- Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Porsche
Ford Focus RS vs. Porsche Boxster - Click above to view the video after the jump
When it comes to a German-American face-off, you could do a lot worse than pitting the BMW M3 against Ford's 5.0-liter V8 powered Mustang. How much worse? How about a comparison test between a base Porsche Boxster and Ford's turbocharged, torque-steering Focus RS.
Granted, the rationale for the shoot-out came down to cost. Across the pond both the Boxster and the Focus sticker for about the same amount. But that's about where the similarities end. Almost.
While the Focus channels over 300 horsepower to the front wheels, it also tips the scales 3,200 pounds. Compared to the 2,900-pound, 255-hp, rear-driven Boxster, Ford's hottest hatch comes off as rather portly, although both manage to run to 60 mph in under six seconds.
But beyond the stats and the all-too-important lap time, the real question is how best to spend your sports car money and which vehicle is the most entertaining to drive. For that, you've got to jump.
[Source: AutoExpress]Continue reading Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster
Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche
2012 Porsche Boxster - Click above for high-res image gallery
As expected, the Spyder is the send-off model for the current generation Porsche Boxster (987), so a new version - rumored to carry the 981 designation - is under development.
Like anything hailing from Stuttgart, any changes to Boxster's chassis and exterior will be minor, with more shapely sheetmetal adorning the outside and a few minor modifications to the suspension, brakes and assorted underbody bits. Naturally, a few interior tweaks are part of the package, but the big news is the possible addition of a four-cylinder powerplant for the 2012 model year.
While the 2.9- and 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder engines will likely carryover with minor bumps in horsepower and torque, there's talk of a four-cylinder Boxster being added to Porsche's line-up just above its oft-rumored entry-level model - a rebirth of the 914 co-developed with Volkswagen and Audi. Additionally, Porsche has confirmed it will begin testing three Boxsters with electric drivetrains next year, but technical details on the EVs have yet to be released.
Initial speculation suggested that the 2012 Boxster could make an appearance at the Paris Motor Show this fall, but the smart money is on a Geneva debut in March.
Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster wired up outside the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Porsche, Volkswagen
Volkswagen continues its executive shell game. The company has announced that Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert will take the reigns as its new chief product strategist. If you follow the comings and goings of auto execs, Wolpert's name likely sounds familiar. He's the hardy soul who brought the most successful model in Porsche's history to life: the Cayenne. Wolpert will slide into the void left by Matthais Mueller, who takes over as the new CEO of Porsche.
Stay with us, now - this where things get tricky.
Michael Macht, Porsche's former CEO, will step into Jochem Heizmann's old role as VW production boss. Heizmann, meanwhile, will stay on the company's board as the head honcho over its truck division.
This sort of interbreeding between Volkswagen and Porsche was bound to accelerate once the two seriously joined forces. VW is well on its way toward taking over vehicle manufacturing operations at the sports car company, and in the future, we're likely to see the two share platforms and even engines.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]Musical chairs continues with execs at VW/Porsche originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche
Walter Röhrl driving the Porsche 911 GT2 RS - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Fact: We would run many a gauntlet in order to get some on-track seat time behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Hell, we'd be overjoyed just to get a secondhand, passenger seat experience of what this monstrous 911 is capable of. And if we had our choice of drivers, Walter Röhrl, Porsche's senior test driver and decorated racer, would be our first pick.
Until that day comes, however, we'll just sit back and watch this video of Porsche's tame racing driver piloting the 630-horsepower GT2 RS around Luk Driving Center. Buckle up and watch this in-car video for yourself, after the jump.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: Walter Röhrl + Porsche 911 GT2 RS = Awesome
Video: Walter Röhrl + Porsche 911 GT2 RS = Awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen
Volkswagen BlueSport Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
There was said to be some tussling going on between Porsche and Audi over which brand would provide the platform for the Volkswagen Group's future sports cars. A report in Automobilwoche declares that Porsche is the winner. No one should be surprised at Porsche, now a Group company, winning such a competition.
The real coup, however, is in what Porsche plans to provide: a Modular Standard Platform that will place the engine directly over the front axle and fit both longitudinal and transverse engine arrangements. The MSB, as it's called, will be put into use for the next Porsche Cayenne and Panamera as well as a future Bentley, and its flexibility could quickly see it spread throughout the Volkswagen portfolio of brands. Group CEO Martin Winterkorn called it an advantage that would put VW "years ahead of the competition." But let's get to the real question: Does this get us any closer to the BlueSport? Bueller... ?
On another note, the same report states that Porsche has fast-tracked development of the 918 Spyder, with plans to produce 918 of them and have them appearing at the end of 2012, not 2014 as previously reported.
[Source: Automobilwoche (translated) via TTAC]Porsche, not Audi, will build sports car platforms for VW originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Auctions, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Luxury
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E - Click above for image gallery
In 1992, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche briefly entered into a love affair that would produce one very special offspring: the Mercedes-Benz 500E. The car was to become the godfather of all super sedans, packing a 5.0-liter V8 with a staggering (for the time) 322 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Bolted to a four-speed automatic gearbox, the engine could scoot the big four-door to 60 mph in a mere 6.1 seconds. Something tells us that those power numbers were a little conservative. But where does Porsche come in to this dance?
Germany's sportscar manufacturer was responsible for working the sheetmetal of the 500E into the shape you see above. Those healthy fender arches were all massaged into place by the gurus at Porsche before the body was shipped off to Mercedes-Benz for paint and final assembly. Once done, the whole kit and caboodle was shipped back to Porsche for final inspection. Needless to say, this was an incredibly limited production vehicle, with the two companies only creating around 500 examples per year.
This particular car has a grand total of 587 miles on the clock, having spent the fair majority of its years tucked away in a museum. Bidding is at $35,200 with the reserve not met and less than 8 hours to go as of writing. Follow the jump for jazz-tastic video walk around and check out pics in the gallery below.
[Source: eBay Motors]Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Porsche-built 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is the timewarp sleeper of our dreams
eBay Find of the Day: Porsche-built 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is the timewarp sleeper of our dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Porsche, Rumormill
A prototype Porsche Speedster on the 997 platform has been sneaking about here and there for the last two years. According to a report by Dutch daily De Telegraf, Porsche is finally ready to bring it to the masses as a sendoff before the 2012 Porsche 911 arrives next year.
Right now, that appears to mean an nothing more than an appearance at the Paris Motor Show. We'd guess, however, that based on audience reaction it could see limited production, à la the 911 Sport Classic. Or who knows, as with the 993 Porsche Speedster the company might show it off, build only two of them and leave us all hanging. But you wouldn't do that to us again, would you, Porsche?
[Source: De Telegraf (translated)]Rumormill: Porsche 911 Speedster bound for Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche
Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery
What could be better than a mid-engine Porsche with a 500-horsepower 3.4-liter V8 and an additional 218 ponies courtesy of a pair of electric motors? More power, obviously. And that's exactly what a report from Autocar alleges is going to take place for the upcoming 918 Spyder. According to the report, Porsche is said to be enlarging the displacement of the gas-swilling engine in order to extract more grunt from the mill.
The Brit pubs goes on to posit that the production 918 Spyder, which was first seen moving under its own power at Pebble Beach, will sport both soft and hard tops along with a somewhat beefier front end in order to provide adequate crash resistance. Also, somewhat predictably, the concept's 22-inch wheels are very likely to be downsized and the side exhausts may be rerouted to the rear when the hybrid supercar hits the market.
Assuming all goes according to schedule, Porsche is said to be planning a run of about 1,200 918 Spyders, each costing over $625,000 (£400,000) when it finally goes on sale sometime around 2014.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/AOL
[Source: Autocar]Porsche 918 Spyder to get more power when it reaches production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Safety, Porsche, Celebrities, Canada, Luxury
Having unintentionally set at least one vehicle aflame inside of a garage ourselves, we know it takes cat-like reflexes and a certain presence of mind to keep from reducing all of your worldly possessions to cinders in that type of situation. It also helps to not try to dry out the interior of your Porsche Boxster with a leaf blower. That's exactly what Olympic figure skater Kurt Browning was allegedly trying to do when his droptop went all toasty. According to The Toronto Star, the city's fire department says that Browning left said leaf blower unattended, the car caught fire and his house went up shortly thereafter.
Browning had attempted to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher, but the damage was already done. A total of 80 firefighters and 10 trucks were on hand to attempt to reduce the damage and protect surrounding homes from potential fire. No one was injured in the blaze, but the house is said to have suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. We're guessing the Porsche is a lost cause, too.
[Source: The Toronto Star | Image: George Pimentel/WireImage.com]Olympic figure skater uses leaf blower to dry Porsche Boxster, burns down mansion instead? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Videos, Porsche
Jay Leno's Garage gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above to view video after the jump
One of the things we like most about Jay Leno, aside from being a hugely knowledgeable car guy, of course, is his access. Who else would Porsche pick for some private time in a hangar with its forthcoming hybrid supercar, the 918 Spyder, during last week's festivities in Pebble Beach? Certainly not us. We waited by the phone, but sadly Porsche never rang.
Jay did get the call, however, and in addition to being allowed to place his all-denim outfit within inches of the 918 Spyder, he also got face time with Michael Mauer, Head of Design for Porsche. Jay didn't have total access, however, as Mauer shot down his request to open the hood and view the car's high-tech secret powertrain. Ah, well.
Follow the jump to hang with Leno as he learns more about the 918 Spyder straight from the designer's mouth.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/AOL
[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]Continue reading Video: Jay Leno gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder
Video: Jay Leno gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche
Porsche Panamera Personalization Program - Click above for high-res image gallery
Anyone familiar with Porsche's options catalog knows that a nearly endless list of custom extras are available for the automaker's entire model range. However, Porsche is now offering something extra special for customers of its new four-door sedan. Dubbed the Porsche Panamera personalization program - try saying that three times fast - the PPPP incorporates styling and performance tweaks, depending on your taste (and budget).
The top-rung Panamera Turbo can now be had with a Powerkit package that uses two new turbochargers and revised engine mapping to offer 40 more horsepower and 37 more pound-feet of torque over the standard Turbo, totaling 540 and 553, respectively. What's more, the Powerkit treatment includes Porsche's Sport Chrono Turbo Package, and if the car is driven in Sport Plus mode, torque output is further increased to 590 lb-ft. That's a whole lot of twist. This Holy Grail of Panameras will sprint to 62 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph, yet it still manages to keep the Turbo's EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 15/23 miles per gallon.
Available on the full Panamera range, however, is the Porsche's new Sport Design Package which includes a unique front fascia with wider air intakes, a new rear underbody apron incorporating a new diffuser and fins, different side skirts and 20-inch Panamera Sport wheels available in a range of colors. It certainly does a lot to beef up the sedan's appearance, and we're quite fond of the overall treatment.
In true Porsche fashion, these upgrades do come at quite a cost. The Panamera Turbo Powerkit retails for $21,730 (or, you know, the cost of a well-equipped Mazda3), and the Sport Design collection will set you back an additional $4,590. It's a pretty penny to pay for some added exclusivity, but for people in the Porsche-buying tax bracket, it's probably more affordable than you think. Hit the jump for the full details in Porsche's release and check out the highlights in our high-res gallery below.
[Source: Porsche]Continue reading Porsche rolls out new Panamera personalization program, includes 40-hp boost for Turbo
Porsche rolls out new Panamera personalization program, includes 40-hp boost for Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Classics, Performance, Porsche
Sixty years ago, New York City businessman Max Hoffman began selling a diminutive German sports car with an air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine hanging off the rear axle. Today, Porsche is one of the most highly respected performance brands in the world.
To celebrate its diamond anniversary in America, Porsche is inviting fans to share its favorite stories about the brand on an online family tree. Even better if you still have an old Porsche stashed away in a barn or garage somewhere, Porsche wants to hear from you. If you have the oldest car in each of a dozen model categories, Porsche will have it photographed for a special exhibit at the Porsche museum in Stuttgart. One car will be selected for display at the Porsche stand at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Head over to www.Porsche60Years.com to submit your story or car.
[Source: Porsche]Continue reading Porsche celebrating 60th year in U.S. by searching for oldest example in the country
Porsche celebrating 60th year in U.S. by searching for oldest example in the country originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Videos, Porsche
Porsche 918 Spyder Concept at Pebble Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery
While we've heard rumblings that Porsche was going to show its hot new 918 Spyder Hybrid Concept here at Pebble Beach, it appeared that the car was only going to be shown to a select few at private events scattered around the Monterey Peninsula during the week.
Well, today at the Pebble Beach Lodge, site of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the company surprised us by driving the hybrid supercar up to the concept lawn for all to see - and hear. They did a quick turn around after sitting still for a second and as the V8 rumble died away, the car started moving forward again. A couple of people were taken by surprise as they thought the driver may have forgotten to engage the parking brake, but no, the car had switched over to battery power.
We shot a little video and took a few pics as we pushed through the massive scrum surrounding the car when it finally came to rest. Follow the jump to see the video and click below to see our high-res images.
UPDATE: Porsche has revealed that the 918 Spyder actually made its driving debut a couple days earlier on a closed road in Monterey. The company kept the drive a secret, though produced a nice video of their own that really shows off how the car sounds under its own power. Added after the jump.
Photos and video copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/AOLContinue reading Porsche 918 Spyder moves under its own power in Monterey [w/videos]
Porsche 918 Spyder moves under its own power in Monterey [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Porsche
SpeedArt Porsche Cayenne SpeedHybrid 450 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hybrids get great fuel economy and low emissions, but once the likes of Porsche and Ferrari started developing the technology, you knew we were in for a different game altogether, one where battery boost would become a performance advantage, as much for burning rubber as for saving fuel. And where rubber is being burnt, there will be tuners vying to burn even more.
Take the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, for example. It's hardly the pillar of earth-friendliness, by any means. And this is hardly the first time a tuner has taken a crack at it. But it is the latest, and comes courtesy of Porsche tuning expert SpeedArt. The package includes a 70-horsepower boost to the conventional gasoline-burning V6 for a 450 metric horsepower output and a 0-60 time cut down by half a second to six flat. Not too shabby for a big sport-ute with a V6.
Electric drive modes are essentially unaffected, allowing the Cayenne to operate on battery power alone while putting around town, with a slight increase to fuel consumption and emissions once its performance is put to the test. An electronically-adjustable suspension riding on 22-inch forged wheels and a new exhaust system are also on offer, and a full aero kit is under development. Check it out in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.
[Source: SpeedArt]Continue reading SpeedArt Porsche Cayenne SpeedHybrid 450 is in tune with Mother Earth
SpeedArt Porsche Cayenne SpeedHybrid 450 is in tune with Mother Earth originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche
If ever there were a single car that could be said to embody the Japanese concept of "kaizen", or continuous improvement, it is the Porsche 911. Over its nearly half-century run, the range-topping sportscar from Porsche has been in a state of continual evolution, and with the possible exception of the 1998 transition from the air-cooled 993 models to the water-cooled 996, it would be hard to argue that any of the variants were truly all-new.
Nonetheless, a heavily reworked 911 is expected to be launched next year as a 2012 model that will still be instantly recognizable as a 911. Autocar is reporting that the new car will continue to share its front structure with the new Boxster, but the multi-link rear suspension will be revised and the rear-engined machine will get longer overall.
Like so many other modern cars, the face of the new 911 will likely incorporate a row of LEDs to function as daytime running lamps while the mirrors move back from the A-pillars to the doors. Despite the racing debut of the 911 GT3R hybrid this year, a similar setup for the road car still seems to be a ways off. The first hybrid 911 we see for the road will likely be a mild adaptation of the system in the Cayenne Hybrid with a smaller motor and lithium ion battery similar to the one used in the Mercedes-Benz S400.
[Source: Autocar]Rendered Speculation: 2012 Porsche 911 to look strangely familiar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'PORSCHE' Category
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
Sedans/Saloons, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows
As far as digital images go, there isn't much left to see of the new Porsche Panamera. Still, there's something special about seeing a new car in person, and the first chance the public will get to see the latest Swabian hatchback four-door grand touring sports car will be at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show in April, not at the Geneva show a month earlier as initially planned.
With Porsche pushing back the Panamera's official intro, the German sports car maker clearly acknowledges that emerging markets such as China are extremely important to its growth. Its sales doubled last year in China while falling in both America and Europe. Experts expect this trend to continue well into 2009, so Porsche will be relying heavily on the Chinese to reach its goal of 20,000 highly-profitable Panameras per year.
Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, PORSCHE, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Sunday, July 15th, 2007
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Euro, Porsche
Click image for high-res gallery
Well, you knew this had to be coming. The revised Porsche Cayenne has been on sale for a while now, and Porsche supertuner TechArt has readied the next-generation Magnum for an official debut at the Frankfurt show in September. The edgier look of the new Cayenne has given way to a Magnum that's just as aggressive as the outgoing one, but is better-looking in a very angry sort of way. This Magnum looks like it wants to punch you right in the kisser and take your lunch money. Possibly your dignity, as well. The muscled-up bodywork is further accented by swanky Techart wheels and formidable quad exhaust outlets.
Inside the cabin, enough leather is stretched over the seating and trim surfaces to make PETA members suffer immediate nervous breakdowns. We also like the snazzy brown carbon fiber trim used in lieu of wood in the photo car. Techart is working on a suite of engine mods for the Cayenne Turbo's mill that will pump it up to 620 horsepower, and their suspension modification allows for a lower-than-standard ride height for normal driving. (The adjustable suspension's peak off-road height is still maintained.) Price? None given, and if you need to ask, you're probably out of your league anyway. The verdict? Badass -- very much so.
[Source: Techart]
Continue reading New Porsche Cayenne begets new TechArt Magnum
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, PORSCHE | No Comments »
Monday, March 26th, 2007
With its 2001 TechArt GTstreet based on the Porsche 911 Turbo of the 996 model series, TechArt Automobildesign created one of the fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars of its time. The next evolutionary stage of this fascinating concept celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2007: The new TechArt GTstreet based on the 911 Turbo of the latest 997 series.
Like the predecessor the new GTstreet edition centers on a powerful engine: The 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat engine is modified by the TechArt engine specialists and now develops 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,800 rpm, up from standard 480 hp / 353 kW. Peak torque increases from 620 Nm to 820 Nm at 4,500 rpm.
Thus equipped the TechArt GTstreet delivers performance that firmly places it among the world’s fastest sports cars: 0 – 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h after just 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 345 km/h speak volumes.
The body kit for the TechArt GTstreet was created in the wind tunnel, and offers an optimal symbiosis of aerodynamic downforce, minimized drag and striking design.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, PORSCHE | No Comments »
