10:47 AM
Mr EX
Cheryl Burke has the dance moves and good taste in cars. Cheryl was spotted heading to practice in her new Porsche Cayenne recently. What do you think of the new body style for the Cayenne?
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Posted in: Thursday, March 29, 2012
2013 Bentley Continental GT V8
Following up on its commitment to lowering CO2 emissions and boosting fuel economy, Bentley is introducing the 2013 Continental GT V8.
Combining a new 4-liter V8 engine and a power train that Bentley says requires 40% less fuel with no power sacrifice, the Continental GT promises to attain excellent benchmarks for power-to-emissions within the high luxury performance car marketplace.
This is going to translate into a high end luxury sports-car that will be able to travel in excess of 500 miles on a single tank of gas, Bentley says.
Performance
The lower fuel consumption of the Continental GT is achieved by means of a sophisticated cylinder deactivation system, providing a smooth transition from V8 to V4 modes while undergoing low throttle work-loads.
The Continental GT V8 engine features cutting edge technology, such as high pressure direct injection, ultra-low friction bearings, a superior thermal management system, energy retrieval by way of the charging system, and a revolutionary turbo charger housing for increased overall performance.
The Bentley GT will be capable of delivering 500 hp and 487 ft-lbs torque, and combined with a brand new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission it will reach 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.
Exterior & Interior
The new Bentley V8 will be available in two models, the Continental GT or the Continental GTC. Both are easy to recognized by their black glossy matrix grill, chrome frame and center bar, a red Bentley "B" logo, plus a black matrix three-segment front bumper which is divided into unique body-colored strakes.
At the back of the car there are special chrome "figure-eight" tailpipe exhausts, a dark low valence, and a red "B" logo on the trunk. Both of the Bentley models are equipped with 20 inch alloy wheels as basic options.
Also available are 21 inch 6-spoke style wheels in Diamond Black or Diamond Silver surface finishes.
The interior features an Eliade fabric headliner, fashionable Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, and an elective two-tone leather color split and short center console, to round out the classy theme of the car.
The new 2013 Bentley Continental GT does not sacrifice luxury, looks, or power, when it delivers its promise to provide a robust 4-liter V8 engine with better fuel economy, for the ultimate luxury sports-car driving experience.
Combining a new 4-liter V8 engine and a power train that Bentley says requires 40% less fuel with no power sacrifice, the Continental GT promises to attain excellent benchmarks for power-to-emissions within the high luxury performance car marketplace.
This is going to translate into a high end luxury sports-car that will be able to travel in excess of 500 miles on a single tank of gas, Bentley says.
Performance
The lower fuel consumption of the Continental GT is achieved by means of a sophisticated cylinder deactivation system, providing a smooth transition from V8 to V4 modes while undergoing low throttle work-loads.
The Continental GT V8 engine features cutting edge technology, such as high pressure direct injection, ultra-low friction bearings, a superior thermal management system, energy retrieval by way of the charging system, and a revolutionary turbo charger housing for increased overall performance.
The Bentley GT will be capable of delivering 500 hp and 487 ft-lbs torque, and combined with a brand new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission it will reach 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.
Exterior & Interior
The new Bentley V8 will be available in two models, the Continental GT or the Continental GTC. Both are easy to recognized by their black glossy matrix grill, chrome frame and center bar, a red Bentley "B" logo, plus a black matrix three-segment front bumper which is divided into unique body-colored strakes.
At the back of the car there are special chrome "figure-eight" tailpipe exhausts, a dark low valence, and a red "B" logo on the trunk. Both of the Bentley models are equipped with 20 inch alloy wheels as basic options.
Also available are 21 inch 6-spoke style wheels in Diamond Black or Diamond Silver surface finishes.
The interior features an Eliade fabric headliner, fashionable Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, and an elective two-tone leather color split and short center console, to round out the classy theme of the car.
The new 2013 Bentley Continental GT does not sacrifice luxury, looks, or power, when it delivers its promise to provide a robust 4-liter V8 engine with better fuel economy, for the ultimate luxury sports-car driving experience.
Aston Martin opens new W-One Showroom in London
Luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin has recently opened a brand new showroom in London’s swanky Park Lane district.
Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, welcomed guests to the official opening of the showroom. The brand new experience centre, dubbed the W-One, is described as a ”high profile destination for aficionados of both design and bespoke sports cars” with the new space having been “designed to convey ambience similar to that of a luxury boutique.”
W-One will also host a number of events and functions to boost Aston Martin’s profile among London’s elite and beyond.
In addition to offering prospective buyers the luxury vehicle of their choice, the location will also promote the brand’s Q-customization service as well as offer products from other high end brands.
The website states that “Aston Martin’s Brand Partners will be invited to continue the well established tradition of high-profile collaboration working with names like Jaeger LeCoultre, Bang & Olufsen, Louis Roederer and newly announced luxury shoe makers; John Lobb.”
Watch the showroom opening in the video below:
Source: World Car Fans
Jay Cutler Trades His G-Wagon For Diapers
With a baby on the way now it looks like Jay Cutler’s giving his Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon the boot. The G55 comes with a HAMANN G55 Aero Kit which includes a front spoiler with two LED daytime running lights, rear bumper unit including diffuser, fender extensions and roof spoiler. Buy it now is set at $129,888 on eBay. Cutler could definitely buy a lot of diapers with that kinda cash.
What do you think of Cutler’s G-Wagon? Overdone or just right?
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Kim Kardashian Catches A Ride From Her Mom
Kim Kardashian braved the L.A. rain and headed to church with her mom, Kris Jenner this weekend in Kris’ Mercedes G-Wagon. Kim should ditch her Rover and get a Mercedes G55 for herself. What do you think?
David Letterman: Island Time In A Mini Moke
David Letterman took some vacation time in St. Barts recently and was spotted running around the island in a yellow Mini Moki. It might not be flashy and it might not be fast but it works for island living I guess.
Would you rock a Moke like Letterman?
Dodge Challenger SRT8 Stretch Limo
LA Custom Coach has created the very first Dodge Challenger SRT8 stretch limousine which made its first public appearance at the 2012 Spring LX Festival dedicated to LX platform Chrysler Group models.
Philip Eiselin, President of LA Custom Coach says he was so inspired by the Challenger’s wheel design that he immediately went to work on its design – found the vehicle, cut it in half and stretched it out.
The limo was completed four and a half months later. The interior that is completely different from the original, features black leather interior with a red SRT striped theme, 24-inch LED TV, colour changing light show and as is traditional with limousines, a full bar.
Eiselin has confirmed that this one of a kind vehicle will not be the last of its kind as a second Dodge Challenger limo is currently being built with more to follow.
When LA Custom Coach took the vehicle to Las Vegas to gauge the reaction it would get, Eiselin comments that it got more attention than the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley it was parked next to at the MGM Grand Hotel.
Watch the Dodge Challenger SRT8 limo in the video below:
Source: World Car Fans
2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Concept
If you are in the market for a car like no other that will grab the attention of everyone along the strip, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow is the perfect vehicle for you.
This car debuted during the 2011 Los Angeles Design Challenge that attempted to find the best film car to use in movies. This sleek vehicle includes a unique body, fast speed and futuristic features.
Future from the Past
Innovative designers from Germany and the United States collaborated to create this model. This vehicle is more of a work of art than a common mode of transportation. The body is a combination of the 1930s Silberpfeil racecar and the 1950s Uhlenhaut SLR.
Mercedes-Benz also relied on its Formula 1 racing history to influence the design of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Concept. The car is long and loaded with plenty of curves. It also adds pieces of current designs that help to identify the Mercedes-Benz line, such as the noticeable front grille.
The diagonal hubless roller track provides for steering in every direction, called omni-directional driving. The vehicle also features a Mag-Tech roof system that consists of a lightweight magnetic surface. The roof can be dropped to form a convertible or raised for a solid surface.">
Sci-Fi?
This vehicle blends utility and adventure. The car is easy to handle, while featuring an appearance straight out of sci-fi movies. The vehicle was made to commemorate Mercedes-Benz's 125th anniversary and is a testament to the innovation that the company provides.
The bright light strips help to draw attention to this one of a kind vehicle. The hubless wheels give the illusion that the car is floating over the road.
With its sleek design, unique maneuvering abilities, futuristic features and a style that is certain to attract the attention of anyone nearby, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Concept would be an ideal vehicle to own.
This car debuted during the 2011 Los Angeles Design Challenge that attempted to find the best film car to use in movies. This sleek vehicle includes a unique body, fast speed and futuristic features.
Future from the Past
Innovative designers from Germany and the United States collaborated to create this model. This vehicle is more of a work of art than a common mode of transportation. The body is a combination of the 1930s Silberpfeil racecar and the 1950s Uhlenhaut SLR.
Mercedes-Benz also relied on its Formula 1 racing history to influence the design of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Concept. The car is long and loaded with plenty of curves. It also adds pieces of current designs that help to identify the Mercedes-Benz line, such as the noticeable front grille.
The diagonal hubless roller track provides for steering in every direction, called omni-directional driving. The vehicle also features a Mag-Tech roof system that consists of a lightweight magnetic surface. The roof can be dropped to form a convertible or raised for a solid surface.">
Sci-Fi?
This vehicle blends utility and adventure. The car is easy to handle, while featuring an appearance straight out of sci-fi movies. The vehicle was made to commemorate Mercedes-Benz's 125th anniversary and is a testament to the innovation that the company provides.
The bright light strips help to draw attention to this one of a kind vehicle. The hubless wheels give the illusion that the car is floating over the road.
With its sleek design, unique maneuvering abilities, futuristic features and a style that is certain to attract the attention of anyone nearby, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Concept would be an ideal vehicle to own.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Kourtney Kardashian: Trouble In The Rolls Royce
Kourtney Kardashian looked like she was having some issues getting in and out of Scott’s Rolls Royce over the weekend. Good thing she was wearing shorts!
2012 Fiat 500C Review
In the auto world, the letters F.I.A.T. stand for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, or Fiat, a company founded in 1899. But Fiat hasn’t sold cars in the United States since the mid-1980s, when spotty reliability issues had many owners thinking F.I.A.T. stood for “Fix It Again, Tony”. Now Fiats are making their way back into special boutique U.S. showrooms with the Fiat 500, a moniker that began just after World War II in Europe. It was a small, inexpensive, high mileage car that put Italians back on four wheels. If you couldn’t afford a Fiat 500, your next option was a Vespa motor scooter.
FAST FACTS |
| 1. Like the standard 500, the Cabrio is powered by a 101 hp 1.4L 4-cylinder. 2. Rather than a conventional convertible roof, the 500C retains the car frame but uses a sliding fabric top. 3. 500C models start at $19,500 for the Pop and $23,500 for the Lounge. |
The current Fiat 500 has the same DNA and mission statement as the original and has captured dozens of awards in Europe, including the 2008 European Car of the Year, and the 2009 World Car Design of the Year, and we were anxious to get some seat time in this Italian midget.
CUTE OUTSIDE, EXCELLENT INSIDE
When you first look at the 500C, you might think the bubble top car was styled by Disney’s Pixar animators in Radiator Springs, rather than in Italy. The words little, cute, tiny, and really small come to mind. In fact the only car in America that is smaller is the Smart Fortwo, which is nothing more than a glorified golf cart. The Fiat is even smaller than a MINI or a Volkswagen Beetle. But like those two cars, the room inside for the driver and front seat passenger is quite acceptable. For the rear seats, only short-legged passengers will be comfortable, but at least they will have a rather easy access to get back there, as the whole front seat moves forward to offer a generous opening.
The interior styling is cool retro Italian, and it works visually. Our test car had a multi-colored interior with two shades for the seats and other trim, giving the 500C an interesting visual appeal, and making the car look far more expensive.
The main gauge is a large round affair with the outer ring for the speedometer and the inner ring for the tachometer. All controls are simple and easy to use – unlike the MINI. A nice touch is a fold down armrest on the driver’s seat, making it feel like a captain’s chair. The seats are comfortable, nicely bolstered, and even heated. The tilt steering wheel has controls for the radio and cruise control. The front side windows operate up and down, but the rear side windows are fixed.
OPEN-TOP MOTORING
The “C” in the cars name stands for Cabrio, but that’s a bit of a misnomer. What this Fiat has, in reality, is a very large sliding fabric sunroof, since the door frames and roof rails remain in position, while the rag top slides back until it bunches up on the rear hatch, which then blocks the view behind the driver. Fortunately, the car sits so low that the vehicles behind it can be seen, especially the looming grills of SUVs.
 |
There’s a nice pop-up wind diffuser so one can drive with the top down and still have a quiet and windblast-free cabin. We’re sure many women will appreciate this feature and it goes without saying that the 500C will be more of a hit with the XX chromosome set. On the downside, the Cabrio also causes some loss of cargo space behind the rear seats – from 9.5 cubic feet to 5.4. But the rear seats fold down to accommodate longer items.
BETTER SUITED TO CITY STREETS THAN TWISTY ROADS
The Cabrio is equipped with the same motor that all 500’s come with – a 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder, which puts out 101 hp at 6500 rpm and 98 lb-ft of torque that reaches its peak at 4000 rpm. Despite a curb weight of just under 2,500lbs, you won’t be winning any drag races in the Fiat 500C, even if you’re trying to pull away from a school bus at the stop light.
Using the 6-speed manumatic and hitting the “sport” switch will help a bit with acceleration and aids in a sportier feeling, but with the skinny tires, soft suspension, and heavy front end weight bias, there are few sporting thrills to be had driving this car. This automatic transmission was made available just for the American market, and it isn’t as smooth shifting as it could be. It also reduces gas mileage significantly
The short wheelbase will upset the car over large bumps and broken pavement, but for the most part, the cars feels solid and sturdy, and there’s no cowl shake like you would find on true convertibles. It’s a bit top heavy on quick side-to-side maneuvers, and there’s plenty of body lean. The steering is on the light side, but not twitchy. The brakes work well, with decent feel. On the upside, the turning circle is tight and compact, and the Fiat will be a breeze to maneuver on tight city streets, and to parallel park.
THE VERDICT
We doubt that the Fiat 500C, or even the standard model for that matter, will be the car that brings Americans back to the brand in large numbers. Its clean exterior styling is pleasing, and the Italian chic interior will appeal to women, just as the Beetle and MINI do. Unfortunately, those looking for an economy car will be disappointed by the rather unimpressive 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway mileage figures from this Cabrio with the 6-speed automatic. Standard transmission models rate much higher at 30/38 mpg. Oh, and Fiat recommends Premium fuel.
 |
Then there’s the price. The Fiat 500C Lounge starts at $23,500. (The base Pop version starts at $19,500). Our test car had the $1,250 Leather Luxury Package adding the heated leather seats, and auto dimming mirror, and $400 for the Tom-Tom Navigation system, and another $300 for the 15” aluminum wheels. With $500 destination charge the total came to $25,950. A MINI Cabrio starts at $25,600 and a Miata starts at $26,100. Both offer more performance and handling, a true convertible top, and better gas mileage.
Fiat sales have been well below company expectations and the 500C certainly isn’t going to bolster those figures. More of a novelty than a novel idea, putting Fiat on the map in America will take a more mainstream offering. Aside from the interior and the car’s originality, arguably the most attractive quality of the 500C is the cachet of the brand’s return to America.
Source: auto guide
Lotus signs deal with Mansory as official tuner for bespoke models
Lotus has appointed German luxury vehicle tuner Mansory as the new official tuner for bespoke models and they promise that a new collaboration will be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September.
Mansory will be trimming up Elises, Exiges and Evoras in the future and the new Paris car is claimed to be an ‘exciting new model variant’.
Lotus already relies on Germany-based Mansory to produce the Evora GTE which resulted in the chrome red Swizz Beatz example and also the Lotus F1 edition, finished in raw carbon fibre. Because the F1 edition became so sought after, it makes sense for the companies to collaborate further on bespoke vehicles and so according to Lotus Mansory has been anointed Lotus’s ‘Official Customisation Studio’.
Hethel says it has already taken ‘around 250 orders and leads’ for the GTE and will be working closely with designers and engineers “to produce modifications that scream individuality and quality.”
Kourosh Mansory, founder of Mansory Design and Holding GmbH, said that “At Mansory, we have always been passionate about British cars, and the cooperation with Lotus is the perfect partnership as it meets our quality standard of production on the highest technical level combined with masterly craftsmanship and the most precious materials.
“As the Official Lotus Customisation Studio, we amplify the existing options with harmonically designed aerodynamics and ultra-light aluminium rims. High-quality accessories and stylish interior fittings complete the Mansory assortment.”
Source: Auto Guide
Monday, March 26, 2012
Dodge Dart rally car previewed for Global RallyCross Championships
2013 Dodge Dart rally car to be driven by Travis Pastrana
0-60mph in 1.9 seconds
Dodge and SRT Motorsports have confirmed they will be entering the Global RallyCross Championships using a modified version of the new Dodge Dart. A rendering of what the model is likely to look like has also been released adding substance to the anticipation ahead of the first race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26th.
The 2013 Dodge Dart rally car is due to be piloted by Travis Pastrana who is four-time Rally America Champion. It will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that generates 600hp (447kW / 608 PS) and 745Nm (550 lb-ft) of torque and is mated with a Sedav 4-wheel drive gear box.
The body work will also receive a bunch of upgrades whilst the interior will be stripped of all unnecessary comfort features. It results in a kerb weight well below the 1,456kg (3,211lb) that its production version is rated at.
"The sport is extremely exciting and the on-track action can be brutal on the drivers and the cars," said Bailey. "The cars are jumping higher than ever and landing safely", commented Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand. "The Dart rally car is lightweight with a very powerful motor. The zero to 60 mile-per-hour times are incredible, as low as 1.9 seconds, so with Travis behind the wheel, we can't wait for the season opener."
Source: World Car Fans
Ferrari SP12 EPC leaked
Ferrari SP12 EPC live photos - low res - 22.3.2012 / MPSPhotography
Reportedly built for Eric Clapton
The first pictures of the Ferrari SP12 EPC have hit the web, ahead of its official unveiling later this year.
Reportedly built for singer Eric Clapton, the model is based on the 458 Italia and features unique bodywork that draws inspiration from the 512 BB. As such, there's new bumpers, a wide grille and a retro rear end.
Clapton apparently wanted the car to be equipped with a V12 engine, but Ferrari reportedly told him it wasn't feasible. However, we wouldn't be surprised if the 4.5-liter V8 has been upgraded to produce more than 570 PS (419 kW / 562 hp) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque.
Little else is known about the model, but it was apparently built by Ferrari's Special Projects division which has previously created the P540 Superfast Aperta and Super America 45.
The New 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Video
Aston Martin has released a new promo video for their 2012 facelifted Vantage V8.
Having adopted the style from the Vantage S, the entry level model features a new lower front bumper design with air splitter, redesigned side-sills and a new rear bumper equipped with an integrated diffuser.
Performance updates taken from the Vantage S include quicker steering, larger brakes and wider tyres.
Powering the 2012 V8 Vantage is a 4.7-litre V-8 engine putting out the same output of 420bhp ( 426 PS/313 kW ) compared to the Vantage S output of 430bhp (436 PS/321 kW) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque.
A six-speed manual transmission comes as standard, but the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has been replaced with the seven-speed Sportshift II.
The Vantage V8 will come with a price tag of £84,995 (about R1, 031, 839) in the guise of both coupe and roadster whilst the Vantage S will start at £99,995 (about R1, 213, 939) .
Watch the promo video below:
Source: World Car Fans
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Jaguar XJ: Black gloss limo spy shots
Jaguar has already surprised enthusiasts with two-tone black gloss D-pillars on the XJ and, more recently, on the new XF Sportbrake estate. Now Car Magazine has snapped some spy shots of Jaguar’s XJ two-tone black gloss limo prototype in Coventry, England.
It’s a metallic grey regular-wheelbase XJ, but with black gloss front bumper assembly and rear valance. The look is quite shocking for a Jaguar and looks almost as if Ian Callum’s designers went overboard with a black gloss spray gun.
Does this mean that Jaguar will now be selling two-tone XJs? Well not exactly since this is in fact a prototype and as of now there are no plans to offer a factory-approved accessories kit with more gloss scattered around the bodywork.
This two-tone XJ is powered by the V6 engine – so it could be a testbed for future derivatives of the bent six, bound for sportier looking cars than this four-door exec.
However there have been rumours that that Jaguar may be using XJ limos to test the new V6 powertrain destined for its new sports car heralded by the C-X16 coupe. The company sells a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine for export markets such as China but doesn’t sell the car in the UK.
A reason for this test is Jaguar is busy readying four-wheel systems for its saloons including the 4wd XJ and XF that are expected to be unveiled imminently.
Source: Car Magazine
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Mollie King Runs Around In Her Nissan Figaro
The Saturday’s singer, Mollie King was recently spotted running around town in her vintage looking Nissan Figaro. With all the cash Mollie has laying around you’d think she’d be driving something pretty flashy but I guess that’s just not her style — we kinda like it. What do you think of Mollie’s Figaro?
Source: Daily Mail
Friday, March 23, 2012
Eric Clapton’s One-Off Ferrari SP12
A new Ferrari 458 Italia doesn’t quite cut it for Eric Clapton. This Ferrari SP12 is a special project built for Eric Clapton himself by Ferrari. The project cost 3 million pounds which is equal to somewhere around 4.7 million dollars and took a period of 2 years to complete. Combine the framework and engine of the 458 and the design of the old 512 Boxer and just like that Eric Clapton’s one-upped every car enthusiast out there with a one-off Ferrari SP12.
What do you think of Clapton’s Ferrari?
Thanks to RUFek for the tip!
Last Weeks Guess Who: Amber Rose
Last weeks Guess Who was Amber Rose getting into a Cadillac Escalade.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Ryan O’Neal Picks Up A Ticket In His Porsche
Ryan O’Neal was pulled over as he was cruising along Ocean Avenue in his Porsche Panamera recently.
Paris Hilton Takes Her Lexus To Lunch
Paris Hilton parked her white Lexus LFA on the street while she stopped for lunch the other day. What car of Paris’ would you rather have — the Lexus or the Ferrari?
Did Ferrari Build Eric Clapton his own 458 Italia?
Italian Supercar Manafacturer Ferrari have been known to create custom vehicles for some very exclusive clients in the past including the F430-based SP1 created for a wealthy Japanese collector in 2008 as well as the P540 Superfast Aperta created on the 599 FTB Fiorano platform in 2009.
Now, if the Ferrari afficianados over on FerrariChat.com are correct, Ferrari Special Projects program has built a third one-off vehicle for legendary musician Eric Clapton who is known as a passionate Ferrari collector.
The car looks to be based on the 458 Italia and has distinct styling references to the 12-cylinder Ferrari 512 BB built in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a large lower grille, hood slats and flying buttresses at the rear.
Judging from the photos, the interior appears to be relatively unchanged from the 458 Italia, and the mid-mounted 4.5-liter V8 is likely still in place as well.
If you don’t have the reputation or the funds for your own customised 458 Italia, Ferrari lets you build your own Spider 458 online.
Source: Autoblog
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Beckham’s Back In Business With A New Rolls Royce
We weren’t really sure what David Beckham’s plan was when he decided to kick his Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe to the curb but from the looks of it he’s decided to stick with Rolls Royce.
We’ve spotted Beckham with the car a couple times — first the whole family was out for lunch and you can see the car parked across the street and just recently David was spotted at the gas station having an attendant wash the windshield. Some families go from three to four kids and breakdown for the minivan but when you’re David and Victoria Beckham you go from a Rolls Royce Coupe to a four door more practical Rolls Royce Ghost instead.
New Porsche CUV called Macan, not Cajun after all, Porsche Announces Macan Crossover for 2013,
.jpg)
The drawing above depicts the 2014 Porsche Macan, the compact crossover formerly known as Cajun. We’ve extensively covered this long-anticipated baby Porsche SUV, but here’s a recap: The Macan will share its architecture with the Audi Q5 and slot into the Porsche SUV lineup—yes, the company now has a lineup of SUVs—below the Cayenne. It likely will use engines pulled from Audi’s parts bin, but as you can see from the design sketch Porsche released today, won’t share its look with any four-ringer.
The styling is hardly shocking—it strongly resembles the Cayenne—and it looks very similar to a rendering we published some months ago. So why the name change? Apparently “Macan” sounds good in many languages—it means “tiger” in Indonesian—and, at least according to Porsche, “evoke[s] positive associations.” While Porsche’s small SUV was never officially named “Cajun”—as we pointed out when Porsche green-lit the model—it had a nice ring to it and it matched the larger Cayenne’s spicy-sounding moniker. (The new name makes us think of macaws. And pecans.) Regardless, Porsche’s high-riding tiger will begin rolling off an assembly line in Leipzig, Germany, in 2013 before going on sale as a 2014 model. We expect the Macan to debut at an auto show later this year. In the meantime, check out Porsche’s uplifting teaser video for the Macan below.
Stuttgart • Porsche has named its newest upcoming sport-ute not the Cajun, as was expected, but the Macan. The name Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and, says the automaker, combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics — “core characteristics” of the new SUV.
“The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of a SUV and is a genuine Porsche,” says Bernhard Maier, executive vice-president sales and marketing of Porsche AG. “The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations.”
As the fifth Porsche model line, the Macan is a central plank of Strategy 2018, by which the sports car manufacturer will expand its model portfolio. Porsche says it intends the Macan to emulate the success of the Cayenne. The SUV will start coming off the production lines in Leipzig in 2013. To that end, the site is being expanded into a fully-fledged production plant, including body assembly line and paint shop — with 500-million euro of investment, it is one of the biggest building projects in Porsche’s corporate history.
According to Porsche, word names have concrete connections with corresponding models and their characteristics: “The name Boxster describes the combination of boxer engine and roadster, Cayenne stands for sharpness, the Cayman is snappy and agile and a Panamera is more than a Gran Tourismo, capable also of winning the Carrera Panamericana long-distance race.”
Porsche Announces Macan Crossover for 2013
.jpg)
Like when Mercedes Benz stepped foot the SUV market with their ML model, many scratched their heads when sports car maker Porsche entered the fray with the Cayenne. Well a decade later the Cayenne is one of Porsche’s better selling vehicles in the US anyway.
With that experience under their belt and the increasingly tight CAFE standards to come, Porsche has plans for a smaller crossover that will share its architecture with the Audi Q5. To be called the Porsche Macan, the company has released a sketch of what the vehicle will look like.
Porsche says the the name Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger. They hope the moniker will translate characteristics of “suppleness, power, fascination and dynamic” to the new crossover that has undeniable Porsche styling DNA and appears to almost be a perfectly scaled down Cayenne.
“The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of a SUV and is a genuine Porsche”, said Bernhard Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG. “The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations.”
Porsche says the Macan is a centerpiece of their “Strategy 2018” plan. Porsche intends the Macan to emulate the success of the Cayenne in sales when it starts production in 2013. There’s no word yet on what will power the new Macan, but we would suggest that they will be similar to what its platform mate Audi Q5 has.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tulisa Picks Up A New Audi A5
X Factor judge, Tulisa Contostavlos recently picked up a new ride for her garage. She was spotted at the Imperial Select test driving multiple cars but ended up driving away with a white Audi A5 cab.
Chad Rogers Buys A Bentley
Chad Rogers gets on our nerves but we have to say he’s got good taste when it comes to his cars. Chad may no longer be a part of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing but it looks like that hasn’t done anything to hurt his business. Chad recently got rid of his Mercedes-Benz CL63 and picked up this beautiful black Bentley Continental. The Benz was nice but this Bentley’s even better.
GMC reveals 2013 Terrain Denali
While GMC’s Denali trim is a hit, for some reason the brand’s most popular crossover still doesn’t display GMC‘s signature grille. This is all about to change with the introduction of the 2013 Terrain Denali.
In the official press release, Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing said that ”Denali is growing fast. With seven different models, sales for this brand within a brand increased 79 percent from 2010 to 2011. With this in mind, the decision to create a more-upscale Terrain was an easy one.”
In addition to the chrome grille, the upgraded Denali will also feature 19-inch wheels (V6 model only), satin chrome accents, body colour rocker panels and front and rear fascias, new headlights and taillights and a dual exhaust. The top terrain’s interior will also show-off some high end design with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood accents, a soft-touch instrument panel with French stitching, Denali-embossed leather seats and illuminated Denali sill plates.
The biggest news for the refreshed Terrain Denali is the the introduction of a more powerful 3.6-litre V6, which will replace the 3.0-litre V6 across the Terrain lineup. The larger V6 will output 301 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque, or 37 hp and 50 lb-ft more than the 3.0-litre.
Fuel conscious buyers can purchase the Terrain Denali with the 2.4-litre four-cylinder, which outputs 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque and boasts 32 mpg on the highway. The four-cylinder-equipped Denali will feature slightly smaller 18-inch wheels with All-wheel drive availability with both engines.
The vehicle will also receive additional technology updates with Bluetooth, Pandora and Stitcher integration, iPod controls with Gracenote tech and IntelliLink. It also makes use of more advanced safety features including lane departure and forward collision warnings and blind spot radar tech.
The price of the 2013 model has yet to be confirmed.
Source: Auto Blog
