Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • Opel Insignia wins esteemed red dot design award

    The Opel Insignia has been recognized once again by an international expert jury for its outstanding design, winning the prestigious “red dot” award for product design. (more…)

  • The New 407 1.6-litre HDi FAP

    Last July, the 407 Saloon and SW enhanced their powers of attraction. Still incredibly dynamic, the style was subtly updated to give them even greater elegance, robustness and perceived quality. (more…)

  • Lamborghini releases first images of the Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster

    LamborghiniSant’Agata Bolognese, 13th March 2009 – Automobili Lamborghini has released the first photographs of a limited edition Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster. (more…)

  • All New Volvo S80L – launch and start of production in China

    Volvo Car Corporation launched the all-new Volvo S80L in Beijing, China. The prices and specifications of the 5 variants were presented. (more…)

  • BMW Hydrogen Engine Reaches Top Level Efficiency

    Specialists from BMW, HOERBIGER, the Graz University of Technology, and HyCentA develop a hydrogen combustion process which achieves remarkable efficiency for internal combustion engines for passenger cars. (more…)

  • Bentley Continental GT Speed – MANSORY refines the English luxury car

    For already more than 20 years, the Bavarian company Mansory is the first choice when tuning top class automobiles. Due to its creative inspiration, Mansory enhances these cars with modern features. (more…)

  • Porsche confirms pricing for new Panamera Gran Turismo

    Porsche has confirmed UK prices for its forthcoming four seat Panamera gran turismo, which goes on sale on 12 September 2009. The four door performance car will be priced from £72,266 for the Panamera S, £77,269 for the Panamera 4S and £95,298 for the top of the range Panamera Turbo.

    The Porsche Panamera will be available with powerful and efficient V8 power units, the choice of rear or four-wheel drive, and an interior design with a uniquely luxurious and high technology ambience.

    The rear-wheel drive Porsche Panamera S is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission is available as an option for £2,289. The Panamera 4S and Turbo have four-wheel drive and feature the PDK gearbox as standard. The active all-wheel drive system is controlled by Porsche Traction Management (PTM) via a multi-plate clutch that adjusts the engine power distribution between the front and rear axles for increased grip and agility.

    The Porsche Panamera offers a unique symbiosis of sporting performance and sheer luxury. Every model offers a full leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, and a Bluetooth telephone module – complete with cordless handset for use by rear seat passengers.

    The heated front seats fitted as standard in the Panamera S and 4S are of a sporting style, and can be adjusted electrically in eight different directions for optimum comfort. Adaptive sports seats with higher side bolsters are available as an option across the range.

    Standard on all Panamera models is the ‘Sport’ button, which increases throttle pedal responsiveness, selects the ‘Sport’ suspension setting on the PASM, and the shift patterns of the PDK transmission, where fitted. Offered in combination with PDK is the new Porsche Auto Start/Stop function. This automatically switches off and restarts the engine when stationary to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions – for example, at traffic lights or in congestion.

    The Panamera S and 4S have 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a choice of 19-inch and 20-inch alternatives available. The Panamera Turbo rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. As is typical of a Porsche, the braking system of the Panamera is designed to deliver a high level of stopping power. However, similar to all other Porsche models, the race-proven and highly efficient Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) option is also offered for the Panamera.

    Additional features on the Panamera Turbo include PASM with an adaptive air suspension function that actively adjusts the ride height, BOSE® Surround Sound audio system with 14 speakers, metallic paint, multi-function steering wheel, heated rear seats and rear side airbags. Also, the 14-way electric front seat adjustment has a Comfort Memory Package for the various seat positions and the electrically adjustable steering column.

    The Panamera offers comprehensive levels of active and passive safety across the range. In addition to Porsche Stability Management (PSM), there are driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags as well as – on the front seats – side and knee airbags, each ensuring maximum protection as standard features in the event of an accident. Rear seat side airbags are available as an option on the Panamera S and 4S.

    A luxurious journey is guaranteed in any of the four seats in the Panamera but, for passengers in the rear, the option of electrically adjustable backrests, cushion length and lumbar support raises the standard further still. It is also possible to specify rear seat ventilation, and a comprehensive rear interior illumination package with high power reading lights.

    For customers seeking the ultimate in-car audio experience, the Panamera is the first Porsche to offer the option of a High-End Surround Sound System from Burmester®, the renowned Berlin audio specialist. A total of 16 loudspeakers masterminded by 16 amplifier channels with an overall output of more than 1,000 watts provide a unique sound, complemented by an active subwoofer together with a 300 W Class D amplifier.

    The superior, yet practical, driving qualities of the Panamera are borne out clearly by the luggage compartment. Opening the rear lid reveals a load capacity of 445 litres (15.6 cu ft) in the Panamera S and 4S. Maximum stowage in the Panamera Turbo is 432 litres or (15.1 cu ft). With the rear seat back rests folded, luggage capacity in all models increases to an ample 1,250 litres or 43.8 cu ft.

    Every Panamera has the assurance of a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre, Silverstone.

    Porsche Panamera – range overview

    Power

    Torque

    0-62mph*

    Top speed*

    Combined mpg*

    CO2 g/km*

    Panaera S
    4.8-litre V8

    400bhp

    500Nm

    5.4 secs

    176mph

    26.2

    253

    Panamera 4S
    4.8-litre V8

    400bhp

    500Nm

    5.0 secs

    175mph

    25.4

    260

    Panamera Turbo 4.8-litre V8
    twin-turbo

    500bhp

    700Nm

    4.2 secs

    188mph

    23.2

    286

    *all performance data refers to cars with PDK transmission

  • MINI and Airstream, designed by Republic of Fritz Hansen

    Munich. Airstream Inc. and MINI have teamed up to offer the best in both design and functionality with a one-off MINI Cooper S Clubman and Airstream creation designed by Republic of Fritz Hansen. The concept will be presented for the first time at the INTERNI DESIGN ENERGIES exhibition in the courtyards of Università degli Studi di Milano during the upcoming world-renowned Salone del Mobile show in Milan. The exhibition will be open each day from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 30 April from 10:00 a.m. until midnight. (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: high-tech and fascination

    For the first time in the company’s history stretching back over 40 years, the Mercedes-Benz performance brand is presenting a vehicle developed in-house, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. (more…)

  • Nissan Announces New 2009 Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR

    Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced an expansion of the popular Nissan Sentra line-up with the addition of a sport-styled Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR model. The Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide beginning on April 17, 2009. (more…)

  • B&B Audi A4 8K

    The VW / Audi specialist B&B from Siegen / Germany completely reworked (reengineered) the current Audi A4 8K. The A4 3.0 TDI with its basic value of 240 hp now reaches in B&B power stage two an amount of 325 hp with a maximum of 640 Nm. (more…)

  • When the Credit Crunches, We Cross

    The pen is proving mightier than the control pad as new research out today reveals credit-crunched Brits are favouring the humble crossword over modern games.  Nearly nine out of ten UK adults (86 per cent) say they find traditional crossword puzzles more stimulating than modern “brain training” games.  (more…)