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Porsche Macan teaser reveals unique quad-LEDs

In truth, all-but-undisguised prototypes for the upcoming Porsche Macan compact crossover have been spotted galavanting all around the globe for some time now, but even the least-camouflaged examples have been caught wearing eyepatches covering their headlights and taillights. A dark new teaser image from Porsche clues us in to why that is - the baby Cayenne is getting unique quad-LED peepers up front.
Porsche has been hinting at lighting innovations in its production cars through recent concept reveals, including the stunning Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo showcar from last year's Paris Motor Show. The wagonized Panamera also featured four-point LED arrays up front, as well is in the rear, so it seems likely that this lighting will become a Porsche design signature going forward.
Powerpoint slides leaked from a recent dealer meeting suggest the Macan S will arrive packing a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, while the Macan Turbo will boast a 3.6-liter force-fed unit, with both models receiving seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearboxes. Pricing is expected to range from $52,000 for the S model to $75,000 for the Turbo.

Volkswagen profit jumps as it warns of a cooling auto market

FRANKFURT, Germany — Volkswagen says its profits jumped 44% in the third quarter thanks to a more profitable mix of vehicles in its lineup but warned that global car markets are slowing more than expected and lowered its forecast for annual sales. After-tax profit rose to $4.42 billion (3.98 billion euros) as revenues rose 11% to $68.27 billion (61.42 billion euros). The sales margin of 7.8% exceeded the goal of 6.5-7.5% as vehicles bringing higher profits took a larger share of sales. The Wolfsburg-based automaker pointed to the headwinds facing the industry by saying that it expects "vehicle markets will contract faster than previously anticipated in many regions of the world." It said sales would be "on a level" with last year's record of 10.8 million vehicles. Previously it had expected a slight increase. The company said its profits would be in the lower end of its forecast range. Global automakers are facing a slowdown in sales amid disputes over trade and from pressure in the European Union and China to develop and sell low-emission vehicles that require heavy investment in new technology. Ford and Renault have issued profit warnings in recent days, while Daimler, maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, lost money in the second quarter and is expected to outline a cost-cutting strategy for investors on Nov. 14. Volkswagen is leading the push into electric vehicles in Europe by launching its ID.3 battery-powered compact car at prices it says will make zero local emission vehicles a mass phenomenon. The company was able to increase earnings in the quarter despite an 18% rise in spending on research and development.

Can a Corvette really be compared to a 911 with options costing more than the Chevy?

In this latest video from Drive, Chris Harris asks straight away, "Can you still compare a base Corvette to a Porsche Carerra?" That's an particularly interesting question in this film, as the 911 in question is a 400-horsepower Carrera S model that's been fitted with $60,000 in options. Base price of a Corvette Stingray? $51,995. Harris' tester features an automatic and some other goodies that push it right up to that $60,000 range. So yes, the options on the Porsche cost as much as this entire 460-hp Chevrolet.
Harris stresses that this isn't a full review, but he does exercise both cars in a more composed manner before reverting to his traditionally exuberant driving style. The impressions are, as always, spot on, with Harris favoring the pointy nature and V8 power of the Stingray, while enjoying the gearbox (Porsche's exceptional PDK transmission) and just about everything else on the 911.
Take a look below for the latest video from Drive, and let us know if you agree with Mr. Harris' views on these two sports cars.