Latest news with #PorschePanamera
Man of Many
a day ago
- Automotive
- Man of Many
Even Porsche's Slowest Selling Car is Best-in-Class
High point Low point Verdict The most advanced, best-looking Porsche Panamera ever. More comfortable than a Bentley thanks to Porsche Active Ride, but also more fun to drive. Expensive, significantly more than a Porsche Cayenne, which is also very comfortable and fun to drive. The newest and best Porsche Panamera. While this level of technology and innovation overwhelms some of its competitors, the Panamera is a better all-around car because of it. Scroll horizontally to view full table With one modern Porsche model to tick off the list, the Panamera always seemed to escape me. It's the brand's slowest-selling model in Australia, so it's easy to understand why the brand doesn't push this through the mits of every motoring journalist in the country. But like you, I always wondered what the big German battleship was about. Due to our local buying habits, which prioritise high-riding SUVs over superior sedans, Porsche has sold 59 Panameras through June 2025. That's a 57.1% increase on the same period last year, but a mere speck of dust compared to the 29,587 they sold worldwide in 2024. Sales of their large Cayenne SUV and medium-size Macan SUV, on the other hand, are monstrous, with 2,284 vehicles sold across the two marques through June 2025. The launch of a new Panamera does give the brand the chance to reintroduce the third-generation vehicle to the market, and with a host of new features, including the available Porsche Active Ride suspension, it could be the best super sedan money can buy. So, to find out for myself, I spent a week behind the wheel of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8-powered Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid (from AUD$425,500). How does this 500kW German battleship carry the Porsche torch, and who should buy one over a top-spec Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid for $100,000 less? Let's find out. 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia First, a Caveat: It's Not Cheap Despite it being a small market, the Porsche Panamera line-up in Australia is immense, with six separate model variants: Panamera – from AUD$ plus on-road costs – from AUD$ plus on-road costs Panamera 4 E-Hybrid – from AUD$ plus on-road costs – from AUD$ plus on-road costs Panamera 4S E-Hybrid – from AUD$ plus on-road costs – from AUD$ plus on-road costs Panamera GTS – from AUD$ plus on-road costs – from AUD$ plus on-road costs Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid – from AUD$ plus on-road costs – from AUD$ plus on-road costs Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid – from AUD$ plus on-road costs The car I've been driving is the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, which is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol engine with an electric motor and a maximum combined power of 500 kW at 5,500–6,800 RPM and 930 Nm at 1,600 – 4,900 RPM. It's a slightly detuned version of the powertrain now available in the latest generation Bentley Continental GT Speed, but if you want the full 575 kW of power, check out the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. This engine sends power to the ground through an 8-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive system in all model grades, except for the rear-wheel drive entry-grade Panamera. With Launch Control active, 0-100km/h is dispatched in 3.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 315 km/h. It's bonkers quick, but so is everything in Porsche's line-up, and even the equivalent Cayenne manages the same in 3.7 seconds. Still, its always impressive to see a near 2.5-tonne sedan accelerate that quickly. 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia Porsche Active Ride is Mind-Blowing, We Don't Say That Lightly We know it's powerful, but the Panamera has a few tricks up its half-a-million-dollar sleeve, including an incredible Porsche Active Ride suspension system (optional on E-Hybrid model grades only) that uses active two-valve shock absorbers and single-chamber air springs to 'actively and rapidly regulate the forces encountered at each individual damper.' What this means in the real world is that the cameras tell the car exactly what the road in front of you is doing, and the car computes that in real-time and either makes it more comfortable or more dynamic. If it spots a speed bump or hump in the road, it raises the front end to avoid scrapes. If you take an off-camber turn quickly, it raises the suspension on the outside wheels to counteract body roll and level the car out. It even raises the front of the car under heavy braking situations to counter nose dive, like a high-performance yacht coming to a stop. Not that it needs any more help with 10-piston Aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper brakes up front in the Turbo E-Hybrid. 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia Even on 21-inch Panamera Sport Design wheels, the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is amongst the most comfortable vehicles I have ever driven around town. It's closely followed by the Audi S8 and Range Rover Sport, which both use similar active suspension systems. Trying to put the Porsche Active Ride suspension system into words is difficult, so I recommend watching this video. Of course, when it comes time to push it down a few country backroads, the Panamera is quintessentially a Porsche. The EPAS steering is still the best in the industry, the suspension needs no further explanation, and the power is immense. The only thing we're missing is an Autobahn, where this would happily sit north of 200km/h for hours. 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia E-Hybrid System Gives You the Best of Petrol and Electric While the new Porsche 911 T-Hybrid system is a pure performance hybrid with no claimed electric range, the Panamera uses a more traditional system with an electric motor at the rear axle and a battery charged by the engine, or with a cable overnight. That unlocks up to 92 kilometres of all-electric range in the new Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, and that means you can easily drive from home to your office, the golf course, and Sunday lunch without ever using a drop of petrol, even at highway speeds. Four optimised E-Hybrid-specific drive modes optimise energy efficiency and are found across all E-Hybrid model grades: E-Power mode : Vehicle starts in purely electric mode : Vehicle starts in purely electric mode Hybrid Auto mode : Engaged when the battery state of charge falls below a certain level : Engaged when the battery state of charge falls below a certain level E-Hold mode : Preserves the battery's current state of charge : Preserves the battery's current state of charge E-Charge mode: Uses the combustion engine to recharge the battery above 55 km/h When driven in Hybrid Auto mode, the Panamera will deplete all of its available electric range, but it will never completely drain the battery. Importantly, I never noticed a significant drop in performance when I drove with the battery empty in Hybrid Auto mode, and a new electric brake booster does allow a smoother transition between energy regeneration when braking (to replenish the battery). Like me, owners will spend most of their time driving around in Sport mode with the engine turned on to listen to the Turbo V8, but having the option to exit the neighbourhood in the morning without waking anyone up is always a positive. 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Suppled / Porsche Cars Australia Porsche Has Upped the Tech Inside Without Sacrificing Class This is not a small car, and while that does mean it's a heavy beast, the space, storage, and technology that you gain on the interior could be worth the trade-off. It's one of Porsche's flagship vehicles, and like a Mercedes S-Class, it is filled with all of the brand's latest interior comfort and convenience features. You have the latest version of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display in full HD, online navigation, Digital radio (DAB+), Porsche Connect with Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wireless), music and video streaming, online radio, remote services and a wide range of other Porsche Connect services. However, what impressed me the most was the optional 1,455-Watt Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System that features 21 individually controlled loudspeakers, including a 400-Watt active subwoofer with a class D digital amplifier. Standard kit is a 710-Watt BOSE Surround Sound system with 14 speakers (including subwoofer). 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia Comfort and convenience features include a new 15-Watt wireless charger with cooling function in the centre console (the fan is quite loud, so it has a lid to cover it) and two USB-C fast charging ports in the front centre console and the rear have you covered from a charging perspective. Meanwhile, the standard 18-way electric Adaptive Sports seats with memory package in the Turbo E-Hybrid model I drove are amongst the best on the market, and individual rear seats are fitted. Fit and finish are amongst the best on the market at any price point, and various interior accents are finished in Turbonite on the Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Turbo E-Hybrid. If you want a sportier Panamera, the Race-Tex, Alcantara-like material inside the Panamera GTS could be the move. 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid | Image: Supplied / Porsche Cars Australia Is This the Best Super Sedan Money Can Buy? I think the short answer is yes, and while the numbers aren't huge, the market has responded positively to the new Porsche Panamera. It now leads sales in the 'Upper Large > $100K' segment with 59 sales on the year through June 2025. It outsells the nearest Bentley by a country mile, and it's only challenged by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (50 sales). The Porsche Panamera's closest competitor, the BMW M8 Grand Coupe (from AUD$377,000 plus on-roads), might be less expensive, but it has less than half the sales of the Panamera. Having spent a week behind the wheel, it's not hard to see why the Panamera leads our market in sales, but I do find it hard to believe that this car isn't more widely appreciated by the luxury vehicle buyer. Yes, it's very expensive, but next to the 911, this is Porsche's flagship 'Halo' product, and I think the latest generation vehicle demonstrates that better than all those vehicles that came before it.
CTV News
23-07-2025
- CTV News
Attempted carjacking on Highway 401 leaves one injured
OPP are attempting to identify three suspects who used a blue Honda in an attempted carjacking. (Credit: Ontario Provincial Police) Police are investigating a botched carjacking on Highway 401 last week in which a driver was assaulted. In a post to X, Ontario Provincial Police Const. Taylor Konkle explained that the incident took place at around 9:10 p.m. on July 17 when a blue Honda civic rear ended a Porsche Panamera in the westbound lanes of the highway at Leslie Street. Attempted Carjacking Investigation:#TorontoOPP is investigating an attempted carjacking incident that took place on July 17, 2025, at approx. 9:10 p.m. on #Hwy401 WB Collectors at Leslie St. #Toronto A blue Honda Civic rear-ended a Porsche Panamera in an attempt to steal the… — OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) July 23, 2025 According to police, the Porsche driver pulled over to right shoulder of the road and exited the car following the collision. Investigators say that three suspects then got out of the Honda and one of them assaulted the Porsche driver. The victim retreated on foot and two of the suspects fled in the Honda. The victim then returned to their vehicle while the third suspect fled the scene on foot. Investigators say that the victim only suffered 'minor injuries' in the incident. Police report the third suspect as being last seen in 'a grassy area near Sheppard Avenue.' The OPP has identified the suspects as three men in their mid-teens to early 20s. The suspects were last seen wearing black hoodies and blue surgical masks. Police are requesting anyone with information to contact itsToronto OPP detachment.
Time Business News
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
The Top 5 Luxury Cars You Should Rent for Your Next Road Trip
The thing about road trips is not the destination but rather the journey. Once the open road encounters unrivalled comfort, fashion and performance, every mile is an adventure itself. That's why more travelers are ditching basic rentals in favor of vehicles offered by luxury car rental services. Luxury cars turn the art of driving into a whole new level, with a generous interior space, outstanding technology, and eye-pleasing design. Thanks to platforms like FYV and their easy-to-use luxury car rental app, renting your dream road trip vehicle has never been easier. However, the question is which one is suitable to you when there are so many beautiful ones to choose? So, here is the list of the five superior vehicles that can be taken into consideration as the choice of your next memorable trip. 1. Range Rover Sport- Hagged Elegance The Range Rover Sport vehicle is ideal when you are going off-the-grid or in mountainous roads as it has both tough performance and high-end experience. It boasts adaptive suspension, fine leather seats and easy to use navigation, making it perfect when it comes to couples or families that are not only in need of style but also in utility. 2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class- The Executive Cruiser Long hours of driving between the cities or the gate stops on your way to a business, and you need company to go, then the Mercedes S-Class is the right car to have. It comes with its silky ride quality, the most cosseting interior, and flagship driver-helping technologies. It is like a five star hotel room on wheels. 3. Porsche Panamera- The Place where Power fulfills Precision Once in a while, one needs a street-legit, but civilized vehicle and the Porsche Panamera is it? Its powerful work and sharp management make the most common highway a thrill. It is also good when you are alone in the trip or on a date and you need both speed and stylishness. 4. Cadillac Escalade – First class for the Whole Family Road tripping as a group? The Escalade is a spacious seating, entertainment technology, and conspicuous model. It is a plane that will not leave you lacking the luxury to enjoy space. It is where you go with a family or a group. BMW 7 Series – The Balanced Performer Searching a subtle luxury and top elite engineering? BMW 7 Series is a combination of comfort, speed, and class. It is ideal to the people who like the quiet and elegant ride along with the sufficient level of performance audacity. Nothing Is Easier than Booking Your Luxury Ride All of these vehicles—and many more—are available through top luxury car rental platforms like FYV. Their system allows you to book directly through their website or use their luxury car rental app, which lets you filter vehicles by model, city, occasion, and even driving features. Whether you are going out tomorrow, or you have planned weeks in advance, the app makes travel efficient and personalised, through reservation to your arrival. Assuming you want to spend some time on an unforgettable adventure and take a memorable trip, why not combine part of the story and turn it into a journey? When you rent a luxury car, it does not only alter the means of transportation, but also alters your mind perception. FAQs Q1: Will I be able to rent a luxury vehicle and go long distance in a road trip? Yes, many luxury car rental services allow for extended mileage or even unlimited mileage packages. Before booking, always make a check of the terms. Q2: What luxury car is mountain or countryside ride? One can take the Range Rover Sport or Cadillac Escalade, which is suitable both in terms of comfort with the luxury on a rough road. Q3: Is it cheaper to book through a luxury car rental app? Often, yes. The FYV luxury car rental app offers real-time pricing, exclusive discounts, and last-minute deals. Q4: Is it possible to order some special additions to a road trip? Absolutely. Most luxury car rental platforms, like FYV, allow you to request GPS systems, additional drivers, car seats, and even curated travel experiences. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Miami Herald
86-year-old stabbed 3 times when he won't give up Porsche keys, OR officials say
A man accused of stabbing an 86-year-old three times while trying to make off with his Porsche is heading to prison, Oregon officials said. Jesus Ascencio-Molina, 31, from Gresham, was ordered to serve 80 months behind bars, or more than six years, after pleading guilty to second-degree robbery and second-degree assault in the incident, the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office said in a June 28 news release. McClatchy News reached out to his attorney June 30 and was awaiting a response. Ascencio-Molina is accused of attacking the older man outside a grocery store on Dec. 27, 2024, prosecutors said. He said he liked the 86-year-old's 2011 Porsche Panamera and asked him two times to hand over the keys, according to prosecutors. The man said no, and Ascencio-Molina 'stabbed him twice in the back and once in the right rib cage,' prosecutors said. Ascencio-Molina fled and was arrested at an apartment complex close by a couple of hours later, according to prosecutors. The 86-year-old was taken to a hospital and survived his injuries. Ascencio-Molina offered the man an apology in court, saying, 'I wasn't thinking straight,' prosecutors said in the release. Gresham is about a 20-mile drive east from Portland.
CNBC
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- CNBC
Getting Trump's full tax break on car loans may mean buying a $130,000 vehicle
Republicans are trying to make good on President Donald Trump's campaign promise to give Americans a tax break on their car loan interest. However, as structured, most households wouldn't get a substantial financial benefit, economists said. House and Senate Republicans proposed giving drivers a tax deduction of up to $10,000 on annual interest for new auto loans in their so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The tax break would be temporary, ending after 2028. But few drivers pay that much annual interest, said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive, an auto market research firm. It's "pretty rare," he said. Auto loans don't have annual interest charges of $10,000 or more outside of large loans on "exotic" vehicles, Smoke said. How large would the loan have to be? It would take a loan of roughly $112,000 to use up the full $10,000 deduction in the first year of car ownership, Smoke said. Only about 1% of new auto loans are this big, according to Cox Automotive data. Cars most likely to see loans of that magnitude include a "laundry list of exotic names" like Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Bentley, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Land Rover, Cadillac, Maserati, Lotus and Mercedes-Benz, Smoke said. Smoke's analysis assumes drivers use the most popular loan length, 72 months at the current new loan average of around 9.5%. It includes a 10% down payment and various fees like taxes and registration. The example implies a vehicle purchase price of about $130,000, he said. Vehicles with an average purchase price near this level include a Porsche Panamera or Cadillac Escalade, he said. Monthly car payments under those loan terms would likely be more than $2,000, Smoke said. More from Personal Finance:The salary Americans say they need to live comfortablyWhy electricity prices are surging for U.S. householdsHouse, Senate tax bills both end many clean energy credits House Republicans included the tax break on auto loan interest in a massive domestic policy bill, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which lawmakers narrowly passed along party lines in May. The Senate may vote on a similar measure as soon as this week. In practice, few if any households would likely claim the full benefit due to an income limitation, experts said. Both versions of the legislation reduce the value of the car loan interest tax deduction once an individual's annual income exceeds $100,000, or $200,000 for married couples filing a joint tax return. Households below those thresholds may qualify for the full tax benefit, but are unlikely to buy an expensive enough car to do so, economists said. Those drivers who might qualify to take on a six-figure car loan are unlikely to maximize the tax break, either. Taxpayers don't get a financial benefit once income exceeds $150,000 (or $250,000 for married couples), according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a left-leaning think tank. Qualifying cars must also receive final assembly in the U.S., according to current legislative text, potentially further limiting the potential roster of vehicles. The average car loan so far in 2025 is about $43,000, according to Cox Automotive data. Under Republicans' tax plan, the average buyer would get a tax deduction of about $3,000 in the first year of a six-year loan (and a roughly $2,000 average annual deduction over the loan's life), Smoke said. However, based on the way tax deductions work, this wouldn't mean car buyers get $3,000 in their pocket the first year. That $3,000 would be deducted from the buyer's taxable income. "The math basically says you're talking about [financial] benefit of $500 or less in year one," and a declining value in subsequent years, Smoke said. That's less than the average monthly payment on a new loan, he said.
