2017 Porsche Panamera

Thanks to a mix of materials such as high-strength steel, aluminum and even some composites, the MSB platform will see that the new Panamera is both lighter and stiffer than the current model. Weight savings could be as high as 200 pounds, depending on the variant.

The variety of powertrains on offer for the current Panamera is likely to remain, though with some all-new engine designs. The 2014 Panamera S already received a new twin-turbo V-6, and for the new Panamera we should see more potent variants like the GTS and Turbo benefit from a new V-8. A plug-in hybrid model will also be offered once again, but with improved battery technology helping to lower weight and increase capacity. The current Panamera S E-Hybrid weighs a hefty 4,609 pounds.

Stay tuned for updates as development of the next-gen Porsche Panamera continues. Note, we’re also hearing that Porsche will launch a smaller sedan in the near future. Nicknamed the Pajun, short for “Panamera Junior”, this model is rumored to arrive in 2018 or 2019 and offer an all-electric variant to challenge Tesla Motors[NSDQ:TSLA].
Via: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1088074_2017-porsche-panamera-spy-shots 

2016 Audi Q8

What It Is: The 2016 Audi Q8 will be one of up to four coupe-like crossover derivatives that Audi plans to add to its lineup. If all projects see production, there will be a Q2 based on the A1; a lower, sportier, three-door version of theQ3 called the Q4; and a Q6, which would be based on the Q5. The Q8 will be the largest of the group, using the Q7 as its basis. 

Powertrains: Theoretically, the MLB bones offer nearly endless possibilities, but given the upmarket positioning of the Q8, we expect only V-6 and V-8 engines to be offered. The most likely candidates are the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine in multiple strengths, as well as the 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel engine and the turbocharged 4.0-liter gasoline V-8 for possible high-performance SQ8 and RS Q8 variations. A plug-in hybrid is a strong possibility and is the only model that could conceivably be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, although we think a V-6 is more likely for the internal-combustion component. Power will be transmitted through a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic; Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is a less likely candidate because it could limit the Q8's towing capabilities. As if that will matter much.

Estimated Arrival and Price: The Q8 could come to the U.S. for the 2016 model year. Expect it to be significantly more expensive than the Q7; figure on more than $50K for an entry-level Q8, with prices ranging to six figures for top-level versions. 

Via: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2016-audi-q8-rendered-news

Venom F5

August 4, 2014—For immediate release

Sealy, Texas—Here at last, the Venom F5, successor to the Venom GT. If you remember from Meteorology 101, the Fujita scale pegs the strongest tornado as an F5, with winds of 261 to 318 mph, so it’s a fitting name for this next-generation Venom that’s the very definition of power and speed. The F5’s bold, lower-drag shape, additional power and enhanced technology will push this Texas-built hypercar to velocities previously unimagined for a road-legal, series-produced vehicle.

“We are very excited about this next chapter of the Venom, which brings forth an all-new design that is not only a powerful and unique statement that our clients are looking for, but a vehicle that will achieve even higher performance through improved aerodynamics,” said company president and founder John Hennessey. “We learned a great deal during the development of the Venom GT in breaking the 270-mph barrier, and we bring that experience to this new design as we look toward raising the performance bar even higher.”

The laws of physics are immutable, so the step up from the Venom GT’s 270.49-mph world record speed will come from both an increase in power and a reduction in drag from the clean-sheet carbon-fiber body. The drag coefficient drops from 0.44 to below 0.40 while still generating significant downforce through both the upper body shape and underbody venturis, a rear diffuser beneath the rear bumper and a retractable rear wing.

The next-generation twin-turbo powertrain is still under development, but turbo size for the longitudinally mounted V8 is increased, and the fuel system and intercooler capacity are upgraded to handle the demands of increased boost. Hard numbers for power are not yet available, but it’s conceivable that output could exceed 1400 bhp. Pennzoil will continue as a key technology partner, and its Ultra Platinum full synthetic oil—the factory fill for both the Venom and every Hennessey-built vehicle—will ensure the performance and reliability of the F5’s engine under the most extreme conditions.

With extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum, weight will remain under 1300 kg (2866 lb.), just slightly more than the Venom GT’s 1244-kg curb weight. So it’s highly probable the F5 will eclipse the Venom GT’s current acceleration records too, which stand at 14.51 seconds to 200 mph, and 13.63 seconds to 186 mph (300 km/h).

Several new technologies will be introduced, the most transformative being single clutch paddle-shift transmission (a standard H-pattern manual transmission will still be offered for purists), whose reduction in shift speeds will enable the F5 to accelerate even more quickly. And a GPS-based stability/traction control system will help to channel the F5’s immense power and provide an increased margin of safety, whether on a racetrack or back road. “Of course, the Venom F5 retains the raw, explosive edge that makes the Venom GT such a thrill ride,” said Hennessey partner Don Goldman, “but these changes will make the F5 easier and more satisfying to drive, day in and day out.”

The Venom F5 will be unveiled in 2015 with deliveries to customers in late 2016. At least 30 Venom F5s will be produced for sale worldwide, at a price higher than that of the Venom GT, which currently sells for $1.2 million. The Venom GT will continue to be offered; at present, 16 cars of the 29-car total production run have been sold.

2016 W70 (LaFerrari But Not A Ferrari)

An Orlando-based auto company that goes by the name Exotic Rides is planning to build a 600-horsepowersupercar called the W70. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we haven’t seen anything except renderings of the car. Normally, that’s a recipe to be cynical about the status of the W70, but we’re going to give it the benefit of the doubt because we actually want to see Exotic Rides make a name for itself in the industry.

Here’s what we know about the W70 so far. Its design was penned by an Australian automotive designer named David Williams. The renderings of the supercar makes us think that Williams used the Ferrari LaFerrari as the inspiration behind his creation. It’s a little more subdued than the LaFerrari, but a lot of the elements, including the shape of the headlights and the scissor doors are present in Williams’ design study. To be fair, the renderings make the W70 look like a bonafide supercar.

Under its hood, Exotic Rides announced that the W70 would be carrying a General Motors -sourced 7.0-liter LS7 V-8 engine that packs an impressive 600 horsepower. The size of the engine and the corresponding output number is right in line with what you can expect from a supercar.

But after these details, there’s not much to go by other than Exotic Rides’ Facebook page. There is a link to its website on its Facebook page, but clicking the link doesn’t lead anywhere.

The company did promise that the W70 would be ready by 2015, which is where our benefit of the doubt kicks in. We’d love to learn more about the W70 on top of the few details that have been revealed. But we’re not holding our breath either.

Put it this way: we’ve seen a lot of start-ups announce their plans to build their own supercars in the past. Oftentimes, those promises amount to nothing. We’d love to see the W70 be an exception to that, but until we learn more about what Exotic Rides is offering, we’re holding off on making any kind of judgement.

Click past the jump to read more about the Exotic Rides W70.

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Source: Exotic Rides

Via: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/others/2016-exotic-rides-w70-ar166104.html