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It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each.
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The days for lawful texting while driving are numbered, with several government and academic studies exposing the extreme dangers of this popular distraction. Ahead of a Department of Transportation-led safety conference in Washington, D.C., next week, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) has announced its support for banning text messaging using a hand-held device or calling using a hand-held device while driving a motor vehicle. The AAM is an 11-member industry group consisting of BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Several AAM members are developing solutions to facilitate text-based communication, all offer Bluetooth connectivity to allow hands-free phone operation. There is general consensus on the problem and the risks, with some studies equating texting to drunk driving, or worse. However, the debate continues on how to reduce those risks, through legislation and/or technology. (Read “ Cell Phones Quadruple Chance of Crash .”) AAM has come forward with the strong statement: …"texting on a hand-held device while driving is challenging the ability...
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If you're a performance enthusiast with $132,800 to spare, then Porsche has something special for you: The 2010 911 GT3 RS, set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009, boasting more engine power, lower weight, upgraded body and suspension components, and shorter transmission ratios than all previous GT3s.
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It's the week ending August 14, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. This weekend is one of the biggest weekends of the year for car fans, with the Wooodward Avenue Dream cruise in Detroit, and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey. No matter whether you prefer classic American musclecars or the most beautiful and rarest historic automobiles these two events are certain to indulge your wildest automotive fantasies. AutoBlog has more than a few stories on the West Coast's Pebble Beach activities so take your pick: You can choose to check out this 2010 Morgan Aero SuperSport , peruse the debut of the new Porsche Panamera or wish for a woodie from the Nick Alexander Woodie Collection. The New York Times has several features on Woodward, including a happy, sentimental feature on a true love story that began more than 50 years ago in a Ford Model A on Woodward Avenue , a gastronomical observation on participation in the nostalgic event , as well as an economical observation of the event's financial importance . At the beginning of the week, General Motors announced the EPA...
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The consummate sports car gets a subtle makeover and a new engine for 2010. Porsche revealed photos and announced updates for the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo in advance of its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Lighter, faster and more fuel efficient, although maybe a little too cute (with its Beetle-esque face), the new 911 Turbo ups the competitive ante by housing the Carrera S’s 3.8-liter direct-injected flat six, with two variable-vane turbochargers and 500 horsepower. Starting at $132,800 for the coupe and $143,800 for the cabriolet, we’re not sure the mileage increase from 22.1 to 24.1 mpg with the manual transmission will be realized by or even matter to the person who can afford to buy and drive any car that costs significantly more than $100k, but that’s what you get with direct injection technology. Optional is Porsche’s seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (Double-Clutch Gearbox, and PDK for short) that nets an even better 24.8 mpg. Porsche says, “Unlike most other cars in its segment, the new Turbo remains even further below the crucial level of fuel consumption for gas guzzler tax in the USA, the special tax imposed on cars with substantial fuel consumption...
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J.D. Power and Associates released its annual Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study revealing the owner satisfaction with 2009 cars, trucks, and SUVs. Seven all-new and redesigned models rank highest in their respective segments, including the Dodge Challenger , Ford F-150 (in a tie), Ford Flex , Hyundai Genesis , Nissan Maxima , Volkswagen CC , and Volkswagen Tiguan . (Click links for AutoMedia reviews .) Based on the first 90 days of ownership, the APEAL study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of more than 90 vehicle attributes. The comprehensive research is based on responses more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year vehicles. Luxury nameplates dominated the top brands: Porsche , Jaguar , Cadillac , Audi , BMW , Mercedes-Benz , Lexus , Infiniti , Land Rover , and Lincoln . The bottom brands were largely value-focused car lines, though Subaru and Toyota were in the lowest six. (Click links for the new car buyer's guide .) The results can help shoppers gauge the satisfaction from other consumers, though ultimately the real use for the survey is to help manufacturers understand how their...
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It's the week ending June 26, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news of the week is death of Michael Jackson, and even the car sites are talking about it. Besides that, we've got high-performance road tests, long-distance road trips, and green news too! And let's not forget about the Cash for Clunkers/CARS legislation signed into Law by Obama this week! Big News: President Obama signed the Cash for Clunkers legislation into law this week, only it's been renamed the "Car Allowance Rebate System." In case you missed it, we've got a complete description of the new auto sales incentive program here at autoMedia.com Are you ready to go shopping? Do your research first here in our online New Car Buyer's Guide. Autoblog spent three days in the upcoming 2010 Porsche Panamera assailing the Bavarian Alps, streaking across the German Autobahn at speeds up to 170mph, and meandering through picturesque Alpine towns. What did they think of Porsche's gorgeous four-door sedan? It sounds as if they liked it. Although the closest thing you can get to an...
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Father's Day is this weekend, so we've collected an assortment of gadgets and gizmos meant specifically for that Car Guy you love so much: It doesn't matter if he's your Dad or Husband, Brother or Uncle, Son or special friend, if he loves cars, we know you'll find something here that's perfect for him. ...
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It's the week ending May 29, and lots of automotive antics have been going on across the Web. We've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. It's clear to see autofans are in a summer mood, as been a pretty fun week, even in the face of a looming bankruptcy filing for General Motors. Musclecarblog.com tells tale a special Bumblebee Edition of the Chevrolet Camaro beginning June 1st. The special edition ties in with the upcoming summer blockbuster film "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and will include the famous rally yellow color, dual black stripes, and Transformers badging around the vehicle including wheel center caps, interior sill plates, and embroidery. Road and Track is reporting on a hovering Honda car, designed by French industrial and automotive designer Jonathan Mahieddine, saying, "The young, creative designer envisions the Fuzo as a lightweight and sturdy vehicle -- thanks to extensive use of Kevlar, carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes -- that would be capable of traveling through the air at a top speed of 350 mph, thanks to four powerful turbine engines. It would...
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autoMedia.com is starting something new this week! Lots of events have been in the news, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel are the highlights we found at each. Consider this your carnival of cribnotes to items of interest in the automotive arena. AutoBlog: Now's Your Chance: Repo'd Nissan GT-R up for auction It's barely got 3000 miles on the odometer and already the owner has defaulted on his Nissan GT-R car loan, so the bank is putting it on the auction block at Matley's Richmond Auto Auction today in Virginia. Blogger Dan Roth says he'd "be hiding this thing in a garage more secret and secure than *** Cheney's undisclosed location while we sold an organ or two on the black market to pay its bills." After all, "You've got a spare kidney, but it's not like the GTR comes along every day." Los Angeles Alternative Transportation Examiner: 145 mph on chocolate? Matt Kelly, the Los Angeles Alternative Transportation Examiner asks "is that milk or dark chocolate?" Apparently, he says, "London scientists have unveiled what they hope will be one of the world's...
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Porsche unveiled the company’s first sedan this week at the Shanghai Motor Show, the much-anticipated Panamera. (See the original Panamera tease blog post.) While some Porschephiles decry the impurity of a four-door model, it can’t be argued that the success with the once-controversial Cayenne SUV was a key element in bolstering the automaker’s profits to the point it could buy Volkswagen. A proper sedan should further expand the brand’s reach, enabling more families to justify adding a Porsche to their household fleet. The Panamera will initially offered in three versions: the 400-horsepower two-wheel drive Panamera S; all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S; and the 500-horsepower, twin-turbocharged all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo. To add further to the sedan’s performance, an adaptive air suspension can provide a range of ride and handling that spans from luxury to sport. This effect is heightened with the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system with its two active anti-roll bars that can further enhance driving dynamics and comfort. The 911 of sedans, the Panamera goes on sale October 17th in the United States. Prices, if you must ask, start at $89,800 for the Panamera S is, while...
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Racing to production, this Teutonic oxymoron promises to fit the elegant, performance-oriented Porsche Cayenne SUV with a parallel full-hybrid powertrain. In true Porsche spirit, engineers have been able to drive the Cayenne S Hybrid at speeds up to 86 mph without at all using the combustion engine. The ability to roll freely - or 'coast' -- at highway speeds without the combustion engine on, greatly minimizing engine emissions and fossil fuel consumption. Porsche, in cooperation with Volkswagen, opted for the parallel full hybrid design as it significantly improves acceleration, as well as efficiency. When it comes to market in 2010, the Cayenne S Hybrid is expected to emit some 20 percent less C02 than comparable combustion engine vehicles with similar power output. Covering a 0-60 mph sprint in just 6.8 seconds, it earns its 'S' designation by delivering V8 performance and four-cylinder efficiency, all while complying with the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEVII) emission standards. The Cayenne S Hybrid uses a supercharged Audi 3.0-liter V6 engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), 333 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm. It is mated with 52...
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Car prices tend to head in only one direction, up. Porsche holds true to this maxim as it announces minor increases for its Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman, and 911. On average, the per-model increase is $900. First to take effect, the bump up on Cayenne and 911, with the new prices taking effect on February 3, 2009. (See our 2009 Porsche 911 preview .) The 2009 Boxster starts at $46,600 for the base version and $56,700 for the Boxster S. The Cayman base price will be $50,300 for the base Cayman and $60,200 for the Cayman S. For that coinage, both models feature new, more powerful flat-six engines with improved fuel efficiency. The 2.9-liter flat six cylinder develops 255 hp in the Boxster and 265 hp in the Cayman. The 3.4-liter power unit in the S versions, which benefits from Porsche’s Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), now delivers 310 hp in the Boxster S and 320 hp in the Cayman S. An innovative seven-speed double-clutch gearbox Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, aka PDK, is available. In addition, these mechanical twins add new standard and optional features for the 2009 model, including Porsche Communication Management with touchscreen operation, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and...
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While the national attention has been focused on the roller coaster ride on Wall Street and bailout debates in Washington, the automotive industry has been reeling from the impact of the economy. The September sales figures are in, and the news is dire. Number watchers, and general domestic pessimists, will not be surprised to hear that the Big 3 were hit hard. September 2008 versus September 2007 shows Chrysler down 32.8 percent, Ford 36.3 percent, and General Motors 15.6 percent. The Big 3 weren't alone, even Honda was down 24 percent and Toyota 32.3 percent. In total, United States auto sales were under 1 million units for the month, compared to 1.3 million in September 2007. The hardest hit brands, year on year, were Hummer (-54.8%), Porsche (-44.8%), Suzuki (-46.6%), and Volvo (-51.8%). Root causes for the sales drop include consumers reluctance to make big ticket purchases and therefore holding on to their vehicles longer, the industry racing away from leasing, and the difficulty in securing loans. Dealers have been cited in the media as having ready buyers walk out because they couldn't qualify for a loan. The only bright side is for consumers considering a new vehicle...
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The countdown is on till Porsche unveils and markets its very first four-door car. While spy shots have circulated for months, the German automaker has released a design sketch and now offered a brief glimpse at the nose. This is like a Hollywood starlet showing some bare ankle on screen, but it is a start. The nose carries such a familiar shape that it could be mistaken for a 911, Boxster , or Caymen . When the full body is revealed, we doubt it will be confused for anything other than a Panamera Gran Turismo. Appropriately, the sedan was designed and developed in Weissach and will be built in Leipzig, Germany. Although there are naysaying enthusiasts, the Panamera will allow Porsche owners to savor the brands sports car acumen with the entire family, without folding the children like origami. Porsche promise that four bonafide adults can ride in comfort. As we look forward to full-body photography being released later this year, Porsche has rolled out a special Panamera microsite that promises related lifestyle content and eventually the inside scoop on the wunder sedan. The Porsche Panamera will make its world debut next spring and go on sale in late summer or early fall 2009. Research...
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