It seems that lately all I hear about are new hybrids, hybrid technology, or carbon fiber. While all of these are innovative and interesting, it is also refreshing to know that some brands are opting to maintain their identity, at least for now.
Porsche CEO Michael Macht has reportedly expressed his sentiment that hybrids lack excitement for the curve junkie, and that the luxury brand has no real need for them. The brand has tweaked some of their SUVs with hybrid technology, like the hybrid Cayenne and Panamera, but is not in a rush to do the same to their sports cars. Hybrids do not exactly hit mach speeds, eh Macht?
I have covered police issued supercars in the past, but it is typically a special car per force. In Seoul, Korea, the crime fighters can brag about having not just a supercar, but three impressive supercars at their disposal!
And what luxury supercars exactly do they have on their force? A Ferrari F360, a Porsche 911 and a Lamborghini Gallardo. That is an exotic arsenal at its finest, I will consider them Seoul’s finest. So why does Seoul need such a sophisticated fleet of luxury patrol cars to take out the indigenous Daewoos, Kias and Rickshaws?
I like to think it is an intimidation tactic. The poor souls of Seoul gripping the wheel of their four-cylinder Euro-style autos know damn well they have zero chance of escape once they sink there eyes into a Ferrari with tacky police lights fixed to the top.
I can almost picture them cranking up the A/C in efforts to calm down, beads of sweat forming on their brows. Offending motorists may as well hang their heads and admit instant defeat while that A/C sucks the last of the power from their diminutive daily drivers.
I also have an inkling that the police officers behind the wheels of these luxury cop cars are in high demand by the ladies (and gents should their be a female officer on the force). I know if I were pulled over, I would roll out the red carpet and likely want a photo op, although I am not certain how well that would go over with the officer on duty.
The most expensive Porsche model remains the Carrera GT, which you can expect to decrease your bank account by around $440,000. While this is certainly not the million or two damage a Bugatti would inflict, it is still on the high side for exotic and luxury cars.
So why the high price tag for this particular Porsche? Power my friends, that would be power and prestige. The Porsche Carrera GT can hit speeds of up to 205 miles per hour, possibly more depending on track and driver experience.
Who doesn’t turn their head when a nice car goes by? If you live in Miami or LA than it might be more typical to see a luxury car rolling down the street. I guarantee no matter where you live or how many exotic and luxury cars you see, you will appreciate the pictures below. Imagine Lifestyles has complied 20 interesting pictures of luxury cars, some in very odd places. Enjoy the pictures below.
For the Lamborghini fans out there, brace yourselves for the upcoming 2012 Estoque. After years of casting around for a third model, the luxury car brand has decided that Manfred Fitzgerald, head of branding and design, has discovered a winner.
It is being coined as “the world’s first super sedan”, and it is dramatic. In its current concept form, it maintains the sleek lines Lamborghini is known for, but adds another set of doors. It was revealed at the Paris Auto Show, and can certainly compete with exotic cars like the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera, or Ferrari F430 Spider.
We recently set out to determine what luxury cars Chicago residents are driving these days. It is always helpful for us to observe what people are driving and what people think is the next great luxury car as we continue to grow our fleet. There was no scientific formula used but I think most locals would agree that the following five cars are the most common in the city.
1) Range Rover HSE
2) BMW 750
3) Mercedes S550
4) Audi A6
5) Porsche Cayenne
In the very recent past, performance hybrid systems have not had the best record for generating strong sales. That trend seems to be shifting gears, with green being the new black, and luxury carmakers jumping on the bandwagon, so to speak! Porsche is even joining the ranks of luxury hybrids, with its new 2011 Porsche Cayenne S hybrid.
Porsche evidently feels that the luxury hybrid market is the key to the future, and rightfully so. With new fuel economy standards being adopted in the United States and other countries, even the luxury carmakers are preparing for a green future. It is a good business move that has the double bonus of being good for the environment, which is in turn good for everyone.
Porsche has done far more than please with its latest concept to production model, the 2011 911 GT2 RS. This is the most powerful, street legal Porsche to date.
Ripping out 620 twin-turbocharged horses from its 3.6-liter engine, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS also provides the best-in-class power-to-weight ratio along with increased fuel economy, for all you greenies out there. I am impressed, and green with envy. Let’s examine the specs.
If you travel frequently, or even for that special vacation, and are tiring of the same mundane car rental process, perhaps you should consider kicking it up about 345 horsepower with a Porsche 911 rental. Revisiting a classic luxury convertible may be just what you need to add that special thrill to your next trip!