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Porsche Opens a New Chapter in Urban Retail with Studio Istanbul

In the heart of Etiler, Porsche blends design, culture, and community—redefining what a showroom can be.

Porsche has never been content with standing still, and its latest move in Istanbul proves that the brand’s vision for the future extends far beyond the cars themselves. With the opening of Porsche Studio Istanbul, Porsche AG introduces one of the most comprehensive interpretations of its global Studio concept to date, placing experience, lifestyle, and local culture at the center of the brand’s urban strategy.

Developed in collaboration with Porsche Central and Eastern Europe (PCEE) and Doğuş Otomotiv (Porsche Türkiye), the new Studio sits in Etiler, one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and creative districts. Spread across 680 square meters over two levels, it is less a traditional dealership and more a curated meeting place—one where enthusiasts, customers, and newcomers alike are invited to engage with Porsche on their own terms.

A Studio, Not a Showroom

The Porsche Studio concept deliberately breaks away from the classic showroom formula. Rather than focusing solely on vehicle display, the emphasis here is on interaction, community, and lifestyle. The Istanbul location fully embraces this philosophy, offering a welcoming and intimate atmosphere designed to reflect the city’s unique rhythm and cultural diversity.

Inside, visitors can experience the latest Porsche models, explore extensive personalisation options through Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, and spend time with brand consultants in relaxed, private settings. Two dedicated digital configuration areas allow customers to tailor every detail of their ideal Porsche before refining their choices with expert guidance—transforming the configuration process into a considered, almost bespoke experience.

Istanbul as Inspiration

As the 28th Porsche Studio worldwide—and the second in Central and Eastern Europe—the Istanbul opening represents a significant step in Porsche AG’s global urban retail strategy. These Studios are conceived as spaces that adapt to their surroundings, and Istanbul’s creative energy is deeply woven into the design and function of this one.

“Istanbul’s creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit make it the perfect home for our Studio concept, which turns a car purchase into a lifestyle experience,” says Michael Kirsch, CEO of Porsche Central and Eastern Europe. “Turkey plays a strategic role in our regional growth, and the Studio is an important addition to our presence in one of the most dynamic markets in the region.”

That local connection is evident not just in the architecture, but in how the space is intended to be used. Cultural events, community gatherings, and brand experiences are integral to the Studio’s role, positioning it as a living part of the city rather than a destination visited only when it’s time to buy a car.

“Istanbul has its own rhythm and character, and we wanted the Studio to reflect that,” adds Anıl Gürsoy, General Manager at Doğuş Otomotiv. “We’re building a more open and dynamic relationship with our local community. Porsche Studio Istanbul is proof of that commitment.”

Lifestyle Takes Center Stage

Beyond the cars, Porsche Studio Istanbul elevates the brand experience through carefully curated lifestyle and hospitality offerings. On the ground floor, the Porsche Lifestyle Boutique showcases a wide selection of products that echo the brand’s sporty dynamism and design-led approach to luxury.

The experience continues in the Porsche Café and lounge area, a space designed to encourage visitors to linger. Drawing inspiration from Istanbul’s rich urban fabric and modern luxury architecture, the café highlights Porsche’s global partnership with La Marzocco. Premium Italian coffee is served alongside authentic Turkish coffee, complemented by a selection of high-quality local pastries—an understated but thoughtful nod to the city’s culinary traditions.

A Glimpse of Porsche’s Electric Future

The opening of Porsche Studio Istanbul was also marked by a significant product milestone: the first presentation in Turkey of Porsche’s new fully electric SUV, the Cayenne Electric. Its debut immediately positioned the Studio as a key touchpoint for the brand’s future direction, underlining Porsche’s commitment to electrification while maintaining its core values of performance and design.

More than just a new retail location, Porsche Studio Istanbul offers a clear glimpse into how the brand sees the future of automotive retail—where emotional connection, community, and experience are as vital as horsepower and heritage. In a city defined by contrast, movement, and creativity, Porsche’s latest Studio feels not just appropriate, but inevitable.

Source: Porsche

NEW CARS

Peugeot 408 Facelift Set for Brussels Debut, With Sharper Looks and Subtle Tech Tweaks

Peugeot is preparing to pull the covers off a refreshed 408 next month at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show, and if early indications are anything to go by, the already eye-catching fastback will be dialling up its visual drama even further.

Official details remain thin on the ground, but Peugeot has hinted that the 408’s boldly sculpted design will be “further enhanced by sophisticated details at both the front and rear”. Given the car’s already distinctive stance, that suggests evolution rather than reinvention – a strategy Peugeot has applied successfully elsewhere in its line-up.

A strong clue to what we can expect comes from the closely related Peugeot 308, which received its own facelift earlier this year. If the 408 follows a similar path, the most noticeable changes will be concentrated at the front. A revised grille should sharpen the car’s expression, while a large illuminated Peugeot lion badge is likely to take pride of place at its centre, reinforcing the brand’s new design identity.

More controversially, the facelifted 408 is expected to lose its signature fang-like daytime running lights. These dramatic vertical LEDs helped the original car stand out, but on the updated 308 they were replaced by sleeker ‘three-claw’ light signatures linked by additional light strips. Expect a similar treatment here, lending the 408 a cleaner and arguably more mature look.

Elsewhere, changes are likely to be more subtle. Revised bumpers, fresh alloy wheel designs and a light update to the three-claw rear light graphics should round out the exterior revisions without straying far from the original concept. Inside, Peugeot is expected to stick with the current i-Cockpit layout, though updated screen graphics and a few extra creature comforts for higher-spec models would be in keeping with the brand’s recent updates.

Under the skin, continuity looks to be the name of the game. As with the 308 facelift, the 408’s engine line-up is expected to remain largely unchanged. Entry-level versions should continue with the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with an integrated electric motor and six-speed automatic gearbox, delivering a combined 143bhp. The plug-in hybrid variant is also likely to carry over, offering around 193bhp and a pure-electric driving range of roughly 50 miles.

The biggest mechanical upgrade may arrive in the all-electric E-408. Following improvements made to the E-308, the electric fastback could receive a larger battery pack, potentially pushing its range from the current 280 miles to closer to the 300-mile mark. If confirmed, that would make the E-408 a more compelling option in an increasingly competitive electric family car market.

With its Brussels Motor Show debut fast approaching, the updated Peugeot 408 looks set to refine a bold formula rather than rewrite it – sharpening its design, subtly improving its tech, and keeping its varied powertrain options intact. For a car that already turns heads, that might be exactly the right move.

Source: Peugeot

NEW CARS

2026 Kia EV5 GT: A Sharper Edge for Kia’s Expanding Electric Performance Line-Up

Kia is continuing its electric performance push, and the upcoming EV5 GT looks set to play a key role in that strategy. Due to make its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show, the sporty new SUV will join a growing family of GT-badged electric models that blend everyday usability with a dose of driver appeal.

The EV5 GT won’t arrive alone. Kia has confirmed that Brussels will also host the global unveiling of the compact EV2, alongside GT versions of the EV3 and EV4 hatchback. With the EV6 GT and the larger EV9 GT already on sale, those additions will bring Kia’s electric GT portfolio to five models – a clear statement of intent from the Korean brand.

Sales of the EV5 GT in the UK and wider European market are expected to begin in the summer of 2026. While Kia has yet to release teaser images, the company has already revealed the key performance figures, giving us a clear idea of where this model will sit in the competitive electric SUV landscape.

Unlike the more extreme EV6 GT – which shares its bespoke performance-focused platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – the EV5 GT takes a more measured approach. Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing 302bhp and 480Nm of torque. That translates to a 0–62mph time of 6.2 seconds, quick enough to justify the GT badge, even if it stops short of outright hot-SUV territory.

On paper, that leaves the EV5 GT trailing some of its key rivals from the Volkswagen Group. Both the Skoda Enyaq vRS and Volkswagen ID.4 GTX deliver around 335bhp and can sprint to 62mph in roughly 5.4 seconds. However, outright numbers rarely tell the full story. If Kia can infuse the EV5 GT with some of the engaging chassis tuning and playful character seen in the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N, it could still prove a compelling driver’s choice.

Battery and charging details remain under wraps, but the EV5 GT is expected to use the same 81.4kWh battery as the EV5 Long Range. That points to a real-world range close to 300 miles, which would make it practical as well as performance-oriented. Kia has also confirmed that a slightly less potent 261bhp dual-motor version will launch alongside the GT, though its range figures are still to be announced.

Visually, the EV5 GT is likely to follow the understated approach of Kia’s other GT models. Expect subtle but purposeful upgrades rather than dramatic bodywork changes. Acid-green highlights on the brake calipers and inside the cabin are all but guaranteed, along with a dedicated GT alloy wheel design. Kia has also confirmed a distinctive matte Magma Red paint finish as the hero colour for the range-topper.

Pricing is still to be confirmed, but the EV5 GT will almost certainly sit above the all-wheel-drive Long Range GT-Line model. A figure in the region of £50,000 would place it neatly alongside established rivals such as the Enyaq vRS and ID.4 GTX.

With its mix of performance, range and restrained styling, the Kia EV5 GT looks set to broaden the appeal of electric performance SUVs. It may not be the wildest GT in Kia’s line-up, but it could turn out to be one of the most rounded.

Source: Kia