The New Porsche Panamera gets a new name, tweaked looks, better power-plants & oh yes, a hatchback !

Porsche is expanding the Panamera family with the addition of a new body style: The all-new Panamera Sport Turismo will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show (March 7 - 19, 2017). 

Four different versions will be available for ordering in the U.S. at launch: Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and the Panamera Turbo. Based on the successful sports sedan, the new Panamera variants make a profound statement in the premium segment with their unmistakeable design. 

At the same time, the Sport Turismo, with up to 550 hp, is one of the most versatile models in its class. With a large tailgate, low loading edge, increased luggage compartment volume and a 4+1 seating concept, the new Panamera model offers the perfect combination of everyday usability and maximum flexibility. 

"For Porsche, the Panamera Sport Turismo is a step forward into a new segment, but retains all of those values and attributes that are characteristic of Porsche", says Michael Mauer, Director of Style Porsche.

From a technological perspective, the Sport Turismo is available with all of the innovations introduced with the brand new Panamera model line announced last year. 

These include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, the advanced assistance system Porsche InnoDrive, Porsche Communication Management (PCM), adaptive cruise control, and turbocharged powertrains.  Chassis systems such as Rear Axle Steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC Sport), the electronic roll stabilization system, are also available. 

In addition, all Panamera Sport Turismo vehicles are equipped with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) — an active all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, and adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology as standard.

The design and concept of an all-round sports car

Just like the coupe-style Panamera sports sedan, the Sport Turismo is characterized by its very dynamic proportions — a reflection of the Porsche design DNA. 

The vehicle is 198.8 inches long, 56.2 inches high and 76.3 inches wide, while the wheelbase spans 116.1 inches. The silhouette is further characterized by short body overhangs and large wheels measuring up to 21 inches.

Beginning from the B-pillars back, the Sport Turismo features a unique rear design. Above the pronounced shoulder, an elongated window line and equally long roof contour lend the vehicle its striking appearance. 

At the rear, the roof drops away less dramatically than the window line, resulting in a prominent and distinctive D-pillar which transitions into the shoulder section in a coupe-like fashion.

First adaptively extendible roof spoiler

At the top of the vehicle, the roof extends into an adaptive spoiler. The angle of the roof spoiler is set in three stages depending on the driving situation and selected vehicle settings, and can generate an additional downforce of up to 110 lbs. on the rear axle. 

In normal driving, the aerodynamic guide element — a central system component of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) — stays in its retracted position with an angle of minus seven degrees, which reduces drag and thus optimizes fuel consumption.

At track speeds, the roof spoiler automatically moves to the performance position with an angle of plus one degree, thereby increasing driving stability and lateral dynamics. When in the Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, the roof spoiler automatically moves to the performance position at speeds in excess of 55 miles per hour. 

PAA also provides active assistance by adapting the roof spoiler's angle of inclination to plus 26 degrees when the panoramic sliding roof is open at speeds above 55 mph. In this case, the spoiler helps to minimize wind noise.

Redesigned rear compartment

The new Sport Turismo is the first Panamera to feature rear seating for three passengers. 

The two outer seats take the form of individual seats — in keeping with the model line's reputation for sporty performance with maximum passenger comfort — thereby producing a 2+1 configuration in the rear. 

As an option, the Panamera Sport Turismo is also available in a four-seat configuration with two electrically adjustable individual seats in the back.

The raised roof line of the Sport Turismo allows for easy entry and exit at the rear of the vehicle and offers excellent head clearance. The usability of the luggage compartment benefits from the wide opening tailgate and a loading edge height of just 24.7 inches. 

Measured to the upper edge of the rear seats, the  18.4 cu.ft storage capacity of the Sport Turismo (Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: 15 cu.ft) betters that of the sports sedan by 0.7 cu.ft. 

When loaded up to roof level and with the rear seats folded down, the gains amount to approximately 1.8 cu.ft (50 liters). The backrests of the three rear seats can be folded down together or individually (in a 40:20:40 split) and are unlocked electrically from the luggage compartment. 

When all of the backrests are folded down, the loading floor is practically level. In this case, the storage volume is expanded to up to 49 cu.ft (1,390 liters) (Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: 45.7 cu.ft).

A luggage compartment management system is available as an option for the Panamera Sport Turismo models. Among other things, this variable system includes two rails integrated in the loading floor, four tie-down points, and a luggage compartment partition net.

Four engines at market launch

The Panamera Sport Turismo models will be available with the four engines launching with the sports sedan, and they consequently maintain the same 0 to 60 acceleration figures. 

The Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 generating 330 hp, and it will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds with launch control. The Panamera 4S Sport Turismo reaches 60 mph (with launch control) in 4.0 seconds and is powered by a 2.9 liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. 

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is powered by the same combustion engine as in the 4S, and it has an additional 136 hp electric motor which in combination propel it from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds. 

The Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo reaches 60 (with launch control) in 3.4 seconds and is powered by a 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 generating 550 hp.

Availability and pricing

The MY18 Panamera Sport Turismo models are expected to arrive in the United States at the end of 2017. 

Prices will start at $96,200 for the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, $104,000  for the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, $109,200 for the Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, and $154,000 for the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, excluding the $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fee.

Most powerful Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic joins 2017 line up with Semi-autonomous driving features

• Most powerful Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic joins 2017 line up
• Semi-autonomous driving features and connected-car technology
• Innovative off-road and towing systems
• On sale from Q4 2016, with prices starting from £76,350 for the TDV6 Vogue with SVAutobiography Dynamic starting from £132,800

For 2017, Range Rover, the world’s most successful luxury SUV with over a million sales worldwide receives a suite of advanced semi-autonomous driving technologies and the introduction of the new Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic.

Epitomising Range Rover luxury and performance, the new SVAutobiography Dynamic model is the most powerful, most dynamic production Range Rover to date. 

The SVAutobiography Dynamic marries the finest attention to detail with elegant and luxurious materials including diamond quilted leather seats, contrast stitching and a knurled finish rotary shift controller and pedals.

Powered by a 550HP V8 supercharged engine, the SVAutobiography Dynamic, through specially configured suspension, delivers the ultimate combination of performance and handling without compromising Range Rover’s peerless comfort and refinement delivering a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds.

2017 Range Rover technologies in detail:

Range Rover continues to cement its peerless all-terrain capability through a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Standard driver assistance technologies include Rear Park Distance Control, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). 

This intelligent technology uses a forward facing camera to detect a risk of collision and warn the driver initiating full emergency braking if the driver fails to respond.

The additional ‘Drive Pack’ includes existing features such as Blind Spot Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition and Reverse 

Traffic Detection, and new technology including Intelligent Speed Limiter, which uses the Traffic Sign Recognition hardware to automatically adjust the vehicle speed to meet the prevailing speed limit.

Also included in the Drive Pack is Driver Condition Monitor which analyses data such as steering inputs and road speed, as well as taking account of the time of day, to warn against driver fatigue.

The ‘Drive Pro Pack’ takes the features of the Drive Pack and adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Intelligent Emergency Braking. 

Range Rovers fitted with Drive Pro Pack also benefit from Blind Spot Assist which automatically applies counter steering if the driver begins to change lane into the path of a following vehicle, and Lane Keep Assist which provides gentle, corrective steering input if it detects the vehicle is drifting across the white lines.

Advanced Tow Assist takes any anxiety out of the difficult task of reversing while towing a trailer. Using the vehicle’s existing Surround Camera System, this technology enables drivers to guide a trailer into position with minimal effort. 

By following the trajectory lines overlaid on an image from the rear-facing camera displayed on the central touchscreen, Advanced Tow Assist is able to automatically steer the vehicle to follow the path selected by the driver using the dash-mounted rotary Terrain Response selector.

Low Traction Launch is a manually selectable driving mode designed to assist drivers when pulling away from a standstill on slippery surfaces such as wet grass, snow or ice. By controlling the amount of torque that can be applied by the driver, the system reduces the likelihood of wheelspin to maintain traction and ensure smooth acceleration.

The feature can be accessed independently through the central touchscreen and the driver is prompted to engage Low Traction Launch whenever Grass/Gravel/Snow mode is selected using Terrain Response 2. The system remains active until the vehicle reaches 30km/h.

The introduction of Jaguar Land Rover’s ‘InControl Touch Pro’ infotainment system delivers improved satellite navigation functionality and connectivity. 

The fast, intuitive operation is augmented by the new larger 10-inch dual-view* touchscreen display, alternatively users can choose to enhance their view of the navigation system by selecting to convert the digital display behind the steering wheel to a full-screen view of their route and map, increasing visibility and minimising distraction from the road ahead.

As part of an ‘InControl Connect Pro’ pack, InControl Touch Pro incorporates a series of new app services to Range Rover. 

InControl Remote Premium allows customers to remotely control vehicle functions such as activating the climate control to cool or heat the car ready for departure, set and deactivate the alarm, and even start the engine. 

The app will alert owners if their vehicle alarm has been triggered.

Additional InControl Touch Pro Services include live apps that can be downloaded to provide information such as headline news, weather reporting and flight tracking.

InControl Touch Pro also features ‘door-to-door routing’, an intelligent, multi-device system that navigates users to their destination whether they be on foot or behind the wheel, thanks to a Land Rover-dedicated smartphone Route Planner app.

‘Commute mode’ automatically learns frequently-used routes and recommends the most efficient route dependent on live traffic data, then shares the driver’s destination, arrival time and current location with friends, family and colleagues via a live messaging system through the driver’s smartphone.

Additional Engine Choice

In addition to the existing engine line-up, UK customers will have the option of specifying Jaguar Land Rover's 3.0 litre V6 supercharged petrol engine. The V6 achieves 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque combined with CO₂emissions of 248g/km. Effortless acceleration and power delivery produces a 0-60 time of 7.1s. 

The 3.0 litre V6 engine features lightweight all-aluminium construction and combines supercharging with direct-injection and variable intake, and exhaust valve timing to deliver exceptional throttle response, linear power delivery and a unique soundtrack. A single balancer shaft enhances smooth-running and refinement befitting the Range Rover badge.

Unique colours and finishes:

The level of personalisation available for 2017 Model Year Range Rover is taken to new heights with the introduction of new exterior finishes available through Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division.

19 new colours give customers more choice of metallic and pearlescent colours, widely available in either gloss or satin matte finishes. The additional palette ranges from traditional shades to bolder, more contemporary choices.

New SVAutobiography Dynamic in detail:

The SVAutobiography Dynamic is the most powerful production Range Rover to date. Its potent 550HP 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine is shared with the acclaimed Range Rover Sport SVR. 

The engine has been specifically calibrated and delivers 680Nm of torque, powering the SVAutobiography Dynamic from 0-60mph in only 5.1 seconds with a top speed of a 140mph. 

It is paired with ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission for seamless gear changes and supreme performance.

Mark Stanton, Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “The Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic has been specially developed by the Special Vehicle Operations team to deliver a more engaging driving experience. It delivers the ultimate combination of performance and Range Rover luxury, befitting its unique position in the portfolio.”

Jaguar Land Rover’s SVO division has fine-tuned the suspension to achieve the optimum combination of performance and comfort. Revisions to the knuckles, links, springs and dampers provide a lower ride height (8mm lower than standard) and more immediate responses.

SVAutobiography Dynamic also features two driver-focused technologies designed to deliver improved body control and agility. 

Dynamic Response improves vehicle handling and occupant comfort by reducing the amount of body lean during cornering. The system controls the front and rear axles independently, delivering increased low-speed agility, superior high-speed stability and greater steering precision. 

Adaptive Dynamics monitors vehicle movements up to 500 times a second, reacting to driver inputs and changes in the road surface to provide greater control without compromising Range Rover’s peerless refinement.

The Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic is identified by a series of unique exterior features. 

The side vents, bonnet finisher, grille, front bumper accents, ‘Range Rover’ script and tailgate finisher are all finished in Graphite Atlas. Customers have a choice of 21 and 22-inch alloy wheel designs, as well as three unique finishes. 

The SVAutobiography Dynamic is also the first Range Rover available with eye-catching red brake calipers and Brembo brake technology.

The interior takes Range Rover to new heights of desirability and refinement. Diamond quilted leather seats with contrast stitching are available in four exclusive colourways, offset by Grand Black veneer front fascia and door casings and flashes of red to interior details and paddle shifters to denote its dynamic characteristics.  

In addition, key features, such as the rotary shift controller, start stop button and pedals have a knurled finish.

In keeping with its more purposeful character, the SVAutobiography Dynamic features bright chrome quad tailpipes that have been optimised to enhance its distinctive V8 soundtrack.

*Dual-view features on Vogue SE models and upwards

Porsche pushes out the boat with the World Premiere of the new Panamera Sports Saloon.

Porsche CEO Oliver Blume presents the latest generation in Berlin

On Tuesday, June 28th, Porsche celebrated the world premiere of the new 2017 Panamera in Berlin accompanied by a spectacular display of lights, music and choreography. Over 300 international media representatives – as well as guests from business, sports and the entertainment industry – were able to view the second generation of the sports sedan for the first time. 

The new 2017 Porsche Panamera, which has been redeveloped from the ground up, combines two contrasting characteristics better than ever before: it offers both the performance of a sports car and the comfort of a luxury sedan.

"We have tapped into the segment of luxury sport sedans with the Panamera. Since it launched in 2009, over 150,000 units of the Panamera have been sold. 

The new model represents a completely redeveloped automobile – with new engines, a new design and new technologies. Furthermore, we are now manufacturing the second generation of the vehicle entirely at our Leipzig production site. 

To this end, we have invested a sum of 500 million Euros – which includes a completely new body manufacturing facility," Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, emphasized.

The design language of the new Panamera creates a link to the Porsche 911 through its even more dynamic flyline and by using specific design elements of the iconic sports car. 

"An observer will immediately recognize the coupé-like roof line, but it is much 'faster', even more dynamic and includes a new side window look that emphasizes the coupe-like side view even more," said Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche AG, who explained the design objectives that were set for the new model. 

"The new Panamera can be identified as a Panamera at first glance, but also as the new Panamera. 

Its strengths have been reinforced, its weaknesses have been eradicated and above all its distinctive character has been preserved."

The new twin-turbo engines of the Panamera are more powerful than before, and thanks to the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK II) they are up to 16 percent more fuel-efficient according to the New European Driving Cycle. 

The Panamera will launch with two engines: the 550 hp Panamera Turbo and the 440 hp Panamera 4S. Both models will be equipped with all-wheel drive as standard.

To provide an even larger spread between supple ride comfort and agile handling, the Panamera now offers features such as the new three-chamber air suspension, rear axle steering and the new electronic 4D Chassis Control chassis management sys-tem. Many new assistance systems also enhance ride comfort as well as safety.

In the new Panamera, Porsche is also introducing a future-oriented display and control concept. The new Porsche Advanced Cockpit with its smartphone-like user interfaces and configurable LED screens impresses with its intuitive functionality. 

Furthermore, the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM 4.1) offers an entirely new range of connectivity by its intelligent digital functions and online services. 

In the new Panamera, Porsche Connect is being introduced in all models. It extends existing vehicle functions by adding digital services and apps such as those used to control certain vehicle functions remotely by smartphone – and others to make more efficient use of the driver's time on the go.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc. | One Porsche Drive, Atlanta, GA 30354 USA

Established in 1984, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche 911, Boxster, and Cayman sports cars, the Macan and Cayenne SUVs, and Panamera sports sedans. 

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia since 1998, PCNA is also home to the first Porsche Experience Center in North America featuring a module-based 1.6 mile driver development track, business center, human performance center, and fine dining restaurant. PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide parts, service, marketing, and training for 188 dealers. 

They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand's 65-plus year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. PCNA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

At the core of this success is Porsche's proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.

Jaguar North America has announced that the Jaguar XJ sedan has received the highest Total Quality score in the Luxury Car Segment.

Jaguar North America is pleased to announce that the Jaguar XJ luxury sedan has received the highest Total Quality score in the Luxury Car Segment, according to the 22^nd annual Strategic Vision Inc (SVI) Total Quality Impact™ (TQI) released today. This recognition demonstrates Jaguar's commitment to producing vehicles that buyers judge high in perceived quality and emotional delight.

Total Quality Impact™ is a complete measure of the total ownership experience. Buyers are asked to rate all aspects of their buying, owning and driving experience. 

This accounts for a wide variety of aspects, including customers' commitment to advocacy and vehicle loyalty. 

The score is a holistic measure that encompasses positive and negative product experiences including reliability, actual problems, driving excitement and other measures that are collectively energized by the emotional response associated with the aggregate of all those experiences - hence Total Quality.

"We are honored that the Jaguar XJ has received this accolade by Strategic Vision," said Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. "This recognition is a testament to the quality and performance of Jaguar vehicles and represents the essence of what the Jaguar brand stands for."

As the flagship sedan within the Jaguar model line-up, the Jaguar XJ is technologically advanced and luxuriously appointed. Receiving its mid-cycle refresh for 2016, the full-size Jaguar XJ sedan is available with three powertrain options - a 340 hp supercharged V6, a 470 hp supercharged V8 and a 550 hp supercharged V8 - offered in both standard and long wheelbase lengths in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. 

The 2016 XJ is bolder and more assertive with enhancements that include an imposing, more upright front grille, more powerful full LED headlamps and eye-catching new tail lamps. 

In addition, all 2016 Jaguar models come equipped with Jaguar EliteCare¹ a best-in-class ownership package offering a new vehicle limited warranty with complimentary scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance and Jaguar InControl® Remote & Protect™. MSRP starts at $ 74,400².

¹ Class is cars sold by luxury automobile brands and claim is based on total package of warranty, maintenance and other coverage programs. For complete details regarding Jaguar EliteCare coverage, please visit www.jaguarusa.com, call 1.800.4.JAGUAR or visit your local Jaguar Retailer.

² All prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for details.