [BSI] system) Packages that can be added to the FWD or SH-AWD models. TL pricing starts at $35,605 (plus taxes, license, fees) and goes all the way to $45,085 for a TL SH-AWD with both packages. The new 2012 Acura TL will be at your dealer on March 18. Check it out.

Source: Acura - Press release, spec and features charts after the jump.

Quick Look: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Ford has a history with the Boss 302. The original "Boss" hit the streets in 1969 as a special-edition Mustang. Where did the name come from you ask? Back in those days gone by, "boss" was a term that meant cool like phat or hip or _____ (insert slang term here). The 302 came from the number of cubic inches displaced by the 5.0 (liter) engine. Voila! Instant car model name. But the Boss 302 version of the Mustang was very popular and sought after by collectors, therefore a new generation was hatched based on the updated 2011 Mustang. But the 2012 Boss 302 isn't just a "sticker and wheel package." The engine has been "breathed on" and extensively reworked to increase output to 440 hp without the addition of turbos or superchargers, while still maintaining EPA compliance. Add in a six-speed manual transmission with an upgraded clutch, reworked suspension, bigger brakes (with Brembo front calipers), special wheels and tires, and more to make the 2012 edition worthy of the Boss 302 name. You can even take the Boss 302 experience to the next level with the Laguna Seca edition (shown with the red accents above) that makes the "Boss" a track-ready Mustang. The interior has been altered with dark metallic accents on the dash, Boss 302 embossed on the seats, and a special Alcantara covered steering wheel. The Boss 302 looks fast standing still with add-ons such as an aero kit, color-matched stripes and roof (depending on exterior color), and the 19-inch wheel and tire package. With all the changes and updates Ford has made to the new Boss 302, collectors should be looking for this special edition in about 25 years. Check out the overview press release (first) as well as the second release that goes into detail regarding the engine changes.

Source: Ford - Press releases (2) and pics (5) after the jump.

Top Five Posts as of 3-13

There was a whole lotta Honda lovin' this week with the 2012 Honda Civic shown post taking the #1 spot.

Jeep celebrates 70th Anniversary with special editions came in as the week's second most popular post.

2012 ZL1 reveals Chevy performance Camaro-style comes in at #3. This speed demon is sorta Chevy's answer to the Mustang GT 500.

The fourth most popular post this week is Ford debuts new B-Max which is one of the numerous entries showcasing vehicles that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Ford's B-Max concept foreshadows a new Fiesta-based mini minivan that will see production. No word on whether the small people-mover will make it to the US market.

Ram gets new van post rounds out the top five. After losing the Sprinter van and Ram becoming its own brand separate from Dodge, the new C/V fills the void.

Recent posts at sister site  
uautoknow.net - Classic:

Global new-gen Ford Fiesta sales top one million (right).

Toyota reaches hybrid milestone - Toyota celebrates passing the three million mark in hybrid sales since 1997.

New 2012 Focus EPA-certified at 40 mpg (highway).

New two-wheeled Range Rover Evoque concept shown (below) - for all of you high-end bike lovers.

2012 BMW 650i Coupe revealed

What you see here is a car that is destined to become a classic. This is one of the most beautiful cars to grace the planet. I saw a pre-production convertible on the road and it is just as low and sleek looking as the photos suggest. This is the current car taken to the next level and a return to the days when there were cars to lust after. At first, we will see the 650i Convertible with the Coupe following some time after in the Fall. You get all the good stuff, the 400-hp, 4.4-liter V8 that can be mated to either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, 19-inch alloy wheels, Driving Dynamics Control, BMW's iDrive (with ConnectedDrive) infotainment system, an adaptive LED Headlight system, HiFi audio, leather, power everything, and more. Available features include a next-generation heads-up display; rear-, top-, and side-view cameras; and a Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System to name a few. You can personalize your new 650i Coupe through BMW's order program to get just the car you want and you'll want this one in your garage for a long time. An M-model will follow at some point as will a six-cylinder and possibly a hybrid version. If you want to be one of the first on your block with a new 650i Coupe, contact your dealer today.

Source: BMW - Comprehensive press release after the jump. Video post.

2012 BMW 650i Coupe video

Just under two minutes of BMW beauty.

Source: BMW

Quick Look: Lexus CT 200h

Since the TV commercials have begun showing up on TV, it's just a matter of time before we begin to see Lexus' latest luxury hybrid on the road. The CT 200h is sort of a sport compact hybrid (when compared to the HS 200h sedan) that utilizes Lexus' Hybrid Drive to provide excellent fuel economy (EPA-rated at 42 mpg/city) and middling performance (0 to 60 in under 10 seconds, 112 mph top speed). The hybrid drive in the five-door or hatchback CT 200h makes 134 hp and puts the power to the asphalt by way of an ECVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission). The CT 200h gets all of the expected hybrid "stuff" like the drive system, selectable drive modes (EV, ECO, Normal and Sport modes), electronic air conditioning, regenerative braking system, a hybrid battery pack, and other accesories that are designed to reduce energy consumption and accessory load on the engine. Since the CT 200h is a Lexus it gets the luxury stuff too like, leather, power everything, and full safety equipment and available features like premium audio, an infotainment system with Remote Touch controller, a navigation system, a Pre-Collision system, Rear View Monitor, LED lighting (front and rear including the first use of LED low beams), and more. I've included several comprehensive press releases to provide you with lots of info. As with any vehicle, make sure you take a test drive before you sign on the bottom line. This is especially true for hybrid vehicles to make sure that they fit your driving style and needs. Hybrids aren't for everyone, but this one should fit just fine in most garages.

Source: Lexus - Press releases after the jump.

Revised Mercedes SLK hits the road with new roof option and more for 2012

Mercedes' SLK Roadster was a game changer, sort of a mini SL when it was introduced. Now the SLK has a new version for 2012 that has a new look, a new roof option, and some new engines. While info on the US SLK hasn't been released, the Euro version is about to hit the road. In the US we can expect the SLK 350 with the 306-hp V6 and possibly the SLK 250 BlueEfficiency with the 204-hp inline-four (BMW is putting their new 245-hp turbo four in the Z4 and other models in the near future) mated to the seven-speed automatic. In Europe there is even talk of a diesel-engined version. The good stuff that we like about the last version is still here like the folding hardtop, AirScarf (that blows warm on your neck when the top is down), comfort for two lucky folk, premium materials and build, and more. One interesting new option is the Magic Sky

Control for the "glass" roof. Magic Sky Control allows the driver to change the opacity of the panoramic vario-roof . This glass roof switches to light or dark as you wish at the press of a button. When in the light setting the glass roof is virtually transparent, yet in its dark state the roof provides shade and prevents the interior from heating up when the sun’s rays are intense. Also new this year is the AirGuide that stops drafts. AirGuide consists of clear panels that are connected to the roll-over hoops that flip out when needed meaning no need to store any extra pieces like in other convertibles. The new look is an evolution of previous models with the front fascia mirroring the new SLS supercar. The 2012 SLK should be at your local dealer soon. I've included several (global) press releases and pics after the jump to give you all the info you might need on the new SLK. Enjoy!

Source: Mercedes Benz - Press releases (6) and pics (9) after the jump.

Audi releases specs and info on new RS 3 Sportback

Audi makes some of the nicest luxury and sporty cars available in the US marketplace and the littlest Audi, the A3, is no exception. The A3 is a premium compact with typical Audi touches, but there is a new kid in town that sits on top of the A3 heap. In the US, the five-door (aka hatchback) A3 is what we get and this body style is referred to as the SportBack in Audi-speak, so Audi added some "sport" to the A3 with the new Audi RS 3 Sportback (A3 RS in the US?). What makes the RS 3 sporty? Try a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine (340 hp) mated to Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch automanual transmission, revised suspension geometry, quattro all-wheel drive, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the ability to hit sixty in around 4.5 seconds while getting almost 26 mpg. The interior gets sports seats in black with Piano Black dash, door, and console trim. As the top A3, the RS also gets xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, the RS 3 leather multifunction sport steering wheel and sport seats in Fine Nappa leather, two-zone climate control, a rear parking system,and more. Numerous options are also available. The A3 RS or RS 3 is said to be coming to the US, but it won't be cheap with Audi charging 49,900 euros (almost $69,500 but expect a lower US price) in Germany. Check out the press releases for all the RS 3 info.

Source: Audi - Press releases (5) and pics (4) after the jump.