2010 Aston Martin Rapide vs 2010 Porsche Panamera

Luxury Cars (Update)

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Both Aston Martin and Porsche are set to debut their first production sports sedans. Aston Martin previously had the Lagonda sedan which was in production from 1976 to 1991 but the all-new Rapide is a much more worthy sedan. Porsche’s new Panamera is a capable attempt at a luxury sports sedan but is sure to upset Porsche purists. Both take familiar styling cues from each company’s respective models.

It’s been a helluva week!!  There are plenty of new cars to discuss thanks to the L.A Autoshow and there’s something for everyone. Keep in mind this show goes until the 13th I think and this isn’t even all the cars that have appeared thus far! Stay tuned!

2011 Ford Fiesta: The U.S spec 2010 Ford Fiesta debuted with a new front grill and bumper, but  remains mostly the same as the Euro spec version. Only one powerplant thus far, the 1.6liter 119hp inline 4 pot hooked to either 5 speed manual or 6 speed autobox.  It’s not going to win you and stop light drag races, but it will net you about 40mpg.  Base price should be around $13k and top out somewhere around $19k Look for a full test drive review of the car from me in the near future.

2011 Hyundai Sonata: The mid-sized sedan gets a total do-over and is it ever drastic! This sucker is all new and I’m actually excited about.  The exterior looks part Passat CC, mostly CLS 55, and I’m not sure I’m lovin’ yet.  But power sounds promising. The shiny new Accord fighter packs a 2.4liter direct injection , naturally aspirated 4 cylinder engine that outputs around 200hp! Transmissions come in two flavors: 6 speed manual and 6 speed auto. With a slightly lengthened wheelbase and a reduction in weight, the new Sonata should give the competition a good fight. Look for a turbocharged version of this engine in the future as Hyundai nixes the V6 to keep with  future CAFE standards.  I haven’t seen pricing yet, but expect a base price around $18k and with a ceiling of about $30k.  Bah dup bop bah bah..

2010 Hyundai Tuscon: More news from Korea!!  The all new crossover ute makes its way to stateside with eye-catching styling and practicality. Even though the new Tuscon is only slightly bigger than the model it replaces, it gives 3 more cubic feet of cargo room and weighs 85lbs less.  In the same fashion as the new Sonata, Hyundai trades the V6 for a flat 4.  This not only aids in weight reduction, but nets the CUV 3 extra horses for 176hp and provides nearly the same torque rating 168 ft-lbs, all routed through a 6 speed manual or automatic tranny.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe: Umm..well..it’s like the CTS, but..it’s a coupe. So..it’s got like 2 doors and um…the roof slopes….yeah…

2010 Jaguar XJ: Holy Mother!!!!  What a gorgeous thing!!  It’s a car we’ve seen before, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. When this big cat hits the streets, it’ll be bigger, more luxurious, and packing 3 snarling V8 engines: a direct injection 5.0liter V8 putting out 385hp, the same engine being force fed by a supercharger making 470hp, and a full blown version of that engine making 510hp.

2011 Buick Regal:  Buick has been re-imagining itself in the marketplace by putting out modern, fresh designs like the Enclave and Lacrosse.  Now comes a European import rebadged for America’s mid-sized sedan segment.  The Regal shares many of its parts with the Opel Insignia, but gets retuned suspension, a different front fascia, and 2 engine picks: 2.4 liter and 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engines, making 183 hp and 220 hp respectively. Both automatic and manual transmissions come with 6 forward gears. Hopefully, if the car sells well, Buick will also import the high performance wagon variant of the Insignia.

2011 Mazda 2:  The Mazda 2 is already sold in Europe and beyond, but they’ve seen fit to bring it to the states now. The weird thing is that it’s a Ford Fiesta underneath. That said, not much is different, but Mazda does promise that Zoom-Zoom stuff in this smaller package. And I will admit, it looks great in white with black wheels.

2009 Mini Coupe Concept:  Again, this is one we’ve seen before, but, with this second showing, I do like it more than I did the first go ’round. I’ve never had an issue with the Mini, but I thought these coupe concepts were a bit lazy.  I think part of me would like to see more of a fastback shape and with a hatch for rear access, but I do still like this car. I’m particularly found of Cooper Works performance package. 211hp makes me happy.

2011 Lexus LF-A: Lexus jumps into the deep and prestigious waters of luxury supercars with their LF-A.  I’m still not sure if I’m in love with this car, but it is…what’s the word? Impressive? Yes, that’s the word.  Let me just name a few figures for you: 4.2 liter V10 engine, 552 hp, heavy use of carbon fiber, 3200lbs, 0-60 in last than 3.5 seconds.  Make no mistake, this $420,000 offering is slotted to murder Nissan GT-Rs, Ferraris, McClarens, Porsches and the like.   Only about 500 will be made, so marry someone old with tons of liquid cash.

2010 Aston Martin Rapide:  Aston Martin makes a sports sedan to take on the not-so-pretty Porsche Panamera.  Where Porsche botched the overall styling of their car, the Rapide holds fast to the silky, oozy sex appeal that Aston Martin has been known for bringing to the market.  It looks like a stretch DB9, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Power comes from the same V12 in the DB9, but horsepower has been increased to nearly 50o as opposed to 450. The question is, however, is it worth it’s $233k price tag when you measure it against the $133k Panamera Turbo…or even against the DB9?

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder:  As you’ll hear me say from time to time, I’m not brand fanboy.  So when I say, “I want that car!!”, I bloody mean it.  The Porsche Boxster is the sort of car that driving purists dream of.  The Boxster has been around for some time now, but this version is stripped down and focused.  It’s 3.4 liter straight 6 puts out 320 hp. Yes, it’s  only 10 more ponies than the standard engine, but this car is lighter.  With better brakes, retuned sport suspension, a limited slip differential, and the brand’s impressive dual clutch transmission, none of that power is going to get wasted.  If you love a true sportcars, don’t care for air conditioning or radio, and have $61,000USD burning a hole in your golfing pants, you might want to bother your nearest Porsche dealer.

Porsche offers insight into the development of the new Gran Turismo

Stuttgart. Special tidbits at the Porscheplatz in Zuffenhausen: For the first time, visitors of the Porsche Museum will experience the model series Panamera. A range of exhibits and documents are offering an insight into the development of the latest model series of the Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, in an extraordinary atmosphere. The special “Panamera Moment“ exhibition (from 8 December 2009 to 28 February 2010) presents the innovations of the four-door Gran Turismo i.e. via a sophisticated cutaway model. Films on the design and technical features of the vehicle complete this experience.

The Special Exhibition comes in an artistic framework set by the well-known car photographer Frank M. Orel with his spectacular pictures. This photo artist from Stuttgart has photographed Porsche’s new Gran Turismo in situations both unusual and, indeed, quite unexpected. Shortly after having been launched in September, the Panamera was awarded the renown prizes “Goldenes Lenkrad“ (Bild am Sonntag / Autobild) and “Auto-Trophy“ (Auto Zeitung) as well as several international prizes.

The Porsche Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00. Further information is available at www.porsche.com/museum.

I’m a car nut, so when I lived in Chicago, going to the Chicago Auto Show was pretty much an annual pilgrimage for me.  Now that I’m in Arizona, the idea of going back to Chicago in the dead of winter just to see the new models and concept cars; well, I think I’ll hold off- at least this year.

But I’d still like to be able to drool over the new models and concept cars, so I was happy to learn about the Arizona International Auto Show, going on today through Sunday at the Phoenix Convention Center.

According to The Arizona Republic, the manufacturers scheduled to show off their new must-have new rides include Chevy and their new Camaro, the 2010 Ford Taurus and 2011 Super Duty, Lexus’ hybrid HS250h, and Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe. And Lexus won’t be the only manufacturer there with new ‘green’ offerings- Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Ford, and GM nameplates Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac will be among those showcasing new fuel-sipping hardware.

In addition, there will be some drool-worthy dream (for all but the most well-heeled attendees) cars on display- Rolls-Royce, Bentley’s new Azure, Aston Martin (for those of you who, like me, dream of one day rolling like James Bond), Maserati, and Ferrari.  Lamborghini will have a Gallardo Spyder on display… and Porsche will have its all-new (and first-ever) four-door Porsche Panamera there for potential owners to check out.  These ne plus ultra iterations of the automobile (and in all likelihood, most destined to be garage queens) are all on display courtesy of their respective local dealerships: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Scottsdale, Bentley Scottsdale, Aston Martin Scottsdale, Scottsdale Ferrari-Maserati, and Lamborghini North Scottsdale.

The show will be open Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Admission is $9.00 for adults (well, anybody 13 and over); seniors, military, students, and children (7-12) are $5.00, and anybody under 6 gets in free. Sunday is even ‘Family Day’, so kids under 12 get in free with a paying adult!

I don’t know what day I’ll be going, but I will be there, camera in hand, so be sure to check back for my photos from the event.  If you go, please share your 2009 Arizona International Auto Show photos by posting them (or links to them) in the comments!

Thanks!

Dan, a.k.a. @PHXPhoto

Auto Trophy for the Porsche Panamera and the 911 Carrera

Stuttgart. Two of the models built by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, received the coveted “Auto Trophy” award today from the leading German car magazine Auto Zeitung – the Porsche Panamera in the luxury segment and the Porsche 911 Carrera in the sports car segment.

Having only entered the market in September 2009, the Panamera has immediately moved up right to the top of the winners’ podium, just as the 911 Carrera is now defending its top position in the sports car segment for the 16th time.

In all, 104,442 readers of Auto Zeitung cast their vote in the 22nd Auto Trophy. Receiving 25.6 per cent of all votes in its category, the Panamera was the top scorer in the luxury class out of 14 contestants nominated. In the sports car category 22.1 per cent of all readers chose the 911 Carrera as their No 1 out of no less than 23 models.

The Panamera had already been awarded the “Das Goldene Lenkrad” (The Golden Steering Wheel) in early November as the “Best New Car of the Year in the Luxury Class”. This prize is awarded by the German Sunday newspaper Bild am Sonntag together with the car magazine Auto Bild and its European issues.

The Panamera is however a great success not only in Europe, but also with international car journalists the world over, having won a number of international awards recently. In Canada, for example, 70 of the leading car journalists grouped within the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) have chosen the Panamera as the “Best New Prestige Car”. Conducting thorough test drives, the AJAC journalists were thrilled by the Panamera Turbo featuring, among other highlights, the best brakes and the best acceleration ever measured by the AJAC.

Again in Canada, the car journal Le Guide de l’Auto also ranks the Panamera as No 1 in the “Prestige Cars” category.

In the USA the editors of the online magazine Inside Line have given the Panamera their “Most Wanted Award”. A leading automobile portal reaching more readers each month than subscribe to any car journal, Inside Line highlighted in particular the overall performance of Porsche’s Gran Turismo.

In Great Britain the Panamera has brought home no less than two significant titles, Vehicle Dynamics International lauding Porsche’s new luxury performance model not only as their “Car of the Year”, but also the “Dynamicist of the Year”, with its perfectly engineered chassis delivering an equal share of balance, grip, comfort and control all in one. At the same time the same magazine lauded the dynamic engine mounts exclusive to the Porsche 911 GT3 and the new 911 Turbo as their “Innovation of the Year”.

Yet another coveted title awarded to the Panamera is the “Interamerican Car of the Year 2010” proclaimed by the Federación Interamericana de Periodistas del Automóvil (FIPA), an association of 81 Panamerican car journalists from 21 countries. Porsche’s Gran Turismo thrilled these experts in all disciplines such as progressive technology, performance, environmental care, and the significance of the car for each national market. Given these qualities, the Panamera was able to beat a significant line-up of no less than 37 leading automobiles.

The 2009 Seattle Auto Show

This was my first Seattle Auto Show.  I really did not know what to expect, so I was going in with an open mind.  I was really excited to see the Fisker Karma.  I have read so many things about the car and seeing one in person was one of the main reasons why I wanted to go to the Auto Show.  I dragged Sophia along and sort of made it my date day.  I told her if she went with me I would take a full day of Christmas shopping with her.  Sophia was great at the car show as she would jump in cars and tell me what she liked.  Of course I would tell her at times Sophia you will never get that car.  I think it was really hard for her when I told her that marrying a Gamblin that her chances of getting a Volvo or Audi or slim to none.

What I was so excited and shocked to see at the show was a Cadillac Converj.  I could not believe it.  I just wrote a lengthy blog on the Cadillac Converj as General Motors just announced that they will be putting the concept into production.  It was great to see the car in person.  I was a little disappointed not to see a CTS coupe, I thought for sure they would have one.  Seeing the CTS Sport Wagon in person was great as well as I have blogged about that car as well.

I got to see my first Buick Lacrosse in person and actually sit in the seats.  I am very excited with the direction Buick is heading.  Of course I was praying a miracle would happen and a Buick Regal would be there.  I thought I would never say that Buick has a great upcoming line up of young and aggressive vehicles.

The Chevrolet Exhibit was huge and you could tell that they were searching how to fill it.  I understand that importance of having your vehicles there but an auto show is an auto show.  I was really surprised to see a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept there.  I had to explain to Sophia that was the car in Transformers 2 where they could have made an amazing car chase vs the Audi R8 but it lasted 10 seconds during the movie.  I also liked how they lined up the Corvette’s all in a row.  It started with the Stingray concept to the Corvette ZR1, Corvette Z06 and then the Corvette Grand Sport.

Other vehicles that were nice to see in person where the Porsche Panamera, Cadillac SRX, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Infiniti G37 and the whole Audi exhibit.

This beautiful Dark Blue Metalic Panamera S arrived yesterday. It has Luxor Beige interior with Soft Ruffled seats. Other options are Heated Seats front and rear, Heated Steering Wheel, 19″ Panamera Turbo Wheels with Colored Crest Center Caps, Bluetooth Phone Interface, Universal Audio Interface, XM Satellite Radio, Bose Stereo, Variable Assist Power Steering and Floor Mats.

A report indicates that Porsche is planning several new models within the next 4 years.

These apparently include a new generation of Cayenne, a baby Cayenne (This will be to the Cayenne as the Audi Q5 is to the Audi Q7), a V6 Panamera, with a diesel version in certain markets and a hybrid Panamera, which will be coupled to either a V6 or V8.

Also, a new generation of 911 is due by 2012. It is expected to be significantly different from current one, though the engine will still remain in the wrong place back.

A successor to the 928 is also planned (In coupe and convertible form), as well as a supercar based on the RS Spyder racing car, and if their last supercar is anything to go by (Carrera GT), it should be brilliant.

Besides the disgusting fantastic hybrid Panamera they’re developing, there’s also an electric sportscar on it’s way. Lastly, the Boxster Spyder I posted earlier will be released, as I mentioned, in February 2010. Looks like the brand is going to have the biggest line up in a while soon.

Source: Autoblog

This is our first sold order to arrive! How do you like it in Ruby Red?

We love her, we love her not; we love her, we love her not… Oh, Hell, we don’t know anymore. Porsche’s Panamera promises so much that appeals to us: incredible performance, sound driving dynamics and all the practicality – and therefore usability – that comes with a five-door design. As we’ve already said, we think the interior is fantastic but we’re really struggling with the exterior. One day we look at it and think how brutishly handsome it is. More recently, we’ve been prone to calling it a dog. And then this happens…

We’re innocently surfing the information superhighway one morning and we chance upon Porsche’s latest commercial for the Panamera. What they’re trying – not to subtely, we might add – to do here is tell us that the Panamera is a true Porsche, a natural extension of the family tree that includes real sports cars like the 959, 911 or even Boxster.

And of course, the ad is absolutely gorgeous.

Watch it for yourself and let us know what you think by filling in the poll below. Us? We’re so damn easy: we’re back in the ‘we love her’ camp. For now.

If you love cars then what should matter most to you is how a particular model drives. The acid test should be whether, faced with the prospect of a cross-continental trip, you’d want to pick up its keys or go for something else.

But, like it or not, how a car looks is integral to the whole experience as well. Sure, it shouldn’t matter but it does. And that’s especially true nowadays when so many cars are so accomplished from a technical persepctive. Engineering in isolation is no longer enough.

Which is why we have to ask: what are the designers at Porsche and BMW smoking?

We pondered it long and hard and we can’t figure out which is the biggest dog on the road right now? The vulgar, out-of-proportion, Porsche Panamera – with its disconcerting bonnet, heavy flanks and huge, ungainly posterior? Or perhaps the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo which simply defies description in its ugliness.

What do you think? Tell us by using the poll below.

بعد طول انتظار أطلقت شركة بهبهاني للسيارات Porsche Panamera 2010 السيارة الرياضية ذات أربع أبواب والتي تجمع بين القوة والفخامة ومتانة الصنع، وتعتبر Porsche Panamera أول سيارة سيدان تنتجها بورشه، وهي متوفرة بالكويت بأكثر من نسخة، Panamera S و Panamera 4s و Panamera Turbo، والنسخة الأخيرة تعتبر هي القمة، بمحرك مكون من 8 إسطوانات مع شاحن تيربو مزدوج يوفر لها تسارعا من الصفر إلى 100 كلم بـ 4.2 ثانية وسرعة قصوى تبلغ 300 كلم بالساعة.
سعر بورشه باناميرا يتراوح ما بين بين 37 ألف دينار و 60 ألف دينار حسب النسخة والمواصفات..

رابط ذو صلة: Panamera Overview – Porsche Kuwait

Mansory has now also turned its attention to the four-door GT as a natural project for its recent acquisition of Rinspeed’s tuning arm. The more successful Mansory designs tend to be the all-black models executed in carbon fibre, and the pumped up Panamera is no exception. So far they have not released specs on the engine upgrades, but with Gemballa and Lumma already prepping 700 hp + versions there’s little room for improvement on that score.

On to the aerodynamics then: a new front bumper, bonnet, side skirts and fenders to begin with, with new mean-looking carbon air intakes that can really suck it up. Out back a new carbon diffuser and rear bumper housing a central, dual exit exhaust, and yet another new air intake. The car sits 35mm lower to the ground on a set of 21″ alloys of which various designs are on offer. Inside you can select from a bewildering array of woods, leathers, and hell, why not, even more carbon fibre. Because carbon is now a dirty word everywhere but in the exotic auto world, or so it seems.

(Via: Jamelist)

Jp and I stopped in to check out the Porsche Panamera in person yesterday, and it looks pretty good.  We both think it could use some sprucing up, with a full Mansory kit.  =)  Is it me, or does the car look naked?

Porsche Panamera

Sporty gauges

Lots of controls in the middle console area.

Now here’s what the Porsche Panamera will look like, after it gets the Mansory kit on it!

Mansory Porsche Panamera Kit