The Book of 911

Yummy!

Source: http://www.evo.co.uk/videos/planetevovideos/243343/porsche_gt3_rs.html

A merger made in heaven?

The New York Times relayed and interesting story on Wednesday. Much to my surprise, Porsche and VW have agreed to a merger, rather than an outright acquisition of VW’s available shares. The deal is still several weeks away from finalization due to approval from the German state of Lower Saxony, advisory boards, and additional details, (should they be called disputes?) left to be worked out between Porsche’s chairman Wolfgang Porsche, and his cousin and VW chairman Ferdinand Piëch.

Despite speculation that he was on his way out of the company due to his lack of presence in China for the new Porsche Panamera’s unveiling, CEO Wendelin Wiedeking is set to have a more dominant role with in the merged company of 10 brands. Interesting, Porsche is expected to remain largely independent, thus causing pause in understand the nature of this merger. 

Porsche has acquired more than 50% of the company and had hoped to acquire 75% by the end of the year. It is unknown exactly how much is currently owned. Because of this share acquisition, Porsche now owes US$12,000,000,000, and the NYT reports that debt reduction is another topic of conversation between company leaders.

Brand loyalty = profits!

I was recently reading this article from an organization called TreeFarm Partners. The article describes a theory behind the success of Subaru and MINI in the current economic recession. The article rightly points out that both brands offer somewhat inexpensive and fuel-friendly vehicles. It goes on to point out that the key for both has been high brand loyalty figures, and that this loyalty was leading to profits in an otherwise difficult economic time.

And this got me thinking about Porsche. All things lead to Porsche for me, that much is true, but I have over the years been led to believe that Porsche has among the highest owner retention rates, which is what has allowed the same 911 model to thrive for 45 years now. So I decided to look at the numbers and find out if I have merely been drinking the kool-aid, or if Porsche is undeniably a leader in brand loyalty.

To gather the data, I went to this site: http://www.bizzia.com/brandcurve/brand-loyalty-in-the-car-industry-toyota-still-1/, an article about brand loyalty, published in 2007. The article references JD Power and Associates numbers, and to say the least those numbers raised eyebrows.

According to the report, Toyota had the highest brand loyalty numbers at 68.9%. How odd is it then that Toyota is now posting losses!? Guess who came in second? Hint: it wasn’t Porsche. It was GM, now on the verge of bankruptcy. GM’s retention rate was a whopping 64.7%. BMW was fourth at 56.9%. Subaru was only 6th at 51.2%. MINI wasn’t in the list, probably due to it’s being lumped in to the BMW figure or perhaps because the brand was still quite young in 2007. Porsche by the way was a paltry 41.6%, which put it in 11th place just behind Maserati!

So what of this analysis? How can we explain that some of the highest retaining brands are suffering the most while, Porsche at 11th place is doing “okay” in this recession? Actually, if you reference this 1996 article in the Cornell Chronicle by Margo Hittleman, you will note that new customers mean less profit for the automakers, while existing or retained customers mean a significantly higher profit. Of particular note, Porsche loyalists paid an extra US$4782 per car while Mercedes-Benz loyalists paid an extra US$7410 per car. Stunning results to say the least. So yeah, brand loyalty IS important, but it doesn’t mean financial success, particularly in an economic downturn. Corporate strategy wins the game.

The 2009 911 Cabriolet

LeftLane News has this to say about the new 911 997.5 cabrio:

The 911 Carrera Cabriolet is a true Porsche, from top to bottom. With amazing acceleration, and incredibly grippy brakes, it is the ultimate package for a Porschephile who also happens to be a sun worshipper. Not a car for first-time enthusiasts afraid of its unique handling characteristics, it nonetheless begs to be driven and enjoyed any day of the year.

See the full review here:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/porsche-911-carrera-cabriolet-review.html

Surely, no one can argue that Porsche makes some of the best sports cars around. Indeed, they create some of the most fuel-friendly cars too, including some that reach 30+ miles per gallon, which you have to admit is not so bad considering the Bentley GTC gets a disappointing 7 miles per gallon, a la the LA Time’s Dan Neil.

Porsche has, however decided to go one step further for its Canadian facility, now employing solar power on the roof.

ONTARIO, Calif. — March 19, 2009 – Executives from Porsche Cars North
America (PCNA) were joined today by Ontario, California Mayor Paul S. Leon
along with representatives from HelioPower and Sharp Solar Energy Solutions
Group to unveil an 80 kW urban solar power array at the Porsche Logistics, LLC
facility in Ontario, the first solar power system deployed at any of its U.S.
locations.

The solar power system was designed and installed by HelioPower at 5100 E.
Ontario Mills Parkway , using 372 solar modules from Sharp and will produce
135,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable electricity per year. This commercial-
scale solar power system will avoid the emission of more than 50,000 pounds of
carbon dioxide annually. It represents one of the more significant solar installs in
the Ontario metro area.

“Environmental protection has long been an objective at Porsche – one that we
take very seriously,” said Porsche Cars North America Vice President of
Aftersales, Tim Quinn. “Employing solar power at our Ontario facility is in keeping
with our goal of being good environmental stewards in communities where we
have a presence. We’re also very pleased to be supportive of the City of Ontario
and the Inland Empire’s Green Valley Initiative, which is focused on establishing
this region as a hub for clean technologies.”
A Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
On a broader scale, protecting the environment is one of the key corporate
objectives at PCNA’s parent company in Germany, Porsche AG, where specific
environmental policy and environmental management systems have been in
place for many years. For example, a successful waste-management system
was implemented nearly two decades ago with 99 percent of all waste being
recycled at the company’s production facilities. Just as importantly, Porsche cars
are built from the start to conserve resources for later generations, with 85
percent of their content being completely recyclable. From development to after-
sale service, it is a key objective of Porsche AG to minimize resource
consumption and keep environmental impact as low as possible.
In keeping with this policy, over the past 15 years, Porsche has made successful
changes and undertook a concerted effort to reduce fuel consumption in its
vehicles—a commitment that has yielded 1.7 percent less C02 emissions
annually. By 2012, average fuel consumption – and thereby the CO2 emissions
of all Porsche models – will be reduced by up to 20 percent. Additionally, all
Porsche models since the 2007 model year have been certified to LEVII Low
Emissions Vehicles or better, with the Boxster and Cayenne S models achieving
Ultra Low Emissions certification status.
On the important alternative power front, Porsche has announced plans to offer
a Cayenne with a hybrid engine that will reduce fuel consumption by up to 25
percent when compared to a gas powered version. This same highly advanced
hybrid powerplant will also become available in Porsche’s upcoming Panamera
model—a sporty Gran Turismo with four doors and four passenger seats.
The environmentally-conscious initiatives extend from the company’s
manufacturing facilities to PCNA’s Atlanta-based headquarters and other U.S.
facilities. PCNA implemented the “Green Choice” program giving employees the
motivation and proper tools to make smart and simple environmentally-friendly
choices. Among the continuous efforts, a company-wide recycling program was
put into operation in 2007 to include paper, magazines, books, cans, cardboard
and glass along with the discontinued use of any Styrofoam products. Energy
efficiency is another key component of the program with the installation of energy
efficient light bulbs and low flow aerators in all restroom faucets.
This summer PCNA will open a new Northeast Regional Support Center in
Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley that will receive a Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building
Council. LEED certification is an environmental award that recognizes the
construction and performance of buildings that meet strict environmentally
sensitive criteria which includes site sustainability and efficient use of resources.
Other factors such as the building’s indoor atmospheric quality and innovative
environmental design also are considered.

 

GT3 spy shots...

We have spy shots from NextAutos.com and LeftLane News. Check them out!

Panamera Turbo Spoiler

Panamera Turbo Spoiler

Panamera Interior Cabin Airflow

Panamera Interior Cabin Airflow

panamera-interior

 

For Porsche Panamera_specifications.

 

Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function Among Several New Technologies to be Featured on Porsche’s Upcoming Four-Seat Gran Turismo 

 

ATLANTA – March 18, 2009 —- As the moment draws near when the Porsche Panamera makes its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 19, 2009, the Stuttgart, Germany based auto manufacturer reveals a few more technical details to whet the appetites of those in search of the emotional and driving character of a sports car coupled with the high luxury and interior comfort of a performance sedan in one unique vehicle that is still instantly recognized as a Porsche. 

When it goes on sale in the United States on Oct. 17, 2009, the Panamera will showcase some innovative technologies. These include the first automatic engine start/stop feature used with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission, air suspension with additional air volume on demand, and on the Panamera Turbo active aerodynamics with a multi-stagedeploys when needed. 

With the Panamera, Porsche’s fourth model line, customers will see an unprecedented vehicle concept – a four-seat gran turismo offering both dynamic performance and superior elegance all in one. While competing with well-established models in the premium class, the Panamera carves a new niche in terms of performance, driving dynamics and efficiency. This is familiar ground as efficient, high-performance engines, lightweight engineering and optimized aerodynamics have been Porsche core competencies throughout its 60-year history both on and off the race circuits. 

Maximum performance and efficiency 

The Panamera is the first premium car with an automatically shifting double- clutch transmission to feature an engine start/stop system that saves fuel and reduces emissions by turning the engine off when it is not needed, such as sitting at a stop light, for example. All engines have advanced and fuel-efficient Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), as well. In addition to consistently reducing friction in their engines, Porsche further enhanced the engines with innovations such as map-controlled coolant/temperature management and ancillary units with enhanced efficiency. 

The Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox, standard on all U.S. Panamera models and a first in this market segment, also enhances both fuel economy and performance. Being more efficient than a conventional automatic transmission, the PDK gearbox can save even more fuel through its long, overdrive-like top gear. It offers outstanding performance with typical Porsche driving dynamics through ultra-fast gearshifts without the slightest interruption of engine power. 

In conjunction with other specific improvements enhancing overall efficiency, including tires with minimal rolling resistance and disc brakes with residual brake forces reduced to a minimum, the Panamera S consumes just 10.8 liters/100 kilometers (equal to 26.2 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available). 

 

Chassis and suspension: driving dynamics and comfort all in one 

The Panamera chassis and suspension is not a compromise between sporting performance and superior comfort, but rather a combination of the two. In its basic setting it offers a very high level of driving comfort, yet at a touch of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) button, it turns into a thoroughbred sports suspension. 

Another highlight is the adaptive air suspension that can provide extra air volume on demand. An absolute innovation in automotive technology, it offers an even greater variation of sporting and comfort features and is standard on the Panamera Turbo and optional on the other models. 

Driving dynamics and comfort may be further enhanced on all models through the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system available in combination with a fully controlled rear axle differential.

Through the Sport Plus button, the optional Sports Chrono Packages enable the driver to choose at the touch of a button the high-performance configurations for the drivetrain and suspension systems, including Porsche Traction Management (PTM ) with its fully-controlled all-wheel drive. PTM is standard on both the Panamera 4S and the Panamera Turbo. 

Body: light and functional 

The body is the synthesis of lightweight technology typical of a sports car, superior comfort, generous spaciousness, and efficient aerodynamics. The most advanced production methods and materials are used on the Panamera body. These include all kinds of steel grades, light alloys such as aluminum and magnesium, as well as plastics. The lightweight doors feature a load-bearing structure made of laser-treated pressure-cast aluminum, an aluminum outer skin and door window frames made of thin-walled pressure-cast magnesium. Thanks to this intelligent lightweight structure, the Panamera S, for example, weighs just 1,800 kg, or a just over 3,990 lbs. 

The rear seats set new standards in the luxury performance class in terms of both comfort and variability. Perfectly contoured as single seats, they offer maximum comfort also at the rear through their wide range of electrical adjustment and seat climate functions and the headrests integrated into the seats. 

The Panamera also comes with a highly functional, variable luggage compartment. The rear seat backrests tilt forward individually, providing up to 44.6 cubic feet or 1,263 liters of luggage capacity. 

The visible highlight of the overall aerodynamic package is the active four-way rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo. Through its efficient management of control angles and surface geometry geared to driving conditions, the rear spoiler optimizes both the car’s aerodynamics and performance. 

Acoustics: sporting sound and superior touring comfort 

Porsche’s development engineers have successfully achieved a perfect balance of sound of the exhaust system, the air intake, the engine, and the car’s aerodynamic acoustics. The result gives the Panamera a harmonious, characteristic sound pattern, bringing together seemingly contradictory requirements. 

At a very early point in the development process, for example, Porsche engineers analyzed aerodynamic acoustics on a clay model right from the start, achieving further optimization by way of numerous technical improvements with specific, individual effects. The result is a truly low level of noise within the interior and most appropriate for the luxury performance segment. But at the same time the typical powerful Porsche sound comes out clearly when accelerating, giving the Panamera a wide range of sound, from discreet modesty while cruising all the way to powerful emotion whenever the driver wishes to experience a sporting style of motoring. 

Using both new and proven technologies, Porsche’s engineers in Weissach while developing the Panamera have succeeded in intelligently solving all conflicts of interest. The result is a car with a wide range of features most appropriate for such an outstanding gran turismo: the engines are powerful and dynamic, efficient and clean.

The Panamera combines comfortable touring characteristics with sports motoring so typical of Porsche.

And despite the car’s dynamic proportions and coupe-like silhouette, the interior, apart from lots of space and superior comfort, also offers outstanding function and variability. 

 

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 201 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 marque in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles and soon the Panamera gran turismo for the United States, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand. 

Pictured is the 250,000th Cayenne ever produced.

Editor’s note: yes, it’s not a sports car, but we will cover anything Porsche on these pages. There is little doubt about the success of the Cayenne for Porsche. The Cayenne literally brought the company out of the doldrums that swept the company through the 1990s, and out of obscurity. Today, you see more Porsche Cayennes on the road than any other Porsche model. The Cayenne has literally made Porsche what it is today. Now it’s time for a more frugal diesel Cayenne, and one with a hybrid drivetrain. Bring it on!

Since 2003, more than 85,000 Cayennes have been sold in North America 

ATLANTA – March 6, 2009 —- Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG in Stuttgart today 

produced the 250,000th Cayenne at its Leipzig, Germany assembly plant. The 

milestone vehicle, a white Cayenne powered by a fuel-efficient and clean- 

burning six-cylinder diesel engine, will be delivered to a customer in Austria. 

Porsche began building its sporty Cayenne SUV in Leipzig in 2002. “The 

introduction of the Cayenne as the third model in the series was an important 

strategic step for Porsche,” said Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, Chairman of the Board 

of Porsche AG. “The five-seater is not only a great addition to the range for our many long-term Porsche customers, but it also opens up to us an entirely new 

customer segment on international markets.” Thanks to its typical Porsche 

genes, the easy-to-handle Cayenne uniquely combines sportiness with 

robustness and absolute off-road capability. 

Since the Cayenne went on sale in North America in March 2003, U.S. and 

Canadian customers have to date purchased 85,311 examples of Porsche’s 

popular SUV. In addition to the United States and Germany, important future 

Cayenne sales markets include China, Russia, Latin America and the Middle 

East.  Read the rest of this entry »

Trailer Hitch for the Porsche Panamera

If you believe LeftLane News, you will see Porsche’s latest option, probably more ridiculous and more pricey than all of the others. Yes, it’s a TRAILER hitch. Apparently the product showed up in an accessory catalog for the new car. Best of all, it’s an electric folding hitch, so when you aren’t hauling Harry the Horse around town or slumming it in a tent camper, you can return to looking rich and dignified.

It is hardly new for sedan in Germany to have a hitch. I have personally seen one on an older Mercedes turbo diesel, all the while pulling a horse trailer. Still, one would love to see the market research suggesting that offering this option is a wise idea.

To be seen at the Geneva auto show

The annual Geneva auto show will bring a variety of new cars. For example, Bentley will showcase its new “Extreme” biofuel-powered car. Porsche will also be there, as usual, and you can count on the launch of the latest GT3. It’s a naturally aspirated car with 3.8 litre displacement that reaches 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. Pretty quick. In fact performance is the name of the game with this car, and nearly everything sees minor upgrades from the previous GT3.

ATLANTA — January 29, 2009 — Porsche will launch the fastest, most powerful 

911 GT3 to-date at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2009. The high 

performance GT3 is the latest in the new generation 911 series and carries over 

a wide range of expertise learned from motorsports – resulting in superb 

capabilities both on road and on track. 

New Engine 

The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 raises the performance bar thanks to an increase in 

engine size to 3.8 liters and VarioCam technology now on both the intake and 

exhaust. The naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine develops 435 bhp, 20 

bhp more than its predecessor. 

The new, larger engine offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine 

speeds, which is particularly important for everyday driving. Track performance is 

also improved; the new GT3 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reaches 

a top track speed of 194 mph. 

Improved Suspension 

Driving dynamics have also been enhanced, and the new GT3 offers even better 

grip and stability. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has enabled 

Porsche’s engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars stiffer, thus ensuring 

even more precise handling in sport mode, while retaining a level of comfort 

suitable for everyday use in normal mode. For the first time, the 911 GT3 comes 

standard with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), with suspension mapping 

mirroring that of the GT2. The driver can disengage both stability control and 

traction control in separate steps. 

Refined Aerodynamics 

At high speeds, aerodynamic improvements have increased downforce at both 

the front and rear, more than doubling the effect of the previous GT3. At the 

same time, the new aerodynamics package, with larger vents in the front and 

rear bumpers gives the GT3 a brand-new look, accentuated by standard bi- 

xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters and modified air intakes and outlets. 

Innovative Engine Mounts 

The new GT3 will be available with new and highly innovative dynamic engine 

mounts. Utilizing magnetic fluid, these inventive mounts automatically stiffen to 

create a more solid coupling between the engine and chassis when the car is 

driven energetically. This provides a sporting, rigid assembly on fast bends and 

winding racetracks yet allows for engine isolation and increased comfort while 

driving in everyday traffic. Traction is also improved when accelerating from a 

standstill. 

Upgraded Brakes 

With driving dynamics and performance at an even higher level, the brake 

system, following a long Porsche tradition, has also been enhanced accordingly. 

Brake discs are larger and feature an aluminum hub to reduce weight. Increased 

brake ventilation ensures a high level of brake power over long periods, and the 

GT3 can also be equipped with PCCB ceramic brakes, developed specifically for 

this model. 

Creative Front End Lift 

A new lift system for the front axle is also available. By utilizing an on-board air 

compressor, the front of the car can be raised for steep driveways or inclines. 

The touch of a button raises the front ride height by 30 mm, or 1.18 inches and 

at speeds up to approximately 30 mph. New, lighter GT3 specific center lock 

wheels and ultra-high performance tires round out the functional and visual 

enhancement of the GT3. 

The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 will be available in the fall of 2009, MSRP US$112,200 

 

Source: Porsche Cars North America.

A Porsche Panamera escaped damage during the accident

Car accidents are always tragic, but they carry special meaning when they serve a purpose. February 13 brought much unwelcome news for everyone in the Porsche world when one of it’s most seasoned test drivers was killed in a road accident during testing of the next generation Porsche 911 convertible. 

Apparently the driver lost control of the car at moderate speed on an unregulated portion of the autobahn in Hessen, during damp weather. 

Testing locations vary from location to location. Some are on closed-circuit tracks, others are on high-speed ovals, but a lot of testing is “real-world”. Spy shots abound of nearly ever new models that comes out. Some cars are tested more rigorously, but sports cars tend to receive a lot of test time on road and track. Often the test drivers work in shifts, 24 hours per day, and in various locations ranging from the deserts of Arizona, to above the arctic circle in Sweden.  

Test centers for various manufacturers include:

Pictures from the accident detailing the car’s position in relation to the guardrail are here.

Read the rest of this entry »