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.