From Leftlane News:
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
Spy photographers have snapped images of a fully undisguised 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet prototype. While the new 997 model Turbo Cabrio will undoubtedly be a hit among warm-climate car enthusiasts, these final stages of testing involved anything but top-down beach cruising.
The car was photographed while undergoing extreme cold weather testing in Sweden. The tests are believed to be one of the last before production begins on the new drop-top.
Prior prototypes have always had some disguise and fake panels on front and rear, but these latest shots show a prototype without any disguise at all.
Like its coupe counterpart, the convertible should have an output of 480 hp at 6,000 rpm, 60 hp more than its predecessor. Torque will also be increased — from 560 to 620 Newtonmeters. The top speed is expected to surpass the current car's limit of 191 mph, and the 997 Turbo Cabrio will be offered with a new four-wheel-drive system.
-- Nothing surprising of course. When's the 911 GT2 coming out?
From Motor Authority and Auto Motor Und Sport Sweden:
Porsche Panamera
Porsche’s upcoming Panamera sedan has been caught by spy photographers undergoing testing in Gothenburg, Sweden, this time with barely any camouflage. Previous test mules have been spotted on parts of the German Autobahn as well as the Nürburgring circuit undergoing high-speed testing. Judging by the images, it appears that the Panamera is near production ready, but it’s not scheduled to be unveiled officially until the first half of 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show.
The bulbous rear end is expected to accommodate up to 450L of storage, while the interior will likely have seating capacity for up to five passengers. The engines on offer should include a 300hp V6, a 350hp naturally aspirated V8 motor and a 560hp twin-turbo V8 powerplant for a flagship ‘S’ model.
There are also rumors of a hybrid model, but sources are yet to confirm this.
Porsche expects to sell up to 20,000 Panameras per year, but with the upcoming Rapide from Aston Martin and possible sedans with coupe-styling from most of the German labels, the sportscar maker will be facing an uphill battle. Follow the jump to see even more “up close and personal” images of the Panamera test mule.
-- I am anticipating this car although I still think it's fat and bulky.
That's ugly! What is that? That doesn't even look remotely like a Porsche! It make Cayenne look good! Ugh. It looks like someone took a Lexus GS and stuck a quasi-Porsche front and a big naff wing on the back.
With the Carrera GT in supercar heaven, this will undoubtedly be the ultimate Porsche! Just in time to strike fear in the Gallardo Superleggera and F430 CS (or is the GT3 RS a better match?)!
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