Since 1974, Porsche has consistently pursued the power plateaus that turbocharging on the 911 sports car. Four decades with turbocharger technology has given Porsche a distinction of championing the technology ahead of many other, larger automakers. Approaching the 40th anniversary since the first 911 Turbo was introduced, Porsche has decided to commemorate the milestone in the same famous as the 50th for the Porsche 911 with a completely reengineered vehicle. Constructed on the new 911 platform, the 2014 model year Turbo and Turbo S sports cars will be the cure to performance seekers not content with 400 horsepower of the Porsche 911 Carrera S.

The 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S have been created as the next evolution of the vehicle incorporating new traits never seen on predecessors. The exterior of the new 911 Turbo utilizes active aerodynamics through a three-position adjustable front spoiler and rear wing under pneumatic control. Full-LED headlamps are optional on the Porsche 911 Turbo model but standard equipment on the 911 Turbo S package. Advertised as the widest body of all of the 911, the Porsche 911 Turbo has been presented with a considerably larger stance. Almost three inches wider than the rear-wheel drive Porsche 911, the 911 Turbo also possesses a significantly wider rear track. The Porsche 911 Turbo rides on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels designed specifically for the new car. At 3,516 and 3,538 pounds in weight, the Porsche 911 Turbo models will be heaviest version of the sports car. The inclusion of multiple performance and handling features is the likely culprit for the increased weight. No worries, the enhancements incorporated on the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S will outweigh the increased bulk.

Both the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and the 911 Turbo S move through the Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive system. A host of Porsche handling and management technologies are incorporated into the new 911 Turbo. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active anti-roll system and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is included the new 911 Turbo sports car. Optional Porsche Carbon Ceramic Composite Brakes and the Sport Chrono Package Plus would permit a driver to fully extract the driving bliss of the German machine.

For the next-generation Porsche 911 Turbo, all-wheel drive will also feature all-wheel steering. Rear wheel steering will debut on all 2014 model year 911 Turbo sports cars. A technology working on electro-mechanical actuators, the rear wheels can turn up to 2.8 degrees on the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo. Under 31 miles per hour, the rear wheels will pivot in an opposing direction. At speeds above 50 miles per hour, the rear wheels will steer in the same direction as the front improving directional control. Porsche states the rear wheel steering system is similar to expanding the wheelbase by 19.6 inches at high speeds. Able to handle a turning of 34.8 feet, Porsche 911 Turbo’s rear steering system tightens the turn by 1.6 feet. Attempted famously on Japanese vehicles as well as on General Motors pickup trucks, the concept of four-wheel steering has not been largely successful. Obviously, Porsche believes the addition of rear wheel steering on the new 911 Turbo models will be the ‘turning’ point for the technology.

Powering the high-tech, all-wheel drive sports car preceded by a storied tradition, the 40th year of turbocharging the Porsche 911 will offer a fantastically loud cheer. Two turbocharger units using Porsche’s variable turbine geometry is attached to a 3.8 liter flat-six cylinder engine. Improvements to the 2014 model year’s powerplant have resulted in moderate horsepower gains over the previous 911 Turbo. The new Porsche 911 Turbo pumps out 520 horsepower. Presenting a 30 horsepower boost over its predecessor, the 911 Turbo S variant expels 560 horsepower. A traditional manual transmission choice has not been declared for the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo. The lack of a stick shift is definitely going to send some sports car purists into a rage if they cannot accept a dual-clutch transmission. A modernized version of the PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) gearbox will have the task of handling the turbocharged power from the flat six-cylinder engine. Seven speeds from the PDK transmission will not only provide the responsive performance Porsche 911 Turbo owners expect but will participation in saving fuel. The new Porsche 911 Turbo adds auto start/stop capability allowing the engine to shut down when coming to a stop or while coasting.

Improved performance technology of the Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S heightens the aggressive street legal personality to new levels. Adding the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus, acceleration from a standstill to 60 miles per hour requires 3.2 seconds. With the influence of 560 horsepower, the Porsche 911 Turbo S can jump from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds. The Porsche Turbo S can achieve a top speed of 198 miles per hour (three more than the previous model).

A mix of gripping performance and high-end comfort, the atmosphere inside the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo’s cabin has been tastefully upgraded on the new sports car. A Bose sound system is standard on the Porsche 911 Turbo while a high-quality Burmester system is available at an extra cost. The 911 Turbo S model receives exclusive interior trim comprising of a unique black and Carrera Red colouring. Sport Seats Plus featuring 18-way adjustment and a memory function is also standard on the Turbo S. Some of the Porsche 911 Turbo’s most interesting driver features are geared for safety. Along with radar cruise control, the 911 Turbo provides available technology using a camera that recognizes road signs and speed limits. Similar traffic warning technology has been rolled out on BMW and Volvo products.

Appropriately priced for an upgraded Porsche 911, the 520-horsepower 911 Turbo model starts at $148,300. For the high-powered 560-horsepower Porsche 911 Turbo S, the manufacturers suggested price jumps to $181,100. Arrival of the first 911 platform-based Turbo models is scheduled to reach the United States in the latter part of this year.

Information and photo source: Porsche Cars North America

Race drivers, they are heroes amongst men.  Some are cold and calculating…some are quiet and contemplating.  Most have their pre-race rituals and are somewhat of a mystery.  So what goes on inside the mind of a driver in the heat of battle?  It has to be fuel strategy, manipulating the draft, or in rally drivers cases listening very carefully to their co-pilot to make sure they are prepared for the next couple rapidly approaching corners…right?  Well we usually only get the little snippets of radio conversation between them and their crew, but I have gone to the trouble to find a few drivers who have been miked up.

If you really want to get into the mind of a driver the best solution is to have the visor cam miked up!  Here we have Chris Baker in a Dodge Pro Formula Series race at Laguna Seca fighting through heavy traffic and battling with the points contenders!  As cars go spinning and he is racing wheel to wheel…what must be going through his head?  Surely not Die Hard lines…

Allrighty then!  Maybe it isn’t as sophisticated as I thought…but then again he seems pretty relaxed!  While sliding through the sand towards a barrier he even had the presence to mind to flip an angry bird at his opponent.  At least he has his priorities straightened out!

Sometimes in the heat of battle you might say things you don’t mean or get a little too excited.  However this next guy might be going way too far, what do you think?  I don’t know if it is so much road rage, or if he is turning to the dark side!

Careful there, you might burst a blood vessel!  I take back my first description.  This is either Batman on a track day or there are bath salts involved, possibly both!  Some would argue the video is fake because the mustang goes around several corners, however it did spin off the track, proof that it’s real.  I am also fairly certain this is what will be happening under Fernando Alonso’s helmet as he chases Sebastian Vettel all season.

Of course we have a rally video for you.  This gentleman is quite distressed getting stuck behind slower cars…this reminds me all too much of my daily commute.

There is always that one person who is going under the speed limit in the fast lane, or that one person who keeps touching their brakes for no reason what so ever, I know we can all relate.    …And we have another angry rally team but this time the co-driver is getting perturbed.  At least…I don’t think that was in the pace notes.

So now we know.  When they aren’t on the radio to the team talking about pit strategy they are usually just talking to themselves.  The next time you flip on a race you can bet some are calling each other assholes, others are yelling NEMESIS…or they just sound like the average person stuck in traffic!  I think all of these guys can learn a valuable lesson from Kevin though.  This is how you handle road rage properly.  After all, there is always an app for that.

As a stand-up person, you likely own a vehicle it fits your needs. If commuting to work, you will possess a reliable fuel-efficient car. If you have a family to move, you may opt for a minivan or a seven-passenger sport utility vehicle. For a company, a business car lease provides the transportation required for meeting people and honouring your agreements. All and fine for fulfilling your motoring needs, our typical vehicles may fall short in providing the unbridled excitement defining true motoring. What if we could drive a late model Porsche for a weekend? For select United States markets in the states of California, Florida and Nevada, rental car company Hertz Corporation has added some of the finest current model vehicles built by the German sports car brand.

Part of Hertz’s vehicle line, the Porsche 911, Porsche Boxster and the Cayenne crossover vehicle can be selected for a Hertz rental. The Porsche vehicles offered through Hertz is said to retail between $50,000-$85,000 a piece. All three Porsche models will be equipped with the more fuel efficient six-cylinder powerplants. These performance vehicles additions from Porsche join the four-door Panamera that Hertz had previously furnished to customers. Starting at cost of $250 per day on weekends, Hertz’s Porsche fleet provides performance fans with some serious road-going excitement.

A rental car agency in its 95th year of operations, Hertz Corporation has a history of providing more than basic econobox vehicles. In addition to the newly expanded line of Porsche vehicles, you can tempt your motoring appetite to other premium vehicles. Depending on state and rental office locations, you can even recent an Audi R8 or a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG through Hertz. In 2006, Hertz and Ford Motor Company entered into a deal where special Shelby Mustangs could be rented. Consisting of a coupe and later a convertible variant, the Shelby GT-H models were constructed for the Hertz Fun Collection featuring unique graphics and the Ford Racing Handling Pack. This recent Ford program was a continuation of a Hertz’s “Rent-a-Racer” GT-500-H vehicles available in 1966. 500 examples of both the Ford Shelby GT-H coupe and convertible were distributed for rent through Hertz. In 2008, Hertz also rented out Chevrolet Corvettes branded as ZHZ painted yellow with a black stripe.

The Porsche 911, Boxster, Cayenne and Panamera are now available through participating Hertz outlets.

Information and photo source: Ford Motor Company, Hertz Corporation, Porsche Cars North America

Or depending on how you feel about body kits, slightly more ugly. There’s one thing we can all agree on, though. The Porsche Panamera, while a surprisingly capable performer, it’s not exactly the sexiest car out there. Even if you are OK with sports car companies making four-door sedans (not a big fan, myself,) the Aston Martin Rapide blows this thing out of the water in terms of looks.

That’s where American styling company Misha Designs comes in. At least for some. If you bought the fugly Panamera and are sick of people giving you funny looks while driving your $100,000+ car, or you’re just in the mood for something more aggressive, call these guys up and order a GTM body kit for it.

The kit starts off with 22-inch Giovanna Mecca Concave wheels with wider tires, and the rest of the kit in a bolt-on ordeal. The new front bumper with lower carbon fiber lip spoiler (extra cost option) looks better and has a wider opening for more cooling and performance. Front fenders are wider as well, giving the car a more aggressive stance and helping a bit with aerodynamics.

The side skirts pull out the body and help the aesthetic flow into the rear bumper flares, which in turn wrap nicely around to the new, wider rear bumper with optional carbon fiber diffuser, which I suppose would be a must-have. They top it off with trunk and roof spoilers, which I’m not sure do much for the look but add to its aggressiveness.

There’s also an optional wide rear bumper with even wider rear fender flares, if you’re looking for something to take it to the next level. The two-tone paint job by JC Customs is easier to see in the other pictures below in the gallery, but on top of the matte gray paint job, add a thick black strip down the middle. It’s pretty subtle.

Check out the rest of the pics below and let us know what you think of the kit and whether or not it helps or kills the look of the Panamera.

Los Angeles is what some might consider the center of car culture. In terms of car design and moving the needle, the LA auto show was as exciting to look at as star on the walk of fame. With so many cars getting better fuel economy, better handling, quicker 0-60 times, loaded with tech, and even safer, one of the only bullets left in the gun to separate one make from another is styling. After all, if two cars are so close in nearly every comparable way – the car with the better looks wins (almost) every time.

In this post, I will be as objective as a non robot or non politician can be. We all have our like and dislikes. I also know that every reader here would hate to live in a world where everything looks like an econobox – or the box that the econobox came in. I am not a great believer in suspense – so on with the commentary!

First, I am a bit confused as to which bit of  blue nonsense was the Jaguar XFR-S and which one was the Volvo S60 Polestar. Lets see, a shade of paint that would only look right on a Japanese KEI car – check. Catfish inspired front air intake – check. Would be ashamed to pull up next to an M5 (visually) check.

Second, is the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black Series. I will overlook the Bumblebee paint/trim combo to zero in on the lines. What are they trying to do to this car exactly? Its gull-winged grandfather was graceful yet aggressively styled and is considered a masterpiece. The Black Series makes a poor design worse. Aping some of the best Viper lines and then creating a blunt front end mades little sense in any conventional or unconventional school of thought. The 2/4 view lacks any sort of focus, and only the full rear view is something that passes for great – granted that is the view you will see as it races away from you at stop light. Ask yourself this, would the Viper GTS with the doors from the SLS look considerably more well crafted and complete from a design perspective?

Third, the Fiat 500L. Simply put, London taxi meets PT Cruiser. I cannot imagine the design sessions that produced this – sketches of different parts thrown into a hat? The target market is presumably the same as for the Mini Countryman – good luck with that. The front end takes what is nice about the 500 (in very small doses) and tarts it up to be a collection of disjointed slits and inlets. The headlights seem to want to pay tribute to the new Range Rover language, but are not as sharp literally or figuratively. The side view is a slab rendition of the PT and the rear tries to mimic the mini but does not come close to being as nice or interesting.

As for the best in show, I will give it to the Porsche Cayman. Although predictable in its execution, it showed what a restrained pen can achieve, building on a great foundation and bringing new life to a design that was already aging well. The full on front view has a nice blend of Porsche / bit of Lambroghini at the air intakes. Even if there should be a royalty payment for all of the makes that have ripped of the trapezoidal look of air intakes, Porsche is a member of the family now and can be excused. From the side, the larger side intake is aggressive and welcome. The rear 3/4 view is much better and more sculpted that the Gen. 1 example. The spoiler through the taillights trick is another great piece of engineering/ eye candy. Overall it is stunning not only as a Porsche, but as a sports car done right.

LA(ME) might have been the obvious pun – but it was the truth. Putting the top on a convertible proved to be the runaway winner which in a way is sad. Auto shows are a way to show breakthrough designs and not take ideas and retread them and throw it into the mix. Where is the next A8? Where is the next Veloster? The answer is, not at this show.

When it comes to sports cars, Porsche does everything differently. They are the only company to have a rear-engined passenger vehicle in the United States and one of the few to sell a mid-engined one.

So while most manufacturers introduce coupe models first, that isn’t the case at Porsche. The Boxter came first and then the Cayman a good while after that. Keeping with this schedule, the 2013 Boxter was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. For 2014, Porsche is turning to the third-generation Cayman.

While there isn’t radical change on the exterior (since when does Porsche do radical styling changes?) Underneath, the Cayman rides on an all-new platform. The wheel-base is wider and longer than the car it replaces, giving a more planted stance and wheels-pushed-to-the-corner look. As far as styling goes, the biggest change is probably around back. There is a re-sculpted design with new, wider taillights that help to increase visual width. One thing we like is that Porsche integrating it’s classic rear spoiler into the design of the taillights. This is a unique touch that helps the new model to stand out.

The interior gets a thorough reworking as well. Starting with the Panamera, Porsche really started to put more effort into the design and materials of its interiors. With the Cayman it really pays off, as the interior is a lot more stylish and well put together. The base model is powered by Porsche’s 2.7-liter flat six, making 275 horsepower. It is available with your choice of a 6-speed manual or the 7-speed dual clutch PDK. The 2.7-liter with PDK makes a run to 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds. The Cayman S, which has a 3.4-liter six making 325 horsepower, hits 60 in just 4.4 seconds. The Cayman goes on sale next spring, starting at $52,600. This is undoubtedly the best iteration of the Cayman yet, and as usual, we expect it to be one of the best handling cars around.

Modern supercars have incredible features that are bringing these vehicles closer to jets on wheels. The speeds have gotten so incredible that there is now a new class of supercar: hypercars.

The trend has been to develop more lightweight vehicles made of composites with ridiculously powerful and highly tuned engines.

Here is a list of the ten supercars to watch for in 2013. As you’ll see, the trend for extreme speeds and high prices looks set to continue. For the dreamers we added one concept car that we would love to see developed and manufactured.

DC Avanti – $57,387

India has developed its first supercar with the DC Avanti. It has a wide smiling front with a crisp, efficient, compact shape. India has a large population with more wealth to spend on exotic cars, but the DC Avanti may be one of the most affordable on the list. This supercar is based around a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 261 horsepower. It goes from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 7 seconds, which is just a smidgen faster than your typical family SUV!

Pagani Huayra – $1,360,000

The Pagani Huayra bursts with energy and looks like a power plant ready to explode. The lightweight carbon-titanium chassis weighs less than 3,000 pounds. This machine is built for pure speed with its 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 engine. The Huayra reaches 230 miles per hour with 700 horsepower.

Koenigseggs Agera R – $1,611,000

The Swedish Koenigsegg Agera R has a race car design with enhanced aerodynamics. It looks like it is about to pop a wheelie. It reaches 273 miles per hour. It is run on a 5.0-liter V8 DOHC for 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds. It can use E85 or E100 biofuel. Its one-piece exhaust outlet is unique.

Porsche 918 Spyder – $845,000

The Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid has a 4.6-liter, V8 engine delivering 800 horsepower. This Porsche hybrid has three electric motors reaching 198 miles per hour. This exotic mainstay runs from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3 seconds. Only 918 units will be made, so you can expect demand to be strong. At least you know the resale value will be strong.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – $330,000

Ferrari has achieved a well-deserved reputation for motoring excellence. The efficient Ferrari F12 Berlinetta 6.3-liter, V-12 engine reaches 731 horsepower. The Berlinetta goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.0 seconds. Immediate acceleration is delivered by this well-made famous model. The steering is delicate to provide great control for the driving elite. This superfast Ferrari has arguably the most bang for the buck out of this bunch.

Lamborghini Aventador GT – $387,000

Since 1963, Lamborghini has set the standard for many supercars with its jaw-dropping appearance. The Lamborghini Aventador GT has a powerful mid-mounted 6.5-liter, V12 engine. This unique model is a four-seat supercar with shortened scissor doors. Now the entire family can enjoy the supercar’s speed. With 700 horsepower, the Aventador GT is expected to launch at the March 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

McLaren 12C Spider – $211,839

Since 1989, McLaren has been setting speed records for the supercar, street-legal class. The McLaren 12C Spider comes in a convertible or coupe version for 2013. Its 6.0 liter, V12 engine goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. With 510 horsepower, it is less potent than competitor models. The McLaren’s top speed is 183 miles per hour.

Tramontana XTR – $800,000

The Spanish Tramontana XTR generates 888 horsepower. This bull is run by a Mercedes-Benz 5.5-liter, V-12 twin-turbocharged engine. It is a 2-passenger supercar going from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. The Tramontana XTR has a top speed of 200 miles per hour. Look for this model at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2013.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport – $2,725,000

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport features a 1,200 horsepower 8.0-liter, 16-cylinder engine that can power the car up to 268 mph. In other words – it packs a punch. It is after all, the fastest production car in the world right now.

Aston Martin One-77 – $1,850,000

Does the idea of owning an Aston Martin get old? Not in our opinion. There will only be 77 of this car made, hence the name “One-77.” if you have an extra $1.85 million lying around, you might want to visit your nearest dealer. Imagine driving 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds, and powered by a 7.3 litre 12 engine that delivers 750 hp. Not only will you arrive at your destination quickly, you will arrive in style. The One-77 might be the best looking car on this list, and as you can tell, one of our favorites.

Lamborghini Estoque – Concept

The Estoque is one of the rare front-engine supercars built by Lamborghini. Its 5.2-liter, V10 engine has 6 speeds. This model has a lightweight aluminum architecture with carbon-fiber and all-independent, double-wishbone suspension. This full-size luxury car has a base curb weight of 3,850 pounds and height of 53.2 inches (1.35 meters). Sounds nice but at this point making it to the showroom floors anytime soon might be a stretch. The Estoque is not yet approved and would need at least four years to make the four-door sedan a reality. Economics may be part of the issue, but we will hold on to the vision a little while longer.

Are there any upcoming or current supercars you’re excited to see in 2013?

Alright, so it is two days past Black Friday. Assume I was like so many others who were making leaping dives to save ten dollars on a toaster. Black Friday is one of those interesting periods of near savage behaviour in the name of consumerism. The ironic part is day where shoppers are enticed to swarm into stores arrives after one of family togetherness and bidding thanks to simpler things (along with the generous addition of football).

On the day of Thanksgiving (or Black Friday Eve if retailers would be able to brand the November day), many of us are reintroduced to relatives we have a hard time believing are part of our family. Referred to as “Black Sheep”, almost every family has at least one member that adds a different (often positive but quirky) element to the dinner table as the turkey is served. In the car business, the desire to inhabit or create niche markets has created many Black Sheep vehicles. Is being labelled a Black Sheep really a bad thing? Consider the act that the Toyota Prius could have been seen as a Black Sheep example a decade ago.

Whether evolving the brand’s family or becoming an outcast, the automotive world’s Black Sheep of 2013 is an intriguing group of individuals.

Buick Encore

There is no better way to stand out from a crowd than to formulate an all-new category in a marketplace. Defined as the first premium subcompact crossover vehicle to be sold in the United States, the Buick Encore is a surreal direction for the General Motors brand to explore. Built on the same Gamma II platform as the Chevrolet Sonic and the upcoming Chevrolet Trax, front-wheel and all-wheel drive options are available on this new for 2013 Buick product. Despite Encore’s small dimensions, Buick family traits will be realized through the ride and comfort.

Chevrolet Volt

Coming from the same brand nameplate that crafted the Corvette and Camaro, the Volt sedan without the Chevrolet ‘bowtie’ would hardly be seen as a relative. Perhaps the first black sheep that comes to mind in the auto industry, the plug-in hybrid Volt is a quiet outsider. Thanks to a lithium-ion battery pack powering an electric motor, the 2013 Chevy Volt can cruise up 37 miles without even sipping gasoline. With the Chevrolet Volt is being sold as a vehicle for the future, this could be the equivalent to the first child who graduated from high-tech university course. A possible trailblazer for newer models of Chevrolet automobiles or perhaps its extended family under the Cadillac name, the Volt could be misunderstood or disliked for its desire to trumpet techo talk. However, as time goes on, the Chevrolet Volt’s lingo could become the source for new conversation at family gatherings.

Nissan Juke

Nissan has been effective in the past several years establishing a more prevalent global fixture. While vehicles need to stand out from the competitors in a sales-oriented position, there has to be a level of restraint in place so consumers can easily envision stepping into a vehicle; The 2013 Nissan Juke is unapologetically not that vehicle. Appearing to be the lovechild between the 370Z sports car and a Rogue crossover utility vehicle, the Juke is an unmistakable creature relishing urban environments. Powered by its 1.6 liter turbocharged engine, the Nissan Juke’s ground clearance and optional all-wheel drive reveals a sense of dependability. A Black Sheep vehicle with rock and roll dreams, the Juke-R could be a persona that causes a serious double take.

Lincoln Navigator

In a family, the Lincoln Navigator would be the older aunt or uncle that refuses to create an Apple iTunes account. Much preferring the collection of ‘vinyl’ it accepts as tried and true, the Lincoln Navigator is a relic of a time of big American luxury (even if it is a sport utility vehicle). V-8 engine as well as large size inside and outside are feature’s the ‘new’ Lincoln line-up has worked hard to distance itself from in the new era. Remaining a steady seller in the Lincoln model range, the Navigator is a Black Sheep that holds clout within the family.

Porsche Cayenne

Thanks to corporate peer pressure, Porsche joined the crossover utility segment in 2002. A platform co-developed with the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg, the Porsche iteration of the vehicle was by far the most controversial. While all-wheel drive had already been explored in Porsche sports cars, the presence of a full-fledged member to the urbanized utility vehicle market was in effort to boost sales of the sports car maker. While opposition from purists still exists for this Black Sheep, strong sales overrode the initial stigma of the Cayenne. In 2013, the Porsche Cayenne is one of the division’s most diverse line-up with the addition of the Cayenne Diesel, Turbo S and the Cayenne GTS.

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is like the cousin that shows up to a traditional, posh family wedding wearing sneakers and sunglasses. Brought to the automotive marketplace in 2010, the Kia Soul was a radical vehicle from a company that was only starting to establish a styling ID. Though sharper design has branched out throughout the Kia model range, the Soul possesses the most Black Sheep-like personality. Existing as a front-wheel drive subcompact, the Soul’s proportions avails the vehicle to sizable cargo capacity. Despite its practicality, the Kia Soul backpack presentation is quite a party animal. Well-equipped in standard trim, the top-rated Soul ! package adds premium Kia’s UVO in-car entertainment suite. Despite its chic image, the Kia Soul is still aware of the value of a dollar presented for a price below $20,000.

Information and photo source: Chris Nagy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Kia Motors, Nissan  Porsche Cars

In Porsche’s never-ending quest to be the class (and price) leader, they’ve just released their latest offering: the 2013 Cayenne Turbo S. Let’s just get this out of the way first: out of the box, this thing costs a whopping $146,000. So for the $37,000 premium over the regular Cayenne Turbo, you could buy a brand new BMW 3-Series, or…an “S” badge on the back of your SUV.

And what does that S badge give you? For $37k you’d expect built-in machine guns and retractable wings, but what you do get is to go from zero to 60 mph 0.1 seconds faster (4.3 s) and a top speed 3 mph higher (175.) Those “incredible” numbers are thanks to a 50 hp boost, up to 550 hp from the Turbo’s 500, and an increase from 516 to 553 pound-feet of torque.

The Turbo S also makes standard an otherwise optional ($3500) Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), and Power Steering Plus.

Aesthetically, you get some glossy black touches on the outside, a slightly modified version of the 21-inch 911 Turbo II wheels, as well as dual twin-tube sport tailpipes. And, of course, an extra “S” badge on the rear.

Inside, you get two choices: Black/Carrera Red or Black/Luxor Beige. They look pretty good, so I think they’ll appeal to most buyers. The two color combinations were created just for the Cayenne Turbo S, so you can rest assured it’ll look natural inside. Front and rear seats get the Porsche logo on the headrests, the roof is coated in alcantara, and the Carbon Fiber interior package comes standard on this one. The interior looks pretty damn good if you ask me.

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S goes on sale in Spring 2013, and will surely appeal to those who absolutely must have the latest and greatest, despite not being all that different from the regular model.

See how much this car should cost you. Hint: It's not MSRP - get Free Price Quotes at Edmunds.com

One of the most promising debuts at the Paris Motor Show was the Porsche Sport Turismo Concept. It was a concept that came entirely from left field; it wasn’t one that had leaked out in advance or been expected by most in the media. It’s no secret that Porsche is on a drive to boost global sales. With some of the juiciest profit margins in the industry, Volkswagen is keen to generate even more profit. The Macan small crossover is coming soon and will help do just that.

More model lines than that have been rumored though, such as an even smaller sedan to slot in below the Panamera. We like hearing about sports cars, such as a roadster based off the BlueSport or a 928 GT successor. With that in mind, the Sport Turismo was much welcomed. For one, it is far more stylish than the Panamera in nearly every way.

We’ve been wondering what it indicated – a new Porsche model or a preview of a new Porsche styling language to come. Motor Trend interviewed Porsche Chief Executive Officer Matthias Muller to find out. While declining to talk about production of the Concept, he did say it would influence future models. “These headlights will be the next generation of lights within Porsche, as with the rear. These three dimensional rear lights you will find with the Macan…and in the front, with the four ‘eyes’, this is also our idea for the future…across the brand” says Muller.

He also elaborated on the Macan and possible dilution of the Porsche brand: “So in terms of Macan, for example, we will give that car the highest position in that segment and everybody will accept that as a Porsche…I think we are fine with the Maccan in the B-class..,but in this moment, we are not keen to get more risk with smaller cars. We do not want to be a volume manufacturer. We want to stick with our brand and the strengths of the brand. As long as that works, Porsche will be successful.”

The rest of the article talks about a plug-in hybrid Cayenne, the 918 and the 911′s iconic status. The whole thing is worth a read – head over to Motor Trend to check it out.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo – we like the sound of that. Out of left field Porsche has dropped the Sport Turismo Concept at the Paris Motor Show. Now part of the Volkswagen Group, Porsche management has talked a lot about adding new models. The four-door Panamera was the most recent addition, and the next is the upcoming Macan small crossover.

As for what’s after that, we’ve heard everything from a smaller four-door sedan to a successor to the mid-engined 914 roadster. Most of the ideas talked about have been scoffed by purists. How about more sports cars? The Panamera Sport Turismo, on the other hand? A go by us. 100%. When it came out the Panamera was panned by many as frumpy and too big.

Most have come around to it and learned to appreciate it for what it is – an extremely impressive grand tourer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder We’ve always thought it was more interesting and cool than traditionally beautiful. Indeed. The Panamera Sport Turismo Concept previews what a wagon version of the car could like – and it is a huge improvement over the standard Panamera. Rather than just reworking the rear end, nearly every part of the car has been touched.

We’ll start with the front end, which has gotten a reworking that gives the Panamera a lot more style. Sleeker, there are headlights that take elements from the 2013 Cayenne and Boxster models. The lower fascia is a lot more aggressive, with large intakes and chrome elements. Out back we’re even more enamored with the design. Any awkwardness is gone, replaced by lines that all work beautifully with each there. There is also a horizontal taillight motif which is inspired by the latest version of the 911.

Like just about every other concept, the Panamera Sport Turismo has a hybrid powertrain. Called E-Hybrid, it is a plug-in that features a six-cylinder engine, electric engine and a lithium ion battery pack out back. Aside from the powertrain, is this just what the Panamera needs? Yes, yes and yes. The Panamera Sport Turismo should absolutely be produced. And, not only that – the changes we see all around the Sport Turismo should make their way to the standard car for a mid-cycle enhancement.

I don’t know about you, but when Porsche first showed the 918 Spyder Concept in March 2010, it sounded like another conceptual pipe dream meant to prove to the public that Porsche is moving in a more technologically advanced direction with hybrid tech and all that jazz, just like every other car company out there. And 78 mpg on that thing? Give me a break. Then a few months later, they announced they’d actually be building the damn thing. But a simple “green light” still doesn’t really mean much – after all, look at the NSX. Honda’s been telling us it’s coming for years now, greenlighted, canceled, greenlighted again, yet it’s still sitting on Acura’s “Concepts” page with no more information than we had a year ago.

But Porsche’s 918 Spyder is different – news has been trickling in little by little about the car’s upcoming production, and we just received an update about its performance. And it’s impressive.

Of course, it should be. It is, after all, the amazing Carrera GT’s successor, and combines a 4.0-liter V8 and two electric motors for a total of 775 hp worth a zero to 60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a 199 mph top speed. We already knew that part, but considering it’s a hybrid, how will it actually perform?

Well, Porsche just put the 918 Spyder Prototype around the world famous Nürburgring Nordschleife test track and got a time of 7 minutes 14 seconds. So…good, then, right?

Well, yeah. In fact it’s in the top 5 or so of production, street-legal cars running on production tires around the 12.8 mile track. So assuming it becomes a production, street-legal car and isn’t weighed down with EPA-regulated safety equipment or detuned for the safety of non-talented drivers, then I’d expect it to stay close to the top.

But after all, considering it’s the fastest and most expensive (and we’re talking around $845,000 here) Porsches ever made, it damn well better be fast. But you gotta give it to ‘em…it’s still a hybrid.

While performance and exotic brand four-doors seem have taken off in recent years with models like the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera, they aren’t a new concept. After all, Maserati has produced the Quattroporte for years and Pininfarina made a sedan concept for Ferrari years ago.

While Ferrari enthusiasts would be in full freak out mode (and rightfully so) over a sedan, Porsche purists already had to swallow the Cayenne. After that, the Panamera proved to be much easier to take. While the Panamera is Porsche’s first production sedan, it wasn’t the company’s first flirtation with the idea. That honor belongs to the Porsche 928 H50 Concept, which Porsche is showing off for the first time this weekend at Pebble Beach.

The 928 H50 Concept is a stretched 928, and forerunner to the Panamera. All these years later, it is amazing to see the basic design similarities between it and the Panamera. Thankfully we can say that things have improved in the styling department since then. With the Panamera, Porsche had to develop a dedicated new front-engined platform to underpin it. Front-engined GTs were long-gone out of the company’s lineup. With the 928, Porsche had a front-engined platform in the 1980s – but the lengthened version reportedly wasn’t up to Porsche’s standards of rigidity.

Now, it is the opposite situation – the Panamera came first and many are pining for a modern day 928 GT. We’ll see if that one ends happening, but we do know rigidity won’t be a problem. Under the hood the 928 H50 Concept packs Porsche’s 330 horsepower V-8 engine. The concept dates to 1987, and Porsche logged 5,000 test miles on this particular concept. Interesting stuff. Autoblog was on hand to capture pictures of the unique creation; check out their gallery for more images. We’re glad Porsche waited until the Panamera to produce its first sedan. What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments.

The latest 911 is the greatest 911. It is one of those iconic cars that just gets better over time, in a class of its own. And, of course, it is the only car sold in the United States with the engine in the back. Back to the point though, for 2013 the 911 has gotten further improvement. The 911 was all-new for 2012.

The main deal with it is the PowerKit upgrade. Unlike other kits like this, this is a substantive change to the engine rather than a software tweak. Software changes are in vogue in the automotive industry right now; Volvo has focused on it the most with Polestar, and BMW has gotten in on it with Powerkits of its own.

The 911 Powerkit gets reworked engine components. New cylinder heads and camshafts, an extra radiator for boosted cooling capacity, and a new variable resonance intake system make up some of the changes. Also new is a freer-breathing exhaust system with quad tailpipes out back. The changes are a good for a boost of 30 horsepower, to 424 hp (up from 394). 0-60 now arrives in 4 seconds flat, a 0.1 second boost over the 911 with Sport Chrono package. These numbers are for the 911 equipped with the dual-clutch PDK transmission. Top speed is also up by 3 ticks, to 190 mph.

More than just a power upgrade, PowerKit also includes the Sport Chrono package. Carbon fiber elements and logos round off the changes. Also with the PowerKit is a new aerodynamics package that makes the 911 more aggressive. The front fascia extends lowe and features larger intakes. The biggest noticeable difference would be the rear spoiler. PowerKit makes for a nice substantive and visual upgrade for the 911 that doesn’t go too over-the-top. That mission will be left to versions like the GT2 and GT3 later on in the 911′s product cycle. Pricing and availability information should be forthcoming.

At some point, you have to question whether desires to increase volume are put into conflict with core brand values. What does your brand stand for? In this case, it is about what makes a Porsche a Porsche. The lineup has expanded most recently with the Panamera, and the future holds yet another crossover, the entry-level Macan.

In the midst of all of this are reports that the lineup will be expanded even further. We’ve heard everything from a Mercedes-Benz E-Class-sized sedan to a small roadster. The small roadster is a persistent rumor that has added credence given the possibility of the Volkswagen BlueSport Concept getting a green light. New models are a key component of Porsche’s goal of 200,000 units by 2018.

Last year, about 117,000 cars ere sold globally, up 18 percent from 2010. Automotive News reports that the strategy will not, however, include a model priced below the Boxster. We’ve heard musings about a new small roadster from the top, but the idea was nixed last year. The fact that both Audi and Volkswagen are looking to have models on the platform as well likely factored heavily into that.

Porsche’s head of sales of marketing Bernard Maier has this to say: “To build a Porsche for 30,000 euros currently doesn’t fit our brand…..the extraordinary purchase experience is not for free and the entry price is currently covered with the Boxster and in the future by the Macan.” As for what makes a Porsche a Porsche? “No matter what we build – we build sports cars.” That apparently will form the brand’s strategy going forward – being the “sportiest” and “most exclusive” offering in its respective segment. Answering those concerned about volume, Maier says that with the global market slated to grow to 100 million units by 2018, Porsche would account for only 0.2 percent of those sales. So for now at least, the Boxster is where they are drawing the line on pricing.