Press release:

Stuttgart. The eight-cylinder Panamera models are entering the next model year as of August 2010 with an even higher standard of all-round efficiency and new options. Particularly the new brake energy recuperation system featured as standard, together with optional 19-inch all-season tyres offering reduced roll resistance, give the Panamera Turbo a further improvement of fuel consumption by 0.9 litres/100 km. As a result, the 500-horsepower top model now consumes just 11.3 litres instead of formerly 12.2 litres/100 km in the New European Driving Cycle, equal to 25.0 mpg imp (formerly 23.2 mpg imp) and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 21 grams per kilometre. The Panamera S and Panamera 4S now making do with just 10.3 ltr/100 km and, respectively, 10.6 ltr/100 km (equal to 27.4 and, respectively, 26.7 mpg imp in the NEDC), are likewise up to half a litre more efficient per 100 kilometres (equal to minus 11 grams CO2/km).

This increase in efficiency results primarily from brake energy recuperation, with the battery being charged primarily during application of the brakes and, respectively, in overrun. When accelerating, on the other hand, the field current in the alternator is reduced, minimising the load acting on the combustion engine since it is now required to deliver even less energy for charging the battery, instead making this energy available for even faster acceleration. In conjunction with further improvements, this battery charging strategy on the Panamera Turbo saves no less than 0.7 litres on 100 kilometres, while newly developed, optional all-season tyres measuring 19 inches in diameter likewise serve to reduce fuel consumption by another 0.2 ltr/100 km on each model in the Panamera range. Together with the enhanced tread of the tyres, a special rubber compound serves to reduce roll resistance while at the same time increasing the mileage covered by the tyres. The Auto Start Stop function has also been optimised, now allowing the driver to set off again even faster and more comfortably after coming to a halt.

Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) now available as an option together with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and a fully controlled rear axle differential lock enhances the driving qualities of the Panamera V8 models. PTV Plus optimises steering behaviour 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 when entering a bend – and at the same time PTV Plus, in conjunction with the rear axle differential, improves traction on the rear wheels when accelerating out of a bend on the road.

As a further highlight, Porsche is extending the range of paintwork colours, leather options and special equipment for the Panamera. As an example, the Gran Turismo is now also available with auxiliary heating and a three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles on cars equipped with PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe. Three-dimensional presentation of maps by the further improved, optional navigation system may now also be combined with a satellite image for even more realistic presentation and enhanced orientation. Even traffic lane information is provided in this way for complex road junctions in Europe and the USA. And last but not least, the speed limit indicator so far covering only the Autobahn, motorway and interstate now also comprises – depending on the database material – main roads and major routes leading out of town.

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[Source: Autoblog via GermanCarForum]

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McLaren F1 Specs:
Mid Engine – Rear Drive
Curb Weight: 2579 LB
Cylinders: V-12
Horsepower: 627 bhp @ 7400 rpms
Torque: 479 LB/FT @ 4000 rpms
0-100 km/h: 3.3 sec
402 Meters: 11.1 sec @ 222 km/h
Top Speed: 386 km/h

TVR Cerbera Speed 12 Specs:
Front Engine – Rear Drive
Curb Weight: 2358 LB
Cylinders: V-12
Torque: 650 LB/FT @ 5750 rpms
Max Power: 880 PS @ 7250 rpms
0-100 km/h: 3.5 sec
402 Meters: 10.5 sec @ 230 km/h
Top Speed: 386 km/h

[Source: GermanCarForum]

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Layout: Front Engine, AWD
Transmission: 7 Speed PDK
Type: Porsche V8
Induction: Twin-turbocharged:
Displacement: 4.8 liters
Horsepower: 500 bhp
Curb Weight: 4350 lbs
Acceleration 0-60 mph s: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 188 mph
Base Price: $132,600

Layout: Front Engine, RWD
Transmission: 6 Speed Automatic
Displacement cu in (cc): 5.0 liters
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 510 bhp
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 461 lb-ft. (625 Nm)
Type: AJ-V8 Gen III Supercharged
Acceleration 0-60 mph s: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Base Price: $70,000)

[Source: GermanCarForum]

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BMW to Debut New 3.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel with 306HP on 735d

BMW has confirmed the development of a new and more powerful version of its acclaimed 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six diesel engine. The new 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo diesel unit that churns out a maximum output of 306 horsepower at 4,400 rpm with a peak torque of 600 Nm or 442 lb-ft at just 1,500 rpm, will replace the current 3.0-liter inline-six diesel in the 735d, 335d, X5 35d etc that produces 286HP at 4,400 rpm and 580Nm or 428 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm.

The Bavarian automaker supports that while the new engine is more powerful than its predecessor, at the same time it offers some 4 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – not bad. BMW said that the 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo diesel will make its premiere on the 735d later on this year with other models following soon after.

[SOurce: CarScoop/Autoblog.nl]

[Source: GermanCarForum]

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