autoMedia Auto News Blog : Porsche

autoMedia CARnival 11-06-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. ...(read more)

Automakers Support Texting Ban

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:12:00 GMT

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 of most drivers to perform the function safely and should be banned."

If and how remains to be seen, and we expect it will be discussed at length next week in the nation's capital.

Also read:
Driving While InTEXTicated: Put Down Your Device & Drive!
AAA Study Shows More Than a Third of Drivers Feel Less Safe

Sneak Peek: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, the new GT3 RS now channels 450 horsepower through its six-speed manual gearbox for street-legal, track-ready performance.

Standard dynamic engine mounts boost handling by changing their stiffness and damping effect for specific driving conditions, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, but providing greater comfort during everyday street use.

The new 911 GT3 RS boasts a purpose-built PASM suspension to boost its sporting behavior, as well as wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork. Up front are nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35ZR19 sports tires while the rear axle features 12-inch-wide wheels wrapped in 325/30ZR19 performance rubber.

An optional lithium-ion battery is available for track use; it reduces vehicle weight by more than 22 pounds when swapped with the conventional lead-acid battery.

Finally, the eye-searing looks of the 911 GT3 RS are enhanced by high-contrast trim, low ride height, new extra-large carbon-fiber rear wing, and titanium exhaust system.

You can have yours in early Spring 2010. Read up on other Porsche models here at autoMedia.com

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

autoMedia CARnival 8/14/09: This week in the auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:33:00 GMT

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 has created a new methodology for evaluating electric vehicles and proclaimed its upcoming Chevy Volt would be rated at a stunning 230 mpg. The rating seems so difficult to believe that The Detroit Bureau calls the new EPA Mileage standard bogus, but the smart folks over at Consumer Reports break its economy down into numbers and figures that make more sense. Or cents. Whatever.

Porsche gets a second mention in this week's carnival, this time in a series of articles at Jalopnik about the truth or falsehood of the rumored Cayman Shooting Brake. Based on such supporting evidence as a screen cap supposedly snapped from the yet-unreleased Forza 3 for Xbox 360 and a "leaked" photo showing the vehicle being prepped for its anticipated Frankfurt Motor Show reveal, it was ultimately discovered to be a going-away hoax from the-website-formerly-known-as-Top Gear USA. Awesome prank! Jalopnik got pwned!

This week's Greenlings column over at AutoblogGreen explains why today's gasolines include ethanol, and explains whether your car needs any modifications to use this ethanol-infused gasoline.

LeftLane News has two stories on the new BMW ActiveHybrid cars released this week. The first report covered the upcoming X6 ActiveHybrid sports activity coupe, set to reach dealers by the end of 2009. Powered by a gasoline twin-turbo V-8 and two electric motors, the X6 hybrid promises acceleration to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and a total of 480 horsepower. In addition to that one, they also share details of the new top-of-the-range ActiveHybrid 7 hybrid sedan. Powered by a three-phase electric motor and a twin turbo V-8, the ActiveHybrid 7 will crank out a combined 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. Word on the street says these hybrid versions will improve economy by 15 to 20 percent.

As the extra $2 billion 'cash for clunkers' extension settles in with lawmakers, Motor Trend reports many dealers are still waiting for their rebate money from the original CARS plan. Apparently one Toyota dealer in Southern California has 450 unpaid claims totaling $1.9 million. Another in North Carolina has only received $26,000 of his $319,000 unpaid claims.

So, do you enjoy the broad variety of headlines and automotive websites here in our weekly carnival? If this still doesn't provide a broad enough selection of car content, then you should check out autos.alltop.com: They've got links to more than a hundred automotive websites, and list the five most recent headlines at each. So whether you're looking for auto & transportation press releases from PR Newswire, the most popular auto items at Digg.com, and anything in between, autos.alltop.com is the place to go when you've got too much time on your hands, and an insatiable appetite for car news.

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

Porsche Reveals 2010 911 Turbo Updates

Editor — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:29:00 GMT

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. All this despite acceleration to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Top speed, in turn, is 312 km/h or 194 mph.”

J.D. Power Names Most Appealing New Cars

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:46:00 GMT

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 products measure up. Down the road, that should lead to cars continuing to improve, or at least be more appealing.

The top models by segment
Subcompact car
Smart ForTwo
Scion xD
Honda Fit

Compact car
Mini Cooper
Volkswagen Jetta
Mitsubishi Lancer

Compact sporty car
Volkswagen GTI

Compact premium sporty car
Mercedes-Benz SLK
Nissan 370Z

Entry-premium vehicle
Volkswagen CC
Cadillac CTS
Audi A4/A5

Midsize sporty car
Dodge Challenger

Midsize premium car
Hyundai Genesis
Jaguar XF
BMW 5 Series

Large premium car
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Lexus LS

Midsize car
Volkswagen Passat
Mazda 6
Honda Accord

Large car
Nissan Maxima
Pontiac G8
Toyota Avalon

autoMedia CARnival June 26, 2009: What's happening this week in the auto blogs?

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:09:00 GMT

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 electric car at BMW these days is one with Start & Stop technology, a hybrid (in the near future) or, the Mini E, apparently BMW has had a long history of developing electric cars. AutoBlogGreen shares a photo gallery highlighting BMW's collection of historic electric vehicles from the cute little E1 coupe and the plug-in 3-Series sold in the 1990s, to the all-electric 1602 featured at the 1972 Olympic Games. Over at LeftLaneNews.com, they've got reports that BMW will release a new four-seat electric vehicle, dubbed the "City" to United States treehuggers by 2012. Sizewise, the little carlet will be smaller than the 1-Series and MINI, and about the same as vehicles like the Honda Fit.

The death of Michael Jackson yesterday almost shut down the internet as curious fans sought additional information about the pop star's staus. Knowing that the words "Michael Jackson" are incredibly good for SEO right now, a couple of creative automotive sites found ways to exploit the search term - and who can blame them? Jalopnik has a three-minute clip from Michael Jackson's "Moonwalker" film, in which he transforms himself into a Lancia Stratos Zero and Examiner.com has infor on the Ford ambulance that took the King of Pop on his last ride to the hospital.

Have you been following Ford's Fiesta Agents, as they share their adventures in this highly anticipated sport coupe? Brooklyn Hilary has put more than 13,000 miles on the odometer as she has traversed the country these past couple months. You can read about her experiences over at AutomotiveTraveler.com Hilary, how many gallons of gas have you used as you roam the country? Are you tired of driving yet?

He was the numbers guy, figuring out how to make things work. But the world turned upside-down for Frederick A. "Fritz" Henderson, when the White House drove General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner into sudden retirement and gave Fritz an unexpected promotion. In this Q&A article, Paul Eisenstein chats with Henderson to get an update on the bankruptcy process and find out more about what's going on behind the scenes with General Motors' bankruptcy proceedings. Read the interview at The Detroit Bureau.

Motor Trend's Editor at Large Arthur St. Antoine pits Chevy's awesome "Blue Devil" -- the Corvette ZR1 -- against its toughest adversary yet: a Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet. This high-def YouTube video is almost 20 minutes long, but worth it: viewers get a seat inside the Corvette, and the jet for high-speed and high-performance maneuvers. Unbelievable!

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

autoMedia.com CARnival June 19, 2009: Father's Day Gifts for the Ultimate Car Guy

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:54:00 GMT

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.

I personally LOVE the products at Busted Knuckle Garage: Their gear is perfectly suited (as they say) "for the guy with the hands of a lobster and a workbench that looks like an environmental disaster." Their unique line of herbal skin care products helps ease skin exposed to gasoline, oil and solvents, and is great at healing abrasions and cuts! They've got a great assortment of value-priced gift packs that include tee-shirts and cool memorabilia for father's day, but my absolute favorite items in their line are the Mechanic's lip balm/hand salve, and Mechanic's Muscle Easing Salve. Each 1.75-ounce tin is just $6.95, so you can get Dad one of each and a tee-shirt too!

He doesn't have to be behind the wheel of a Porsche to appreciate the exciting world of Porsche racing: Instead you can give Racer Guy some extraordinary accessories from the Porsche Design Driver's Selection. Whether it's as simple as a car-themed silk tie, Porsche-badged cap, or durable polycarbonate travel cases, the entire product line features meticulous craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and beautiful designs exclusive to Porsche. These high-quality gifts can be ordered at your dealership, online, or by calling 800-PORSCHE. Online purchases placed during the month of June receive free standard shipping!

Die-Cast Models: No matter which car dad already drives -- or longs to have in his driveway -- he can keep an amazingly detailed 1:18 die-cast model on his desk. Dad can desk-race his choice of practically anything in the vehicle lineup, including the 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Carrera GT, or Cayman S all the way up to the real racecars like the RS Spyder from the 2008 American LeMans series or the Porsche 917L "Hippie" model seen at the 1970 LeMans. ($77 to $142 MSRP).

RC Racers: If true Remote Control racing is more Dad's style, consider stepping up to one of their pistol-grip-controlled RC cars. These genuine 1:14-scale reproductions of the 911 Carrera S, 911 GT3 Cup VIP, or Cayenne Turbo (1:28 scale) are capable of traveling of speeds up to 25 mph! ($129 to $324 MSRP)

Porsche Driving School: If desk and RC racing aren't enough, enroll him in the high-performance driver education courses at the Porsche Sport Driving School. Under the guidance of famed Porsche drivers from all types of racing backgrounds, Dad can learn about the true capabilities and performance Porsche cars offer while increasing his own confidence and skill behind the wheel. A one-day driving course on the essentials of high-performance driving starts at $1795; multi-day courses with personal instruction reach up to $5,295. This intensive and comprehensive experience is something Dad will never forget! Click here to ride in the passenger seat for one lap around the course!

From the makers of The Ultimate Driving Machine come the Ultimate Dad's Day gifts: accessories, apparel, and other items that capture the true spirit of BMW. Regardless of whether your Dad has a BMW parked in the driveway, or just wishes he did, this assortment products from BMW Lifestyle easily win the race for the best Father's Day gift. You can browse the BMW Lifestyle collection at your local authorized BMW center or online at www.bmw-online.com. Here are a few BMW-themed Father's Day gift ideas to help you get started:

Wheeled Cargo Duffel: For the gentleman who spends more time in the air than on the road: elegant and innovative, this roomy carry-on duffel has wheels and telescoping handle for easy transport, finished with discreet BMW logo. ($110 MSRP)

BMW Chronograph: For the dad who makes every minute count: Tourneau timepiece with brushed stainless case and anthracite dial boasts a host of high-tech features, along with BMW logo on face next to 30-minute, 1-second and 1/10-second timers. Available with black nylon strap or stainless bracelet. ($285 to $320 MSRP).

Your father has provided guidance your entire life, so now is the time to return the favor. A portable GPS navigation device can provide guidance on road trips, drives to new places, and route around traffic on the daily commute. If he's one of those who hates to ask for directions, you can spare his honor with one of these great gadgets. (Prices and products vary so check the links to help you choose an item that best fits your price range.)

Garmin nuvi 2x5 GPS: Industry sales-leader Garmin provides a wide range of models. Smart money is on the nuvi 2x5 line, with the affordable basic nuvi 205 navigator being a good choice for occasional use and the nuvi 265WT for daily use. These are easy to use and provide good basic navigation, with the 265WT adding a wide screen and free ad-supported traffic service. (The ads are not intrusive, nor frequent.) New 1200 and 1300 series units have just hit the market, meaning the nuvi 2x5 should be great values right now.

TomTom GPS: TomTom has a broad range of products, from entry-level to high-tech, connected devices. On a budget, the One 130 is a solid choice, though the newer One 140 adds the helpful IQ Routes feature that allows the device to provide guidance based on historical traffic data - very helpful around metropolitan areas. The "S" models add text to speech, allowing the device to announce street names, rather than give simple "left" or "right" directions. The XL models are wide screen, making them easier to read and enter addresses. The XL 340 S is tops for this group, and it is just $200 from the manufacturer right now. TomTom has a wide variety of character and celebrity voices that can be installed. If Dad is a Simpsons fan, the Homer Simpson voice is a hilarious download for $12.95.

Finally, you know Dad loves his car, and what better way to show him you love him than to do something nice for his personal chariot? Don't just buy him a collection of car care products, why not give his ride a quality hand detailing that will make his paint shine all summer long? Excellent tips on how to wash it yourself and quick-detail it yourself, along with this excellent guide to Spring Cleaning and Car Care can be found right here at autoMedia.com.

Happy Father's Day, from Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

autoMedia CARnival: What's happening this week in the auto blogs? May 29, 2009

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:01:00 GMT

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 also be able to take off and land vertically, like Britain's famous Harrier jump jet and the U.S. military's own V-22 Osprey. What's more, upon landing, the Fuzo would extend its retractable wheels and tool around town like a normal automobile. Anybody know what kind of fuel economy to expect? Find out more about the ordinary Hondas in the lineup here at autoMedia.com. http://www.automedia.com/search.aspx?terms=honda

Autoblog.com knows Porsche owners have long reveled in their ability to smoke the competition on track and street, but now Porschephiles can also leave their marque's mark on the backside of burgers, hotdogs and ribeyes. Grill marks, of course. Barbeques Galore and Porsche Design Studio have created the new X-Series Porsche Grill. Under its sleek, German-styled exterior lies four infrared burners that can crank out 52,000 BTUs using 50% less fuel. By Autoblog's very rough shadetree estimates, that should be good for a zero to steak time of about 10 minutes. Who's hungry?

My mother always told me the way to a man's heart was through his stomach. Well, our fun friends over at Jalopnik know that the best way to a car guy's heartburn is through portable restaurants, aka "Meals on wheels," so they've posted a collection of the ten best mobile eateries from coast to coast. Eat your heart out, Oscar Meyer Weinermobile!

Have you been to Miniology.com lately? They've been posting live coverage all week from the Mini United event in the UK and there are too many good posts to pick just one. If you're a member of the cult of Cooper, you'll want to peruse allll their coverage of this GIANT Mini festival. And if reading about them puts you in the mood to buy one, learn more about the 2009 Mini Cooper in this review at autoMedia.com

Nobody is ever happy with their driver's license photo, and here's another reason to hate them: According to USAToday, "Four states are ordering people to wipe the grins off their faces in their license photo 'Neutral facial expressions' are required at departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia. That means you can't smile, or smile very much. Other states may follow." The DMVs are not doing this to spoil your photographic fun, but because sophisticated facial recognition software that's being implemented to reduce driver's license fraud is better able to do its job when the subject is not smiling.

According to LeftLaneNews, the United States government is giving General Motors another $30 billion cash infusion on top of the $19.4 billion already given to the ailing Detroit automaker over the past few months. "General Motors bondholders felt they deserved something like a 58 percent stake in the company in exchange for their billions of dollars in debt. What they were offered wasn't even close," says Yahoo.com. Unfortunately, everybody is now predicting that the largest industrial bankruptcy in U.S. history is pretty much all but certain. Yahoo! says the recent bondholder rejection virtually ensures GM will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection within days.

In the calm before the bankruptcy storm, Bob Lutz shares a candid look at government intervention and his own legacy, saying hile he acknowledged there are many unknowns, Lutz insisted, "We will pass through the cleansing fire of a radical restructuring -- whether in or out of court" in this question-and-answer session at TheDetroitBureau.

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

autoMedia CARnival: What's happening this week in the auto blogs?

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:54:00 GMT

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 fastest biofuel vehicles, powered by waste from chocolate factories and made partly from plant fibers. The car "fuel" is vegetable oils and chocolate waste that has been turned into biofuel." The car, named the "WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car," will go on display at several races including the European Grand Prix and Britain's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Bring your own sweet tooth.

iMotor Friday Fun: Motoring Look-a-likes
The folks over at iMotor got chatting the other day about how some people just look like other, more famous, people. So they created this photo gallery of ten auto industry celebrity look-alikes. You've got to review the selection of photos in this gallery to truly appreciate how well they did their homework! And I promise you, some of them are going to make you laugh out loud! (For instance, what auto industry mogul do you think of when I say "Monopoly Man"? or How about "Emperor Palatine"?) Plus, if you let them know what you think, they might just make another batch. ... I'm picturing Betty Boop and Danica Patrick...

Left Lane News Review: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
"The cougar - the female variety, not the Merc' - in the late-model Porsche Boxster slowed as she drove past. As our eyes caught, my heart fluttered a little and I grinned in her direction. But she didn't see me. No, she saw the Cab - the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet." In his review at Left Lane News, Mark Elias asks, "Could this be one of the most impressive two-seat sports cars ever made?" A direct descendant of the shape that made the brand famous upon its introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963, it's still able to turn heads 40 years after its debut (as demonstrated by the aforementioned platinum blonde in West Palm Beach).

The Detroit Bureau: Smile For the (Speed) Camera! Radar camera maker nabbed by his own gear
Some folks wind up being hoisted on their own petard. In Tom Riall's case, he's been nailed by his own camera. According to Paul Eisenstein, "The 49-year-old Riall is chief executive of the home affairs division for the British company Serco, and one of their best-known, if most-reviled, products is the radar-triggered camera that's been used to catch countless U.K. traffic offenders as they push past the local speed limits." Even more ironically, Eisenstein says, "it was the third time the balding executive was captured playing fast and loose with the speed laws, which are being more and more heavily monitored in the U.K. after years of lax enforcement. You know that old adage that says "turnabout is fair play?" Looks like this speeder got his just rewards!

AskPatty: Mother's Day Gift Guide
Yes, Mother's Day is just a few days away. Jody DeVere knows choosing the right gift can be a challenge, so she's gathered up some gift ideas that should be perfect for your car-loving Mom. Some are practical, some are elegant, but all of them will please a Mom-on-the-go -- regardless of whether she's cruising a beatup old minivan, or tearing up the tarmac in a Porsche Cayenne. If you still need a mother's day gift idea, be sure to check out this gift guide full of things perfect for your first and most important chauffeur.

Motor Trend: Toyota's January-March Global Loss Beats GM
Todd Lassa highlights an important fact that may have been overlooked by folks who might be too focused on our domestic automotive concerns: "If you're one of the holdouts who believe the depression in the automotive market has only hit the weak, Toyota's results released Friday ought to put that to rest. The World's Number One automaker posted a January-March loss of the equivalent of $6.9-billion, beating GM's first-quarter loss of $6 billion. To make it clear; these numbers are for all global operations. While GM counts January to March as the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, Toyota works on a March-to-March basis, so it has just closed the books on a fiscal year. For March '08 to March '09, Toyota posted an annual loss of 560.4 billion yen, or $5.9 billion."

The Car Connection Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 6-Series
There it is: the tightly cropped front bumper shot of a heavily disguised 2011 BMW 6-Series. According to Marti Padgett, the next-gen 6-Series will be getting an evolutionary new shape; though from the crazy, swirling wrapper on the test mule in the photo, he says it's tough to tell how much exactly will change with the new version of BMW's hefty supercoupe and convertible. But like the new 2009 BMW 7-Series, Padgett says it's likely the same styling themes will get a little more mature and will turn back the clock on the company's controversial "flame surfacing" that's been a point of contention for most of the decade. I just want the awesome paint job for my own car!

Thanks for joining us for this week's auto blog carnival. Check back next week for another installment. Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? We'll have information soon that will help you submit ideas to us. Until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

Unveiled: Porsche Panamera Sedan

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:16:00 GMT

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 the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo retail for $93,800 and $132,600, respectively.

Sneak Peek: 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:20:00 GMT

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-horsepower three-phase synchronous electric motor that produces up to 221 lb-ft of torque and also acts as an alternator, and the combined power units are joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission. High tech and powerful, the Cayenne S Hybrid is a fitting, 21st-century addition to the Porsche legacy.

A similar hybrid system will find its way into the new Porsche Panamera sedan in late summer 2009.

Read our Porsche Cayenne review, and research Porsche models in the new car buyer's guide. See the blog "Pricing: 2009 Porsche Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman, 911."

Pricing: 2009 Porsche Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman, 911

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:56:00 GMT

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 iPod interface to name a few.

The updated Boxster and Cayman models go on sale in the U.S. in March of this year.

Brace for impact - Car sales plummet

admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:26:00 GMT

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, dealers are quite willing to negotiate. Great deals can be found, so long as the money is truly in hand.

Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo by a Nose

admin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:08:00 GMT

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 new cars in our 2009 buyer’s guide.