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Chris Harris condemns demonization of Porsche Carrera GT in wake of Walker death

When something bad happens, it's easy to resort to scapegoating. At least for some of us, that seems to be exactly what has happened following the tragic death of actor Paul Walker and racer Roger Rodas, who were killed on November 30 in a Porsche Carrera GT. Even though officials have not yet determined the cause of the crash, that isn't stopping many theories from being put for - theories that include blaming the Porsche supercar. Rather predictably, not only is the CGT's difficult nature getting examined, but indeed, the nature of all high-performance cars is being put under the public's microscope, with some wondering what the need for all the power is.
A Google search of "Porsche Carrera GT" will find no shortage of articles about the razor-sharp handling and outright speed of the CGT. Pistonheads' Chris Harris has a different, insightful take on both the Carrera GT and the nature of all fast cars. He reflects on the matter, ironically, en route to drive the successor to the car that killed Walker and Rodas, the 900-horsepower 918 Spyder hybrid supercar.
We think it's well worth a read, as it makes a number of good points about modern high-performance automobiles and the way they're used. Click over and take a look.

Next-gen Porsche Panamera snapped running in E-Hybrid spec

The Porsche Panamera first debuted back in 2009 and underwent a facelift in 2013. That means the all-new, next-generation Panamera should be arriving in time for the 2017 model year, and here were have our first look at its plug-in hybrid variant. Following the last prototype spotted undergoing cold-weather testing in Sweden, this new Panamera test mule spotted in southern Europe appears to be running the E-Hybrid powertrain setup – judging, at least, by the presence of a second filler cap hiding what's likely an charging port on the left side rear fender. We'll just have to sit tight, however, to find out whether it will be packing an evolution of the existing powertrain or something entirely new. Though the prototype may look largely undisguised, those head- and taillight graphics look like stickers to throw us off the scent, and these do not appear to be production-ready body panels. Expect the finished product to look far more polished when it arrives sometime in the middle of next year, with the hybrid version to follow sometime thereafter.

Porsche stalls on Ferrari 458 rival

A few years ago, reports surfaced that Porsche was planning a new supercar. But the latest intel suggests that the plan has been put indefinitely on the back burner.
The project alternately referred to as 960 or 988 was put forth by CEO Matthias Müller shortly after he assumed control of the German automaker. It called for a mid-engined V8 supercar to slot in between the 911 and the 918 Spyder to take on the likes of the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren 650S and sister-company Lamborghini's Gallardo and subsequent Huracán.
Now three years since the idea was first mooted, the vehicle has yet to materialize. According to Autocar, Porsche is putting a greater emphasis on refreshing its existing lineup. Which is probably just as well, because the mid-engined supercar would have a heck of a challenge on its hands to differentiate itself in terms of performance from the 911 GT3 and 911 Turbo, which already give the 458 and company a run for their money.