Tag Archives: Porsche
The 2015 Porsche Macan
Taking aim at the X3, Evoque and GLK, Porsche finally took the veils off its smaller luxury SUV scheduled to slot beneath the larger and more expensive Cayenne. The 2015 Porsche Macan was put into the light at the 2013 LA auto show. The long-awaited SUV’s revelation gave excellent preview of its petite body. As most of you might have expected, Macan’s front facade and much of its side profile looks like a scaled-down version of the existing Cayenne. And as a matter of fact, Cayenne’s lines work even better on this smaller body of Macan. Interestingly, at the back, a single-piece light bar replicates the taillight design used on the 911 sports car. 2015 Porsche Macan a chic and slick car and will be a great hit when it makes to production.
Macan, the name pronounced as “ma-chan” – an Indonesian word for “tiger”, was earlier rumored to be built off the same platform used for the Audi Q5 and was supposed to be sharing many of the mechanical and powertrain components of its corporate cousin. However, they de-Audi-ied the Macan into something sportier! When it launches, the Macan will offer two models – S and Turbo. Each of the models is powered by a twin turbocharged V6 engine. While the Macan S utilizes a 3.0 liter unit the Turbo gets a burlier 3.6 liter grunt. The S is sufficiently powerful churning out 340 horsepower but the Turbo takes it away with its whopping 400 ponies. Both the models come standard with an all wheel drive as well as a seven speed PDK dual clutch automatic transmission. A torque vectoring function of the rear axle is optional. According to the brands early performance estimates, the 2015 Porsche Macan S can reach 60 mph from rest in a sprint time of 5.2 second, while the 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo is capable of doing the same in a mere 4.6 seconds. Top speed is an impressive 156 mph for the S and 164 for the turbo.
All of the above performance comes in a package that is 2.1 inch longer in length and sits 0.2 inch lower and stretches a negligible 0.2 inches between its axles as compared to the Audi Q5. Also, holding on to the mantra of keeping it sportier, 2015 Porsche Macan is an inch wider than the Audi. However, the baby Cayenne still retains the Q5’s five-link front and trapezoidal link rear suspension, buts adds a variety of spring and damper choices.
The company’s Volkswagen parents thought that Porsche really needed a small crossover since a growing product portfolio is the best path to global profitability. Also a sure niche existed for a performance-themed small luxury crossover such as the Macan, as the segment’s current leaders – the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, the Cadillac SRX, the Mercedes Benz GLK Class and the Volvo XC60 – don’t stray much beyond practical. Expected to go on sale soon, the 2015 Porsche Macan will probably be priced around in the mid $45,000 range. A fully loaded 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo could even cost up to a massive $100,000 as told by Nick Twork, a Porsche Cars North America spokesman.
The 2014 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition
Taking a quick dip into precious metals is something automakers love especially for naming purposes. Porsche prefers platinum as it announced a new special edition for the cayenne. The Platinum Special Edition for the Cayenne reminded all the SUV lovers about the 2011 SUV of the year while the baby Cayenne, Porsche Macan was getting the entire buzz lately. On sale in January, the 2014 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition is anticipated to bring back the glory and attention to the model in its fourth year.
The 2015 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition V-6 will start at $64,295 while the diesel variant will cost about $67,895, including destination. Earlier the model was not taken a big note of since it seemed to be a proposal exclusively for Europe, but then the brand announced its availability in North America as well. For all the supposed cache that is usually associated with the Platinum moniker and the fact that this is a limited edition, Porsche is applying it here only on V-6 powered Cayennes. That includes both the gas version with 300 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque, and the diesel variant, which is good for 240 horsepower and a healthy 406 pound feet or torque in U.S. spec. Both the versions would be mated to an eight speed Tiptronic S Transmission.
The most popular “extras” from the brand, all get packed into this limited edition luxury of Platinum Cayenne. Headlining the list are the Bi-Xenon headlight, Power Steering Plus, park Assist fore and aft, and paparazzi-foiling dark glass for the rear seat passengers. The Platinum Special Edition Cayenne stays calm and classy on its exterior mostly with decent plays of blacks and whites along with Meteor Gray Metallic and interestingly, or rather contradictory-sounding, Mahogany Metallic. This limited edition vehicle rolls on 19-inch Cayenne Design II wheels.
Following the trend that prevails on the above the sheet metal, the Platinum Cayenne is similarly simple under the sheet as well. Porsche has “reserved” a Black/ Luxor Beige two tone interior for the Platinum. The owner gets to choose between a partial or (optional) full leather interior with the appropriate floor mats and entry guards. The SportsDesign steering wheel sports shift paddles while all the headrests are embossed with the Porsche logo. Another feature that comes as standard is Porsche’s communication management system with its seven inch touchscreen, navigation, and 11-speaker Bose audio system.
Interestingly, the current hot topic from the brand, which is the 2015 Porsche Macan S, still remains the powerful one. And the fact prevails that it is not at all difficult to price a 2015 Porsche Macan S in the mid to high $ 60,000 range which gives rise to a rather fascinating query that whether the market is going to boom for the more powerful Macan S with a few options or will people would drool over the platinum bathed, more practical and larger Cayenne Platinum Edition. The question remains unanswered till the Platinum Edition Cayenne hits the stores; however, the silver details on this limited edition SUV do make it rather tempting.
Aston Martin Tries to Make Impression on the SUV Market With the Lagonda SUV Concept
After all the automobile giants like Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, etc. luxury car makers have also decided of making their way into the segment and bring for the SUV world some of the most luxurious (and expensive!) SUVs ever seen! After the news of Bentley, Rolls Royce and Lamborghini stepping into the category, we couldn’t think of any other but Aston Martin, who had signed a deal with Mercedes – AMG some time back.
Aston Martin first revealed its Lagonda SUV Concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, which was not liked very much by the SUV world as critics as well as SUV lovers did not really develop a liking for the vehicle. The company realized that there would have been a lot of changes to be made before they could expect good sales result after launching the SUV. A thing to be noticed is that this was before the company signed the deal with Mercedes – AMG. With access to the latter’s excellent engineering and electronic assets, Aston Martin has planned of making the Lagonda all different. One of the largest changes to be made is that the Lagonda will now feature Mercedes Benz GL Class platform. Earlier it sat on the Mercedes Benz M Class platform.
All that Aston Martin is going through for the Lagonda SUV Concept reminds us of Porsche’s story which happened during the launch of the Cayenne. The SUV was also highly criticized during its concept period. People accused the Cayenne of being ugly as per Porsche standards. However, after the release of the SUV, Porsche reported huge rises in sales, and the Cayenne turned out to be a huge success. A lot of people are saying that the Lagonda is extremely ugly, especially since Aston Martin has presented gorgeous vehicles like the DB9 and the One – 77 to the world. However, the performance and luxury quotients of the Lagonda are unquestionable! It’s an Aston Martin after all!
As far as the engine is concerned, we’re pretty sure that the company will put in a 6000cc V12 engine in the SUV. Lagonda will definitely be a four wheel drive vehicle, and will share motors with the legendary Aston MartinDB9. One admirable thing about the Lagonda is that the SUV will come with a wode number of available powertrains, and customers will be given a choice as per their will. One will be able to choose from a diesel variant, petrol as well as a hybrid option. This facility combined with the capabilities of the all-wheel drive system that comes with the Lagonda makes it a very potential vehicle for off road experiences!
We agree that the exteriors of the car are not as good as is expected from the company, but they have definitely set a new bar when it comes to luxurious and elegant interiors. However, Aston martin will definitely face extreme competition as it is entering a segment where giants like Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, etc. have already made deep impressions. Beating legendary SUVs like the Cayenne, Touareg, Q7, etc. would definitely be very tough. We would love to see how the improved Lagonda fares in the SUV market.
2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel – Stronger Than Ever!
If your appetite for speed and insane power is yet to be fulfilled, then prepare yourself for the new 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel! Porsche has planned to launch the new 2013 model of the Cayenne S with a powerful diesel engine, which will make the SUV faster and better than ever!
Porsche’s Cayenne is a very popular 5-seater SUV, which has always been a darling among SUV lovers. It has always featured strong engines, but the new 2013 Cayenne S Diesel now boasts a much stronger 4200cc twin-turbocharged V8 engine! This is enough to make even the most insane speed freaks’ hearts pump frantically! The Cayenne has enormous power of 381 horsepower and staggering torque of 626.9 lb. ft.! Porsche’s own supercar, the 911 Turbo S features a torque of 516 lb. ft.! Porsche’s older Cayenne model featured a 3600 cc engine, and produced torque of 295 lb. ft. Now we know how insane the new Cayenne’s engine is! The system working behind this is the unique torque management that Cayenne incorporates. Torque produced by the engine is mostly used by the rear wheels, and is sent to the front only when an absolutely mandatory condition arises.
Further, the engine is capable of thrusting the Cayenne to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometres per hour approx.) in about 5.7 seconds! If you were thinking that the top speed approachable by the Cayenne won’t be very much, then you’re wrong, as the machine is capable of reaching a top speed of 157 miles per hour (252 kilometres per hour approx.)!
Porsche hasn’t bought about any notable changes in the car’s design and looks. It looks just like the old petrol version, but on close observation you will notice the different front grills. The new Cayenne has black ones, and the air inlets are much more prominent than before, giving Cayenne a very aggressive and stylish look. Also, Porsche realised that the braking system needs to be enhanced for the new 4200cc engine. Consequently, Cayenne now features a new braking system, which has a direct impact on the handling of the vehicle. Yes, you now have a much stronger engine with greatly increased handling! The improved braking system and the little improvements, accompanied by the strong engine make the new Cayenne much better than before!
Everything about the Cayenne is convenient! You will be getting a 100 litre fuel tank with the SUV, which is huge enough for the longest of car trips. The car claims an average of 34 miles per gallon. Throw in some mathematics and you will know that you will have to get your tank filled only after 700 miles!
About Porsche: Porsche is one of the largest automobile makers in the world, and has manufacturing plants in a number of countries. Although it is a German-based company, it sells its products all over the world and every continent on earth. Owned by the Volkswagen Group, Porsche has shown immense growth over the course of time.