Last month, Porsche announced U.S. pricing for its upcoming Panamera luxury sedan. Today, we get official word on UK pricing for the all-new model. The standard rear-wheel drive Panamera S with a 400-hp V8, good for 0-62 mph sprints in 5.4 seconds (according to the automaker), will start with a base price of £72,266. Meanwhile, pricing for the Panamera 4S will begin at £77,269. That model’s all-wheel drive system helps it launch 0-62 mph in just 5.0 seconds. The range-topping Panamara Turbo, with 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds, lists at £95,298.

All models are offered with a choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed Porsche PDK (dual-clutch) transmission. As is typical with Porsche, there is an extensive options menu that includes a full leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Communication Management, bi-xenon headlamps, rear ParkAssist, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). The standard wheels are 18-inch alloys on the Panamera and Panamera S models while the Panamera Turbo sports 19-inch aluminum wheels. Of course, Porsche will offer 20-inch wheels to those who like to slalom potholes.
PRESS RELEASE

Porsche confirms pricing for new Panamera Gran Turismo

Porsche has confirmed UK prices for its forthcoming four seat Panamera gran turismo, which goes on sale on 12 September 2009. The four door performance car will be priced from £72,266 for the Panamera S, £77,269 for the Panamera 4S and £95,298 for the top of the range Panamera Turbo.

The Porsche Panamera will be available with powerful and efficient V8 power units, the choice of rear or four-wheel drive, and an interior design with a uniquely luxurious and high technology ambience.

The rear-wheel drive Porsche Panamera S is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission is available as an option for £2,289. The Panamera 4S and Turbo have four-wheel drive and feature the PDK gearbox as standard. The active all-wheel drive system is controlled by Porsche Traction Management (PTM) via a multi-plate clutch that adjusts the engine power distribution between the front and rear axles for increased grip and agility.

The Porsche Panamera offers a unique symbiosis of sporting performance and sheer luxury. Every model offers a full leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, and a Bluetooth telephone module – complete with cordless handset for use by rear seat passengers.

The heated front seats fitted as standard in the Panamera S and 4S are of a sporting style, and can be adjusted electrically in eight different directions for optimum comfort. Adaptive sports seats with higher side bolsters are available as an option across the range.

Standard on all Panamera models is the ‘Sport’ button, which increases throttle pedal responsiveness, selects the ‘Sport’ suspension setting on the PASM, and the shift patterns of the PDK transmission, where fitted. Offered in combination with PDK is the new Porsche Auto Start/Stop function. This automatically switches off and restarts the engine when stationary to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions – for example, at traffic lights or in congestion.

The Panamera S and 4S have 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a choice of 19-inch and 20-inch alternatives available. The Panamera Turbo rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. As is typical of a Porsche, the braking system of the Panamera is designed to deliver a high level of stopping power. However, similar to all other Porsche models, the race-proven and highly efficient Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) option is also offered for the Panamera.

Additional features on the Panamera Turbo include PASM with an adaptive air suspension function that actively adjusts the ride height, BOSE® Surround Sound audio system with 14 speakers, metallic paint, multi-function steering wheel, heated rear seats and rear side airbags. Also, the 14-way electric front seat adjustment has a Comfort Memory Package for the various seat positions and the electrically adjustable steering column.

The Panamera offers comprehensive levels of active and passive safety across the range. In addition to Porsche Stability Management (PSM), there are driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags as well as – on the front seats – side and knee airbags, each ensuring maximum protection as standard features in the event of an accident. Rear seat side airbags are available as an option on the Panamera S and 4S.

A luxurious journey is guaranteed in any of the four seats in the Panamera but, for passengers in the rear, the option of electrically adjustable backrests, cushion length and lumbar support raises the standard further still. It is also possible to specify rear seat ventilation, and a comprehensive rear interior illumination package with high power reading lights.

For customers seeking the ultimate in-car audio experience, the Panamera is the first Porsche to offer the option of a High-End Surround Sound System from Burmester®, the renowned Berlin audio specialist. A total of 16 loudspeakers masterminded by 16 amplifier channels with an overall output of more than 1,000 watts provide a unique sound, complemented by an active subwoofer together with a 300 W Class D amplifier.

The superior, yet practical, driving qualities of the Panamera are borne out clearly by the luggage compartment. Opening the rear lid reveals a load capacity of 445 litres (15.6 cu ft) in the Panamera S and 4S. Maximum stowage in the Panamera Turbo is 432 litres or (15.1 cu ft). With the rear seat back rests folded, luggage capacity in all models increases to an ample 1,250 litres or 43.8 cu ft.

Every Panamera has the assurance of a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre, Silverstone.

[Source:Autoblog]

Remember Unique Performance? Of course, how could we forget the sordid tale of a company building licensed replicas of the Shelby GT500 Eleanor featured in Gone in 60 Seconds, only to be shut down by the police after its shady business practices were uncovered before most cars were delivered. More than a few ex-customers that lost out on their prized vehicles surely haven’t forgotten about the deposits they put down on the cars, and last year, a group sued Carroll Shelby in an attempt to recoup their investments.

To help smooth things over, Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. has agreed to a new licensing agreement with two auto shops in Texas so that the series of continuation GT500SE and GT350SR cars can be completed. Each finished vehicle will get an official serial number from Shelby along with inclusion into the Shelby Worldwide Registry. While the offer is being made royalty free, customers will still be required to pay for the completion of the cars.

PRESS RELEASE:

Carroll Shelby Licensing Grants License to Complete Shelby Cars for Unique Motorcars Former Customers

LOS ANGELES, Mar 10, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (Pink Sheets: CSBI), has entered into license agreements with Kustom Classics of Fort Worth and Riley Performance Motorcars of Valley View, Texas, to allow completion of the continuation Shelby GT500SE and GT350SR cars contracted for by the former customers of Unique Performance and Unique Motorcars. Each completed car will receive an official Shelby continuation serial number and inclusion into the Shelby Worldwide Registry. Unique Performance/Motorcars filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in Texas Federal court in 2007.

Though the completion of these cars will be at the owner’s expense, Carroll Shelby Licensing will extend this license royalty free, in an attempt to ease the financial pain of Unique Performance’s failure to deliver their customer’s cars as contracted. In spite of Unique Performance’s failure to deliver their customer’s cars as contracted, customers who want to complete their Shelby vehicle through one of the two North Texas shops can contact either shop for details.

“Carroll Shelby Licensing struck this agreement on behalf of customers who contracted and paid Unique Performance for continuation Shelby cars but did not receive them,” said Carroll Shelby Licensing president John Luft. “Many of them asked us for permission to complete the build of their Shelby. We found two qualified and experienced shops that can finish the cars to Shelby specifications. This offer is being made royalty free from Carroll Shelby Licensing to help Unique’s customers who truly want a Shelby to fulfill that dream.”

The two shops will build vehicles to Shelby specs for customers that paid Unique Performance for Shelby continuation cars; no new vehicles can be built and sold under this agreement. The shops can locate a donor vehicle or convert a customer owned one. A build of materials and inspection by Shelby Automobiles and Carroll Shelby Licensing representatives is part of the program, but customers must assume the cost to build the cars. Individuals who paid Unique Performance a deposit for a Shelby car can contact either shop for details and requirements. Kustom Classics can be reached at (817) 492-4441 ( www.kustomclassics.com) and Riley Performance Motorcars is at (214) 587-5323 and www.rileyrpm.com.

About Carroll Shelby Licensing

Automotive manufacturer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby is one of the most famous and successful high performance visionaries in the world. In 1998, he founded Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., which is the exclusive holder of trademarks and vehicle design rights for some of the most famous muscle cars and high-performance vehicles. CSL also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. For more information about the company or licensing opportunities, call (310) 914-1843 or visit www.shelbylicensing.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

Speculation that Audi will debut a new mid-engine model called the R4 has been rampant for at least the past two years. Despite the fact that Audi made it clear one year ago that the R4 was not in their product plans, the talk continues. In addition to the rumors, we now have some rendered speculation on what the R4 might look like thanks to Autocar Czech Republic magazine freelancer Jan Kamenistiak.

It’s not exactly known where the mid-engine R4 would fit in Audi’s model lineup, with some placing it above the TT and others below. Others have it sharing a platform with a possible production version of the Volkswagen BlueSport Concept that debuted at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Known for their ability to skin a car eight different ways and convince the public that they’re buying something totally unique, Audi would likely draw heavily from the VW/Audi parts bin for the R4′s power- and drivetrain bits, as there are plenty of worthy four-cylinder engines – both gas and diesel – and dual clutch transmissions to choose from.

Until official word comes from Audi, however, that the R4 is actually in the works, we’ll still consider all this talk nothing more than speculation.

[Source:Autoblog]

Audi’s PR department has continued to toe the line that TT RS is not meant for Stateside consumption. However, MotorTrend’s unnamed Audi insiders are saying the 335-hp coupe will make it to the U.S., albeit several months after its European introduction.

According to the report, Audi USA has decided to delay the introduction of the hottest TT so the new 265-hp TT S can gain traction in the U.S. – or more accurately, before the RS variant steals the show. But that’s not all we have to look forward to.

The RS5 is still in the pipeline and MT pegs output of the 2+2 at around 500 hp, with a rear-bias Quattro system and a torque-vectoring rear differential joining upgraded brakes and a suitably aggressive body kit. We’ve already seen spy shots of the RS5 making runs around the ‘Ring with its Bauhaus sibling, although there’s still considerable debate about what lies under the hood, particularly after a video surfaced of the RS5 taking hot-laps around the Nordschleife.

While we’re still suitably cautious about the TT RS’ future in the States, Audi is considering bringing over the A4 Allroad – a model that was originally developed for our friends abroad – so there may be hope left for some more RS love in the U.S.

[Source:Autoblog]

Let’s get this over with right now: This isn’t really a Nissan GT-R wagon. That said, it is a decidedly artful conversion of the Japanese automaker’s M35 series Stagea wagon, a JDM load-lugger it produced from 2001 to 2007. Available in both rear- and all-wheel drive with a variety of V6 powerplants, the now-dead Stagea has been called the “GT-R Wagon” by many enthusiasts.

Spotted at Nagoya Auto Trend this weekend, this particular Stagea looks to be a super-clean conversion, with a well-integrated R35 GT-R front-end that’s been carried through along the bodysides, with factory-like rocker panel indents and modestly rear quarter panels to keep the theme.

While we don’t have information about what lurks underneath, the folks at GTRBlog speculate that the wagon could have something interesting like a stroked VQ-series V6 with a twin-turbo kit. Given the apparent high level of finish on the outside, we would hope for nothing less. Check out the galleries below for more shots of both the GT-R and Stagea wagons… and if you find any additional information on this particular car, drop us a tip!

[Source:Autoblog]

The pairing of Italian style and American power has always been a tantalizing combination, whether it was the Bertone/Corvette combination of the Iso Grifo in the 1960s or Ford’s Cleveland V8 in the Detomaso Pantera in the early part of the next decade. Just last week Zagato previewed a modern rendition of this potent combo in the form of the Corvette-powered Parana Z-One that will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week. We now have full details of the car, and the specifications are drool-worthy: 440 horsepower from an LS3 V8, a curb weight of just 1195 kg, and 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds. This comes wrapped in a beautiful Zagato-designed body, all at a fairly affordable price of just 50,000 Euros. The car will be built by the Perana Performance Group in South Africa at a rate of no more than 999 cars per year. Follow the jump for the press release from Zagato, and check out the gallery below for new high-res photos.

[Source: Zagato]

PRESS RELEASE:

Zagato is launching an exciting World Premiere on the occasion of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show: the Perana Z-One (Zee-One).

The sports car Perana Z-One signals the first collaboration of the Milanese Coachbuilders with a South African Vehicle Manufacturer: Perana Performance Group.

The Perana project is the result of Zagato’s 90 year-long expertise in constructing fully functional running concepts.

Virtual reality development has been integrated from inception, effectively eliminating the need for the traditional styling model and enabling the prototype to be completed in less than 4 months by the South African team.

Design Concept:

As the latest descendant of the Zagato sports car family, Z-one is designed with full blooded Zagato form language. Reflecting this pure passion from this brand new sports car specialist, the proportion and volume of Z-one is even tighter than usual sports car styling, accentuated by couple of long and dynamic curves with keen edge which visually integrate some important design features like the air out-lets. Surfaces defined by those cutting edges are even more sculptured maintaining the modern Zagato line which we have been developing for a decade.

Initiative:

Following in the footsteps of Zagato’s long tradition of masterfully designed cars, the Perana Z-One is no mere dream car, but a thoroughly practical and feasible production proposition that is expected to be available for sale to discerning European buyers by July 2009.

The Zagato Design Centre has styled the Perana Z-one to ensure it is built as a limited series production car. Sales will be limited to 999 cars per annum within Europe to assure exclusivity and to commemorate the 90 years of Zagato design.

Complying with Euro 4 emission legislation, this value proposition is expected to be launched at the introductory price of under 50.000 Euros, before taxes – an irresistible and highly competitive offer.

Technical Development:

From the innovative tubular and box section chassis to the exciting interior styling, the Perana Z-One is a concentration of advanced design and engineering. Fully certifiable for the road, this ultra high–performance, front engined sports coupé uses a powerful 6.2 litre V8 engine that drives the rear wheels. This genuine 2-seater coupé, enjoys the benefits of almost 50/50 weight distribution allowing for exhilarating, balanced and predictable road manners.

Specification Sheet

TECH DETAILS

General Data
Curb Weight – 1195 kg
Weight Distribution – Front: 50%, Rear: 50%
Wheelbase – 2540 mm
Track – Front: 1627 mm, Rear: 1570 mm
Length – 4406 mm
Height – 1233 mm
Width – 1924 mm

Accommodation

Seating Capacity – 2

Engine
Configuration – V8, All Aluminium
Displacement – 6200 cc
Power – 328 kW @
Torque – 583 Nm @
Max. rpm – 6600 rpm
Fuel Delivery – Fuel Injection. Electronic, Sequential Port.
Compression Ratio – 10.7: 1

Drive train
Gearbox – 6 speed manual
Differential – ZF Limited Slip

Wheels
Perana / Zagato – Front: 18 x 10J, Rear: 19 x 12J
Tyres
Michelin PS2 – Front: 275/35 ZR18, Rear: 345/30 ZR19
Chassis
Layout – Front/Mid Engine – Rear Drive
Frame – Steel Tube Space Frame
Body – Vinyl-Ester/Glass Composite
Brakes – Front: 325mm
Rear: 305mm
Assist type – Vacuum
Steering – ZF Power Assist
Suspension – Front: Unequal Length A-arms, Eibach springs,
Bilstein shocks, Anti-roll bar
- Rear: Unequal length A-arms, Eibach springs,
Bilstein shocks, Anti-roll bar
Fuel Capacity – 85 litres

Performance

Power/weight ratio – (328 hp/tonne) 240 kW/tonne
0 – 100km/h – sub 4 secs (est)
0 – 160km/h – sub 10 secs (est)
Braking – 38m (est)

[Source:Autoblog]

In conjunction with the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show, HSV has announced the release of a special-edition Senator super-sedan. A less-expensive ( $69,990 AU – about $44,600 USD) alternative to the pricier, more lavishly-equipped Senator Signature ($80,500 AU – about $51,300 USD) that launched in 2006, the Senator will be limited to a total of just 89 cars. Thirty of these cars get manual transmissions; the rest will have automatics.

While the new Senator makes do without features such as the Magnetic Ride Control suspension found on the Senator Signature, the important part – the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 lump underhood – remains. It’s good for 317 kilowatts (425 horsepower) and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque, which should be more than enough juice to generate a cloud of tire smoke visible from the moon.

[Source:HSV]