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Porsche Begins Work On New ‘Driving Experience Centre’

tonks — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:15:26 +0000

Porsche was in the spotlight this week as they began to break ground for their new driver training facility next to the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in Northamptonshire. The brand new facility, called the ‘Porsche Driving Experience Centre’, will train brand new Porsche owners the driving skills and performance capabilities that they need to know about their vehicle. The only Porsche owners that will be able to come to the facility are the ones from the UK and Ireland.

The Managing Director for Porsche Cars Great Britain, Andy Goss, stated ”After a long search for a venue for this exciting development, we are pleased to have found such enthusiastic partners in the BRDC and Silverstone Circuits. We are all looking forward to the venue opening next summer and the opportunity to showcase the engine performance and chassis dynamics which differentiate a Porsche from its rivals.”

Also Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said; “We are delighted that work has started on the Porsche Driving Experience Centre, the first phase of the Silverstone Masterplan, and look forward to watching the Centre and the track develop over the coming months.”

The track the these drivers will be practicing on in approximately 3.1km and was split into four different areas. These areas can either be used together or seperately. The tracks will be used to teach drivers how to drive their Porsche on wet or dry ground. This will give them the experience they need if they were ever to face this situation.

One of the most advanced tools that they use is the ‘kick-plate’. The ‘kick-plate’ takes the form of a moveable metal plate that is flush with the road’s surface. It is triggered when a car travels overhead, which then causes it to generate the effect of a loss of rear wheel traction. This teaches the driver the stability systems of the vehicle and shows them how to react properly to it.

The Porsche Driving Experience Centre will house reception and display areas, a restaurant and an innovative Human Performance Centre. This will offer fitness assessments and instruction in techniques aimed at improving stamina, co-ordination and reaction times for drivers of all levels. Visitors will be able to see the entire Porsche facility from a roof top platform offering panoramic views.

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2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S

tonks — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:40:14 +0000

For some car companies, evolution involves making radical changes at regular times to their products in order to maintain their appeal. However, that’s not the way it works at Porsche, who’s notoriously fast cars get updated at a notoriously fast pace, at least in terms of style, even while sometimes major advancements occur under the hood.

Even so, the slight changes that will find their way to the iconic Carrera within the next year or so are not so insignificant as to make it past the watchful eye of our European spy photographers, one of whom exasperated a Porsche test driver (who was stupid enough to venture onto Germany’s public roads in a future Carrera) by following him about while snapping away.

Specifically, what he got was a pretty, blue, badge-less 2009 Carrera S clearly showing off new quad-element HID headlamps nestled within the Carrera’s not-new ovoid surrounds. Beneath the familiar frog eyes are enlarged air intakes into which the turn signals are integrated (thankfully in a horizontal arrangement, as opposed to the fang-like design on the 2008 Cayenne). A subtle lower lip extends from the chin spoiler and continues all the way down the bodysides and into the rear bumper.

Said bumper has been revised to accommodate wider-set tailpipes and, unfortunately, droopy Cayenne-style LED taillamps. As for any major mechanical advancements that often accompany styling updates? Porsche has remained typically tight-lipped, but we don’t expect much of a horsepower bump from the 325/355 of the current Carrera/Carrera S…which wouldn’t be such a bad thing, given that from a mechanical standpoint, the 911 has already evolved into virtual perfection.

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2008 Porsche Cayenne

M.West — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:25:20 +0000

When the Cayenne spy shots made their way around the internet, many people speculated that the bigger air intakes carved out of the facelifted bumper implied more power. What do you know, those people were right. The official word out of Stuttgart is that, along with a facelift, the Porsche people hauler will be the recipient of mild gene therapy in the form of a new line of direct-injection gasoline engines, a first for Porsche vehicles.

All three engines, a base V-6 and naturally-aspirated and twin-turbo V-8s, grow slightly as well. The V-6 is upped to 3.6 liters and now puts out 290 horsepower and 283 lb-ft of torque. The V-8s grow to 4.8 liters, with the naturally aspirated version in the Cayenne S good for 385 hp and 368 lb-ft, while the pressurized motor will embarrass the pony car in the next lane with a solid 500 hp and 516 lb-ft, only 20 hp and 14 lb-ft shy of the current Turbo S, a model Stuttgart isn’t talking about for 2008.

The new family of engines slot beneath front sheetmetal shrink-wrapped a little more tightly than the globular, bulging fenders of the original design. The sharper fenders follow more angular headlights than the 996 911-style ovoids of the outgoing face as well, with vertical LED turn-signal fangs set in the outer edges of the gaping air intakes.

Out back, things remain largely the same, with a slight tweak to the taillights the most noticeable change. We’ll get our first official look at the new Cayenne family at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, with the trucks expected in showrooms in March of 2007 as 2008 models. Pricing for the V-6 will start at $43,400, with the S and Turbo going for $57,900 and $93,700, respectively.

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2007 Porsche 911 Turbo

tonks — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:34:20 +0000

TechArt has turned the new Porsche 911 Turbo into one of the world’s fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars. 580 bhp, 0 – 62 mph in 3.46 seconds and a maximum speed of 211 mph some of the most important performance figures of this car. The 3.6-liter boxer engine was modified by TechArt in many details. Two bigger turbochargers contribute to the TechArt engine tuning just as the sports air filter and the stainless steel exhaust system with special manifolds and integrated high performance catalysts. All modifications are finely tuned by the recalibrated ECU.

After the conversion the engine delivers 580 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 517 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. Power transmission to all four wheels is made via a modified six-speed manual gearbox with TechArt gearshift travel shortage and additional gearbox-oil cooling. Of course the TechArt engine conversion is also available for cars with Tiptronic transmission. The coupe tuned by TechArt is one of the world’s fastest super sports cars. The two-seater coupe catapults from 0 – 62 mph in 3.46 seconds. Top speed is 211 mph.

The TechArt side sills give the 911 top-of-the-line model a longer, sleeker look. The side mirrors can be attractively upgraded using the TechArt mirror moldings. The look is rounded out with moldings for the headlights.

Especially for the new Porsche 911 Turbo they developed the striking TechArt Formula five-spoke wheels in size 8.5Jx20 in front and in size 12Jx20 on the rear axle. TechArt recommends ContiSportContact 3 tires in sizes 245/30 ZR20 and 325/25 ZR20 for mounting on these wheels.

The TechArt VarioPlus coil-over suspension is available for the electronically adjustable PASM damper system of the new Turbo. This chassis offers not only an individually adjustable ride height by up to an inch, but also selectable ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ damper settings at the push of a button on the dashboard.

However, the settings are not limited to these presets. Both settings automatically firm up their damper rates during sporty driving. The result is an optimal symbiosis of excellent ride comfort during leisurely driving and agile, highly responsive handling during fast cornering.

As a world-renowned specialist for exclusive interior creations TechArt Automobildesign also offers individual interiors for the latest 911 top-of-the-line version in all colors and designs. The 580-horsepower Turbo was upgraded with an exclusive TechArt CarboBlack leather trim, white cockpit panels matching the car’s outside color and further sporty accessories. They include an ergonomically shaped airbag sport steering wheel, foot pedals, foot rest and shift knob all made from aluminum as well as stainless-steel sill plates with TechArt logo.

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2008 Porsche Panamera

tonks — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 01:43:09 +0000

Buyers and consumer are looking forward to the long awaited 2009 BMW 5-series. Early illustrations show toned-down creases and edges, less-busy details, and a more sophisticated overall appearance. A longer wheelbase will boost rear seat room, while a wider track and a slightly lower ride height give the car a more ground-hugging stance. Inside, there’s a new instrument panel, an optional head-up display, and a center console angled toward the driver.

The drivetrain goes high-tech with brake-energy regeneration teaming with adaptive alternator control, a start-stop system with an upshift indicator for manual transmissions, plus biofuel- and synfuel-capable engines.

The classic six-speed manual gearbox is joined by a traditional, torque-converter automatic that shifts 50 percent quicker and also can skip gears. BMW’s unloved SMG sequential manual found in today’s M5 bites the dust, but two new auto/manual hybrids are planned. One is a faster-shifting evolution of the current SMG. The other is a dual-clutch automatic.

The engine lineup should include a 3.0-liter six with 238 hp (525i); a direct-injection 3.0-liter six with 272 hp (530i/xi); a twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.0-liter six with 306 hp (535i/xi); a 4.8-liter V-8 with 367 hp (540i); a twin-turbo, direct-injection 4.4-liter V-8 with 408 hp (550i/xi); plus an array of diesels that use urea injection to cut emissions. As for the M5, it will have an even more potent, 550-hp, 5.5-liter V-10, and it definitely will get the twin-clutch automatic. It bows in late 2010.

More exotic body materials help make the standard car a bit lighter than its predecessor, but there are plenty of new optional add-ons to cancel out the weight savings. Among them are active rear-suspension kinematics, xDrive all-wheel drive with active torque split, stability-enhancing active yaw control, and the next-generation electronic damper control system.

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Porsche 911 Turbo

tonks — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:27:58 +0000

According to Porsche, the new 911 Turbo is quicker from zero to 60 (3.7 seconds vs. 3.9) with the optional five-speed Tiptronic automatic than it is with the standard six-speed manual. We also heard the next-generation model will handle better if you drive with one hand at 12 o’clock and the other on the stereo, but Porsche officials were not amused when we tried to confirm this possibility.

Porsche claims the added quickness of the Tiptronic-equipped model is a result of the Turbo’s new variable-turbine technology, a revised traction control system, and a retuned Tiptronic shift program. No matter how it all comes together, the fact remains this is one of the quickest 911s ever.

Obviously it’s the latest turbocharged engine which deserves most of the credit for this 911’s quickness. It displaces 3.6 liters and develops 473 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 457 pound-feet of torque at 1,950 rpm.

The power is distributed to all four wheels by an electromagnetically controlled clutch that optimizes the power from front to rear for maximum traction. And there’s yet another new trick up this Turbo’s sleeve for 2006. With the optional Sport Chrono package engaged, the Turbo can deliver short periods of increased turbo boost which bump maximum torque up to 502 pound-feet. Hasselhoff would be proud.

Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) is standard equipment, so the Turbo will retain its crown as one of the most daily-drivable supercars around. In Comfort mode, you won’t feel every single bump coming through the 19-inch wheels, but call up Sport mode and it will stiffen up all the settings for maximum control. With 235/35 tires up front and 305/30 rubber in back, there’s plenty of traction to go around. Hard-core enthusiasts can order a mechanical limited-slip in back if they don’t agree.

Six-piston brake calipers and 13.7-inch front brake rotors were borrowed from the Carrera GT supercar. Four-piston calipers are used in back with the same 13.7-inch cross-drilled rotors. The system features caliper preloading and emergency brake assist to help shorten stopping distances during hard usage. Or you can opt for the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) option for the ultimate in track-ready, lightweight brake performance.

Interior changes are minimal for the Turbo. Leather trim comes standard along with a navigation system and a revised 13-speaker Bose audio system. LEDs now brighten up the gauge cluster and a digital boost pressure gauge is integrated into the tachometer face. The 2006 Porsche 911 Turbo goes on sale this summer for $122,900.[Edmunds]

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2010 Porsche Panamera: Concept Car

tonks — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 02:46:05 +0000

Porsche has officially confirmed it’ll build a four-seat, four-door sport coupe for the 2009 calendar year (2010 model year). To be called Panamera (supposedly for the Carrera Panamericana race), it’ll become the fourth car in Porsche’s lineup and will not share its platform or development with any other carmaker.

Its V-8 engines are from the Cayenne, the 340-horsepower naturally aspirated and 450-horse, 4.5-liter twin-turbo, although Porsche certainly has the capability to raise the power for each by the 2010 model year. Porsche’s Leipzig factory will build the front-engine, rear-drive Panamera alongside the Cayenne SUV and the Carrera GT supercar.

Porsche will fund the $1.2-billion-plus project on its own and expects annual worldwide sales of at least 20,000 (it had previously said it could break even on 10,000). If history is any guide, about half that will be sold in the United States and Canada. The four-door Panamera’s code name is E2B, and Porsche may design a sport-wagon variant off it.

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Mini Takes On Champ Car And Porsche At Indy

joe_h_31028 — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 18:51:17 +0000

Lexmark Indy 300 patrons will be able to compare the speed of three superbly engineered but completely different motor vehicles during a special demonstration lap of the 4. 47km Surfers Paradise street circuit.

It is the Team Australia Speed Comparison, which will pit a MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works Tuning Kit against a Champ Car and Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car over one flying lap of the Lexmark Indy 300 circuit.

Lexmark Indy 300 Marketing Manager Greg Price said the Team Australia Speed Comparison would be a tremendous showcase of the speed and handling of three awesome motor vehicles.

“The Team Australia Speed Comparison will be a handicapped one lap race which will see the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works Tuning Kit take off on the flying lap first, to be closely followed by a Bob Jane T-Marts backed Carrera Cup Porsche, and then the Team Australia Champ Car chasing the two to the finish line,” said Price.

“Ideally all three cars should cross the finish line together. Last year this Speed Comparison proved to be a big hit with fans especially on Student’s Day Thursday, and looks set to be just as exciting this year thanks to the manufacturers of these vehicles.”

The Champ Car is a purpose-built racecar with a huge 750 horsepower engine and can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 2. 2 seconds. It is an open-wheel, single seat vehicle powered by a turbo-charged 2. 65L Ford Cosworth V8 engine.

The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car showcases the finest in European engineering. The streamlined and meticulously detailed Porsche moves with such grace that it is easy to forget it packs a powerful 400 horsepower punch at 7, 300 rpm which helps it fly from 0 to 100kph in 3. 2 seconds. The Porsche in the Team Australia Speed Comparison will be the Bob Jane T-Marts-backed entry in the Wright Patton Shakespeare Carrera Cup.

The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works Tuning Kit is a registered road car with the capability to race in rallies. The MINI Cooper S has impressive statistics reaching 100kph from a standing start in 6. 6 seconds powered by a supercharged 210 horsepower (154 kW) 1. 6-litre four-cylinder engine, that hits peak power at 6950rpm.

“MINI is excited to be part of the speed comparison. We have just won the Alphera Dutton Rally Victoria outright on handicap beating more than 80 other exotic cars, so we’ll be sure to give patrons a flying lap they’ll remember,” said Justin Hocevar, National Manager MINI.

“With our go-kart style handling, and more than 40 years of motorsport experience we’ll be a mighty presence on the track,” Hocevar said.

The Porsche and MINI Cooper S weigh in at 1, 150kg and 1, 180kg respectively, but they are both heavier than the Champ Car which weighs in at around 700kg.

The Champ Car is the longest and widest of the three vehicles, at almost two metres wide and five metres long. It would provide a scintillating ride as its highest point is only 81 centimetres above the tarmac and it reaches top speeds in excess of 300kph.

The Porsche Carrera Cup car is slightly smaller than the Champ Car at 1. 8 metres wide and 4. 3 metres long. The distinctive MINI Cooper S is the smallest of the three at only 3. 6 metres long and 1. 4 metres wide, but the Mini still rides almost a metre higher than the aerodynamic Champ Car.

The Team Australia Speed Comparison is the only time race fans can see these three unique vehicles hitting the track simultaneously, allowing them to compare the speed and power of the machines with their own eyes.

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Porsche Panamera 4 Door

joe_h_31028 — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 19:51:24 +0000

Even though we’ve stood in front of it in Frankfurt, talked to the people instrumental in its existence and even told you when and where it will be produced, it still strikes us as odd to write about a four-door Porsche. It’s coming, whether we’re ready for it or not, and this latest sighting is evidence that the guys and gals in Stuttgart are hard at work.

The Porsche Panamera is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive, four-seater has been caught testing in a variety of guises. This, however, is the first time we’ve actually been given a taste of what the production car will look like. The front end screams Porsche design, with headlamps pulled straight from the concept and a front clip that is taking heavy cues from the Turbo and Cayman. Unfortunately, from the a-pillar on back, it’s less noteworthy and more, well, unfinished.

Hopefully, if Porsche is still on schedule, we’ll start seeing Panameras leaving their birthplace of Leipzig and heading to dealers late next year, ready to do battle with the Maserati Quattroporte and CLS55 AMG. Thanks to Autoblog for the article.

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600HP Cayenne Turbo by TechArt Magnum

joe_h_31028 — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 19:03:21 +0000

Based on the already brutal 450bhp Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the Magnum’s bodywork and engine have been extensively reworked by renowned German Porsche specialist, TechArt, to deliver a whopping 600bhp.

The latest powerhouse from the Teutonic tuning firm will be on display at this year’s theatrical car-fest, MPH’06 (Birmingham, NEC 26-29 October and London’s Earls Court 2-5 November) in the Sony Ericsson Studio.

The new TechArt machine pumps out its Pagani Zonda rivalling power thanks to a heavily modified twin turbo V8 engine. Despite weighing in at over 2300kg, the Magnum is capable of accelerating to 60mph in a Lamborghini Gallardo humbling 4.5 seconds.

Where speed limits allow, TechArt’s ultimate interpretation of the Cayenne will reach 183 mph; impressive for a supercar, unbelievable for a 4×4.

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