2010 Porsche Panamera

Official information about Porsche’s Panamera sedan continues to trickle out of Stuttgart’s front door, with the latest word being that the four-door gran turismo will incorporate a slate of new technologies that include a fuel-saving stop/start measure on models equipped with the company’s fast-acting PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Stop/Start technology has been gaining traction in all segments of the European market as a way to lower C02 output and fuel bills, but it has yet to catch on in the States outside of use in hybrid models, so it will be interesting to see how well the technology is accepted. In addition to stop/start, the Cayman will feature a trick air suspension system that includes additional air volume available on demand and active aero on Panamera Turbo models.

Our top tech man, Sam Abuelsamid, is in Stuttgart as this is being written to get all of the engineering details, but for the moment, Porsche says their adaptive air suspension (standard on Turbo and optional on other models) is an “absolute innovation in automotive technology” in its ability to provide a greater breadth of range between comfort and sport, a claim made possible in part through the use of the company’s lauded Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system as well as optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), both being technologies we have sampled in other vehicles.

Porsche has a long history with active aerodynamics, and thanks to spy shots depicting a movable rear wing, we knew that the Panamera would also benefit from the technology. The automaker has now confirmed that the car will be fitted with a four-way rear spoiler on Turbo models. Click on the jump for the official press release, which further details Porsche’s lightweight building technologies and acoustic efforts.

And if that’s not enough… Pictures of a full trailer hitch as well.

Gallery and press release after the jump.

2010 Porsche Panamera Gallery

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

PORSCHE® SHARES MORE PANAMERA® INNOVATIONS

Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function Among Several New Technologies to be Featured on Porsche’s Upcoming Four-Seat Gran Turismo

ATLANTA – March 18, 2009 —- As the moment draws near when the Porsche Panamera makes its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 19, 2009, the Stuttgart, Germany based auto manufacturer reveals a few more technical details to whet the appetites of those in search of the emotional and driving character of a sports car coupled with the high luxury and interior comfort of a performance sedan in one unique vehicle that is still instantly recognized as a Porsche.

When it goes on sale in the United States on Oct. 17, 2009, the Panamera will showcase some innovative technologies. These include the first automatic engine start/stop feature used with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission, air suspension with additional air volume on demand, and on the Panamera Turbo active aerodynamics with a multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler that deploys when needed.

With the Panamera, Porsche’s fourth model line, customers will see an unprecedented vehicle concept – a four-seat gran turismo offering both dynamic performance and superior elegance all in one. While competing with well-established models in the premium class, the Panamera carves a new niche in terms of performance, driving dynamics and efficiency. This is familiar ground as efficient, high-performance engines, lightweight engineering and optimized aerodynamics have been Porsche core competencies throughout its 60-year history both on and off the race circuits.

Maximum performance and efficiency

The Panamera is the first premium car with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission to feature an engine start/stop system that saves fuel and reduces emissions by turning the engine off when it is not needed, such as sitting at a stop light, for example. All engines have advanced and fuel-efficient Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), as well. In addition to consistently reducing friction in their engines, Porsche further enhanced the engines with innovations such as map-controlled coolant/temperature management and ancillary units with enhanced efficiency.

The Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox, standard on all U.S. Panamera models and a first in this market segment, also enhances both fuel economy and performance. Being more efficient than a conventional automatic transmission, the PDK gearbox can save even more fuel through its long, overdrive-like top gear. It offers outstanding performance with typical Porsche driving dynamics through ultra-fast gearshifts without the slightest interruption of engine power.

In conjunction with other specific improvements enhancing overall efficiency, including tires with minimal rolling resistance and disc brakes with residual brake forces reduced to a minimum, the Panamera S consumes just 10.8 liters/100 kilometers (equal to 26.2 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available).

Chassis and suspension: driving dynamics and comfort all in one

The Panamera chassis and suspension is not a compromise between sporting performance and superior comfort, but rather a combination of the two. In its basic setting it offers a very high level of driving comfort, yet at a touch of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) button, it turns into a thoroughbred sports suspension.

Another highlight is the adaptive air suspension that can provide extra air volume on demand. An absolute innovation in automotive technology, it offers an even greater variation of sporting and comfort features and is standard on the Panamera Turbo and optional on the other models.

Driving dynamics and comfort may be further enhanced on all models through the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system available in combination with a fully controlled rear axle differential.

Through the Sport Plus button, the optional Sports Chrono Packages enable the driver to choose at the touch of a button the high-performance configurations for the drivetrain and suspension systems, including Porsche Traction Management (PTM ) with its fully-controlled all-wheel drive. PTM is standard on both the Panamera 4S and the Panamera Turbo.

Body: light and functional

The body is the synthesis of lightweight technology typical of a sports car, superior comfort, generous spaciousness, and efficient aerodynamics.

The most advanced production methods and materials are used on the Panamera body. These include all kinds of steel grades, light alloys such as aluminum and magnesium, as well as plastics. The lightweight doors feature a load-bearing structure made of laser-treated pressure-cast aluminum, an aluminum outer skin and door window frames made of thin-walled pressure-cast magnesium. Thanks to this intelligent lightweight structure, the Panamera S, for example, weighs just 1,800 kg, or a just over 3,990 lbs.

The rear seats set new standards in the luxury performance class in terms of both comfort and variability. Perfectly contoured as single seats, they offer maximum comfort also at the rear through their wide range of electrical adjustment and seat climate functions and the headrests integrated into the seats.

The Panamera also comes with a highly functional, variable luggage compartment. The rear seat backrests tilt forward individually, providing up to 44.6 cubic feet or 1,263 liters of luggage capacity.

The visible highlight of the overall aerodynamic package is the active four-way rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo. Through its efficient management of control angles and surface geometry geared to driving conditions, the rear spoiler optimizes both the car’s aerodynamics and performance.

Acoustics: sporting sound and superior touring comfort

Porsche’s development engineers have successfully achieved a perfect balance of sound of the exhaust system, the air intake, the engine, and the car’s aerodynamic acoustics. The result gives the Panamera a harmonious, characteristic sound pattern, bringing together seemingly contradictory requirements.

At a very early point in the development process, for example, Porsche engineers analyzed aerodynamic acoustics on a clay model right from the start, achieving further optimization by way of numerous technical improvements with specific, individual effects. The result is a truly low level of noise within the interior and most appropriate for the luxury performance segment. But at the same time the typical powerful Porsche sound comes out clearly when accelerating, giving the Panamera a wide range of sound, from discreet modesty while cruising all the way to powerful emotion whenever the driver wishes to experience a sporting style of motoring.

Using both new and proven technologies, Porsche’s engineers in Weissach while developing the Panamera have succeeded in intelligently solving all conflicts of interest. The result is a car with a wide range of features most appropriate for such an outstanding gran turismo: the engines are powerful and dynamic, efficient and clean. The Panamera combines comfortable touring characteristics with sports motoring so typical of Porsche. And despite the car’s dynamic proportions and coupe-like silhouette, the interior, apart from lots of space and superior comfort, also offers outstanding function and variability.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 201 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world’s most successful marque in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles and soon the Panamera gran turismo for the United States, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.

2010 Porsche 911 GT3

The 2010 911 GT3 might seem like more of the same from Porsche, but we think that’s hardly a bad thing. The combination of a high-revving flat-6 engine combined with excellent handling has never looked so appealing. Since its official unveiling, Porsche released even more gorgeous high-res photos of the car, along with a video of the new GT3 on track with legendary rally driver Walter Röhrl behind the wheel. Check out the new pictures in the gallery below, and watch a video of the 911 GT3 in action after the jump.

Porsche 911 GT3 on the track with Walter Röhrl:

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Gallery

Those wacky guys at MotorTrend get all the fun. When they were given the keys of the new awe-inspiring Corvette ZR1, they decided to pit it against the mighty Ferrari 599 GTB, Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 GT2. Luckily for us, they threw us a bone by recording the supercar showdown for the world to see. Hit the jump to see the 638-hp Corvette ZR1 take on some of the best and brightest from Italy, Germany, and Japan. We watched the video 4 different times, just to see the differences in the starts and finishes of 4 very different supercars.
For fun, BEFORE you watch the video, guess what will be the result and let us know if you were right or wrong. The results shouldn’t surprise you, but the start might. This Drag race of the Chevy Corvette ZR1 vs Ferrari 599 vs Porsche 911 GT2 Vs Nissan GT-R is a good one!

Technology to the rescue! Thanks to reader Jacob and his handy camera phone, we’ve caught wind that there were not 1, but 3 lightly camouflaged, Georgia-plated Porsche Panameras out at the Denver airport yesterday. This terrible trio was spotted at the Denver International Airport, making a practice round for what will, no doubt, be common for the Porsche once they hit the streets.

What’s interesting is that they’re at the airport, with luggage, which goes in a trunk — and yet, no trunk action. Alas…

In the latest round of customer surveys conducted by U.S. market research institute J.D. Power, Mercedes-Benz has become the recipient of not 1… not 2… but 3 accolades. Receiving 2 gold awards for the highest vehicle quality in their respective market segments are the E-Class and CLK-Class, while the Platinum Award was bestowed upon Mercedes Benz’s Sindelfingen plant. The Platinum award makes it the assembly facility with the best delivered quality worldwide. Overall, Mercedes improved one place over last year – ranking fourth in overall quality – and it was also the only European brand to win an individual model award.

How does J.D. Power arrive at the results? Market researchers investigate the satisfaction of American customers within the first 90 days of their vehicle purchases, evaluating the quality of both the concept and execution of the purchased vehicle. This year, the opinions of some 80,000 verified owners were tabulated, all of whom owned 2008 model year vehicles.

To learn more about the latest J.D. Power Quality Study as well as how the Mercedes-Benz brand fared, you can find the full details below and at J.D. Power’s Website.

Enjoy.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Latest J.D. Power Quality Study from the U.S.: Mercedes-Benz receives three awards for best product quality

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz is one of the most successful auto brands in this year’s customer survey conducted by U.S. market research institute J.D. Power. The Stuttgart car brand receives two gold awards for the highest vehicle quality in their respective market segments, and is also honoured for the world’s best production plant. This outstanding result is one outcome of the initiative launched by Mercedes-Benz to raise customer satisfaction and product quality.

In conducting the annual study, market researchers investigate the satisfaction of American customers with new vehicle purchases within the first 90 days, and evaluate the quality of both the concept and execution of the vehicle. Overall, Mercedes-Benz moved up one place against last year from fifth to fourth, and is the only vehicle brand with three models (CLK, E and S-Class) within the top ten passenger vehicles.

This year saw the E-Class and the CLK each receive gold J.D. Power Awards. According to the U.S. study, these models are the highest quality vehicles in their market segments. Furthermore, Mercedes’ Sindelfingen plant receives the Platinum Award, making it the assembly facility with the best delivered quality worldwide.

Copyright © 2008, Daimler AG

And if you’re the best of the best in Formula 1 and in Los Angeles, you’re certainly can’t go hit up Avis to rent a Ford Focus. Well Claus Ettensberger, owner of the So. Cal. tuning shop CEC, to the rescue. Ettensberger was kind enough to provide Lewis Hamilton with a fully-kitted Techart Porsche 997 911 during his stay in L.A.

I’m sure even an after market 997 Porsche 911 is a bit of a demotion from his McLaren Formula One car, but there are definitely worse ways for Hamilton to get around while mixing it up with L.A’s elite.

It also seems that Hamilton got some time in/next to a more appropriate Mercedes Benz CL as well. What’s this? He gets 2 cars?? Its good to be F1 Champ.

Like a family crest, most Automotive emblems actually represent something important to their maker. Whether it be something historically important for the founder, ideals the brand strives towards, or a testament to someone’s ego, the symbol of each company has a history.

We stumbled across this encyclopedia of sorts that has cataloged the origins and meanings for almost every one of the worlds major automakers, and we must say, it’s pretty darn interesting. For instance Chevy’s logo has come about from…

…Popular legend has it that the Chevrolet logo was inspired by wallpaper in a French hotel where William C. Durant was staying (the legend says he saw the pattern marching off into infinity as a design on the wallpaper and tore a piece of it off to keep to show to friends and later turn into the company logo). However, his wife says that the bowtie emblem was first seen by her husband in a Virginia newspaper on a vacation around 1912, upon which he told her that the thought it’d be a very good emblem for the Chevrolet (per Chevrolet Pro Management Magazine, October 1986).

Or, Smart’s logo…..Apart from the Smart name (all lowercase), the Smart logo features a ‘C’ for ‘Compact’, and an arrow for ‘forward thinking’.

Cool Stuff, I Swear!

Take a look at the full list here.

I think there’s a physics lesson hiding somewhere in here. Or at the very least, a perfect example as to why those 2×8’s you’ve got lying around behind the shed should NOT be used to load your half million dollar Porsche Carrera GT on a flatbed.I’m not sure what category this goes under here, but “epic failure” might be as close as we can get. You can almost hear the carbon fiber chassis getting crunched right at the end. Ouch.

Someone with a seriously over-happy trigger finger just let slip on the Internet all of the changes we will be seeing to the entire 2009 Porsche 911 lineup. Including the information on when all that data was actually supposed to be released. Let’s just say that in some cases, this info wasn’t supposed to see the light of day for months. Of course after this oops, we’re guessing those dates are going to move up.

So, how is the new 2009 Porsche 911 different from the 2008 Porsche 911? Well, for starters, the new generation of engines under the 997’s hood (or trunk) will be getting direct fuel injection, resulting in a good bump in horsepower. The 3.6-liter standard engine will see a 20 HP boost, to a total of 345 HP. We’ll also be seeing a 30 HP increase for the 3.8-liter, bringing that engine’s total to 385 horses. But Wait, it’s not just the engine that will get an upgrade. The documents also show us the exterior of the new 911 — from Carrera to Targa 4 — should see changes, including a new front bumper with larger air intakes and lights, semi-integrated stainless steel tailpipes and a new rear bumper. For the chassis, the 3.6-liter models will be getting revised brakes and Carrera models will receive new wheels. But wait, wait, there’s even more!

There’s also an enhanced version of the renowned Porsche Stability Management (PSM) now available with additional functions on the Carrera models and a new braking system for the 3.6-liter models including thicker brake discs on the front and rear tires — 12 mm thicker in the front and 31 mm thicker in the rear to be exact.

We’re also told we’ll see a mechanical limited-slip diff as a standard for Targa 4 and Carrera 4 models and a 7-speed PDK transmission, which would be a sequential two-shaft transmission — just like the Nissan GT-R. Production actually started this week on the Carrera Coupe and Cabrio, with both going on sale stateside in September of this year and the new 2009 911 Carrera 4 going on sale worldwide in late October.
Head on over to Rennlist for more details.

It’s no secret that the Porsche Cayman is one great handling automobile. Some would say that the Cayman is even built on a better chassis than its big brother, the Porsche 911. The only downside to a Cayman is that Porsche won’t give it enough power to rival that of its big brother the 911….Or will they?

We’re told this Nürburgring flogging Cayman could possibly be a Turbo version of our favority mini mid-engined Porsche.

Take a look at the array of LED running lights in the skirt. Does it look familiar to a particular flavor of the 911? Maybe one that starts with a “T” and ends in “urbo”?

We will say our sources have told us the engine note on this particular Cayman is significantly more turbo-ized than a normal Cayman. Mmmm, If this is a Porsche Cayman Turbo, we want to tell Porsche we’re happy to hear it going to happen, and would be even happier to help them test it.