Porsche 944 Base Coupe 2-door 2.5l *no Reserve* on 2040-cars

Auto blog

VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel

Each year, the Vienna International Motor Symposium showcases some of the up-and-coming technologies automakers are engineering for the use in passenger cars, and Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn revealed some big developments VW is working on for its future products. Winterkorn discussed a multi-faceted approach that VW is looking to reduce its fleet fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Some of the bigger news he discussed included a "high-performance" diesel engine that will produce 134 horsepower per liter and a 10-speed DSG automatic transmission. While no specific applications were mentioned, we can only hope this is for the Audi R4 we keep hearing about.
Another topic he touched on that caused us to perk up our ears was had to do with VW's plug-in hybrid technology. While we know the PHEV versions of the Audi A3 and Porsche Panamera are on the way, Winterkorn also said that these two models will be followed up by Golf, Passat, Audi A6 and Porsche Cayenne plug-in models. Scroll down for a press release highlighting the automaker's future fuel-saving initiatives.

Former Porsche CEO Wiedeking indicted over VW takeover bid

Do you recall the failed efforts by Porsche to take over Volkswagen? According to a Bloomberg report, former Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking (above) and ex-CFO Holger Haerter have finally been charged with market manipulation over the exercising of options as part of the German sportscar manufacturer's ill-fated attempt to take over the much larger VW. That failed bid eventually resulted in the reverse coming true - VW swallowing Porsche.
The charges leveled by Stuttgart prosecutors come after a three-year investigation centered around allegations that Porsche execs made a concerted effort to increase the company's share in VW to 75 percent in preparation for a hostile takeover. Porsche had previously told its investors on at least five occasions that it had no intention to buy VW.
Portions of the investigation have subsided, according to prosecutors, citing an inability to prove certain improprieties with a "necessary degree of certainty." The number of charges is down to 5 from a previous 14 counts regarding "information-based market manipulation."

Matt LeBlanc nearly runs over cameraman during Top Gear shoot

Matt LeBlanc almost caused a bad start to the new season of Top Gear when the former Friends star narrowly avoided running over a cameraman. The new host reportedly needed to take a few hours off afterward to get his head together, according to The Mirror. An unnamed Top Gear insider tells the British tabloid that the near tragedy happened while filming in South Africa last month. During a break in the action, LeBlanc decided to take a drive in a Porsche that the show was reviewing. What he didn't realize was that a cameraman was laying on the ground shooting static footage sports car. Another cameraman saw what was happening and got LeBlanc's attention to avert the crisis. "It was one of those instances where, if the tracking man and Matt had reacted even a few seconds later, it could have been really serious. Both of them appreciated what a lucky escape it was," the source told The Mirror. While everyone was okay, the incident reportedly left LeBlanc upset. He needed to take a few hours off to regain his composure and checked to make sure the cameraman wasn't injured. Top Gear announced LeBlanc as a new cast member in February, and welcomed him with a drive in a convertible Reliant Robin, which wore a Stars and Stripes paint scheme. The show's recent trailer highlighted more of LeBlanc's trip, and the car definitely had some problems. Top Gear returns in May to televisions in the UK. There's no word yet on a US premiere date. News Source: The MirrorImage Credit: Neil Mockford / Alex Huckle / GC Images Celebrities TV/Movies Porsche matt leblanc