Porsche Macan ; made in Indonesia ??

Porsche is planning to introduce the Macan for the 2014 model year. It will be the smallest SUV built by Porsche but in some ways it will be closer to its roots than the larger models. 

Porsche, after all, is known for its sports car production. The company received a lot of criticism for widening its line with the four-door Panamera and the Cayenne SUV. But these models proved to be successful for Porsche as they broadened the customer base and even appealed to Porsche traditionalists who were seeking greater utility than the sports cars. Their success with the new models lies in their increased space, but also in the translation of the Porsche driving experience to the larger vehicles as well as their provocative design. So now comes the Macan.

The Macan will be a smaller SUV based off the Audi Q5 platform. This puts the size among the smaller of the SUVs, competitive to the Q5 but also the Volkswagen Tiguan, Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3, and Mercedes Benz GLK. Nobody will buy a small Porsche SUV for serious off-roading, so just who is the target market and how will the vehicle be used?

In the 1950’s, ‘60’s and into the ‘70s, moms with kids favored the old station wagons. Who can forget the fake contact paper “wood” on the sides of those smelly, gas-guzzling sleds? In the 1980’s and ‘90s, soccer moms moved to the ever-practical minivans pioneered first by Lee Iacocca at Chrysler. Minivans gave way to SUVs. Soccer moms loved their large Chevy Suburbans, GMC Yukon Denalis, Ford Expedition and Excursions, Cadillac Escalades, and in their most extreme form, the Hummer. And even dads liked these vehicles as they were comfortable, spacious, macho, and could handle the occasional off-road duty. But gas prices have largely killed this segment both economically and politically. So that paved the path for mid sized SUVs and crossovers. These vehicles have garnered the focus of manufacturers for their utility and relative fuel efficiency. But lately they have received more attention from automakers with more daring design and performance. People looking for more utility than sedans or sports cars but with performance and flair have flocked to this segment. The Porsche models fit into this category.

Not a lot is known about the Macan at this stage. Porsche has released a video teaser that shows active young men and women all engaged in outdoor activities, and even the obligatory soccer mom with two young boys. Expect the marketing and positioning for the vehicle to be lifestyle focused. It is doubtful that the Macan will be viewed as a serious utility vehicle. The Q5 is about eight inches shorter than the Cayenne so expect the Macan to be similarly reduced. The height likely will be three to four inches lower than the Cayenne and should sit lower to the ground. Front seats will be the focus with plentiful space and sport bolstering but the rear should be a kids-only domain with room for two and a half. Pity the half. Cargo space will be minimal with seats up but more utilitarian with seats down. But who seriously buys a Porsche to transport stuff?

The design sketches look like a raised and shortened version of the four-door Panamera. According to the sketches, the front and back ends are typically Porsche. The side views are dominated by ultra large wheels (likely to be right-sized for production), and a chopped greenhouse (likely to be raised for production). So the final design likely will look more like a baby Cayenne with a lower, shorter, and more raked profile.

Who will buy the Porsche Macan?

The target will be young people who need more than a sports car but can’t bear to move to a Ford Explorer or a Chevy Acacia and who can’t afford the Cayenne or a Range Rover. They would prefer to be driving a Cayman or Carrera but know they need space for the kids. With an expected price in the $45-50,000 range, this should limit buyers to active, wealthier 30-45 year old couples with young kids. How big is this market? Not huge, but it is a gap for Porsche and large enough to be worth spending a half a billion dollars to adapt a Q5. It’s something to look forward to.

Lambo Aventador J is King

Everyone knows Rome wasn't built in a day, but did you know the Aventador J - Lamborghini's outrageous speedster that brought Geneva to its collective knees last week - was cooked up in just six weeks?

After scooping our mandibles from the floor after Lambo whipped the covers off the roofless, screenless J, Top Gear secured an exclusive interview with designer Filippo Perini for the full story behind the lowest Lambo in history. It's fair to say he looked a little rushed. This is why...

Though the Aventador J was widely reported to have been commissioned by a well-heeled customer, Perini reveals it was devised entirely in-house by the Lamborghini team after CEO Stephan Winkelmann asked them to come up with ‘something special' for the Geneva show. As is traditional at Lamborghini, this required some fairly rapid forward progress.

Gallery: the Lamborghini Aventador J

"It was the 14th of January that Mr Winkelmann asked us to do something for Geneva," says Perini. "A blank sheet. Do what you want. I drew up this car in a weekend..."

So that's just a month and a half to bring a car from drawing board to reality: most companies would take that long to decide on the level of damping on the stereo volume knob.

The timeframe is even more astonishing when you consider that the J is far more than an Aventador with the roof and windscreen lopped off. Only the front bonnet, front fender, rear fender and headlights remain from Lambo's big V12 coupe: every other panel is new.

A huge winglet-covered diffuser lurks at the front, while the rear diffuser has grown too, and sprouted a quad of evil exhausts (imagine the noise). The Aventador coupe's slatted rear deck is gone, replaced by a pair of sleek humps and a delicate carbon-fibre crossbrace over the engine. And just look at that ‘periscope' rear-view mirror.

Six weeks. And don't forget this is no concept: the J is road-legal, homologated in Italy (we're not sure how the single-car homologation procedure works in Italy, but we'd imagine it goes something along the lines of, "Yeah, it's a massive red Lamborghini with no roof. Any problems? No? Great...").

Even before its Geneva unveiling, the one-off J had already been sold, to an anonymous but presumably not-very-poor Lamborghini enthusiast.

"Mr Winkelmann knows our best customers personally," says Perini. "One of the first ones we presented the project to was interested. In a minute he had sent the money."

Well, what self-respecting businessman doesn't have £1.75m (plus taxes) sitting idly in his current account? And has our supercar value scale got a bit skewed recently, or does that not sound like such a ridiculous price for Lamborghini's most extreme one-off since 1970's Jota?

The common ‘J' is no coincidence. Though Lamborghini claims the Aventador J's suffix refers to the FIA's ‘Appendix J' regulations, the rulebook governing technical specifications of sports cars and their homologation requirements, this is a lie. It's short for Jota, the Miura-based racer that remains, even today, Lambo's most extreme, iconic creation.

"I have always wanted to do something with the ‘Jota' name," Perini says. "Inspiration comes from the past, and the Jota is the true heritage of our company."

A worthy successor? A snip at one-point-seven-five-million-plus-taxes? Or simply the most depraved piece of automotive smut this decade? For the full story behind the Aventador J - and a photoshoot we guarantee will make you feel a bit funny-in-a-good-way - make sure you pick up the April issue of Top Gear magazine, on sale 29 March...

New Honda Pilot ..............$28,470 - $40,820

The 2012 Honda Pilot is a competent offering in the crossover segment, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. So for 2012, Honda has made some minor changes to the Pilot both inside and out. The Pilot also now delivers the highest EPA fuel economy available in a three-row, eight-passenger vehicle. Front-wheel-drive Pilots achieve 25 mpg on the highway, 2 mpg more than the previous model thanks mainly to improved aerodynamics and slight updates to the Pilot's 3.5-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic powertrain. The biggest exterior change to the new Pilot is an updated front end that lends it a more luxurious look. All Pilots receive a more refined interior, plus more tech and entertainment goodies. Previously exclusive to the Pilot EX-L with Navigation and above models, the EX now comes standard with audio system upgrades, including a 2 GB CD-Library and Bluetooth audio streaming. For 2012, EX-L models come with Honda's new intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that includes backup camera display, while EX-L models with navigation receive an upgraded nav system with higher resolution and a 60 GB hard drive complete with XM real-time traffic updates. Cargo capacity is one of the Pilot's strong suits, with plenty of storage options and impressive interior volume. As has been the case since launch, all Pilot trim levels are offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2012/honda/pilot/#ixzz1pFYtILjB

Land Rover Defender Station Wagon

EXTERIOR FEATURES

Fitness for purpose defines the Defender's body. Short front and rear overhangs and high sills provide optimum clearances off road, whilst the flat, vertical sides maximise visibility and the ability to manoeuvre the vehicle in tight situations. A combination of high strength steel and light-weight aluminium keep weight down to maximise economy and corrosion resistance.

2.2 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine

Defender’s new 2.2 litre Diesel engine produces an impressive 360Nm of torque. With 90 percent of peak power constantly on tap from as low as 2,200rpm to over 4,350rpm, it provides maximum muscle for tough working environments.

With the introduction of Land Rover’s new Diesel Particulate Filter, not only is the new Defender engine fully compliant with the latest N1 EU5 emissions legislation, it now delivers an historic new top speed of 90mph. The engine is designed to meet modern emissions legislation and features an Anti-Stall device, which intelligently adjusts the fuel required when the engine is working at low speed.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

For maximum control both on and off-road, certain models of Defender are available with 4-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic Traction Control (ETC). Detecting any significant difference between wheel speeds during braking or accelerating, this optional system helps maintain control by automatically reducing or applying brake force to the appropriate wheel.

Land Rover Defender Profesional

With more than 60 years experience building dependable, capable and hard working vehicles to meet the exacting demands of commercial fleet customers the world over, Land Rover Professional Vehicles continue to lead the way. Based on the highly acclaimed and hugely versatile Defender 90, 110 and 130 vehicle platforms, Land Rover Professional Vehicles are able to deliver solutions for the most demanding of commercial customer applications. When your business depends on reaching inaccessible locations, operating in the most inclement conditions or conquering challenging terrains as part of your daily operations, there simply is no substitute

 
Land Rover Professional Vehicles combine the considerable capability and durability strengths of the world renowned Defender with the versatility to meet a customers specific usage needs. Whether from the Professional Vehicles range or based on a customer’s unique vision for a specific vehicle use, there is a Defender Professional Vehicle to meet your needs and to serve your business well.

 - Tried and trusted capability and durability with a powerful, efficient 2.4 Litre diesel engine
 - Versatile 90,110 and 130 wheelbase vehicle platform capable of supporting a wide variety of needs
 - Standard and Heavy Duty Suspension variants
 - Class leading towing and all terrain capability
 - A range of Professional Vehicles from which to choose as well as bespoke build capability
 - Experienced team of engineers and vehicle conversion specialists
 - Land Rover Warranty and Aftersales support
 - Solutions engineered to meet customers specific legislative or specific test criteria
 - Commonality of vehicle components across a multi-purpose Defender fleet offers efficiency in parts procurement, maintenance, training and greater vehicle familiarity
 Land Rover Experience training to meet busines

Kia K9 2013 SUV Debuts In Korea

Kia has unveiled its new K9 flagship sedan, which goes on sale Korea in the first half of the year. Kia has also confirmed that the K9 will be sold outside of its domestic market, though the name and exact timings for overseas launches won’t be revealed until later this year.

Previously referred to as the KH, the new model is Kia’s first rear-wheel drive sedan and it’s set to serve as the automaker’s flagship.

Kia boasts that the K9 exemplifies the “best of the best” design, driving performance and high technology capabilities.

The styling draws its inspiration from the theme “distinctive, modern and classic,” which as it turns out includes LED headlights, bold character lines, and a purposeful stance. According to Kia, the K9’s profile was a key focus for the design team. It features a simple side character line to give a feeling of spaciousness while emphasizing the new model’s boldness.

While the K9 name may seem odd, it continues Kia’s naming practice for models, such as the existing K5 and K7, sold in its domestic market. The letter “K” represents not only Kia and Korea, but also refers to the Greek word “Kratos” (meaning powerful, domination and reign) and the English word “Kinetic” (meaning active, dynamic).

Kia hasn’t gone into details about its K9’s mechanical package but beneath the sheet metal is the same rear-wheel drive platform from the Hyundai Equus luxury sedan, not the smaller Genesis as previously predicted. This means the K9 is likely to come with a V-8 engine matched to an eight-speed, or possibly even a 10-speed, automatic transmission.

A starting price below the $58,750 sticker of the Equus in the U.S. would also be likely, that is, if the K9 ever does arrive. But considering the following statement from Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s overseas marketing chief, “This all-new rear-wheel drive large sedan will definitely become the leading model of our lineup around the world, showcasing the best of the best of Kia,” it certainly would be strange if it didn’t. 

Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept Spotted In Streets Of London

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept is set to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th, but an English car spotter spied the concept yesterday morning in London near the Tower Bridge.

One thing is certain from these pictures, the topless Rover doesn't look any less strange in the real world than it does in the pictures we've seen ahead of the official unveil.

We guess taking the concept out in public ahead of its debut makes some sense considering the company plans to make a final decision on whether the Evoque Convertible will be put into production after judging people's reaction to the concept.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition

There are no shortages of concept cars and special edition models that are scheduled to be introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

One particular model that’s been penciled in to make its debut at Geneva is the Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition, a special edition 4WD all-utility ride that boasts of a paint finish called "Geecko" and carries a massive V6 under its hood.

Built as a special edition model that definitely caters to a specific kind of market, the Wrangler Mountain Edition features other unique styling cues, including a black decal on the hood, a Mineral Gray front grille, and a choice of other paint finishes. Heck, if "Geecko" doesn’t suit your style, you can opt for more conservative hues like Back, Bright White, Dozer - we actually don’t know what Dozer is - and Black Forrest Green. The Wrangler Mountain Edition also sits on a new set of 17" high-gloss Mineral Gray wheels while also having fabric seats on the interior with Slate Grey stitching and an embroidered ’Mountain logo’.

Under its hood, the Wrangler Mountain Edition comes with a choice of different powertrains, highlighted by a 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine that produces 284 horsepower and 256 lb/ft of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. For a more efficient option, the Wrangler Mountain Edition also gets a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine that produces 200 horsepower and 340 lb/ft of torque mated to the same transmission system.