• 23 Mar 2009 /  Panamera
    Trailer Hitch for the Porsche Panamera

    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.

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  • 06 Mar 2009 /  Porsche
    Porsche revenue falls 12.8 percent during first half, but USA sales are suffering greater than in Germany. Credit crunches are the likely culprit as Porsche sets to role out a record number of new cars this year…

    Monday, March 2, 2009

    FRANKFURT: The German carmaker Porsche Automobil Holding said Monday that its revenues fell more than 12 percent in the first half, as fewer people bought the company’s luxury cars amid the slumping economy.

    The Stuttgart-based company said revenues in the August-January period fell 12.8 percent to €3.04 billion, or $3.8 billion. The company did not report net profit, but said its pretax profit rose during the period, without being more specific. The company’s complete earnings report is due at the end of March.

    Porsche said it also saw higher costs during the period related to the production of its new sedan, the Grand Turismo Panamera and for the development of the hybrid version of its Cayenne SUV.

    Sales in the period dropped 27 percent, to 34,266 cars. The flagship 911 sportscar sold 13,543 units during the period, compared to 16,261 in the year-ago period, while the Boxster sold 3,950 units compared with 9,835.

    The Cayenne SUV, meanwhile sold 16,773 units, compared with 20,638 in the year-ago period.

    Sales in Germany slipped to 4,152 cars from 5,630 in the same period last year. In North America, Porsche sold 11,998 cars, down from 16,209 a year ago.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  • 01 Mar 2009 /  911, GT3, Motorsports, Porsche

     

     

    To be seen at the Geneva auto show

    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.

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