Posted by Admin on
April 6, 2009
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.
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Posted by Admin on
April 1, 2009
Mercedes-Benz has finally lifted the cover off the next generation 2010 E-Class, the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG. Up from the W211 chassis’s 507hp to 518 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque, the new E63 generation sports sedan is poised to deliver top driving performance. AMG is boasting that their tuning team has taken Mercedes’ family sedan to new hights, promising outstanding performance, thrilling handling characteristics and advanced technology as seen from its sibling, the SL63 AMG high-performance Roadster. The 6208cc V8 is mated to the SL’s AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, and together, the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited), all while allowing it to consume 12% less premium petrol than the previous iteration.
The new E63 AMG from Mercedes Benz will get its debut at the New York Auto Show next week, and is expected to make its U.S. sales debut in November 2009. Standard 18-inch or optional 19-inch alloys with matching rubber help transfer all that power to the pavement. Official press release and picture gallery after the jump.
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Posted by Admin on
September 3, 2008
Ok, so we admit, sometimes we’re a little slow. (And no, we’re definitely not talking about our driving speeds) At the beginning of last month, Honda sent out its official press release of what the 2009 Honda Civic and 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid have to offer the world. Well finally ours arrived and here they are. The 2009 Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid have indeed been updated, but don’t hold your breath too much, they’re less exciting than one might hope for. It took us a bit to figure out what changed between ‘08 and ‘09, but from the appearance side of things, the most dramatic difference is the lower bumper — it gets a set of side intakes which are probably just for visual interest. Most of the news comes from interior features, including the introduction of a stereo system equipped to play MP3s, some Bluetooth gadgetry and a new stability-control system. Check out the pics and read all about it in the lengthy official press release after the jump.
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Posted by Admin on
June 19, 2008
First there was our first look at the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Today, Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes Benz, G55, AMG, Press Release. Of course, if you caught our 1st article, you should know what to expect from the classic and able powered SUV. But if you missed our earlier story, here’s a quick rundown.
On the outside, the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class styling has changed to match those bestowed upon its non-AMG siblings – so an updated grille and new wheels. Nothing out of this world revolutionary, but still tasteful nonetheless. Inside, Mercedes has given the G Class the latest COMAND APS system as standard, which features a high-definition 6.5-inch color display, rapid HDD navigation with aerial view, LINGUATRONIC for controlling audio, navigation and phone systems, a 4 GB memory for music files and a slot for SD memory cards.
But, of course, where the 2009 G55 AMG’s heart truly lies is under the hood. Power has increased from 368 kW/500 hp to 373 kW/507 hp, with maximum torque remaining at 700 Nm. As a result, the G55 AMG accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds and is capable of reaching an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. Again, it’s not the most earth-shattering revision, but it is icing on an already yummy cake.
To learn more about the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG and see a number of photos showcasing the new SUV in action, hit the jump for the full details and a high res picture gallery.
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Posted by Admin on
June 9, 2008
Introducing the new Cadillac 2009 CTS-V, officially rated at 556 horsepower. It will hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and run the quarter mile in 12 seconds flat. For the record, the Edmunds’ Straightline Blog reports that the sport sedan’s 6.2L supercharged V8 will produce 556 hp at 6,100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3,800 rpm. That kind of power is courtesy of the LSA engine, derived from the new Corvette ZR1’s LS9 motor and detuned for duty in the CTS-V. Fortunately, the LSA wasn’t detuned too much and the ‘09 CTS-V should be darn good competition for its German competition, specifically with BMW’s M5 relatively meager 500-hp 5.0L V10.
Official press release added after jump.
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