William Maley

Previous Page Next Page Almost half a year has passed since Porsche introduced the second-generation Panamera to the world, the German automaker will be introducing two new Panamera variants at the LA Auto Show. First up are the entry level Panamera and Panamera 4. Both models get a new 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine producing 330 horsepower, an increase of 20 horsepower over the outgoing base V6. Porsche says the new engine is also more fuel efficent, though fuel economy numbers were not revealed. Second is the long-wheelbase variant dubbed the Executive. Compared to the standard Panamera, the Panamera Executive's wheelbase is 5.9 inches longer. Executive models get a large panoramic roof, heated seats, rear adjustable seats, and adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Options include a large rear console and a rear entertainment system. The Executive is available on the Panamera 4, Panamera 4S (440 horsepower), Panamera 4 E-Hybrid (462 horsepower), and Panamera Turbo (550 horsepower). The Panamera, Panamera 4, and Executive models will go on sale next year. Source: Porsche Press Release is on Page 2 Debut of the Panamera Executive models, as well as the Panamera and Panamera 4 Stuttgart. Porsche is continuing to expand the model range of the new Panamera: At the Los Angeles Auto Show, the sportscar manufacturer will be presenting the luxury saloon with a new 243 kW (330 hp) V6 turbo petrol engine, along with an extended Executive version as yet another body option. The new V6 turbo is a highly efficient and agile entry-level addition to the impressive range of engines. Power is up by 20 hp from the corresponding engine of the previous Panamera generation. At the same time, Porsche was able to reduce the consumption of this completely redeveloped six-cylinder petrol engine by up to 1.0 l/100 km. The new 330-hp engine is combined with rear-wheel drive in the Panamera and all-wheel drive in the Panamera 4, plus a long wheelbase in the Panamera 4 Executive. While the Panamera and Panamera 4 with 330 hp redefine what can be expected at the entry-level end, the Executive models of the big Porsche, with their 150 millimetre longer wheelbase, expand the body and equipment portfolio at the top end of the model line. Designed as a chauffeur saloon, this Porsche is available in the all-wheel drive versions Panamera 4 Executive (243 kW / 330 hp), Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive (340 kW / 462 hp), Panamera 4S Executive (324 kW / 440 hp) and Panamera Turbo Executive (404 kW / 550 hp). The new Porsche Panamera Executive versions are equipped even more exclusively. The standard features are supplemented with a large panoramic roof, heated comfort seats with multi-way electrical adjustment in the front and rear and adaptive air suspension with an electronically controlled damper system (Porsche Active Suspension Management / PASM). The roll-up sunblind behind the headrests in the rear also comes as standard. The standard equipment of the Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive is even more comprehensive: Among other things, both models benefit from rear-axle steering and soft-close doors. As the most powerful model, the Panamera Turbo Executive is equipped with standard features such as four-zone climate control, LED main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and ambient lighting. As an option, all Porsche Panamera Executive models are available with a newly developed, large rear centre console, which can also be equipped with two integrated folding tables and an inductive antenna connection for an additional smartphone, depending on the market. Similarly to the existing Panamera models, the exterior of the Executive versions can be further individualised with a Sport design package. Another useful equipment option, particularly for the Executive versions frequently used as chauffeur saloons in China and the USA, is the latest generation of Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment. The 10.1-inch displays integrated in the backrests of the front seats can be detached for a wide range of uses; when needed, they transform the rear of the Panamera into a fully digitalised workplace. The high-quality displays can also be used as tablets outside the vehicle. With regard to the model line, the fully redeveloped second generation of the Panamera was introduced in the summer of 2016. The four all-wheel drive models Panamera 4S, Panamera 4S Diesel (310 kW / 422 hp), Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Panamera Turbo are already available on the market. With the addition of the new 330 hp versions and the Executive models, the Porsche Panamera range now comprises ten different models with power outputs from 330 to 550 hp. Previous Page Next Page View full article

As sales of compacts and sport cars begin declining, automakers are faced with tough decisions as to what in terms of production and workers. General Motors made the difficult decision to lay off 2,000 workers at two plants. Bloomberg reports that GM will be cutting the third shift at their Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan (home to Cadillac ATS, CTS, and Chevrolet Camaro) and a shift at Lordstown, Ohio plant (home to the Chevrolet Cruze). GM spokesman Tom Wickham said the company is treating the layoffs as permanent, although some workers will be able to transfer to other plants. The layoffs are due to sales of compact and sports cars going down due to consumers buying more crossovers. Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze dropped 20 percent through October, while the Camaro has seen a drop of 9 percent. On the same day, General Motors announced a $900 million investment for three plants - Toledo Transmission Operations, Bedford Casting Operations in Indiana, and Lansing Grand River. Wickham said this investment would not add any new jobs. Source: Bloomberg, General Motors Press Release is on Page 2 General Motors today announced initiatives to strengthen and align its production output at key U.S. manufacturing operations. The plans include investing more than $900 million in three facilities — Toledo Transmission Operations in Ohio, Lansing Grand River in Michigan and Bedford Casting Operations in Indiana — to prepare the facilities for future product programs. GM also announced plans to align production output with demand for cars built at the Lordstown, Ohio, and Lansing Grand River, Michigan, assembly plants. As the customer shift from cars to crossovers and trucks is projected to continue, GM will suspend the third shift of production at both facilities in the first quarter of 2017. View full article

Ford will be debuting the redesigned EcoSport subcompact crossover next week in Los Angeles. This information was revealed by rapper DJ Khaled last night on Snapchat who would be helping out with the introduction. “Monday I’m introducing the Ford EcoSport. It’s going to be a world premiere with the new Ford EcoSport,” said Khaled in the video. A Ford spokeman comfirmed to Automotive News that they would be showing the EcoSport next week, but didn't say anything about a possible sales date. The EcoSport is Ford's entrant in the growing subcompact crossover class. The crossover has been sold around the world since the introduction of the second-generation model back in 2013. Former CEO Alan Mulally said that the EcoSport would eventually come to the U.S. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article