Porsche Panamera

4.5-liter V8 : 450 hp : 2005

Porsche Panamera: Concept version of automaker's fourth model line due spring 2009.

Porsche has finally confirmed that it will build a fourth model line, to be called Panamera. The Panamera will be a "sport-coupe in the premium class with four seats and four doors", according to a brief notice. The production vehicle is expected for the 2009 calendar year. The Panamera will be built at the Leipzig factory alongside the Cayenne, and sources are estimating an annual production of nearly 20,000 units. The sleek rear-wheel-drive four-seater will be powered by Porsche's 4.5-liter V-8 - either the 340-horsepower version, or the optional 450-horsepower turbocharged engine. A hot 500-horsepower version may eventually follow. The new chassis may be shared with Volkswagen in an arrangement similar to the one that spawned the Cayenne. Porsche Panamera artist rendering. Illustration Copyright AUTOMEDIA.

Porsche's anticipated fourth model line has a name: Panamera. Registered by Porsche at the same time as the Cayman moniker it is applying to the upcoming Boxster-based coupe, the new name is expected to grace a concept version of the car, which insiders describe as a combination of coupe and sedan, at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Due out in 2009, the Panamera has been conceived as successor to the 928. Designed with space for four adults, it is also tipped to come clothed in a four-door body in a move that will pitch it into direct competition with cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Maserati Quattroporte. Secrecy surrounds the mechanical basis for the new car, though the Stuttgart rumor mill suggests Porsche chairman Wendelin Wiedeking has forged links with Volkswagen on a new rear-wheel-drive platform program in a move similar to that undertaken with the Cayenne and Touareg. Volkswagen chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder is interested in adding a new rear-wheel-drive model to the Volkswagen lineup between the Passat and Phaeton, and after the recent breakdown in talks with Maserati, it seems additional cooperation with Porsche may be in the cards. Power for the new car is set to come from the same 4.5-liter V8 engines as those offered on the Cayenne. They include a naturally aspirated version with 340 hp and a turbo?charged unit with 450 hp. An even more powerful model with more than 500 hp is also in the pipeline. Up to 20,000 examples of the Panamera are expected to roll annually from Porsche's Leipzig factory in Germany, where it will be produced alongside the Cayenne. (Autoweek by Greg Kable. Image courtesy of Autocar)

Supercar Battle

Audi Avantissimo

Audi Avantissimo - a New Form of Dynamism and Luxury

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

4.2-liter supercharged v8 : 400 hp : 2003

Daniele Bandiera, President of the Alfa Romeo Business Unit, presented an exciting concept car to the international press this morning. It is called the "8c Competizione" and it joins the other important novelties displayed on the Alfa Romeo stand at the 60th Frankfurt International Motor Show: the new Alfa 166 (also having its world preview), the Alfa GT, the new 156 and Sportwagon, and the GTV and Spider models with their recently revamped styling and features.

Designed and developed at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, this prototype will become a true brand icon, evoking a great sports car tradition of which the name is part. In the Thirties and Forties, the '8c' signature that returns here, identified the racing and road cars that were equipped with the new eight cylinder engine developed by the famous engineer Vittorio Jano. The term 'Competizione' on the other hand, is a tribute to the 6C 2500 Competizione, the sports coupe driven by Fangio and Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race in 1950. So "8c Competizione" is not an invented name, but a clear reference to Alfa's racing history. And of course the Alfa Romeo legend was created to a great extent by the victories its cars achieved on race courses all around the world. There were so many of them that alone they represent a long, fascinating chapter, made of men and competitive spirit, engines and cutting edge technical ideas. The protagonists of the inestimable human and technological heritage that is responsible for today's beautiful cars, full of character and, above all, capable of combining the beauty of the styling with the pleasure of driving them. Let us admire then the captivating, original lines of this carbon fibre 2-seater, and its extremely generous measurements: 1900 mm wide, 4278 mm long and 1250 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2595 mm. The body is given extra dynamism by the horizontal furrow cut into the side above the front wheelarch. In addition to this, the large tyres (245/40 - R20 at the front and 275/35 - R20 at the rear) and the powerful, muscular rear wings accentuate the impression the model gives of a strong, forceful personality. This does not detract in any way from the elegance of the lines that run smoothly from front to back, to the light clusters set into the integral bumpers. A stylistic balance that has its maximum expression in the daring design of the rear window that covers the rear and partially envelops the rear pillars. The front elements have been repositioned as they were on the most important Alfa racing cars of the past - the 'whiskers' and shield are aligned at the same height - a decision of historical and evolutionary significance. But a rapid glance will reveal that the styling of the whole exterior is full of classical references, an ideal opportunity for a modern interpretation of traditional Alfa stylistic cues. For example, the front end recalls the former 33 Coupe Stradale, while the rear sports the characteristic round light clusters of the Giulia TZ. It is difficult to be indifferent to the "8c Competizione" concept car, because it is the pure expression of Alfa Romeo's concept of the car. And with this new model, Alfa's stylistic language takes a further step forward. Compared to another concept car, the 'Nuvola', which also featured the shapes and surface treatment of the new Alfa Romeo aesthetics, the styling approach of the Alfa 8c Competizione enhances the brand's DNA with a modern hi-tech interpretation of the most famous designs in Alfa Romeo history. Nor can we forget that the Alfa Romeo sports cars of past and present all share a particular feature: the ability to thrill even the most experienced drivers when they take the wheel. And the Alfa 8c Competizione is no exception. Suffice it to say that under the bonnet lurks a 4.2 litre V8 (90) turbo engine with a volumetric compressor. This powerful unit delivers over 400 bhp at 7000 rpm and together with a 6-speed manual rear transmission, takes the prototype to a top speed above 300 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometres in just 4.5 seconds. This engine commands not only absolute performance and outstanding peaks of power and torque (over 45 kgm at 4500 rpm), but also smooth, effortless delivery even at low speeds. The result is a car capable of exciting performance, that is perfectly at home on everyday roads and not only on the racetrack. The 8c Competizione combines this brilliant performance with extraordinary roadholding and the handling of a true thoroughbred. The merit goes to the dual wishbone suspension at front and rear, which ensures extremely enjoyable handling, combining the control you would expect of front-wheel drive with an exceptionally sporty drive and pinpoint response, which are particularly important on mixed routes. We must underline that Alfa Romeo chose rear-wheel drive on the 8c Competizione to support the exuberant engine and to deliver truly unbeatable emotions. (from Alfa Romeo Press Release)

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione emblem.

Honda Civic Si

inline 4, 1998 cc : 200 bhp : 2005

The Civic Si Concept, making its world debut at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, provides a strong indication of the styling and performance direction for an all-new production Civic Si Coupe scheduled to debut later this year.

The production Civic Si Coupe will serve as the performance leader for a completely redesigned 2006 model Civic lineup that will feature more emotional styling, added performance and the latest generation of 'intelligent' i-VTEC engine technology. The 2006 Civic lineup, launching this fall, will include a 4-door Sedan, a 2-door Coupe and Si Coupe, an even more fuel efficient Civic Hybrid and a natural-gas powered Civic GX. The Civic Si Concept celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Civic Si legacy in the U.S. and builds on its performance heritage with a 200-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC engine with an 8,000 rpm red line, mated to a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Helping to put all that power to the ground is a helical-type limited slip differential for improved launch traction and cornering performance. Other performance features of the Civic Si Concept include 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, 225/40 R18 high performance tires and 4-wheel disc brakes with large cross-drilled brake rotors and 4-piston Brembo calipers. 'The 2006 Civic Si Coupe will be the most powerful, fastest and fun-to-drive Si we've ever put on the street, and the Civic Si Concept sets the direction in terms of its styling, package and performance,' said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. 'It's part of a new family of Civic vehicles that build on the already class-leading values of the Civic in terms of safety, styling, performance and fuel efficiency.' Designed as an 'Advanced Personal Compact,' the Civic Si Concept incorporates a sweeping roofline and ultra-fast windshield rake that highlights the vehicle's advanced one-motion profile, low and wide stance, and superior aerodynamic performance. The long trunk deck, with its frontward sloping bumper, accents the forward motion conveyed by the overall vehicle shape. Wheel openings have been optimized to minimize the gap between the tire and the body. Special aerodynamic features include a full front and side aero kit, rear deck wing and a lower rear bumper diffuser with an integrated center exhaust system. The 2006 Civic Si Coupe will be the sixth generation Si, which first appeared as a three-door hatchback in 1986 with subsequent Civic Si models appearing in 1989, 1992, 1999 and 2002. The production Si will make its world debut at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November. The Civic Si Concept was designed at Honda R&D America's Los Angeles design center. (source: Honda Press)

Porsche 928

2012 Porsche 928.

6.0-liter V10 : 650 hp : 2006

Porsche to put out a new front-engine coupe in 2011. The upcoming four-door Panamera spawns a two-door GT.

The latest vision of the 928 by Larson 2006.

The 928, Porsche's front-engine entry in the coupe GT market, never quite enjoyed the success of the signature sports car, the 911. Since Porsche stopped producing the 928 in 1995 after an 18-year run, the German automaker has gone without a front-engine coupe to compete with the likes of the BMW M6, Jaguar XKR, Aston-Martin DB9, and Mercedes CL-class. The 911, which remains much more the pure sports car than any of the coupes, has gradually moved farther upmarket and provides a sporting alternative to those cars, but it now appears that Porsche is developing a more direct competitor for the front-engine GTs, a coupe that sources suggest will be in showrooms by 2011. Porsche might even name it the 928. Built on the platform that will underpin Porsche's 2009 Panamera four-door sports sedan, the unnamed two-door will ride on a shorter wheelbase but will share at least 60 percent of its parts with the Panamera. The sedan's control-arm front suspension and multilink rear will likely get firmer tuning in keeping with the coupe's sporting pretense. The shorter wheelbase will reduce the coupe's weight and improve its handling, but the reduction will come at the expense of rear-seat space. As in the 911, the back seats will likely only be suitable for children, insolent teens, and mothers-in-law. Coupe buyers will choose from a selection of Porsche's next-generation direct-injection-equipped V-8 engines. The Cayenne SUV will also get these new V-8s. Power is expected to be about 350 horses upward, with turbo versions making in excess of 500. There are rumors regarding a possible 6.0-liter V-10, which would reportedly make about 650 horsepower. Transmission choices should mirror those found in the Panamera, a seven-speed, dual-clutch DSG in the automatic role and a six-speed manual for those who insist on traditional shifting. There are no plans for an all-wheel-drive version. Like the 928 that preceded it, this coupe will be rear-wheel drive, with a transaxle helping to balance weight distribution. Pricing for this front-engine Porsche will likely begin where the naturally aspirated 911's leaves off, a base version of the coupe going for about $100,000, with prices of higher-horsepower versions rising quickly into the rare $150,000-plus stratosphere, where the Bentley Continental GT rules. (source: BY Tony Quiroga, Photo By Radovan Varicak, of Car & Driver).

An additional perspective written by Gabe Kable. (original Porsche 928 image for Autocar © by Larson 2000).

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Volvo C30

A smaller Volvo in a nimble and muscular package.

Five-cylinder turbo : 260 hp : 2006

Volvo Car Corporation unveiled the first official photos of the Volvo C30 Design Concept. The car represents a glimpse into the Swedish manufacturer's future as the C30 Design Concept is a close representation of what the production version of the C30 will look like when it's officially unveiled at the 2006 Paris auto show this September.

The Volvo C30 Project ? zeros in on dynamic customers with active, diverse lifestyles From its inception, the Volvo C30 Project was focused on one primary demographic group: Young urbanites with accelerating careers and intense, active lifestyles. Customer clinics allowed these people to voice their opinions and give their views on the car?s design and technical content. ?Our aim was to give the Volvo C30 Design Concept a hefty dose of muscles in a sporty and compact package,? explains Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. To that end, the car's wheels have pushed to the outer corners, making the front and rear overhangs extremely short. The broad shoulders are Volvo design hallmarks and add to the C30 Design Concept's forceful presence. Large car safety in a small car. Volvo's legendary safety is well represented in the Volvo C30 Design Concept, utilizing the structure and safety solutions found in the Volvo S40 and Volvo V50. Hence, the Volvo C30 matches the same safety levels as found in today's larger Volvo S60 and Volvo S80. A modern twist on a classic shape. From nearly any angle the Volvo C30 Design Concept combines the classic good looks of the P1800 ES and the modern Safety Concept Car. The dynamic front clip is characterised by the angled headlamps and the low, wide grille. The muscular wheel arches and the sloping roofline of the C30 Design Concept give the car a striking silhouette, which is emphasized by the extreme teardrop shape of the glasshouse. The curvature of the rear shoulders is very pronounced and further enhanced by the horseshoe-shaped tail light pattern and the glass tailgate. ?This unique glass tailgate is inspired both by the classic Volvo P1800 ES and the SCC concept car. The unusual light pattern ensures that you?ll never doubt what car is in front of you,? said Mattin. Highlighting the Volvo C30 Design Concept are two new colors: Quite White and Very Bronze. Room for four and more. The interior reinforces the sporty character of the Volvo C30 Design Concept. The individual rear seats with generous legroom make the car a full four-seater. The rear seats are slightly centred, which gives the passengers an aura of space along with good visibility to the front. Behind the rear seats, passengers have room for the things their active lifestyles require. The glass hatch allows easy loading access and excellent rearward visibility. ?The space between the seats also showcases Volvo?s super-thin, visually floating centre stack, bringing it into full view from behind through the glass tailgate," noted Mattin. Cargo capacity for the fast paced. The Volvo C30 Design Concept was designed for a customer category that primarily uses the front seats. The luggage space behind the glass tailgate is designed for everyday loads such as briefcases and sports equipment ? with the ability to swallow far larger loads if one or both rear seats are folded flat. World-class audio system. A first-class audio system is an important part of the lives of the C30's target demographic. That is why the Volvo C30 Design Concept has Volvo?s Premium Sound system, with 5x130-watt digital ICE Power amplifier from Alpine?, Dolby? Pro Logic II Surround Sound and 10 loudspeakers from Dynaudio? of Denmark. Five-cylinder turbo engine with 260 horsepower. Measuring 166.9 inches front to rear, the Volvo C30 Design Concept is 9 inches shorter than the Volvo S40 sport sedan. At 70 inches in width, it's slightly wider than its sedan stable mate (.30 inches). Under the sculpted hood of the Volvo C30 Design Concept is an in-line five-cylinder 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Producing an impressive 260 horsepower at 5,500 rpm the double overhead cam engine generates 268 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,100 and 5,000 rpm. The car is fitted with a smooth shifting six-speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels. The Volvo C30 Design Concept accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Housed beneath the meaty fenders are 19-inch aluminium wheels shrouded in Pirelli Corsa 225/35-R19 tires. There are four-piston, aluminium calliper Brembo brakes front and rear from Brembo with 13-inch ventilated disc brakes at each corner. ?Sporty driving characteristics are a must to attract this customer category. A car that radiates muscular agility has to live up to its appearance once you slip behind the steering wheel,? says Ha?kan Abrahamsson, the C30 Project Director. Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for over 75 years. The 2005 Volvo Cars model line-up includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the all-new V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan ? including the award-winning performance sedan ? S60 R and the performance wagon version ? V70 R; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and, the C70 convertible. VCNA, part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. (source: Volvo)