When Mercedes burst onto the automotive stage with the CLS 4 door coupe in 2004, a new vehicle type was born. This big 4 door "coupe" caused widespread approval and since its inception in 2004, the Mercedes has cornered the market. The field recently got a bit crowded when Audi introduced the A7 and now BMW has brought out their brand new 6-Series 4 door coupe. Although BMW was late to the party, details have just emerged about this latest BMW’s innards that almost guarantee it will be nothing short of stupendous.
BMW’s challenger to the Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS first made an appearance at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show where it was known as the Gran Coupe. This new model is due to hit our shores sometime next year. We are intrigued by this four door coupe model because it is a first for BMW and our intrigue turns to salivation when we read about the thoroughness with which the Munich manufacturer has gone about designing this "coupe."
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Porsche has made headlines in the industry with its Panamera 4-door sedan since it hit the market in 2009 as a 2010 model. Contrary to many of the company’s other models, the Panamera had many critics. Not only did the idea of a 4-door Porsche rustle purist’s feathers, but the design and styling left many scratching their heads. From some angles the car is impressive and echoes the sports car heritage that made the company famous, but when viewing the rear it’s hard to imagine exactly what the designers were thinking.
Design aside, the Panamera puts up startling performance figures in Turbo trim and made the automotive press take a step back to examine it further. Three models were offered for 2010, each with a V8 engine under the hood pushing 400hp and the Turbo at 500hp. New for 2011 will be the addition of two V6 models with the engine being designed by Porsche specifically for duty in its flagship sedan. The increased fuel economy and lower sticker price are the main reasons driving Porsche to offer this model.
With the strong performance of the 500hp Turbo model being much of the reason why enthusiasts gave the car a second look, can a V6 Porsche sedan keep up with the pack?
UPDATE 07/15/2011: Porsche recently set out to the Shanghai International Circuit with the Panamera Turbo to break the lap speed record for a four-door production car. They succeeded with a lap time of 2:29.640 minutes, but we can’t find any mention anywhere of the original record. Was the Panamera a Turbo the maiden four door vehicle? That’s what it looks like, leaving Porsche to look a little silly for the announced "achievement." THat being said, a record is a record, so check out the video to watch it in action!
Hit the jump for more details on the 2011 Porsche Panamera.
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Muscle cars seem to be prime targets for some serious tuning upgrades. Whether it’s because of loyalty to speed or to the vehicles’ history, these cars have received all kinds of modifications to boost their performance or their muscular stance. Western Motorsports knows a thing or two about these types of developments, focusing on performance parts for Ford vehicles. They even released a Ford Mustang ’Vanquishd’ in 2006 at the SEMA Show which took advantage of Ford’s most exotic engine built for Aston Martin: the 6.0 liter V12 found in the Aston Martin V12 Vanguish. That specific vehicle is now on sale for a price of $79,900.
The price tag may scare a few people off, but before anyone goes running in the opposite direction, be aware that this particular Mustang now boasts of a full 600 HP as found in the 6.0 liter V12 engine from the Vanquish. This engine is mated to a 6 speed manual Tremec T-56 transmission, custom 6-2-1 headers with Magnaflow 3" exhaust, and a special set of Baer Extreme 14" 6 piston brakes. The car also gets new KW Suspension coilovers for the front and rear.
Next to the new technical additions, Western Motorsports also hooked the Mustang up with a BASF R-M Carrizma Candy Blue paint job and a classic design glassback roof, as well as a new set of iForged wheels size 19", equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Tires, 275/35ZR19 front and 345/30ZR19 rear. The interior gets Cobra Missano leather and Alcantra seats, an AiM Strada Dash and Datalogger, colecraft billet custom fender, and hood vents.
The Porsche 911 can be considered as classic as a Rembrandt, becoming an artistic addition to the often style-less sports car category. The shape has remained constant because well, why toy with perfection? The fact that it is well know for its iconic look might explain why the 911 has only been changed three times in its 48 year history. The 2012 911, known by its codename “991”, is the latest interpretation of Porsche’s classic 911.
This new 911 is going to undergo a bit of makeover with a 4 inch longer wheel base and wider axle tracks. However, the biggest change happens under the hood. Porsche appears to have decided to downsize the flat six engine from 3.6 liters to 3.4 liters. Motor Authority also points out that the base engine will be based on the one found on the Boxster S and Top Gear says Porsche has ”fitted it with new cylinder heads to allow it to rev higher.” Don’t react to this with angst though because the base power plant pushes out a meaty 350 horses. The Carrera RS version (replacing the Carrera S) will have a nice 400 horsepower which is 15 more than the previous model. As the power goes up, torque goes down in the base model by 8 lbs/ft, while in the RS it goes down by 15 lbs/ft. According to Top Gear, Porsche has also been shaving away the weight (30-40kg) by using aluminum for the floor and most of the external panels. This was done by Porsche to improve fuel economy and lower emissions. Then supporting these new power plants will be a new seven speed manual or the optional double clutch automatic.
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Lexus wants a piece of the younger market pie just as much as the next full size sedan automaker. However, it seems as if the Japanese luxury automaker doesn’t have much in the way of successful options, so they’re left with attaching the words "Touring Edition" to their bland LS 460. The special, limited edition LS 460 Touring Edition will be available on the US market and will be offered in both Rear Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive versions. Sales will begin in late June/early July with prices starting at $73,000.
Not much changes for the LS 460 Touring Edition, which falls in nicely with the fact that the standard LS hasn’t changed much with time anyway. What the special edition does get is a Smoky Granite Mica exterior, a sport kit and grille, and 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. The interior gets a touch more luxurious with black and tan leather-trimmed sports seats, a wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, matte brown wood trim, and premium floor mats. For a new sport trim, these changes aren’t all that exciting.
Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager said: "The Touring Edition adds excitement to our flagship sedan. The package on this car enhances styling and comfort, allowing us to attract younger buyers to the LS line-up. The LS 460 Touring Edition is a unique package of sporty exterior styling and comfort. With limited units available nationwide they’ll sell out fast to customers who want an all-inclusive luxury package."
