Obvious Speed

Four-Door Porsche Panamera

Obvious Magazine — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:20:12 +0000

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 powertrain. 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 nonhybrid 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 carswith U.S. News' Car Reviews.

AHH! Fresh Air: Toyota Prius

Obvious Magazine — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:28:11 +0000

2010 Toyota Prius

Since the debut of the second-generation Toyota Prius in 2003, the quintessential gas-electric hybrid has risen from a niche product to become Toyota’s third-best-selling model in the United States. The car inspires a cult-like devotion from its drivers. Satisfaction rates, consistently at about 98 percent, are unparalleled.

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 powertrain 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.)

Speed Racer

Obvious Magazine — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:41:55 +0000

by J. Keri Ward, Editor-in-Chief

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 midsize 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!