There are enough buttons scrawled across this panel to keep even the most tech-demanding folks happy, but the low position of the satellite navigation screen is sure to be a pain to read whilst driving. The gear-lever identifies that this particular prototype is equipped with Porsche’s new double-clutch PDK gearbox and we can also see the Panamera will receive the same redesigned steering wheel as seen on the recently facelifted 911.

After numerous spottings of the Porsche Panamera, it has left little to the imagination when it comes to the exterior styling. However when it comes to the interior, it is quite a different story. We caught a glimpse of it back in October last year, but it was well covered and looked far from the standard we expect from the Sportscar manufacturer. But now we can bring you a brand new photo taken by our intuitive spy photographer, which shows what appears to be a production ready center panel.

Launch is currently pencilled in for the second half of 2009 following the German automaker’s home show in Frankfurt, it will be built at the company’s Leipzig plant alongside the Cayenne with around 30,000 units planned annually.

The Porsche Cayenne provides the platform, power will come from two version of the SUV’s 4.8-liter V8 engine: naturally aspirated and turbocharged, a V6 engine will also be available. The Panamera will be the first Porsche to incorporate the new electric-gasoline hybrid system and further down the line a V6 diesel engine will be also introduced.

Source:World Car Fans

A distinctive two tone exterior color featuring a Black Crystal Pearl painted roof sets it apart from the regular version, the aluminium grille is custom made, 17 inch SRT Design wheels and additional chrome inserts contribute towards the completed look.

The Dream Cruiser Series 5 is available with a choice of two powertrains, a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 150 HP and a 180 HP turbo-charged 2.4-liter unit.

Source:World Car Fans

Audi already has a lot to celebrate with its A6. It is currently the bestselling business sedan of the world. Anyway, since competition is always around, it would not be wise to count on the fact that the car may keep being appealing indefinitely and this explains why the German automaker has decided to change it. Although only the front grille, bumpers, air vents and fog lights have been changed in what relates to appearance, other modifications have helped the A6 family improve its fuel economy numbers in about 15%.

The trick to reduce fuel consumption is based on direct fuel injection, a new valve control system (AVS, Audi Valvelift System), the use of a supercharger on the brand new 3.0-litre V6 which generates 290 bhp and a top speed of 250 km/h and even ride height reduction, in order to improve its drag coefficient.

The new A6 will be sold in Europe by the end of this summer (winter, in the south hemisphere) and its base price will be 34,200 EUR, for the A6 2.0 TFSI.
Source: Audi via: World Car Fans

Nissan has officially confirmed all the changes we’ve been hearing about the 2009 Infiniti G lineup. On the cards is an all-new Infiniti G37 Convertible, a G37 Sedan, all-wheel-drive for the G37 Coupe (G37x) and a new 7-speed automatic transmission for all G models.

The hard-top 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible will be hit the market mid-2009 and will make its world debut at the 2008 LA Auto Show in November. Power comes from the 330-hp 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL technology.

The 330-hp 3.7 liter V6 will also find its way under the hood of the 2009 G37 Sedan. It will be available in four models including the G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD. Sales begin in September 2008.

press release.

2009 Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe
For 2009, the G37 Coupe’s performance envelope expands with the addition of a new G37x AWD model with advanced ATESSA E-TSÔ all-wheel drive system. Also new for 2009 is a 7-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode and Downshift Rev Matching (the G37 Coupe is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission).

INFINITI ELEVATES 2009 G LINEUP WITH INSPIRING PERFORMANCE, NEW CONVERTIBLE MODEL
Nashville, Tenn. -

When you have a vehicle line – say the Infiniti G – that has chalked up award after award, topped comparison test after comparison test, and endeared itself to a growing legion of passionate owners, what do you do for an encore? If you happen to be a world-class performance luxury brand – say like Infiniti – the answer is simple: Everything. The popular Infiniti G roars into the 2009 model year with an extensive array of changes, including:

- The addition of an all-new Infiniti G37 Convertible model, slated to launch in the first quarter of 2009
- A new 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine for the Infiniti G Sedan – now designated the G37 Sedan
- A new all-wheel drive model for the Infiniti G Coupe, the G37x
- A new 7-speed automatic transmission for all Infiniti G models (6-speed manuals transmissions also available)

“A little success makes you want to try harder. A lot of success makes you want to blow the doors off the competition again – which we’re poised to do with the new, intensified Infiniti G lineup for 2009,” said Ben Poore, Infiniti’s vice president of marketing. “Year after year we strive to offer our customers one of the freshest product lineups in the industry – which we’ve done again in 2009 with the new second-generation Infiniti FX, upcoming G Convertible and the enhanced G37 Coupe and G37 Sedan.”

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible
The all-new G37 Convertible, the first-ever open-air G, is set for a mid-2009 model year introduction. Based on the current G37 Coupe, the G Convertible promises stunningly seductive styling and G-worthy dynamic performance. The new G37 Convertible will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop, to keep a coupe-like roofline, and available unique interior treatment. Audio and HVAC systems have been enhanced to provide an inviting experience with the top up or down.

The all-new Infiniti G37 Convertible is set to make its world debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

2009 Infiniti G37 Sport Sedan
The Infiniti G premium high-performance sport sedan receives a significant upgrade under the skin in 2009 with the addition of a new VQ37VHR “VVEL” 3.7-liter V6 rated at 328 horsepower. It is mated to a new 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

Now designated as the Infiniti G37 Sedan, other major changes include new available sport brakes with 4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers and large 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors, a new sport 18-inch wheel design and standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat finish).

The 2009 G37 Sedan is available in four models – G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD. It goes on sale in September 2008.

2009 Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe
For 2009, the G37 Coupe’s performance envelope expands with the addition of a new G37x AWD model with advanced ATESSA E-TSÔ all-wheel drive system. Also new for 2009 is a 7-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode and Downshift Rev Matching (the G37 Coupe is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission).

All 2009 G37 Coupes receive standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat finish). The 2009 G37 Coupe is available in four models – G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD – each with standard 330-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL technology. It goes on sale in September 2008.
via:egmcartech

Up front, this next-generation Zonda F will get an all-new front clip. In back, the rear quarter panels have been re-sculpted to allow for significantly increased airflow. The rear diffuser has also been redesigned and there is a totally new air scoop that sticks up from the middle of the engine cover.

Inside, we can see the “Zonda F” nameplate above several toggle switches. Other than a new shifter, we don’t see any major interior changes. This Pagani has absolutely enormous 335/30/ZR20 Pirelli Pzero Rosso tires in back and 255/35/ZR19 tires in front. Sitting inside the wheels are equally enormous carbon ceramic brake rotors.

There are rumors of the 5.4L supercharged V8 from the McLaren SLR 722 or perhaps the bi-turbo V12 from the recently debuted Mercedes SL65 AMG Black series providing motivation for the Zonda F. Whatever the motor, it should be good for 600-700hp. The Zonda F should start production sometime in the first half of 2009. If you want one, count on an price tag of at least $650,000.

What power plant this supercar might be packing is a bit of a mystery. Pagani certainly wants to keep the motor a secret as the clear engine compartment panels were covered with black tape. Judging from the new, larger air intakes on this prototype, whichever motor resides under the cover obviously needs more airflow than the Mercedes AMG 7.3L V8 found in the current Zonda F.

Spy photographers were shocked when they saw this supercar prototype racing along an American country road with only a few small pieces of camouflage. Although the badges were covered in black tape, there was no doubt they were looking at the 2010 Pagani Zonda F.
Source:World Car Fans

The BMW X5 received its wings thanks to the German tuner AC Schnitzer. The AC Schnitzer BMW X5 Falcon features a wide body kit that includes new front and rear wings, front and rear spoiler skirts and two triangular metal-rimmed air intakes in the bonnet.

The AC Schnitzer BMW X5 Falcon powered by the 3.0 liter diesel engine has been tuned to develop 228 kW/310 HP and 680 Nm of torque. The AC Schnitzer BMW X5 Falcon comes with a new exhaust system with two sports rear silencers made from V2A special steel.

The interior AC Schnitzer BMW X5 Falcon features a new 3-spoke sports airbag steering wheel and aluminum pedal set, numerous carbon and aluminum decor elements and a new i-Drive controller.
Source:zercustoms

Press Release:

Stuttgart. Introducing two new models, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, are rounding off their range of dynamic mid-engined sports cars at the top. The two new models, the Porsche Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and the Cayman S Sport, develop 303 bhp (223 kW) from 3.4 litres, eight horsepower more than the respective S models.

Both new models come with a wide range of exclusive equipment highlighted by the particularly striking design of the car and will be available at the dealership as of early September.

With the Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 and the Boxster RS 60 Spyder special series now completely sold out, Porsche are entering the market with new special models based on the prize-winning Boxster S and Cayman S. Only a few weeks ago, Porsche’s roadster model won first prize in the readers’ choice of the German motor magazine “sport auto” in its class of the most sporting convertibles up to Euro 80,000. And in a representative customer enquiry by US market research institute J.D. Power, the Porsche Boxster also came first in its category as the best model.

The Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 now sets new standards, the production colour Carrara White, for a long time one of the highlights in Porsche’s colour range, now receiving additional emphasis in the new Boxster: The star-spoke rims on the 19-inch SportDesign wheels featured as standard, the side air intakes, the centre console and the dials on the three round instruments are also finished in white. Sporting grey stripes extending lengthwise along the body accentuate the brilliant white finish of the car in the same sophisticated style as the red rear lights.

A unique accessory coming with the car is likewise an homage to the white rev counter and speedometer: The Porsche Design Edition 2 Chronograph men’s wristwatch from the Dashboard Collection features a white face and was developed especially for this very special Boxster.

By contrast, the colours of the roof and leather upholstery featured as standard are really classical throughout: Stone Grey and Black.

The Cayman S Sport is more colourful, coming as standard in the GT3 colours Orange and Green and proudly bearing its model designation on the side. Further colours available on this special model are Black, Indian Red, Speed Yellow and Carrara White, as well as Arctic Silver Metallic available at extra cost.

As on the GT3, black rims, exterior mirrors and air intake grids form a sporting contrast also characterising the interior through the black interior design package and the circular instruments without the usual binnacle on top.

Over and above the 303-bhp flat-six power unit, particularly PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management featured as standard, lowering the entire car by ten millimetres, as well as five-millimetre spacers beneath the 19-inch SportDesign wheels provide an impressive touch of power and performance.

Bi-xenon headlights, the Sports Chrono Package and sports seats all coming as standard enhance the particularly sporting appearance of the car in genuine GT3 look, further enhanced by the sports exhaust system together with a twin-chamber exhaust tailpipe and alcantara finish on the gearshift lever, the handbrake, and the rim of the GT3 steering wheel.

These upgraded versions of the Boxster S and Cayman S are limited to an exclusive series proudly bearing out their edition number on a placard on the glove box. Judging by the experience gained with the Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 and Boxster RS 60 Spyder, demand for these exclusive new models is expected to be substantial.

Production of the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 will amount to 500 units at a price in the German market of Euro 65,539 (including 19 per cent VAT and national specifications), production of the Cayman S Sport will be limited to 700 units at a price of Euro 69,942 (again including 19 per cent VAT and national specifications)
Source:ShareThis

Speculation has been swirling over the last two years that a Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 was right around the corner. At first, it was rumored to be released in late 2007, then early 2008, then early 2009 and then… nothing.

Speaking with Autoblog, Mazda’s PR man Jeremy Barnes made it clear that the automaker has no plans to offer a Mazdaspeed version of the current MX-5. While it was originally assumed that the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-pot found in the Mazdaspeed3 would eventually find its way under the hood of the MX-5, Mazda discovered that the swap wasn’t a bolt-in affair. According to Barnes, “It does theoretically fit, until you bolt on the head.” A high-pressure fuel pump on the back of the head, driven off the cam, would necessitate a notch in the firewall. As such, converting the engine from a transverse (FWD) to a longitudinal (RWD) layout just wasn’t feasible.

Thankfully, in addition to Mazdaspeed’s own lineup of suspension and engine components, aftermarket companies are developing their own forced induction systems for the NC MX-5. Cosworth is currently testing a supercharger and Flyin’ Miata is a couple months away from releasing its own centrifugal blower.
Source:

The next generation Mazda 3 is ready to go into production and will be launched before the end of the year, company insiders in Japan have revealed.

Mazda says it has created a more stylish family hatchback (as previewed by our rendered image) and plans to build on the global success of the outgoing car.

Its designers have chosen an imposing, aggressive design for the front end of the 3. The new car also gets more pronounced wheel arches – now a Mazda family trait already noticeable on the 6 and the 2. At the rear, funky tail lamps echo those found on the new Mazda 6.

It all means this hatch should have a more distinctive road presence than its predecessor.

A four-door saloon version of the new 3 will make its debut at the Los Angeles motor show in November, while the five-door hatchback 3 launches at the Bologna Show in Italy in December.

The 3’s current range of 1.4 to 2.0-litre petrol engines will be carried over to the new car. But diesel engines will be strong sellers, particularly in Europe, and upgraded versions of the existing 1.6 and 2.0-litre oil burners should offer a more economical, refined drive.

European customers can expect the next-generation 3 to arrive in showrooms during the early months of 2009.
Sources: Autocar

The new Audi RS6 innately impresses discerning customers thanks to its high-powered twin turbo V10 engine with 5.0 l displacement. Only a short while after the car’s market launch, MTM, the Audi specialist from Wettstetten near Ingolstadt, Germany, already has performance kits in its program, which boost the performance of this super-fast station wagon.

For instance, the MTM engineers boost the engine power electronically to 656 bhp at 6,180 rpm. If need be, the MTM-RS6 R will run upon request (MTM regulates the increments electronically) at speeds of either 279, 290 or 310 km/h. The outstanding torque of now 785 Nm (production version 650 Nm) allows it to accelerate like lightning from zero to 100 km/h in an impressive 3.9 seconds. Price: € 3999. An advanced version of the MTM performance kit is in preparation, which, with a massive 702 bhp, even outshines the performance data of most super sports cars. This additional boost in performance is made possible thanks to a stainless steel

exhaust system with throttle control downstream from the catalytic converter and a sports air filter. The 702 bhp kit (plus MTM guarantee) is available for € 9950.

This super-fast behemoth is stopped with the aid of the six-piston braking system MTM fits at the front that features grooved (=not perforated all the way through) brake disks in the dimension 405×36 mm and monoblock brake calipers.

‘Reserved appearance obliges’: hence, the only embellishments MTM makes to the sporty design of the RS6 is to add a discreet carbon-fiber front spoiler lip and a carbon-fiber rear diffuser, which serve to accentuate the elegant styling of the Audi RS6.

The exclusive sports suite from MTM for the Audi RS6 is rounded off by the large 21″ MTM bimoto wheel rims in 10.5 x 21″, which are available in the finishes “shiny” or “diamond-cut”, and which MTM also offers in conjunction with size 285/30ZR21 tires. As an alternative, MTM offers its bimoto wheel rim also as the new, forged 20 inch version. Fitting forged alloy wheels, which are lighter in weight compared with cast alloy wheels, enhances both the agility and braking performance of this powerful station wagon.

MTM offers this combination of a power-boosted engine, modified breathing, exhaust system, suspension struts and 21″ wheels for a package price starting from € 15,500.
Source:zercustoms