Showing posts with label Porsche. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Porsche. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Porsche resurrects V8-powered 911 prototype from the Eighties

Porsche 965 prototype



These days, we take it for granted that the Porsche 911 uses a flat-six engine. That's because every version of the iconic rear-engined sports car has had one. Right? Well, for the most part. There was the 912 that joined the original in the late Sixties with a flat-four. And in the mid-Eighties, Porsche toyed around with the idea of a V8-powered 911.

After the first-generation 911 had been in production for over two decades, Porsche began development of its successor, the 964, in the 1980s. And one of its ideas was to use a V8 engine. So it took a 964, borrowed a V8 from Audi, gave it the rear bodywork from a 959 and dubbed it the 965.

The idea was to create a more affordable successor to the 959 that included its advanced all-wheel drive system and active suspension. The Audi V8 would have been replaced with one of Porsche's own design - possibly based on the it had built for Indy racing - but Dr. Ulrich Bez (who was then head of Porsche R&D long before taking the reins at Aston Martin) ultimately killed the project.


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Watch Porsche legend Jeff Zwart frolic in the snow in his 356

Screencap from a short film profiling racing driver Jeff Zwart throwing his 1953 Porsche 356 Pre A around in the snow.



Racing driver Jeff Zwart picked up a 1953 Porsche 356 Pre A to use as a historical prop in a Cayenne commercial, then decided to keep it when the filming was done. Then, explaining to filmmaker Will Roegge that his vintage toy does really well in slippery conditions, Zwart throws it around in the Colorado snow - on pencil-thin studded tires on 16-inch wheels - to prove the point.

Don't expect roostertails in this winter wonderland video, however; with just about 60 horsepower at sea level, gumption drops to about 40 hp when playing at 9,000 mountainous feet.
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Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Porsche Cayman GT4 spotted at the Nürburgring

Porsche Cayman GT4 spy shot



It was just the other day that we first caught wind of Porsche's plans to build a GT4 version of the Cayman, and now we're already looking at spy shots of the vehicle in question undergoing testing at - where else? - the Nürburgring.

With more aggressive front-end aero, a GT3-style air vent ahead of the front hood, a large wing at the back, and spindly alloys packed with over-sized brakes at each corner, this Cayman is clearly more extreme than even the range-topping GTS. The rear diffuser and central exhaust tips look about the same as those you'd find at the back of the Cayman GTS, though.

What we can't see, of course, is what Porsche has slotted in under the rear glass, how it's upgraded the interior and how much weight it's stripped out of the thing to get it down to fighting weight, but you can bet it'll come with a substantial power bump and a stripped-out interior with racing buckets and little else to open the gap between it and the GTS... and close the gap to the 911 GT3 which it will join as the baby brother in Porsche's performance-focused lineup. Click above to view the double-batch of spy shots.
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Porsche responds to PETA after tiger cub displays at Macan dealership events

Porsche Macan



Porsche has found itself in the good graces of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which is pretty odd considering it's the only brand we know of that offers leather-lined vents. The activist group is praising the sports car manufacturer's handling of reports that some of its dealerships were set to feature tigers or tiger cubs at the local launch events for the Macan. Apparently, "macan" is the Malay word for tiger, which explains the connection between a highly touted crossover and a jungle cat.

A Tampa, FL dealership already displayed some three-week-old cubs, with PETA saying tigers for display should be at least eight to 12 weeks old. Even then, the group argues that the animals can suffer due to stress, malnourishment, neglect and a lack of veterinary care. The group brings up legal concerns, as well, arguing that if one of the cubs bit a customer, the dealership could be held liable (we're no big cat experts, but it seems unlikely a three-week-old cub could do that much damage).

Porsche's PR department quickly reacted to PETA's claims, with Vice President of Marketing Andre Oosthuizen, telling the group that Porsche is concerned about the "welfare of any animal, large or small, wild or domesticated." Oosthuizen's statements were reported in an official PETA blog.

According to that blog, which reported on Porsche's handling of the situation, Atlanta-based Porsche Cars North America issued a "forceful communication urging all dealers to refrain from" displaying the tigers at Macan events.

"Over the next few days, our field force across the country will personally make contact with every Porsche dealer to reinforce our appeal that no animals whatsoever be used in any dealer activity," Oosthuizen told the activist group.

All told, it seems like the matter was pretty well handled by Porsche. We've reached out to Porsche for additional comment, and will update this story when we hear back.
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Roger Rodas' widow suing Porsche over Carrera GT crash

Crashed Porsche Carrera GT




Investigations undertaken by local law enforcement may have vindicated Porsche from any wrongdoing in the crash that killed actor Paul Walker and racing driver Roger Rodas last year, but the latter's widow is apparently not convinced. According to emerging reports, Kristine Rodas has filed a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages from Porsche Cars North America.

In her suit filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, Rodas' attorney Mark Geragos reportedly disputes the findings of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which asserted that the vehicle was traveling at an unsafe speed of 90 miles per hour on city streets, identifying the speed as the cause of the accident. Instead the lawsuit claims that the vehicle was only going 55 mph and that the cause of the crash was improper equipment - namely a faulty right rear suspension and the lack of a crash cage and proper fuel tank.

"The Carrera GT was unsafe for its intended use by reason of defects in its manufacture, design, testing, component and constituents, so that it would not safely serve its purpose," according to the specifics of the suit obtained by the Los Angeles Times. When reached for comment, Porsche Cars North America spokesman Nick Twork told Autoblog:



We are very sorry for the Rodas and Walker family's loss. The crash was the subject of a detailed investigation by the proper authorities (L.A. County Sheriff and California Highway Patrol), and their investigation disproves the allegations in the lawsuit. The investigation found that driving at a high speed in a negligent manner caused the crash and concluded that there was no mechanical defect.

The Carrera GT is known as a difficult car to drive. As the LA Times report points out, Jay Leno spun one at Talladega in 2005, and the following year, Porsche paid part of a multi-million-dollar settlement after two were killed on a track when their Carrera GT struck a slower-moving Ferrari. The Rodas lawsuit could very well point to that previous suit from San Diego Superior Court. Whether the court in LA will hand down a similar ruling remains to be seen.

 


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Saturday, May 10, 2014

Porsche planning Cayman GT4, 700-hp Turbo S e-Hybrids

Porsche Cayman GTS



The old wisdom when it came to the Porsche lineup was that the Boxster and Cayman needed to be kept in line so as not to encroach on even the lower end of the 911 range. But with the latest versions of the compact roadster and coupe, that logic has gone out the window. Especially with the introduction of the latest GTS models (pictured above). But that's not the end of the story.

According to Motor Trend, Porsche is working on an even more powerful version of the Cayman that could carry the GT4 badge, positioning itself along the same lines as the 911 GT3 and GT2 - only, you know, smaller. Although our sources at Porsche would, predictably, neither confirm nor deny the report, MT has it that power could come from either a turbo-four or a more powerful flat-six, mated to the beefed-up DCT from the latest 911 GT3. A similar version of the Boxster could bring back the RS Spyder designation.

That's not all Porsche is said to have in store, though. Based on the engineering that went into the 918 Spyder, Porsche could roll out a new range-topping model for the 911, Panamera and maybe even the Cayenne, packing a version of the 918's PHEV powertrain. Slotting in above the existing Turbo S variants of each model line, the new flagship models could pack 700 horsepower or more and be designated e-Hybrid in similar fashion as the 918.
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Friday, May 9, 2014

Porsche testing four-cylinder Boxster at the Nürburgring

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Porsche Boxster four-cylinder test mule

Porsche recently introduced a four-cylinder version of the new Macan for markets outside of North America, carrying Zuffenhausen's first four-pot since the 968 ended its production run the better part of two decades ago. But you can bet the compact crossover won't be the only Porsche to get the four banger before all's said and done. These spy shots, we're told, are evidence of just that.

Spotted undergoing testing at the Nürburgring (where else), this modified Boxster, our spy photographers tell us, sounds more like a four-cylinder engine than the flat six that's powered (in displacements ranging from 2.5 liters to 3.4) every version of the little roadster since its introduction in 1996, the year after the last four-cylinder Porsche ended production.

The test mule is also wearing modified wheel arches and aerodynamic aids under the bumpers, front and rear. Just what they're doing there we're not sure, but we'll probably find out sooner or later.

Porsche testing four-cylinder Boxster at the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 May 2014 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Porsche Boxster Gets OZ Wheels from SR Auto

Porsche Boxster Gets OZ Wheels from SR Auto
Of course, the 2013 Porsche Boxster 981 is a helluva good roadster, but this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your second generation Boxster anymore.

You can upgrade it’s looks a little bit and use it as a fun track-day car for example. To help you in this matter, German tuner TechArt came up with a nice visual kit for the old Boxi. The kit includes a stylized front bumper, new grille, side skirts, revised rear bumper and spoiler and a set of 19-inch Ultraleggera HLT rims painted in matte black.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Spyshots: 2014 Porsche Panamera Winter Testing, Sports New Lights

Spyshots: 2014 Porsche Panamera Winter Testing, Sports New Lights

The refreshed or facelifted Porsche Panamera is undergoing its second session of winter testing in Northern Europe. Last year, we were reporting that the changes made to this car would not be that significant, but these latest prototypes are much different.

It appears that Porsche might have reconsidered their original plans and are now going to introduce sweeping changes to the Panamera. We've heard similar rumours about Macan compact SUV, which is supposedly going to be redesigned to be as funky as its main rival, the Evoque.

These photos our spy photographers have managed to capture show the Panamera now sports a new set of taillights, which are all-LED and designed much the same way as those on a Cayman.

At the front, heavy camouflage is masking our view, but we know an LED bar will be used for the daytime runners, a much needed update.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Official: Porsche 918 Spyder officially priced from $845K, Weissach package $84K more

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder: Deep Dive Photos

Porsche has released official pricing for its entire lineup of 2013 models, which just happens to include the upcoming 918 Spyder hybrid supercar. The 795-horsepower advanced-technology-lab-on-wheels is now officially confirmed to have a starting price of $845,000 in the US, which is the exact amount we were told earlier when we had the opportunity to ride shotgun in some 918 Spyder pre-production test vehicles.

Porsche's 960 Supercar Will Have Quad-Turbo Boxer-Eight

Porsche's 960 Supercar Will Have Quad-Turbo Boxer-Eight

If there's one thing the Germans are good at, it's bridging the gap in their model lineups. Right now, Porsche's biggest task is to fill the space in between the 911 Turbo S and the 918 Spyder hybrid hypercar.

Rumours have finally begun emerging about this car, which supposedly will be called the 960.

It will reportedly feature a mid-mounted eight-cylinder engine, not a V8, but a flat-eight. This engine will displace 3.9 litters and will be force-induced to 650 horsepower, thanks to not one, not two, not three, but four turbos.

They first wanted to fit the car twin a twin-turbo boxer six, but that was deemed not exotic enough compared to the V12 monsters that are currently out there. Good call!

Porsche engineers are reportedly targeting a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.5 seconds. Bugatti Veyron watch out!

Story via Automobile Mag

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Report: Auto journalist ordered to pay big money for blowing up Porsche 917 engine

Report: Auto journalist ordered to pay big money for blowing up Porsche 917 engine
Racecars blow engines all the time, but a Porsche 917 isn't just a run-of-the-mill racecar. British automotive writer Mark Hales reportedly borrowed a 917 from 82-year-old former Formula One racer David Piper for a magazine article, and mechanical tragedy ensued. Nobody is arguing that the engine failed after being spun to 8,200 rpm. However, Hales was warned not to exceed 7,000 rpm, says owner Piper, and the affair landed in English courts with Piper seeking £50,000 – over $79,000 US – in reimbursement funds for an engine rebuild and loss of use of the car while it was being repaired. Judge Simon Brown ruled in favor of car owner Piper, putting Hales on the hook for £110,000 ($174,000) including legal fees – a whole lot of money in any language.

2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S US Pricing Announced

2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S US Pricing Announced

Porsche has just announced new pricing information for its models that will be on sale in the US this year, among them being the most powerful SUV they've ever built.

We are, of course, talking about the 2014 Cayenne Turbo S, a 550-horsepower monster that will reach 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 175 mph. That much performance plus Porsche's standard levels of luxury will set you back $146,000 plus the $975 destination tax.

European pricing and availability has yet to be determined, but this most extreme Cayenne does seem a bit expensive. By comparison, the slightly less powerful Cayenne Turbo is a more acceptable $108,750.

That extra bit of money gives you redesigned front end intakes, standard 21-inch wheels and a standard Chrono package. However, that $37,000 could be put to very good use… like buying a whole other car, an SUV for your five maybe.

Porsche 918 Spyder Official Pricing Set at $845,000

Porsche 918 Spyder Official Pricing Set at $845,000

Porsche has recently released a document that contains the US 2013 Model Year pricing for its range and, at the top of the list, we can see the financial burden of the upcoming 918 Spyder.

The supercar, which will be offered as a 2014 model, will retail for $845,000 (€634,500), with the price not including the destination and handling charges. The money should bring you a powertrain comprised of a 4.6-liter V8 unit with 580 hp and over 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) and electric motors capable of delivering a combined output of 245 hp. The vehicle thus offers a combined output of 795 hp and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft).

This will allow it to deal with the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 3.2 seconds and offer a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). The 918 Spyder is expected to mix the aforementioned performance with a fuel efficiency that can climb as high as 3 liters per 100 km (78 mpg).

You can also opt for the Weissach package, which brings the weight down by 34 kg (77 lbs). This is achieved by removing the air conditioning system, the audio system, the door storage and armrest, as well as replacing the paint with a special foil. Less may be more, but this will boost the price to $929,000 (€696,200).

News Source: autoevolution

Monday, January 21, 2013

Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing

Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing

A few million in the bank and nothing to do with them? Forget about buying your wife that expensive diamond necklace that a queen wore, she's just going to get bored with it. What you need is a Porsche 918 Spyder.

At least, that's what we think the mentality of the person who buys one of these is like. And we say that because we really can't imagine anybody wanting to pay $845,000 not including tax for a Porsche. Not a Ferrari Enzo, or a Zonda.

But if there ever was a technological showcase that's worth that sort of money, it would have to be this one. It's an advanced hybrid supercar that offers a high-strung 4.6-liter mid-mounted V8 with 570 PS and a pair of electric motors that do their part towards a combined output of 800 PS or so.

The drivetrain is so advanced that it can sip fuel at the rate of supermini or blitz the Nurburgring in just 7 minutes 14 seconds.

This is the first time it's been spotted undergoing winter testing in chilly Scandinavia. However, the 918 has toured the world, filling at gas stations from the Nurburgring to Nevada.

News Source: autoevolution

Photo Galleries:

Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing

Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing

Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Winter Testing

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Sales of Cars Costing Over $130,000 Will Rise 35% by 2015 – Strong Demand from US and China

Sales of Cars Costing Over $130,000 Will Rise 35% by 2015 – Strong Demand from US and China

As most of the world’s countries struggle with the precarious economic situation we have been facing for the last few years, and while manufacturers are looking to build ever-cheaper and more efficient cars, sales of luxury and sports cars costing over $130,000 are still set to rise, in 2013.

The strong demand comes from the US and Chinese markets, which have not really been affected by the economic downturn that much. Now, sales of such cars are set to increase by a whopping 35%, by 2015, reaching the highest level since 2007 in 2013. This is helped by a 52% surge in North America, which helps Fiat and Volkswagen, two companies who between themselves own Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti and Porsche.

Now, a very important model for the US market is getting ever closer to the showroom floor – the Maserati Levante SUV. It will be added to the US lineup of offerings, alongside the new Quattroporte and the Ghibli sedan(BMW 5-Series-sized offering), which they hope will boost their total sales figure to 50,000 units per year, by 2015.

The Ghibli will come this year, while buyers will have to wait until 2014 to get the Levante SUV.
China is also a strong market for supercars, and it has now officially become the number one market for many exotic car makers, like Lamborghini, for instance, while Ferrari is also well-represented and more and more of their cars are spotted on the street, brand new, and being driven by ‘new money’.

News Source: autonews.com

Friday, January 18, 2013

Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Captured Winter Testing

Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Captured Winter Testing

The buildup to the final official launch of the Porsche 918 Spyder has been one of the most drawn out affairs in recent memory and although the long wait may be upsetting for many in the automotive press let alone those who have previewed the car, it does help to highlight just how precise Porsche has been throughout its development as they will not finish road testing the supercar until they inevitably feel it’s the world’s best supercar.

To highlight this point, the Porsche 918 Spyder was recently captured by spy photographers undergoing sub-zero winter testing to help fine tune the car’s charging systems.

Spyshots: Porsche 918 Spyder Captured Winter Testing

With the launch of the car pinned for the 2013 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Porsche is up to the final stages in developing the 918 with pictures recently being leaked of the production ready version.

Deliveries are then expected to begin in early 2014, with the car going for 625,400 euros and then 683,600 euros for the lightweight Weissach model.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Spyshots: 2014 Porsche Macan Winter Testing


Spyshots: 2014 Porsche Macan Winter Testing
While all Germans are created equal, some are more equal than others. Porsche took the platform from the Audi Q5, as well as the V6 engines, and transformed them into something much better.

Following the trend for small crossovers, the maker of the 911 is finally launching a model that’s smaller and probably cheaper than the Cayenne. The idea is to create a car that’s to its big brother what the Cayman is to the 911.

Powering the Macan will be a new 4-cylinder 2-liter TSI producing 220 hp, just like a Golf GTI, as well as TDI and TSI V6 engines. The most powerful model will be the 380-or-so hp Macan Turbo, with a bi-turbo 3-liter under its bonnet.

The Macan will be unveiled later this year and should enter production soon after that, so this is Porsche’s last chance to see if it stands up to the toughest winter conditions Europe can offer, in Scandinavia.

News Source: autoevolution

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

2014 Porsche Panamera Facelift Spied in Stuttgart Again

2014 Porsche Panamera Facelift Spied in Stuttgart Again
Porsche launched the Panamera four-door back in 2009, at the Shanghai Auto Show. Four years will soon have passed, and they are no closer to stopping criticism about the looks. Soon though, The Germans will have their answer, one which couldn’t come a moment to soon.

The performance, practicality and luxury, not to mention the build quality, are still there. But for the Panamera’s mid-cycle refresh, some major cosmetic changes will take place. Nobody outside Porsche has seen this car without camo on, but most of us are expecting the headlight and bumpers to be styled after the Cayenne and 911.

However, the changes aren’t going to be dramatic in nature. If you’re expecting a production version of the beautiful Panamera Sport Turismo Concept... don’t, just don’t.

Inside, we’re likely to see updated electronics and hopefully fewer buttons. Changes should also include color and trim combinations.

This Panamera prototype was spotted testing on public roads and is likely a naturally aspirated V8 model like the S or GTS, judging by the sound. It was filmed recently by DrGumoLunatic in Stuttgart, though no new details can be seen.


Monday, January 14, 2013

The 2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S brings 50 extra ponies to Detroit

The 2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S brings 50 extra ponies to Detroit
Porsche has announced a new version of its popular SUV today at the Detroit Auto Show: the 550-horsepower 2014 Cayenne Turbo S.

This newly minted "flagship" of the Cayenne lineup is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 engine, and offers 50 hp more than the Cayenne Turbo. Performance figures are impressive for the sleek utility vehicle: 0-60 miles per hour can be dashed off in 4.3 seconds, while maximum speed is rated at 175 mph. The Turbo S also gets dynamic chassis control, torque vectoring and Porsche's Sport Chrono package – all standard equipment.

Visually the Cayenne Turbo S differentiates itself from the lesser models in pretty subtle ways. Gloss black trim decorates the gawping front air intakes, as well as rear-view mirror trim panel. The SUV also wears 21-inch Turbo II wheels, a la the 911 Turbo.

Expect the 2014 Cayenne Turbo S to appear in Porsche showrooms in the spring of 2013 with a starting price of $146,975 (including destination). 

Porsche at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

Detroit. Porsche is celebrating a new flagship for the Cayenne SUV family at the North American International Auto Show with the world premiere of the 550 hp Cayenne Turbo S.

The 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged Cayenne Turbo S benefits from an additional 50 hp compared to the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne Turbo S accelerates zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top track speed of 175 mph. Equipped for maximum dynamic performance, the car is equipped with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and the Sport Chrono package as standard.

The exterior of the Cayenne Turbo S is distinguished by front air intakes and rear-view mirror trim painted in high-gloss black. Standard 21-inch 911 Turbo II wheels with colored Porsche badges and high-gloss black accents are also exclusive to the Cayenne Turbo S, along with dual twin-tube sport tailpipes. The model is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in spring 2013 at a starting price of $146,000, not including a $975 destination charge.

Also making an appearance at the North American International Auto Show is third-generation Porsche Cayman, which was unveiled at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November.

Re-engineered from the ground up, the new Cayman is lower, lighter, faster and more efficient and powerful than ever before. A longer wheelbase, wider track and larger wheels enhance the driving performance of the mid-engine sports car.

The 2014 Cayman is powered by a 2.7-liter engine with 275 hp, while the Cayman S produces 325 hp with a 3.4-liter engine. Both models will arrive in dealerships in spring 2013 at a base price of $52,600 for the Cayman and $63,800 for the Cayman S.

The U.S. continues to be Porsche's largest market, with 35,043 cars sold here in 2012, representing an increase of 21 percent compared to 2011. The Cayenne and 911 models contributed to the strong sales performance, increasing by 20 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

Porsche AG sold more sports cars globally in 2012 than ever before: 141,075 customer deliveries equal an increase of 18.7% compared to last year's record of 118,868 vehicles sold.

News Source: autoblog