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2015 Porsche Cayenne spotted with facelift

Although it's only been a few years since the current Porsche Cayenne was introduced, Porsche seems to be working on a midcycle update for its big SUV possibly in time to welcome the smaller Macan. As seen in these recent spy shots, it looks like the Cayenne will be getting a minor face- and butt-lift, but it's hard to say what other changes are in store or when the updated model will hit showrooms.
Up front, expect the Cayenne's new face to resemble what was just revealed on the 2014 Panamera, and we could also see this SUV using some of the new engines introduced on the Panamera including the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 or maybe even the E-Hybrid model. We're guessing that the new Cayenne could debut sometime next year likely for the 2015 model year. In the meantime, check out the gallery of spy shots above.

Recharge Wrap-up: Big Oil fails at renewable fuel, scientists study air with EVs, plug-in Panamera sales

Big Oil companies help keep renewable fuels out of your tank, a new report shows. No surprise there, right? The Renewable Fuels Association published a report card grading the country's largest retail gasoline chains on fuel offerings like E85 and E15. The report gave failing grades, with less than one percent of stations offering E15 or E85, to "Big Five" companies Exxon, BP, ConocoPhillips, Chevron and Shell, among other oil company and convenience/grocery store brands. The only major oil companies that didn't get an "F" were Valero (D), Cenex (B), and Marathon (A-). The eight companies that scored an A+ had at least 25 percent of their stations offering E85 or E15. Read more at Domestic Fuel.Leicester scientists are studying local air pollution using EVs. Beginning July 4, University of Leicester researchers began driving electric vehicles kitted out with special sensors to monitor air quality throughout the city (similar to how California does it). Now their emissions-free daily driving duties double as data collection for their studies. "By monitoring air quality as a seamless part of our daily transport system, we are providing a cost-effective way to help inform future policy and operational systems," says the University's Dr. Roland Leigh. Read more at Fleet News. "There is no doubt electric cars are the future." – Nissan's Andy Palmer Nissan is exploring the idea of taking its Leaf EV to India, but a lack of charging options is an obstacle. According to Nissan's chief planning officer Andy Palmer, "There is no doubt electric cars are the future. The product is there, what we need is infrastructure. Charging is a big challenge." Though Nissan stopped short of saying it (this time), this could possibly mean working with Mahindra, which said it is open to collaborating with other companies concerning EVs. Learn more in this article from the Hindustan Times and know that India is rolling out a plan to encourage the production and adoption of EVs. The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan will get over $2 billion in funding, and some of that will go toward creating a charging infrastructure (you hear that, Nissan?). This is good news for EV manufacturers, India's economy and people who enjoy breathing clean air. Read more at The Financial Express.Porsche has reported a significant sales increase, part of which is due to demand for the Panamera S E-Hybrid.

Porsche Australia racing chief dies in crash

The motor racing community in Australia was saddened today to learn of the passing of Jamey Blaikie, a longtime racing administrator and former motorsport director for Porsche in Australia. A former racing driver in his own right, Blaikie was better known for his instrumental role in starting the Porsche Carrera Cup in Australia back in 2003. He left Porsche Cars Australia just last year to pursue other interests, including running an Aston Martin entry in the GT Asia series. Blaikie was in Fiji reportedly undertaking charity work there when his rental car collided with a truck, prematurely ending his life at just 52 years old. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and the motorsport community Down Under, where he'll surely be missed.