CAR WARRIORS: PLUG IN PANAMERA S E- HYBRID 2014 PORSCHE

Saturday, September 20, 2014

PLUG IN PANAMERA S E- HYBRID 2014 PORSCHE

Porsche already has three plug-in hybrids in its lineup, the limited edition 918 Spyder as well as the Cayenne and Panamera S E-Hybrid models, but the sports carmanufacturer won’t be stopping there. This is because Porsche sees vehicle electrification as a crucial element of its ‘Intelligent Performance’ philosophy, where performance gains are met with improvements in efficiency through the use of technology.

This means that even the iconic 911 will eventually go the plug-in hybrid route, but before we get to that point we’ll likely see the automaker’s other models, like the Macan, adopt the technology first.

Speaking with Motoring, Porsche sales and marketing executive Julian Baumann said the company hasn’t decided on the launch of a Macan plug-in hybrid yet but is ready should the market demand such a vehicle.

However, peer under the skin and you’ll quickly realize that this is not only one of the most significant launches for Porsche but also for the rest of the Volkswagen Group.

That’s because the 2014 Porsche Panamera is being launched with the Volkswagen Group’s new plug-in hybrid technology, which will eventually appear in models from Audi, Bentley, Volkswagen and possibly even Lamborghini.

The new plug-in Panamera is labeled as a Panamera S E-Hybrid and features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain first previewed in the Panamera Sport Turismo concept from 2012. The drivetrain is an evolution of the one in the current Panamera S Hybrid and will appear in the Cayenne SUV next.

A 3.0-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic is paired with an electric motor, in parallel, and combined output is 416 horsepower. Porsche says this is enough to rocket the Panamera S E-Hybrid to 62 mph in about 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 167 mph. Fuel economy, meanwhile, can reach as much 75 mpg, though in real-world conditions we expect this to be lower.

Powering the electric motor is a 9.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, which takes about four hours to charge using an ordinary household power outlet. On a single charge, the battery offers an electric only range of about 22 miles and a top speed of 83 mph. Power regenerative systems help top up the batteries while on the run.

Owners of the Panamera S E-Hybrid will also be able to take advantage of some new smart phone app functions, which include a charge status indicator, remote control of the climate system and a program to help search for charge points. Some of these options will also be available for the non-hybrid models in the 2014 Porsche Panamera lineup.

2014 Porsche Panamera 4S2014 Porsche Panamera 4SIn addition to the Panamera S E-Hybrid, the 2014 Panamera lineup also sees the introduction of a long-wheelbase Executive option and a twin-turbocharged V-6 for the Panamera S and Panamera 4S instead of the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 currently fitted to these.

The new twin-turbocharged V-6 engine displaces 3.0 liters and develops 420 horsepower, 20 more than the old V-8, and thanks to its smaller capacity is said to be about 18 percent more efficient, too. If that wasn’t enough, the torque curve is also said to be flatter over a broader rev-range.

As for the new long-wheelbase Executive option, this is available as a Panamera Turbo Executive and a Panamera 4S Executive, and adds about 5.9 inches to the wheelbase over the non-Executive versions. These models get two bucket seats in the rear, instead of a bench, as well as a range of available extras to keep those in the back entertained. These models also get air suspension as standard.

Across the range, the 2014 Porsche Panamera gets mild visual changes, which include a slightly revised front end and available LED headlights (bi-xenons are standard), as well as a tweaked rear bumper and tail lights. From the side, a new, more swept-back rear window creates a more extended silhouette. When viewed from the back, the new Panamera is primarily made out by its new trunk lid, and the aforementioned bumper and light tweaks.

2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo ExecutiveInside, most Panameras come with Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission, except the Panamera S E-Hybrid and Panamera Diesel, which make do with an eight-speed auto.

The full range also comes with a new multifunction steering wheel, automatic trunk lid and available safety features including an adaptive cruise control system with automatic braking, as well as camera-based traffic sign detection and lane departure warning systems.

Further down the track, Porsche will replace the Panamera Diesel’s engine with a new unit rated at 300 horsepower, which may even be offered in the U.S. this time around. A Panamera Turbo S Executive is also planned.

Look for the 2014 Porsche Panamera range to land in showrooms late in the year, and stay tuned for the official debut at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show on April 19. In the meantime, you can follow our ongoing coverage of the upcoming event via this dedicated show hub.

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KNOWING ABOUT YOUR POWER-TRAIN WARRANITY

A powertrain warranty is a form of assurance offered by the manufacturer of an automobile. When a consumer purchases a vehicle, at the time of sale, he or she will be given a powertrain warranty, which will cover all or part of the powertrain of the underlying automobile. When a mechanical problem occurs to the powertrain the costs associated with repair or replacement are covered in the powertrain warranty—the manufacturer or dealer whole sold the automobile will pay to have the car fixed. That being said, what parts are covered and the extent of the repayment associated with fixing the car will vary greatly based on the powertrain warranty offered.

Depending on the manufacturer, a powertrain warranty will provide different forms of coverage based on interpretative differences; for example, one manufacturer’s definition of an engine can be referred to as a ‘long block’, meaning the engine, as well as everything attached to it cannot be removed. Another definition of an engine can be a “short block” meaning only part of the engine—typically the piece below cylinder head—cannot be removed. As a result, the coverage abilities will vary between these two warranties if the engine proved to be faulty.

In addition to the engine, the type of automobile will necessitate different variables within the powertrain warranty. For example, if you purchased a manual transmission vehicle, the warranty may exclude repairs or replacements for important pieces, such as the clutch—an extended warranty for a manual transmission will typically only provide coverage for the driveshaft and the axles.

A powertrain warranty will last for a certain number of years or for a maximum number of miles. In most instances, the powertrain warranty will last longer than a typical car warranty; the basic powertrain warranty is offered as a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, or whichever comes first.

Other Warranites Usually available to car buyers:

Basic: Also known as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage, this is the general coverage that would pay to repair defects in factory-installed parts. Tires are not typically included because they're usually covered under a separate tire manufacturer warranty.

Corrosion: Covers rust that causes holes in sheet metal in parts such as the doors or side panels.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with towing and tire-changing if the car breaks down while traveling.

It's best to check with dealers for specifics, but here is a list of seven top auto companies that offer among the best car warranties, despite the fact that many are rated safe cars by independent research firms.

Car Insurance Tips

Find out what’s covered and what isn’t. Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring, as well as the coverages you requested. Ask about free, value-added features, such as emergency roadside assistance. Check to see if repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and find out what kind of payment options are available.

To see if you’re getting credit where credit is due, it's a good idea to find out all the discounts available to you. Some simple ways to save money on your auto insurance include maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student and the inclusion of certain safety features when buying a new car can save you money on your policy.

Your state sets forth the minimum liability coverage you must maintain, as mentioned above. But these are just the legal minimums and might not give you the coverage you need. You'll have to decide what you want to buy beyond these minimums. Keep in mind that you are looking to find the balance between having adequate coverage and overpaying.

According to Consumer Reports, a general guideline for adequate bodily injury liability limits is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $100,000 for property damage. These amounts are what your insurer will pay to someone you are in an accident with. For uninsured motorist coverage, you should get the same amount as for bodily injury liability, as this covers your medical costs when someone who is not insured hits you.

Auto insurance tip #1
Understand why you need auto insurance
In short, you need car insurance to protect your car, yourself and your passengers. You also protect any assets, like your home and savings, as well as comply with state law.

Auto insurance tip #2
Know your current coverages-but be willing to adjust
Use your current coverages and limits as a starting point; you can refer to your declarations page for this information. Then, adjust your coverages as necessary to match your lifestyle-which might be different than it was when you first bought the policy.

For example, if your teenager starts driving next month, you might consider adding him or her to your policy now. Or, if you just bought a new car, you might choose loan/lease payoff coverage, so that if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you'll have help paying off your loan or lease.

Auto insurance tip #3
Decide what you want to protect, then choose your coverages

Auto insurance tip #4
Use deductibles to your advantage
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket when you use your car insurance. In general, the higher you set your deductible, the less you'll pay for your policy. And conversely, if you set your deductible low, you'll pay more for your policy, but less when you have a claim.

Auto insurance tip #5
Know that certain things affect your rate
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of things when they calculate your rate, from your driving record to where you live and how many miles you drive on average. Keep this in mind when you see your rate.

More alternatives:

Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $1,000, which lowers your premiums and prevents you from filing small claims that could jeopardize a claims-free discount. Add some more money to your emergency fund so you’ll have the cash to pay the deductible if anyone in your family does have an accident.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage entirely on older cars that are worth little more than the deductible. You may be paying more in premiums than you could ever get back from the insurer, even if the car is totaled.

Tell your insurer if your child goes away to college. If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away and does not use the car, you can usually get a big break on your premiums but still have coverage when he or she comes home for vacation.

Ask about other discounts for teenage drivers. Some insurers offer discounts for driver-safety programs, cutting costs if the kids take a special class, watch a DVD, or read a driver-safety book and take a test. Ask your insurer what your kid needs to do to qualify.

Make the most of multi-policy discounts. You’ll usually get a break on your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance if you keep both policies with the same company. You may get an additional discount if you include an umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage beyond your auto-insurance limits and can be particularly valuable when you have a teenage driver.

Some insurers offer much better deals than others for teenage drivers, so it’s important to compare costs. The insurance company that offered the best rate for you and your spouse may have some of the highest rates when you add a teenage boy to the policy - and it’s almost always better to add the child to your policy rather than have him get his own policy.

You can get price quotes from several online insurance companies like Progressive or AllState or get personalized service from an independent insurance agent who works with many companies. You may not want to switch from a longtime insurer just to save a few dollars, however, because your current company may be less likely to raise your rate or drop you if your child has an accident. If you stay with the insurance company you currently have there more room for forgiveness and benefits of such various programs. Also keep in mind that if you have been getting a multi-policy discount, your homeowners-insurance rate might rise if you take your auto-insurance business elsewhere.

One thing you don’t want to do in an attempt to reduce your premiums is skimp on liability coverage. recommends liability limits of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage or a policy with a “combined single limit” of $500,000, when available, which does not limit the coverage to $250,000 per person involved in the accident. Young drivers are more likely to have accidents, and lowering your liability limits could leave you on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in expenses if your child does hit another car or injure someone.

CAR WARRIORS

Saturday, September 20, 2014

PLUG IN PANAMERA S E- HYBRID 2014 PORSCHE

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