2009 Porsche Panamera

As expected the Panamera will most likely share a similar front to the rest of the Porsche lineup, however the car is inherently different to the rest of the German stable.Unlike the 911, the Panamera is a conventional front-engined rear-wheel drive that will become Porsche’s Grand Tourer. The car will be put together in Porsche’s Leipzig facility with the engines originating from Stuttgart and the car’s painted shell crafted in Hanover by Volkswagen.

Porsche will compete directly against its German and Italian rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG and Maserati Quattroporte. There is also the possibility of taking sales away from the Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin Rapide and even the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti .

Porsche insiders have said the Panamera range will include at least three engine choices, Volkswagen’s 3.5-litre six-cylinder, which develops a healthy 223kW and Porsche’s own direct-injection eight-cylinder petrol engines, available in naturally-aspirated guise (261kW) and with twin-turbos (417kW).



The space available inside the car offers a brand-new experience of roominess. The two sporting and comfortable single seats at the rear will allow adults to relax with surprisingly generous headroom, in full comfort and, if they wish, with all the performance and speed of a genuine Gran Turismo.

Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will also be building a hybrid drive version of the new Panamera. This four-door Gran Turismo with sporting driving dynamics so typical of Porsche will boast the proven components featured in the Cayenne Hybrid entering the market at the end of the decade. And thanks to its newly developed full parallel hybrid, Porsche’s Sports Utility will offer average fuel consumption of less than 9 litres/100 kilometres.

The newly developed full parallel hybrid system will consist primarily of the battery unit positioned in the luggage compartment, the power electronics, and the hybrid module between the engine and transmission comprising an additional clutch and the electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid module is able to disengage either the combustion engine or the electric motor, or to combine both drive systems as one joint power unit. Hence, the Panamera may be driven in a number of different modes ranging from all-electric drive absolutely free of emissions all the way to the sporting style of motoring so typical of a Porsche.

First Look 2009 Subaru Forester

The forester of Subaru was called much things, but a thing which it is never called is beautiful. That all can change for 2009, when the forester undergoes his first ground-towards the top remade, by comprising a three-inch-length footing, three inches additional length, and recognition, all-new, to name macho more. What will not change is its large carriage, raise-suspension programs, but of the '09 model off-roading possibilities should be intensify-literal-thank with aucuns less than 8.9 inches for ground clearance. The behavior of assistance of on-road is its stiffer and all-new platform, which uses a new suspension of back of double-fork for the improved driving back prowess.

As with the standard model, 'forester 09 will be actuated by a choice of the four cylinder motors of boxer, each 2.5 naturally aspired liters of displacement and available in both and of the forms turbocharged. Better news is always that they will continue to be offered with a manual transmission, maintaining with the assistance of beginning of slope . Ah, and naturally, being Subaru, the forester will send anywhere never his power if not to each of the four wheels.

The forester will be available in a series of savours, of the low forester X to the bean edition of range- crimage L.L. Each one will draw benefit from a more roomy fuselage returned out of materials more high-quality designed to outdistance it its econo-car beyond that. The new interior devices and options include the fabrics double-piqu s of seat, the audio, and-final-a advanced systems the navigation system. Little of the summary of safety crossing also becomes include the standard ordering of stability, in addition to the bags of air of surround-sound with a probe of inversion.

New Ferrari Zobin Concept-Inspired by Ferrari Formula 1

The New Ferrari Zobin Concept is a design study of a single-seater aerodynamic sportscar inspired by Ferrari Formula 1 cars. The author is Iranian engineer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi.The Zobin design study by Iranian engineer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi is an aerodynamic single seater with compact dimensions (4,114mm long and 1,855 mm wide).

So, if this new Ferrari Zobin concept release in the market, would you buy one?I bet it gets high bid from those rich deep pocket Ferrari fans.I just love Ferrari's car design especially when the car is red, just like my own Red MYVI SE car!

Bugatti Veyron : production run nearly sold out

When Bugatti started production of the Veyron back in 2005, it was supposed to build 300 examples. For a long time, that total seemed pretty ambitious considering the seven-figure price tag on the most super of contemporary supercars, but according to Molsheim, all but 50 have been built and sold. Add to that another 150 examples of the Grand Sport roadster version and you've got 450. Whether special editions like the Pur Sang, Sang Noir and Hermes are counted as part of the original production figures or considered supplemental specials is insignificant, considering that only a handful of each are to be built.

The one wrinkle that has us wondering about all of these million-dollar supercars is that it was only last March when it was announced that Bugatti had sold 220 cars (of which only 132 had been built). Given how long it took them to get to 220, that seems like one heck of an order ramp-up, particularly given the state of the global economy.

The bottom line is that if you've been dragging your feet over whether to spend that extra million on a Bugatti or not, better make your mind up fast. Like, Veyron fast.

[Source: Autotelegraaf via Autogespot]

Pagani Zonda R officially unveiled in Vienna

The Pagani Zonda did something incredible. It proved that the supercar world did not revolve around Ferrari and Lamborghini. So to commemorate Horacio Pagani's achievement, the hypercarmaker has created one last version of the Zonda before its replacement arrives next year.

After 24 months of development, and at the urging of an unnamed Italo-American customer that already owns three Zondas, the Pagani Zonda R was created as a lightweight, track-only variant of the iconic coupe. Production is limited to ten examples with a price tag of 1.4-million euro.

Although the carbon fiber exterior is deceiving, the Pagani Zonda R only carries over 10% of its structure from its predecessors. The wheelbase has grown by 47mm, the overall length is 394mm longer and the track has been widened by 50mm.



An all-new carbon fiber monocoque resides underneath the wind-tunnel tested body, along with a forged aluminum suspension, new six-speed sequential gearbox and four aero-spec fuel pumps that feed a Mercedes-Benz AMG-sourced 6.0-liter V12. Pagani claims the new heart – nestled into the 2,425-pound R – will produce 750 hp at 8,000 rpm and 524 lb-ft of torque, for a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 248.54 mph. Air is fed into the bent-twelve through a carbon fiber air intake system, while an Inconel manifold and "F1-style" exhaust releases spent hydrocarbons and keeps engine temps in check.

The 2008 Limited Edition Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

The 2008 Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster S are priced at $49,000 USD and $59,900 USD respectively. Only 500 of the Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster S models will be made available throughout US and Canada on September 28, 2007.

Sophisticated airbag safety comes standard on both Boxster models. Two full-size Advanced Airbags in front offer optimum upper-body protection, even with the top down. A weight sensor in the passenger seat automatically switches this airbag off when the seat is unoccupied or fitted with a child seat.

Add to that standard 18-inch black alloy wheels (19-inch for the Boxster S) and additional black trim pieces on the exterior, and you’ve got a fairly stunning exterior package that overshadows a garden variety Porsche Boxster with ease.

The idea of locating a compact, freerevving engine midship gave the Porsche a nimbleness no sports car had ever possessed. The Boxster shares this boldly intelligent approach to sports car design.

Active electronic driver aids profoundly enhance the everyday driving stability of a Porsche. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) switches to Sport mode, altering its baseline damping force for considerably firmer shock response, enabling faster turn-in as well as better road-holding and traction.

The Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster are to be clad in a stunning orange paint which was previously featured in the track-ready Porsche 911 GT3 TS. The Limited Edition Boxster is an impressive piece of work that includes a special “Limited Edition” plaque on the glove compartment. And that’s not all! Even the gray shift pattern on the gear shift lever was also tinted with orange.

2009 BMW Z4 Gets an Acrobatic Intro

After a few years of experiencing press events hosted by European, Asian, and American manufacturers, it's become clear to me that the Germans have a flair for the flamboyant. At the rather dower 2009 Detroit Auto Show, BMW's showmanship was a welcomed relief.

The world-wide reveal of the 2009 BMW Z4 began with an acrobat doing Olympic stunts on a white curtain that looked to have been stolen from a lobby of some trendy South Beach hotel. Your humble author never quite figured out what the antics had to do with the Z4, but the new hardtop roadster is striking. The previous Z4 lost all the beauty possessed by the Z3. Some of it seems to have returned. An interesting detail is that the top lowers in only 20 seconds.

Preceding the BMW Z4 was the introduction of the Active Hybrid 7-Series. This "concept" car is a mild hybrid utilizing a 20-horsepower electric motor that is integrated into the transmission (likely an eight-speed unit built by ZF). Lithium ion batteries store power provided by regenerative braking. We're not sure why BMW showed this as a concept, because the company promised the release of an Active Hybrid (BMW's name for a mild hybrid) sometime in 2009.

Detroit Auto Show : Mercedes McLaren Roadster

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster even more exclusive and individual? Brabus proves that the topless Mercedes supercar can be made even sportier and more exciting with its sophisticated customization program.

To give the two-seater even more striking looks while at the same time minimizing lift on the front axle, the Brabus designers have developed a front spoiler that attaches to the production bumper. The spoiler is made from exposed carbon fiber and its shape was fine-tuned in the wind tunnel. It is especially lightweight and extremely tough. A corresponding Brabus rear diffuser made from exposed carbon fiber can replace its production counterpart.

The sporty Brabus outfit for the SLR Roadster is dominated by Brabus Monoblock VI 20-inch wheels that fill the wheel houses perfectly. The fully polished multi-piece wheels feature six double spokes and are mounted on the sports car in size 9.5Jx20 in front and size 11.5Jx20 on the rear axle. High-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 20 and 305/25 ZR 20 are supplied by Brabus technology partners Pirelli and Yokohama. This low-profile tire/wheel combination is custom-tailored for the SLR coupe and roadster and benefits not only the car’s appearance but also its handling.

Thus equipped the topless SLR is ready for some additional power provided by Brabus engine tuning. The power tuning for the supercharged 5.5-liter engine consists of special camshafts, a fuel cooling system and a high-performance exhaust. With Brabus tuning, power output of the V8 compressor engine increases by 23 hp to 641 hp at 6500 rpm.

Brabus also offers a special clutch-type limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. It further optimizes traction and improves acceleration performance of the super sports car. The tuned roadster sprints to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 209 mph.
Precision handwork down to the last detail characterizes the exclusive Brabus interior design for the two-seater. The company-own upholstery shop specializes in fulfilling just about any request from discriminating SLR owners when it comes to customizing the interior. That includes a multitude of leather types and colors as well as custom upholstery designs.An unusual Brabus specialty is the waffle-patterned leather carpeting in the SLR’s footwells. Some 7,800 meters (25,600 feet) of the finest thread are sewn with utmost precision for it alone.



A sporty and functional Brabus option is the ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel that is flattened on the bottom for markedly easier entering and exiting of the vehicle. The steering wheel features integrated buttons for manual shifting of the SLR’s automatic transmission.
Sporty Brabus carbon-fiber applications for dashboard, center console and door trim transfer the racing look of the Brabus body components into the interior. The exposed carbon-fiber trim can be color-coordinated with the leather color of the interior.

Toyota Tundra Lures Texan Truckers

Texas is facing a great pickup battle having Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota as contenders. Toyota Motor Corp., meanwhile, works to lure true truckers in Texas to win over more customers. This is why it has unleashed its redesigned Tundra to steal a portion of Ford F-150’s sales. But the best-selling pickup is not the only potent rival. There is the new Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram. Moreover, the Japanese automaker is expected to exert extra effort in order for its goal to materialize.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, Ford F-Series dived nearly 3.6 percentage points across the nation to hold 30.7 percent of the market. In Texas, the models lost 5.5 points to fall to 31.9 percent, reported the Michigan-based R.L. Polk & Co. In comparison, the Tundra, sources divulged recorded nearly 3.5 points nationwide and 3.7 in Texas in its first year since a major redesign.

“Those numbers might not seem huge, but when you consider truck buyers are second only to luxury buyers in terms of loyalty, Ford’s drop and Toyota’s climb are significant,” said Lonnie Miller, the director of industry analysis at Polk. “There’s no doubt been a very aggressive push by Toyota.”

“We certainly had a lot more full-size pickups traded in for Tundras in ‘07,” said Tom Shopoff, the director of truck support for Gulf States Toyota, a network of dealerships that includes statewide Tundra best-seller Fred Haas Toyota World in Spring. “We have a tremendous product.”

But Shopoff predicted the Tundra would see a bubble burst. “You’ve seen the big bubble,” he noted.

Increased competition from Toyota comes at a time when auto sales in general and pickup sales in particular, are down, according to Houston Chronicle. Auto sales in 2007 fell 2.4 percent, and large pickups were down 2.7 percent, Libby said in an interview.

“That means more competition, which in turn means more incentives and lower prices,” Libby concluded. “The winner in all this is the consumer.”

2009 Ford F-150 Truck Goes High-Tech

The media preview of the Chicago Auto Show that a set of high-tech features for its F-Series trucks and E-Series vans including the best-selling F-150. The auto show is open to the public from February 8 to 17.

The high-tech offers of the 2009 Ford F-150 include a broadband-capable in-dash computer, Tool Link tracking system that has embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) capabilities for logging tools and inventory on the truck; and Crew Chief, a telematics and diagnostics system. These features are expected to be available in Ford’s new vehicles in the fall.

The truck’s built-in computer, powered by Microsoft Auto, is located in the middle of the dashboard. It offers a 6.5-inch touch screen, 2GB of memory capable of entertaining expansion, and a USB port.

The Tool Link feature lets users mark their tools with RFID tags. When the tools are not returned to the pickup boxes, the computer flashes a warning on the computer screen.

“It helps contractors and tradespeople guarantee they show up at the job site with the right tools for each job - and that they don’t leave equipment behind,” said William Frykman, the automaker’s product development manager. Additionally, the computer also tells fleet managers precisely where the truck is. This is an effort to make easier truckers work. The system also features an 8-foot steel cable used to avoid auto theft.

The new F-150 truck offers V-8 engines ranging from a 4.6-liter to a 5.4-liter engine which can run on E85. The truck is also equipped with either a four-speed or a six-speed automatic transmission to bolster performance and handling.

“Our truck customers are smart - and they work hard,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president. “Ford Work Solutions provides truck customers new technologies and tools to help them work even smarter and further boost their productivity.”

The new vehicles are engineered for business. And there are two companies responsible for that milestone - Garmin International and Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. Internet access is provided via the Sprint and navigation capabilities by Garmin.

Separately, the automaker announced Wednesday the Transit Connect, a compact van engineered to respond to the needs of small-business owners. Already on the roads in Europe, it is now coming to North America. The van features a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. The cargo space can accommodate loads that are 6.5 feet long and 4.7 feet wide. Check out AmericanTrucks.com and their large selection of
Truck Rims.

Volkswagen Unveils World Premiere of Concept Bluesport Diesel

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Volkswagen Unveils World Premiere of Concept Bluesport Diesel.innovation, performance, responsibility and fun will all be on display from Volkswagen at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

Volkswagen is presenting an innovative lineup of extremely economical and low emissions drive technologies at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS). Featured there from January 11 to 25 are the carmaker's Clean Diesel engines (TDI). Many experts consider these diesel engines to be the most advanced of our times. The reasons: high fuel efficiency and extremely low emissions combined with maximum performance. It is precisely this formula that has already won over millions of car drivers worldwide, including a growing number of people in America.

The unveilings at NAIAS come on the heels of an exciting year of change at Volkswagen, where in the U.S., the Group took steps in such areas as product quality, product offerings, brand management, customer experience, technology, retail support and manufacturing to strengthen its standing in the world's premier market. Volkswagen announced construction of a new manufacturing plant in the U.S., expansion of its plant in Mexico, dedicated a new U.S. headquarters in Virginia, launched five new products, entered new market segments, grew its share of the market and introduced clean diesel technology to the U.S. readmore

Audi S1 sports hatch

The launch of a new compact hatch in the form of the Audi A1, which is expected to arrive on the market as a 2011 model. The car won’t be an affordable city car in the same vein as the Toyota iQ and the production version of the Volkswagen up! concept, but rather a premium compact hatch designed to rival cars like the Mini Cooper. And just like the aforementioned Mini, which has a high-performance Cooper S model, latest reports indicate that the Audi A1 will have its own sporty S1 variant.

According to AutoExpress, the S1 will be the flagship of the A1 range and will come packing 200hp (147kW) and quattro AWD. Power will come from a supercharged and turbocharged 1.4L TFSI engine, and torque will be rated at around 221lb-ft (300Nm). Complete with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the new S1 should sprint from 0-60mph in less than six seconds and reach an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph.more about Audi S1 on motorauthority

2010 Mercedes Benz E Class

The new 2010 Mercedes Benz E Class was scheduled to be unveiled in January, the German carmaker forgot that the internet is one of the most powerful mediums and thanks to the guys from Autoscoops.eu we’ve got the first official photos of the car, one month before the official unveiling (which might happen sooner now). The first thing we notice is the heavy influence from the F700 design study, unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt show and from the Concept FASCINATION, unveiled a couple of months ago, in Paris. Unlike its direct competitors, the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A8, which have sporty and power written all over, the E Class has always been about style and class, and you must admit, the new one has plenty of those. The only flaw we spot is the rear part, with those tail lights that remind us of the Citroen C5.

New BMW Z4 officially unveiled

After last week we saw two leaked photos of the new BMW Z4, this weekend, the German carmaker officially unveiled their new sports car. When it will go on sale, the new Z4 will be available with three engines, an entry level 2.5 liter developing 204hp (152 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, a 3.0 liter (258hp (192 kW) 3-liter engine with 210Nm (228 lb-ft) of torque) and a top of the line 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit that delivers 306hp (228 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque and takes the Z4 from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds.

A premiere for the Z Series is the use of a new retractable hard-top, which opens and closes in 20 seconds. Of course, this means that the car is heavier, but to deal with that, BMW has fitted the Z4 with an Adaptive M Suspension system (ride height can be raised/lowered by 10 mm with three configurations available), plus the Drive Dynamic Control function, available for the first time on the Z4.

The new BMW Z4 will make its world debut at next month’s Detroit Motor Show, when BMW will also probably announced the dates when the car will go on sale. Read More:"