Porsche scores big on a number of year-end awards

In a year that has been full of uncertainty, recalls, and what-have-you, at least one brand is ending it on a really high note.

For better or for worse, Porsche has had a really good year and their fortunes haven’t gone unrecognized by a lot of their peers. The automaker from Stuttgart, Germany is being recognized by a variety of media outlets for a year where it has released a steady diet of high-performance and ultra-popular cars. While some people might think that the company was lucky to have the year it has had, the folks at Porsche would prefer to describe it as “business as usual”.

Over in their homeland of Germany, the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand (DAT) listed three of Porsche’s sports as having the best value retention with the Porsche 911 leading the pack, followed by both the Boxster and the Cayman. Thee cars in the top-three. Pretty impressive.

On the other side of the world in the Land Down Under, a jury comprising of eleven motor journalists from the “Sydney Morning Herald”, “The Age” and “drive.com.au" chose the Porsche Boxster as the best convertible of 2010 and more importantly, giving it the “Drive Car of the Year Award” for the second year in a row.

Porsche 918 RSR Racing Lab scoops up EyesOn Design award for ’Best Concept’

The Audi A6 may have bagged this year’s EyesOn Design award at the Detroit Auto Show for “Best Production Vehicle”, but another auto manufacturer is taking home the award for “Best Concept Vehicle”.

That award goes to Porsche’s stunning 918 RSR Racing Lab prototype. Defined by a design that features muscular wheel arches, dynamic air intakes, and a pulpit-like cockpit, the 918 RSR Racing Lab was the unquestioned showstopper of the 2011 NAIAS. It was even dressed up in a new “liquid metal chrome blue” paint finish to complement Porsche’s now famous hybrid orange finish on the front-to-rear racing stripes.

The 918 RSR Racing Lab wowed the judges comprising of Willie G. Davidson, Harley-Davidson’s EVP & Chief Styling Officer; Tom Matano, the Academy of Art University’s Executive Director of Industrial Design and Jack Telnack, Ford’s now-retired global VP of Design, beating out the likes of Kia’s KV7 Crossover and Ford’s Vertrek SUV for the title.

TopSpeed’s Best of 2011: Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva Motor Show is one of the biggest shows of the year and the 2011 event certainly did not disappoint. With over 70 cars lined up and ready to take our breaths away, choosing our favorites between them all was not an easy task.

Sure, there were some easy choices, like the brand spanking new Lamborghini Aventador or the Jaguar XKR-S, or brilliant tuning projects like the ABT R8 GT S. Then there was the job of tossing out the not-so-brilliant vehicles like the Mitsubishi Global Small or the rather useless Rinspeed Bamboo. The 2011 Geneva Motor Show brought out cars from one side of the spectrum to the other, and rifling through them took some time. Some may not agree with our choices and that’s okay. However, everyone can appreciate a beautiful or highly efficient car when they see one, and we’ve gathered some exceptional specimens to share.

2011 World Car of the Year finalists officially announced

The Geneva Motor Show is now in the rear-view mirror, which means that the spotlight has now turned to the New York Auto Show this coming April, and if there’s one thing that we can all look forward to in New York, it’s that it will be the site of the 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

All in all, 39 vehicles were included in the initial entry list comprising of new cars from all over the world. From these 39 cars, the list was whittled down to ten finalists with the top three contenders from these 10 cars receiving the final nominations for the 2011 World Car of the Year title.

The cars that are subject for nomination are selected and voted on by an international jury panel consisting of 66 automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world. Each member of the panel has been appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the merits of their experience, credibility, and influence within the auto industry in their respective countries and, to an extent, in the region.

Eligibility for the World Car award is important in determining which cars can be nominated for the awards. This year, all candidates for the awards must become available for sale on at least two continents from January 1, 2010 to May 30, 2011.

Apart from the World Car of the Year title, other awards that will be announced at the New York Auto Show include the World Performance Car of the Year, the World Green Car of the Year, and the World Car Design of the Year.

2013 Ferrari 599 Replacement

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a replacement for the Ferrari 599 Fiorano, but this is the first time we can offer more details about the new sports car. For starters, expect it to make its official at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March with sales beginning later in the year.

The 599 replacement will be built on an all-new chassis and will borrow design elements from both the 2012 Ferrari FF and the Ferrari California. The model will get modified bumpers and new headlamps, a modified bonnet, and a new exhaust system with tips that sit higher than on the current 599.

Fans of true sportscars can also breathe easier knowing that the replacement 599 will not be a hybrid model. It will instead be powered by a direct injected 6.3-liter V-12 - the same as in the the FF - with a total output of 700 HP. The engine will be combined with a rear-wheel drive system and the Ferrari’s latest seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Ferrari 246 Dino

Built in 1968, the car becomes a very attractive car in its era. This is an added value for Ferrari to produce the car. The shape is very not convincing. But behind the hood there is a machine that is claimed to be strong enough when asked to racing-kebutan. There are 2 engine options, namely 6-cylinder 2400 cc and 3,000 cc engine with 8 cylinders.

Ferrari Enzo

Who does not know the Ferrari Enzo. The car that was released in 2002 it shot to fast cars strongest ever. Feature adopt mobi Formula 1. Beneath the hood there is a capacity of 6000 cc V12 engine is mated with 6 semi-automatic.

Ferrari F50

Created in 1995-1997 result of the development between the F40 and Enzo, produce the best engine performance at Ferrari. Engine capacity 4700 cc power 513 hp can be issued at 8000 rpm. This car ran up to a maximum speed of 200 mph. His Chassis adopt a Formula 1 chassis.

Ferrari 365 GTB

This Ferrari is very popular in the '70s. Capacity of 4390 cc V12 engine can produce power 352 bhp (262 kW). Unfortunately the engine is weak at lower speed, but top speed is very frightening. The design is very futuristic.

Ferrari 250 GTO

Built for GT racing. The body adopts the concept of old school and retro view. 3,000 cc V12 engine is very highly in the era of the '60s.

Best Ferrari Car Design

Ferrari Was known as one of the most wanted vehicle all around the world, usually it comes with a nice design such as this Ferrari F40 Limo Edition. Ferrari has been producing cars since 1929. Until now, the Italian car manufacturer has been very successful. Even her image as a supercar many thumbs up not only at their home but elsewhere in the world.

Ferarri glorious history when the producers decided to join the race or a Formula 1 pole position. That confirms how great the car is in terms of technology and speed. See also the Ferrari Theme park and the Online Ferrari Driving Simulator.

Well, from the number of Ferrari cars currently only have 10 Ferrari that was named the best in the history of Ferrari supercars. Of course, Ferrari's 10 community memorabilia many lovers, especially Ferrari.

Inauguration is certainly seen from the design and technology, toughness and ability to run over black asphalt. What are the 10 best in the world of Ferrari? Check it out the Top 10 Best Ferrari Car ever.

Ferrari 458 Italia will receive a Scuderia version

Ferrari 458 Italia will receive a Scuderia version

Ferrari has revealed it will produce six new models before 2013 as part of Fiat's restructuring plans that were announced today. The six new models include a successor for the Ferrari Enzo hypercar and a hardcore version of the 458, like the 430 Scuderia.

The first model to be revealed will be the Spider variant of the entry-level 458, scheduled for 2011. Next year we will also see a new generation of the top of the range model 612 Scaglietti. This car will most likely provide the base for Ferrari’s first ever hybrid model. Codenamed F151, the 612 Scaglietti successor’s name is not yet clear.

In 2012 we’ll get to see the most anticipated Ferrari, the next hypercar that will build on the Enzo’s fame. Produced between 2002 and 2004 in just 400 units, the Enzo was powered by a V12 engine. No further details have been released about the Enzo successor. Also in 2012 Ferrari will showcase an all-new version of the 599 GTB Fiorano, currently known as F152.

The Ferrari California will receive a major facelift in 2013 and is referred to as the California M by Ferrari insiders. Finally, the last model that will be revealed in 2013 is a hardcore version of the 458 Italia, most likely to be named the 458 Scuderia. The company announced that it will not build more than four standard production models, so that the range will look like today, with the 458, the 599, the 612 and the California. The next Enzo is considered as a special model and it is not part of the standard range.

Ferrari has also stated it wants to continue the differentiation between its sports cars and its grand tourers, so that there will be no crossover models between the 458 and 599 supercars and the 612 and California cruisers

Hot News: 2012 Audi R10

Our amazing scoop pictures show how the Audi range is set to develop – and here’s its crowning glory. These images show one designer’s take on how a new R10 – a V10-engined flagship supercar – could look.

But this isn’t just a flight of fantasy. According to Auto Express sources, Audi is seriously considering a new supercar to sit above the acclaimed R8. It’s set to share the chassis of the forthcoming Lamborghini Murciélago replacement.

As well as a sculpted body, the car would get a mid-engined layout and a low-slung, two-seat cabin. Audi’s famous aluminium spaceframe chassis technology will be combined with carbon fibre to keep weight down and provide supreme strength.

The R10 will also be wider and longer than the R8, while four-wheel drive ensures it’s firmly planted on the road. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged 5.0-litre V10 with up to 600bhp – that would give 0-60mph in just over three seconds.

Preliminary prototypes, disguised as Lamborghinis, have been spied near the Nürburgring in Germany, although the car is unlikely to arrive before 2012. For more details click here.

New Car: 2011 Buick Excelle

At the Guangzhou Auto Show, GM debuted its latest addition to the Chinese Buick range - the five-door Excelle XT. Marketed as a coupe-like premium compact hatchback, the Excelle will hit Chinese showrooms in 2010.

Based on the same front-wheel drive platform of the soon-to-be-unveiled Chevrolet Cruze, the Excelle will go on sale in China with a choice of either a naturally aspirated 116-hp 1.6L four-cylinder engine, a peppier 138-hp 1.8L mill, or a 1.6L turbocharged engine that produces 181 hp and up to 196 lb-ft of torque in Superboost mode. A six-speed automatic gearbox comes standard with all engines and no word was given regarding a manual option.

Although the Chinese-spec Excelle shares a platform with the Cruze, it is actually a closer relative of the 2010 Opel Astra, with similar styling. Both cars receive a revised suspension relative to the Cruze, with rebound springs up front to reduce understeer and give a sportier driving experience. Out back, a Watts linkage is added to the package, rather than a Panhard rod. The changes should make the Excelle a much more dynamic car to drive than the Cruze.

Of course, the big question is whether the Excelle will make it across the pond to U.S. soil, where it could join the all-new Regal and LaCrosse as an entry-level addition to Buick's domestic lineup. The car pictured looks virtually identical to the small Buick GM showed us months ago, although the version we saw was a four-door sedan. In the U.S., a sedan likely makes more sense for both buyers' tastes and Buick's image, so the possibility of a U.S. Excelle coming with four doors instead of five is a strong one. And, of course, Buick could also choose to rename the car for the U.S. market, so we're not even sure if our Buick will carry the Excelle moniker.

What do you think of the Chinese-market Buick Excelle? What engine, body style, and name would you like to see on the U.S.-spec car?

Hot News: Tata to Build Nano Hybrid

India's Tata Motors may produce a hybrid model based on the Nano, the world's cheapest car, Reuters reports.

A South Korean publication quoted company chairman Ratan Tata as saying his team is looking into the car, but failed to elaborate on the subject. He went on to mention that the automaker's Ace light truck may be exported and produced in South Korea in the near future.

Tata's $2000 entry-level model has become a huge success in the market, with orders and production levels nearing capacity. It's so popular that officials had to implement a lottery system to purchase one. Profits are currently on the upwards swing for Tata after a string of massive losses.

If a hybrid Nano does come into fruition, it's safe to assume it'll be just as popular as its gasoline-powered sibling, if the price is right, of course.

Hot News: Audi A2 Confirmed

Audi is currently planning a new A2, company boss Rupert Stadler has told Autocar.

"As we gave the A1 that nomenclature there’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3," he admitted.

Stadler wouldn’t be drawn on what exactly a new A2 could be, but admitted that it would be an obvious propostion.

"If you don’t have to explain a car like the A2 then it works," he said.

However other insiders have admitted that the A2 is likely to be an ‘E2’: an electric car based on the the A1 but with a unique bodystyle and look.

Stadler also quashed rumours that Audi was planning a car based on the VW Up!, possibly badged A0, saying that there was no possibility of the company slotting in a car under the forthcoming A1 supermini, which will be launched at the Geneva motor show in March.

Spied: 2011 Smart ForTwo

Mercedes is planning its cleverest Smarts yet and we have the pictures to prove it. Captured by our eagle-eyed spies, these images show a mule of the next-generation Fortwo city car carrying out some hot-weather tests in the south of France.

Our sources have also revealed that the new Fortwo will form the base for a lager, stretched Smart, currently known as the Fortwo+2.

Limited by its lack of space, the Fortwo has seen itself fall behind more practical rivals such as Toyota’s iQ, and with more premium vehicles on the way, including Audi’s A1 and the rumoured BMW Isetta, Smart has begun work on its own four-seater. The new Fortwo+2 will also get rear doors.

The standard Fortwo will remain a strict two-seater though, with both new cars continuing to be rear-wheel-drive, and housing the engine below the floor at the rear. The added length for the extra seats in the Fourtwo+2 coming from the longer wheelbase.

The Fortwo is expected to arrive in showrooms late next year with the four-seater arriving by 2012. Both cars will be available with a wide range of engine options, and will likely include a hybrid and an electric version. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Gates of Vienna News Feed 7/4/2011

The last of the Habsburgs, former Prince Otto Von Habsburg, has died at the age of 98. He was the son of the last Austrian emperor, Karl I, who succeeded Franz Josef during the Great War. Had he not been assassinated in 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand would have succeeded to the throne, but Karl became emperor instead. Prince Otto was seven years old when the family titles were abolished and their estates confiscated.

In other news, even though Greece has surrendered much of its sovereignty to the EU, and despite the passage of its new austerity plan, S&P has issued a warning that the country still faces a risk of default. Analysts are dubious about the Greek government’s ability to pay back the necessary €6.8 billion to its creditors by the end of the year.

To see the headlines and the articles, open the full news post.

Thanks to C. Cantoni, Fjordman, Insubria, KGS, Mary Abdelmassih, Salome, and all the other tipsters who sent these in.

Commenters are advised to leave their comments at this post (rather than with the news articles) so that they are more easily accessible.

Caveat: Articles in the news feed are posted “as is”. Gates of Vienna cannot vouch for the authenticity or accuracy of the contents of any individual item posted here. We check each entry to make sure it is relatively interesting, not patently offensive, and at least superficially plausible. The link to the original is included with each item’s title. Further research and verification are left to the reader.

Carnita’s Law

OK, that’s not really the name of this new Australian law, but it might as well be.

I reported last month that the Belligerent Burqa Bimbo, Carnita Matthews, had successfully appealed her conviction for filing a false police complaint, on the grounds that her full veil (niqab) meant that there was no proof that she was in fact the person who had filed the complaint.

That’s an example of the Islamic version of chutzpah, known in Arabic as qutspiyyah*.

There’s nothing that can be done now about Ms. Matthews, who is as free as a bird. However, her case has prompted New South Wales to pass a new law giving police the power to require the removal of a burqa (or any other full-face covering, to avoid being accused of religious discrimination) so that drivers’ identities may be confirmed during traffic stops:

Police Given Power to Remove Burkas

New South Wales police conducting routine car stops will be given the power to demand the removal of head coverings for identification.

Premier Barry O’Farrell says cabinet approved the move on Monday so police could properly identify motorists or any other people suspected of committing a crime.

“I don’t care whether a person is wearing a motorcycle helmet, a burka, niqab, face veil or anything else, the police should be allowed to require those people to make their identification clear,” he said in a statement.

“I have every respect for various religions and beliefs but when it comes to enforcing the law the police should be given adequate powers to make a clear identification.”

Mr O’Farrell says there has to be a balance between religious customs and a police officer’s ability to do their job.

“It’s also an issue with other religions. It’s also an issue with other cultures,” he said.

“But whether it’s a driver’s license or passing through customs, identity checks are required in this day and age and we’re determined to ensure police have the powers to undertake them when required.”

The new laws come in the wake of a successful appeal by a Muslim woman who had been sentenced to jail for falsely accusing a police officer of forcibly trying to remove her burka.

The sentence against Carnita Matthews was quashed on appeal last week.

The magistrate said he was unable to confirm whether Ms Matthews had made the accusation as police had been unable to see the face of the woman who made the complaint.

Attorney-General Greg Smith says he will not be appealing against the Matthews decision, but says the new laws should prevent a recurrence of the case.

Police have had the power to ask women to remove face veils during the investigation of serious offences but did not have such powers during routine car stops.

* No, that word is not authentic. I made it up. It’s just for fun.

Hat tip: Salome.

Forget the Flotilla — Free Constantinople!

As reported in the news feed last week, supporters of the new Gaza flotilla were angered by the Greek government’s refusal to allow the flotilla to set sail from Greek ports.

The flotilla’s advocates in Ottawa responded with a demonstration in front of the Greek embassy on Saturday, and Vlad Tepes was there with his video camera. As Vlad points out, this was a Political Special Olympics, and not worthy of our attention — except for one fellow at the very end of this report: