The Stig Vs. Google Street View Car

Maserati Gran Turismo

First Drive Review

2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport Coupe and Convertible

We'll take one of each.

Maserati is beginning to act its age. Sales, build quality, and reliability have been on a steady ascent since the maker introduced the current Quattroporte in 2003. The previous decades saw Maserati lead an existence typified by exotic exteriors wrapped around temperamental hardware. But the new method seems to be working, and not just for four-doors. In 2011 alone, Maserati managed to peddle nearly 2700 GranTurismos, almost a third of them right here in the land of eagles and apple pie. To help keep the GT’s momentum, Maserati brought the coupe and convertible in for a quick makeover before the Levante SUV and sub-QuattroporteGhibli sedan arrive next year and steal all the headlines.

Changes

Changes to the 2013 GranTurismo Sport editions run from cosmetic touches to horsepower-increasing engine mods. First, let’s cover the aesthetics. The front fascia has been slightly tweaked for a more aggressive appearance, and a splitter resides below the familiar Maserati grille. Although the basic shape of the headlamps remains unchanged, they now include bixenon illumination, LED DRLs, and adaptive lighting control, the latter tracking the movement of the steering wheel up to 15 degrees. Side skirts come standard on the Sport, as do enlarged fender vents—referring to them as portholes makes Maserati reps bristle—to aid in the extraction of hot air from the engine bay. New mirrors, 20-inch wheels (available in four styles), and more darkly tinted taillight lenses round out the exterior revisions.

The big news inside includes entirely new leather seats with integrated headrests front and rear, a pricey proposition—crash-test certifications don’t come cheap—for a car well into its life cycle. The new seat’s bolsters deliver comfort and support in equal measure, cradling but not constricting skeletal frames with the welcome familiarity of a favorite pair of jeans. Rear-seat passengers get a nominal three-quarters of an inch or so extra kneeroom in the switch. The front seats are heated but not ventilated, and it took us a few minutes of groping to find the temperature control tucked away on the seat bottoms; it’s not visible once you are seated. There’s no missing the shiny, high-grip aluminum brake and accelerator pedals, though.

Like many vehicles that debuted as coupes, the GranTurismo convertible’s design can be somewhat polarizing, opinions formed largely on your vantage point. From the outside, the convertible sits naked and vulnerable with its top down, the loss of the coupe’s elegant rear pillar and backlight lessening the drama of the vehicle’s curves, particularly the rear fenders. From the inside, however, any critiques are tempered with abundant sunshine, gentle breezes, and the sweet sound of the Italian V-8’s exhaust piped to your ears. Wind buffeting is minimal, and casual conversation at highway speeds doesn’t require the use of a bullhorn (although we’d be lying if we said it wouldn’t be fun to have one along for acts of general top-down idiocy). The GranTurismo was never a class leader in torsional rigidity, and cutting the lid off its steel monocoque doesn’t improve matters. However, empirical judgments regarding the convertible’s additional chassis twist or cowl shake were difficult to make because of the buttery smooth tarmac on our drive.Standard technology features sprinkled throughout the leather-lined cockpit include a Bose sound system with satellite radio, iPod connectivity, and a parking warning system specifically tuned for the types of curbs found here in the States. Surprisingly, no backup camera is available yet; Maserati says its arrival is held up by an integration problem with the in-dash head unit. Options on the coupe and convertible Masers we sampled in Sonoma, California, included a faux-suede headliner ($1700), red contrasting seat stitching ($450), trident-logo headrest stitching ($625), piano black interior trim ($2500), blue anodized brake calipers ($860), and gray paint for the 20-inch aluminum wheels ($800).

Aston Martin Rapid

The Aston Martin Rapide is a 4-door, high-performance sports saloon, which British luxury marque Aston Martin introduced in early 2010. It was first presented as a concept car at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in 2006 and the production version of the Rapide was shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.^[1]

The Rapide name is a reference to the Lagonda Rapide, a saloon car produced by Lagonda, now part of Aston Martin. The new Rapide is the company's first 4-door saloon since the Aston Martin Lagonda was discontinued in 1989.^[2] It is based on the Aston Martin DB9 and shares the same VH platform.^[3]

The first cars were rolled out in May 2010,^[4] initially built at a dedicated plant at the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria. The factory initially planned to build 2,000 per year,^[5] but relocated to England in 2012 after sales did not meet production targets.^[6]

Rapide (2010–2013)

Specifications

The Rapide is powered by a 5,935 cc (362 cu in) V12 engine, producing 470 bhp (350 kW; 477 PS) and torque of 443 lbf·ft (601 N·m). It is rear-wheel drive and has a six-speed Touchtronic automatic.

The Rapide can reach a top speed of 188.5 mph (303 km/h),^[5] and accelerate 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds, or 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.0 seconds.

Equipment

The Rapide's standard features include a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps and LED taillamps. Leather and walnut trim are standard, with metallic accents; power front seats with memory, cooling and heating; Bluetooth; satellite radio (US version only); and USB and iPod connectivity.^[7] The Rapide comes, as standard, with a Bang & Olufsen 16 speaker sound system with two tweeters that rise from the dashboard on activation of the system.

Rapide S (2013–)

Specification

As part of the 2014 facelift and revisions to the Rapide, the V12 engine is upgraded to now produce 550 bhp (410 kW; 558 PS).^[8] Performance improvements include a top speed of 190 mph (306 km/h) and acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph) reduced to 4.9 seconds. CO₂ emissions are cut by 23g/km to 332g/km.

The Rapide S received further revisions in 2015, with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, a small power increase to 552 bhp (412 kW; 560 PS), and acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph) now 4.4 seconds. And a new top speed of 203 mph (327 km/h). ^[9]

Production

Aston Martin opted to end production by sub-contractor Magna Steyr in the middle of 2012, six years earlier than expected. Production of the car was also halted temporarily in May 2011. In the face of a diminishing market for luxury saloons, and to match output to shrinking sales, Aston Martin has to cut annual production from 2,000 to 1,250 in June 2011 - and may go as low as 500 annually.^[10]

Motorsports

A Rapide S was entered in the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring. Drivers included Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez. It finished second in the SP 8 class.^[11] This Rapide S was powered a new technology introduced by Alset GmbH, Hybrid Hydrogen system that enables to use hydrogen and petrol individually or at the same time in an internal combustion engine. Aston Rapide S was the first car to race the 24 Hours Nürburgring with hydrogen fuel.^[12]

Porsche Panamera turbo S

The Porsche Panamera (type number 970) is a luxury four-door sedan. It is front-engined with two-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive versions also available.

The Porsche Panamera production model was unveiled at the 13th Auto Shanghai International Automobile Show in Shanghai, China, on April 2009.^[7] In 2011, hybrid and diesel versions were launched. In April 2013, a facelift to the Panamera was announced, launching again at the Auto Shanghai show.^[8] A plug-in hybrid version, the Panamera S E-Hybrid, was released in the U.S. market in November 2013.^[9]

Concept and description

The Panamera's name is derived, like the Porsche Carrera line, from the Carrera Panamericana race. The Panamera is generally considered to be the long-awaited fruit of Porsche's 989 concept from the late 1980s.

Like the Porsche Cayenne SUV (which has become the marque's best-selling vehicle), the Panamera upset many Porsche purists, since it was seen as an attempt to broaden Porsche's appeal beyond that of hardcore fans. The Panamera ran contrary to the company's signature offerings, particularly its light two-door rear-engine sports cars like the 911. The Panamera on the other hand is considered a full-size luxury car, weighing nearly 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg), with four doors, and its engine mounted in the front. The Panamera's appearance with its long hood and rear hatch bears resemblance to a stretched 911.^[10] The iconic 911 has a sparse interior, as it was focused on raw performance, while the Panamera has a sumptuous interior loaded with modern technological amenities and expensive leather upholstery.^[11][12]

Production

Engines are first assembled in Stuttgart, and the car's body is built and painted at the Volkswagen Group facility in Hannover. The final assembly of the vehicle takes place in Leipzig, Germany, alongside theCayenne.^[13]

Production began in April 2009, one month after its debut in the Shanghai Motor Show in China.^[14]

First generation

The V8-powered Panamera S, 4S, and Turbo models were the first versions that debuted in 2009. In addition to the 4.8L Twin Turbo 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) V8, Porsche launched two further models in 2010: the Panamera and Panamera 4 which are both powered by 3.6-litre V6 engines producing 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS).

Being derived from the V8 engine of the Panamera S and Panamera 4S, the V6 retains the V8's technologies like Direct Fuel Injection, infinitely variable intake camshaft adjustment with variable valve lift (VarioCam Plus), an on-demand oil pump, water cooling with thermal management, a variable intake manifold, as well as integrated dry sump lubrication with two-stage extraction of oil, and an Auto Start-Stop function (only with the PDK transmission).^[15] Turbo version uses active aerodynamics with a multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler.^[16] Optional Sports Chrono Packages include a Sport Plus button, which has tighter damping and air springs, and lowers the car body by 25 mm (1.0 in).^[17]

In 2011, the Panamera S Hybrid,^[18] Diesel,^[19] Turbo S^[20] and GTS variants were added to the range. The GTS achieves a lateral acceleration of 0.96g.^[21]

The Panamera, S, Hybrid and Diesel models are rear-wheel drive, while the Panamera 4, 4S and GTS have the same four-wheel drive system as the Turbo and Turbo S, called Porsche Traction Management (PTM).

Panamera introduced Adaptive air suspension, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll bars^[22] and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

Transmissions

The new ZF seven-speed PDK dual clutch transmission is standard on the Panamera 4, 4S and Turbo models.^[23][24] With the addition of the optional sport chrono package, this provides faster acceleration times. In some markets a six-speed manual is available for rear-wheel drive petrol versions. The S Hybrid and Diesel models have an Aisin-supplied eight-speed automatic transmission called Tiptronic S.

Panamera Turbo S

The Panamera Turbo S is the most powerful mass production Porsche currently on sale. While the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar is more powerful, it doesn't qualify as a mass production model since only 918 units are being built. The Panamera Turbo S engine has bigger turbochargers than the standard Panamera Turbo’s 4.8-litre V8, as well as high-pressure fuel injection, and aluminium-alloy pistons. The piston rings are coated in a low-friction surface to help eke out even more poke. The Panamera Turbo S accelerates to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds with launch control engaged. Roll-on acceleration should be more impressive, changes to the PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) gearbox allow for even faster gearshifts, and the alleged 27.7mpg fuel economy is no worse than the less powerful Panamera Turbo.^[25]

·         Drag Coefficient: 0.30^[26]

·         0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): 3.2 seconds^[26]

·         0–100 mph (0–161 km/h): 7.2 seconds ^[26]

·         1/4 mile: 11.5 seconds @ 127 mph (204 km/h) ^[26]

·         Braking 70. mph (113 km/h) to 0 mph (0 km/h): 135 feet (41 m) ^[26]

Special Editions

In October 2012, Porsche introduced the Panamera Platinum Edition. The exterior of the Panamera Platinum Edition is enveloped in one of five basic colors – black, white, basalt black, carbon gray metallic, and mahogany metallic. It includes more standard equipment, larger wheels, and an exclusive interior leather combination of luxor beige and black. It will be offered with rear and all wheel drive, and has a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time of under 5.8 seconds or faster on all variants. Exclusive equipment includes the special interior combination, platinum rear overhang, and front lower grille, platinum door sills, and platinum mirrors. The finalizing touch to this special edition includes an exclusive set of 19-inch Panamera Turbo alloy wheels with the red, black, and gold Porsche crest. It will be very limited, with most dealers receiving just one or two examples.

In March 2015, Porsche announced that they were releasing a new special edition Panamera called the "Panamera Edition". The car is based on the 310 horsepower base model cars, The car includes high-gloss black trim strips outline the windows,19-inch Panamera Turbo wheels with colored center caps, the sills are inscribed with the word "Edition," and body-colored door handles are additional add on when the costumer chooses the Porsche Entry & Drive option. The car also includes performance upgrades include active suspension. The Panamera Edition will cost $80,000 USD.

Four Door Supercars - Top Gear

Toyota Mark II

Seventh generation (X90; 1992–1996)

First released in October 1992, the Mark II was revised during the period. It received a new front bumper (including grill), rear bumpers and tail lights and some weight mainly due to regulations. Under Japaneseexterior dimension regulations, this series was no longer regarded as a "compact car". Buyers who wanted a sedan that remained under the guidelines was now served by the 1990 SV30 series Toyota Camry. Toyota added a new sedan, called the Toyota Scepter with the major difference being a front-wheel-drive powertrain. Styling of this generation showed a corporate similarity to the Toyota Windom, which was exclusive toToyota Corolla Store locations.

The X90 series was available in six different trim levels. All trims came standard with fully automatic air conditioning and faux wood interior paneling. The base GL was available in either standard or automatic with a choice of a diesel or petrol 4-cylinder engine. The slightly more up-market Groire had the same engine and transmission options as the GL with more standard features over its inferior.

The next four trim levels featured only petrol straight sixes for engines and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Grande was available with either a 2.0L 1G-FE or 2.5L 1JZ-GE and either a four-speed automatic or 5-speed manual for 1G-equipped Mark II Grandes. The Grande was otherwise identical to the Groire in terms of options and equipment. The Grande G was available with either the aforementioned 1JZ or a 3.0L 2JZ-GE mated to an automatic transmission and came with ABS and traction control standard.

The Tourer S came with a 1JZ-GE engine, 4-speed automatic and several options either standard (such as ABS and control) or not present (a factory limited-slip differential) in either the Grande or Grande G.

Lastly, the Tourer V had a reinforced body, sport suspension, and a twin-turbo 280 horsepower (210 kW) 2.5-litre 1JZ-GTE inline-six engine. It also came from the factory with, traction control, ABS, an optional torsen LSD and optional 5-speed manual transmission. The Mark II Tourer V was a popular choice among tuners, enthusiasts, and drifters.

The hardtop approach was used on various segments of core Toyota sedans by offering a more upscale hardtop version. These cars were offered for consumers who wanted the luxurious approach offered by theToyota Crown hardtop and sedan, as well as the Mark II (four-door hardtop), Cresta (4-door sedan) and Chaser (four-door hardtop and performance enhancements), and the next segment down on the Corona andCarina, called the Toyota Corona EXiV and the Toyota Carina ED, with the Toyota Corolla Ceres and the Toyota Sprinter Marino at the lowest segment, which were all offered at reduced prices and tax liability based on the vehicles size. The various versions were sold at different Toyota dealerships dedicated to particular models.