Porsche Panamera Wagon Concept Revealed

One thing I will always be a fan of is a good looking wagon. You cannot imagine how happy I am to see that Porsche will be releasing a wagon version of their Panamera. The new model (cue the long name), the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept, is a fantastic looking car. Set to be displayed at the Paris Motor Show beginning September 27, the new Panamera is sure to be a hot topic.

As many of my loyal readers know, I have a major issue with the current five-door Panamera as I discussed in my road test. While I loved the ride, the quality and the power, I have an issue with the rear styling. I am also not the only one to think that it was hit by the ugly stick (watch an episode of Top Gear or read any review) the rear hatch on the Panamera has had some industry experts dub it, "ugly but deadly." While I understand the purpose for the rear hatch (trunk space and making it look like a stretched 911) I think it was poorly executed.

The revised front hints at the update Panamera.

The new wagon, as you can see above, is just plain beautiful. This car is fantastic to look at. It takes the good aspects of the Panamera design and adds sexier lines and more cargo space. While the car does look like a combination of every Porsche model thrown into one, I think it pulled the best aspects. The headlights off of the new Boxster, the tail lamps off of the 911 and the overall image of a shortened Cayenne all come together beautifully to make this car what the Panamera should have been.

Less buttons and clutter make for an improved interior.

There is also another aspect to this news, the new concept gives us a hint at the refresh of the standard Panamera. Now in its third year on the market, it is due for a mid-cycle refresh. It appears that we will be greeted with a revised face and an improved interior to cut down on the number of buttons.

While I can only hope for a Turbo version of this, the concept at the Paris Motor Show will be powered by Porsche's plug-in "e-Hybrid" design. Either way, I look forward to seeing this and the 918 on the road soon.

Official: Kurt Busch Moves to #78 Next Season

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It was announced today that Kurt Busch, the driver of the #51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet, will be moving to the Furniture Row Racing #78 for 2013.

After departing Penske Racing following the 2011 season, the 2004 champion joined Phoenix Racing because... well it was the only team willing to hire him without sponsorship. For those not familiar with Busch's antics, he lost his ride last season after two incidents with reporters following races at Richmond (where he tore up a reporter's script) and Homestead (where he cussed out a reporter). Earlier this season, Busch was suspended for the first Pocono race after berating a reporter the week before.

What does this mean for Phoenix Racing: According to Phoenix Racing's James Finch, the team is unlikely to return next year unless it can lock down a sponsorship. This likely means the end of Finch's time in NASCAR.

What does this mean for Regan Smith: Optimistic that he would return for next season, the 2011 Southern 500 winner does not think he will be back with the team. Busch is replacing him but the idea of a second car is not completely ruled out (i.e. it will not happen).

With the support of Richard Childress Racing behind FRR, maybe Busch might be able to accomplish something he couldn't with Hendrick technology (Hendrick backs Phoenix Racing), win a race or crack the top 20 in points. Although you don't exactly see RCR dominating the Chase right now...

Guess we'll have to wait until next season to find out.

Official: Ricky Stenhouse to Drive for Roush

In a bit of not-so-shocking news, Roush-Fenway Racing has announced that Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will replace Matt Kenseth next season. The car will be sponsored by Best Buy, Fifth Third Bank, and Zest who are returning from this season with an increased commitment.

This is a great opportunity for Stenhouse who will be put with a championship caliber team from the start. This settles the questions about his future with Roush following the termination of the historic #6 car. However this does open the door for new speculation about which number he will drive: the 17 or the 6?

This is just a small reintroduction post for Zach's Auto Review. Look for new reviews and news in the near future.