Autoblog

Spy Video: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake caught on camera phone?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, Videos, Hatchbacks, Porsche

Camera phones are turning into quite an asset in this business, as readers of various automotive news sites across the interwebs and around the world have turned into legions of spy photographers. In this instance, one such reader-turned-paparazzo (apparently in Italy, no less) caught on video what appears to be some sort of Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake test mule.

Looking something like the product of a one-night-stand between said Porsche and either a Volvo C30 or an original BMW Z3-based M Coupe, the supposed mule is wearing all black, but apart from that, it appears to be undisguised. Of course, this could be a one-off made by someone with no official connection to Porsche (Rinspeed, anyone?), but then again, it could be a harbinger of a model to come. What do you make of it? Follow the link to view the spy video and voice your opinion in our comments section below. Thanks for the tip, Bill!

[Source: Top Gear]

Spy Video: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake caught on camera phone? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twist and Shout: Techart among first to tweak Porsche Cayenne diesel

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Green, Porsche

Techart Porsche Cayenne Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you want a powerful, fast Porsche Cayenne, Stuttgart has no shortage of choices on offer, topping out with the mental 550 horsepower Turbo S. Of course, there are plenty of aftermarket tuners willing to take the unreasonable up to downright silly proportions, but if you were looking for power and speed without sacrificing too much fuel, for the most part you were advised to look elsewhere. After all, a big SUV isn't exactly the ideal platform for either. But then along comes Porsche tuner extraordinaire Techart to show you the way with its own custom Porsche Cayenne Diesel.

Boosting output from 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque to a hefty 290 hp and 465 lb-ft, the Techart Cayenne Diesel drops the stock 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds down to a handy 7.7 seconds, all without harming the vehicle's fuel economy or emissions numbers. Nice work, but the most impressive part is the modified torque curve that gives the big oil-burner accessible grunt from as low as 1,000 rpm.

Techart has also crafted a unique Aerokit 1 for the diesel sport-ute, giving it a more aggressive stance while improving airflow, capped with giant 21-inch alloys or optional 22s. The British tuning house offers a turnkey model at £55,500 (around $89k USD) with the body kit and engine mods, or can fit an existing diesel Cayenne with the Aerokit for £15,000 ($24k) and the engine kit for £2,500 ($4k). Details in the press release after the jump and high-res images are on offer in the gallery below.

Gallery: Techart Porsche Cayenne Diesel

[Source: Techart]

Continue reading Twist and Shout: Techart among first to tweak Porsche Cayenne diesel

Twist and Shout: Techart among first to tweak Porsche Cayenne diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche enhances humans to set Guinness World Record for 48-hour distance run

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Porsche, UK

Porsche world record attempt - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's the most common Pavlovian response to the name "Porsche?" Thinking of people running on treadmills, right? If you had a different thought, consider that treadmills were front and center at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this past weekend, where 12 runners set a new world record for the longest distance covered in 48 hours: 539.86 miles. The previous world record of 495.76 miles was set in back in April 2008.

This weekend's event was organized by sports scientists at the Porsche Human Performance Centre, a name that prompted us to make sure it wasn't April 1. This is a real thing, though, and their "careful preparation" and special Adidas shoes helped each runner complete their 45-mile shifts - at an average speed of 11.3 mph - over the weekend. We appreciate what Porsche is trying to do here, but we'll take an electric 911 and just suck down a few Gatorades when it's ready. Thanks. Check out the high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Human Performance Centre World Record Attempt

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche enhances humans to set Guinness World Record for 48-hour distance run

Porsche enhances humans to set Guinness World Record for 48-hour distance run originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Porsche 911 sporting double-bubble roof

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:44:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Porsche

2011 Porsche 911 - Click above for a high-res image gallery of spy shots

With every iteration of the 911, Porsche makes incremental improvements to its iconic sports car and naturally, the next generation will be no exception.

This latest 911 prototype was caught at the Nurburgring sporting 997 sheetmetal, but it's what's on top and out back that deserves note. A double-bubble roof panel has been fitted, while underneath the rear camouflage is a sizeable wing and additional ducting. Look closely and you'll see a small sill at the base of the rear windscreen that's assumed to be feeding the rear-mounted flat-six - likely necessary keep the boxer cool while Porsche engineers figure out how the new contoured roof affects aerodynamics. If previous reports are to be believed, we can expect the next 911 to debut sometime in 2010, but we wouldn't rule out an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche 911 with double-bubble roof

Spy Shots: Next-gen Porsche 911 sporting double-bubble roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Porsche plans to expand its Panamera line-up to include three new powerplants - a Volkswagen-sourced V6, a diesel and some manner of hybrid - but in addition to offering new engines, the automaker may offer a harder, more performance-oriented model to slot in above the Turbo.

Similar to the strategy Porsche employed with the Cayenne, this new model - which could be dubbed the Turbo S or GTS - would nix the Turbo model's standard air suspension and instead fit a set of performance-tuned springs and shocks to maximize grip and on-track prowess.

As for future powertrains, a senior Porsche executive told Autocar that VAG's V6 and V8 diesels could be fitted to future Panameras, and we wouldn't be surprised to find the new Audi S4's supercharged, petrol-powered 3.0-liter V6 in Porsche's first production sedan in the coming years.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche R&D says electric 911 possible, needs more development

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Porsche

eRuf Greenster - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interview with German magazine Motor Zeitung, Porsche's R&D director Wolfgang Dürheimer discussed the possibility of electrifying the iconic 911 sports car. Legendary Porsche tuners Ruf first showed a battery-powered prototype 911 called the eRuf last fall and then revealed a second-generation version (pictured) at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The eRuf Greenster was a major improvement over the original and Dürheimer praised the achievement of the smaller company.

Dürheimer doesn't rule out an electrified sports car in the future, but feels the technology is not quite ready for Porsche prime-time. The problem revolves around the size and weight of the batteries, and even discarding the conventional powertrain leaves the Greenster with a deficit of at least 500 pounds compared to a normal 911... and no luggage space to boot. As battery technology progresses, however, we can certainly expect a battery-powered sports car to emerge from Zuffenhausen in due course.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster

[Source: Motor Zeitung]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

REPORT: Porsche R&D says electric 911 possible, needs more development originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche loan request rejected by Germany's state bank

Chris Shunk — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

Porsche is profitable and it owns a big chunk of the far larger Volkswagen, yet cash seems to be in short supply. Automotive News is reporting that the world-renowned luxury sports car maker's 1.75 billion euro ($2.45 billion USD) loan request from German state bank KFW has been rejected, leaving Porsche to search elsewhere for funding. Porsche secured 10.75 billion euros ($15.1B) in financing from banks in March to feed its 9 billion euro debt ($12.6B) mountain, but it's looking for alternative means for financing its cash crunch.

Porsche has already looked outside of Europe for funding to handle its mounting debt, as it worked with the Arab emirate of Qatar to secure a sizable stake in the company. VW, smelling blood in the water, reportedly gave Porsche an ultimatum, offering up 3-4 billion euro ($4.2-$5.6B) for 49% of the sports car maker in exchange for not forcing the repayment of a 700 million euro loan ($983M) in September. Porsche responded by saying that ultimatums don't belong in the 21st century. Unfortunately, bankruptcies are all too common in the new economy, so the proud German company may have to dig a bit deeper to keep themselves from falling into the financial abyss.

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd) | Image: Michael Latz/Getty]

Porsche loan request rejected by Germany's state bank originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: VW leans on Porsche, Porsche responds, "We will not accept extortion."

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

Porsche maintains it still has its mojo, but Volkswagen is treating the company like Porsche's got lunch money and VW is hungry. VW -- which Porsche effectively owns -- loaned Porsche €700 million ($983.8 million) earlier this year, with Porsche due to pay it back in September. As collateral for the loan Porsche used its wholesale distribution arm Porsche Holding GmbH.

The way things are going for Porsche, it might not be able to make that September repayment. So VW and the state of Lower Saxony made an offer: Porsche has until the end of June to accept an offer by VW to pay €3 to €4 billion ($4.2 billion to $5.6 billion) for a 49% Porsche's car business. If Porsche doesn't accept, then VW will "insist" Porsche repay the full amount of the loan in September. If Porsche can't come up with the coin VW could walk away with Porsche Holding GmbH.

Porsche, plucky as ever, didn't want to hear about any of that, saying "Ultimatums do not belong in the 21st century.... We hope very much in the interest of the common goals that the authors of the ultimatum regain their calm..." The crew at VW quickly issued a response, with one spokesperson simply saying, "There is no ultimatum."

Porsche has plenty of time to sort things out, and its investment talks with Qatar, which would greatly help its debt situation, are said to "have entered the final stretch." Thanks for the tip, C. Halen

[Source: Reuters, Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: VW leans on Porsche, Porsche responds, "We will not accept extortion." originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche to break Guinness World Record using treadmills

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Porsche, Lifestyle

The Porsche Human Performance Center is a part of Porsche's Driving Experience Center at Silverstone. At the latter facility they'll show you how to be the best racing driver. The former facility is to train you to become the fittest racing driver, with a team of instructors to assess and create driver-specific training regimes.

Porsche wants to show just how good its instructors are by setting twelve of them on a treadmill during this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed and seeing how far they can run. The distance record for relay runners on treadmills over 48 hours is 495.76 miles -- that averages each person running more than 20 miles each day. If you tire of the on-track festivities and want to work off some pastries, there will be a second treadmill where you can pace yourself against them.

[Source: Inside Line]

Porsche to break Guinness World Record using treadmills originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't believe the hype: Porsche exec says fifth model dropped, financials strong

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Porsche, Earnings/Financials

2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK - Click above for high-res gallery

Despite numerous reports to the contrary, Executive Vice-President for Sales and Marketing Klaus Berning says Porsche is not currently planning a fifth model line at this time. This news shouldn't come as much of a surprise given that the German automaker has its hands full launching its first-ever four-door sedan in the midst of the worst worldwide recession in recent memory.

Still, the possibility remains in the future that Porsche could take another look at the sportscar market below the current Boxter and Cayman or even consider dropping a four-cylinder engine option in its standard-bearing 911. After all, Porsche will need to deal with the same increasingly strict pressures to improve fuel efficiency and environmental performance as any other automaker.

Further, Berning would like to set the record straight when it comes to Porshce's finances and its oft-talked-about merger with Volkswagen:

In the car business we are one of the very few car makers the world over still writing black figures today... Our operative return on turnover is in the double digit percentage range - a level of profitablity other manufacturers can only dream of. Our brand alone is a precious jewel... believe me, this small manufacturer of exclusive sporting cars is strong - very strong. I promise you that in a symbiosis with the Volkswagen Group Porsche will retain the independence and freedom we need to continue our success in business.

Well now, that sounds definitive, wouldn't you say?

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

[Source: CarsGuide.com.au]

Don't believe the hype: Porsche exec says fifth model dropped, financials strong originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera a 4-door sedan 78 years in the making

Michael Harley — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Euro, Porsche, First Drive

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche invited us to Germany to be one of the first to drive its all-new Panamera, the company's first four-door sedan. We spent three days assailing the Bavarian Alps, streaking across the German Autobahn, and meandering through picturesque Alpine towns. We touched 170 mph at one point and sat stagnant in city traffic during another. What were Porsche's objectives with this new sedan? How does it drive? Who's going to buy it? And, most importantly, does the Panamera deserve to wear the coveted Porsche crest? Find out after the jump...

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera a 4-door sedan 78 years in the making

First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera a 4-door sedan 78 years in the making originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Design launches fitted luggage collection for new Panamera

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Porsche

Porsche Design Panamera Collection - Click above for high-res image gallery

Say what you will about the styling of the Porsche Panamera, the company's merchandising division cranks out some seriously lust-worthy designs. Some of them have nothing to do with their automotive namesake, but here's an instance of Porsche Design working in concert with the automobile division to give drivers something a little more handy than a baseball cap or polo shirt. Okay, so the Panamera Collection includes plenty of those too, along with watches, coats and kids clothing, but it also includes a set of intriguing fitted luggage for the four-door sports car from Zuffenhausen.

Instead of the usual (and usually exquisitely crafted) soft leather bags, Porsche has gone with a set of aluminum and polycarbonate hard-shell suitcases of various sizes and shapes. They're even available in the same colors as the Panamera, making this set of fitted luggage especially fitting. Check 'em out in the gallery below (along with the requisite clothing line) and the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Porsche Design Panamera Collection

Continue reading Porsche Design launches fitted luggage collection for new Panamera

Porsche Design launches fitted luggage collection for new Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus leads, Hyundai improves, while Infiniti drops in J.D. Power 2009 Initial Quality Study

Michael Harley — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Porsche, Suzuki

Click above for a gallery of the graphtastic images from J.D. Power and Associates

J.D. Power and Associates has released its 2009 Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Lexus has taken the top spot away from Porsche, the initial quality leader for the past three years. The annual J.D. Power study measures IQS based on problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100) -- a lower score means a lower rate of problem incidences and higher quality.

This year, the industry average is 108 PP100, demonstrating a steady improvement from 118 PP100 in 2008, and 125 PP100 in 2007. In addition to the marked improvement by the industry overall, many brands continued to perform well in 2009. Following Lexus and Porsche is Cadillac (which moves from 10th rank position in 2008 to third in 2009), Hyundai (jumping from 13th rank position in 2008 to 4th in 2009) and Honda (up from 7th in 2008 to 5th in 2009). Infiniti, second in last year's study, drops to 11th overall, while Suzuki posts the largest improvement in ranking, moving from 32nd place in 2008 to 9th in 2009. The complete J.D. Power press release and charts can be found after the jump and in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 J.D. Power IQS Results

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]

Continue reading Lexus leads, Hyundai improves, while Infiniti drops in J.D. Power 2009 Initial Quality Study

Lexus leads, Hyundai improves, while Infiniti drops in J.D. Power 2009 Initial Quality Study originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Daimler, Porsche dismiss talks of stake as "speculation"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Earnings/Financials

Daimler's Dieter Zetsche has called 2009 a "Darwin year" for the car business, with the weak and the lame being pulled down by larger forces. Surprisingly, Porsche was one of those businesses that nearly went under, and it has been looking for help almost anywhere it could get it. Reuters says that Germany's Manager Magazin recently reported that Porsche and Daimler held talks in May regarding Daimler taking a stake in either Porsche or VW in order to help Porsche balance its books.

The article asserted that Zetsche and Porsche's Wendelin Wiedeking were looking at options including a cash exchange for a piece of Porsche, or a derivatives purchase from Porsche that would then be converted in VW shares. Spokesmen for both carmakers has since called the report "pure speculation" and are refusing to comment further. If such a scenario were explored, we know how it would help Porsche -- but what would it do for Daimler?

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Daimler, Porsche dismiss talks of stake as "speculation" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche considering Audi TTS engine for cheaper Boxster?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Audi, Porsche

2010 Porsche Boxster - Click above for high-res image gallery

With sales slumping and money suddenly pretty tight, Porsche would no-doubt love to move more metal. Sure, the Stuttgart, Germany sports car maker has assured us that it will make money this year and next, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little insurance. According to Auto Motor & Sport, more sales could come from a cheaper yet more powerful Boxster. The site is reporting that Porsche is looking into the Audi TTS engine. At 272 hp and 258 lb-ft, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine would eclipse Porsche's standard issue boxer engine by a useful 17 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque.

If the story from Auto Motor & Sport is to believed, the Audi-fied Boxster would be cheaper, too. The site is quoting a price that drops from €46,500 ($64,000 in US funds) down to €40,000 ($55,000). The only problem for Porsche purists is that the TTS engine isn't exactly a boxer engine. But the faithful got over the Cayenne (maybe), so we're sure an affordable Boxster that is lighter (we're guessing), more powerful, and cheaper will put their minds at ease.

Interestingly, the article also mentions anew a lower-priced roadster that would sit at the bottom of the Porsche food chain. The sub-Boxster Porsche would have to start somewhere around $40,000, and while it would almost surely boost Porsche sales, it could also cut into the brand's prestige if it isn't properly executed.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport via Motor Authority]

Porsche considering Audi TTS engine for cheaper Boxster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche nearing sale of 25% stake to Qatar?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Porsche, Earnings/Financials

After a few years of financial windfalls, Porsche is suddenly in need of plenty of capital. The German automaker already received a 700 million euro ($978 million U.S.) bridge loan from Volkswagen in March to stay out of bankruptcy, and it is reportedly in talks with banks to secure 1.75 billion euros ($2.42 billion U.S.) in financing.

Bloomberg is reporting that Porsche could also be looking for as much as 2.5 billion euros ($3.45 billion U.S.) from the Arab emirate of Qatar to remain independent of the much larger VW. Bloomberg quotes two anonymous sources as saying that the Middle Eastern country is looking for at least a 25% stake in the storied luxury sports car maker. The fresh funding would help Porsche alleviate some of its 9 billion euro ($12.5 billion U.S.) debt, while also giving the Stuttgart automaker some breathing room to stave off future financial meltdowns.

Last week, Automotive News Europe was reporting that Qatar was exploring two options: it could either buy a stake in Porsche Automobil Holding SE (which owns both Porsche's automaking unit and its 51% stake in VW), or purchase Porsche's outstanding options on a 24% stake in Volkswagen. According to the Bloomberg sources, a deal between Porsche and Qatar could be consummated by the end of June.

[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Michael Latz/AFP/Getty]

Porsche nearing sale of 25% stake to Qatar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian Attack: Status Design reimagines the Porsche Cayenne

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Porsche

Throughout its life, Porsche's Cayenne hasn't exactly come in for critical praise for its aesthetics, so thankfully it has always been just about peerless dynamically. Perhaps as a result of that observed deficiency, countless aftermarket companies have taken up the their pens and styling knives to try to improve upon Stuttgart's controversial jack-of-all-trades. Suffice it to say that most of these sorts of efforts haven't worked out terribly favorably.

The latest company to attempt rhinoplasty on the Cayenne is Russian outfit Status Design, whose grilled and gilled design is a radical departure from the standard SUV. Looking a bit like a Cayenne that's swallowed a handful of Ferrari Enzo front clips, this Status Design effort has all manner of vents and inlets which hopefully enable better breathing - check out the NACA duct on the nose. There's also an assortment of other changes, including a pair of odd flying buttress-like extensions below the rear-most pillar and some retro-minded color scallops on the side. It's certainly a unique and eye-catching look - whether that's a good thing is up to you.

In any case, while the Moscow Cayenne is just a rendering at this state, a production version is expected this Fall, complete with carbon-fiber and plastic construction, along with some LED garnishes that look rather familiar.

With our Russian language skills not exactly being up to snuff, we were forced to rely on Google Translate's prowess to help us glean more details from the company's website. In typical fashion, it delivered some curious wording that doesn't quite come across as English. Despite being lost in translation, some of the Googlized statements read as oddly appropriate: "Modeling false weight to the Porsche Cayenne" and "Individual body-whale and tuning elements under the exclusive personalization of vehicles" being our favorites.

Either way, we're quite sure that if we had this thing storming up in our rearview mirror, we'd move over with a quickness, and that's got to count for something.

Gallery: Status Design Porsche Cayenne

[Source: Status Design]

Russian Attack: Status Design reimagines the Porsche Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GT2 Can Play That Game: 9ff and Switzer each tune out 800+hp Porsche 911s

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

9ff BT2 Porsche 911 GT2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the Porsche Carrera GT long out of production and the anticipated roadgoing RS Spyder still a ways down the pipeline, the performance mantle in Stuttgart is held up buy the 911 GT2. Boasting 520 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a 206 mph top end, that may be enough for some, but not for everyone. Not by a long shot. Following the Wimmer RS GT2 sporting a hefty 680 horses and capable of reaching 221 mph, two additional Porsche tuning houses have taken the roadgoing racer even further with upwards of 800 horsepower.

First up to bat is American Porsche tuner Switzer Performance, which fitted a new set of Garret GT30R turbos, tweaked the ECU and replaced the exhaust system to the tune of 800 horsepower, which is all the more impressive considering that they achieved the figure running on regular old 93 pump octane.

But if that ain't enough to satiate your super-Porsche cravings, along comes 9ff with an even more bonkers tuning kit for the GT2. The same firm behind the svelte, extreme GT9 supercar has taken the GT2 up to 850 horsepower, and has supplemented the extra boost with carbon fiber body panels and a downforce-increasing aero kit. 9ff claims its latest rocket sled will run up to 62 mph in three seconds flat and top out at a stunning 240 mph, but the gearing can be tuned according to the customer's specifications to either optimize acceleration even further or augment the top speed. It even looks nifty in Gulf livery. Follow the jump for a press release and video from Switzer, or click on the thumbnails below for a high-resolution gallery of the 9ff GT2.

Gallery: 9ff BT2 Porsche 911 GT2

Continue reading GT2 Can Play That Game: 9ff and Switzer each tune out 800+hp Porsche 911s

GT2 Can Play That Game: 9ff and Switzer each tune out 800+hp Porsche 911s originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche reportedly closing in on Qatar investment deal

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:26:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Earnings/Financials

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S in the Autoblog Garage - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's a match made in heaven: Porsche needs money, Qatar has tons of it. Any questions?

Following deals that have seen Kuwaiti firms take control of Aston Martin and Abu Dhabi investing in Daimler and Ferrari, Porsche is reportedly closing in on a deal that would see the Qatar state government help Porsche pull itself out of debt and regroup for its planned take-over of the Volkswagen auto empire. The once cash-flushed sportscar-maker is in the process of refinancing its debt to the tune of 12.5 billion euros, but with 10.75 billion already raised, a request pending for another 1.75 billion from the German federal government and an anticipated additional billion in revenues anticipated this year, Porsche is still eager to bring in more capital.

Although previous reports suggested the deal would involve the Qatar state government buying stake in Porsche, that was before Stuttgart and Wolfsburg began discussions of convoluted mergers. Two options are subsequently reported to now be on the table: Qatar could either buy stake in Porsche Automobil Holding SE (which owns both Porsche's automaking unit and its 51% stake in VW), or alternatively buy up Porsche's outstanding option on 24% stake in Volkswagen, thereby giving Stuttgart a partner and Wolfsburg a new power-player.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - Sub. Req.]

Porsche reportedly closing in on Qatar investment deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details and Pics Aplenty: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Gemballa doesn't strike us as a company that would be easily deterred by minor details. Things like the end of a production run, for example. So while the Porsche Carrera GT may have finished its run, that doesn't mean the German exotic tuning house is about to stop having fun.

We initially reported on the latest Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition back in February, when details and images were scarce, but both have now emerged. As you'd expect from the name, the modified Carrera GT features a lot of carbon fiber trim, but unlike some other weave-clad tuner cars, the carbon on the latest Mirage isn't just for show: the aerodynamic elements aim to improve the car's performance by channeling airflow in and around the supercar's svelte shape to keep it breathing free and stuck to the tarmac.

Of course, Gemballa hasn't stopped there. Porsche's free-revving V10 has been tuned to produce 670 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the rocket-sled up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 208 mph. There's also an electro-hydraulic adjustable suspension to keep that carbon fiber lip spoiler clear of curbs and speed bumps. The package costs just shy of 300,000 euros ($425k), which doesn't include the cost of the donor car, and production will be limited to just five examples, which may keep moneyed Porschephiles satiated until the rumored roadgoing RS Spyder hits the road. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

[Source: Gemballa]

Continue reading Details and Pics Aplenty: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Details and Pics Aplenty: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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