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.

PARIS - The upgraded Kia Soul will get it's first outing at this years French auto Show.

• New Soul variant powered by 201 bhp 1.6-litre T-GDI
• Engine paired with fast-shifting seven-speed double-clutch transmission
• Design complements enhanced performance
• New safety features, and Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ integration
• Upgraded Soul and Soul 1.6 T-GDI on sale in UK from late 2016

Kia has announced details of a range of upgrades to the Soul compact SUV, and the introduction of a powerful new 201 bhp 1.6-litre T-GDI engine variant, the most powerful Soul ever engineered by the Korean brand.

The Soul has received a light update to its exterior and interior design, and is now available with new safety and infotainment technologies. The upgraded Soul and Soul 1.6 T-GDI will be available in the UK from late 2016 and will have its public unveiling at the 2016 Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l’Automobile) on 29 September.

Soup for the Soul: Kia launches new 201 bhp Soul 1.6 T-GDI

Kia has introduced a new version of the Soul to the line-up – the new Soul 1.6 T-GDI.

Powered by Kia’s 201 bhp 1.6-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine from the cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT, the new Soul 1.6 T-GDI is the most powerful Soul that Kia has produced. With the new engine, the car will accelerate from 0-to-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 122 mph and produce CO₂ emissions of 156 g/km.

The engine transmits its power to the front wheels through Kia’s advanced new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (7DCT), providing instant gear changes and decisive acceleration at all speeds. A new Drive Mode Selector – available across the Soul range on models equipped with the 7DCT – lets Soul T-GDI drivers switch between Normal, Eco and Sport modes, each subtly adapting the level of steering assistance available, to allow for normal, light or heavy steering depending on driver preference and driving conditions.

The Soul 1.6 T-GDI is differentiated from conventional models in the Soul range with a series of exterior modifications, including a bolder front bumper and air intake grille design, twin exhaust pipes at the rear, and its own 10-spoke 18-inch aluminium alloy wheel design. Completing the sportier appearance of the T-GDI model are red highlights to the front bumper and side sills.

Kia has also made changes to the interior of the Soul 1.6 T-GDI. The powerful new model features its own distinctive cabin colour scheme, with black cloth and leather upholstery paired with orange stitching. A D-shaped steering wheel and orange highlights throughout the cabin, including orange metal paint on the gearstick, add further purpose to the design of the Soul 1.6 T-GDI’s interior.

The Soul 1.6 T-GDI is available with larger brakes than the standard Soul. The car is fitted with 17” ventilated front discs, the solid rear discs remain the same size. The revised brakes reduce the stopping distance of the Turbo model slightly, to 35.3 metres when stopping from 60 mph (down from 35.5 metres), with the changes primarily made to ensure fade-free braking power under consistent use.

Design and technology upgrades to the Kia Soul range

The Kia Soul range has received a series of upgrades to further enhance its appeal among buyers.

These include updates to its exterior appearance, with remodelled front and rear bumpers with a metallic skid plate for a more robust appearance. The Soul’s front bumper houses optional bi-function HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights with LED daytime running lights, and an updated finish to Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille. The rear of the car features newly-designed fog lamps and reflectors for greater illumination for following road users.

The ambience of the cabin has also been enhanced with the introduction of new gloss black and metallic highlights and switchgear. In addition, new exterior features emphasise the car’s compact SUV credential with a gloss black finish to front and rear wheel arches, and a body kit for front and rear bumpers and side sills on selected models.

New technologies will further enhance the appeal of the Soul, with buyers able to choose from Kia’s latest 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment HMI (human-machine interface). The new HMI systems provide smartphone-style touchscreen control over the audio-visual navigation system, and is available with Apple CarPlay™ (for iPhone 5 or newer) and Android Auto™ (for Android 5.0 Lollipop or newer) for full smartphone integration. The new HMI systems also house a rear-view parking camera, and a new USB port has been added to the rear of the cabin, allowing back-seat passengers to charge mobile devices on the move. The front passenger seat is also now available with eight-way power adjustment, and drivers can benefit from new rain-sensing windscreen wipers and, in models equipped with 7DCT, the new Drive Mode Selector.

Safety is also improved in the Soul with the adoption of Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for the first time, giving drivers better all-round visibility on motorways and during low-speed parking manoeuvres.

2017 Kia Soul and Soul 1.6 T-GDI on sale in UK from late 2016

The upgraded Kia Soul and the new Soul 1.6 T-GDIwill be available from Kia’s UK dealer network in late 2016 following its unveiling in Paris. Full UK specification and pricing will be released at launch.

ITALY - The Renault Espace gets its Italian free previews, and it is a stunning car.

• New Renault Espace will be presented to the public in the coming weekend of June 6 and 7.

• Thanks operation First Class Journey, Renault, in partnership with Europcar will offer 3 to 16 June a first class travel for business men of Rome or Milan 

With the Italian premiere earlier this year, the New Renault Espace is now available from our sales network  and will be presented to the public in the coming weekend of June 6 and 7.

During the marketing, Renault, in partnership with Europcar (Europe's leading car rental and mobility services), presents the project FIRST CLASS JOURNEY through which you can experience a 360° with the new large crossover, in fact, they will be available at major stations of Rome and Milan, offering free of charge to all who wish to experience on board this new crossover can take advantage of a transfer to the desired destination with a real courtesy car service.

It will also be possible to drive directly to the car to be able to personally test the benefits of a relaxing drive, selecting the COMFORT mode with the command Multi-SENSE® or the thrill of driving dynamics by selecting the SPORT mode.

Fun to drive, agile and dynamic, New Renault Espace offers amazing emotions in all travel situations, transforming each trip into a real experience of traveling in First Class Driving, thanks to Renault's Multi-SENSE® system, you can coordinate all the available technologies on board, such as the 4Control® combined with suspension control for maximum driving pleasure. 

Even as a passenger you can experience the trip in first class by selecting the atmosphere light and sound board, or enjoying a relaxing massage or energizing always chosen by the command Multi-SENSE®.

Bookable at booth this exposure in the station or on the website www.nuovoespace.it , the fleet will be available every day from 9 am to 22 at the Stazione Termini in the period 3 to 9 June and from the Milan Central Station in the period from 11 to 16 June.

According to Francesco Fontana Giusti , Director of Communication and Image Renault Italy "after the success of #GuidaTu proposal, always in partnership with Europcar, of New Renault Twingo, Renault once again offers an unusual and original way to experience the unique benefits that our great crossover offers thanks to a unique Multi-SENSE® both passenger by motorist. 

The spirit of the project also fully embraces the basic philosophy that distinguishes New Espace: taking advantage of the courtesy car service or directly driving the car, you can dedicate yourself every minute of their time reconciling the senses sooner or later a business meeting or simply to return home after a trip. 

Even in this experience New Renault Espace gives due importance to time, making every moment unique and unforgettable. "

"We are delighted to renew our partnership with Renault for the initiative FIRST CLASS JOURNEY starring the New Renault Espace, a model already available in our fleet" - adds Riccardo Mastrovincenzo , Trade, Marketing & Direct Sales Manager of Europcar Italy - "The versatility of this car fully reflects the concept of flexibility just Europcar and confirms our focus on constantly renew our fleet of cars, which is divided into modern cars, environmentally friendly and 'for all occasions''.

Translated by Google - Apologies for any errors.