2010 Land Rover LR4 HSE

By Bruce Hubbard
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

Beauty and quality is so obvious in the 2010 Land Rover models. The Brand has come along way since 1948 when the first Land Rover Series was launched at the Amerstand Motor Show. Originally designed by Maurice Wilkes after his first introduction to the American Willis Jeep one summer.

The Land Rover 2010 LR4 HSE with optional Lux package we tested was loaded. It just lacked what you can get in the HSE Lux Plus optional package (top of the line) including the wonderful five-camera surround system and three of the best upgrade packages.

The Land Rover models include the base V8, the HSE, HSE Plus, HSE Lux, and top of the line HSE Lux Plus.

The proven air suspension that Land Rover / Range Rover offer is a plus on and off the road. Over large boulders in Moab or just to lower the Land Rover at the Club for easy departure or entry. Just a button activates air suspension system up or down. Look at the photos of the system Hydraulics. No longer will VW offer their air suspension on the Touareg in the North American market. However, Jeeps new Grand Cherokee will offer their quadra lift air suspension.

The look of the 2010 LR4 HSE shows many of the subtle images of the original Discovery including the rear tailgate. The Discovery was a wonderful vehicle and Tata and Range Rover have done a wonderful job upgrading the new LR4. Last years LR3 we did not test for few were delivered to the North American market. The Land Rover LR4 shows what Land Rover sees with Tata as the future. Luxury SUV vehicles that are number one in the world.

The 2010 LR4 is able to take you down Worth avenue in style or go deep into a river crossing in Bolivia with ease. The Range Rover’s have always had this ability. So few may ever get from the highway to Moab or traverse streams but the powerful permanent all wheel drive Land Rover HSE LR4 can do it all.

The front end for 2010 is more aerodynamic. Including not only the wheel wells but the spoiler in front and even the smooth surfaces deliver lower the drag and thus better fuel economy. So many journalists have mistaken the front end for that of the larger Range Rover’s. Yes it looks just like one. (See my photo of the Range Rover Sport 2010 model). The entire package has been upgraded and is nearly as luxurious as the big brother.

The new Land Rover LR4 now shares the same engine that the other Range Rovers have. That is the 5.0 Litter. direct injection, variable valve timed V8 delivering 375 horsepower at 6500 rpm with torque 375 foot-pounds coming in at 3500 rpm that was co developed with Jaguar. The new engine offers low-torque that now gives the Range Rover LR4 the ability to have higher gearing and more frequent torque-converter lockups for better efficiency.

The more powerful engine delivers exceptional torque. Torque is important for off- roading use. In fact the previous 4.4 Liter V8 was a great engine but able to deliver the power and torque the new 2010 LR4 does.

One of the key features of the new LR-V8 is an industry first, centrally mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar (2,175 psi) directly to the cylinder. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the center of the combustion chamber, maximizing air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control. Fuel is delivered by twin, high-pressure fuel pumps driven via an auxiliary shaft in the all-new engine block. Delivery of fuel direct to the cylinder has substantially contributed to improved low speed, dynamic response that is particularly useful off-road while adding to driving pleasure on-road. The charge cooling effects of the direct injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the naturally aspirated engine to be raised to 11.5:1, further improving the engine efficiency.

Our speed test with the low resistant tires was zero to 60 mph at less than 7.6 seconds. A few runs were even faster and we nearly approached 7 seconds.

Mated to the 2010 LR4 is the ZF HP28 six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. A lot better than the first Buick-Rover inspired engine years past. I love the six-speed ZF system. Superb on its own when in automatic. But, when manual mode on the ZF is used with so many on and off road applications it stands out as the number one off -roading vehicle I the world.

The dramatic enhancement of both power and torque low down the rev range on the new engines have made it possible to actuate the transmission’s lock-up clutch much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, so helping with the improvements in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The transmission features an intelligent sport mode, which can sense and adapt transmission characteristics to particular driving styles.

The new variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering utilizes a slow initial ratio for steady and predictable behavior when driving straight down the road. The steering is precise, the road feel is not harsh and the interior noise is minimal.

The Land Rover LR4 is unique in the market today. As it has offered for years the LR4 has standard air suspension giving the Land Rover LR4 abilities to traverse back roads, snow, climb steep hills and even off road areas because it can raise or lower 2.1 inches with the pushing of the controls.

To help stop the hydroformed steel body LR4 with aluminum hood and tail we find larger brakes. The stopping power on and off the road was impressive.

Inside the cabin of the Land Rover LR4 is superb as would be expected. Completely updates from the previous Land Rover LR3 version. Complaints from customers that is was not up to Jaguar Land Rover quality brought the new LR4 to where Tata Motors and previous owners Ford and BMW would be proud.

The previous model many stated had too much plastic and just too many controls in the center console to operate the Range Rover. Completely redone the interior of the LR4 has soft textures and nice curves. The silver and carbon fiber are great but where is the wood of the days when Jaguar and Land Rover were king with their exceptional interiors.

Terrain Response system from Range Rover has been improved for 2010. The system can now even help you traverse sand on beaches or desert. That is one area where many off roaders get caught. When you stop on sand and sink often the frame sinks to the sand and you cannot move! But now with the Range Rover Sport use 'sand launch control' has now been introduced, which makes for noticeably easier drive-away. New, speed-dependent wheel-slip targets for the traction control system permit only very limited initial wheel-slip, helping to prevent the wheels digging down into the sand. New, speed-dependent wheel-slip targets for the traction control system permit only very limited initial wheel-slip, helping to prevent the wheels digging down into the sand. The pictures alone tell you where to dial from normal driving to the newest hill descent set up.

The ability to control wheel speeds precisely with the help of long, linear throttle travel and programmable Hill Descent Control that includes for the first time Gradient Release Control. This can prevent uncontrolled acceleration. As I stated before if you purchase the option LUX package or the 5 camera system you can even further control you hill descent with cameras.

The interior of the Land Rover LR4 looks more like the higher end brother. Superb seating for driver and front passenger. The best leathers offered in the world surround you and your passengers.

Of course heated seats in front. Optional heated seats come with some of the luxury packages. Heated steering wheel. Plus, heated optional front windshield to remove snow and ice in the winter.

The tall Land Rover LR4 puts the driver and passengers above the rest of the traffic. Not like an 18 -wheeler but right up there. I like it.

Standard on the Land Rover LR4 is the three sun roofs. The front one opens to a small 11 inch allowing for little sun but plenty of fresh air. The second and third sunroofs have a screen to keep hot sun from intruding. When the screens are open it givers a wonderful light into the cabin.

Two glove compartments for plenty of storage up front. Center armrest has a cooler when you purchase the LUX package.

Second row passengers have own HVAC controls. The third row does not have that but have plenty of storage. But, the seats are small and made for small kids or for local drives. Long distance would not be my favorite seating spot in the LR4. No chance of an adult over 5 foot 9 inches ever to step foot into these two seats.

The Land Rover LR4’s roll axis has been improved thanks to revised suspension. New shock absorber valving and a larger antiroll bar help with the roll axis improvements.

The 2010 Range Rover has an advanced new Adaptive Dynamics system, which further improves the Range Rover’s peerless ride quality with greater refinement and superior body control.

A refinement to the dynamic stability control system helps automatically slow the vehicle if taking a corner too fast, thus enhancing driver control.

The system operates according to steering inputs from the driver. In extreme cases, automatic braking intervenes to help reduce the vehicle speed, with the braking pressure level applied according to the steering inputs.

This feature is complemented by the new Roll Stability Control system, which is designed to intervene in the unlikely case of an extreme situation in which the possible onset of a rollover is detected. In such situations, the system is designed to take over and perform very rapid, wheel specific braking, to help reduce speed and marginally widen the cornering radius.

In more extreme cases the system is designed to initiate marginal under steer by sharply increasing brake force on the outer wheels, again widening the

On one of Detroit’s well-known potholes I was amazed that the air suspension and improved suspension components turned the rough road into a smooth road.

Added to the great suspension for the Land Rover LR4 are larger optional 20-inch spoke wheels and low-profile mud-and-snow tires. Standard are 19 inch alloy wheels the larger 20 inch add another $2500.00.

Electronics have been a problem with Land Rover and Jaguar over the years. Suppliers deliver the newest equipment that may have not been tested long enough. Range Rover’s have been called the most undependable and most dependable vehicle. Winning off road events at the Paris-Dakar or Bolivia 1000-mile off-road race they have won.

Land Rover and Jaguar are using state of the art electronics but they have not been proven. When they work as they did for me in the Range Rover Sport they were remarkable just as Jaguar and Land Rover wanted

They have state of the art CAN or Controller Area Network that allows electronics to talk and interrelate with each other better than the conventional electronic networks.

The new electrical architecture ties together over sixty different ECUs on couple medium and high-speed CAN data busses, running new software code.

The software runs the large touch screen used for navigation, off road display, information and so much more. In addition the software runs enhanced roll-stability and trailer-sway control and continuously variable Bilstein Damptronic shocks. The software is used automatically on hill descent control but further deciphers driving conditions and then determines what damping you need. It retunes the suspension to make the journey even better. This all works well when the electronics or software or the unit have not failed.

Still with problems like I encountered with the Land Rover LR4 HSE allowed JD Powers to put Land Rover at the bottom of the list for the first 90-day ownership experience. First electronic or electrical problem I had was when the LR4’s sunroof work quit working. It worked well one day and then quit. The reset is easy so within 20 seconds I got it going.

The next problem (which has been found in many Jaguar and Land Rover/Range Rover vehicles) was when the entire navigation, blue tooth, and radio system died. Worked great yesterday and no way today? No reset with this is required to restart the new Touch Screen monitor and all the controls for navigation, HVAC and more. This has happened with other Land Rovers and even the newest Jaguar XJL . The dealer stated it would take two weeks to get a new system. Range Rover offices feel it is a software problem.

I asked the dealership if they offer loaners in that period. It depends on each dealer under the Land Rover Jaguar brand.

The luxury segment is hindered often by the numerous electronics they possess. Some suppliers have delivered products that are so far advanced but not tested for long periods of time. Therefore if that one item fails then it looks bad for one of the luxury brands.

Towing with the 1999 Discovery I did and that was impressive. The newer model driven in 2002 was equally impressive but now the 2010 Land Rover LR4 has equally impressive towing abilities. When properly equipped, the LR4's maximum towing capacity for a braked trailer is a stout 7,716 pounds. A trailer without brakes Land Rover reduces the capacity to 1,650 pounds.. With any trailer the Land Rover LR4s standard “sway control system” keeps the trailer from swaying when speeds reach 50 miles per hour or above.

If you buy the optional five-camera surround view system it will show you how close you are to the trailer when hooking up. I had the system on Infiniti’s high end vehicles and that was superb. However, for a true off-roading vehicle the Land Rover/ Range Rover/ or Range Rover Sport I was able to just view the camera images on the large navigation screen and back up to hitch up the trailer. In fact the system has a towing assistant that allows programming the length, width, number of axles of the trailer or trailers. Yes, you can store numerous trailer specs into the software. I love the system since I tow over ten different trailers from our operations.

Equally impressive is the five-cameras system off road. It will let you know how close the front tires are to logs, boulders or other obstacles. It has two cameras by the front bumpers and under the rear view mirrors are cameras. The system allows you to view all images at once on the large navigation screen. It even has an enlarge mode. Since I did not have it working on the LR4 all advantages were gone. But, as stated it worked well for my weeks of testing on the Range Rover Sport.

One of the major innovations in the 2010 Range Rover is found in the instrument cluster. Here, traditional physical instruments are replaced by a Thin Film Transistor screen, which presents all essential driver information via cleverly designed ‘virtual’ dials and graphical displays.

“The new display technology used by the 2010 Range Rover is a major advance. It gives us tremendous flexibility in presenting information, so that the driver gets precisely the data they require, in all driving conditions,” explains Nick Rogers, Chief Engineer, New Vehicle Architecture. The system’s message center (the area between rev counter and speedometer) can be customized by the driver to display personal prioritized information, from system warnings, outside temperature and vehicle information to less critical data such as audio and telephone displays.

The message center also relays off-road information, such as steering angle, wheel articulation, suspension settings and Terrain Response settings.

When using the off-road system you can display your driving configuration. It is seen on the center display. On a split screen you can show the level-ground position of the axles on a dotted white line. It also has a green line to let you know how high you are above the ground. The wheels are shown with a red line so you know where they are off-road.

Fingertip control of settings and menus on the TFT screen is provided by an updated steering wheel, which incorporates a five-way controller.

A new hard-drive navigation system provides faster route calculation, larger area map coverage and improved reliability. The navigation system adopts an improved navigation structure, which now also features ‘towards guidance’. This supplements the junction map and icon-based information with details of the actual road signage viewed by the driver along the route.

Another accessory I like are the side step rails. The underbody protection system is also a plus. The underbody protection will keep rocks or large trees from damaging the undercarriage and the engine or transmission.

One more accessory I would have is a winch. Definitely a plus if you are true off roader. The winch and ropes and chains I always carry. Some winches I have used can be moved from the front of the vehicle to the rear. But, on the Land Rovers or Range Rovers I have only used the winches attached to the front of the vehicles.

Another item I need is roof carrier. They offer luggage boxes to aqua sports carriers for kayak, canoe or sailboard. Luggage carrier, ski and snowboard carrier and even a climbing ladder. You need this if you are going to use the third row seats in the LR4. When that is used you lose a lot of cargo space.

Folded the third row seats delivers 42 cubic feet of cargo space, which is less than some of the competitors including the Mercedes-Benz GL models.

Then if you really have no more room on the roof or the load is too big the rear tow bar offer even more options to carry loads. Cargo carrier can be hooked to the tow bar. Or bike carrier can hold a lot of bikes.

I also like the load space protector to keep mud, debris and heavy gear from damaging the interior floor.

The asymmetrical split rear tailgate is one more Discovery design throwback. It works well.

If you don’t like the look of the dash the LR4 can be outfitted with a fascia of your choice. Wood trim is burled walnut available to those who insist.

Our Land Rover LR4 tester had the $9500 LUX package that included an array of options. I liked the auto-adaptive bi-Xenon headlamps with high beam assist.

The sound system upgrade with the LUX package on the LR4 delivers the Harmon Karden 480 watt system with 14 speakers. Plus park distance control, back up camera, cooler box, 8 way power seats for driver and front passenger. The base price of the 2010 Land Rover LR4 is $47,250.00. Add $2500 for 20 inch spoke wheels and another $750.00 for the paint. Destination is $650.00 plus the LUX package at $9500.00 brings a total for the LR4 at $60,915.00. If you want more power and determine it is worth the extra dollar then look at the big brother- Supercharged Range Rover Sport at nearly $83,000.00 without tax.

Competition is Cadillac’s Escalade, Audi Q7, Infiniti QX56, LX 570, the new Lexus GX460, Mercedes Benz GL-class, VW’s Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne.

Fuel economy 12 city and 17 highway with premium fuel. At nearly three tons the Land Rover LR4 equipped with the ZF6 speed automatic is as efficient as it gets with this weight.

The Range Rover celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year. It is one of the most significant vehicles in the history of motoring, known for luxury and capability. As I have mentioned in other stories the Land Rover Range Rover was selected to be displayed at the Louvre. They considered it one of the finest sculptured sheet metal art pieces in the world.

I have been fortunate to experience one of Land Rover’s driving schools at the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina. Every imaginable type of off-road course we traversed in the Land Rover Range Rover models. The school is for not just owners but those who are considering a Land Rover.

Other Land Rover schools are at the Quail Lodge in Carmel California; the Equinox in Southern Vermont’s Green Mountains; and in Canada at the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello located in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. Each resort can be viewed by going to LandRover.com. Vacation at a luxurious resort is a real plus. If the adventure convinces you that the Land Rover is the vehicle you wish then you won again!

The Land Rover Range Rover LR4 performance, ride and handling have been transformed with the introduction of a new engine, transmission and chassis systems. Combine these enhancements with the contemporary style and luxury of the revised interior, and it's clear that the Land Rover Range Rover Brand are superb. Maurice Wilkes first was inspired by the Willys Jeep company after WWII. They have certainly transformed the original Series vehicles into the most luxurious and true off-road vehicle the world has ever seen.

Interesting to me is that the Fiat/Chrysler group has developed a superb new Jeep that incorporates the Quadra air suspension system. Maurice Wilkes looked for inspiration from Willys Jeep in 1946 and now in 2010 the Jeep line has added what they knew was important to off-roading at Land Rover Range Rover. The air-suspension.

I am sold on the Land Rover Range Rover vehicles. With Tata Brand wanting to introduce new vehicles they are having their engineers improve the Brands dependability.

In the meantime I can’t wait to drive the top of the line Range Rover Autobiography only available on the supercharged models. It has the finest leather Jaguar or Land Rover have even offered. The wheels are large 20 inch six spoked Diamond Tuned Wheels.

Safety features on the 2010 Land Rover LR4 include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control including rollover mitigation, hill descent control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

The basic warranty on the Land Rover LR4 is 4 years or 50,000 miles. Roadside assistance is the same. Warranty on rust is six years with unlimited miles.

When the 1000-mile Bolivia Race was won by Range Rover the judges and even the winner stated if I am quoting correctly “the Range is the most dependable undependable vehicle.” Off road Land Rover and Range Rover are number one!

I am looking forward to even more innovations in their next generation of Range Rovers. Range Rover wishes to brand themselves in the new markets including China.

They have ideas of coming out with the Range Rover premium models that will even surpass the Range Rover Autobiography. Maybe down the road we will see the diesel version brought to the North American market.

In England not long ago they introduced the newest model call the Range Rover Evoque with Vogue. The all-new Range Rover Evoque is the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover to date, with sub 130g/km of CO2 emissions continuing their commitment to environmental sustainability.

SUMMIT AUTOMATION IS HIRING WORKERS FROM THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

Text and Photos
By Bruce Hubbard
Auto Advisor Group

Roseville MI September 9, 2009; When times are bad for the automotive industry with companies downsizing and closing facilities one company is prospering.

Summit Automation is moving downsized firms assembly lines to new facilities. Summit Automation is also helping other industries use their design staff and computer team to bring industry back to Michigan.

John Jackson show here with GM Mike Hebert


Summit Automation is one of the best engineering and software companies based in Southeast, Michigan is booming. The owner, John Jackson show here with GM Mike Hebert, saw automation and software as an integral part of his non-automotive business back in 1998. Since then he has turned his expertise in software and turnkey design into a demand service that every industry in North America needs. With companies requiring savings to keep their doors open, often upgrading existing operations can save 50% or more compared to a new design.

Summit Automation is hiring weekly throughout North America according to Summit’s manager Mike Hebert. “ I am hiring from every major city employees needed to meet the demand we have experienced.”

Summit Automation is unique in that it can deliver turnkey systems in record time. Summit Automation’s ability to write code from scratch and to understand their customers’ goals has brought more and more customers to their doors. Summit Automation, headquartered in Southeast Michigan, put together the best software team “ A miracle team” to manage small and large projects.

Summit Automation’s has been hiring engineers and software code writers from the automotive industry. Those automotive engineers use their experience from the automotive industry to meet the design and build needs of many of the largest companies in North America. Cost savings, quick response time and design that does not fail is why Summit Automation is getting business from top industrial businesses.

With today’s’ need to relocate existing production lines and manufacturing equipment as a result of downturn in the economy Summit Automation has seen a boost in business. Sales have double in one year! When facilities are consolidating they need a way to move and design that all the equipment works together. Summit has the ability to move the equipment, design and then get the systems working without failure.


ZF’s head of production, Bueryl Blaylock believes in Summit! Burl states “Summit understands our business. I cannot afford to throw out old equipment. We need to cut costs and Summit has been able to upgrade our present chassis and assembly lines in record time. The wait time for new equipment could be longer than what they can do in 30 to 45 days. Summit Automations ability to upgrade and design software that does the job saved us a lot of money. We give Summit Automation a project, we ask for it to be done in 30 to 45 days. They utilize our present equipment and they modify the design. Then their team of software experts makes it work. Their commitment to us in service is hands down the best we have ever had in 20 years!

An engineered and designed turnkey robotic line must work from day one. Designed from scratch lines should be nothing but fail-safe because every hour down costs the company. Summit Automation designers are able to reduce production time, increase productivity while reducing manpower and be efficient that profitability is high. In the real world the Automotive industry or non-automotive industry have found that if they do not hire the right group the launch of a redesigned or new line is a failure. That is where John Jackson, president, of Summit Automation and his team at Summit Automation have become the team or company to hire. The ability to bring “miracle software teams” to the design stage has made all the difference to Summit Automations clients as well as to the profitability of Summit Automation. Summit Automation has doubled profits in the past two years thanks to the work of their entire team in North America.


The team at Summit Automation is able to integrate an existing or design and implement a new system that increases productivity, product quality and worker safety. A strong solutions focus with Summit Automation is the key to doing this.

Summit Automation is currently working with one of the world’s premier robotic companies to integrate, design and even service their systems. That company , ABB or Asea Brown Boveri Ltd., headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, started building and supplying robots in 1987. ABB has installed more than 160,000 robotic systems in the world to date. ABB has partnered with Summit Automation in North America, not only for automotive, but also for medical and even paint companies that need efficient systems installed, upgraded, designed and serviced.


One of the most amazing paint systems used at Home Depot, Lowes. Walmart , Sherwin Williams and others was developed in part with Summit Automation. Their team of “miracle software writers” developed not just the software but the hardware for the system that reads customers paint samples. Whether from a magazine, paint chip or even a computer print the system can duplicate the sample and provide a real paint sample for the customer. Duplicates a customers sample color and allows for immediate samples the customers have selected. Paint samples. The customer can do it all with a computer kiosk.

Whether automotive and any industry that needs to save money, make the best prototypes, set up a production line the staff at Summit is ready to assist.

To learn more contact Summit Automation. Visit their website at summitautomation.com or call Mike Hebert at 586 776 0098.

Article Originally seen on TheAutoChannel.com

Premium in a New Age: BMW's Jim O'Donnell at APA

Presentation by BMW's Jim O’Donnell
APA Luncheon, Detroit, September 1, 2009

Welcome. I'm glad to be in Detroit. I used to work and live in Detroit when I was with Ford – that was back from 1987-1989.

* Here’s what was going on then:

- GM was Number 1 with 38% of the total US market.

- Ford was Number 2 and didn’t have to look what was behind.

- Chrysler was a distant number three and always knew it would be number three.

- At the time, AMC and Renault were still on the scene.

* It’s important we stay in touch with you because in this newly reconstructed automobile industry, all of us that build and sell in America have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the auto business in new and important ways. And specifically, to have a real opportunity to make the business in this country even more successful.

* Today, I’d like to provide some insight on the three ways we believe the BMW Group is – as a charter member of the club of premium automakers – helping to shape the future of mobility.

1. Developing a profitable dealer network (and ensuring it stays that way) keeps customers at the heart of everything we do and provides valuable benefits to local communities.

2. A long standing commitment to investment in America adds to the contribution the auto industry makes to this country.

3. Our significant technical capabilities help drive new efficiency, improved safety and sustainable innovation that migrates quickly to the mainstream market.

* First, our BMW and MINI dealers by virtue of their solid financial condition continue to be valuable contributors to local communities. I’m visiting them continuously, including here in Detroit and they have an interesting story to tell.

* Quick look at the local Detroit market: Not surprisingly, Lincoln, Cadillac and Saab lead the local market followed by the three Germans Mercedes, VW and BMW. And while sales are down considerably, used cars are hot and fueling dealer profitability. Not too long ago our used vehicles were deemed “impossible to sell” due to the domestic sales programs. But today, at our stores in Detroit, certified used car sales are up 34% YTD and we almost sell as many used cars as we sell new cars.

* Coming back to the national level: Maintaining a healthy dealer network is a top priority. We have one of America’s most successful automotive franchises and successful franchises contribute to local communities. Our average margin this year is more than 2% and not many can say that.

* Dealers have continued to make investments in their business, while staying profitable in these difficult times.

* The BMW network has invested over $2 billion in new facilities over the last 10 years. This year, newly opened and refurbished BMW dealerships will show a combined investment of over $300 million dollars.

* MINI is expanding its dealer network by 20% over the next 18 months to just over 100 stores as MINI prepares for further growth in the US. These new dealerships will be spread across the US with a focus on the South, Northeast and West.

* All of this is providing needed tax revenue to local communities, well paying jobs, and opportunities to the young through a comprehensive technical training system that we have long supported.

Second, premium manufacturers also have commitments to investment here in America. The BMW Group began ours over 25 years ago and today it’s visible across the country. No, our numbers don’t compete with the big volume companies but at the same time, they are a significant contributor for a company of our size.

* We have been a manufacturer in America for 15 years in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

* In 2008, we produced more than 170,000 BMW Z4, X5 and X6 vehicles – the highest production year ever for our US plant. Our anniversary is next month and we’ll celebrate 1.5 million vehicles built from this plant.

* Perhaps you didn’t know this, but the US is the sole source of production for these vehicles and last year we shipped 70% of them to world markets. This makes BMW the largest vehicle exporter in the US to non-NAFTA countries according to the Department of Commerce - and I believe we (and Mercedes) are unique as a non-domiciled automaker in the US to be a single source for building specific models that are shipped the world over.

That means, we also contribute to this country’s balance of trade.

* In 2007, Plant Spartanburg was the recipient of EPA’s Energy Partner of the Year. This prestigious award was given to BMW in recognition of developing landfill gas to provide 60% of the total energy needs of the plant. And I invite you to visit and see our solar powered trash compactor!
* We are investing $1 billion to further the commitment.
* This includes completing our Spartanburg facility for a potential capacity expansion of about 50% and this will provide more jobs in the US manufacturing sector.
* But also back in NJ, we have invested in our corporate headquarters – doubling the size and adding a state-of-the-art engineering center, a technical training facility for all our brands and motorcycle business, and a new home for our Northeast Sales Region.
* We have three Vehicle Distribution Centers in NJ, CA and GA, a parts logistics network with six regional facilities and 593 dealers representing all BMW Group products including BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce and BMW Motorcycles.
* We have three facilities in California involved in the important areas of design and technology including BMW DesignWorks, a Palo Alto advanced technology office, and an emissions lab in Oxnard.
* Put this all together and today, the BMW Group provides – directly and indirectly – about 50,000 jobs across America.
* In addition, we collaborate with major academic institutions on the East and West Coast such as Clemson, Stanford and UC Davis to involve students in America on projects focusing on vehicle efficiency, sustainability and safety – a great training ground for their future.
* This all has contributed to an incredible story of growth for the BMW Group in the US.
- The US is our single largest market, accounting for over 20% of the company’s sales.
- We have the youngest owner body of any premium brand, just a tick over 45 years of age – a number probably more than a few mass market brands would love to have.
- We’re fortunate that this year, for the first time ever, we are the Number One premium automobile maker in the US with more than 15% of this market.

* Now, the third contribution is one that we share with our fellow premium automakers – using our technical capabilities to drive new efficiency, improved safety and sustainable innovation.

* It is clear that in throes of recession people cut back on what they feel to be non-essential, whether out of hardship or fear of being perceived as out-of-touch.

* In the premium market, people are making more deliberate purchase decisions putting reason ahead of impulse and placing more focus on clearly defined and trusted brands that offer a strong, meaningful value proposition. With the BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce names we’re fortunate here. But what about post-recession? On one side we hear, “We have been chastised and will not indulge ourselves like before.” Another side says “Americans are optimistic and those who have the means will go back to spending and enjoying their success.”

* Whatever the direction we move, we’ll be prepared and a major weapon will be the innovation and technical advancement that drives all of us.

* At the BMW Group, we spend about 5% of our revenue on R&D – more than almost anyone else – to address future customer demands and increasingly difficult regulations. And thanks to our reputation as an enthusiastic consumer of the best of what’s new, the world's supply base brings their best technology and ideas to us first. Just a couple of weeks ago, JD Power and Automotive News singled out BMW as the best automaker for adopting innovation into vehicles.

* Here’s a short list of firsts from premium automakers to illustrate my point:
- Antilock brake systems
- Side impact restraint systems
- Throttle-by-wire technology
- Xenon headlights
- Night Vision
- Electronic Traction Control
- Automatic Stability Control
- GPS Navigation
- Multifunctional cockpit controllers
- Adaptive brake lights
- Automatic brake drying
- Park Distance Control
- Variable valve timing
- Rain sensing wipers
- Lane departure warning systems
- Adaptive cruise control

* If you look at this list, the majority is available in almost every mass produced car today. And I’d argue the migration happened quickly benefiting almost every driver in the US.

* By the way, many of these innovations also inspired our motorcycle division. BMW Motorrad pioneered ABS, Xenon headlights, and Stability Control and we are partnering with the government in their request asking for our insight.

* But that’s the past. What of the future? Increasingly, premium manufacturers are looking at non-automotive fields of innovation and many companies are focusing on four areas that will be major drivers for future innovations (read from slide):
1. Car-to-Car and car-to-Infrastructure Communication.
2. Assisted Driving.
3. Better Utilization of Drive Time.
4. More Effective Energy Management.

* Within these areas, here is just a sample of what we see ahead of us:

1. Car-to-Car and Car-to-Infrastructure Communication:
* Engine start-stop systems will be able to communicate with traffic lights saving gas waiting for the green light.
* The car will be able to exchange information with other cars on the road and with traffic control systems creating a very accurate early warning system for dangerous situations. What does this mean in real life? For example, when cars detect icy patches on the road this data alerts the city and salt trucks can be sent out immediately to fix the spots.
* Since cars will be “online” all the time, you are always connected to data services. Choosing the most efficient route or one with the least traffic disruptions will be much easier in the future.

2. Assisted Driving:
* We will see the next step of active cruise control as the car of the future will be much more aware of its surroundings using radar, cameras and sensors. Some engineers are even thinking about a “traffic jam” button. During congestion, all you do is press a button and the car maneuvers automatically through the traffic jam while you are reading the newspaper. By the way, this is not a direction BMW is following – if you do not want to drive, you should take a bus.

3. Better Utilization of Drive Time:
* In the future, you will be able to make better use of your time in the car. Internet services will be integrated seamlessly and drivers can hear and passengers can read the online edition of the papers either on built-in monitors or on their own handheld devices.

4. More Effective Energy Management:
* This is currently the most discussed area and includes both innovations reducing energy consumption and lowering vehicle emissions. Examples:
* New eight speed automatic transmission.
* More use of lightweight materials like synthetics.
* New techniques to reduce air drag. A cut of just 10% offers a reduction in fuel consumption on the road by more than 2.5%. Just two months ago, the BMW Group opened its new Aerodynamic Test Center in Munich investing some $250 million US dollars in this area alone.
* Thermo electrical generators. Working like a “reverse fridge” this devise converts exhaust heat in electricity. Tests at our research facility in Palo Alto have shown that this generates sufficient energy to power the A/C.
* More clean diesel engines. In Europe, BMW has just introduced a V8 diesel in the 7 Series and we are currently working on an all new 4-cylinder diesel family. Compared to a gasoline engine, Diesel typically requires 30% less fuel and produces 20% less CO2.
* More sophisticated exhaust gas recirculation, resulting in cleaner vehicles. We are currently working on this project at our Palo Alto facility.
* Within the BMW Group, you’re seeing all of this evolve today with our comprehensive package of technologies large and small throughout our product range called EfficientDynamics. EfficientDynamics is BMW’s approach to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time increasing the joy, the fun and the performance of the vehicle.
* As a premium player, we can provide a lot of elements in our vehicles that may get “thrifted” by a mass manufacturer because of the necessary focus to eliminate costs no matter how small. However, by making a number of these work, together, in harmony, we can achieve impressive results.
* Apart from these areas of innovations we are also working on finding answers to two mega-trends: mega-cities and size.
* Let’s talk about mega-cities first. Most manufacturers also want to play a role in protecting the freedom of mobility where 80% of the world’s population growth will come from in the next 20 years – the mega cities of the world.
* We call our work on this “Project i” and our all-electric MINI E vehicle already in “mega-city” use today is just the first chapter. Over the next few years more changes will unfold and each will bring a new level of innovative thinking. We recently announced the first production vehicle will be a sub-brand of BMW so we believe we’ll be able to capture hearts and minds and customers with the brand’s strength behind it.
* We achieved a significant milestone this June when the MINI E program successfully delivered 450 vehicles to consumers in Southern California and the NY/NJ Metropolitan area.
* New York City is a top “mega city” already playing a significant role. We partnered with the City of New York and have provided ten of these zero-emission MINI E electric vehicles as part of the city fleet that daily traverse all five boroughs morning till night and they will soon add another dimension to helping find ways to enhance big city mobility.
* We also believe the world will go much further in accepting size is no longer a point of entry into the club of premium.
* MINI broke this mold in the US seven years ago and will continue to set the tone. New variants are on its way, including a MINI crossover. At the Frankfurt Auto Show in two weeks, we will show some additional fresh ideas including something with 2-seats.
* Now, back to reality. How could I be here on sales day without providing news of our BMW and MINI sales this month?
* First, a few words of context. The premium market in America runs on the momentum of three geographic areas of the US – the Northeast, the Southeast and the West.
* Until 2008, BMW enjoyed 16 years of uninterrupted growth in America because all three were humming. Mid way last year, the West lost pace, but the Northeast and Southeast held up for the first eight months.
* August sales last year were a reflection of this. We all know what happened in September and in particular, it brought the Northeast to a screeching halt and we’ve been playing catch-up since. And so has every other premium brand.
* So, what are some of the elements we measure our success by in this environment when volume growth is no longer in our own hands?

Here are four:
1. Market share - Everyone’s volumes are down so can we gain strength for the future?
2. We strive for continual growth to new members of the BMW and MINI brand families – this is the reason Certified Pre-Owned vehicles have become a central element to our dealer’s business – 49% of CPO buyers are new customers and a third of those buy new later.
3. Lifecycle Management - We can’t always be the “newest” so we need to concentrate on keeping our “family jewels” successful throughout their lifecycles. For our largest volume models, we effectively managed the revenue, cash, market share, and image strength, which has been vitally important to our success.
4. Cash contribution – This year through two quarters our company improved its cash position by 3.8 billion Euros and as the largest region, we’ve made a solid contribution.

* Report of August 2009 sales BMW of North America
* Let me conclude.

* The BMW Group is serious about adapting to a changing environment and is determined to stay at the leading edge of the market. In fact, our chairman, Norbert Reithofer, recently announced that we will change our definition of “premium,” adding sustainability as an equal customer expectation to the classic BMW values of dynamic performance, quality and joy.

* Since I have this podium today, I’ve used examples from our company to highlight the three areas of importance in the automotive market where premium automakers play a vital role. However, we know the efforts that all of our premium competitors provide to America’s mobility advancement and we applaud all of their efforts as well. They do great work and keep us on our toes.

* Premium automakers are a necessary and valued part of the automotive landscape. All of us provide the innovation that quickly migrates to millions of vehicles in the mass market – and we like it even better if we can occasionally remind everyone where some of it came from!

Thank you.

Article Originally seen on TheAutoChannel.com

2010 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing SLS AMG At 2010 Detroit Auto Show

Bruce Hubbard and Bradley Hubbard
Auto Advisor Group
Motoring Times
The Auto Channel

The new Mercedes-Benz Gullwing SLS AMG will arrive in spring 2010 and offers the highest levels of automotive passion and advanced technology. This super sports Gullwing car dazzles with its clean lines, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG. As the first vehicle to be developed entirely by AMG, the SLS AMG is the highlight of the company's more than 40-year history.

The new Mercedes-Benz Gullwing SLS AMG boasts an aluminum spaceframe body with Gullwing doors, AMG hand built 6.3-liter V8 front mid-engine with 563 hp peak output, 479 lb-ft of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission and sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones at all four corners and a curb weight of 3,573 pounds – this exceptional combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle's low center of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The Gullwing SLS AMG accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, before going on to an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph. In Germany, its combined fuel consumption of 13.2 liters per 100 kilometers (U.S. EPA figures not yet available) puts it at the front of the competitive lineup.


The new Mercedes-Benz Gullwing SLS AMG is a superb reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL's breathtaking lines. The styling highlights are the striking Gullwing doors, which lend unparalleled charisma to the SLS AMG. The long hood, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear overhang with its extendable rear spoiler stand for performance, as do the long wheelbase, the wide track and large 19 and 20-inch wheels. It is not only the Gullwing doors that are reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, but also the wide radiator grille with its large Mercedes star, the wing-shaped cross fin and the fins on the hood and fenders that recall the legendary sports car of the 1950s.

Eye-catching features of the side profile include the accentuated wheel arches and the pronounced shoulder line, which extends from the front to the rear end like a taut muscle. Athleticism and power are also expressed in the rear view of the SLS AMG. The gentle slope of the trunk lid with the automatically extending spoiler reinforces the impression of width, as do the slender LED tail lights.

In designing the interior, Mercedes-Benz designers took their inspiration from the aviation world. The visual centerpiece is the dash, which conveys breadth with its powerful, wing-like profile. The four air vents with cross-shaped, adjustable nozzles are integrated prominently into the dashboard – their shape reminiscent of a jet engine. The design theme of an aircraft cockpit is also reflected in the long center console in matte-finish metal. Integrated features include the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which enables the driver to create a personalized vehicle setup. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is operated by the E-SELECT lever, which resembles the thrust control of a jet aircraft. Despite the low seating position typical of a sports car, the wide-opening Gullwing doors enable easy entry and exit. They require less opening space than conventional coupe doors, and can be fully opened in a standard-size garage.

For the first time, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are presenting a car with an aluminum chassis and bodyshell. Compared with a conventional steel design, this results in a significant weight saving, as is clearly illustrated by the curb weight of 3,573 pounds.

The all-new bodyshell is constructed from an aluminum spaceframe. Lightweight aluminum extruded profile connects the cast nodes to form a robust structure. These aluminum sections guarantee a high sectional modulus (stiffness) and ensure the direct transfer of drive, braking and suspension forces. The structure minimizes undesirable flexing, meaning the vehicle responds rigidly, directly and with practically no torsion.

The bodyshell weighs 530 pounds – an absolute best in the super sports car segment in relation to the peak output of 563 hp. With a curb weight of 3,573 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio is an extremely attractive 6.35 lbs per hp.

The entire vehicle concept has been designed to achieve as low a center of gravity as possible. This applies to the low connection of the powertrain and axles, as well as to the stiff bodyshell structure.

The aluminum spaceframe forms the basis for outstanding passive safety. The extensive safety features include three-point seat belts with seat belt tensioners and seat belt force limiters, and up to eight airbags - adaptive front airbags and knee airbags for driver and passenger, two side airbags integrated within the seats and two window airbags that deploy from the waistline of the gullwing doors.

A powerful eight-cylinder Mercedes-AMG engine forms the heart of the new SLS AMG. The reworked 6.3-liter V8 engine develops 563 hp at 6800 rpm, making the SLS AMG one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. The naturally aspirated engine delivers its maximum torque of 479 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm. The SLS AMG accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 197 mph. The new hand built engine is an upgrade of the already superb engine designated as the 156. The new engine designation for the SLS is 159.

The reworked valve train and camshafts, the use of flow-optimized tubular steel manifolds and the de-throttling of the exhaust system improves cylinder charging, leading to an increase in output of almost nine percent or 45 hp . The eight-cylinder engine is extremely responsive and high-revving.

The use of high-strength components compensates for the increased engine loads associated with the higher output. Forged pistons, reinforced crankshaft bearings, an optimized crankcase structure and improved lubrication thanks to a demand-controlled, high-performance oil pump ensure the highest levels of stability.

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers its abundant power to the rear axle via an ultra-light carbon-fiber driveshaft – similar to the setup used in the DTM C-Class race car. The re-engineered dual-clutch transmission is mounted at the rear axle (transaxle principle) and connected to the engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fiber shaft rotates within the torque tube at engine speed. This sophisticated solution forms a rigid connection between engine and transmission that is perfect for the transfer of such high levels of power and torque. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission shifts incredibly quickly – in as little as 100 milliseconds - with virtually no interruption in drive. The driver can choose from four different driving modes - "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) or "M" (Manual). The automatic rev-matching function is active in the Sport, Sport plus and Manual modes. All modes can be accessed conveniently via the rotary control in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The RACE START function provides optimum traction, as does the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated into the compact gear case. The combination of a front mid-engine and transaxle transmission ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for perfect handling with precise turn-in, first-class agility, low inertia during spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction. All four corners feature a double wishbone and track rod layout, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing right through to Formula 1.

Wishbones, steering knuckles and wheel mounts front and rear are made entirely from forged aluminum – substantially reducing the unsprung masses. This configuration also notably improves the suspension response. The long wheelbase of 105.5 inches not only results in outstanding directional stability, but also low wheel load shift, significantly reducing the vehicle's tendency to dive and squat when braking and accelerating. The broad track – front 66.2 inches, rear 65 inches – ensures lower wheel load shift from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tires to retain more grip. The rack-and-pinion steering gear provides direct steering feedback with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1 – fulfilling the high expectations of a super sports car. Because the steering gear is mounted in front of the engine on the integral sub-frame, the engine sits very low. The Gullwing comes with 3-stage ESP as standard, and the driver can choose from the three modes "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" at the touch of a button. Even in "ESP OFF" mode, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP functions. Years of different ESP systems allowed AMG to develop this superb system.

Wheel spin is controlled in all three ESP modes. If one of the driven wheels starts to spin, traction is improved significantly through targeted braking input. For dynamic driving, this ensures even better transfer of power to the road.

The AMG high-performance braking system with composite brake discs at the front ensures extremely short stopping distances even under high loads. Even better are the optional ceramic composite brakes with even larger brake discs guarantee even better braking performance. The ceramic brake discs have further improved thermal stability thanks to their increased hardness, while offering a weight reduction of around 40 percent. They let you know them make noise but if you want the ultimate in braking then add another $12,000.00 to the estimates base price of $200,000 to $250,000. This is not a limited production vehicle as other AMG products with Mercedes have been. The Gullwing SLS will probably be one vehicles sold for years by Mercedes Benz dealers.

Lightweight construction was also key when it came to the wheels - weight-optimized AMG light-alloy wheels – 9.5 x 19 inch (front) and 11.0 x 20 inch (rear) – made using the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the unsprung masses while improving driving dynamics and suspension comfort. In addition to the standard AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels, 5-twin-spoke wheels and weight-optimized 10-spoke forged wheels are available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tires developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure optimum performance. Originally Continental tires were envisioned but finally they decided to use Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber. AMG was established in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and is considered a pioneer in the field of vehicle tuning for motorsports. Following the cooperation agreement concluded in 1990 with Daimler-Benz AG, the company was gradually incorporated into what at the time was DaimlerChrysler AG in 1999. On January 1, 2005, DaimlerChrysler AG acquired 100 percent of the company’s shares. Today Mercedes-AMG GmbH is a vehicle manufacturer in its own right, and AMG is the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars. This subsidiary of Daimler AG specializes in unique, high-performance vehicles; its sporty sedans, SUVs, coupes, cabriolets, roadsters and custom one-off models form a product portfolio that offers something for every customer.

Mercedes-AMG factory is a masterpiece like the vehicles they build.

Expect to see more in the future from AMG design and marketing.

The estimated price of the reinvented Gullwing SLS AMG will start at $200,000.00 to $250,000.00 US dollars.

Numerous paints are offered. Some at no charge others are $3500.00. For the ultimate paint you can pay another $10,000.00 for hand applied Alubeam liquid metal paint. This paint has been used on limited edition AMG and Mercedes in the past.

As mentioned before optional ceramic brakes at $12,000. The extended carbon fiber interior option kit runs $9,500,00. It includes extended carbon fiber trim, plus the engine compartment trim panels, door sills and the lower portion of the seat base. A base interior trim option is less at $4500.00. For a Bang and Olufsen sound system add $6000. that includes ten speakers and output is1000 watts. A performance suspension adds another a $1500.00. Carbon fiber side view mirrors adds $5000.00. but according to Rob Moran at Mercedes expect that price to be reduced when the vehicle pricing is set in stone. AMG carbon fiber engine cover $5400.00. Designo light brown natural leather add $1000.00. AMG forged wheels $2.400.00.

For less than $300,000.00 US dollars you will have a vehicle that is a classic already. I believe the bang for the buck is one of the best ever, Last year I was in limited edition AMG convertibles that sold for $300,000.00! I cannot wait to test drive the Gullwing SLS from Mercedes.

History of the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing 300SL briefly is that it was a two-seat, closed sports car with characteristic gull-wing doors, and later, offered as an open roadster.

Built by Daimler-Benz AG and internally numbered W198, the road version of 1954 was based (somewhat loosely) on the company's highly successful competition-only sports car of 1952, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W194) which had less power, as it still had carburetors.

This model was suggested by Max Hoffman. Because it was intended for customers whose preferences were reported to Hoffman by dealers he supplied in the booming, post-war American market, it was introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show—unlike previous models introduced at either the Frankfurt or Geneva shows. The 300SL was best known for both its distinctive Gullwing or butterfly wing doors and for being the first-ever gasoline-powered car equipped with fuel injection directly into the combustion chamber. The Gullwing version was available from March 1955 to 1957. In Mercedes-Benz fashion, the "300" referred to the engine's cylinder displacement, in this case, three liters. The "SL", as applied to a roadster, stood for "Sport Leicht" or "Sport Light."

It was Max Hoffman, Daimler-Benz's official importer in the USA, who convinced DBAG management in Stuttgart that a street version of the 300SL would be a commercial success, especially in the US. Hoffman's prediction was correct since more than 80% of the vehicle's total production of approximately 1400 units were sold in the US, making the Gullwing the first Mercedes-Benz which sold in bulk outside its home market. The 300SL is credited for changing the company's image in America from a manufacturer of solid, but staid, automobiles to that of a producer of sporty cars.

The clean styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is highly evocative, reinterpreting the breathtaking lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The styling highlight is the striking Gullwing doors, which give the SLS AMG unparalleled charisma.

Article Originally seen on TheAutoChannel.com

2010 Porsche Panamera

By Bruce and Bradley Hubbard
The Auto Advisor Group

2010 Porsche Panamera Review

Porsche is one of the most successful and profitable car companies. The legendary racing car company has brought a four seater to market that has all the excitement and spirit of the first 356 Porsche. The Panamera is considered the peak of this generation’s automotive technology Porsche states. Porsche states form follows function. Every curve, every detail and every shape is for one purpose and one purpose only to maximize pure sports car performance.

The history of the Porsche company began long before Ferdinand Porsche thought of starting his own auto manufacturing business. As a young engineer, he designed the first electric/gasoline hybrid -- in 1900. Over his career, he worked with Daimler, Mercedes, Daimler-Benz, Volkswagen, Auto Union, and others for nearly 50 years. His independent design firm was even responsible for the creation of the Volkswagen Beetle in 1931.

Many recall that before Porsche the man behind the company in 1923 designed the Mercedes Compressor Sports Car. Then in the following year the 2-liter racecar was developed under his aegis wins the Targa Florio. Then on until 1927 the Mercedes Benz S models designed by Porsche were dominating the motorsport.

In 1939 the type 64 was developed at Porsche in Zuffenhausen.

It seems appropriate that Ferry Porsche was born while his father was at a race. As he got older, he became a draftsman and test driver at his father's firm, but he was most instrumental in the design of the first ever Porsche, the 356 -- which Ferry worked on while his father spent 20 months in a prison in Dijon, France, as a war criminal. Ferry had also been arrested but was soon released. To keep the family firm afloat, he designed racecars and this first-ever Porsche sports car.

Today we have seen the successful Porsche Cayenne sell extremely well in North America. So when Porsche decided to come out with a four seater they looked at the best out there including the Audi A8, BMW’s 7 Series and Mercedes S class. They wanted to equal and better the competition. Porsche states the exterior they say is distinctive. The side view shows that the fenders are a little higher than the hood, and at the rear, they are definitely muscular. Some others state the headlights; grill and hood were taken from the 911. Styling is definitely taken from images seen in at least two Porsche I have driven. The look of the 911 is all Porsche! With Porsche’s first four seater and the desire for best in performance their designers came up what would first allow for performance.

However, Automobile Magazine and other buff magazines don’t like the exterior looks. The Porsche Panamera was designed to go faster than the BMW 760Li or the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG or any other luxury sedans. Others will soon show off their fastbacks. The Aston Martin Rapide has already arrived in Europe.

It has a superb engine thanks German engineering that launches the Panamera Turbo to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. The reason it beats the BMW 760Li or Mercedes SL63 is the all wheel drive system. If you wish to let the rear end move out and the tires burn then don’t get the all wheel drive model.

The four seater Porsche Panamera is 200 inches in length. Like the Carrera GT the new Porsche has side air inlets behind the front wheels. The headlights have Bi Xenon and the Panameras offer optional adaptive headlamps which is a must option for me. When the Porsche Panamera can go 170 (turbo 188) miles per hours I want ever safety feature and adaptive headlamps are one great feature.

The wheels are 18 inch or 20-inch fine spoked and stylish. Pick from one of the 17 colors for your Porsche Panamera. Six plus interior design and wood or as stated as was in mine aluminum and carbon fiber. Behind the wheel one sees the classic Porsche instrument layouts including the large tachometer in the center.

Aside from the luxurious four seats to hold the passengers in place during performance driving some complain that they are too hard and narrow. We did not complain a bit on the highway for we were traversing S curves at speed like few others. The lightweight Panamera Sedan handled corners under power better than the BMW or Mercedes models we drove.

The Porsche Panamera has a trunk like few others. It holds four large suitcases offering 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The lid itself is power activated. Rear passenger compartment offers optional equipment including a center console and special lighting. In addition the two rear seats …say 40 x 40 drop down and add a lot of additional cargo area. The center area (or 20%) is the center console that goes from front to back.

There is a sophisticated ventilation system for the cold and hot seats: they suck the air out instead of blowing it out. Porsche states it is better than the competitions. If heated seats are in front and back that is a plus. If cooling seats are also in all four-bucket seats that is even better! The steering wheel is also heated and that in winter months is a plus.

The center console is stylish sporting slim buttons and a touch screen infotainment system that is just like that in the 911. Instrumentation is familiar in the Porsche Panamera with four gauges clustered around the larger tachometer in the center.

A high-end sound optional ($3990.00) system from Burmester runs through 16 speakers and as far as most of the reviewers we discussed the sound quality with they agree with us that it is perhaps the number one system available. The Porsche communication management system has above center console superb navigation system.

The Panamera was to be very light and fuel efficient “green” so that no gas guzzling tax would be charged. Use of lightweight steels, alloys, magnesium and plastics helped in weight savings needed to help reduce fuel consumption as stated by Gary Fong of Porsche public relations department in Atlanta, Georgia. The Panemera S weighs in at 3,968 pounds, the Panemera all wheel drive or 4S at 4,100 pounds, and the twin-turbo at 4,300 pounds. The Panamera is 276 to 596 pounds lighter than the A8, 750i, LS 460 and S550 giving it the best fuel economy of the group.

Porsche, for the first time installed the start/stop system that reduces fuel consumption. I have used it on numerous Bosch Test vehicles. Takes a little getting use to but once familiar with its operation no problem. Similar to the start up of a hybrid. They succeeded in reducing the weight, cutting fuel consumption and in fact through all their design of the vehicle including aerodynamics the Panamera saved nearly 4 miles per gallon. The Panamera S models have a coefficient of drag of 0.29 and the Panamera Turbo has 0.30.

Porsche states that the Panamera S and 4S get 16-city/24 highway/19-combined mpg. The Panamera turbo gets 15-city/23 highway/18-combined mpg. Porsche says the twin turbo mpg numbers are about 20 percent better than the competition's numbers.

Direct fuel injection injects fuel up to 1740 psi directly into the combustion chamber optimizing torque, power output, fuel consumption and emissions. Bosch has supplied BMW, Audi, VW Mercedes and even Ford and others with the system.

Higher fuel efficiency is captured through the seven-speed double clutch transmission. Porsche states if you use less rpms then better economy. The shifting is done within a few hundredth(s) of a second. Power from the engine is transferred to one of two clutches thanks to the ZF seven speed PDK(Porsche Doppel Kupplungsgetriebe) transmission. The flow of power is transmitted through one gearbox at a time while the next gear is preselected in the other half of the gearbox. We had no clutch slippage as others have indicated off the line. The manual mode is operated by paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Move from first gear to seventh gear with ease. The 7th gear delivers amazing gas mileage. Image at 125 miles per hour the engine is running at 2800 rpm. But, if I am driving any model of the Porsche Panamera I want to use the paddle shifter to move me around the most exciting roads. The lower gears make the Panamera exciting especially on the two lane highways in the mountains of Northern California.

An optional sport exhaust system is available for $2950.00.

The European Manual Six Speed ZF transmission will not be offered at this time in the US.

The Porsche Panamera comes in three models: the S is a two-wheel drive 4.8-liter V-8 that gets 400 horsepower with 369 lb-ft of torque and starts at $89,800, 4S is an all-wheel drive that gets 400 horsepower with 369 lb.-ft of torque and starts at $93,800. The top of the line in performance is the twin-turbo all-wheel drive gets 500 horsepower with 568 lb.-ft or torque and starts at $132,600. The Porsche engine management system help make this one of the finest Porche ever built. To keep the powerful Panameras going on a straight line the models have standard Porsche active suspension management system plus their dynamic stability control system call PSM. It works with computer sensors and if wheel slip is detected power is reduced by braking or by engine power reduction.

One option I like is the adaptive cruise control which will add another $2490.00 to the invoice. Operating between 20 and 100 mph , the system uses a radar sensor mounted in the front center air intake that scans the road ahead up to a distance of 650 feet. It monitors the space between you and the vehicle ahead and maintains your preset distance. It does this by restricting the throttle or gently applying the brakes to maintain the preset distance. If the vehicle in front continues to decelerate, Adaptive Cruise Control will reduce cruising speed – even down to a stop.

You can even add the optional ($4460.00) Porsche dynamic chassis system. PDCC is an active anti roll system that anticipates and significantly reduces lateral movement during cornering maneuvers. The electronically controlled rear differential lock further enhances the traction of the rear wheels when required on roads with varying friction coefficients, or when accelerating out of tight curves.

Porsche added a unique adjustable rear spoiler to improve traction (available on 4S and Turbo models only). It begins to work after 55 miles per hour. It adjusts itself to the speed giving down force for better handling. Above 125 mph it holds the Panamera to the pavement.

To stop the powerful lineup of Panamera’s standard are six piston aluminum brake calipers in front with vented grooved brake discs. In the rear are 4 piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented brake discs. If you want you can option for the ceramic brakes (PCCB) for $8840.00 that are excellent!

If an accident occurs the Panamera has engine immobilizers and the most advanced air bags and air curtains available.

Hit the starter button on the left and get the four door sedan purring. Porsche Panamera S I drove at the Pocono Race track near Wilkes Barre/ Scranton. Zero to sixty in 5.1 seconds. If you get the sport chrono package it will get you to sixty in 5.0 seconds Porsche states. The top of the line Turbo even gets to sixty quicker as stated before in 3.5 seconds! Any model of the Panamera delivers a great sound to the exhaust under power.

The driving is unmistakably Porsche thanks in part of the chassis.. There are different settings for the suspension: sport, offering a drift angle or sport plus. If you go straight down the highway there is very little power that is transferred to the front axle. If you get the Sport Chrono package you can hit the “sport button” and the transmission will blip during downshifts.

If you go to Porsche website you can view all the options. So many I cannot list them. From paint to heated steering wheel.

Porsche buyers like the Viper buyers end up owning more than one. Many of the inquiries coming to dealers now comes from Porsche owners.

In Las Vegas, Atlanta, Wilkes Barre/Scranton, Northern Florida, or any city that has a race track see if you can get onto the track to test your Porsche Panamera above 100 miles per hour.

One Porsche dealer offers this as a plus when you buy a Porsche. That is Brumos in Jacksonville, Florida. That is also where one of the finest Porsche drivers is vice president. That is Hurley Haywood. I had the pleasure to drive with him in the Poconos, Atlanta, Las Vegas and other world-renowned tracks. Their dealership is one of the few Porsche dealers that offer driving instructions. Well worth the flight to Jacksonville, Florida. Or if you will attend the 2010 Amelia Island Concours in Northeast, Florida it would be worth it to travel to nearby Jacksonville just to get a test drive in Porsche vehicles including the Panameria.

Get ready to see two more members of the Porsche Panamera line up. The Panamera and Panamera 4, the model line’s new entry-level versions, will be in Porsche dealerships in June 2010. Both feature a brand-new 3.6-liter V6 with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) developing 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Panamera transmits its power to the road via the rear wheels, while the Panamera 4 comes standard with active all-wheel drive.

Article Originally seen on TheAutoChannel.com