Porsche 911 Carrera 4 goes turbo 2017

 the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S Coupe, receive the same minor visual and infotainment enhancements to their chassis and a new AWD system

Although smaller than the current 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, the new turbocharged 3.0-liter engine is more potent and efficient. The standard version will make 370 horses and 331 lb-ft of peak torque versus the current 350/287 figures while the S-spec engine ups output to 420 and 368 compared to the 400/325 numbers of the 2016 S models. Despite the extra muscle, the new engines offer better low/mid-range response and are roughly 12 percent less thirsty on the European driving cycle, a factor that bodes well for their still-pending EPA ratings. All versions of the 911 Carrera/Targa 4/4S are marginally quicker than the existing models and can be fitted with a standard 7-speed manual transmission or optional 7-speed PDK twin-clutch transmission

Sharper handling

Culled from the 911 Turbo, the revised electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive system reacts more quickly and precisely to driver inputs. Paired with the lower-riding PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system standard on all versions of the car, these new all-wheel drive 911s promise to be the most capable ever produced. And significantly enhanced shocks improve both ride compliance and roll control in corners. Like the rear-drive models, the S-spec cars can be upfitted with rear-axle steering, also borrowed from the 911 Turbo and GT3. Cars fitted with the available Sport Chrono Package boast a new 918 Spyder-like rotary control on the steering wheel to quickly dial up one of four driving modes  as well as a Sport Response Button that allows for 20 seconds of sustained full-throttle operation. All versions will offer a splitter-saving front lift system to raise the nose by about 1.5 inches when encountering a steep drive entry or speed bump

On the creature-feature front, these new AWD 911s will come with an all-new and more capable Porsche Communication Management system that features a 7.0-inch multi-touch center display and an integrated navigation system that recognizes typical smartphone-style inputs and better integrates various devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cable. The one-year subscription brings real-time traffic alerts as well as things like Google StreetView and Internet radio

Pricing for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 will start at $97,295 with the Carrera 4S commencing at $111,295. The 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and Targa 4 are set to open at $109,595 while the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet and Targa 4S kick off at $123,595

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Mercedes-Maybach Pullman set for Geneva launch 2017

The second entry into of the new Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand, a Pullman limousine, will make its debut at the Geneva Auto Show, marking the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the best-known Pullman sedan of them all, the 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600. The all-new 2017 Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is an impressive limo, measuring 21.3 feet in overall length, fully 3.5 feet longer than the current Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter producing 523 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, the massive Maybach Pullman has a 14.5-foot long wheelbase to accommodate an interior that features a partition between the driver's seat and the rear passenger cabin that has two rear executive seats that can recline up to 43.5 degrees as well as facing jump seats for two additional riders.  In addition to its impressive length, the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman stands 5.2-feet tall, nearly 4 inches taller than a standard Mercedes S-Class

Unabashed luxury

Quite apart from providing stately and stylish seating for high-ranking passengers in the comfort and spaciousness for which it is famed, the new Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is of course the embodiment of exclusivity at its highest level," commented Ola Källenius, Member of the Daimler AG Management Board responsible for sales and marketing of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "One can sense the significance and greatness of it in every detail

The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is upholstered entirely in leather and the center partition features a glass window that can be raised and lowered as well as changed from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button. The rear cabin also features standard window curtains, and a retractable 18.5-inch rear monitor

Unique Pullman design

Unlike the ubiquitous stretch limousines on the road today, the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman S600 features long side doors for easy access, a rear seat positioned behind the vehicle's C-pillar and a generous area at the front of the rear cabin for the power jump seats (which can be deleted at the buyer's option). The standard Burmester audio setup can be upgraded to a Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System, while customers are also given the opportunity to individually specify colors, equipment and materials to match their preferences

The prices for unarmored models start at around half a million euros ($566,922). The first customers will take delivery at the beginning of 2016, while the U.S. launch is still to be determined

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Datsun GO Cross

Highlights

June 13, 2016: Due to the tremendous response received in this year’s Expo, Datsun has fast-tracked the launch of GO Cross compact SUV to 2017. Borrowing the same GO+ MPV’s platform, the company is looking to further bring down the costs of the platform by industrialising some of its parts locally. The GO Cross looks very different compared to the cars in Datsun’s India lineup with a prominent nose, LED lights, sporty roof rails, heavy cladding, etc. The GO Cross price is expected to start from somewhere around Rs 4.4 – 4.6 lakh.

 

 

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