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(from Vorsteiner Press Release) V-PT

• V-PT Front Bumper Package
• V-PT Side Skirts
• V-PT Rear Bumper Package
• V-PT Ducktail Spoiler
• V-PT Titanium sport Exhaust
• V-309 3-Piece Concave Forged Wheels
• Michelin PS2 Performance Tires

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Are you thinking what Afzal Kahn is thinking?

Bradford/England, April 2011 – Project Kahn’s discerning customers have often pushed Afzal Kahn to produce a Porsche which is not only visually appealing but sportier and aggressive.

And the result of Afzal Kahn’s flirtation with the Porsche Panamera offers an overwhelming driving experience designed to make you want to reach out and drive this absolutely stunning vehicle.
Packed with a whole new breadth of excitement, with every external modification serving to coax greater performance – Afzal Kahn has taken the Porsche Panamera to a whole new dimension.
So comfortable, it is almost indescribable, yet the Project Kahn Panamera’s extended silky outline is immediately recognizable with an outstanding styling package consisting of a Kahn lowering suspension system, slightly modified rear bumper, bullet side vents, sports exhaust and unique RS-600 wheels.

Another unique feature of this model is the amazing interior which has been upgraded to a magnificent level with A. Kahn Design’s customary blend of leather, carbon and wood proving to be a real sensation!

You do not need to even worry about the Panamera’s 3.6 v6 engine. Since this is one of the best engines made today, Afzal Kahn decided tuning options for this particular vehicle are simply not viable, for the time being anyway.

Featuring Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) developing maximum output of 300 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm – the V6 engine sits snugly beneath the sleek bonnet and, following the Porsche tradition, the Panamera transmits its power to the road via the rear wheels and comes as standard with active all-wheel drive.

Project Kahn has a tradition of making super-sport versions of successful models. As one of the UK’s leading design houses, we recognise the importance of staying true to the original design themes of cutting edge luxury vehicles, while evolving them to achieve a new and dynamic appearance.
If you are on the same wavelength as Afzal Kahn- call Ian Sanderson on + 44 (0) 1274 74 99 99 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              + 44 (0) 1274 74 99 99      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              + 44 (0) 1274 74 99 99      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              + 44 (0) 1274 74 99 99      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

E: Ian@kahndesign.com

Specification:

The Project Kahn Porsche Panamera is priced at £73, 875

Jet Black
Black Leather Interior
Multi Function Steering Wheel
Black Piano Wood Inlays
Sports Chrono Package Plus
P.C.M
Bi-Xenon Headlights
Park Assist Front and Rear
Porsche Vehicle Tracking System
Privacy Glass
Heated Seats
Floor Mats
KAHN RS-600 Alloy Wheels
KAHN Suspension System
KAHN Billett Side Vents
KAHN Black Satin Exhaust Finish

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Stuttgart. With its new top model in the Gran Turismo model line, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is raising the bar for sporty four-door cars in the luxury class by yet another notch. The new Panamera Turbo S is a unique combination of performance and efficiency, driving dynamics and comfort. The 4.8 litre, V8 biturbo charged engine delivers 550 hp (410 kW), ten percent or 50 hp (37 kW) more than the already very powerful engine in the Panamera Turbo. By the same token, the torque also increases from 700 to 750 Nm. In the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” mode of the standard Sport Chrono Package Turbo and during kick-down in normal mode, the eight cylinder engine delivers fully 800 Nm with the so-called overboost function.

The power pack is behind the new top-of-the-range Panamera’s record sprint times. Thanks to Launch Control, 100 km/h (62 mph) is reached in 3.8 seconds; the top speed is 306 km/h (191 mph). Despite the increased performance, fuel consumption remains at the moderate level of the Panamera Turbo – yet another example of “Porsche Intelligent Performance”. In the NEDC the Gran Turismo covers 100 kilometres (62 miles) on 11.5 litres of fuel. Fuel consumption falls to 11.3 litres per 100 km (25 mpg imp.) when fitted with the 19 inch, all-season tyres with optimised rolling resistance developed for the Panamera by Michelin.

The increased performance compared with the Panamera Turbo can be attributed to two main enhancements: Improved turbochargers with titanium-aluminium turbine wheels and modified engine control. The use of the innovative titanium-aluminium alloy reduces the weight of the turbine and compressor wheel. This results in a lower moment of inertia and thus in improved and more agile engine responsiveness.

Even for a top luxury class model, Porsche’s new top-of-the-range Panamera boasts an extraordinarily comprehensive equipment level. In keeping with the sporty concept of the high-performance Panamera, it features the most important driving dynamics control systems as standard. For example, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), an active roll stabilisation system, nips in the bud the vehicle’s tendency to lean when cornering, thus enhancing agility and comfort in equal measure. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) applies a variable torque split to the rear wheels combined with an electronically controlled rear differential lock, thus ensuring superior traction and therefore greater agility in every driving situation. The steering system uses the speed-dependent Servotronic. The Sport Chrono Package Turbo, which tunes the suspension and power unit, making them even sportier by pressing the additional “Sport Plus” button, is also fitted as standard, as is the sports exhaust system for an even more emotional engine sound.

The sporty character of the new Panamera Turbo S is apparent not just in its performance but is also reflected on the exterior. The 20-inch Turbo II wheels with increased rear axle track width, side skirts from the Porsche Exclusive range and the adaptive extending four-way rear spoiler in the exterior colour ensure particularly sporty performance and look. The fusion of exclusivity and sportiness is conveyed in the interior by the bi-colour leather finish, fitted as standard. The new combination of black/cream is offered exclusively for the new Panamera Turbo S with agate grey/cream also being added as an exclusive combination from the autumn.

The Panamera Turbo S costs 167,076 euro in Germany, including VAT and country-specific equipment. Deliveries start in June 2011.

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(from Edo Competition Press Release) Panamera Turbo from edo competition

Moby Dick with 750 PS: edo competition presents the most powerful Panamera Turbo
with a host of goodies

A Panamera Turbo doesn’t distinguish itself as the most understated looking vehicle on the road, but edo competition takes it a step further still.

So far the specialist company from Ahlen in Westphalia has mainly had sports cars from manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche in its order books, but now edo competition has taken on a four-door sedan from Porsche, and completed a customization project incorporating numerous upgrades.

An important visual ingredient is the aerodynamics package from Mansory, which was installed on customer request. The new rear valance provides a lot of room for the high performance exhaust system developed by edo competition, featuring four large stainless steel exhaust tips and butterfly valves.

The edo electronic lowering module offers precise handling and improved vehicle dynamics. The new 22 inch wheels do their part to enhance the Panamera’s athletic appearance. If desired, the wheels can be custom painted to match the exterior of the vehicle or to provide a contrast.

The main focus, however, was on performance.

It’s not that a stock Panamera Turbo is short on power, but if a customer asks for an extra helping, edo competition is more than happy to accommodate these wishes and come up with a professional solution.

After a development time of almost two years, the technicians have finalized an engine that is – in contrast to the efforts of others – not the result of a project with ever-increasing power targets and a multitude of tweaks, but one that was designed for big power from the outset. The output of the Panamera’s twin-turbo V8 was increased from 368 kW / 500 hp to 551 kW / 750 hp, enabling the four-door sedan to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds, and to achieve an electronically governed top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph), depending on the tires used.

As part of the engine modifications, the exhaust system was also completely redesigned. The revised tips complement the design of the new carbon fiber rear valance and a fantastic exhaust note adds to the driver’s enjoyment.

An upgraded interior provides the finishing touch. In order to perfect the visual and sensory aspect of the product, edo competition also devotes attention to interior upgrades. According to the customer’s wishes, leather and fabric are combined with the finest wood, lacquer, metal or carbon fiber surfaces. All of it custom made and therefore unique. Perfect stitching on dashboards and seats as well as personalized interior accents showcase world-class craftsmanship. Steering wheels, consoles, pedals, seats or a complete interior; virtually everything can be tailored to the customer’s tastes.

All modifications are carried out exclusively at edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen.

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(from TechArt Press Release) The TECHART GrandGT based on the Porsche Panamera – World Premiere in Zürich

Based on the Porsche Panamera, the TECHART GrandGT combines all of the features, for which TECHART is known, into one program – exceptional sportiness in combination with unique comfort. The masculine and extravagant level of the Panamera individualization will celebrate its world premiere at the Auto Zurich Car Show from November 11 to 14, 2010.

Exceptional Character – Visible and Invisible

Original TECHART programs have always stood for highest quality. This fundamental principle has been incorporated in TECHART’s new exterior package for the Panamera without any compromises. The consistent and intelligent use of selected high-tech materials and a unique style of design ensure that the TECHART GrandGT leverages its exceptional character.

Hidden Qualities: The Material

GT – uniquely sporty, which is embodied by the program not only in design. The GrandGT internalizes it as well. The exterior package consists of a fiber-reinforced composite based on carbon, glass-fiber-reinforced plastic and polyurethane RIM components. These materials are primarily used in motor sports and are distinguished by their extraordinary product characteristics. The exterior components of the TECHART GrandGT program are remarkable, among other things, thanks to an impressive dimensional stability, great strength and low intrinsic weight.

Impressive Appearance: The Design

The TECHART GrandGT favors a spectacular performance. The TECHART-typical exterior design catches the eye of onlookers immediately. The powerful front bumper with integrated splitter and large ventilation intakes, for an improved supply of fresh air to the intercooler and an optimum cooling of the brake system, flawlessly underlines the dynamic contours. TECHART-typical: the sporty four-seater’s suitability for everyday use. The multifunctional daytime running lights that are integrated in the front bumper give the Panamera not only a distinctive appearance. It combines daytime running lights, position lights, parking lights and turn signals as LED system unit in a common housing and integrates seamlessly in the design of the Panamera’s front. An additional design highlight is the TECHART Aero engine hood that is constructed of high-quality carbon fibers, with integrated air outlets for an optimized regulation of the heat balance in the engine compartment and which impressively completes the GrandGT program for the Panamera’s front end.

Powerful side skirts and flared fenders increase the width of the Panamera by 21mm on each side of the front axle compared to the standard vehicle and 42mm on each side of the rear axle, resulting in a wider track and thus improved cornering abilities. Typical TECHART: attention to detail. Headlight trims or trim slats for the side air outlets made of high-quality polyurethane RIM set elegant highlights on the side of the vehicle in individual colour combinations and emphasize the dynamic appearance of the GrandGT.

The design of the rear end incorporates the front’s design and emphasizes the unique character of the GrandGT – sporty, confident and masculine. In combination with the TECHART roof spoiler, the much larger rear spoiler compared to the first Panamera Program, results in even less lift at the rear axle and greater driving stability and active safety – even at high speed. An additional GrandGT design feature: the distinctive rear apron with integrated air openings and matching diffuser. The oval dual tail pipes of TECHART’s sporty exhaust system, which are fully integrated in the vehicle’s rear end, optimally complete the exterior tuning package. As an alternative, a sporty exhaust system with valve control can be selected – for audible more sportiness.

Exceptional Sportiness: The Performance

Taking a look under the Aero-engine hood, the GrandGT is still impressive. The TECHART Engine styling package consisting of carbon fiber cylinder-head covers with an embossed TECHART logotype as well as accentuating highlights in flash red is demonstrating the power of the car already in standstill. The TECHART powerkit TA 070/T1 boosts the power output oft the 4.8 l twin-turbo engine from 368 kW to 426 kW. The generated torque increases from 700 Nm to powerful 830 Nm. Pushing the standard sport button the Panamera has a significant increase of performance and driving dynamics. The TECHART engine management TECHTRONIC comes up with a number of impressive product features. The intelligent electronic power management convinces with quick and easy installation as well as maintaining the electronic engine protection features and the vehicle diagnostics and servicing. Like every factory-new TECHART product, the high quality standard of the TECHART powerkit is backed by a two-year limited warranty. Furthermore TECHART grants an additional warranty on damages at engine or gearbox if caused by the TECHART powerkit.

Consistent design and inimitable style – this also applies to the original TECHART wheels. No matter which of the three wheel designs the customer will choose, besides attractive standard colour variants, all TECHART wheels are available in individually matched custom colours. For the TECHART GrandGT Program the TECHART Formula light alloy wheels are available in 20- and 21-inch, the TECHART Formula II design in 22-inch and the TECHART Formula III forged light alloy wheels in 21- and 22-inch.

Unique Comfort – The Interior

The passion for perfection and the use of high-quality materials form the focal point of interior individualization of the TECHART GrandGT based on the Porsche Panamera. TECHART interiors are distinguished by exceptional quality. Ranging from setting fine accents such as decorative stitching in custom colour or parts in fine wood trim through to unique interior packages refined in all details, care and precision in the workmanship provided by the TECHART in-house manufactory are unique.

TECHART guarantees a great ride at all four seats thanks to the wide variety of entertainment options available for the Panamera. For instance, TECHART offers, among other things, an entertainment package with two 7-inch screens that are seamlessly integrated in the design of the front seat backrests, incorporated in a high-quality leather screen console matching the colour of the vehicle’s interior, for entertainment in the rear passenger compartment of the four-seater. A highlight for the Panamera: the TECHART center console unit for adding a 12V outlet and integrated cupholder to the storage compartment located in the rear passenger compartment. Exclusively available for the Panamera: TECHART rear fold-away tables. Thanks to rugged mechanisms and high-quality materials, the fold-away tables can be used, on the one hand, as a mobile work space for when on the road and as a personal area for relaxing when on long trips.

Premiere in Zurich and Essen

The TECHART GrandGT Program as well as the new TECHART MAGNUM will be presented in November. From the 11. to the 14. November 201 the Auto Zurich Car Show will be the location of the world premiere. The Germany premiere of both individualization programs will be the Essen Motor Show from the 27. November to the 5. December 2010.

Each of the new Porsche Panamera models will conceal a 300 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 engine. When the 2010 Porsche Panamera debuted in the summer of 2009, 3 different models were equipped with a V8 powerplant — the rear-wheel drive Panamera S and all-wheel drive Panamera 4S contained 400 horsepower 4.8-liter V8s, while the performance all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo featured a 500 horsepower variant of the identical engine. This summer Porsche decided to move towards a better fuel economy and less pricey version of the Porsche Panamera. But don’t worry, the three V8 models will still be available.

The two new 6 cylinder models are simply named the Panamera and the Panamera 4 (all wheel drive). Without any V6 badging will make it difficult to determine between the V6 and V8 version unless you are a Porsche enthusiast. We will give you a few pointers on how to determine the difference. The V6 removed the chrome molding around the windows and replaced it with a matte black finish, the quad exhaust tips are replaced with dual stainless steel oval tips, the standard wheels are unique 18-inch five-spoke alloys, and the multi-piston aluminum monobloc brake calipers are painted simple black.

When you open the hood, the V6 is settled nicely in side the engine compartment. Don’t confuse the new 3.6-liter V6 in the Panamera with the revised 3.6-liter V6 in the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, they are completely different. The SUV V6 is a Volkswagen based 10.6-degree iron block engine shared with the Touareg. The Panamera holds an all new 90-degree lightweight aluminum-block V6. This new engine shares 40% of its componentry with the V8 which allows the automaker to assemble the V6 alongside the V8. They can also easily adapt the V8′s all-wheel drive system to the new V6.

The new V6 is basically a 2-cylinder less version than the V8. Chopped down to 3,605 cubic centimeters, the all-aluminum water-cooled six with integrated dry-sump lubrication utilizes direct fuel injection (DFI) and “VarioCam Plus” (adjustable valve lift) to generate 300 horsepower (at 6,200 RPM) and 295 pound-feet of torque (at 3,750 RPM). While the Europeans are offered a six-speed manual, the only transmission arriving in North America will be Porsche’s seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch automatic gearbox with identical gearing to that of the eight-cylinder models, with the exception of a shorter final drive ratio to improve driving dynamics.

The new V6 does not just result in a loss of power. The 3.6-liter V6 is 66 pounds lighter than the 4.8-liter V8 which helps contribute to the respectable curb weight of just 3,880 pounds. It is also noted that the rear-wheel drive Panamera will dart to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (with the “Sport Chrono Package Plus” and launch control) towards a top speed of 160 mph.The all-wheel drive Panamera 4 managed the run to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and tops out at 159 mph. Both versions hold pretty impressive numbers for a V6.

As far as fuel economy, all Panamera models are equipped with a standard “auto start-stop” function and a proactive charging system. This means that under most conditions, the engine will shut down when the Panamera comes to a stop. Audio and climate control systems will continue to run but if the stop is extended, the engine will automoatically start again to spin the air conidtioning compressor or charge the battery if voltage drops siginificantly. Instead of waiting for accelerator pedal movement, the engine is automatically re-started in a nearly seamless manner when your foot comes off the brake pedal. If you don’t like the start-stop feature it can be easily disabled with the push of a button.

In EPA testing, the Panamera earns 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (the all-wheel drive is rated 26 mpg on the highway cycle) giving the sedans an easy 500-mile cruising range on their 21.1 gallon fuel tanks.

In comparison, the eight-cylinder Panamera S starts at $89,800  while access to the Panamera Turbo begins at a hefty $132,600. By removing 2 cylinders, you can see the price drop by $15,400. The base price of the six-cylinder Panamera is $74,400, while the all-wheel drive six-cylinder Panamera 4 is only slightly higher at $78,900. These are pretty coompetitively priced when you consider the eight-cylinder Audi A8 starts at $76,000 and the six cylinder Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid starts at $87,950.

As mentioned above, there are only subtle differences between the exterior of the six- and eight-cylinder sedans. The interiors are virtually identical. All contain the soft leather seats, quality instrument panel and switches, and intuitive primary analog instrumentation. In fact, when it comes to ambience and features, all Panamera models share the same equipment and options list.

According to autoblog.com, “The six-cylinder Panamera is astonishingly comfortable, quiet and frugal on the highway (it would be an excellent candidate for a New York to Los Angeles cross-country dash). On the limitless German Autobahn, the V6 only felt inadequate under hard high-speed acceleration when it was fighting aerodynamic drag. We genuinely missed the muscle of the V8 and Turbo models that allowed us to effortlessly jump from 70 mph to 150 mph as the various speed zones passed beneath us (the Panamera Turbo hits 125 mph in about 14 seconds, while the Panamera V6 takes 26 seconds). The V6 is able of covering real estate at an impressive clip, but it takes time getting to speed, creating a rather interesting phenomenon in light traffic…The six-cylinder Porsche Panamera is a well-engineered and masterfully-executed machine. Stripping two cylinders from most high-performance cars undeniably cripples driving dynamics and gravely reduces consumer appeal, but these V6-powered sport sedans seem to buck that trend. Rather than becoming two gutless entry-level models relegated to the bottom of the pecking order by their power loss, the smaller engine redirects focus towards the vehicle’s luxury and refined driving dynamics. It would be a shame to dismiss these new variants solely on displacement. Instead, consider the 2011 Porsche Panamera and Panamera 4 very competent 300 horsepower sport sedans that just happen to be fitted with a thoroughly modern six-cylinder powerplant.”

All in all, the Porsche Panamera V6 is a well executed highly efficient luxury sedan that still holds all the bells and wistles of its more powerful syblings. I wouldn’t mind one of these as a comfortable daily driver…

Yes, it is the most hideous thing to have four doors since the Aztek; but the Panamera has earned almost unanimous praise as perhaps the best sport sedan on the market.  Porsche may have failed on styling, but it succeeded in bringing the sports car spirit to the Euro saloon.  We haven’t touched a Panamera Turbo yet, but we’re beginning to wonder if it is indeed better than our beloved Audi RS4.  We didn’t think it could be possible, but Bloomberg, Autoblog, Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend are forcing to rethink our attitude.

Joining the blind crews of Autoblog and Edmunds comes business group Bloomberg, which was so turned on by the ghastly Porsche sedan so as to select it as Car of the Year.  Yeah, nobody gives a rat’s ass about Bloomberg’s auto opinions, but ailing Porsche was quick to send out a press release highlighting the honor.

We still think it’s the ugliest thing on the road.

The Aston Rapide marks the company’s first modern saloon.  The car features the routine Aston styling and outstanding interior.  The Rapide features a premium Bang & Olufson sound, heated memory seats, track-grade braking, rear-seat LCDs, and an centralized driver OS.  The Rapide is equipped with a 6.0 L V-12 generating 470 hp mated to 6-spd. “Touchtronic” gearbox.  Top speed will hover around 180 mph, with 60 hit in five seconds.  Pricing is set at $200,000 and production is to be between one and two thousand units a year, depending on the pace of demand.

Due to CEO Wendelin Wiedeking’s failed effort to acquire VW, Porsche’s total 2009 loss came to an astounding €4,400,000,000, or $6,500,000,000.  The number is incredible given that Porsche was the most prosperous car company a year earlier, and that Porsche is still an independent automobile manufacturer.  (Though that will change as VW reverses the situation and takes a large stake in Porsche.)  Looking at the Panamera, we’re not holding much hope for the once-proud German nameplate–but we are loving the new Boxster Spyder.