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2017 Porsche Panamera spotted barely disguised

Porsche is hard at work bringing the next generation of its Panamera to market. Its arrival will succeed a model that's been for sale now for over six years now (since 2009), having undergone a mid-cycle facelift as recently as 2013. What we have here in front of us could be our best look yet at the upcoming replacement model. Spied while testing in its native Germany, this barely disguised prototype looks just about ready to reach showrooms. Only a few select parts – namely around the lights (front and rear) and the rear side windows – appear to still be wearing any camouflage at all. So save for those few details, some additional brightwork here and there, and a proper polishing to give it that Porsche shine, expect the 2017 Panamera to look pretty much like the one you see here. It still looks very much like a Porsche, and very much like a Panamera, but thankfully softens the curve of the current model's controversial roofline. Like the outgoing model, the upcoming iteration of Zuffenhausen's four-door coupe/sedan is expected to carry a wide array of powertrain options, including gasoline engines, diesels, turbos, and hybrids. Just which one this particular example is carrying we don't know. But one way or another, buyers can expect improvements in both performance and efficiency once this new model comes around sometime early next year. We won't be surprised, then, to see it find its way onto the stage at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next March, so watch this space. Related Video:

Aston Martin Valkyrie could beat that new Nurburgring record, Red Bull F1 boss says

During last weekend's Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Race Fans asked Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner about the Aston Martin Valkyrie. The question was whether the coming hypercar, a collaboration between Red Bull and title sponsor Aston Martin, could beat the stunning lap record around the Nurburgring just set by the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo. Horner's answer: "I'm not sure a Formula 1 car could actually do it, but I think that the Valkyrie — certainly the track version of the Valkyrie — could be a contender." That's a qualified endorsement, but it still counts as support merely putting the Valkyrie AMR Pro in the conversation. Let's compare, shall we? The 919 Hybrid Evo is based on the 2017 World Endurance Championship-winning 919 Hybrid. Freed from motorsport regulations, Porsche Motorsport upgraded numerous performance bits. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged V-four-cylinder went from 500 hp to 720 hp. The two KERS units went from 400 hp to 440 hp. We don't have a figure for downforce, but items like active aero, a larger front diffuser, optimized turning vanes, and larger rear wing increased downforce by 53 percent over the WEC car, at the same time being 66 percent more aero efficient. It weighs 849 kg dry, or 1,868 pounds because Porsche threw out everything that didn't contribute to speed. The Valkyrie specs we know of so far state a weight of 1,000 kilograms, or 2,200 pounds. Powering that is a custom, naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter AMR Cosworth V12 with more than 900 horsepower, augmented by a kinetic energy recovery system contributing around 230 hp. According to Autocar's sources, the Valkyrie could generate up to 4,000 pounds of downforce at an aerodynamically-limited 225 miles per hour. That boggling number comes courtesy of Adrian Newey's prowess at making changes such as openings between the front wheel arches and the cockpit that work the front wing harder. The two-seater coupe's unrestricted top speed is 254 mph. Note, though, that the Valkyrie AMR Pro will be more powerful, lighter, and could have even more downforce. And since Aston Martin and Newey continue to work on the hypercar, specs could get even better before deliveries begin. Right now, Horner's suggestion doesn't seem all that outrageous. We'll also wait to see if the Mercedes-AMG Project One pokes its nose in the ring, too. Not long ago, AMG chief Tobias Moers said it's "reasonable to speculate" the F1-inspired hypercar could claim an absolute lap record around the 'Ring.

This Porsche 356 family keeps it outlaw

Rod Emory was the founder of Emory Motorsports in Burbank, CA, and the scion to a family tradition of building "outlaw" Porsches that are almost as cool as the cars themselves. The lovingly modified Porsche 356s are lovely artifacts, and their story, along with the story of their builders, is pitch-perfect for the Petrolicious oeuvre of beloved classics.
Tune in for the history lesson, and then stick around for the car candy.