Porsche Panamera gets new brake energy recuperation system

Porsche has announced that the 2011 Panamera will get a new brake energy recuperation system featured as standard, together with optional 19-inch all-season tires.

The brake energy recuperation system works by allowing the battery to charge while the brake is being applied. This allows for the alternator current to be relieved of charging the battery during acceleration therefore sending more power to the engine. The new system lowers the fuel consumption by 0.9 liters/100 km. The result is a consumption of 25.0 mpg for the 500 HP top model and 27.4 and 26.7 mpg for the Panamera S and Panamera 4S.

The Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) is now available as an option. PTV Plus optimizes steering behavior by intervening in the brakes on the inner rear wheel in a bend and generating an additional rotational force acting in the same direction as the steering wheel. The result is even more direct and dynamic steering.

Also new for the 2011 model year is a new range of paintwork colors, leather options, and special equipment, including a a three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles and speed limit indicator.

2010 Audi S5 Sportback by Senner Tuning

After receiving the modification for the Audi S5 by Senner Tuning a few months ago, the tuning firm has unveiled a new tuning package for the Audi S5 Sportback. The package is called the Grand Prix and includes not only exterior and interior updates, but engine modifications as well.

In its standard version the S5 Sportback is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 engine that delivers 333 hp and a peak torque of 324 lb.-ft. Senner Tuning has managed to obtain more. The tuner added an ECU remap and a high-flow sports air filter, new stainless steel exhaust system with sport catalytic converters, and a four pipe muffler. The result is a maximum output of 375 Hp and a peak torque of 495 Nm. The top speed limiter has also been removed, however, there are no details on the new top speed. Of course, it is safe to say that the top speed will exceed the previous speed of 155mph.

In addition to these modifications Senner Tuning is also offering a lowered suspension, which reduces the front ride height by 40 mm and the rear ride height by 35 mm. The package is finished by 20" two-piece alloy wheels.

The interior received minor changes consisting of some carbon fiber trimmings and some new tachometers.

Pricing for the new Audi S5 Sportback Grand Prix modification kit has yet to be revealed, but we’ll get back to you as soon as it is.

Honda prepares compact roadster for 2014

Honda will develop a two-seat compact roadster considered to be the successor of models like the Beat and the S800. Previous rumors suggested that the new Beat will be an open-top version of the hybrid CR-Z, but it turns out those rumors weren’t true. The new model will be built on an entirely new platform, will feature a mid-engine configuration, and a rear wheel drive system. Of course it will be offered at a very competitive price.

Produced from May 1991 to February 1996, the old Beat was a model offered exclusively on the Japanese market (where the car qualified for large tax and regulations discounts), however, the new model will be offered all over the world.

The old-generation Beat was powered by a 656 cc engine with a maximum output of 63 HP. However, for the new model Honda will opt for a bigger engine because "sales of the new model are not limited this time just to the domestic market."

The new Beat is expected to go on sale in both Europe and America by the end of 2014.

LeMay Museum finally breaks ground; Will display LeMay’s collection of 3,000 autos

Ten years in the making and many disputes with developers and state and local governments later, the LeMay Museum has finally broken ground as of last week. Fitted with a budget of about $100 million and a timeline of 18 months until completion, the LeMay Museum will bring to light the astounding collection of Harold E. LeMay, founder of a waste management business in the state of Washington.

Harold E. LeMay was able to collect about 3,000 cars during his lifetime which is deemed the largest collection of its kind by the Guiness Book of World Records. In 1998, LeMay founded the LeMay Museum with the intentions of displaying his marvelous collection for all to see. Unfortunately, Harold LeMay was unable to see the completion, or even the start for that matter, of his museum before his death in 2000. Of course, as they say, behind a great man there is a wonderful woman and following his death, LeMay’s wife, Nancy, took on the project. With her many fundraising efforts, Nancy LeMay was able to allocate $15 million of her own along with $11 million from the state of Washington, and $1.6 million from AAA car club.

The design for the museum consists of a spiraling display ramp and lots of chrome and glass featuring 500 of LeMay’s classic automobiles sitting on nine acres. Retail shops, dining, and entertainment venues will also take up shop on this parcel of land. Developers project a total of about 425,000 visitors and $34 million in revenue per year.

Among his collection of 3,000 automobiles, LeMay has a 1916 Buick Abadal, a 1924 Lincoln L Towncar, a 1929 Ford Model AA, a 1950 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible, a 1959 Chrysler 300E, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, a 1983 DeLorean DMC 12, and just about everything in between.

Aluminum-made replica of Ferrari 250 Testarossa is Ferrari hotness

This may not be the real deal but as far as we’re concerned, whether it is or not is irrelevant.

We’ve seen our fair share of outrageously lame copycats but this aluminum body of a 250 Testarossa is just about as attention-grabbing as any ‘body-car’ we’ve seen in a while – and that’s a good thing.

It’s a little hard to determine whether this is a real 250. But we respect that model enough to be conservative in throwing around the ‘250 Testarrosa’s’ name too loosely. So we’ll err on the side of caution and say that this is a replica, albeit a pretty awesome one.

All it needs now is a pretty powerful engine – somewhere in the neighbourhood of a 3.0-liter V12 just like what the genuine 250 has – and you’ll have a ride that will have people taking doube-takes at you for the rest of your life.

F1’s BMW Sauber Ferrari team set to drop ’BMW’ name in the near future

One of the weird things we noticed about Formula One’s season-opening race at Bahrain was how the Sauber Team was still called the BMW Sauber Ferrari F1 Team, despite the fact that BMW has already pretty left the sport.

Now we’ve gotten a clearer picture because, as it turns out, BMW’s name was carried forward into 2010 because Sauber didn’t formally request a change in their team name. Though these are unconfirmed reports, it appears that it was a deliberate move by Sauber to hold on to the BMW name so that it wouldn’t jeopardize its right to BMW’s prize money from last year.

Team boss Peter Sauber has acknowledged that the team is planning on submitting a request for the name change, although the exact time is still up in the air. ”Nevertheless, it will happen some time this season,” he said.

We don’t really foresee any trouble on the horizon for the Sauber team for withholding their name change. It was just a little confusing seeing that there was still a ‘BMW’ team in F1 when in fact the company had already left the sport at the end of the 2009 season.

2010 Lexus LX570

In 2008, Lexus unveiled the third-generation LX, which was a luxury-based version of the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV. The 2008 LX came with a new body, a new frame and a new engine. Two years later, Lexus is bumping up the 2010 LX 570 with new technological enhancements.

The Lexus LX 570 is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 that delivers a total of 383 hp at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 403 lb.-ft at 3,600 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a clocked 0 to 60 mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed that is electronically-limited to 137 mph.

The LX 570 is equipped with 10 standard airbags, including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags, Active Front Headrests, dual-swivel Adaptive Front lighting System and Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Wrapped Pagani Zonda

Even if you’re wealthy enough to buy a supercar like a Pagani Zonda, it still doesn’t excuse you from having poor taste. And as far as we’re concerned, the owner of this Zonda is certainly not lacking in that department. Originally decked in silver, this Zonda was given an unnecessary facelift by the owner when he decided to wrap it in matte black with orange strips.

We’re not big fans of how the color combination captures your attention but the good thing is, the whole wrap is temporary and if we can give the owner a piece of advice, we’d tell him to lose the orange stripes. By itself, the matte black finish is more than enough.

The Light at the End of a Long, Dark Tunnel?

It's funny how timing and context can affect one's views.

Take, for instance, these two dueling stories: NPR delivers the news that both Ford and Chrysler report double-digit sales drops for 2009, while over at Automotive News, a lead story declares that Ford sees a 33 percent jump in December sales (joined in making gains by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Subaru). So is the company (and the industry at large) hurting or healing? Both -- it just depends on the numbers at which you're looking.It's funny how timing and context can affect one's views.

Take, for instance, these two dueling stories: NPR delivers the news that both Ford and Chrysler report double-digit sales drops for 2009, while over at Automotive News, a lead story declares that Ford sees a 33 percent jump in December sales (joined in making gains by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Subaru). So is the company (and the industry at large) hurting or healing? Both -- it just depends on the numbers at which you're looking.

Megane Renaultsport 250 Cup

There’s no denying Renault is on a roll when it comes to hot hatches. With its rapid Renaultsport badged models, the French firm has taken the pocket rocket class by storm.

Now bosses are stepping up a gear with the all new Megane RS 250 Cup. Based on rakish coupe version of the company’s family hatch, the newcomer promises driving thrills, style and practicality in equal measure. We go behind the wheel to find out if it measures up on UK roads.

At a glance there’s no mistaking the Renault’s performance potential. A deeper front bumper, chunky wheel arch extensions and wider sills all add muscle to the Megane’s shape.

Inside, the changes are more low key. Apart from yellow stitching for the think rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, gearlever and door panels, the cabin is virtually the same as the standard Megane. There’s space for five adults, although the three-door only layout makes acccess to the rear seats a little tricky. However, for most hot hatch owners practicality takes a back seat to performance - and the Megane doesn’t disappoint.

The 247bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivers blistering performance, catapulting the Renault from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. And while it lacks a stirring soundtrack, the unit is smooth and quick-revving. But it’s the chassis that shines brightest on the 250.

Standard Reanultsport Megane 250 models get uprated suspension, while our entry-level Cup version gets even lower and stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, a limited slip differential and special Michelin Sport tyres. The result is one of the sharpest and most involving hot hatches you can buy. Better still, Renault’s clever front suspension geometery virtually eliminates torque steer, while the standard Brembo brakes serve-up stomach-churning stopping power.

At £21,995, the French flier even represents decent value for money, undercutting the faster but less accomplised Ford Focus RS by a whopping £5,000!

Rival: Ford Focus RS
With 301bhp and the clever RevoKnuckle suspension, the fastest Ford blends pace and thrills. But it’s not as much fun as the stripped-out Renault – plus, it costs £5,000 more.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/246466/megane_renaultsport_250_cup.html#ixzz0boUeIwan

New Meriva: unhinged

Prepare for a shock. A small shock, admittedly, but a shock nonetheless.

This is the new Vauxhall Meriva. Not a 'concept previewing the new Vauxhall Meriva', but the real, production Vauxhall Meriva. And it has suicide doors!

Actually, Vauxhall doesn't call them suicide doors. They're FlexDoors, apparently, which "allow unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin". That's marketing-speak for ‘make it easier to get in and out of the back'.

We are unashamed suckers for a good suicide door - even on a sensible five-seat family car - so the Meriva is off to a good start. And it should be a tidy all-round specimen when it goes on sale later this year after its debut at the Geneva show in March.

For a start, it looks good, adopting bits of Astra/Insignia design language - check out that ‘sideblade' running down from the front wheel arch - and adding a natty new kink in the window line, which helps to improve visibility from the rear seats but mainly looks rather good.

With a wider track and longer wheelbase than the outgoing Meriva, it should drive better than the old car. It'll be launched with a range of six turbo engines borrowed from the Astra, ranging from 74bhp to 138bhp. Strangely, there's no word on a VXR version yet.

We'll get our first look at the new Meriva in Geneva (poets, know it, etc.) this March.