Test Porsche Panamera GTS

Panamera GTS is more in the aesthetic discretion

Price: $111,000
Type: 4-Door Sedan
Engine: 4.8L V8
Fuel Type: Gas, Compare Gas Autos
Drive Type: AWD / 4x4
Transmission: 7-speed Automatic (with manual mode)
Features: Interior (A/C with Climate Control, Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror, Auxiliary Audio Input Jack, Bluetooth
, Built-in Hard Drive, Hands-free Calling, Heated Front Seats, Leather Upholstery, Navigation System, Parking Assistance, Power Exterior Mirror Control, Power Seat(s), USB / iPod Connection, Video Display). Exterior Features (All-season Tires, Alloy Wheels, Moonroof). Safety Features (Brake Assist, Child Seat Anchors (LATCH), Cornering Lights, Daytime Running Lights, Driver and Passenger Seat Airbags, Engine Immobilizer, Front Fog Lights, Post-collision Safety System, Rain-sensing Windshield Wipers, Rear Center 3-point Belt, Rear Door Child Safety Locks, Side/Curtain Airbags, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Traction Control).

Review..
Close to 5 m, about 2 t, and yet this Panamera GTS spins with ease from one curve to another supernatural speeds. While playing on the road precious opera.

The front of the Porsche Panamera GTS ¨ has an incredible grip.

At Porsche, they have a special talent to derive the infinite variations of the same model. This is obviously the case of the 911, but not only. In the Panamera family, take a 4S with its full-successful-transmission and PDK dual-clutch seven-speed. Add to 4.8 V8 a pair of camshafts "sport", a second air intake and maximum speed increased from 6700 to 7100 rev / min, short circuit will gain 30 hp and 20 Nm of torque ( 430 hp and 520 Nm). Graft also the sports chassis lowered by 10 mm, the adaptive air suspension combined with the damping control, a wider rear track width of 5 mm and larger brakes of the Panamera Turbo.

Benefits
    Efficiency and agility
    V8 angry and very musical
    Driveability
    Can do anything

Pitfalls of
    Assisted steering too
    Paddle unusable
    Therefore overhead

The name "GTS" also appears on the front bucket seats.

Finally, to spice up the recipe, and everyone around in profits, add a particularly voluble exhaust, especially when the Sport button is pressed. You then get the GTS, although not as good as the Turbo, but certainly the sportiest of the range. Still charged € 12,500 more than the 4S (March 2012), the Panamera and rigged knows everything. You silently take on the big torque at a fancy dinner in the city, as defeat the nastiest GTI on the secondary network. Because the amazing "grip" of the front axle, combined with impeccable stability, traction and his imperial typical Porsche braking, so inexhaustible even circuit encourages use and abuse of 430 hp.

This limousine is almost forget it is nearly 5 ¨ m and weighs two ...

Impossible, therefore, to imagine being in command of a limo about 5 m and 2 t. Especially since the V8 roars furiously in, and more outside, where the gurgling gives way, beyond 3500 r / min, with a hoarse scream. To be seduced to 100%, but it lacks a consistent and communicative direction when the rate increases. A weakness that even Servotronic option (variable assistance) does not compensate. And these palettes shift, too short and mostly fixed on the steering wheel, so inaccessible in turn, are horrifying!
Despite its weight of two tons, the Porsche Panamera GTS ¨ do not hesitate to ...

Test Jaguar XF V6 3.0 Premium Luxury AWD Supercharged

Jaguar XF V6 3.0 Premium Luxury AWD Supercharged

Price: $50,000
Engine: 3.0L Supercharged V6
Fuel Type: Gas, Compare Gas Autos
Drive Type: AWD (Compare AWD / 4x4 Autos), RWD (Compare RWD Autos)
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic (with manual mode)
Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
Doors: 4-Door
Features: Interior (Features: A/C with Climate Control
, Auxiliary Audio Input Jack, Bluetooth, Hands-free Calling, Heated Front Seats, Keyless Ignition, Leather Upholstery, Parking Assistance, Power Exterior Mirror Control, Power Seat(s), USB / iPod Connection, Video Display). Exterior Features (All-season Tires, Alloy Wheels, Moonroof). Safety Features (Active Head Restraints, Brake Assist, Child Seat Anchors (LATCH), Daytime Running Lights, Driver and Passenger Seat Airbags, Engine Immobilizer, Rain-sensing Windshield Wipers, Rear Center 3-point Belt, Rear Door Child Safety Locks, Side/Curtain Airbags, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Traction Control).

Test & Review

Jaguar XF V6 3.0 Premium Luxury AWD Supercharge Complete serenity. Reassured by his transmission with four-wheel drive unprecedented, the XF has a fresh British phlegm in the worst conditions. But the English brand the reserve V6 petrol 340 hp.

A few months ago, Ratan Tata, then head of the Indian industrial empire eponymous owner of Jaguar, asks his troops what developments they want for the future. "We need a break," exclaims the European Team Jaguar.

"An all-wheel drive," replies his American counterpart. The arrival in late 2012, the body of the XF Sportbrake has granted the first wish. Remained the four-wheel drive version, the XF (but the XJ) now offers. Specifically motorized XF by the recent 3.0 V6 petrol supercharged 340 hp. An ideal engine for the North American market. Least for France, given its price and the penalty (in 2013) of € 6,000! However, this does not demerit AWD. Equipped with snow tires suitable, "our" XF has proved an excellent companion to join Albertville, Savoie, in winter conditions.

+ Driveability, Successful Comfort, Bloated equipment

- No AWD on diesel versions, Maximum penalty, Management that isolates too

Admittedly, it takes some getting used to gauge - 4.96 m long 1.94 m wide - and do not underestimate the weight (1880 kg announced). But then, it addresses the mind relaxed, roads covered with a white coat. The less adventurous can activate the Winter button to send more power to the front wheels. With a distribution of up to 50/50 between the front and rear, it is effective to stabilize the vehicle. For now, I'm having fun, safe, thanks to a well-managed traction control, winding bends slightly slip back. Transmission of torque to the front wheels via a multi-plate clutch is imperceptible. However, management insulates a little too much of the road, and the eight-speed automatic transmission does not offer enough engine braking (even in Sport mode). Nevertheless, it is a pleasure to shake the suspension well damped and Jaguar. Evidence that the changes imposed by the addition of the AWD did not alter its driving qualities.

If the mild V6 petrol adds to the cozy atmosphere, it should be wary of his civilized temperament gum sensations of acceleration. We are back in the valley, perfectly plowed. Boosted by a compressor Root (which unfortunately stifles the voice engine) type, the V6 makes overtaking under his breath. Operating elegance that goes a refined atmosphere on board. The finish has nothing to envy the German. And English, which is not offered under the Premium finish, offers a plethora of equipment: leather everywhere (dash, upholstery), burr walnut inserts, memory seats ... That explains a "rate base" of 65 900 € (price in May 2013), which places this Jaguar between the Audi A6 3.0 V6 TFSI S tronic Avus (310 hp € 63,810) and Fascination Mercedes E350 4Matic (306 hp , € 71,900), just restyled. The originality in addition to the full XF.

Video! McLaren P1 916 Horses in the Snow

The McLaren P1™: tested to extremes

With only a few months remaining until the first deliveries will be made to just 375 customers, the development programme for the McLaren P1™ continues to accelerate as it nears its end. This extensive work is being carried out to ensure that the McLaren P1™ delivers on the target of being 'the best driver's car in the world on road and track'...or a frozen lake, for that matter.

McLaren P1 £1m Hypercar - First time in London
For the very first time in London and at the McLaren dealership the new P1 hypercar was on show, fresh from its display at the Geneva motorshow in production form!

Even better was the timing I managed to visit to view the car, after a very brief overnight trip for potential customers to see it, the car was then taken away and I managed to see if roll on the streets of London for a few moments. The car required to be pushed as it has had the running gear disabled for the trip to the dealer. This was the first showing since McLaren and Pirelli struck an agreement hence the car being shown with the logos on the tyres in the race style.

And then it got better as two MP4-12C Spiders drove by too!

The P1 is a 903hp monster, costing £866k + tax (that's a staggering £1,040,000 in the UK). The power comes from a twin-turbo 3.8l V8 coupled with a 176hp electric motor meaning figures like 0-62mph in under 3 seconds and 0-186mph in under 17!

Price: McLaren P1 Priced at $1.15 Million in U.S.
Engine: 3.8L Turbocharged V8
Drive Type: RWD
Transmission: 7-speed Automatic (with manual mode)
Seating Capacity: 2 passengers
Doors: 2-Door

No engine specifics of the McLaren P1 were discussed, but Program Director Paul Mackenzie did say the P1 would have a power-to-weight ratio of more than 591 horsepower per ton.
Like most supercars, the McLaren P1 essentially out in good weather. But for the sake of development, it has also faced the most slippery surfaces, under the eye of the cameras.

Unreasonable power, lacking practical, purchase costs and astronomical use ... supercars are predestined to be used only occasionally. Real toys for children (very) spoiled, who have many other vehicles in their collection. Is this a reason for neglecting their versatility? McLaren clearly thinks not. Presented at the last Geneva Motor Show, the P1 claims to be usable in everyday life. If you believe the latest official video of the brand, this hybrid from 916 hp would be even able to lead you to the winter sports. The Ferrari F12 has a power-to-weight ratio of 406 hp per ton. Unless it's not a call up to Jon Olsson, famous Swedish skier had to get to the slopes in ... Lamborghini Aventador!

A XKR-S more than Radical, here is the XKR-S GT

XKR-S GT

Price: $132,000
Engine: 5.0L Supercharged V8
Drive Type: RWD
Transmission: 6-speed Automatic (with manual mode)
Seating Capacity: 4 passengers
Features: Interior (A/C with Climate Control, Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror, Auxiliary Audio, Input Jack, Bluetooth, Built-in Hard Drive, Hands-free Calling, Heated Front Seats
, Leather Upholstery, Navigation System, Parking Assistance, Power Exterior Mirror Control, Power Seat(s), Rearview Camera, Satellite Radio, USB / iPod Connection, Video Display)
Exterior (Alloy Wheels, Performance Tires, Safety Features, Brake Assist, Child Seat Anchors (LATCH), Cornering Lights, Daytime Running Lights, Driver and Passenger Seat Airbags, Engine Immobilizer, Front Fog Lights, Pre-collision Safety System, Rain-sensing Windshield Wipers, Side/Curtain Airbags, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Traction Control)

At the New York Auto Show, Jaguar has the ultimate version of its XK coupe: the XKR-S GT! A radical model, dedicated to the track and promised a beautiful exclusive: only thirty copies will be produced! Attention collector!

Chassis sharp!

Under the hood, the V8 compressor is identical to that of the XKR-S. Thus, he always delivers a whopping 550 horsepower and a torque of 680 Nm But what changes are the ground connections and especially the brakes, seriously strengthened. The discs reach a diameter of 398 mm front and 380 mm rear. And for the first time on a Jaguar, they are made of carbon ceramic.

Spoiler way bookshelf

But the most visible change concerns clearly very dramatic rear spoiler. That is guaranteed to withstand up to 145 kg support, in combination with the diffuser. Speed ​​cornering is even optimized, especially now that the adaptive damping. Pure performance side, there is no significant stresses facing the XKR-S difference: 300 km / h (electronically limited) and just over 4 seconds to reach 100 km / h.

Hair looks in LP700 Road... What Else!!

LP700 Road

Style: LP 700-4 Roadster 2dr Car - Price: $441,600
LP 700-4 2dr Car - Price $387,000
Engine: 6.5L V12
Drive Type: AWD
Transmission: 7-speed Automated Manual
Feature: All-wheel drive, Navigation System, Bluetooth, iPod input, Side/Curtain Airbags, Stability Control, Traction Control

Divinely bitten by the head of home design, Filippo Perini, the Aventador Roadster seems more "crushed" the cut from which it originated. Beautiful optical illusion - the dimensions of the two models are identical - due to the lack of roof and above the steep windscreen. In fact, the sensation of riding head out of the cockpit is real and pretty darn nice. Legal speeds, it goes without saying. At the rate of one "offender", swirls become much more troublesome, even if the small center fin and the tiny window - it can be electrically eclipse - located in the rear head restraints demonstrate their merits, especially when the front windows are also collected. If your lady can really withstand the most constant air currents, this roadster can be easily disassembled into a style of his eye carbon roof consists of two parts twinkling light (less than 6 kg each), and s 'store millimeter in the trunk before. But then ... even the place to drag your toothbrush! While handling is not done of a button from your seat, as the Ferrari 458 Spider or McLaren 12C, but what good is because the majority of Aventador Roadster will probably never know the rain ...

Headwear stored with the door scissor leaving a wide passage, slip inside this high-tech cockpit, the chiseled geometric lines, is much more easy than the coupe. Good ergonomics of the cockpit that I find naturally "my" position. However, I am far from being a fan of 100% digital instrumentation, which lacks clarity in its entirety, except for the large tachometer situated right in the crosshairs. Not to mention the imposing center console full of buttons of all kinds and the control panel (navigation, radio, etc.). Difficult to read when the sun hits the upright. Still, it would take a lot more to spoil my fun. The start of the Lamborghini V12 6.5 is done, as in the cut, via the Start hidden under a red trigger button. Top-gun atmosphere! Waaaooohh ... the rude awakening of the 48 valves and the joyful sound of the exhaust valves open at 4,000 r / min, generously fill the cockpit open. What up! Even when stationary, the Aventador Roadster is scary.

Taking off gently Strada mode, intended for "cushy" or safer driving (70% of the traction on the rear and 30% up on the front), I'm really surprised by the softness of the SRI robot box seven speeds. With its independent players who are already anticipating the next gear change, she is also a delicate automatic converter or a dual-clutch gearbox. However, it "seeks" a bit when it imposes a quick downshift (kickdown), and provides, in this case, to reckless shots. Damage to the fluidity walk hitherto provided. Especially as the management does not offer too resistance and Stop & Start system supercapacitor (battery capable of restoring the power instantly) is rather quiet in operation. Thence to pass for a city ... But for a little fun on tour means, enclenchons Sport mode, which emphasizes the driving pleasure and agility. Here, the torque can be distributed up to 90% on the rear and 10% front. The full Aventador turns into almost total propulsion.

The exhaust valves open wide, management is more direct, the response quicker throttle, ESP stability control allows more freedom to "figure", the shifting is done above system in automatic mode and faster, while downshifts are accompanied by a sudden gas well balanced. Nevertheless, the ISR transmission is far from reaching the execution speed to that of a dual-clutch Ferrari. Even if you opt for the manual mode Corsa (distribution to 80% on the rear and 20% front), one that optimizes performance with gear changes with no loss of engine speed, but causes also violent battering transmission. Still, there you can enjoy the full potential of the V12 "Lambo" naturally aspirated. What strength! 2,000 r / min until the red zone at 8,500 r / min, it is a constant thrust that will crescendo. The 6.5 liter is never explosive, but always there, without fail. And metallic sound, more and more acute and powerful riding in the towers, is a real delight for music lovers. There is no photo, roadster takes over the cut side wave music. And it has nothing to envy rather than section dynamic qualities.

Because of its central hull all carbon, extremely rigid, which are grafted on the front and rear aluminum, the Aventador Roadster uses some reinforcements (deck behind the seats, transmission tunnel) to compensate for the "loss" roof. So, this LP 700-4 uncapped weighs only 50 kg more with always a perfect weight distribution (43% on front, 57% on the rear). This "big" roadster more than 1600 kg, with a well-calibrated and communicative steering, always proves accurate in his tracks, remains loyal in its support set and even shows some agility. And despite its impressive appearance, he reassures the highest point, helped by the generous and effective Pirelli P Zero, developed especially. To top it all, its suspension settings do not forget to maintain a certain comfort. Who would have thought for a beast 700 hp capable of reaching 350 km / h! You have to admit, the Aventador Roadster is extraordinary. As its price, which is equal to the benefits and exclusivity: € 358,800 or € 44,252 more than the coupe (March 2013 rate). It is not under the hooves of a horse, but when we know that 2012 Lamborghini Aventador has already sold 922 (including 29 in France ... for 26 Gallardo!) To € 310,000 minimum, there is no concern about the future of the latest in Sant'Agata Bolognese. It seems that there is a crisis ...