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

Friday 8 April 2011

Officially Official: Porsche releases 918 hybrid details, priced from $845,000

http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=DF06_4D9EC612

Porsche has announced that dealers the world over have begun taking orders for the company’s 918 Spyder. The plug-in hybrid will boast a 500-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8 engine and two electric motors capable of a combined 218 horsepower. Porsche says the hybrid powertrain will consume a mere 3.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers – or around 78 mpg. The German automaker hasn’t released any fuel economy estimates based on U.S. testing standards, though EPA figures are said to be on the way. Look for the gas-electric Porsche supercar to touch down on U.S. soil by late 2013.

If you want one, you better drop what you’re doing and get in line right now. The automaker says that it’s only planning to build 918 examples of the vehicle and that each of them will carry a lofty price tag of $845,000 plus destination and handling.

That’s a lot of coin, but with an electric motor at each axle, the 918 Spyder is projected to be able to launch to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. Top speed is said to be 199 mph, and Porsche believes that under the right conditions, the 918 will be able to drive on pure-electric power at speeds of up to 94 mph.

[Source: Porsche]

PRESS RELEASE:

Now available for ordering, the 918 Spyder will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology and stunning performance, forever changing the future of the super sports car

ATLANTA – March 21, 2011 — After outstanding customer response to the concept car first shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche today announced that dealers around the world will begin taking 918 Spyder customer orders. This is a significant step toward actual production of the company’s next super sports car, a Porsche that marries unique plug-in hybrid technology and outstanding performance in a visually stunning and purely Porsche package.

The 918 Spyder will feature a high revving 500-plus horsepower V8 engine assisted by two electric motors with a total of at least 218 horsepower, yet Porsche estimates it will consume only 3.0 L/100 km based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Official EPA fuel economy figures or estimates will be announced just before the first customer cars begin arriving in the United States near the end of 2013.
To ensure the 918 Spyder’s worldwide exclusivity, Porsche will produce no more than 918 examples. Start of production at Porsche’s famed factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen is planned for Sept. 18, 2013 (9/18), and the U.S. base manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $845,000 (excluding destination and handling charges).

With its design inspired by past Porsches like the Carrera GT super sports car and the legendary 917 and highly successful RS Spyder race cars, the 918 Spyder remains faithful to the 2010 concept car. Unlike the concept car, the two-seat production version, based on a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque, will feature a manual roof system with removable panels that can be stored in the front luggage compartment.

Super high performance with very low fuel consumption and emissions

The 918 Spyder will be powered by a unique plug-in hybrid system that will include a high-revving, mid-mounted V8 engine with capacity of more than 4.0 liters and producing at least 500 horsepower. The engine will be based on the Porsche RS Spyder racing engine that demonstrated its impressive performance and efficiency through multiple Michelin Green X Challenge victories in the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Power will be transferred to the rear wheels via Porsche’s compact, seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch gearbox.

Two electric motors – one each on the front and rear axles – together will provide approximately 218 additional horsepower. This configuration also will offer an innovative, variable all-wheel drive system with independent control of the drive forces on both axles. Electrical energy will be stored in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from a standard household outlet. Electric-only driving range is expected to be more than 16 miles on the NEDC. Recharge time will depend on each country’s electrical power network, but charging is expected to take about seven hours at 110V/10A in the United States. A quick-charge option is being evaluated to further reduce charging times.

With anticipated combined fuel consumption of just 3.0 L/100 km on the NEDC, this equates to CO2 emissions of only 70 g/km or 112 g/mile. On the other hand, the Porsche 918 Spyder will deliver super sports car performance. It is estimated that the final production version will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 3.1 seconds on its way to an estimated top track speed of 199 mph. It should also tackle Germany’s famed Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds, two seconds faster than the Porsche Carrera GT. Under the right conditions, the 918 Spyder will be able to drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 94 mph for limited distances.

Customers who order the 918 Spyder also have the opportunity to acquire a special-edition 911 Turbo S Coupe or Cabriolet. Also limited to no more than 918 units, the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder will have exterior and interior design elements echoing the plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder supercar’s styling. It features similar exterior colors, carbon-fiber elements inside and out, enhanced leather equipment and numerous acid-green accents on items such as the brake calipers, illuminated sill plates, interior stitching and instrument cluster needles. A limited-edition badge on the glove compartment door will feature the same production number as the customer’s 918 Spyder.

Worldwide 918 Spyder customers can begin ordering this special edition 911 Turbo S sports car today, and customer deliveries will start later in 2011. The U.S. base manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Coupe and Cabriolet versions are the same as the standard 911 Turbo S models, $160,700 and $172,100 respectively, excluding destination.

Porsche bookmarks new flagship with special 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”

http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=4F18_4D9EC5BA

The big news from Porsche lately is the go-ahead and pricing attached to the production of the 918 Spyder. But if you read the fine print on the official announcement, you may have noticed the German automaker’s current performance flagship mentioned.

To celebrate the launch of the 918 Spyder, Porsche is offering a special edition of the 911 Turbo S. Called, appropriately enough, the 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”, it’s essentially the same as the standard Turbo S, only with some extra decals, special colors and unique trim. The model will be available exclusively to customers ordering the 918 Spyder, can be had in either coupe or convertible, and carries the same sticker price.

So what’s the point? To keep customers who are waiting for delivery of their 918 happy in the meantime. Now that’s one heck of an appetizer if we’ve every seen one. And at $160k+ (on top of the $845k price of the 918) one very pricey option as well.

[Source: Porsche]

Sunday 31 October 2010

2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to hit U.S. dealers in November



2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid will be arriving after a few more days. It will carry a $21,000 premium over the V6 Porsche Cayenne, but for your $67,700 you will hold onto the performance and gain a economical help. The six cylinder supercharged, 333 horsepower with the help of battery does 0 - 60 in 6.1 seconds and it gives 25 miles per gallon. In addition, you will get a max speed of 37 mph in electric operation.

Friday 22 October 2010

Oldest Porsche In America

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Porsche started a search for the oldest model in the country, in August, on Porsche's 60th anniversary in America. Porsche announced the winner: Dr. Robert Wilson's rejuvenated 1952 Strawberry Red 356 Cabriolet and its 60 horsepower, 1.5 liter tail-mounted engine. This car was brought by Max Hoffman, who also, in 1950 brought Porsche to the country.



Richard Brumme has an even older Porsche, which was brought but not sold here. A blue 1950 356 Cabriolet, according to Porsche it was one of the first produced car.

Friday 8 October 2010

Paris 2010: Porsche 911 Speedster is the Hunchback of Paris

Porsche 911 Speedster live photos

You can tell pretty much everything you need to know about the Porsche 911 Speedster just by looking at it. It's a 911, which means it's got a flat-six engine in the ass-end and it's got... ahem, classical styling, for better or for worse. We'll just go ahead on record right now and say that it's not nearly as pretty as the original 356 Speedster it's meant to evoke, but what is?

Moving on, there are 408 horsepower from the 3.8-liter engine driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK, of course, we just like typing the full name) dual-clutch transmission. The run to 60 is dispatched in 4.6 seconds and the top speed is just shy of 190.

Thursday 17 September 2009

Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic

Porsche 911 Sport Classic

The seriously limited edition Porsche 911 Sport Classic -- for Porsche, at least -- makes our nostalgic tails wag, even though the gray exterior color is difficult to pin down and we couldn't get over the feeling when we checked out the Espresso-hued internals that we were looking at an entirely different car.

Even after all that, though, we weren't put off: what could have been a regrettable voyage to schmaltzy contrivances actually shapes up with modern purpose. Buyers can expect to be enchanted by vented tail, booming exhaust pipes, and Fuchs wheels, and more than adequately propelled by the 403 hp out back. The appreciation on its €169,300 ($240,702 USD) purchase price began yesterday.

Frankfurt 2009: Porsche Turbo Coupe

Porsche Turbo Coupe


The 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo differs from the Six Million Dollar Man in one crucial way; while it's better, faster, stronger, it can also be much, much yellower if you prefer. However, the last thing you want to be is yellow if you plan to explore the Turbo's capabilities. These 500 hp respond best to firm commands, the new Porsche Torque Vectoring responds to firm inputs, and the Coupe's $132,800 price tag ($143,800 for the Cab) respond to a bank account with the firmest of foundations. Perhaps our favorite thing about the car: no gas guzzler tax. That's hot for so many reasons. Not to diss yellow, but we'll stick with a manual black-on-black Coupe with the center-lugged wheels. The one on the Frankfurt show floor wouldn't be a problem, either.

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Yes, we made fun of the GT3 RS's pink lips when we saw the PR shots. But in person the Guards Red accents look, well, Guards Red. However, even in these hot off the show floor photos, Guards Red comes off pink against the slate gray body. So, the photos are tinted pink, but trust us, in reality they ain't. Got it? Good! Now, as for the rest of the car, it's truly, incredibly wonderful.

Now more than ever we wish we were fabulously wealthy, because we would so buy this car. From the carbon fiber seats to the built in roll cage to those intensely sexy wheels, we're just smitten. Big time, wreck your life, drain your 401K, run-off-to-Argentina-with-your-mistress-at-the-expense-of-your-family-and-political-career smitten. To refresh your memory banks a bit, the new RS has a 3.8-liter flat-six that pumps out 450 naturally aspirated horses. And it only comes with a stick, which makes it that much dreamier. Plus, for the hardcore amongst you, there's the optional lithium-ion battery that saves 22 pounds

PRESS RELEASE:

Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.

The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.

Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car's handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use.

Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track.

To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.

The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.

The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system.

The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.

Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar

Ruf Greenster concept


Quick trivia question: what automaker was the first to build a hybrid? Did you guess Honda or Toyota? Interestingly, a full 109 years ago, Professor Ferdinand Porsche built a fully functional hybrid automobile, though it was certainly a much different animal compared to the Prius and Insight hatchbacks of 2010. In any case, Porsche is looking to enter the hybrid and electric automobile market in a big way just as soon as battery technology will allow it.

Porsche's opening salvo in the eco-wars will be the full hybrid Cayenne and Panamera models, probably in late 2010 as 2011 models, but there's more to come. Speaking at a press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Michael Macht, Porsche's recently-appointed president and CEO, says:

I am also convinced that one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in its line-up... We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid – in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?

Recent spy photos indicate that Porsche may already be well into the development phase of its electric 911 program, so this news doesn't exactly come as a shock. Still, while Porsche is just talking about eco-friendly sportscars in press releases at Frankfurt, rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are busy showing off their own factory concepts

PRESS RELEASE:

Porsche Says It Is Working on Alternative Powered Sports Car


New CEO unveils four new high-powered 911s and hints at future hybrid and electric vehicles at Frankfurt Auto Show

ATLANTA, September 15, 2009 - Speaking publicly for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Porsche's new president and CEO, Michael Macht, revealed that Porsche is considering and working hard on an electric-powered sports car that would meet the high demands of the Porsche brand.

"I am also convinced that one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in its line-up," said Macht at the company's press conference today. While he cautioned that so far the available battery technology is not "sufficient to meet Porsche's strict requirements," he said "our engineers are already working hard on this challenge."

"An electric sports car would therefore only make sense for Porsche if it offers performance and a cruising range similar to that of current sports cars in the market," he said. "We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid – in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?"

Macht pointed out that Porsche has a long legacy with hybrid technology as it was exactly 109 years ago that Professor Ferdinand Porsche built the first fully functioning car with hybrid technology.

Speaking about Porsche's newest model, Macht said the new Panamera Gran Turismo is already generating thousands of orders just three days after its market launch in Europe.

The highly anticipated Panamera represents Porsche's fourth model line and is the brand's first-ever four-door sports car. It goes on sale in the U.S. on October 17, 2009.

"Although the car has only been at the dealership for three days, we already have 4,500 orders for the Panamera, most of them from customers who have not even seen the car yet," he said Macht. "And since test drives for customers have only just started, sales of the Panamera are already making a very positive start."

Another highlight of the press conference at Frankfurt was Porsche's presentation of its new 2010 911 Turbo, the flagship of the venerable 911 range.

"The 911 Turbo is the spearhead in innovation throughout Porsche's complete range of sports cars. It has been successful in the market for 35 years, accounting throughout this period for almost 80,000 units sold worldwide," said Macht.

Premiering alongside the venerable Turbo will be a series of asphalt-burning 911s, including the 911 GT3 RS, and its race ready sibling the 911 GT3 Cup car.

Porsche also took the wraps off its limited-edition 911 Sport Classic at the Frankfurt show, marking a return to the tradition of occasionally issuing ultra-exclusive production cars. The Sport Classic will not be offered in the U.S. Production will be strictly limited to 250 units.

Follow us: www.twitter.com/PorscheNewsWire and www.facebook.com/Porsche

Note: Photos of the new 911s and Panamera are available to accredited journalists on the Porsche Press Database at press.porsche.com - Footage is available to registered users at http://thenewsmarket.com/porsche.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 202 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful brand in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars, Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the U.S. and soon the four-passenger Panamera, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand
.

Wednesday 19 August 2009

Porsche unveils sportier 2010 911 GT3 RS

Porsche 2010 911 GT3 RS

Hot on the heels of introducing its latest 911 Turbo model, Porsche has unveiled details and photos of its 2010 911 GT3 RS. The new model gets a host of upgrades that should make it even more potent, including an additional horsepower from a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six (previously 3.6-liter) that brings total output to 450 bhp –15 more than its GT3 counterpart. As expected, power is routed through a six-speed manual transmission with shorter ratios than the one in the GT3.

Handling has been further improved with a purpose-built PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) suspension, a wider track both front and rear made possible by larger wheel arch covers, and dynamic engine mounts that are able to adjust their stiffness and damping effect depending on driving conditions.

For the exterior, the new RS is by far the most outrageous looking car Porsche has ever built with large-and-in-charge graphics, revised front and rear fascias consistent with Porsche's current design themes, and a new carbon fiber rear wing mounted on aluminum supports. Lowering weight was also a priority, and the new GT3 RS gets an optional lithium-ion battery that saves 22 pounds over the standard unit and a lightweight titanium exhaust system. Pricing is listed as $132,800 for the U.S., with an official introduction coming at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

[Source: Porsche]

PRESS RELEASE:

Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.

The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.

Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car's handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use.

Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track.

To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.

The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.

The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system.

The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.

Friday 14 August 2009

Porsche Panamera makes North American debut

2010 Porsche Panamera

You might have guessed that Porsche was one of the official sponsors of Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival at the Monterey Jet Center this year by all of the Panameras (Panamerae?) on hand. Although we've already sampled Stuttgart's Quattroporte-competitor in Germany, we got a chance to see and sit in some U.S. versions on American soil for the first time here in Monterey. About a half dozen of them were scattered around the Jet Center, turbos and non-turbos alike. While not the most beautiful cars at the show by a long shot, they certainly attracted a a lot of attention.

To be honest, we were surprised by how many people seemed to love the styling. It was mostly the women, believe it or not, who could be overheard saying how stylish the car was, and more than a few mentioned the Mercedes CLS and Quattroporte when they discussed its looks. Admirers mentioned the clever hatchback and all of the space it provided for luggage. It was the interior, though that seemed to generate the most favorable responses. Roomy and luxurious, with quality details all around, the only negatives we heard were about the number of switches on the center console.

Monday 10 August 2009

Gemballa creates the Mirage GT Matte Edition

Gemballa Mirage GT Matte Edition

First, there was the Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition, soon followed by the Gemballa Mirage GT Gold Edition. And now, there's a third version that's just slightly different on the outside, but it's the one we'd buy if we had a spare Porsche Carrera GT, an extra $300k in an off-shore account and an economy that didn't put the kibosh on conspicuous consumption -- or we lived in Dubai. Behold, the Gemballa Mirage GT Matte Edition.

It's everything that the other Mirage GT Editions boast -- 3.7-second 0-to-60, 208 mph top speed, 670 horses -- but it's nasty, as in Doom on Wheels, with nothing but silver accents over light-eating black paint. A shame about the blue-on-blue alcantara interior, though.

Friday 7 August 2009

Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake revealed?

Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake revealed?

Yes, well, wouldn't this be something. We've heard rumors and innuendo concerning the supposed Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake. In many ways, a shooting brake (also properly spelled with a hyphen -- shooting-brake) is the perfect vehicle. Small and light like a sports car, but capable and practical like a station wagon. Combine chocolate with peanut butter and voila! A most excellent product.

Is this for real? Probably not. The first one spotted, the black Cayman Shooting Brake, was most likely a cardboard and tape job hacked together to allow engineers easy access to the engine bay. Maybe Porsche broke down and shoved a much needed turbo (or two) into the Cayman's rump. But hey, maybe, this really is a leaked photo of Porsche's first ever shooting brake (or something from Rinspeed?), and not just an ambitious but ultimately fake Photoshop. Wouldn't that be sweet?

[Source: World Car Fans]