Porsche Panamera

The Supervisory Board and the Board of Management of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, gave their approval today for the development and production of another Porsche model line. To be called Panamera, the new car will be a premium-class sports coupe with four seats, four doors, and a choice of front-mounted engines driving the rear wheels.

Scheduled to enter the market in 2009, the Panamera will be the fourth model line from the Stuttgart carmaker following the 911®, the Boxster® and the Cayenne®. The new car's name is derived from the legendary Carrera Panamericana long-distance race.

Production of the Panamera is to be in Leipzig, where Porsche already builds the Cayenne SUV and the Carrera GT® supercar. The final decision will require further detailed talks between the Board of Management of Porsche AG and the Management of Porsche Leipzig GmbH with representatives of the employees. Porsche's total investment in the new model line, including development, will be more than Euro 1 billion and will come entirely from the company's own funds. Expected sales are at least 20,000 units a year.

'The Panamera is a perfect fit for Porsche,' said Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, the President and CEO of Porsche AG. 'It has all the typical DNA characteristic of a genuine sports car. In terms of performance, design, and driving dynamics, it meets Porsche's high standards in every respect. Through this sports coupe we are making our customers a highly attractive offer in the top performance segment.'

Porsche will develop and build the Panamera using the company's own resources. 'We will be developing a separate platform for our fourth model line at our Weissach R&D center,' said Wiedeking. 'There are no plans for a joint venture with another car maker, but to ensure the profitability of this new model line we will cooperate more closely than so far with selected system suppliers.'

Production of the Panamera in Leipzig would potentially create some 600 new jobs there. In the course of the project, approximately 400 more new jobs will be created at Porsche's original plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, where the engines for the fourth model line will be built, and at the Weissach Development Center.

Like the 911, the Boxster and the Cayenne, the Panamera will bear the 'Made in Germany' stamp of quality. Domestic share of the Panamera's overall assembled value will be approximately 70 percent.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 208 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

Hamann Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

- Aerodynamic-components provide impressions of racing motor sports
- double-pipe stainless steel rear silencer
- Wheels 'Edition Race' in 20 inch
- Carbon-look interior set
- Complete interior kits to customer preferences on individual basis

It looks like a Stealth-Bomber on four wheels. It is one of the most masculine looking sports car and it is fast. The Lamborghini LP640 through its appearance gives a clear impression it's not just for show. Hamann decisively set its goal to send a clear message and sharpened the Italian steer's horns. Hamanns modifications through look, driving dynamics and sound create a distinct difference.

Maintenance of road contact is most essential when one is pushing a super sports car to the limit. To achieve greater downforce on the front and rear axle Hamann offers a front spoiler as well as a rear wing. Whoever prefers to show their affiliation to motor sports can order the parts in Carbon-Kevlar instead of the fiberglass version.

Hamann applies further aerodynamic components in form of a two-part rear diffuser with additional air hoses for the extendable side air intakes, side sills as well as a two-part front wing and Carbon-pendants for the original side intakes in the sills in front of the rear wheels. Furthermore, a central running air box on the roof brings back memories of past Lamborghini Diablo GT-R days. Naturally, these parts are also available in Carbon-Kevlar or fiberglass.

Impressive sound and stunning rims

The Hamann double-pipe stainless sports rear silencer (2x120mm end pipes) emits a sound similar to that generated from race tracks announcing the arrival of the blood-curdling steer. Positive side effect; an even sportier rear look. Export customers can extend their exhaust system with a Hamann sport metallic catalytic converter.

Also for individualization of vehicles within this high performance calibre, a choice of new wheel design is inherent. Hamann suggests its own creation 'Edition Race'. This multi-pieced, forged light alloy metal wheel with black wheel spider, 'Y' spoke design, Titan bolts and high polished rim flange utilized for Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 comes in the combination 8,5Jx20' front and 13,0Jx20' rear. As expected, Hamann also offers here a complete wheel set with typical tires sizes 235/30 ZR 20 (FA) und 325/25 ZR20 (RA).

Hamann prepares the cockpit of the Super-Lambo providing even more sports racing atmosphere. For this, the tuners from Laupheim, Germany offer an 8-part carbon-look interior set. The race car look is established through instrument cockpit bordure, the air bleed jet, the gear shifting panel as well as the cigarette ashtray console. Naturally, Hamann offers each Lamborghini customer preferred alterations on an individual basis. For instance, extravagant leather furnishing in a variety of colours is possible or additional of multi-media articles.

Story by Hamann at: supercars.net

Fast Cars, Super Cars

For the rich and famous it seems to be a statement of success when they own the very expensive fast and super cars. These fast, super cars will usually be found in areas such as Hollywood, Las Vegas, or New York since these are the places where the rich and famous usually work and live. In other countries you might find royalty and upper members of government sporting these cars but few members of the working class will ever have the money to buy one.
Fast Cars, Super Cars – Looking At The Models
The exotic Ferrari Modena is a popular Ferrari model which offers a six speed transmission, a V8 engine, and will get about 11 to 16 mpg. With a price tag of $152,000, this car is capable of doing 189 mph and reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
One of the top of the line super cars, which is also a fast car, is the Lamborghini. The current Sypder is considered to be one of the most popular super cars available. Voted as the most beautiful car in the world, the Spyder sports a V10 which reaches a speed of 195 mph with the roof up and 191 mph with the roof down. It comes with a price tag of $195,000. Its lightweight aluminum frame allows the car to reach faster speeds and it can do a quarter mile in 12.2 seconds, reaching a speed of 122 mph.
If you want to come down a little closer to earth you might want to take a look at the Dodge Viper. It also offers a V10 which can reach speeds of 190 mph, will do 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, and a quarter mile in 11.9 seconds. The Viper is rated for 10 to 20 mpg and comes with a price tag of $80,000. This makes the Viper a super car which is a fast car with a more affordable price tag.
A never-ending classic super car is the Corvette which is put out by none other than Chevrolet. This American icon has been around for several years and continues to improve with age. Available in a coupe or convertible, you can choose from several color combinations. You also have the choice of a 6 or 7 liter engine, and the starting price is about $66,000. These cars have withstood the test of time and continue to be one of the most popular sport cars on the market today.

About the Author:
Gavin Drake is a self confessed "Petrol Head" and loves fast cars. He races in a number of championships in the U.K and runs Fast Cars Info.Com where fellow petrol heads can come chat, share photo's and catch up on the latest automotive news.

2008 Audi R8

Audi ventures into uncharted territory with the all-new R8. The first look at this car came three years ago in the form of a concept called the LeMans Quattro Concept. The production car has not changed much from the original.When it launches later this year, the R8 will boast a powerful 420-horsepower V8 engine positioned behind the passenger compartment.
There is rumor that the 500-horsepower V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo will be available in the R8 sometime in the future, but at this time it is still only a rumor.
The R8 is built on the aluminum Audi Space Frame, designed to be both lightweight and very rigid, ideal qualities for a high-performance sports car.
The powerful V8 combined with the lightweight chassis give the R8 a reported 0 to 62 mph time of just 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph.
Of course, being an Audi, all that power is distributed evenly to the road through all-four wheels via the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Unlike many supercars, the R8 was designed for everyday use, with comfortable seats and plentiful cargo space. Not only can luggage be stored under the front hood, there is space for as many as two golf bags behind the seats.

Deliveries of the R8 will begin in the fall of 2007.

I love this car: Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the smallest of the new range of Astons, being a 2 seater with an 8 cylinder engine, whereas the bigger stable mate DB9 is a 2+2 seater with a 12 cylinder engine. The V8 Vantage’s attractive price just in between the Porsche 911 Carrera and 911 Turbo positions itself ideally for an every-day-use sports car. The V8 Vantage has a powerful 4.3 litre 380 bhp engine, which is unique to Aston Martin. Developed for flexibility as well as outright performance, the front mid-mounted V8 also delivers an outstanding aural experience, with a potential maximum speed of 280 km/h (175 mph). Extraordinary engine power is not the only reason for the superb performance of the V8 Vantage. Just as important is its lightweight, all-alloy structure, which offers class-leading strength and rigidity. The front mid-engined layout – the dry sump lubrication system allows the engine to sit low – and rear-mid transmission help provide optimum front to rear weight distribution as well as a low centre of gravity. The result is exceptional agility and inspired balance and handling.

The design brief for the V8 Vantage dictated a style that could not be anything else but Aston Martin. Elegant, yet with a controlled aggression. Perfectly proportioned, with a low purposeful stance. Modern, yet incorporating classic Aston Martin design cues. Like all Aston Martin sports cars, it is simple, understated and beautiful. Outside, the V8 Vantage displays beautiful sports car lines, while maintaining a unique identity. Inside, its traditional craftsmanship is matched to striking 21st century style. Hand-trimmed in the finest quality materials, the cabin is that of an authentic sports car. Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver – it's a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars.

This new V8 has been specifically designed and developed for the V8 Vantage. Hand-assembled at Aston Martin's new, purpose-built engine facility in Cologne, Germany, it is a light, compact, all-alloy unit – high-performance, yet responsive even at the lower end of the rev range. Its maximum torque is an impressive 410 Nm (302 lb ft) @ 5000 rpm, 75 per cent of which is delivered at just 1500 rpm – barely more than idle – making the V8 Vantage extremely tractable and great fun to drive. Push harder, and the V8 engine revs freely, delivering refined, exhilarating pace. The V8 Vantage is a pure two-seater, a car dedicated to providing the most exhilarating driving experience possible, but that doesn't mean it is not practical. As well as a generous rear shelf, ideal for soft bags and holdalls, there's another, surprisingly large, luggage area. It is large enough for two golf bags or luggage for a holiday in style.

Engine: V8 Vantage: 4.3L V8
Horsepower: 380 bhp / PS
Top Speed: 175 mph (280 km/h)
Peak torque: 410 Nm (302 lb-ft)
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.8 sec (0-100 km/h in 5 sec)