Edition 48/2008 49.846 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
'And with one bound they were free' — that's well–known British journalese, signifying an about–turn that has rid a company (or more often than not a political party) of long–held views that no longer hold water.
Porsche's decision to build a diesel Cayenne is a classic example. There are people out there who labour under the misapprehension that the Stuttgart manufacturer already makes an oil–burning SUV ("That's a Touareg; a totally different machine. Really..."), but now the news is out, anything's possible.
Why didn't they install the V10, or even the Audi V12? Well, who knows what might happen in the future, but I like the idea that the best marketing and engineering brains, in one of the world's most profitable companies, sat around a table and decided: "We'll give them a diesel — but we'll make it pretty boring until we are in position to do something else. Do we have anything to prove, gentlemen?"
No, they don't, and they've followed up the Cayenne diesel story with the first official pictures of the 4–door coupé Panamera. It does look like a flatter, more streamlined Cayenne; however, as I said at the tail–end of the Cayenne GTS review, powered by the direct–injection V8 (let alone the Turbo), it will be one hell of a car.
It gets my vote.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Porsche Panamera: First Official PicturesThe first official photos of the Porsche Panamera are hugely welcome in more ways than one. read more... |
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1926 Bugatti Type 35T: A Riding Mechanic's TaleThreading your legs into the passenger footwell of the small blue car is a task relatively easy to accomplish. From then on, it's more a matter of crossing legs than fingers as Will I'Anson expertly guides the eight–cylinder unblown Bugatti along the Cotswold lanes. read more... |
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Brabus Tesla Roadster to Debut at EssenThe sound of silenceThis week's Essen Motor Show will see the launch of the first tuned electric car, as Brabus engineers unveil their customisation of the Tesla Roadster. read more... |
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Classic Driver Dealer: DK EngineeringGeographically just a short drive from the Classic Driver office, legendary Ferrari specialist DK is now operating from new premises set in rolling Hertfordshire countryside. read more... |
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Porsche Cayenne DieselThe big surprise was not that Porsche should introduce a diesel Cayenne, but that its motive power would be the humble VAG 3.0 TDi rather than the group's V10, or even V12 oil–burners. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Hublot Big Bang Polo Club Saint–TropezHublot, the Swiss watchmaker, has two single–brand stores in France: the first in Paris and the second inside the Byblos Hotel in the heart of the old town of St. Tropez. When this second shop was opened, the occasion was marked with the launch of a new, limited–edition model of its famous Big Bang watch. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
THE PULLMAN GALLERY PRESENTS:
John Elwell (born 1942): a spectacular large–scale model of the Maserati 250F, uniquely modelled by John Elwell esteemed exponent of the model maker's art.Elwell's signature style is well represented by the hand–formed aluminium panels riveted over a space frame. The cockpit detail is exceptional and the cast aluminium wheels are shod with hand–turned hardwood tyres.
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As is the case with all Elwell's work, this wonderful piece is a unique one–off, signed 1/1 and dated 2008.
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The Pullman GalleryAt – |
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MODERN
Ferrari Enzo
colour Red |
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2004 Ferrari Enzo. Rosso Corsa with Black Interior.
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David Ford CarsTown/City: Romsey, UK |
CLASSIC
Maserati Mexico 4.2
colour Nero (Jet Black) |
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This rare example is finished in Nero(jet black) with Tan Hide and cinnamon carpets and has formed part of a significant UK private collection since 1989, prior to which it was registered in the USA. Currently, it is UK-reg.with tax free movement throughout the EU.
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Paul Coombes - Specialized Vehicle Solutions LimitedTown/City: |
SPORTING
Aston Martin Rally GT
colour Meteorite Grey |
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We are delighted to offer this very special Aston Martin for sale. The V8 Vantage Rally GT, 'The World's Most Exclusive Rally car' is one of only four ever built by Prodrive.
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Nicholas Mee & Company LtdTown/City: London, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2008 / 2009
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01.12. — 01.12. Bonhams Auction at Olympia, London, UK |
SERVICE
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