Paris: Porsche Sport Turismo Concept introduces Panamera to pulchritude and plugging in [w/video]

Paris: Porsche Sport Turismo Concept introduces Panamera to pulchritude and plugging in [w/video]:
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Porsche, Design/Style, Luxury


When we heard that Porsche would be bringing a Panamera wagon concept to Paris, reaction was just as scattered as people's reaction to the Panamera itself; some actually wondering if the Panamera isn't already a wagon, others deciding, to put it kindly, that the back end of Porsche's five-door can only go up, design-wise.

Then we saw leaked pics of the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept and it was a whole different world - one of decidedly confident beauty. Going all junior-Cayenne-with-attitude, the Sport Turismo is "an outlook on a possible Porsche sports car of tomorrow" that we think needs to drop the "possible," add some side mirrors and get with the production program.

Powered by an evolution of Porsche's current hybrid system used in the Panamera S Hybrid, the Sport Turismo Concept's new "e-hybrid" system uses the 333-horsepower, supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and a 95-hp electric motor for 416 combined horses and a 30-kilometer electric range. Unlike the current production system, this e-hybrid setup prioritizes all-electric motivation unless the driver instructs the car otherwise. Interestingly, the Sport Turismo is technically a plug-in hybrid, as the lithium-ion pack can be charged in as little as 2.5 hours when plugged into a wall outlet. Porsche says the combined powertrain is good for a 0-62 mph time in under six seconds, and the Sport Turismo can exceed 80 mph purely on electric power. (You can learn more powertrain specifics by checking out the official PR by scrolling down).

Inside is more conceptual, with a binnacle-mounted TFT screen displaying vehicle information, a black panel screen in the center console, monitors providing feeds from the cameras that substitute for sideview mirrors, and even a touchscreen starting process.

There's really nothing not to like here, and so we can find no reason not to build it. Porsche, you know what to do.
Continue reading Porsche Sport Turismo Concept introduces Panamera to pulchritude and plugging in [w/video]

Porsche Sport Turismo Concept introduces Panamera to pulchritude and plugging in [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake gets official

Official: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake gets official:
Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury


We've been anxiously waiting for the wraps to officially come off the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, and by golly, the wait is finally over. Our excitement, though, is tempered by Mercedes-Benz Manager of Product & Technology Public Relations Christian Bokich, who tells us, "Currently, there are no plans to bring the CLS Shooting Brake to the United States." To which we reply, "Boo!"

While we may take a bit of issue with Mercedes-Benz's assertion that "The proportions of the CLS Shooting Brake are surprising but clearly those of a coupé... but with five doors and a roof which continues through to the rear," we're still pretty keen on the exterior look. "In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate," adds M-B, and that much we can mostly agree with.

In reality, this is a low-slung station wagon, similar in execution to the Cadillac CTS Wagon, and it looks great. Based on our observations about the CLS four-door coupe sedan that the Shooting Brake is based on, we expect it to be a great car to drive, as well. Europeans will get two gasoline engines - a 3.5-liter V6 making 306 horsepower in the CLS350 and a 408-hp twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 in the CLS500 - as well as two diesels - a 2.1-liter four cylinder in the CLS250 CDI and a 3.0-liter V6 in the CLS350 CDI.

All but the four-cylinder are available with either rear- or 4Matic all-wheel drive, the smallest engine making use of the rear wheels only. Acceleration comes in at 7.8 seconds to 62 miles per hour for the CLS250 CDI, 6.7 seconds for the CLS350 and 5.3 for the CLS500. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

Emphasizing the increased utility over its four-door sibling, Mercedes has fitted the CLS Shooting Brake with optional aluminum loading rails and a wooden load compartment floor. Up to 1,550 liters (54.7 cubic feet) are available behind the standard power liftgate, and an automatically adjustable air suspension ensures proper ride and handling even with a load in place. There's even an optional towing kit.

We suggest you peruse the press release below for all the details, as well as a handy explanation of how the Shooting Brake got its name.
Continue reading Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake gets official

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake gets official originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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