Porsche Teases 2017 Panamera

The new Panamera will be slightly bigger, and more powerful than the outgoing model. Engine choices go from a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 440hp all the way to a 550hp V8. But probably the most important upgrade is the looks – this Panamera sports a significantly better looking set of lines than the first generation had. The interior has also been cleaned up, but is still undeniably Porsche. 

Subaru Reveals Impreza Sedan Concept at LA Auto Show

Today at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru of America showed off their newest Impreza concept in sedan form (the new hatch was revealed at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Show.) More than just a hint of things to come, expect the final production 2017 model to feature very similar lines, but likely without the camera-based side mirror and color-accented wheels. What do you think?

The all-new Impreza will be the first example of Subaru’s next-generation vehicles using a new modular platform. The design is sportier and less angular than the previous generation Impreza, but with a powerful stance expressing Subaru’s new Dynamic x Solid design language. The new design direction hints at not only the new Impreza design, but of Subaru’s future models.

Main Features of Impreza Sedan Concept
The front, sides, and rear of the car are seamlessly joined to create a solid and muscular body that is inherent of Subaru design. Aerodynamic performance is achieved by blending functionality and styling, incorporating a integrated rear spoiler and functional from valance.  Well-placed character lines greatly enhance the dynamics of the compact sedan.  The Ruby Red Metallic color with glossy black accents represents a sporty and energetic impression. 

Front
The Subaru family resemblance is immediately recognizable with the hexagonal grille, menacing hawk-eye headlights and aircraft inspired wing.

Sides
The flared fenders launch the sharp character line that run the length of the car.  A second, upswept character line along the lower door panels adds energy to the overall design theme. The 19” wheels are flush with the wheel arches, further establishing the car’s wide stance and the fender flares express the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. These are key features of the concept’s dynamic new design.

Rear
The sharp character line flows seamlessly into the rear tail lamps from both sides and intersect at the rear.  The sleek new trunk lid enhances the sporty impression on the sedan.  The rear taillights share the same styling as the headlights with a wide and low illumination.

Main Specifications
Body size (overall length × width × height): 179.3” × 70” × 57.2”
Wheelbase: 105.1”
Tire size: 235/40 R19
Seating capacity: 5 person

Mazda unveils the RX-VISION Rotary Sports Car Concept at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. Here’s the official skinny on this one:

RX-VISION represents a vision of the future that Mazda hopes to one day make into reality; a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with exquisite, KODO design-based proportions only Mazda could envision, and powered by the next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine.

Rotary engines feature a unique construction, generating power through the rotational motion of a triangular rotor. Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercializing the rotary engine, fitting it in the Cosmo Sport (known as Mazda 110S overseas) in 1967. As the only automaker to mass-produce the rotary engine, Mazda continued efforts to improve power output, fuel economy and durability, and in 1991 took overall victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary engine-powered race car. Over the years, the rotary engine has come to symbolize Mazda’s creativity and tireless endeavor in the face of difficult challenges.

While mass production is currently on hold, Mazda has never stopped research and development efforts towards the rotary engine. The next rotary engine has been named SKYACTIV-R, expressing the company’s determination to take on challenges with convention-defying aspirations and the latest technology, just as it did when developing SKAYCTIV TECHNOLOGY.

“I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we have revealed here today at the Mazda stand,” said Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO, Masamichi Kogai. “Mazda will continue to take on new challenges in an effort to build a special bond with our customers and become their ‘one and only’ brand.”

No specifics on the new rotary engine were given, but we’re still not convinced this is going into mass-production any time soon. It’s likely a design study that reminds the world they are still developing rotary power. Even still, it’s very pretty. 

Run to the Sun 2015.

Our crew took part in the annual Northwest Automotive Press Association’s sports car tour around Mount Rainier and through the forest on the Washington State Olympic Peninsula.

A few cars of note were the 2015 Jaguar F-Type R, the $400,000 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II, Subaru STI in Hyperblue and the 2016 Mazda Miata.

Chevy today dropped the curtain on the sixth-generation Camaro. Chevy claims that this new model provides a “faster, more nimble driving experience, enabled by an all-new lighter architecture and a broader powertrain range.” 

Certainly, the powertrains are interesting. Especially the updated 6.2-liter V8 which pumps out 455 horses as well as 455 torques for the SS model. (Mustang 5.0 wha?) 

Here are some more facts, straight from Chevrolet. 

Performance

• Vehicle mass has been reduced by 200 pounds or more, depending on the model, creating a more nimble, responsive driving experience
  
• Most efficient Camaro ever, with a new 2.0L turbo SAE-certified at 275 hp (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) – and delivers more than 30 mpg on the highway (GM-estimated), and 0-60 mph acceleration well under 6 seconds
  
• Efficient performance in a new 3.6L V-6 featuring direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and – for the first time – Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), offering an SAE-certified 335 hp (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm), for the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated V-6 in the segment
  
• The most powerful Camaro SS ever, with a new 6.2L LT1 direct-injected Small Block V-8 rated at 455 hp (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm)
  
• Magnetic Ride Control active suspension available on Camaro SS for the first time
  
• With improved handling and performance, the Camaro SS delivers better lap times than the fifth-generation’s track-focused Camaro 1LE package.
  

Technology

• All-new Drive Mode Selector, which tailors up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and – on SS models – Track settings
  
• Segment-exclusive, Interior Spectrum Lighting that offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console
  
• High-definition, configurable color displays – including available dual, 8-inch-diagonal screens.
  

Design

• More athletic-looking, sculptured exterior that complements the tighter, leaner architecture – and offers all-new, modern lighting signatures, including light-emitting diode (LED) technology
  
• Greater emphasis on customer personalization with wider range of choices, including 10 exterior colors, five interior color combinations, lighting options and a full complement of dealer-available accessories available at launch – including wheels, stripe packages and additional accessories
  
• Aerodynamically optimized design that is the result of 350 hours of wind tunnel testing, reducing drag on LT models and improving downforce on SS
  
• All-new, interior with shifter-focused center console, intuitive controls, flat-bottom steering wheel, and higher quality materials throughout
  
• Unique control rings around the air vents used for temperature and fan speed adjustments, eliminating the need for conventional buttons
  

Does this new Camaro look even more like the new Mustang? Yes, it does. Is that a bad thing? Not really. The new Mustang is a very good looking car. Is everyone and their brother gearing up for the inevitable Mustang vs. Camaro shootouts? Duh. Of course they we are. 

keaner:

Here it is. My new comic series: MARCH GRAND PRIX. Coming in August 2015. 

A young rabbit attempts to become the greatest racing driver in the world, with the help of his family and friends. It’s Hello Kitty meets the Fast and The Furious. It’s gonna be a wild ride you guys.

We picked up a preview of the new comic book by Kean Soo, March Grand Prix, during the annual Free Comic Book Day. In short, it’s an adorable, wacky adventure that a lot of fun to read. Look for the full series to hit in August. 

Subaru Teases with BRZ STI Concept

Since the BRZ first made its debut Subaru fans have been asking for a turbo-charged BRZ STI edition. Well, today the New York International Auto Show, Subaru showed off a car that was all of those thing. It just isn’t going into production. Talk about being a tease.

Subaru brought out a BRZ STI Concept to “Showcase STI performance capabilities.” Whereas even Subaru’s BAJA Concept featured a 300hp supercharged boxer all those years ago, Subaru couldn’t quite bring themselves to add a production-possible turbo to this BRZ Concept. Instead, it’s fitted with a Subaru GT300 race motor. Cool. But that engine is based on the previous motor design and we know we’re not getting one of those any time in the future.