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Americans plan to keep their cars longer, AutoPacific study finds

In another chilling sign that auto sales are likely to remain stalled, a new study finds that Americans intend to keep their cars longer, indicating a general concern about the industry and the overall economy. The number of new-car buyers planning to keep their rides more than four years has risen to 59 percent, according to a study released Tuesday by California marketing research firm AutoPacific. That's an increase from last year, when about 45 percent of new buyers intended to wait more than four years for their next purchase, and it's up from 2005's tally of 46 percent.

Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept revealed ahead of Paris debut

Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept revealed ahead of Paris debut It looks like Kia is ready to push the start button on a new range of mild hybrids with the reveal of the Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept ahead of its debut later this week at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The new mild hybrid powertrain isn’t going to make an enormous difference to power or economy, but in a world where taxation gets based on official CO2 figures it will make the Optima more appealing to company car buyers. The Optima hybrid gets the normal 1.7 litre diesel engine and adds a small electric motor powered by a 48V lead-carbon battery which will be enough for short running at low speeds on electric power alone or allow some electric ‘cruising’ on motorways.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S (2011) first pictures

This is the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S, and because the GT2 RS has sold out, it’s now the most powerful Porsche on sale. Porsche Panamera Turbo S: the numbers The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S is powered by the same direct injection and twin-turbo 4.8-litre V8 that’s found in the regular Panamera Turbo. But thanks to new turbochargers with titanium-aluminium turbine wheels (which cut weight and improve responsiveness) and a new ECU, the power output climbs from an already impressive 493bhp and 516lb ft to 550bhp and 553lb ft.