Auto News 5

Indonesia's new vehicle sales increased by close to 14% to 115,921 units in September, from 102,100 units a year earlier, according to local automotive manufacturers association Gaikindo.

Nissan Motor plans to launch its Infiniti luxury brand in Japan by the end of the year, in an effort to compete more effectively with other luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota's Lexus.

Jaguar Land Rover insists it does not want to become a volume manufacturer. But with ambitious growth targets planned for the next few years, it could be headed in that direction.

Turns out one of America's most flamboyant celebrities is a big fan of one of its most flamboyant vehicles.

Proud locals call Thailand the "Detroit of the East" because their country is the auto juggernaut of Southeast Asia.

Porsche is looking to enter 15 new countries by the end of the decade, mainly in Africa, as it seeks to boost growth in developing markets.

The French government will limit minicab services after protests from taxi drivers, and will add more taxi licenses in Paris to satisfy residents' needs.

Moray Callum is a member of arguably the most distinguished family in auto design. He is executive director of Americas design for Ford and older brother Ian is head of design for Jaguar.

A series of 70 new Dodge Durango spots featuring comedian Will Ferrell as fictional anchorman Ron Burgundy turns traditional automotive advertising on its ear.

What's driving the gains in U.S.

By the time Toyota's first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle goes from this year's early prototypes to serial production in early 2015, the company expects to cut the cost of producing the powerplant in half -- to about $51,000 -- and to halve it again by...

As Nissan completes the first redesign of its Titan full-sized pickup, the company hopes to broaden the truck's appeal with more configurations aimed at fleet buyers.

At the premiere of the next-generation 2015 Cadillac Escalade here last week, some attendees referred to the big SUV as the brand's flagship. Cadillac chief Bob Ferguson wasn't having it.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s newest factory may be a little rough around the edges. But it is doing something never done before.

In order to develop cars that communicate with one another to avert crashes, automakers have had to do something they don't do very often: communicate with one another.

When Keith Crain landed in Detroit in 1971 to take the reins of Automotive News, he discovered a U.S. auto industry that was in full glory. It was a golden age, but it was about to end. The Arab oil embargo that started on Oct.

Oct. 17 is the 40th anniversary of the first Arab oil embargo, which launched the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and fundamentally changed the auto industry.

On Sept. 26, the Justice Department announced that nine suppliers of about 30 low-tech components such as alternators, ignition coils and bearings will pay $740 million in criminal fines for price-fixing.

From GMM

Behind closed doors, Pirelli is stamping its feet as it pushes to prepare for 2014.

International reports, including in Spain's El Mundo Deportivo and by Italy's Italiaracing, say the sport's tyre supplier wants all the major F1 teams to take their 2013 cars to two tyre tests in Abu Dhabi in November and December.

"We can't carry on going round in circles and decide to do nothing," Paul Hembery said recently. "Something has to change."

Pirelli's frustration is with the lack of cooperation from the teams amid the Italian marque's tumultuous 2013 season, where the criticism of its products has been at fever pitch.

So the reports say Pirelli will demand the Abu Dhabi tests when F1's new strategic committee meets next Monday.

"Pirelli wants the same treatment that Bridgestone and Michelin had, when they could test their tires at length," read the El Mundo Deportivo report.

Jaime Alguersuari testing for Pirelli in Spring 2012 with a 2010 Renault single-seater. (Photo: Pirelli)

Correspondent Raymond Blancafort said that if the teams or the FIA refuse, Pirelli president "Marco Tronchetti Provera could leave F1 without tires" for 2014.

Italiaracing's Massimo Costa added: "Pirelli is tired of tainting its name because of a formula one in which it is forbidden to test in a proper way".

When German automaker, Porsche, introduced the four-door, four-seat Panamera sport sedan in 2009, I'm sure there were quite a few enthusiasts who rolled their eyes and shook their heads questioning its existence. Its long hood, curvaceous body and polarizing style kept everyone from jumping on its initial bandwagon. However, those who looked past the sheet metal, got behind its wheel, and took it for a spin perhaps wondered why they ever questioned it in the first place. Now, it's one of Porsche's bestselling vehicles with over 100,000 units gracing driveways, worldwide.


What is the 2014 Porsche Panamera?
For 2014, the Panamera family gets bigger, literally! Three new models were added including the Panamera S E-Hybrid (the first plug-in hybrid from Porsche) and the Executive extended wheelbase versions based on the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo models.

The S and 4S say auf wiedersehen to the 4.8L V8 and guten tag to a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine. Creating a magical 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, no matter how comfortable you get this is no sleeper of a vehicle. That's up 20 hp and 15 lb-ft over the V8, and you're getting better fuel economy. Bonus.

Let's talk hybrids: The new S E-hybrid amps up the power -- get it? Amps? I'm so clever! Or not -- with a more fortified motor and a higher-performance battery, which can easily be charged in the comfort of your own home or at a public charging station.

Three new models were added including the Panamera S E-Hybrid and the Executive extended wheelbase versions based on the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo models. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2014 Porsche Panamera Price and Specs
When talking about the ins and outs of the 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid, its motor produces 95 horsepower (in comparison to 47 hp from the S hybrid). There's a combined power output of 416 and 435 lb-ft of torque delivered by an oh-so-smooth 8-speed transmission.

The 9.4 kWh battery comes with increased capacity over the previous battery 1.7 kWh and charge time takes a mere 2.5 hours when hooked up to a 240V power source.

Pricing for the 2014 Panamera S E-Hybrid starts at $113,300, while the 4S Executive model jumps to a starting price of $143,600.

When talking about the ins and outs of the 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid, its motor produces 95 horsepower (in comparison to 47 hp from the S hybrid). (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Driving the 2014 Porsche Panamera
Let's start off with the Executive variant of the Panamera, which is offered on the 4S and Turbo models. What does “Executive” mean? It denotes the ability to stretch out just a bit more. Its wheelbase has increased by 5.9” adding comfort in the cabin for rear occupants.

As I was having an “Executive” experience, my copilot made herself comfortable in the back. She even asked, “Can you feel the additional 5.9”?”

To which I replied, “Actually, no. The car still feels great up front. Can you feel the 5.9” in the rear?”

Our childish minds got the best of us. The best part of the conversation? We were talking very matter-of-factly until we fully realized the salacious undertone of our “size matters” discourse. To recap, you can feel the spaciousness in the rear (4.7” of added legroom), but its driving dynamics aren't compromised in the process; a win-win for both driver and passenger.

Steering it away from “size,” the buyer of an Executive also receives additional standard equipment. Furthermore, both come with Porsche's all-wheel drive system, 7-speed PDK transmission, and a divine ride quality.

The S E-Hybrid left its driver (aka, moi) smiling from ear to ear after our rendezvous. Yes, it has the “green” element to it, but it's a Porsche, so the performance element is not forgotten along the way. Its 0-60 mph time is a swift 5.2 seconds and its top track speed is 167 mph (276.2 km/h). Yummy. Talk about electric qualities. You also have the ability to match the S E-Hybrid with what I call the “fun button;” Sport Plus. Change the gears manually, take on the corners, and just enjoy life.

In life, you'd like to think you trade up after a relationship ends. You say to yourself, “Wow, I'm so glad we're over. I'm so much happier in my current relationship.” You could say that about the outgoing V8. Yes, its potency was something to brag about, but the 3.0L V6 is a trade-up. It uses less fuel (in comparison to the V8) even when you're not conservatively using the throttle. You still have the excitement element, and the whine of the twin-turbos is something I don't easily tire of. High five.

What does “Executive” mean? It denotes the ability to stretch out just a bit more. Its wheelbase has increased by 5.9” adding comfort in the cabin for rear occupants. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Porsche Panamera
To call the Panamera an influential vehicle is an understatement. It has done a fabulous job of inspiring other Porsches with regards to interior setup. The driver has their controls and the passenger has theirs, too. Porsche keep it simple. I like that. With room for four and decent sightlines, you're in good hands behind the wheel of the 2014 Porsche Panamera.

To call the Panamera an influential vehicle is an understatement. It has done a fabulous job of inspiring other Porsches with regards to interior setup. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2014 Porsche Panamera
If you're cross-shopping the Panamera, the Audi A7, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLS are some other potential suitors.