2013 Porsche Panamera to get twin-turbo V6, V8 TDI - report

 

Our spy photographers have already caught up with the facelifted Porsche Panamera, but new details are starting to emerge about the upcoming model.

According to Car Magazine, the hatchback will debut in April 2013 with an impressive design that "almost looks like a new car." That's a bold statement considering the prototypes only feature revised bumpers and new headlights, but a little nip/tuck couldn't hurt.

Under the hood, the Panamera S could adopt a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with approximately 420 hp (313 kW / 425 PS). There could also be an Audi-sourced V8 TDI, but there's no word on how much it will produce.

Despite the changes, Porsche is still planning to introduce a redesigned Panamera in 2015. It will reportedly be based on the MSB platform which could enable the model to weigh 200 lbs (91 kg) less than its predecessor.

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Porsche 918 Spyder prototype specifications announced

918 Spyder prototypes commence trials

Stuttgart. The Porsche 918 Spyder is on the road: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has taken the driving trials of the super sports car of the future a step further with completion of the initial prototypes. The 918 Spyder will go into production at the end of September 2013 as planned, with the first customers receiving their vehicles before 2013 is out. "What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance," said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.

The prototypes, their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the interplay between the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of combustion engine and two independent electric motors - one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels - poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. "They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation," said Wolfgang Hatz. These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of Porsche's core competences. Both of them have a major influence on the extreme driving fun to be had with the 918 Spyder and they make possible a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.

The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 kilometres. Moreover, Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting "top pipes" exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

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The upcoming 2014 Porsche 918

0-60 in 2.9 seconds and get up to 78 Mpg on the Nurburgring sounds too good to be true right? What if I told you that the Porsche 918 would cost you only $845,000.00 USD for the base model? Then you say, ok yeah that sounds more like it. Still the new 2014 Porsche 918 is a glimpse into the future of automobiles as the technology is being implemented into real world driving. And Porsche is doing it the right way. The reason being is that the regenerative braking system and 6.8 kWh battery pack will be tested and if it’s a piece of shit then the 1,000 owners will simply understand that it’s a supercar and these things happen. Hopefully we won’t see the 918 up in flames on YouTube as we have seen so many Ferraris. But what is the genius behind this is the fact that VW can real world test and develop the system while still turning a profit through its subsidiary Porsche and be able to work all the kinks out before it starts introducing this system into the Audi A8 and Lamborghini Aventador or whatever takes the Gallardos place and can continue to refine and mass produce the technology and parts until it is cheap enough to start selling to the masses which would make the Volkswagen Group and Shi-trillion dollars. Now before we get ahead of ourselves let’s look at the magnificent 2014 Porsche 918 sex kitten edition.

 Sporting a paintjob of a So-cal salt flat speedster, we see the 2014 Porsche 918 in a flat black livery that resembles the unforgettable Porsche 917 racecars. Of course I always remembered the 917’s with a Gulf livery just like my “Graceland” Ford GT40’s. Power for the 914 comes from a 4.6 L V8 that produces a Miata like 570 hp and then ads a mere 200 hp (my car has a total of 170hp : ( thanks to the electric motors. The setup uses a parallel electric motor that assists or drives power completely to the rear diff. There is also a separate motor that sends power to the front diff making this car a potential track day insane asylum. With a top speed of 202 mph you can certainly reach 88 before you and Doc hit the wall and yes it comes with a Mr. Fusion.

This is a technological achievement that will help put Porsche Automobil Holding SE back on the map. It’s surprising because usually we don’t see rapid technological advancements such as this unless a war is going on. But either way I am lying down like the French for this Tiger track tank to come barreling through my town. My only problem is that I will have to give up a few body parts for this one. Making this 2014 Porsche 918 rank 4 out of 5 vital organs that will be given up for this car. Besides the hybrid battery can power the dialysis machine and if it starts running low you just simply pump the brakes.

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