William Maley

Introduced only on Tuesday at the LA Auto Show, the stockpile of Jaguar XKR-S Convertible for the US have been spoken for. Only 25 of the XKR-S convertibles were sent to the US and all have been sold. Jaguar hasn't publicly commented on about who bought one, all of whom paid a $6,000 premium over the XKR-S coupe. Source: Left Lane News View full article

Uhh, Depends. If your coming from the original G35 Sedan and Coupe, then the answer is yes If your coming from a couple year old G37 Sedan/Coupe, then the answer is maybe/no

Yeah, Hyundai and Kia need to learn more about the dark arts of handling

Porsche is extending their idea of offer many models like on the 911 to the Panamera sedan. Currently, the Panamera is offered as, Panamera Panamera 4 Panamera S Panamera 4S Panamera S Hybrid Panamera Turbo Panamera Turbo S Now, Porsche is adding an eighth Panamera model called the Panamera GTS. The Panamera GTS uses the 4S as a base and builds from there. The 4.8L V8 is modified to produce 430 HP (30 horsepower bump over the standard 4S model) and 384 lb-ft of torque. Porsche's seven-speed PDK sends the power to all four wheels. That means the GTS can reach 60 MPH in in 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 178 MPH. Mechanically, Porsche lowered the body by ten millimeters and added adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management. Brakes come from Panamera Turbo. Cosmetic changes include unique black highlights, adaptive sports seats, a SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and GTS leather upholstery with Alcantara surfaces. Press Release is on Page 2 Porsche Panamera GTS: the Purest Panamera Yet 430 hp, All-wheel Drive and Sports Car Dynamics LOS ANGELES – November 16, 2011 – Porsche today unveiled the Porsche Panamera GTS at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Panamera GTS is the purest expression of a sports sedan in the Porsche family with a clear focus on performance. The new Panamera GTS is based on the Panamera 4S and includes more power, upgraded brakes and a body lowered by ten millimeters with new, sportier chassis tuning coupled to air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). These technical modifications make the Panamera model even more capable of cutting it on the race track without sacrificing practicality. The sportiest of all Panamera models also conveys this to occupants and the outside world by its striking sound. In terms of looks, the new Panamera GTS includes distinctive design features at the front, side and rear as well as black highlights. The interior is also tailored to its sporty personality with adaptive sports seats, SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and exclusive GTS leather interior with Alcantara surfaces. The Panamera GTS is powered by a modified 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering 430 hp at 6,700 rpm, increasing the output over the Panamera S/4S by 30 hp. The maximum torque also increases by comparison, from 369 to 384 lb. ft. At the push of a button, thanks to the standard Sport Chrono package, the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission transmits the engine output to the all-wheel drive system during gear changes without interruption to the power flow. This collaboration enables the Panamera GTS to sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, accelerating on to its top track speed of 178 mph. The 0-60 figures and top speed only scratch the surface of the new Panamera GTS’s sporty character. Its chassis in particular makes it fit for the race track: the adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) connect the chassis and body, constantly adapting to the driving challenges by regulating leveling settings, adjusting height, modifying the spring rate and electrically modulating the damping system. The body has been lowered by ten millimeters and the damping designed to be tauter, which helps agility and further reinforces the sporty personality of the Panamera GTS. Five millimeter wheel spacers between the wheel and the wheel hubs increase the rear axle track width, giving the Panamera even more stability. The required grip is provided by standard 255/45 size 19-inch tires on the front axle and 285/40 on the rear axle. Optional 20-inch wheels are available with 255/40 tires on the front and 295/35 on the rear. Deceleration on the sporty Panamera is provided by the braking system from the Panamera Turbo, which includes larger diameter front brake rotors than Panamera S/4S. Like all other Porsche models, the Panamera is available with the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), featuring brake calipers finished in yellow. The sports car among Sports Sedans The Panamera GTS is the purest member of the Porsche Panamera family. The heart of the new Panamera GTS is its upgraded 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine benefiting from numerous modifications to give it even better performance. Compared with the Panamera S/4S, these modifications result in a 30 hp increase in engine output and an increase in torque of 15 lb. ft. to 384 lb. ft. at 3,500 rpm. To achieve these enhancements, the engineers increased the speed at which the engine reaches peak power by 200 rpm; the GTS’s eight-cylinder engine achieves maximum output at 6,700 rpm. Redline was extended by 400 rpm to 7,100 rpm. The higher engine speed capabilities are enabled by modified valve springs, ensuring that the valves open and shut precisely in all circumstances. In addition to the increase in redline; the engine in the Panamera GTS employs a higher-flow air intake system. At low speeds, flaps close each of the two air intake openings. At engine speeds above 3,500 rpm, both flaps open and allow additional air flow into the inlet duct. In order to be able to handle the increased flow of combustion air, two new camshafts with a one millimeter increase in lift control the intake valves. As a result, especially at higher revs, the engine draws in more air and, with it, the engine makes more power. Hearing performance: Sound Symposer transmits intake noises At the push of the Sport button, driver and passengers can hear the GTS engine “breathing” even more than usual as a ‘Sound Symposer’ directs the intake sounds into the interior. This is accomplished with the addition of an acoustic channel, which picks up the intake vibrations between the throttle valve and air filter. The acoustic channel incorporates a membrane that transmits the vibrations as an engine sound into the A-pillar. A controllable valve located in front of the membrane enables the Sound Symposer to be activated or deactivated by means of the Sport button. Exhaust gases exit the Panamera GTS through a standard sport exhaust system. This exhaust comes with larger diameter pipes to reduce back pressure and black exhaust tips. This too, is another building block toward increased power output, and one which adds additional aural excitement: the sport exhaust system features two tuning flaps, which expose additional exhaust openings, thereby emitting an even more powerful sound. The flaps are controlled by a switch in the center console, which features a “last mode” function that remembers the last setting when the engine is restarted. The control of the GTS engine is handled by modified and upgraded engine controls. The new system has been tuned for improved torque and responsiveness. The modified engine management system also enables a brief shutoff of individual cylinders when changing gears, allowing the engine speed to adjust even faster to the transmission speed. This further reduces gear change times and is accompanied a short, sharp report from the exhaust system, particularly audible when downshifting in Sport mode. Sport Chrono Plus Package for individual sportiness The Panamera GTS comes standard with the Sport Chrono package, which in addition to Normal and Sport modes offers a Sport Plus program as well. Specific characteristics of the Panamera GTS are further accentuated depending on which mode is selected: for example, activating Sport Plus mode enhances gear-shift parameters and throttle response and includes Launch Control for faster off-the-line acceleration. Moreover, in Sport Plus mode the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) stabilization system intervenes later. The Sport Plus mode offers even greater agility with the PSM deactivated. For safety’s sake however it remains on permanent standby in the background, intervening automatically if both front wheels are in the ABS control range. In addition, the adaptive air suspension lowers the vehicle to the low setting and switches to a harder spring rate. The rear spoiler angle of attack also changes to the performance-oriented setting. Options for even greater driving dynamics: PDCC and PTV Plus Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is the final level of development of the Panamera GTS chassis, paired with an electronically controlled rear axle differential lock and PTV Plus. PDCC prevents the body from rolling by using active stabilizers on the front and rear axle to apply a counteracting force. PDCC is further enhanced by Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). The system works by varying the torque distribution to the rear wheels and by employing an electronically regulated rear differential lock, optimizing steering behavior. Braking interventions applied to the inside rear wheel generate an additional rotational pulse in the direction in which the steering wheel has been turned. This results in a direct and dynamic steering action as the car enters the curve. PTV Plus improves steering behavior and precision by modulating braking interventions to the rear wheels when the car is being driven in a highly dynamic way. When entering a corner, braking force is applied to the inside rear wheel as the steering maneuver begins. This imparts greater drive torque to the outside rear wheel and improves the car’s agility. Panamera GTS aerodynamics package The aerodynamics of the Panamera GTS are on par with the Panamera Turbo: with its large air intake openings, the standard front fascia from the Panamera’s SportDesign package emphasizes the vehicle’s sporty dynamics and ensures an optimal air supply for the larger air filters unique to the GTS. This is matched in the rear section by fitting the adaptively deploying four-way rear spoiler from the Panamera Turbo. At speeds of 125 mph and above, it positions itself to generate downforce on the rear axle, thereby ensuring stable driving safety at high speeds. Exterior: Sporty at first glance The exterior features a high-gloss black exterior package as standard, comprised of side window trim, decorative trim on the rear lid, the headlight washer unit cover, the rear diffuser and the side air outlet panels. Together with the black front fascia grills, black side skirts, black lower rear fascia the sport exhaust system’s matte black tailpipes, the resulting appearance is striking. A further point of differentiation: Bi-Xenon headlights with black inner bezels. They feature four LED daytime running lights. Optional paintwork in Carmine Red, available exclusively for the Panamera GTS, emphasizes the vehicle’s sportiness and provides an ideal contrast with the black exterior accessories. Interior: Acceleration display, unique appointments The Panamera GTS includes a lateral and longitudinal acceleration display. The multi-function display in the instrument cluster and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system informs the driver about the instantaneous acceleration. The Panamera GTS’s interior includes leather and Alcantara trimmed seats in a choice of five colors. The standard adaptive 18-way adjustable sport seats feature Alcantara center panels. Alcantara trim is also used on the upper sections of the door armrests and front center console armrest, as well as the roofliner. The SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and a twelve hour marking on the steering wheel combines dynamic looks with sporty functionality. This steering wheel can also be clad with black Alcantara if so desired. To ensure clear differentiation, the front brushed aluminum door entry guards are adorned with “Panamera GTS” lettering. “GTS” lettering is also found in the instrument cluster and on the embroidered headrests. Porsche has put together two special optional interior equipment packages for the Panamera GTS. These packages marry a black interior with decorative stitching on the seats, foot mats, dashboard, door panels, center console armrest and doors, executed in Carmine Red or GT silver. Embroidered “GTS” lettering on the headrests and safety belts is also in the corresponding color. View full article

The current Honda CR-V has been a hot seller for the brand since being introduced back in 2007. Honda knows they have a lot riding on the next CR-V and they hope their effort pays off with the new model shown today at LA. The CR-V exterior gets new sheetmetal which gives the CR-V a more refined look with a sloping roof, revised front end, and new taillights. Inside, Honda has improved interior quality, added more interior space, and quick-stow rear seats. The CR-V's powertrain is the faithful 2.4L i-VTEC four-cylinder, with 185 HP and 163 lb-ft of torque. Honda's five-speed automatic continues on as the only transmission which is a disappointment since competitors have gone up to six speeds. But Honda says the CR-V will deliver very competitive fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon on the highway and 23 mpg in the city for the front-wheel drive model. The all-wheel drive model should deliver an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The CR-V will also come loaded a ton of standard features including Bluetooth, a multi-angle rearview camera and a full-color information display. The CR-V arrives at your local Honda dealer in December. Press Release is on Page 2 All-New, Completely Redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V Debuts at LA Auto Show Popular SUV introduces innovative features for music and SMS texting, new Real Time AWD system debuts, and FWD model achieves 31 mpg highway EPA rating LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 – The all-new, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V debuted today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2012 CR-V introduces an upscale styling direction, greater fuel efficiency, and added features and functionality. The CR-V will go on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on December 15th. With the previous-generation CR-V recognized as a "Top Recommended Vehicle" and having the "Best Retained Value SUV under $25,000" by Edmunds.com, and named top compact crossover SUV in dependability by J.D. Power and Associates, the all-new 2012 model introduces the latest evolution of Honda's successful CR-V formula. Compact on the outside and roomy inside, the CR-V represents an ideal balance for size and capability in the entry SUV segment. The all-new five-passenger CR-V offers improved car-like interior comfort, a smoother and quieter ride, and even more innovative features than the previous model. Powerful and Efficient 4-Cylinder Engine Leading the changes are a more efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque, along with an all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System™. All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD) (an increase of +2/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V), and a compact SUV-class leading 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined (AWD) (an increase of +1/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V). Eco Assist, a new feature on the CR-V for 2012, indicates to the driver when the vehicle is being operated in an efficient style via "green" visual cues surrounding the speedometer, and a selectable ECON Mode alters operating characteristics of the vehicle to support an efficient driving style. New Standard Features New for 2012 standard features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat and a range of standard technology features. New high-tech features on all models include a Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface (previously an available feature), a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. As a first for Honda, every 2012 CR-V includes an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another first is the introduction of a Pandora® Internet Radio interface , compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle's audio controls and i-MID. Model Range The CR-V lineup starts with the CR-V LX model, now with more standard equipment for 2012. The CR-V LX is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, i-MID, remote entry, a 160-watt, a 4-speaker audio system, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). The CR-V EX adds an upgraded six-speaker audio system, power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and more. The CR-V EX-L builds on the rich features of the CR-V EX and adds a leather-trimmed interior, 10-way power driver's seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, 328-watt 7-speaker audio system with XM® Radio and much more. Available features for the CR-V EX-L include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and FM Traffic, or a DVD Rear Entertainment System (not available with Navigation). Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ is an available feature on each model. Design The 2012 CR-V body adopts a more dynamic and sophisticated appearance compared to the previous generation. The CR V's spacious interior layout is more accommodating with a roomy new center console (now standard) and an overall lower cargo floor height for easy loading and unloading. The new Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat makes accessing the full capability of the cargo area much more convenient than traditional folding seats. Each side of the rear seat can fold nearly flat into the front of the cargo area using one of the release levers located near the tailgate, or a pull-strap positioned on the seat side. Safety Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment VSA, an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash. Warranty The 2012 Honda CR-V is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty. View full article