Using the uprated 4.8-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine from the S/4S, the GTS gains 30 bhp and 20 Nm of torque resulting in 424 bhp at 6,700 rpm and 520 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

The GTS’ naturally-aspirated V8 drives all four wheels via a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.5 secs, reaching a top speed of 179mph. Combined fuel consumption is 25.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 256g/km.

Porsche have developed a Sound Symposer which directs intake noise from the engine into the interior at the touch of a button. By activating the Sport button, intake vibrations between the throttle valve and air filter are channelled via the A-pillar to enhance the driving experience.

The GTS also comes with an adjustable sport exhaust, controlled by a switch in the centre console, which features a “last mode” function that remembers the last setting and restores it when the engine is started.

More sporting chassis

As you would expect of a GTS model, adaptive air suspension has been fitted as standard combined with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The result is an increase in both comfort and driving dynamics achieved by adjusting the spring rate and electrically adjusting the damping system, combined with a self-levelling height adjustment function.

With the air suspension at its normal level the Panamera GTS sits 10 mm lower than the other models in the Panamera range and its damping is designed to be tauter, reinforcing the sporting personality. Dynamic performance is further enhanced by the combination of 19-inch diameter Panamera Turbo wheels, 5 mm rear wheel spacers and larger brake discs from the Turbo – recognisable by their red brake callipers.

The Panamera GTS is also equipped with the Sport Chrono package as standard, which tailors the responsiveness of the engine, transmission and chassis according to the driver’s preference. In the ultimate Sport Plus mode, the adaptive air suspension lowers the vehicle to its low setting and switches to a harder spring rate. The rear spoiler angle of attack also changes to a pre-set performance-oriented position.

How about a few more acronyms?

PDCC with PTV Plus represent Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which limits body roll during cornering by using active front and rear anti-roll bars and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which varies torque distribution to the rear wheels by an electronically-regulated rear limited slip differential.

Design and equipment

For GTS read Turbo-lite – you’ll see the Turbo’s Sport-Design front-section together with its adaptive four-way rear spoiler.

The appearance of the Panamera GTS is further characterised by numerous black exterior styling details, including high-gloss black for the side window trim, decorative trim on the rear lid, the headlight washer unit cover, the rear diffuser and the side air outlet panels.

A further tell-tale sign are the GTS’ Bi-Xenon headlights with black inner bezels. These feature four LED daytime running lights, as per the Panamera Turbo, which are located in the main headlight cluster. The Panamera GTS is available with the option of Carmine Red paint, first introduced on the Cayenne GTS and with a choice of leather and Alcantara covering the adaptive 18-way adjustable sports seats.

The SportDesign steering wheel with PDK shift paddles and twelve o’clock marking on the steering wheel rim enhance the GTS’ dynamic looks and sporting functionality, whilst ‘GTS’ lettering is liberally applied on the front door entry guards, instrument cluster and the embroidered headrests.

Porsche has put together special optional equipment packages married with a black interior, exclusively for the Panamera GTS. The decorative stitching on the foot mats, top of the dashboard, upper edge of the door, armrest, door trim and centre console, the door closing handle along with the seat stitching are executed in Carmine Red or GT Silver.

The Porsche Panamera GTS will be on sale in the UK from February 2012, priced from £90,409.

Gallery

Across all channels throughout the campaign, BMW will aim to show athleticism and passion as the core quality of its highest selling model.

Online assets are already in use over on www.bmw.com and www.facebook.com/bmw, together with 360 degree viewer and a configurator, which enables site visitors to share their configured vehicle with friends on other social channels.

Print and TV will join the campaign next February, to be joined by a special integrated launch of the full hybrid BMW ActiveHybrid 3, which is due at the end of 2012.

The TV commercials will play on the emotional scenes from different sports disciplines, including the new London Olympic Stadium and BMW’s involvement in the 2012 DTM series. Music will be provided by Billy Idol’s 1981 song, “Dancing With Myself”.

Whilst the theme is ‘sporting’ the tone of the campaign is intended to be light and humorous, using the term ‘Versus’ to describe the unique character of the new BMW 3 Series – where passion always wins.

Will it work?

As with many multi-channel campaigns, the central idea seems to have become lost in translation – both literally and figuratively. “Style vs. Stylish. Passion Wins.” and “Head-Up Display vs. Speeding Ticket. Passion Wins.” – If you can understand more than 1 of these posters I’ll be surprised and the whole delivery smacks of something designed by committee and completely over-engineered (or over thought).

No doubt with a considerable comms and promotion budget pushing them into our consciousness, people’s curiosity will be ignited and BMW showrooms will be awash with potential buyers, but this seems a pretty poor start for a model that BMW depend on for their continued survival.

Gallery

Available on the world market from 11 February 2012, the new F30 3 Series will be available from launch with two petrol engines – 328i and 335i and two diesel variants including the 320d and the 320d EfficientDynamics. The pricing in Germany for these models is between € 35,350 (£30,876) for the 320d and € 43,600 (£38,082) for the six-cylinder petrol 335i. This compares with € 34,300 for the outgoing E90 320d and € 43,150 for the E90 335i saloon.

In spring 2012 the model range will be complemented by other variants, including the more powerful 330d and 335d/340d diesel models and a twin-turbo 2-litre which replaces the old 330i, whilst In autumn 2012 a full hybrid model will join the 3 Series range with a 335 bhp powerplant.

Take a closer look at the new BMW 3 Series with Andreas-Christoph Hofmann (VP Brand Communication), Christopher Weil (Exterior designer) and Christian Bauer (Interior designer).

More space, more performance and less weight

BMW are claiming a victory in the battle for the most efficient premium model range with the new 3 Series. The F30 3 Series is larger (+93 mm) and noticeably more spacious than its E90 predecessor – knee room behind the front seats has grown by 15 mm and headroom by 8 millimetres. However despite this increase in size, the new F30 3 Series is up to 45 kg lighter.

This is best illustrated by the gains in efficiency – the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition with power of 161 bhp, consumes just 69 mpg (4.1 litres per 100 km) and with a corresponding CO2 rating of 109 g/km. The BMW 335i with its twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine and 302 bhp, will consume between 36.0 and 39mpg (7.2 to 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres) depending on the equipment fitted. Auto Start Stop function is standard for all engine-gearbox versions.

The new BMW 3 Series also offers a ‘switchable’ driving experience. In addition to the settings COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT + there is also an Eco Pro mode, and therefore depending on an individual’s driving behaviour, a further fuel saving of up to 20% is possible.

Several new innovations for the class

The new BMW 3 Series saloon introduces a number of innovations unique to its class. BMW is the first manufacturer in premium mid-size class to offer a head up display – projecting important information onto the windscreen in direct view of the driver, optionally, an eight-speed automatic transmission for all engines will be available with an automatic start stop system as standard.

BMW’s latest ConnectedDrive infotainment system will also be available on the new 3 Series, improving safety and making it more comfortable to drive in traffic. Features include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning with collision warning or Surround View. It also acts as a parking assistant to manoeuvre the car into a parking space. In addition, real-time traffic information (RTTI traffic information system) and specific apps for the use with social networks are also available.

As we mentioned a few weeks ago, BMW will be using a similar naming system to that introduced on the new 1 Series last month – “Sport Line”, “Modern Line” and “Luxury Line” will be offered, providing customers with many more options for shaping the vehicle to their own requirements.

Last year BMW Group sold a total of about 399,000 3 Series models around the world and will be seeking to exceed that figure with the new F30 3 Series.

Gallery

The live broadcast kicks off at 3PM (BST) from the BMW plant in Munich, which you can join here.

From the spy shots we brought you back in August, the F30 3 Series looks to be a conservative design, loosely based on the current 5 Series.

We’re expecting the usual range of four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with an emphasis on smaller-capacity turbocharged powerplants boosted by the usual EfficientDynamics technologies including the new ECO PRO fuel saving mode, Auto Start-Stop function and a full gamut of BMW’s latest intelligent energy management systems.

We understand BMW will adopt a similar distinction between specifications including Urban, Sport and SE.

To mark the occasion, BMW have produced a series of short videos for each generation which you can see below.

BMW 3 Series 1975

BMW 3 Series 1982

BMW 3 Series 1990

BMW 3 Series 1998

BMW 3 Series 2005

You are probably aware that Jaguar are celebrating the E-Type’s 50th Anniversary this year, and given how the E-Type took the motoring world by a storm in 1961, the celebratory road show has been travelling to each major automotive show around the world.

Fifty years ago, the New York Auto Show played host to the launch of the Jaguar E-Type in North America – or XKE as it was known over the pond.

If any country took the E-Type to its heart, it was the United States. More than two-thirds of all models built were sent across the Atlantic, establishing a special relationship that persists to this day.

On first sight of the E-Type at its launch, Frank Sinatra is reputed to have said: “I want that car and I want it now”, and old Blue Eyes was just one in a long list of Hollywood greats to covet the two-seater sports car. Steve McQueen, Tony Curtis, Britt Ekland and Brigitte Bardot were all celebrity owners.

The beauty, performance and passion that all Jaguars embody still resonates strongly in America to this day. The 21st century XJ limousine turns as many heads in New York with its captivating presence as the E-Type did when Sinatra first saw it 50 years ago.

Jaguar’s Design Director Ian Callum explains why..

“The E-Type was ahead of its time, just as the XJ is now. Williams Lyons’ philosophy was all about taking that next step. He was very adventurous and knew that it is Jaguar’s job to break the rules. He never looked back, always forward.”

The legendary E-Type sports car is a machine so beautiful that an opalescent dark blue 1963 Open Two-Seater holds a permanent place in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Ian Callum explains, “Part of the purpose of a Jaguar is to look beautiful. We always tryto make our cars visually that little bit wider, lower and longer. That’s what our proportions are about. When you see them together, the XJ and E-Type speak the same language.”

According to Callum, the E-Type demonstrates the overriding principle of sports car design: minimum bodywork encapsulating maximum performance. He explains: “The excitement and beauty of the car were almost created as a by-product. You’ve got beauty derived from its scientific purity of surface and excitement from its proportions.”

“We still work very hard to get the proportions of our cars as tight to the mechanicals as possible. Unlike the E-Type, of course, the XJ has to carry five people in total comfort but the principles of wrapping the body around the package to create exciting proportions are exactly the same now as they were 50 years ago.”

A question Callum is often asked is whether he would design another E-Type. His answer is always the same: “I would refuse, it had its time and place. What I will do is create something as dramatic now as that car was then and I think the XJ achieves that.

“Jaguars should be bought for reasons other than simply pure pragmatism, they should be bought for their style, excitement and beauty. The XJ is the most dramatic, captivating car in its class. Job done.”

Gallery

Known simply as the A3 concept, the fastest (and largest!) ever factory-produced A3 is the latest in a long line of one-off Audi design studies, and is characteristically laden with technological advances in everything from construction to infotainment.

Apart from the new body shell, the most immediately obvious highlight of the A3 concept is its five-cylinder Turbo FSI petrol engine, whose 402 bhp output outnumbers its closest production stable-mate, the potent RS 3 Sportback, by 67 bhp. Peak torque of 500Nm is also 50Nm up, and is available over a broad rev range between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm, making an explosive 4.1-second 0-62mph time a reality. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

At 4,440mm long, 1,840mm wide and just 1,390mm high, the A3 concept weighs 1,540kg, which is less than it could be due to the use of ultra-modern components, design methods and generous application of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system appears for the first time in an A3, giving the driver five modes with which to fine-tune engine characteristics, power steering feel and gear shift points for the seven-speed S tronic transmission. As well as the more familiar comfort, auto, dynamic and individual settings, the latest iteration of the system features an efficiency mode designed for maximum economy.

The A3 concept is merely a design study at the moment, so don’t expect to hear any word on pricing or future build plans, but some of its technology will be seen in future production models – especially that 402 bhp five-cylinder engine.

Photo Gallery

The initials SLS are supposed to represent “Sport Luxury Sedan”, although this is still provisional – the final name of this luxury sedan will be unveiled during the presentation at the Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March). Maybe it’s all just a bad dream and they’ll launch something suitably in keeping with the brand instead…

The De Tomaso SLS is perhaps closest in philosophy and looks to BMW’s 5-Series GT – it’s just under 5 metres long and approximately 1.65 metres tall, providing a more spacious interior than a typical luxury saloon (sound familiar?). Power is transmitted via 4-wheel drive while there will initially be two petrol engines available, a 296bhp 6-cylinder and a 542bhp V8, but these will eventually be joined by a 247bhp V6 diesel.

Ground clearance makes it sort of a cross between an SUV and saloon – furthermore reinforcing the parallels with BMW’s 5 GT. The SLS uses an all-aluminium chassis using a patented process called UNIVIS, although if rumours are to be believed the SLS is heavily based on the Cadillac SRX.

The brand founded in 1959 by Alejandro De Tomaso, went into adminstration 7 years ago and has been revitalised by entrepreneur and former Fiat marketing executive, Gian Mario Rossignolo who is leading an investment of € 116 million over the next four years, to produce 3 new models including the SLS and an unknown four-door coupé.

Full production is expected to reach 8,000 cars across the range, but we can’t help wishing that Rossignolo had chosen to resurrect a brand more suited to the task.

Photo Gallery

The web video has been surprisingly popular (for Hyundai), spawning numerous take-offs, with Hyundai even adding a face-morphing app to their Facebook page that fans can use to turbofy their own face.

You can visit Hyundai’s facebook page and turbofy an image of your own face – we chose a picture of Fernando Alonso, just to see how an already ‘fast face’ would look when turbofied..

But despite being billed as a social media campaign the implementation seems half-hearted, less than 500 people have liked the http://www.facebook.com/sonataturboface page and has only been updated 4 times with some behind-the-scenes video edits of the advertising campaign.

The team behind the campaign have now moved across to print media, so if you’re in the USA then you’ll soon be spotting the ads in your favourite magazines and newspapers.

Will it work for Hyundai? I suspect not. US advertisers have a track-record of trying to change customer opinion by promoting an overly strong message, but even with 270 bhp and 269 ft-lbs of torque this campaign requires the viewers imagination to stretch just a little too far.

Still, it generates conversation about Hyundai which is a pretty decent outcome for the brand.

Photo Gallery

To distinguish the A7 from its 4-door sibling, Audi have chosen to start the A6 range with the 2.0 TDI SE entry level model priced at £30,145 OTR, extending up to the 3.0 TDI quattro S line at £40,650 OTR. The A7 starts where the A6 finishes off with the equivalent 3.0 TDI quattro S line dropping in at sizeable £49,790 OTR. That’s quite a hike for some pretty rear hips, but perhaps we’d find more justification for the difference if we took the full standard specifications into account.

In most other respects you’d easily mistake A6 for A7, from the front-end at least. Audi are placing great emphasis on the relative lightness of the new A6, combining composite aluminium and steel construction means the 2.0 TDI model weighs just 1,575kg, 15% less than an all-steel equivalent despite enhanced equipment levels. The resulting gain in efficiency is worthy of praise, with a 57mpg-plus economy potential and low CO2 outputs of as little as 129g/km.

Spot the difference. This is Audi's A7 by the way, although you'd be forgiven for not realising.

The range of engines available at launch in the UK include the 175bhp 2.0-litre TDI, 201bhp 3.0-litre TDI, 242bhp 3.0-litre TDI and 296bhp 3.0-litre TFSI which all make use of advanced direct injection technology for the leanest possible fuel burn rate, and work in conjunction with important technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system, the energy recovery system and the innovative thermal management concept. As a result, fuel economy has improved by up to 19 per cent compared to the previous model.

The headlines of the not-too-distant future are likely to be claimed by the A6 hybrid, which by combining a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor will be capable of zero emission urban driving and up to 45.6mpg, yet will also have 245PS on tap for strong performance.

As was the case with the previous model, the new Audi A6 will also be available with a wide range of drivetrains. The choice, based on the engine version, will include a manual six-speed transmission or continuously variable multi-tronic CVT for front-wheel-drive models, and the new seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission for quattros. Each unit features a wide gear-ratio spread which makes a significant contribution to their overall efficiency.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system fitted to the new A6 Saloon is of course the latest incarnation, with a crown gear centre differential and a torque-vectoring function for the ultimate in traction, stability and dynamic response. For the top-of-the-line engines, the quattro sport differential that has already won acclaim in performance cars such as the S4 will also be offered as an option.

New energy efficient electromechanical power steering, in conjunction with the lightweight suspension set-up with its considerable aluminium content, will impart even greater precision and composure in the new A6. The standard fit Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system will allow drivers to fine-tune the car’s responses as desired via the MMI screen, and in front-wheel-drive models the latest Electronic Stability Programme with electronic limited slip differential will imperceptibly boost agility and subtly maintain order during challenging driving.

Roomy interior shares much in common with the A7

The roomy interior with its cocooning ‘wraparound’ dash panel combines the latest Audi design language with the most salient technological advances and the finest materials. Supportive seats upholstered as standard in Milano leather position occupants perfectly in relation to the cabin’s focal point, the Multi Media Interface with its 6.5-inch retractable monitor and large central control knob. MMI provides easy and intuitive access to the high quality audio system, the Bluetooth phone interface and the SD card-based navigation system – a much prized asset which, uniquely in the premium sector at this level, is standard in the A6.

An 8-inch monitor and fingertip sensitive touch pad are available to upgrade MMI to MMI Touch. The system’s touch pad enables characters to be ‘drawn’ by the driver using an index finger for navigation or telephone data entry. As well as ultra-intelligent 3D navigation mapping, the new MMI Touch system can store audio tracks and telephone data on its sizeable hard disk.

Vorsprung durch Technik comes as standard

Online services including news and weather information supplied by Google will also be accessible if the Mobile Telephone Preparation High option is specified. This option will enable drivers to plot detailed routes on a home computer and download them to the navigation system when they start a trip. Google Earth images will also be beamed via the car’s internal UMTS module to the MMI monitor for navigation purposes. Through its wireless local area network link passengers will also be able to connect to the internet using their own computers.

MMI navigation plus will be able to work closely with the optional assistance and safety systems in the new A6. It can forward route data to the control units for the headlights, the automatic transmission and the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. This will enable these systems to recognise complex scenarios and assist the driver, although what this feels like in practice we’ll have to wait and see.

The Audi pre-sense basic system first seen in the new A8 will also provide further safety back-up by analysing the information from the ESP sensors and intervening to activate the hazard warning lights, close the side windows and sunroof and tension the seatbelts when maximum brake application or skidding is detected.

The list of optional driver aids will also include a night vision assistant employing a thermal imaging camera to highlight ‘warm-blooded’ road users in front of the car, a head-up display projecting key information onto the windscreen so that it appears to float about 2.5 metres ahead and a park assist system which automatically takes care of the steering function for the driver when manoeuvring into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. More familiar options such as the Audi side assist blind spot warning system and the Audi lane assist lane departure detection system will also be available.

When will it be available?

Audi will begin supplying the A7 to UK customers in early 2011, whereas first deliveries of the new A6 will follow a few months later. Two specification levels – SE and S line – will be offered in the UK at launch, each including alloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls, SD-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation, split/folding rear seats and light and rain sensors.

S line models will add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, sports suspension, upgraded Valcona leather upholstery and an exclusive S line exterior and interior styling treatment.

Customers will be able to choose from a wide range of options such as comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, acoustic glazing, supple leather trimming for the centre console, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with 1,200 watts of power, TV reception and various connectivity upgrades for the MMI system.

Prices

Picture gallery

Following on from the XK75 production car launched at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the XJ75 is as yet only a concept but it seems likely that some elements of the concept model will be released for production, building upon the already impressive reception to the new XJ Saloon, launched just two months ago.

The XJ75 Platinum Concept is the company’s first demonstration of the design customisation potential of the striking new XJ luxury saloon, and may spell the way for a range of sporting upgrades to be offered on the XJ saloon as either factory or dealer-fit options.

“The new Jaguar XJ Platinum Concept celebrates Jaguar’s 75th Anniversary, and highlights the uniqueness of the XJ, and more broadly, the increasingly personal nature of luxury cars in today’s market,” said Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars. “The XJ is thoroughly modern, and captures the innovative and daring character that our founder Sir William Lyons built into every Jaguar. And the design team clearly had some fun making their first one-of-a-kind XJ design concept in that spirit.”

Dominated by a striking white and black contrast theme that suggests precious platinum metal, the XJ75 Platinum Concept uses Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8 – although the car being displayed at Pebble Beach carries only a paltry 464bhp compared to the 503bhp supercharged V8 we receive here in the UK with the range-topping XJ Supersport.

Equipped with new ground-hugging front, rear and side sills and painted a lustrous Satin Matte Pearlescent White, exterior chrome elements have been revised to either a dark chrome or gloss black. Bespoke 22-inch wheels are black and use a brushed contrast finish.

The contrast theme continues with gloss pearlescent white air vents, veneers and diamond stitch suede inserts to the seats and headliner, all set against the backdrop of a full Jet soft-grain leather interior. Suede and leather accents are seen throughout the interior to further material enhancements.

The XJ75 Platinum Concept centre console houses a bespoke clock developed and designed in partnership with the Bremont Watch Company. An independent British company, Bremont creates beautifully engineered and designed mechanical watches hand assembled in Switzerland.

“From a pure design perspective, the XJ75 Platinum Concept is foremost about emphasizing the striking proportion and presence of the new XJ, with a distilled black and white theme, which conjures up the sense of precious platinum,” said Jaguar XJ Chief Designer Giles Taylor. “At the same time, the pure sporting character of XJ is brought to the fore by keeping the car’s clean graphic approach and further lowering its stance.

“On the inside, we played up the XJ’s combination of high-end materials and British flair to really have some fun. The XJ75 Platinum Concept is a design exercise that shows our vision of customization as an inspiration for those enthusiasts who have a taste for strong individuality and visual confidence in their luxury automobiles.”