World Car Awards top three

Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.



There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.



The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:



2011 World Car of the Year



· Audi A8

· BMW 5 Series

· Nissan Leaf

BMW 5 Series Saloon

The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.



2011 World Performance Car



· Ferrari 458 Italia

· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

· Porsche 911 Turbo

Ferrari 458 Italia

It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.



2011 World Car Design of the Year



· Alfa Romeo Giulietta

· Aston Martin Rapide

· Ferrari 458 Italia

Aston Martin Rapide

Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?



2011 World Green Car



· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition

· Chevrolet Volt

· Nissan Leaf

Chevrolet Volt

This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.



Related post:

World Car Awards finalists

Porsche 964 Speedster, 1993

Porsche 964 Speedster, 1993

The Porsche 964 Speedster, a low-roof convertible version of the 964, returned in October 1992. Based on the Carrera 2, the Speedster was available either in standard or in lightweight version, Clubsport trim. Unlike its predecessor, the 911 Speedster, the Porsche 964 Speedster was initially not available with the "Turbo-Look" wider rear arches. As a result, the sales of the 964 edition were disappointing: only 925 units were built in two years, vs 2065 for the previous generation. In late 1993 (Model Year 1994), 20 (14 in right hand drive) very exclusive "Turbo-Look" units were made as special orders and carried special 5 digit option codes in their production records. These "Turbo-Look" Speedsters were some of the last 964's produced by the Porsche factory.

Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cabrio, 1993

Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cabrio, 1993

The 964 was considered over 85% new as compared over its predecessor, the Carrera 3.2. The first 964s available in 1989 were all wheel drive equipped "Carrera 4" models; Porsche added the rear wheel drive Carrera 2 variant to the range in 1990. Both variants were available as a coupe, Targa or Cabriolet. The 964 Carrera was the last generation sold with the traditional removable Targa roof. Later evolutions of the Targa, starting with the 993 generation, replaced that setup with a complex glass-roof "greenhouse" system. A new naturally-aspirated engine called the M64 was used for 964 models, with a flat-6 displacement of 3.6 litres. Porsche largely revised the suspension replacing the rear torsion bars with coil springs and shock absorbers. Power steering and ABS brakes arrive to the 911 for the first time and they were both made standard. The exterior bumpers and fog lamps became flush into the car, allowing for better aerodynamics. A new electric rear spoiler raised at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h) and lowered down flush with the rear engine lid at lower speeds or when stopped. A revised interior featured standard dual airbags beginning in 1990 for all North American production cars. A new automatic climate control system provided superior heating and cooling. Revised instrumentation housed a large set of warning lights that were tied into the car's central warning system which alerted the driver to a possible problem or malfunction.

Engine
    * Engine design: Air/oil cooled, horizontally-opposed, dry-sump lubrication, rear-mounted
    * Engine displacement: 3600 cc (220 cu in)
    * Cylinders: Six, light alloy head
    * Bore and stroke: 3.94 x 3.01
    * Compression ratio: 11.3 : 1
    * Fuel/ignition: Electronic fuel injection, DME controller, with twin-spark with knock regulation
    * Crankshaft: Forged, 8 main bearings, enclosed in light alloy case
    * Valve Train: Overhead cam, one per bank, double chain drive
    * Power: 184 kW/247 hp (SAE net)/250 PS (DIN) @ 6100 rpm
    * Torque: 310 N·m/228 ft·lbf @ 4800 rpm
    * Engine speed limitation: 6700 ±20 rpm

Performance
    * Top speed
          o manual: 163 mph (261 km/h)
          o Tiptronic: 159 mph (256 km/h)
    * 0-60 mph
          o manual: 5.5 s
          o Tiptronic: 6.2 s
    * 1/4 mile
          o Carrera 2: 13.6 s
          o Tiptronic: 14.0 s
          o Carrera 4: 14.1 s
    * Coefficient of drag: 0.32

Porsche 911 Turbo, 1993

Porsche 911 Turbo, 1993

Porsche introduced the 964 Turbo model in March 1990 as the successor to the Porsche 930. Unfortunately, they hadn't had the necessary time to develop a turbocharged version of the 3.6 litre M64 engine, and choose to re-use the 3.3 litre engine from the 930, with several minor revisions that made the engine smoother, less prone to turbo lag and more powerful, with a total output of 320 PS (240 kW; 320 hp) @ 5750 rpm. A total of 3,660 of the 964 Turbos were built.

In 1992, the 3.3 litre Turbo S was introduced. With a power of 381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp) and with a lightweight interior and limited "creature comforts" the Turbo S was one of the fastest cars on the road. With lowered suspension, a front strut brace and manual steering, the Turbo S was all about performance. About 80 cars were produced during the only year of production.

Porsche released the 964 Turbo 3.6 in January, 1993, now featuring a turbocharged version of the 3.6 litre M64 engine and producing 360 PS (260 kW; 360 hp) @ 5500 rpm, the 3.6 litre powered Turbo was produced only for model year 1993/1994, with fewer than 1,500 of them produced in total, making it one of the rarest and most sought after Porsches produced since the 959.

At the end of 964 production in 1994 the Porsche factory had some 90 Turbo chassis left. These were all transferred to Porsche Exclusiv and built as the very special Turbo 3.6S. The Turbo 3.6S was available either with the traditional 964 Turbo 3.6 body, or with the exclusive Flatnose (German: Flachbau) aka Slantnose option.

Option X83 (Japan), X84 (ROW) and X85 (USA), the Turbo S Flatnose, was available in the US as a $60,179 USD option on top of the base price $99,000 USD Turbo 3.6. The "Flatnose" option was available when ordering the no charge '36S' option '1994 Turbo "S" Model'. In addition to the Flatnose fenders, it also included the 'X88' option or the 'Turbo S' motor, the 'X92' Exclusive front spoiler, 'X93' Exclusive rear spoiler and 'X99' Exclusive rear fender vents. The flatnose option was designed around the model 968 front end for the ROW and USA versions and the 930 style Turbo S front end for Japan (right down to the sill covers on the fenders). 39 Models were made for US markets, 27 for the Rest of the world, and 10 for Japan all in Polar Silver.

Technical Specifications
    * turbo 3.3
          o Bore and stroke: 97 mm x 74.4 mm (3.82 in x 2.93 in)
          o Displacement 3,299 cc
          o Compression ratio 7.0:1
          o Net Horsepower 320 PS (240 kW; 320 hp) @ 5750 rpm
          o Net Torque 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) @ 4500 rpm
    * turbo S
          o Bore and stroke: 97 mm x 74.4 mm (3.82 in x 2.93 in)
          o Displacement 3,299 cc
          o Compression Ratio 7.0:1
          o Net Horsepower 355 PS (261 kW; 350 hp) @ 5750 rpm / 381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp) @ 6000 rpm
          o Net Torque 471 N·m (347 lb·ft) @5000 rpm / 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) @ 4800 rpm
    * turbo 3.6
          o Bore and stroke: 100 mm x 76.4 mm (3.94 in x 3.01 in)
          o Displacement 3,600 cc
          o Compression Ratio 7.5:1
          o Net Horsepower 360 PS (260 kW; 360 hp) @ 5500 rpm
          o Net Torque 520 N·m (384 lb·ft) @ 4200 rpm
    * turbo 3.6S
          o Bore and stroke: 100 mm x 76.4 mm (3.94 in x 3.01 in)
          o Displacement 3,600 cc
          o Compression Ratio 7.5:1
          o Net Horsepower 385 PS (283 kW; 380 hp) @ 5750 rpm
          o Net Torque 520 N·m (384 lb·ft) @ 5000 rpm

Porsche 930 Turbo, 1980

Porsche 930 Turbo, 1980

The Porsche 930 (usually pronounced nine-thirty) was a sports car built by Porsche, 930 actually being the "type number" for the pre-964 generation Porsche 911 Turbo produced between 1975 and 1989. It was Porsche's top-of-the-range model for its entire production duration and at the time of its introduction the fastest production car available in Germany.

Model history
Porsche began experimenting with turbocharging technology on their race cars during the late 1950s, and in 1972 began development on a turbocharged version of the 911. Porsche originally needed to produce the car in order to comply with homologation regulations and had intended on marketing it as a street legal race vehicle like the 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS. When the homologation rules changed, Porsche continued to develop the car anyway, deciding to make it a fully-equipped variant of the 911 that would top the model range and give Porsche a more direct competitor to vehicles from Ferrari and Lamborghini, which were more expensive and more exclusive than the standard 911. Although Porsche no longer needed the car to meet homologation requirements, it proved a viable platform for racing vehicles, and became the basis for the 934 and 935 race cars. Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche, who was running the company at the time, handed development of the vehicle over to Ernst Fuhrmann, who adapted the turbo-technology originally developed for the 917/30 CAN-AM car to the 3.0 litre flat-six from the Carrera RS 3.0, creating what Porsche internally dubbed as 930. Total output from the engine was 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp), much more than the standard Carrera. In order to ensure that the platform could make the most of the higher power output, a revised suspension, larger brakes and stronger gearbox became part of the package, although some consumers were unhappy with Porsche's use of a 4-speed whilst a 5-speed manual was available in the "lesser" Carrera. A "Whale-Tail" rear spoiler was installed to help vent more air to the engine and help create more downforce at the rear of the vehicle, and wider rear wheels with upgraded tires combined with flared wheelarches were added to increase the 911's width and grip, making it more stable.

Porsche badged the vehicle simply as "Turbo" (although early U.S. units were badged as "Turbo Carrera") and debuted it at the Paris Auto Show in October 1974 before putting it on sale in the spring of 1975; export to the United States began in 1976.

The Porsche 930 proved very fast but also very demanding. The 911 was prone to oversteer because of its rear engine layout and short wheelbase; combining those traits with the power of the turbocharged motor, which exhibited significant turbo-lag, meant driving the car required more skill to drive at the edge of its (higher) level of performance. Even though the rear engine layout provided superior traction, sudden bursts of power to the rear wheels in mid-corner could break the tires loose, causing the car to literally spin out of control. This effect was amplified if an unexperienced driver would instinctively lift the throttle in reaction. The vehicle needed to be kept at high revs during spirited driving to minimise the turbo lag. Skilled drivers quickly learned how to drive the Porsche 930 properly, and with that knowledge came the ability to drive the car above and beyond the levels of most other sports cars. Nevertheless, some fatal accidents resulted in product liability law suits brought against Porsche in the US, where Ralph Nader had made his name criticizing the rear engine-rear wheel drive layout of the Chevrolet Corvair.

Porsche made its first and most significant upgrades to the Porsche 930 for 1978, enlarging the engine to 3.3 litres and adding an air-to-air intercooler. By cooling the pressurized air charge, the intercooler helped increase power output to 300 hp (DIN); the rear 'whale tail' spoiler was re-profiled and raised slightly to make room for the intercooler. Porsche also upgraded the brakes to units similar to those used on the 917 racecar.

Changing emissions regulations in Japan and the U.S. forced Porsche to withdraw the 930 from those markets in 1980. Believing the 928 would eventually replace the 911, Fuhrmann cut-back spending on the model, and it was not until Fuhrmann's resignation the company finally committed the financing to re-regulate the car.

Porsche offered a "Flachbau" ("slantnose") Porsche 930 under the "Sonderwunschprogramm" (special order) program beginning in 1981, an otherwise normal 930 with a 935-style slantnose instead of the normal 911 front end. Each Flachbau unit was handcrafted by remodeling the front fenders. So few were built that the slantnose units often commanded a high premium over sticker, adding to the fact that they required a premium of up to 60 per cent (highly indivdualized cars even more) over the standard price. Several sources claim the factory built 948 units. The Flachbau units delivered in Europe usually featured the 330 hp (246 kW) performance kit.

Porsche discontinued the 930 after model year 1989 when its underlying "G-Series" platform was being replaced by the 964. '89 models were the only versions of the Porsche 930 to feature a 5-speed transmission. A turbo version of the 964 officially succeeded the Porsche 930 in 1991 with a modified version of the same 3.3 litre flat-6 engine and a 5-speed transmission.

The Most Economic Luxury Car by Porsche

Porsche company has presented a most economic hybrid version of hatchback Panamera.

The New Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid shows considerably best indicators of fuel consumption and blowout CO2, than all other serial luxury hybrid cars. These values are reached thanks to developed all-weather tyres Michelin especially for Panamera. But even with serial tyres a fuel consumption of new hybrid model of Porsche makes 7,1 l/100 km (cycle NEFZ), and CO2 blowout — 167/km.

Panamera S Hybrid establishes standards of dynamic characteristics both for classical, and for hybrid cars. Panamera S Hybrid will be speeded to 100 km/h for 6,0 seconds, the maximum speed makes 270 km/h. The cruising range in electric mode makes about 2 kilometres, movement in this mode depending on a situation is possible with a speed to 85 km/h.

Panamera S Hybrid is set in motion by engines which already justified itself in Cayenne Turbo S: the basic drive gear carries out 3-litre compressor engine V6 capacity of 333HP (245 kw), it is supported by the electric motor capacity of 47HP (34 kw).

Both engines can actuate Panamera S Hybrid or is independent, or together. Besides, the electric motor serves as the generator and a starter. Together with a dividing clutch it forms the compact hybrid module located between an internal combustion engine and a gear box. The electric motor is connected with the NiMh battery in which the electric power will accumulate at braking and movement. Transmission is used known on Cayennes — 8-step Tiptronic S with a wide range of reduction ratios.

Geneva 2011: Porsche Cayenne Titan Evo XL-600 by SpeedART

SpeedART preferred unveiled a preview of his new toy, the Porsche Cayenne Titan Evo XL-600, Evo evolution of Titan during this show that during the Essen Motor Show ...

So simply put, the tuner SpeedART has said the same styling cues as the Titan Evo. It was right in fact, a body kit with a front bumper and rear, a roof spoiler and custom-fender flares corresponding to the extension side skirts. Titan Evo-XL can also offer a wide choice of light alloy forged wheels in 23 '. To complete the look "pest" of the Porsche Cayenne, a low suspension kit is available.

Porsche Panamera Hybrid S - Geneva Motor Show 2011

The Panamera Hybrid S part of the mixed system technology seen in the Hybrid Cayenne S with a supercharged 3.0 V6 engine 333 hp engine supplemented by a second, this type of electric, capable of generating 34 kW/47 hp. The car can run on either or both engines using both at the same time. If it rolls to less than 85 km / h, its nickel-metal hydride batteries allow travel up to 2 km with energy recovered during braking, but if necessary, also activate a fuel saving mode at high speed disconnects the internal combustion engine at speeds of up to 165 km / h. Changes are made from a box of eight-speed Tiptronic S.

With all this (and the help of new low rolling resistance), the Porsche sedan says consumption of 6.8 L/100 km in combined cycle (7.1 L with rubber "normal"), acceleration from 0 to 100 in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 270 km / h, for performance, well located between the S Panamera Panamera and conventional, but with much more bearable consumption than those approved by any of his brothers.

Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche has announced its most economical model ever.



The Panamera S Hybrid achieves 41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, according to the New European Driving Cycle test. The slight caveat is that those figures are only possible with specially developed - and optional - Michelin low rolling resistance tyres.

Nevertheless, even on normal rubber the hybrid manages 39.7 mpg (7.1 l/100km) and 167 g/km. Still very impressive considering that the best a purely petrol-powered Panamera will do is 25.0 mpg (11.3 l/100km) while pumping out 265 g/km of CO2.



Under the skin is the same technology that’s found in the Cayenne S Hybrid, which means a 328 bhp (245 kW / 333 PS) 3.0 litre supercharged six-cylinder petrol engine running in conjunction with a 45 bhp (34 kW / 47 PS) electric motor. Charge is stored in a nickel metal hydride battery, and an eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox is fitted as standard.

The Panamera’s range using only its electric motor for propulsion is a little over a mile (around two kilometres). That isn’t a lot, but even such a meagre distance could prove handy in city centre stop-start driving. Perhaps of more use is the ‘sailing’ feature which, at speeds up to 103 mph (165 km/h), will completely shut down the petrol engine when it’s not actually delivering any power to the wheels.



Harnessing the combined 373 bhp (279 kW / 380 PS) from its motor and engine, the Panamera S Hybrid will accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.0 seconds, while the more relevant 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) increment is taken care of in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 168 mph (270 km/h).

Pricing has been set at £86,227 for the UK and €106,185 in Germany. Standard kit includes Porsche Active Suspension Management, which offers continuous electronic adjustment of the dampers. Adaptive air suspension and Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering are also fitted.



Following an appearance at the Geneva International Motor Show, the Panamera S Hybrid is scheduled to have its market launch in June 2011.

Geneva 2011: Porsche Boxster E, without the noise of the flat-six

Porsche announced that its Boxster E  will provide a "rolling laboratory"for the development of new technologies. The latter has two electric engines (one in each wheel) which claim a total power of 180 kW-equivalent to 245 horsepower

Thus equipped, the German would display the same lap time on the exercise with the 0 to 100 km / h than the Boxster S Classic, or 5.3 seconds. Lithium-ion batteries have a capacity of 29 kWh.

The prototype will be presented at next month's Geneva Motor Show, but should not derive a standard version. Porsche plans to take a marketing electric models, but in the long term ...

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Facebook Video - Thank you - A 1,000,000 Times

Porsche thanks its more than 1 million fans on Facebook by launching an exposure model based on a 911 GT3 R Hybrid which is a decoration containing the names of all fans!

So if you are a fan of Porsche on Facebook, then you may be lucky enough to have your name on a 911

And you can even go check on your way to the Porsche Museum or simply on the website dedicated to this project.

"Facebook" Porsche

Is your name on this car?;)

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Race Car engine 4.0-liter boxer six-cylinder now delivers 455 hp (355 kW) at 7,800 rpm, five more horsepower than its predecessor. The results of increasing the power of an engine management system that adapts better to different grades of fuel, and a redesigned exhaust system and air intake box modified. In addition, the drivability of the engine has been known effective for further improvement. top speed is unchanged at 9.400 rpm.

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR joins the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup, Porsche Motorsport flagship product line. The distance runner successfully away from Weissach can be ordered now priced at 410,000 euro plus the value of each country’s VAT. All qualifiers 2011 is available as a kit for cars GT3 RSR in the 2010 season.

Boxster S Black Edition

Another week, another Porsche special edition...



This time it’s the turn of the Boxster S, which gets the same Black Edition treatment as recently applied to the 911.

Predictably, given its name, there’s a certain theme going on: Black paintwork, black hood, black rear side air intakes, black exhaust tailpipes, black rollover bars, black model lettering, black dashboard trim, black half-leather upholstery and black 19” alloys borrowed from the Boxster Spyder.



Not that the end result looks at all bad, provided of course that you like black.



Standard equipment on the Black Edition is generous, featuring three packages which are normally cost options. The first of these is ‘Design’, responsible for most of the black bits and pieces including the wheels.



Secondly, ‘Comfort’ adds automatic climate control, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, headlight wash, LED daytime running lights, a wind deflector, automatic dimming mirrors and a rain sensor.



Finally, ‘Infotainment’ includes the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with 6.5” colour touchscreen, radio with RDS twin tuner, Bluetooth telephone preparation, navigation module, universal audio interface and the Sound Package Plus.

The changes aren’t just cosmetic, though. Compared to the standard Boxster S, power from the 3.4 litre straight-six engine has been increased by 9 bhp (7 kW / 10 PS) to 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS), while peak torque rises to 370 Nm (272 lb/ft).



Those admittedly modest increases don’t dramatically improve performance. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time does drop by a tenth to 5.2 seconds, but top speed is more or less unchanged at 171 mph (276 km/h).



Anyone wanting slightly better acceleration could specify the optional, seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission instead of the usual six-speed manual gearbox. This lets the Boxster complete the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 5.1 seconds, although it reduces top speed a tad to 170 mph (274 km/h).



Sales of the Boxster S Black Edition are set to begin in March 2011, and volumes will be limited to just 987 examples - a nod to the current Boxster’s internal Porsche model code.



Pricing has been confirmed at £47,426 (£49,567 with PDK) for the UK, which represents a saving of around £2,000 compared to a similarly specified Boxster S.



In Germany, the Black Edition will cost €63,404.

World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year

• Audi A1


• Audi A8


• BMW 5 Series


• BMW X3


• Jaguar XJ


• Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Nissan Leaf


• Porsche Cayenne


• Volvo S60 / V60

Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.

The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car

• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi RS 5 Coupe


• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


• Ferrari 458 Italia


• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


• Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Porsche 911 GT2 RS


• Porsche 911 Turbo


• Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250

This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi A7


• Citroën DS3


• Ferrari 458


• Honda CR-Z


• Kia Sportage


• Nissan Juke

There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.

On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition


• Chevrolet Volt


• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid


• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell


• Nissan Leaf


• Smart electric drive

Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.

Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.

Porsche GT2 RS tuned by Wimmer RS

German tuner Wimmer RS has a package for the Porsche 911 GT2 RS that shaves 0.2 seconds off of the supercar's 0 to 100 km/h sprint time.

To do so, Wimmer goes under the hood to optimize the two turbochargers and modify the air intake. There's also a tuning of the throttle valve and a new sport air filter.

The Solingen-based tuner then adds a valve-controlled sport exhaust system and sport catalysts.

All that tinkering adds up to a total output on the Porsche 911 GT2 RS of 703 PS (517 kW) and 810 Nm of torque (series 620 PS / 462 kW).

The 0 to 100 km/h sprint time comes in at 3.3 seconds compared to the series' 3.5. The Wimmer RS GT2 RS hits 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.5 seconds.

Top speed is a breezy 356 km/h (221 mph).

A nice set of photos here tell the rest of the story of the Wimmer RS Porsche 911 GT2 RS dressed in a devilish red with a black bonnet.

Porsche Cayenne Radical Star by Met-R

Russian tuner Met-R has unveiled their new tuning program for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (958).

Dubbed the Radical Star, the package features an aggressive front fascia, wheel arch extensions (which add 100mm in width), and a carbon fiber rear diffuser.

Under the hood, the twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8 engine has been tweaked to produce 564 PS (415 kW / 556 hp) - an increase of 64 PS (47 kW / 63 hp). No word on how this was accomplished, but we suspect there's a revised ECU and a high-flow air filter.

The package is currently available and pricing starts at 780,000 rubles (€19,075 / $25,260).

Panamera Moby Dick by Edo Competition

If there was ever an appropriate name for an over-juiced tuner model it's 'Moby Dick'.

German tuner Edo Competition touts the Panamera Moby Dick as the most powerful Panamera Turbo around, and there is no evidence to doubt that.

The Moby Dick comes in a 750 PS (740 bhp / 552 kW) with the twin-turbo V8 dialed up 50 percent from its standard 500 PS (493 bhp / 368 kW). 0 to 100 km/h acceleration clocks in at under 4 seconds and top speed, depending on tires, can reach 340 km/h (211 mph).

The Ahlen (Westphalia), Germany-based tuner also provides a revised exhaust system with quad stainless steel exhaust pipes and butterfly valves fitted into a carbon rear diffuser. Edo Competition also provides a lowering module and 22-inch wheels.

An aerodynamics package from Mansory is also part of this unique Moby Dick, installed upon customer request.

For the inside, Edo Competition offers a highly-personalized finish with customers choosing their own leather and fabrics and trims in fine wood, lacquer, metal or carbon fiber.

Mansory it again: the Porsche Panamera Bright Yellow Edition

These amendments provide a total power of 690 hp and 800 Nm of torque at 4800 rpm. In comparison, the stock car develops 500 hp and 700 Nm

Square style. Unstoppable. Inevitable. Also some elements of the body kit already seen you can not miss this election for the flashy yellow livery which is even a cover in carbon fiber finish blue tone. The interior follows the same trend between yellow and blue. This achievement has been signed at the request of a client of the Middle East via Luxury Cars.

Exclusive special edition Porsche 911 Black Edition

Porsche-based vehicles are rare. Now, the Swabians have reprinted one: the 911 Black Edition. The black athlete is based on the Carrera and is available both as a coupe and a convertible.
In the cabin of the special Elfers is via stainless-steel scuff plates with black lettering Edition. Standard are leather seats with black part of the lot, at an additional cost there is also an expensive full-leather appointments. Also in the standard specification the special model include: a sports steering wheel design, an all black exterior paint for the instrument cluster and the rear center console. As the contrast trims serve on the panel, the switch or lever and the air vents - they are kept in aluminum look. A plaque on the glove compartment Editions reveals the number of each model.