Certain Hollywood celebrities have been known to create a bit of a scene. While some have been worse than others, few could compare to the spiraling 25-year-old Lindsay Lohan. A woman who went from being an example for young teenagers into a drug and alcohol infused wash-up has unfortunately been part of a new scandal involving her vehicle. Whether true or false, what we do know is that it’s definitely not looking good for Lindsey.

The once famed Disney actress was recently accused of hurting a pedestrian when she was trying to avoid paparazzi while leaving the Hookah Lounge in her Porsche. Responding to the nightclub manager’s allegations, the actress suggested that the claims were complete fabrications and “absurd.”

Lindsey wrote “Scrap? This is all a complete lie” to her three million Twitter followers. She added that “last night, I attempted to wish friends a happy birthday, which I didn’t even get to do because I was freaked out by all the paparazzi.”

There appears to be a kernel of truth behind Lindsay’s defense. Police were called and noted that Lindsay’s Porsche was indeed surrounded by paparazzi. They noted she was trying to do a U-turn in a very tight space and may have nudged a Hookah Lounge employee. However, as the employee who was alleged to have taken part in the incident wasn’t hurt a police report never took place.

Reuters reporters have noted that the incident happened just a week after she completed her court-ordered community service. Indeed, her career has been halted because of the many social problems she’s faced over the past years. Trying to reform, she described herself as a “homebody” now and she has received very promising reporter from her community service supervisor. Due to have her probation lifted at the end of the month, she is already been role to play Elizabeth Taylor in a TV film.

True or false, it seems like Lindsay can’t catch a break at all. The young starlet’s life is not helped by such incidents, with many already condemning her for her previous actions. Only time will tell how Lindsey will act and react to the upcoming struggles.

Car manufacturers put an incredible amount of time and effort into creating the perfect vehicle. While such ambitions should be commended, they rarely come to pass. It is too often the case that a small error can bring an entire line down. As Porsche learned last week, even great luxury manufactures can meet the cold fate of part failure.

The German car company is in the process of recalling 100,000 current-generation Cayenne models around the world. The SUV had been performing quite strongly within its field until it was discovered that the car had problem with the headlamps system.

While it may at first glance appear to be a minor issue, reports have suggested that the headlamp can come loose. In some instances it the headlamp can completely detach and potentially fall out. Furthermore the lamp has been said to shut itself off without warning causing many drivers some distress.

Already gaining attention in the US market, Porsche’s UK division has already brought forward solutions to the problem. The sports car manufacturer has told owners of the Cayenne model to seek out their nearest Porsche dealer and get this problem fixed free of charge. In a letter sent out to owners a spokesperson has noted that it will only take 45 minutes to remedy the problem.

Porsche noted that the problem only affected the 2011 and 2012 models. However, since the vehicle is one of the most popular SUV’s on the market, the amount of vehicles is staggeringly large.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue was raised when a number of night-time crashes were caused by this issue. With only 20 cases were noted, Porsche claimed that it was not aware of this type of problem.

Errors of this nature are often discovered in the car designing and testing process; however, certain flaws can only be discovered once it is in use by the general public. While it is true that certain faults won’t cause serious issues for the car, this problem has and will continue to cause accidents throughout the world. An error that needs to be fixed, Porsche has set a fine example in taking responsibility for their actions and remedying the situation as best they can.

Try to remember the last time you took a driving lesson. Most of us will feel like it was a lifetime ago, reflecting a period when things like fake tanning and dubstep didn’t exist. While we all feel that we can drive a car, perhaps even well, there are special schools designed to improve our skills. Focusing on a number of different abilities, there are schools around the world that mix high performance power with extreme terrain to train you to become a professional driver.

One interesting school is located at the Catskills racetrack in the United States. The program there tests your skills and tries to fix many of your bad habits. The school offers lessons to a range of drivers stretching from beginners to seasoned. Teaching control techniques, the school utilizes vehicles like Cadillac’s, Porsche’s and even Lamborghini’s to push you to your limit, allowing you to have fun but also to learn some important lessons.

Bloomberg reporters have tested and priced many of the vehicles, allowing us to assess which ones are the best choices for our budget and interest. Beginning with the less flashy, the Cadillac models are divided between the CTS and SRX crossovers. Costing around $700 (£400), the 270bhp CTS will certainly bring the driver enough power to get around the track. Yet, as reporters noted, this vehicle is not about muscle but rather finesse, as the car isn’t very light.

One of the key lessons that another school tries to teach relates to muscle memory. Putting you in a $400,000 (£250,000) Lamborghini Aventador right outside Cortina Italy, the program also offers the Gallardo to teach you how to drift and utilize the vehicles all-wheel-drive to your advantage. Coming with a €6,000 (£5,000) price tag, these extreme courses certainly don’t come cheap.

Another school noted by Bloomberg reporters puts you behind the wheel of a Mazda. Part of the manufactures at their specialized school, the lessons begin at $1,000 (£600) and they try to teach you basic car control as well as skid avoidance. However, reporters have noted that the Skip Barber event where you test out a Porsche Boxter is much more fun. The three-day course allows you to do everything you can possibly dream of on the tarmac.

With so many fascinating choices it appears that those with the interest and the capital have quite a lot to select from. Whether you’re interested in sharpening your skills or simply to have some fun the adventures are right at your fingertips. Those interested may visit the following sites to find out more:

• http://www.monticellomotorclub.com/winter
• http://www.lamborghiniacademy.com
• http://www.skipbarber.com
• http://www.porschedriving.com.

When you think of Porsche you think of luxury and quality. Popular luxury and quality too; the Porsche is one of the most frequently seen luxury cars seen out onBritain’s roads. Foremost amongst Porsche’s most popular models is the Porsche Cayenne which has by far the highest selling figures.

This however presents a bit of a problem for Porsche at the moment because it is the current generation of Cayennes that have developed a fault with their headlights causing mass recalls of the cars to have the situation resolved. So popular is theCayennein fact that despite the current generation only having been on sale since 2011 over 100,000 models have had to be recalled and fixed.

The issue lies with the headlights which have, in a limited number of cases, begun to work themselves free and even caused them to drop out. Porsche reports 20 cases of the headlight failure being seen, all in theUSA, but says that letters have been sent to all owners of potentially faulty models asking them to come in for a 45 minute, free of charge service which will solve the issue.

Porsche has also stressed that there have been no accidents from the problem, only inconveniences to drivers whose headlights have been affected.

The announcement that Porsche are to be producing a brand new SUV that will be rolling off the production lines at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Saxony, in 2013 was met with the usual enthusiasm that the new Porsche arrivals achieve.

Not so the name of this little baby.

The Macan.

The what? Apparantly Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and, according to Porsche press releases, “combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics – core characteristics of this new all-terrain car.”

But Macan?

“The name Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of an SUV and is a genuine Porsche”, said Bernhard Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG.

“The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations.”

And Macan does that, does it?

Apparently this car is a key pillar of the company’s Strategy 2018, as the previously predominately sports car manufacturer attempts to expand its model portfolio. To do this, the Porsche site in Saxony is currently being expanded into a fully-fledged production plant including body assembly line and paint shop; one of the biggest building projects in the corporate history of Porsche, creating more than 1,000 new jobs.

And what do they expect from the Macan?

Porsche wants the Macan to emulate the success of the Cayenne. Remember that? At least it sounded hot!

Porsche names try to connect the corresponding model with its characteristics: the name Boxster describes the combination of ‘boxer’ engine and ‘roadster’, Cayenne stands for sharpness, the Cayman is snappy and agile and a Panamera is more than a Gran Turismo, capable also of winning the Carrera Panamericana long-distance race.

And the Macan is supple, fascinating, powerful and dynamic – just like the Indonesian tiger which, incidentally, is the smallest species of tiger in the world as well as one of the most endangered. There are only 4-500 left in existence, and once they’ve gone; they’ve gone!

Let’s hope the same can’t be said of Porsche’s little baby.

To me, here in the UK, it’s a little too close to ‘Mackem,’ a term used to describe people born in Sunderland. Maybe Porsche are trying to sell the cars there. Personally I wouldn’t hold my breath with the North-East an unemployment blackspot – and you won’t sell many in Newcastle with that name!

Another example of a bit of a dodgy name for a car as this article here explains.

Few car companies can compare with the brute strength of Porsche. A manufacturer whose name is synonymous with luxury and speed, it only recently turned to the SUV market. Since than it has led quite a prosperous life, competing rather well against long established standards. Now ready to release a new sports utility vehicle, Porsche looks like it will be breaking boundaries once more.

Several code names have been used to disguise this upcoming vehicle, most notable has been the ‘Cajun.’ Reporters at Drive Arabia have noted that several spy shots have been taken of an Audi Q5 vehicle in disguise, alleging that Porsche has been hiding something rather big.

Breaking its silence, Porsche had gone on the record as saying that it will call this new car the ‘Macan.’ Not a great deal is known about this new vehicle, however the name itself implies several dynamic words such as power, fascination as well as suppleness that the car hopes to embody in its core characteristics. This all new all terrain vehicle is keeping with the Porsche’s tradition of naming its vehicles rather than implementing a numbering system found on others.

While there still quite a bit of mystery surrounding this new vehicle, what is known is that the vehicle will be built in Porsche’s Leipzig factory in Germany. Based on company sources, the vehicle will start production in early 2013. This car is believed to be fundamental building block in Porsche’s greater “strategy 2018.” The company has openly stated that it wishes to expand its vehicle portfolio and it hopes that the A7 styled SUV will ultimately put Porsche on the top of ever more lists.

The information provided has been confirmed by the great deal of expansion currently conducted at the Leipzig factory. There is a great deal of remodelling being done with the some €500 million currently being invested in the area. Creating over 1000 new jobs, this factory will certainly be a welcomed addition to the region as well as to Porsche’s lush history.

Almost everyone has asked Santa for a Porsche Boxster Spyder at Christmas at some point but with Nationwide Vehicle Contract’s latest reductions, your Xmas wish could become a reality!

Arguably the best Boxster in the range, the Porsche Boxster Spyder is sharp, sexy and full of power, making it one of the hottest convertibles on the road.

At just 1275kg, it’s the lightest car Porsche has ever made, while its 3.4i engine delivers a whopping 316bhp of power at 7200rpm, combining stunning performance with super-hot Carrera GT-inspired looks.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are pleased to announce some fantastic 2 and 4 year reductions on the Porsche Boxster Spyder and Porsche Boxster Spyder PDK.

Prices now start from just £701.95 + VAT a month for the Porsche Boxster Spyder 3.4i Spyder PDK on a 4 year deal, representing a saving of up to £16 a month.

To view the full Porsche Boxster range and to get an instant quotation on any model, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

If you’re thinking of treating yourself this Christmas, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can now save up to £36 a month on the stunning Porsche Cayman when you lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

Oozing a distinctive, sporty style with striking Bi-Xenon headlights and elegant rear wing, Porsche has taken the best bits of the Porsche Boxster and combined it with a superb drive, perfectly balanced chassis and surprising practicality to create the ultimate sportscar – the Porsche Cayman.

But it’s under the bonnet that the Porsche Cayman‘s true character comes to life, with the 2.9-litre engine delivering an impressive 265 bhp with 300 Nm of torque. The Cayman S 3.4-litre goes one step further, producing a whopping 320 hp with maximum torque of 370 Nm. Both offer outstanding performance with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 15% and 16% depending on the model.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to announce reductions of up to £36 a month across the striking Porsche Cayman range. Prices now starting from just £534.95 + VAT a month for the Porsche Cayman 2.9. Standard features include:

• 3 Spoke Leather Steering Wheel
• Alcantara/Leatherette Seat Trim
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Front Fog Lights
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• 17″ Cayman II Alloy Wheels

To find out more about the Porsche Cayman and to get an instant quotation on any model in the range, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

If you’ve ever fancied yourself behind the wheel of a new Porsche, you’ll be pleased to hear that Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has reduced the monthly leasing rates on the stunning Porsche Panamera by up to £90 a month.

Following in the trackmarks of the popular 911, Boxster and Cayenne, the new Porsche Panamera combines the space and flexibility of a luxury limousine with the power and performance of a true sports coupé.

Under the sloping bonnet, the Porsche Panamera boasts a 4.8 litre V8 petrol engine, delivering a whopping 400bhp. The all-new diesel model is also now available with the six-cylinder, common rail direct injection unit delivering 247bhp and 406lb ft of torque.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has reduced the monthly leasing rates across the Porsche Panamera range with savings of up to £90 a month on selected models. Our best deal is on the Porsche Panamera 3.0D V6 Tiptronic S available to lease from £804.95 + VAT a month. Standard features on this model include:

• High-Resolution 4.8-inch TFT Colour Display
• Porsche Communication & Navigation System
• Grey Tinted Heat Insulating Glass
• Cruise Control
• Park Assist System
• CD/DVD/MP3 player + 11 Speakers
• Bi-Xenon Headlights
• Auto Climate Control
• Heated Front Seats
• 18″ Panamera Light Alloy Wheels

To find out more about the Porsche Panamera and to get an instant quotation on any model, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available.  Terms & Conditions Apply.

The Porsche Cayman R has been given the title of Britain’s Best Driver’s Car for 2011 after winning the annual contest run by Autocar magazine.

The comparison test saw eleven of this year’s most exciting new cars up against each other on public road and racetrack to decide which one offers the greatest thrill for its driver.

The eleven cars tested were worth almost £900,000 in total.

The Cayman R’s competition included: McLaren MP4-12C, Mercedes CLS64 AMG, Vauxhall Corsa VXR, Renault Mégane Trophy, Caterham Supersport, Aston Martin Vantage S, Jaguar XKR-S, Lotus Evora S and BMW 1M.

For the six judges from Autocar’s experienced road test team, it was the £51,728 Cayman R’s completeness; steering and ride that made it stand out.

In second place was the Caterham Seven Supersport. Priced at £22,995, the Caterham was also one of the cheapest cars in the contest.

In third place was the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, with the 911 GT3 RS coming fourth this time around.

The £168,500 McLaren MP4-12C only came sixth place in the test, one place behind the Lotus Evora S.

Britain’s Best Driver’s Car judge, and Autocar’s editor, Steve Sutcliffe, said: “The Porsche Cayman R’s steering is about as sweet as it gets and the ride is 150 times better than it has any right to be considering how little body movement there is when you’re really going for it.

“Right now this car is as good as it gets when it comes to pure driver satisfaction. And that’s saying something when the opposition is as good as it is.”