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Monday, 8 February 2010
 India in recent times has weighted against its counterparts in the west by becoming one of the preferred destinations for luxury car makers. We have heard of Aston Martin searching for opportunities to sell its wares in India, and Porsche outselling the quota of Panameras reserved for India, Rolls Royce planning to sell over 60 Ghosts in India and so on. But what actually catches our eye is Mercedes-Benz, one of the first luxury car makers now trying hard to regain its lost numero uno position to BMW. Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as AMG, which is a subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz car company specialising in high-performance luxury cars, is betting big on the Indian market. AMG models typically have more aggressive looks, higher performances, better handling and better stability also comes with a much costlier price tag than their regular Mercedes counterparts. As per a report in popular news daily, Mercedes Benz has managed to bag as many as five confirmed bookings for the Rs2. Crore SLS-AMG within days after it was showcased in the 10th Auto Expo held in New Delhi. For those who came in late, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was showcased in the Mercedes Benz pavilion under the concept of ‘Pure Fascination” at the Auto Show 2010. This car which is a spiritual successor to the 300L has been developed by AMG, the performance division of Mercedes Benz. Following its world premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September 2009, series production of the SLS AMG is now commencing in Sindelfingen, the largest of the Mercedes-Benz production plants. It is to be mentioned that the assembly lines and production facilities in Sindelfingen were brought up to the very latest standards for final assembly of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. This is where specially selected, highly qualified specialists produce the gullwing model substantially by hand. Premium quality is not only ensured by continuous monitoring of the ongoing production process. At the end of the production process, the entire vehicle is subjected to further, extensive quality checks. The unrivalled technology package of the SLS is an alluring proposition: aluminum spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW (571 hp) peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminums double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. With a front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 per cent and the vehicle's low centre of gravity, this extraordinary combination guarantees performance figures at the highest level. The gullwing model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 317 km/h. A fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best in the competitive line-up. A heavy emphasis on hand-production is a characteristic feature of the SLS – for the aluminum spaceframe, the engine and during final assembly. The chassis and aluminum bodyshell are produced by Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH in Graz/Austria. This highly respected system partner is able to look back on many years of cooperation with Daimler, as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been in production there since 1979. Innovative joining techniques are used in the lightweight spaceframe of the SLS AMG, which tips the scales at only 241 kilograms. Hand-production is also the order of the day at the AMG engine workshops in Affalterbach, where the 420 kW (571 hp) AMG 6.3-litre V8 power unit is assembled on the ‘one man, one engine’ principle. Labels: 10th-Auto-Expo, Aston-Martin, BMW, Luxury-Car, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Mercedes-Benz-SLS-AMG, Porsche-Panamera, Rolls-Royce-Ghost
Thursday, 17 December 2009
 Its celebration time for Porsche and yet another feather in the cap for its flagship model, Panamera. As a part of a significant milestone for Porsche, 10,000th Panamera was rolled out on Wednesday from the production line in Leipzip plant in Stuttgart, Germany’s just after three months after the Panamera went on sale. The Platinum silver metallic Porsche Panamera Turbo with 4.8 L V8 engine that produces 500 bhp@6000rpm is the 10,000th car that will be delivered to a lucky customer in Singapore. Speaking on the occasion, Michael Macht, Chairman of the Board of Porsche AG said that the sales of the Panamera has realy taken off and claimed that Porsche had already secured over 9,000 confirmed orders for the Panamera. The Gran Tuismo Porsche Panamera won the coveted “Goldenes Lenkrad” or the “Golden Steering Wheel” and “Auto Trophy” awards in Germany. It also has won many international prizes. The Panamera 4S is proving particularly popular and has a share of 44 per cent , putting it ahead of the Turbo (36 per cent) and the Panamera S (20 per cent). The company plans to build 20,000 Panamera per year across the whole product cycle. The fourth Porsche model series is being manufactured at the Leipzig plant in the so-called model mix, sharing a production line with the Cayenne SUV. The innovative, highly streamlined production is seen as a model of technological and economic excellence for the automobile industry worldwide. One of the important markets of sports car, United States is still waiting for a date with the Panamera. Porsche is all set to utilize the upswing of the market sentiments. They have already started capacity expansion of their existing plant in Stuttgart, Germany. In India, the car is available in Mumbai against orders. Labels: Panamera-4S, Panamera-S, Porsche, Porsche-Cayenne-SUV, Porsche-Panamera, Porsche-Panamera-Turbo
Thursday, 10 December 2009
 The news is out and official. Porsche, which has kept in wraps the information about the new Cayenne has now been leaked. Spy pictures of a test mule of the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne has been spotted with minimal camouflage. This new Porsche SUV that we are talking appears to be leaner, meaner and fitter and looks much more desirable than the current Cayenne. The stand out feature in this SUV is the LED daytime running lights which are almost a must for the European car these days and four tailpipe exhaust system hinting that it could be the top of the line Turbo version. The prototype also showed that the new Cayenne will come with black plastic body cladding, recessed fog lights, ‘power dome’ hood, wider grille and ‘Panamera’ style headlamps. The interiors have also been inspired by the Porsche Panamera with almost the same central console with larger shifter and a large LCD screen which would be used for the entertainment system and satellite navigation. Engine options will include a naturally aspirated 4.8 litre V8 with 400 bhp and 369 lb-ft of torque, a force inducted version of the same engine with 500 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque for the Cayenne with the Turbo S moniker. The engine range will also include two Audi sourced power trains, the 3.0 litre V6 supercharged with 300 bhp and 310 lb-ft of torque and 3.0 litre turbo diesel V6 with 240 bhp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Porsche may also introduce a hybrid version with the 3.0 litre V6 petrol with combined power output of 333 bhp and 324 lb-ft of torque. The takeover by Volkswagen of Porsche seems to have done some trick as the all new Cayenne shares the platform with the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg and might adopt the same street focussed setup. This would mean that Porsche may strip the current model’s heavy off-road equipment in favour of a lighter and more responsive overall drive which to us is a bit of a downer. The ‘Off-roadbility’ of the first SUV from Porsche is one of its USP. An SUV which can do a four wheeled drift just as well as a four wheeled mountain climb is what we know and love the Cayenne for. We will have all the information once the new Cayenne is officially revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. Labels: 2011-Porsche-Cayenne, Geneva-Motor-Show, Porsche, Porsche-Panamera, SUV, Volkswagen-Touareg
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
The Los Angeles Auto Show, one of the prestigious automotive events worldwide is scheduled to open on Dec. 4th which runs upto Dec.13th. As optimism begins to return to the auto industry and vehicle sales show signs of recovery, this annual event, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will host more than 30 significant World and North American debuts and feature more than 900 vehicles from sports cars and sedans to crossovers and minivans. World premieres range from the all-new 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder roadster to the redesigned 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan. Small and more fuel-efficient vehicles being the flavor of the season are becoming increasingly popular and three such new vehicles making their North American debuts include the much anticipated Ford Fiesta, the Chevrolet Cruze and Mazda 2. Other premieres include the North American debut of the all-new Hyundai Tucson crossover and Kia’s first U.S. built vehicle, the Kia Sorento crossover. The show also will feature more than 50 new green vehicles including hybrids, modern clean-diesel, electric, hydrogen fuel cell, natural gas and ethanol-powered vehicles. Hybrids still represent the largest volume of ‘green’ vehicles including the much-anticipated Chevrolet Volt expected to be on sale in 2010 and the all-new Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid sedan. However, modern clean diesels like the Audi A3 TDI and Volkswagen Golf TDI are becoming increasingly popular. More than 10 new diesel models will be on display from several manufacturers. Futuristic concept vehicles are more prevalent than in previous years and almost all showcase forward-looking green technology. Many concepts are focused on all-electric or partial-electric propulsion, including the Toyota Prius plug-in, Mitsubishi’s PX-MiEV plug-in SUV (Which was also showcased in the Tokyo Motor Show) and Audi’s all-electric e-Tron based on the sporty R8(Which was again showcased in the Geneva Motor Show). Also, Volkswagen will debut its ultra-high-mileage L1 that claims 170 mpg and runs on a 2 cylinder, turbo-diesel hybrid motor. With more than 20 luxury vehicles making their debut, this year’s LA Auto Show also has plenty of luxury and performance vehicles to show off. Highlights include Rolls-Royce’s all-new Ghost and the first supercar from Lexus, the Lexus LFA. A few other notable luxury vehicles at the show include the convertible Audi R8 Spyder, Mercedes-Benz’s SLS AMG featuring its classic gull-wing doors and Porsche’s first four-door sedan, the Panamera. The LA Auto Show is also an excellent opportunity for consumers to see the newest automotive accessories and customizing trends. Everything from custom wheels, tires and performance products to the latest mobile audio and entertainment systems can be found in Kentia Hall. Labels: Audi-E-TRON, Audi-R8-Spyder, Mercedes-Benz-SLS-AMG, Porsche-Panamera, The-Los-Angeles-Auto-Show
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
German car maker Porsche has been an inspiration for many car makers. But this time, it is for a different reason. A memory stick has been designed in the style of a Porsche car key. Picking up a Porsche car key styled pen drive may not be a costly affair, for those who often dreams of driving in a Porsche car! If you are a die hard fan of Porsche machines, this is for you. Grab the latest release from Porsche Design, a Porsche vehicle key inspired memory stick. The cost of this stylish pen drive is $49. The styling of this special 2GB pen drive is inline with unmatchable Porsche sports car. The elegantly designed memory stick is foldable and has been garnished with minor chrome lining. The dimensions of this new memory stick are 53.5 x 38 x 19.5 mm. The same size of the real car key! Hence you can flaunt this memory stick and your friends may assume that you have become a proud owner of a sports car from Porsche’s stable. You can secure this pen drive at the Porsche’s Online Shop. There are many other merchandises that come from Porsche and other car makers. Porsche has recently launched the Panamera in India. Porsche currently sells six car models in India. Labels: Porsche, Porsche-Cars, Porsche-Panamera
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
 It seems that the heart of Indians does skip a beat when it comes to diesel cars. Riding on this sentiment of Indians is the German sportscar major, Porsche. Porsche which is encouraged by the rocking response to Porsche Cayenne diesel, is all set to bring in the whole range of engine options to the Indian automobile market with a big emphasis on diesel. With the fast growing fan base for the Porsche brand in India, Porsche plans to boost its diesel portfolio with diesel version of its Panamera sedan. It will also expand its overall portfolio of cars by launching super fast cars such as the new 911 Turbo and 911 GT3 RS by next year. On the anvil are hybrid and electric versions as well. Porsche seems to be in the right track of reading the changing moods of Indians car enthusiasts. The flagship SUV from Porsche, Porsche Cayanne, has been well received across the world in its diesel avatar. Porsche Cayenne Diesel has also been a hot favourite of the Indian luxury SUV lovers as it is very popular in India. And while all this happens, the company would have spread out to six different cities from two at present. But the question is whether such a wider product portfolio required from a company who sells only 150-200 cars a year. And we ask why not? Porsche currently is facing increasing competition from Audi and Lamborghini, which only proves a point that it is sane of Porsche to bring in the whole spectrum of products. The market for these luxury vehicles is relatively small at the moment, but in a longer run Porsche will certainly yield its benefits of bringing in the entire product portfolio. Right now, over 70 per cent of cars sold by Porsche are SUV's and limited volumes coming from the sports car portfolio. With the new four door Porsche Panamera, the company is hoping the additional volumes kick-in. For now, despite the downturn the company is eying 20 per cent growth this calendar year but with a bigger product portfolio, more engine options and a wider reach, it is hoping to double the growth rate in 2010. Labels: Diesel-Engine, Porsche, Porsche-911-GT3-RS, Porsche-911-Turbo, Porsche-Cayanne, Porsche-Panamera, SUV
Thursday, 1 October 2009
 Finally the gorgeous Panamera is launched in India. The Panamera is an innovative sports car with four doors and four seats. The sedan sits very low and this imparts an image of something very ground-hugging. Moreover, the car is wide, very wide and extremely good looking that makes you utter hmmm and wow. The Porsche Panamera comes in three variants. The S and the 4S variants carry a 4.8 litre V8 engine that can whop a decent 400 bhp. The Panamera Turbo can boast of a powerful 4.8L Twin Turbo V8 engine which can derive a power of 500 bhp. The Panamera S comes with 6-speed manual transmission, where as the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) automatic transmission comes as a standard feature in the 4S and the Turbo. The S variant comes with rear wheel drive while the 4S and the Turbo come with all wheel drive. The Panamera S can hit 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and the 4S takes 5 seconds to cover 100 km/h from static. The Turbo can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.2 seconds. The S has a top speed of 285 km/h and the 4S can run at a top speed of 282 km/h, while the Panamera Turbo can clock 303 km/h. Coming to the interior, the sedan can be referred as the epitome of luxury. The interior gives the car a maritime touch with its blue, cream and mahogany colours. The cabin impresses with its excellent ergonomics. The comfortable headrests of the leather seats are embossed with the Porsche crest. The cabin is spacious with ample of space for the passengers and luggage. The Porsche Panamera is extremely beautiful. The double air intakes grab the attention of the on looker. The active rear spoiler accentuates the stance of the car and adapts to various driving conditions. Porsche is offering the Panamera at the cost of Rs 1, 44,00,000 for the S variant, Rs 1, 49,00,000 for the 4S model and a whopping Rs 2,05,00,000 for the Panamera Turbo. Labels: Panamera-Launch-India, Porsche, Porsche-Panamera
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
 It seems in India the luxury car price is sky rocketing and it is the high import duty that should be held responsible. Recently did we read of the expected Indian launch of the fastest car in the world, SSC Ultimate Aero. With a price tag of Rs. 6 crore, it will not only hold the title of the fastest car in the Indian car market but also that of the most expensive car. The next car in the queue to get a high price tag because of the high import duty is the Porsche Panamera. The car is expected to be launched next week and will be priced a humungous Rs. 2 crore. But the car is priced only half the amount outside India. The sole importer of the Panamera, Precision Cars India, has already received 13 booking for the sedan. And the company foresees a bright future for Panamera in India and expects to sell at least 50 Panameras in the fiscal year 2009. The Panamera was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2009. This four-door super sedan is available in three models, the Turbo, the rear-wheel-drive Porsche Panamera S, and the four-wheel-drive 4S. Similar to the Porsche Cayenne SUV engine, the Panamera S, Panamera Turbo and 4S models are available in a 4.8-litre V8 engine, which offers direct fuel injection, one-sided variable camshaft management system with adjustable valve lift. In India, it is still not clear, in which all trim levels and options it will be available. The Panamera full option car would include Sports chrono package, adaptive air suspension, dynamic chassis control, and ceramic brakes. Both in the interiors and the exteriors of the car has a very sporty designing. And the Panamera has all the driving characteristics of a Porsche. Well the Panamera is sure to steal many hearts in this festival season. Labels: Porsche, Porsche Cayenne, Porsche-Panamera, SSC-Ulimate-Aero
Thursday, 14 May 2009
World’s most adorned sports car manufacturer Porsche AG has re-opened the Stuttgart facility for its visitors after eight months. The public can now witness the production of the latest addition to the Porsche stable - the sleek Panamera sports car. Visitors can see the most awaited sports car roll off the production facility. Visitors will be given a chance to take a free-of-charge, two-hour tour through which they can learn about the production process and about Porsche’s driving features. They will also have a chance to experience the sporty Cayenne SUV on the race track or on the off-road facility built inside the plant. To get the spectacular view of the production unit, visitors have to book in advance for the tour. The production of Porsche Panamera was commenced on April 19, after it was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show. Porsche opened the newly upgraded Leipzig plant that took nearly two years for construction. The company has utilized the state of the art technology and logistic concept for building the production plant. The new facility measuring 22,000 square meter is said to be the hub of production unit for all future Panameras. 
Labels: Porsche-Cars, Porsche-Panamera, Sports-Car
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
The world debut of the marvelous Porsche Panamera at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition becomes a unique display with the car being exhibited on the world’s highest platform. The first public appearance of the car was celebrated at the 13th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition with great enthusiasm and excitement. The introduction of the Panamera marks the beginning of a completely new segment of premium luxury cars with a truly unique combination of sporting performance and luxurious comfort. The world class car was distinctively brought to the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center in China standing straight up in the freight elevator. It is believed that the 94th floor of this center is world’s highest platform that is about 425 meters high. And taking this huge luxury car to such a height standing straight is dazzling. We just wonder how the volunteers of the show thought about this idea and how the people there managed to take the Panamera on the world’s highest platform. Labels: Luxury-Car, Porsche-Cars, Porsche-Panamera
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Porsche has just unveiled its most awaited Porsche Panamera in Shangai on the beautiful eve of the 13th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition. Panamera is a four-door premium luxury sedan that pioneers a host of technologies and is expected to entice new buyers with scintillating design structure and excellent engineering. The low-sleek silhouette becomes the first sight of attraction of the car. Among the five new outstanding technologies that make their world debut in the Panamera are start-stop system in conjunction with automatic transmission, air suspension with additional air volume available on demand in each spring, and active aerodynamics with an adjustable, multi-dimensional, extendable rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo. Soon the scintillating Panamera will also make its debut in the Indian car market. Indian car buyers are actually looking forward for the car as it is considered to be one of the most powerful and beautiful car of the new era. The design, engineering, and style of the Porsche Panamera are formed by blending a wealth of ideas, unimaginable creativity, expert knowledge of talented designers and technicians. With all the best features and technologies the Panamera is to set new standards in performance, driving dynamics and efficiency. Labels: Indian-car-market, Porsche-Cars, Porsche-Panamera
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India in recent times has weighted against its counterparts in the west by becoming one of the preferred destinations for luxury car makers. We have heard of Aston Martin searching for opportunities to sell its wares in India, and Porsche outselling the quota of Panameras reserved for India, Rolls Royce planning to sell over 60 Ghosts in India and so on.
