Everyone knows what a Porsche looks like, right? Curvaceous little two-doors with their rear-mounted engines have been on American roads since the 1950′s, and their shape hasn’t changed much during that time.

But a new car on the way from the famous Porsche design studios in Stuttgart changes all of that. The iconic little 911 isn’t going anywhere, but it is getting a front-engine, four-door big brother for 2011. The Porsche Panamera has had a lot of Porsche enthusiasts up in arms since it was first rumored a few years back. But the first pictures of the car have emerged — along with crucial mechanical details – and reaction has been decidedly split. Some are horrified. Others are starting to wonder if Porsche might just pull off this sport sedan thing after all.

Autoblog reports that the images are “already polarizing enthusiasts the world over.” A prominent hatchback rear is the source of most of the controversy. Other styling elements seem generally well-accepted. “The most striking detail on the profile shot is the indentations leading from the front fenders, aft of the wheels, into the doors,” Autoblog notes. “But the jury is still out on the Panamera’s bulbous back end.”

Motor Trend tries to explain the feature. “You need to understand two important things about the Panamera’s development,” they write. “First, Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking, who’s 6ft 2 in., insisted he had to be able to sit comfortably in the back seat. Second, it had to look like a Porsche. Those two facts drove the entire program — and are the reason why the Panamera looks slightly awkward in profile.”

Jalopnik simply says that it isn’t going to sell as well as Porsche wants it to because of its appearance. “Porsche is planning to sell 20,000 Panameras globally each year,” they write. “Given the sedan’s unique look, the production numbers seem quite optimistic.”

“As for the performance,” Car and Driver reports, “We know Porsche’s going to bring it in a big way, with engines ranging from a 300-hp V-6 to a 500-hp turbocharged V-8-and later, a hybrid power-train. Those engines are likely the same basic units found in the Cayenne, and judging from the models shown in the official photos-a Panamera 4S and a Panamera Turbo-the nomenclature should carry over as well. A six-speed traditional manual or Porsche’s superb seven-speed PDK automated manual will be available on the non-hybrid models. And like the Cayenne, the Panamera will be available with all-wheel drive.”

It may need every one of those horsepower. Its dimensions are larger than those of the BMW 7-Series, though it may not weigh as much. Motor Trend reports, “Insiders insist extensive use of materials such as aluminum and magnesium mean the car will be among the lightest large four doors in the business.”

It enters a crowded market. Last year there were few four-door cars produced by Europe’s legendary performance shops, apart from the Maserati Quattroporte. But the Panamera hits the market in the same year as the Aston Martin Rapide, and, perhaps, the Lamborghini Estoque. Each of those cars has also been received with reservations by enthusiasts – but neither features anything as controversial as the Panamera’s rump.

Research the best super-luxury cars with U.S. News’ Car Reviews.

The third-generation 2010 Toyota Prius, officially unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January 2009, went on sale in April. The updated Prius is bigger and more powerful. The engine grew from 1.5 liters to 1.8 liters—giving a boost in horsepower from 110 to 160, and thereby reducing zero-to-60 time by a full second. In addition, the body is about four inches longer and about an inch wider. Despite the added power and size, the 2010 Toyota Prius becomes the only vehicle available today to offer 50 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving.

Toyota achieved this level of fuel efficiency by keeping the vehicle’s weight down, maintaining the best aerodynamics of any production vehicle in the world, and re-engineering the power-train to extend the range of all-electric gas-free driving. (Despite rumors over the past year, the new Prius does not offer plug-in capabilities and continues to use nickel metal hydride batteries, rather than switching to lithium ion batteries.)

Prius Exterior

Toyota added a slightly sportier feel and more aggressive stance to the 2010 Prius—perhaps to disarm criticism that the Prius looks like a corrective appliance on wheels. The logo shifts from the hood to the top of the point of the grille. The crease in the doors has shifted lower, but a more pronounced angle is added above the door handles. The overall effect is to make the 2010 Prius stand taller—not as rounded and squat—as its predecessor.

The distinct space-age shape of the Prius is still apparent: a deliberate effort by Toyota to maintain the Prius’s essential and iconic appearance. Its large, diamond-cut headlamps and snub-nose front-end are the starting point for the Prius’s quasi-flying saucer appearance. The angled hood seamlessly flows into the windshield, then to a flowing roof-line that is sleek and low. Short overhangs and a sawed-off rear section finish off the hybrid’s futuristic hatchback character.

Of course, beauty is subjective, so the Prius continues to receive mixed reviews on outward show. There are many who think the Prius looks gimmicky, if not entirely ugly. But for many hybrid owners, the distinctive look of the Prius sends a message, which declares that we must take steps to reduce our voracious thirst for oil—with all its negative consequences in terms of the environment and geo-politics. For this camp, the Prius is like a middle-finger-on-wheels aimed at Hummers, Suburbans, Escalades, and the like.

In 2006, the toy and game-maker Hasbro added a game token in the shape of the Toyota Prius to the “here and now” version of Monopoly. In other words, the Prius is an official icon of our times.

Bells and Whistles

The previous Prius had loads of gizmos—including keyless entry, joystick shifter, high-tech energy monitor, and a rear-view camera system. Toyota throws even more technology at the new model.

For the first time, the Prius offers a moon-roof and heated seats. The sliding glass moon-roof, packaged with a slick-looking solar panel, provides power to a new ventilation system that doesn’t require help from the gas engine. Not only does the AC system keep the interior air temperature from heating up when the vehicle is parked (thus reducing the time/energy needed to cool things down), the system can be operated remotely to heat or cool the cabin before getting into the car. (That’s a neat trick even if the rooftop solar panels don’t produce enough energy to power the wheels.)

Three driving modes are now available: Power, Economy and EV. Power improves throttle response; economy reduces throttle response for better gas mileage; and with a flip of the dashboard EV button, the car can go about one mile at low speeds without using any gasoline.

An optional radar system using advanced millimeter waves enables “Lane Keep Assist” to help the driver stay safely within the lane, and the “Pre-Collision System” retracts seat belts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable. Intelligent parking offers settings to help guide the Prius into parking spaces. A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system.

The new touch sensor system on the steering wheel helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road. Images of the switches and their positions are shown on the instrument panel directly in front.

Prius Interior

The past success of the Toyota Prius has been its ability to combine great fuel efficiency and utter practicality. Five adults can fit comfortably, with more than 16 cubic feet of cargo room left over in back. The 60/40 split rear seats also can be folded flat, creating a surprisingly large cargo space for hauling groceries, strollers, large boxes, and gardening supplies—all at the same time.

Short and tall drivers should feel equally comfortable behind the wheel. The back seat is roomy, beating the Toyota Camry by a few inches and providing a little more legroom than the Civic Hybrid—and a lot more than found in the Honda Insight.

Interior storage spaces are abundant and flexible. The sound system is adequate, but not groundbreaking compared to other cars in this class. The stereo’s most-used functions are easy to see, read and use. Many of the Prius’s standard features are either optional or unavailable on comparably priced competitive vehicles.

Some Prius drivers complain that the hatchback design limits the visibility through the rear window. They refer to this drawback as the “Prius blind spot.”

You have to take a test drive to see how it feels to you. The new generation’s rear view has improved a bit, even if the backseat headrests and spoiler continue to partially obstruct the view. Hatchback visibility makes some people crazy and is a non-issue for others. Take a test drive to see what you think.

Source: Hybridcars.com

One of my greatest passions is something that has rolled off numerous assembly lines worldwide for centuries now. Yes, automobiles have been a love of mine since at least the age of 2, when my parents finally translated my muffled, really fast statement from the backseat of our 1983 Nissan Maxima, ” luka-dat-bad-cah”. He’s saying, “Look at that bad car!” yelled my dad…after months of trying to figure it out. Since then, I’ve known everything there is to know about every car, truck, van & SUV that’s roamed the roads of America & abroad.

Therefore, I find it my civic duty to inform our Obvious family about everything I know on the subject! In this issue however, we’ll just highlight a couple of my personal all-time favorites. There’s no better vehicle to start with than the benchmark of excellence in entry-level luxury cars. That’s right people… the BMW 3 series. Updated for 2010, the 3 series remains the car other automakers strive to achieve compatibility to. As to be expected, it’s offered in a sedan, wagon, coupe and hardtop convertible. Also a first for BMW this year, the automaker will, introduce to the US market the 335d. This diesel -powered car will be the most fuel efficient of the 3 series family. Just in time considering the economy, it offers a great amount of torque.

The 3 series sedan and coupe models this year are offered in the 328i and 335i, in rear-wheel drive. The 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive editions are all-wheel drive. As an owner of my now third 3 series, it’s safe to say this year’s car still gives the Mercedes C class, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, and Lexus IS something to aspire to.

As we move up in size and price range, Jaguar finally offers a noticeably different vehicle to join the mid size luxury sports sedan lineup. The XF is a strikingly bold expression of Jaguar’s commitment to change, and moving in an upward and forward- thinking direction. It boasts luxurious materials both inside and out, while given strict attention to detail. The XF joins the likes of Mercedes’ CLS, and Porsche’s Panamera in the trend of the ‘four-door coupe’ segment. For those looking for more power, there’s the supercharged 5.0 liter V8 XF-R. This is the car that Jaguar will use to aim for the likes of the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and the Audi S6. The XF-R sports a body kit, four huge exhaust tips, 20-inch wheels, and a new and different front bumper than the original.

In the XF demo I was given to test for a month, I noticed first… (after I carefully fit it into the garage) the uniqueness of the interior. The controls are pretty easy to find, and fairly simple to understand and use. My favorite interior features were the ‘disappearing effect’ of the air conditioner vents. When they’re not in use, the vents are covered and have a smooth, solid brushed nickel look that blends into the rest of the dashboard. I also liked the one of a kind shifter. It rises from the center console after you press the start button to turn the car on. I was quite surprised at the handling of the XF, since Jaguar in my opinion has historically been more about fluff and less sport. Also, the XF was surprisingly quick on its feet as I sped up the Dallas North Tollway. I didn’t know what to expect from such a large car (at least, in my opinion), but the XF was quite impressive. With Jaguar’s new relationship with Tata Motors, the Mumbai, India based car automobile company who acquired the subsidiary in March, 2008… I’m looking forward to seeing what Jaguar brings to the sport luxury car segment in the near future.

Finally, for the SUV lovers… I must admit, one of my favorite automobile companies has done it again. The 2010 Audi Q5 derives from the platform of the current A4…and I’ll just say it. It’s hot! This also happens to be the crossover that will lead the segment of all-wheel-drive, gasoline powered crossover vehicles in the US. Topping in its category, the Q5 achieves 18 mpg city, and 23 mpg highway. As usual with Audi, the Q5 is offered in three different options. The black, which is the standard, the S-Line which will offer a slightly sporty appearance, as well as an off-road package with underbody protection and 19-inch wheels.

This is the only vehicle of the today’s three that I haven’t had the pleasure of driving. However, after owning an Audi previously I know to expect only great performance in true European sporty style from the Q5. Considering its size (and the fact that it’s the younger cousin of the butt ugly Q7), I was surprised at how roomy the Q5′s interior is. The slope in the roofline is just … well, sexy! Maybe I’m the only person that’s into LED tail-lights right now… but, this year I think we’ll see them on anything that’s considered remotely decent in the luxury car/crossover market. The LED tail-lights of the Q5 have an upward sweeping motion that gives it a really smooth and modern appearance. Audi has also beefed up their navigation in the Q5 with the Audi Navigation Plus that features a 7 inch LCD screen with a 40 gigabyte hard drive and digitally enhanced graphics.

There are so many more vehicles I’d like to talk about… but, Obviously… there’s always another issue to come. Remember, to speed and not get caught!

Story by J. Keri Ward

LOTUS sport coupes have always been a fiberglass fantasy in my motor maven day dreams, so these days all I can muster is a test drive. In the more affluent realm auto aficionados, the Lotus EVORA rivals the Porsche Cayman in size and price, but maneuvers in the league of extraordinary luxury with the Maserati’s and Ferrari’s of the world. As a company, Lotus extends engineering advice to the likes of SAAB, Chevrolet, and Saturn automobile manufacturers through their patented Ecotec engine technology which reduces the motor noise levels and vibrations, a commonality with race engineering. Yet EVORA is the sports coupe that willingly stays in its on lane. Similarly to the poise and panache that surrounds a fresh faced fashion model; the “the made you look” effect that EVORA extends to its driver is more than a red carpet notion.  Through functionality and form, LOTUS has finally created a work to weekend wonder speed that offers an olive branch to the battle of the sexes. The interior length and width is accommodating for two 6-foot tall adults, as well as, back row seating for children, pets, or the occasional shopping bag (s)… As you dash to your next photo shoot, you can slide into the driver’s seat in your tallest stilettos and take the long way to the studio. Enjoy the open road in the LOTUS EVORA; you’ll be glad you did!

Specifications:
VEHICLE TYPE: Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $75,000
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 211 cu in, 3456cc
Power (SAE net): 276 bhp @ 6400 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 258 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 101.4 in Length: 170.9 in Width: 72.8 in Height: 48.1 in Curb weight: 3050 lb
PERFORMANCE (MFR’S EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.5 sec @ 105 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 162 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 19/28 mpg

Source:*Specifications and Images sourced from www.caranddriver.com

Story by Raygon Fields