Official: VW to buy 42% stake in Porsche, Merger Agreement Finalized

VW has announced that Volkswagen and Porsche has reached an agreement that VW will buy a shareholding of 42% in Porsche AG for about €3.3 billion by the end of 2009. Then the two German automakers will get a merger and the Auto Union name could be revived to brand it. "A new era" for both companies begins. Volkswagen’s current CEO, Martin Winterkorn, will act as the new head of Porsche and will likely oversee the combined company.

Earlier this year, Porsche had hoped to take over the VW Group by buying up its voting shares, but due to a mountain of debt totaling $12 billion, the takeover failed and Porsche fired CEO Wendelin Wiedekin. Ultimately VW Group took the purchase of Porsche stock.

However, it’s not Volkswagen running the whole show. According to a statement released by the VW Group, "The integrated automotive group will be formed from the progressive participation of Volkswagen in Porsche AG and the subsequent merger of Porsche Automobil Holding SE and Volkswagen AG. Porsche will remain an independent company headquartered in Stuttgart."

VW board chairman Martin Winterkorn described the company's plans in July, saying, "Volkswagen and Porsche have excellent know-how at their disposal and can use their resources even more efficiently by combining them. For this reason, we expect additional growth opportunities, safeguarding existing jobs and creating new ones.

"At the same time, we can call on our considerable experience in the integration of proud and successful brands rich in tradition. Like Audi today, Porsche can also continue its independent development under the aegis of Volkswagen and preserve its own identity. We have great respect for the achievements of the Porsche workforce and are convinced that Porsche can enrich the Volkswagen Group – just as Volkswagen can vice versa enrich Porsche.”

Of course, we customers concern more about the changes of the lineup. The combined company will have 10 brands, adding the Porsche marque to a stable that already includes Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Skoda, Seat and Lamborghini.

Facelifted 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo revealed

The facelifted 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo will be debuted at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Before that, Porsche has release some details.

The updated Porsche 911 Turbo has a new 3.8-liter direct-injected engine generating an output of 500 horsepower – up 20 horsepower on the outgoing model, mated to Porsche's 7-speed double-clutch PDK transmission (optional). With that power, the 2010 911 Turbo will be the fastest accelerating AWD production Porsche in history. Top speed will reach to 194 mph, with a 0-60-mph time of 3.2 seconds.

If customers choose the optional PDK, then a 3-spoke steering wheel with gearshift paddles will be available, instead of the standard wheel with shift buttons.

Besides the more power, the new Turbo also gets significant improvements in fuel economy. The data is 11.4 liters/ 100 km. Furthermore, thanks to the tweaks to the all-wheel drive and Porsche Stability Management systems, the vehicle has also improved handling and agility. A new PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) is also available as an option.

Porshce hasn’t touched the exterior much. The mods limites to chrome headlight surrounds, restyled foglights and new wheel designs.

Both Coupe and Cabrio version will be on offer. Sales in Germany will start on November 21st, while next January in the U.S. Pricing will start from $132,800 for the Coupe and $143,800 for the Cabriolet.

Porsche Panamera Exclusive and Tequipment customization options

Customers who want a personalization with his Porsche Panamera have more options now, thanks to Porsche’s newly release of two sets of customization options - Porsche Exclusive and Porsche Tequipment. The first one is available now, while the Porsche Tequipment will be available nearly September.

Both the Exclusive and Tequipment are mainly intended for the interior of the Panamera, offering a collection of special materials - leather, wood, carbon fibre and aluminium trim parts. Just have a look at the pics. The factory fitted Exclusive range of parts extends to items such as contrasting Yachting Mahogany and Maple wood inlays for the dash, center console and door trims, with Mahogany inlays extending to the grab handles on the roof as well as in the 3-spoke steering wheel.

The interior is also furnished by louvers on the air vents, sun visors and elsewhere, along with trim covers on the steering column and seat console all in top-quality leather. The instrument panel and the Sport Chrono stopwatch come in a choice of various subtle and flourishing colors. The classic Porsche logo is also available on the headrests. Additionally, the Rear Seat Entertainment System offers individual seatback-mounted CD/DVD players, infrared cordless headsets, AV inputs and game console and iPod interfaces.

As for the Porsche Tequipment, there is another series of options, such as roof racks, tow equipment and bike carriers, a 10.5 liter cooler between the two rear seats, as well as specially-designed air intake grids at the front and air outlets on the wings behind the front wheels. Child seats, tailored luggage, alloy wheels from 18 to 20-inch and additional interior parts are also available.

Porsche 911-based Ruf Rt12 S

Nearly half a decade ago, Porsche-specialist tuner launched its 911 Turbo-based Rt 12, which was based on the 997 Porsche 911. The Rt12 managed to blitz even the massively fast Mercedes-Mclaren SLR '722' special edition in a sprint from 0-300km/h, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world. Now, Ruf has decided its time for a refresh. Dubbed as Ruf Rt12 S, this high performance sports car connects high end performance with complete road capability.

Under the hood, power comes from the refined biturbo boxer engine producing 685 hp and a maximal torque of 880 Nm. That’s 35 hp more than the standard Ruf Rt12.

For the exterior, a number of aerodynamic modifications have been made. The exterior is differentiated with the distinctive front and rear fascias, widened rear fenders that house air ducts, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, LED lighting, Ruf CTR 3 mirrors, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Other upgrades include carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulically-adjustable suspension system, a variety of custom seats, a new steering wheel and more. A new roll cage is also present to help improve handling.
The Ruf Rt12 S can optionally be delivered with rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. However, the car is not cheap, price is set at close to €255,000 (approximately $362,570).

J.D. Power APEAL: Porsche win the most appealing nameplate for 5th year straight

J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of the 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. It’s not surprising that Porsche ranks as the most appealing brand for the fifth straight consecutive year. Volkswagen had the most segment-leading models in APEAL, including the CC, GTI, Passat, and Tiguan. That's more than any other brand in 2009.

The APEAL study measures how satisfied new owners are with their vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership, with questions regarding more than 90 vehicle attributes. It gathered responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of 2009 model-year vehicles between February and May of this year.

Yet Porsche only had one top-placing model in Power's study, the Cayenne. Across all models, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class receives the highest APEAL score for 2009, for a third consecutive year. Other repeat segment winners in Power's APEAL include the Chevrolet Avalanche, Dodge Challenger, Hyundai Genesis, and MINI Cooper (all for the second year), while both the 2009 Honda Odyssey (also an IVA winner) and 2009 Honda Ridgeline receive segment awards for the fifth consecutive year.

From the result, there are some points we can notice. The overall level of APEAL scores has risen quite significantly this year. The average score across all models in 2009 is up 9 points from 2008 to 779. A large part of that increase is attributed to a boost in owner satisfaction with fuel economy, according to J.D. Power vice president David Sargent.

In the same way, American carmakers have a huge improvement in design and build quality of American vehicles. In 2007, domestics fell 27 points short of imports, while in 2008 that shrunk to 15 points. This year there's just 5 points between domestics and imports.

Porsche GT3 first gets new magnetic engine mounts from Delphi

A ground-breaking new powertrain mount - MR engine Mount, has been developed by Delphi Corporation. And the first car to get the new engine mounts is the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3.

The MR engine mount uses magneto rheological (MR) fluid that can change its dynamic rate in real time, the new MR Mount prevents the build-up of resonance in a system by maintaining control of the mounted mass across all appropriate frequencies.

The use of the Magneto engine mount in vehicles help to controll the noise and vibration of the powertrain, and more importantly, improve stability and traction, especially during 'transient torque events'. For instance, these Magneto engine mounts can automatically adjust their stiffness when the engine is initially started or when the transmission is shifted into Drive or Park.

In the case of the 911 GT3, Porsche expects these engine mounts to improve traction and stability during hard acceleration and cornering.

The new tech supersedes Delphi's previous solution of glycol-filled mounts. Those mounts could only be tuned to control a single main frequency, however, and didn't offer the dynamic capabilities of the MR mounts.

"This is the first technology that allows precise real-time management of the relevant frequencies created by an automotive powertrain, including the challenging low frequencies and higher amplitudes caused by transient torque events," says Delphi's MR Mount manager Timothy Schlangen.

"Vehicle manufacturers working closely with Delphi have been excited by the wide range of benefits that MR Mounts can bring and by the increasing list of ways they can improve performance, safety and refinement through vehicle-specific tuning."

The new mounts are good news for the industry, we expect to see future applications used in the industry as production and availability makes them more affordable, though high-torque applications like sportscars and luxury sedans are likely to be among the first adopters.

Cargraphic tunes Porsche Cayenne Diesel to 290hp

It seems that Porsche Cayenne Diesel is big fan for tuning companies. Few days ago, we just introduced the modified Cayenne Diesel from Techart. Now Cargraphic has also unveiled a new range of styling and performance package for the Porsche Cayenne Diesel.

Under the hood, Cargraphic adds a revised ECU module which boosts the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel's output from 240hp (176kW) and 550Nm of torque to 290hp (213kW) and 630Nm of torque – the exact same figures as Techart’s performance kit. Although Cargraphic did not provide any performance data, they did state the Cayenne's top speed is increased to 221 km/h (137 mph). Priced for this mod is at a reasonable $1,650.

Other modifications include a new suspension upgrade for the Cayenne’s air-suspension system that can adjust the vehicle’s ride height and is priced from roughly $1,987.

An extensive body kit is also available, including a new front bumper with integrated fog lights for $2,984, a rear diffuser for $656, pumped fenders for $1,721, sporty side skirts for $1,405, and optional alloy wheels ranging from 20 to 22in in diameter.

Gemballa Mirage GT Matt Edition

One of the foremost tuners of Porsche, Gemballa, has revealed its latest creation, the Gemballa Mirage GT Matt Edition.

Unlike the Gemballa tuned Carrera GT, which have put out as much as 750hp (560kW), this time Gemballa hasn’t focus too much on the power output. Powered by a potent V10 engine, the Matt Edition reaches 670 HP and 630 Nm of torque. However, that's still about 50hp (40kW) more than the stock Carrera GT. Performance stats of the Matt Edition include 0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds, a 0-200 km/h (124 mph) time of 9.7 seconds, and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).

Beyond the power mods, the Mirage GT Carbon Edition features an original paint job and seductive matt black. The Matt Edition adds lots of exposed carbon fiber accents, a black-on-black color scheme and custom alloy wheels. A hydraulic height-adjustable coilover kit is also supplied to improve handling, as well as protect the car when any steep bumps need to be conquered.

Inside, there’s a mix of blue Alcantara trimmings as well as carbon-fiber and aluminum accents.

It’s expected that the vehicle will be produced in very limited edition. And the point is that the price will be priceless with a pricetag of €300,000 ($419,000 USD).

Techart tuned Porsche Cayenne Diesel

German Porsche tuner Techart, has produced their first ever package for the Porsche Cayenne Diesel, adding more performance and improving its style. They are Techart's TA 055/D1 power kit and the Aerokit 1 styling kit.

The Techart's TA 055/D1 power kit, boosts the output of Cayenne's 3.0l turbodiesel engine from 240hp (176kW) to 290hp (213kW) and takes torque from 550Nm to 630Nm at a still low 2,200rpm. More importantly, up to 500Nm of torque is available from just 1,100rpm and lasts right up until 4,000rpm.

"The 0-60 time drops from 8.3 seconds to 7.7 seconds, an impressive improvement, but the real benefit is that the huge torque and very flat delivery provides impressive acceleration from any speed. It feels more like a big V8 than a highly efficient diesel V6,” Phil Hindley, Tech9 (Techart UK importer) director said about their work.

Fuel consumption stands at 30.4 mpg (7.7l/100 km) while CO2 emission top at 244 g/km.

As for the Aerokit 1 styling kit, which features some special upgrades for the Cayenne Diesel to make it stand out from the rest of the Techart range, including a redesigned front panel with a deeper front spoiler, integrated driving and fog lamps and additional cooling vents to help keep temperatures under control during consistently hard driving. Deeper sills help manage under body airflow and at the rear a new apron with integrated diffuser completes the underbody aerodynamics. Airflow behind the vehicle is managed by a low drag roof spoiler.

For models fitted with Porsche's air suspension, the Aerokit 1 package also includes a unique suspension control module that lowers the vehicle, reducing roll and further improving aerodynamics. When the vehicle is stationary, the control system lowers the vehicle a little more to improve access and to further improve the low, aerodynamic look.

Also added to the package are headlight and rearlight surround trims, quad exhaust pipes, a three-spoke Techart sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals and custom leather trim.

No tuned Cayenne would be complete without new alloy wheels. Techart Formula I and II alloys are available in sizes 22inch and 21inch and both are wrapped in Continental Tires.

Excited? However, don't expect the Techart package to come cheap. A diesel Diesel Cayenne with Aerokit 1 (including the exterior and interior upgrades) comes from £53,000, or from £55,500 with Aerokit 1 and Powerkit TA 055/D1. If you already have a Porsche and wish to bulk it up a bit, you can purchase the Aerokit 1 from £15,000 and the Powerkit TA 055/D1 from £2,500.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid on the streets by late 2010

As everyone knows, Porsche's planning a range of production Cayenne hybrids. Now it was confirmed by Porsche board member Wolfgang Dürheimer, who told the German daily Rheinische Post that the vehicle would be in dealerships and on the street by the second half of 2010 with a starting price around €90,000 ($124,500).

Specifics on the Hybrid models haven't been abundant, but Porsche did release several key details about the Cayenne S Hybrid earlier this year. The vehicle is targeting V8 performance with four-cylinder emissions and efficiency - exactly what you'd expect of a hybrid.

But it's not just about the fuel-saving aspects. Teaming an Audi 3.0L V6 DFI engine rated at 333hp and 324lb-ft of torque with a 52hp, 221lb-ft electric motor and a 38kW NiMH battery pack, the Cayenne Hybrid S is a perkier than the regular hybrid, or 6-cylinder SUV. Zero to 62mph (100km/h) ticks by in 6.8 seconds, despite the ULEV II emissions rating, cutting CO2 by 20% compared to the standard version.

Porsche also revealed the function of the hand-off between electric and combustion drive. Good for up to 1.2mi (1.9km) on electricity alone, once that reserve is exhausted, the computer fires up the engine, engages the clutch and transfers power all in just 380ms. And it does it "without the driver or passengers noticing what is happening" according to Porsche.

An eight-speed transmission ties the whole system together, offering long gears at the high end for more efficient cruising. The top-speed gear is actually sixth, so seventh and eighth are effectively overdrives. In top gear, the vehicle can maintain constant speeds up to 86mph (138km/h) on electricity alone.

The Cayenne Hybrid S drive system will also make its way to a Panamera hybrid, which could hit the streets as early as the third quarter of this year.

Porsche wins 'Best New Engine of the Year' award

The eleventh International Engine of the Year Awards winners have just been announced. Porsche has taken ‘Best New Engine of the Year’ title for its 3.8L flat-six engine from the 911 Carrera S, beating out BMW and Jaguar for the top spot.

The engine powering the 911 Carrera S, a 3.8L boxer, features Porsche's new Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) system, which dramatically increases power and engine flexibility while also increasing efficiency and lowering the environmental impact of the iconic sports car, according to Porsche.

Output of the 3.8L power unit in the S-models is up by 30hp (22kW) to 380hp (283kW) for 2009, pushing the Carrera S beyond the speed barrier of 186mph (300km/h) for the first time.

Despite this supreme power and performance, the new models in the 911 range once again boast a significant reduction of fuel consumption. The pick of the bunch was the 911 Carrera S with the PDK gearbox offering the best mix of performance and fuel economy, delivering an average fuel consumption of just 23mpg (10.2L/100km). All in all, the new engine represents an 8.5% increase in power and a 13% reduction in fuel consumption when compared with the outgoing version.

The ‘Best Performance Engine’ title went to luxury marque Mercedes Benz for its 6.2L V8 engine, although the hand-built unit actually comes from the AMG performance arm. Other important titles include the ‘Green Engine of the Year’, which went to Volkswagen’s 1.4L TSI TwinCharger, as well as the ‘Above 4.0L Class’, which also went to Mercedes’ 6.2L V8.

For the past 11 years, the award has been handed out by British specialist magazine Engine Technology International. Last year, the award went to BMW for its 3.0L twin turbo, which powers the 135, 335 and the X6. BMW has won the prestigious award for the past four years straight.

Porsche Cayenne Russianized by Status Design

Status Design, a Russian tuning company, has taken on the Porsche Cayenne. They call it the body-whale, the images shown are just computer generated renderings and the real-life debut should take place by October.

The term body-whale is obviously meant to invoke some kind of marine-animal sense of sleekness and power but the design doesn't really seem to match that.

The kit is reportedly be made from plastic or optional carbon-fiber. While there are no engine modifications to the Status Design Cayenne, the new aerodynamics kit is easily enough to help differentiate the customized SUV from the standard model. Putting subtlety and elegance aside, Status Design has obviously decided to take the more-is-better approach to design with this iteration of the Cayenne.

Up front, the new bumper takes some angular elements from air-intakes seen on supercars and then combines them with what appears to be an Audi R8-inspired air-conditioning unit just below. There is also a new hood, with a pointed nose that goes down towards the front grille rather strikingly, and this is accompanied by some new front fenders.

Along with new side sills and some familiar looking two-tone panels that appear to have come in vogue ever since the Bugatti Veyron and Audi R8 adopted this style, the Status Design Cayenne also adopts one of the strangest looking rear spoilers we've ever seen.

Till now, it's still only a rendering that is due to be published this fall. What will be the result, we will wait to see.

Spy shots：2012 Porsche Cayman test-mule

Porsche’s facelifted Cayman and Boxster range has just been on sale for several months, but now the company is now quite far into preparing the next-generation of the platform, which is due to spawn a brand new Cayman and Boxster by late 2011 or early 2012.

The spy photos reveal a mule that appears to be wider and has beefier wheel arches than the current model, with bolt-on guard extensions pointing to a wider track than the 2010 car. That wider track means the next-gen Cayman and Boxster models may be larger and carrying more performance.

The current Cayman comes with the optional new PDK dual-clutch transmission which provides very smooth shifting in traffic conditions and sporty changes when pushed to respond quicker. Fuel consumption is said to be improved despite power and torque increases. The next-gen Cayman will presumably use the PDK system as well.

It’s still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the familiar flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates – possibly for emissions and economy standards.

However, a rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder platform for the next-gen Boxster recently began making the rounds. Such a design premise might offer more room to launch a detuned entry-level Carrera also aimed at improving emissions ratings. Emissions of the current six-cylinder Boxster and Cayman, the most efficient in Porsche's line, emit about 222g/km of CO2 - about 100g/km more than the projected 2015 limits.

Production will begin in only a few years' time at Magna Steyr's factory in Austria. Dealers will receive their first batches of Boxster and Cayman stock in 2012.

Porsche takes overall victory at 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race

Last week, a total of 235,000 spectators witnessed the 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race, and Porsche has won the race for the fourth successive times, with seven Porsche race cars finished in the top ten. The first place title goes to the Manthey Racing team after its 480hp (358kW) Porsche 911 GT3 RSR managed to rack up 155 laps during the event. Spending time behind the wheel were Timo Bernhard (Germany), Marc Lieb (Germany), Romain Dumas (France), as well as Marcel Tiemann (Monaco), who completed the last laps.

Clocking up 3,933km (2,443mi) the Manthey Racing squad improved on its own distance record from 2006 by a further 101km (62.8mi). Furthermore, Timo Bernhard and Marcel Tiemann are the first drivers to win the long distance classic four times in succession. All in all, Tiemann has climbed to the top of the podium five times, making him the most successful driver of the 24-hour race.

Just one lap behind was Audi’s new R8 LMS race car, but with seven 911 race cars in the top ten there’s no denying that Porsche was easily the most successful manufacturer.

Up against the Porsches were many strong competitors, including the aforementioned Audi R8 LMS, two prototypes of the upcoming Lexus LF-A supercar, six Aston Martins and a GT4 BMW M3.

Overall result for 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race:
1. Bernhard/Lieb/Dumas/Tiemann, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 155 laps
2. Abt/Hemroulle/Kaffer/Luhr, Audi R8 LMS, 154
3. Collard/Henzler/Lietz/Werner, Porsche GT3 Cup S, 152
4. Alzen/Bert/Arnold/Mies, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 150
5. Basseng/Fässler/Rockenfeller/Stippler, Audi R8 LMS, 149
6. Schmitz/Abbelen/Althoff/Heyer, Porsche 911 GT3, 149
7. Kräling/Gindorf/Scharmach/Holzer, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 149
8. Bermes/Kainz/Schmickler/Bergmeister, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S, 148
9. Quinn/Quinn/Baird/Denyer, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 146
10. Adams/Ludwig/Meier/Grossmann, BMW Z4 M Coupe, 145

Porsche wins 'most recommended brand' title, Japan and Detroit dominate 'most recommended vehicles'

According to a survey performed by marketing research firm AutoPacific, Porsche wins 'most recommended brand' title with a recommendation rating of 91 percent.
The survey, which was given to around 25,000 people who had bought cars between September and December 2008, asked the simple question of whether or not purchasers would recommend their new vehicle to a friend or relative.The respondents were given just three choices: 'Yes, definitely', 'Yes, with reservations', or 'No'.

The survey also determined what America's most recommended cars were in each segment, with some surprising results. Interestingly, European manufacturers were relatively hard to find on the list, while Japan dominating the passenger vehicle segment and Detroit winning a number of categories in the light truck/SUV segment.

When it comes to individual models, all of Porsche’s vehicles did well, but the top spot actually belongs to Infiniti’s G37. An amazing 95 percent of new G37 buyers would recommend that their friends buy the same car. This result also gave the G37 the title of most recommended Aspirational Luxury Car.

In the luxury car category, the Premium Luxury segment was dominated by the Lexus LS. Toyota also took home the most recommended in the Large Car category for the Toyota Avalon, the Premium Mid-Size Car category for the Camry, the Luxury Mid-Size Car category for the Lexus ES, the Image Compact Car category for the Prius, the Minivan category for the Sienna, the Compact Pickup category for the Toyota Tacoma and the Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility category for the 4Runner.

In total, Toyota took the most class wins with eight, while Ford scored six “Most Recommended” wins and Honda took home three.

Not surprisingly Ford took home the top spot for Large Light-Duty Pickups with the F-150 and Large Heavy-Duty Pickups with the F-Series Super Duty. The Mustang took home the spot as the most recommended sporty car, while the Flex and Edge won for the Large Crossover SUV and Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV categories.

The full list of cars can be found below

Most recommended brand: Porsche
Most recommended Passenger cars:
Premium Luxury Car - Lexus LS
Executive Luxury Car - Jaguar XF
Aspirational Luxury Car - Infiniti G37 (most recommended – 95%)
Large Car - Toyota Avalon
Luxury Mid-Size Car - Lexus ES
Premium Mid-Size Car - Toyota Camry
Mid-Size Car - Volkswagen Jetta
Image Compact Car - Toyota Prius
Mainstream Compact Car - Subaru Impreza
Economy Car - Honda Fit
Premium Sports Car - Chevrolet Corvette
Sports Car - Nissan 350Z
Sporty Car - Ford Mustang

Most recommended Light trucks:
Large Light-Duty Pickup - Ford F-150
Large Heavy-Duty Pickup - Ford F-Super Duty
Compact Pickup - Toyota Tacoma
Luxury Sport Utility - Lincoln Navigator
Large Sport Utility - GMC Yukon XL
Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility - Toyota 4Runner
Mid-Size Sport Utility - Dodge Nitro
Compact SUV/Off-Road Vehicle - Jeep Wrangler
Luxury Crossover SUV - Land Rover LR2
Large Crossover SUV - Ford Flex
Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV - Ford Edge
Mainstream Mid-Size Crossover SUV - Honda CR-V
Compact Crossover SUV - Honda Element
Minivan - Toyota Sienna

Porsche Cayenne goes wider and lower with new MAFF Design ‘Muron’ Tuning Package

Porsche itself has recently gotten into the game of modifying its Cayenne SUV, so it's no wonder the vehicle has been a favorite of the tuner crowd for years. Though MAFF Design's latest creation may not have the exclusivity of the GTS Design Edition 3 revealed earlier in the year, it does have a flavor all its own.
Based on the 957 Porsche Cayenne, the MAFF Design Muron is primarily an appearance upgrade program. LED daytime running lights, an aggressive front, side and rear body kit with flared and vented fender wells to house the widened track. That's right, MAFF Design did do some mechanical work on the vehicle, spreading the width by 60mm up front and 80mm in the rear for an even more planted stance.

Combined with the lowering job - adjustable between 35 and 80mm thanks to an electronic lowering kit or optional Version 3 coilover, the Muron offers a new dynamic sensibility to Porsche's already very competent SUV. The MAFF portfolio includes some unique models able to develop over 700hp (522kW), which is one of the primary reasons engineers worked on the suspension of the big SUV.

Furthermore, no tuner Cayenne is complete without a set of huge alloy wheels, and MAFF doesn't disappoint, fitting a set of 22x10in alloys. Wrapped in beefy 295/30 rubber at all four corners, the driver will most likely run out of guts before the Muron runs out of grip.

For more details, see the PRESS RELEASE below:

MAFF Tuning Muron Porsche Cayenne

* “Muron” wide body kit for the entire Porsche Cayenne range
* Custom styled cockpit with Alcantara leather and carbon fiber inserts
* Multimedia system and sound system configured after a MAFF concept
* Power kit for the engine and sport exhaust tips designed by MAFF
* Retuned electronic suspensions and especially designed MAFF alloy wheels

Popularity turned the Porsche Cayenne into quite a common presence on the roads. This explains why the german model features in the portfolio of so many car tuners. Unfortunately, the big sales volume made the aftermarket industry follow in the foot steps of the stock car manufacturers. And this is because they started producing the so called exclusive, unique body kits in large series.

For all these reasons, MAFF Tuning developed the Muron project such as to offer the alternative of a truly custom interpretation of the super SUV. Thus, the Muron package represents a complex stylistic approach, which makes it more than sufficient for seriously amplifying the already powerful personality of the Cayenne.
But what really sets Muron apart from other tuners’ body kits is that MAFF proposes it as only the base on which the clients can build their fantasies. This is what actually means to offer custom services. This is what defines MAFF Tuning.

The Muron body kit is built of fiber glass components, in which elements of carbon fiber can be implemented. The package comprises of the following: front and rear spoilers, front grille with integrated LED daytime running lights, side skirts, roof spoiler, bonnet with dramatic scoops, masks for the head lights and tail lights, a discreet adornment for the boot lid, inserts of carbon fiber for the door handles, rear view mirror carcases with integrated LED signal lights and exhaust tailpipes covers. Each of these elements are a MAFF design and this is why the cars are adorned with the MAFF and Muron logos.

Even the light alloy wheels are a special MAFF design. And their dimensions vary according to the request of each and every client.

Also dedicated to the exterior of the car, the clients can choose a unique color or nuance for the paint, under the assistance of the specialized MAFF painters. The color mix and the painting process itself take place in the MAFF workshop, which is equipped with a high class painting booth.

For the interior of the car one can configure a virtualy unlimited number of layouts. This is possible due to the liberty MAFF gives to its clients regarding the choice of color, combination of materials, stitching design, embroiderments and inserts (carbon fiber among others). Only the finest leather types, like Alcantara, are used to tailor the cockpit. Even exotic alternatives like leather with a surface that imitates the carbon fiber texture have been selected by our customers. And the design, as well as the entire tailoring process are the work of the specialized department of the MAFF workshop.

The general feel of the lavishly styled cockpit is further nuanced with the help of ambiental lights, like the ones in the door sills which light up the Muron name.

And because every MAFF concept is meant to flatter each of the human senses, the configuration of the sound system is as elaborate and quality focused as the rest of the Muron project. So, depending on what the clients desire, there can be installed varied sound systems with first class components from brands like Alpine. MAFF tunes them and incorporates them in the cockpit’s design with great attention to detail and in a very elegant manner. For example, the subwoofer placed in the boot of the car is inside a resonance box upholstered like the rest of the cockpit. This box may even include a hidden storage aria.

There is also a multimedia kit, which includes the navigation system and is compatible with any audio or video format. On its main display, which can retract in the dashboard, are also shown the images captured by the video cameras integrated in the front and rear bumpers. Of course, the multimedia unit is correlated with the auxiliary displays, which can be implemented in the head rests, in the ceiling or in any other place, if the client’s fantasies dictate so.

The Muron project means personality, refinement, fantasy but we can not omit the fact that our object of work is a Porsche, a name acknowledged as being synonymous with performance and racing. Thus, MAFF set free even more of the potential this massive sports car has. Regardless of the engine version we work on, we can raise the power with up to 100 HP, without affecting the endurance of the engine. The power bonus is the result of the reconfigured electronic management of the engine, the fitting of bigger turbines and sportier admission systems and all the additional components for these.

The MAFF portfolio includes some unique models able to develop over 700 HP. This is why MAFF engineers also adjust the suspension of the car, aiming to improve its dynamic behavior. The ride height is consequently reduced by up to 8 cm. This is done by tuning the electronic management of the stock suspensions.

Build your own Porsche Panamera(Porsche launches configurator for Panamera Sedan)

It’s very charming that, you can build your own Porsche Panamera from Stuttgart to your own specs with the launch of the Porsche Panamera configurator.

The example above - a well-outfitted $143,110 example of the Porsche Panamera Turbo - shows that there's a lot of flexibility in the online design tool. There are some limitations as well, however.

It will give you a photo of the car you've built updated with the trim level, exterior color, wheel option and interior choice, but smaller adjustments - such as painted intakes, diffusers or rear apron - aren't included, leaving your imagination to fill in the details.

In total, however, the tool is a handy way to explore the options the Panamera offers, all the way from the $89,800 base S model to the $93,800 4S and on to the $132,600 Turbo. Options can quickly boost those prices, however, with a full slate of options bumping the base model up to $150,000 and beyond. How much for a fully-optioned Turbo? Open up that wallet, because it will run you right up against the $200,000 mark.

A wide range of options are available inside and out, including a choice of birch, mahogany, aluminum and carbon fiber interior elements, a range of custom and premium paint colors, four sets of wheels and more audio equipment than you could shake a 300-CD case at.

To see for yourself, and build your own Panamera, check out the Panamera's model page and click the 'build your own' link for the model you want.

Porsche Panamera hybrid and V6 models coming soon

We have reported that the new Porsche Panamera made its world debut at Shanghai Motor Show two days ago. For now, the four-door Porsche will only be offered in various V8-engined guises, but more economical engines are expected to be arriving soon - including a hybrid model.

Currently, Porsche has a Cayenne SUV prototype that uses a 3.0L V6 hybrid engine sourced from Audi, and it wouldn't be surprising if this engine found its way into the Panamera for the more environmentally conscious Porsche buyers out there.

Porsche purists may balk at the idea, but there is also expected to be a conventional V6 engine for the new Panamera - in other words, Porsche's famed flat-six won't likely be making an appearance in the new four-seater model.

Porsche's head of research and development, Wolfgang Durheimer, explained to Drive that the flat-six engine doesn't fit in the front of the Panamera because of the particular shape of the engine bay, as well as the fact that the suspension would get in the way.

A V6-engined variant will certainly bring down the cost of the cheapest Porsche Panamera, which for now resides with the Panamera S that starts at a little under $90,000. Assuming a petrol-powered V6 becomes the entry-level model, with conventional suspension rather than Porsche's air suspension system, we could see the Panamera drop a large amount of that $90,000 price tag.

An exact date hasn't been set for when the two variants will arrive, though they are expected to be launched by the end of the year. Until then, there's always the completely electric Porsche 911 from Ruf, although unfortunately it only features two seats.