Autoblog

EU grants Porsche permission to purchase VW

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-24T10:28:00+00:00

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

Porsche is one step closer to its goal of purchasing Volkswagen. Back in April of last year, the German automaker passed the 30-percent mark, forcing it to make an outright offer for The Volkswagen Group in its entirety, which it did. Not too many VW shareholders sold their stake to Porsche, as the bid was for the bare minimum amount allowed by law. Still, the legal requirement had been met, allowing Porsche to continue gobbling up the automaker according to its own timetable. Earlier this year, the VeeDub board approved a request by Porsche to obtain 51-percent of the company for some $15.73 billion, which would give it a majority stake. Before the house that Ferdinand built could complete its acquisition, the European Commission required it to make one last purchase, which took place in June of this year. Finally, the EU has granted its permission for the buyout.

This story is likely far from over, as the German State of Lower Saxony still claims a 20-percent stake in Volkswagen, which gives it certain rights to block decisions made by VW's new parents. Still, it seems that its only a matter of time before VW and Porsche are united under a different Ferdinand... Piech that is, grandson to Mr. Porsche himself.

[Source: Reuters]

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Leakage: 303 hp Porsche Cayman S Sport

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-07-23T17:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Porsche

Click above for a larger image of the Porsche Cayman S Sport.

The Cartribe crew is living up their reputation as the newest embargo breakers in the biz, with a follow up to their original story that the Porsche Cayman is getting a serious Sport injection ahead of the new model's debut next year.

The Porsche Cayman S Sport is packing 303 hp, up from 295 hp, and will come equipped with Porsche's Active Stability Management system, a 10mm suspension drop, blacked-out wheels and a two-tone paint scheme aping the 911 GT3.

Pricing is rumored to be set at £49,890 and expect more details to be revealed shortly.

[Source: Cartribe.co.uk]

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TechArt GT Street RS, because the Porsche GT2 isn't mean enough

Alex Nunez — 2008-07-23T16:04:00+00:00

Filed under: Tuners, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the GT Street RS

The Porsche 911 GT2 has 530 horsepower, 505 lb-ft of torque and is capable of going 204 mph. And it's not enough. Not for TechArt, at least. You know TechArt. They take Porsches that already push the limits of performance and go all Chuck Yeager on them, probing for new and more crazy limits. Generally they find them, then they package them up and offer them to the moneyed public. Case in point: the new GT Street RS. What begins as a "normal" GT2 turns into a 700-horsepower, 634 lb-ft (860 Nm) warp-enabled street predator when the TechArt people are through messing with it.

The myriad changes include new bodywork that improves the car's aerodynamics, updated chassis components, a customized and caged interior, and a laundry list of underhood modifications. The turbos, intercoolers, headers, electronics, pressure sensor, air filter and exhaust system all get updated by TechArt, facilitating the transformation from factory supercar to ballistic missile with wheels. Now, where'd we leave those launch codes...

Gallery: TechArt GT Street RS

[Source: TechArt]

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Y'all ready for this? Porsche Panamera will start at $127,000

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-07-22T16:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Porsche

When the Panamera arrives next year, it will come bearing two weighty things: a 4.8-liter 520-hp twin turbo V8, and a $197,000 price tag. Beneath that model -- and price -- will be the normally aspirated V8. And to even get into the Panamera party, you'll need $127,000, which will get you a measly 3.6-liter V6, but that doesn't arrive until 2010.

That turbo motor, run through a seven-speed PDK gearbox, will get up to 186 MPH. However, if you want your power a little more electric, then you'll have to hold off for the 300-hp hybrid model coming in 2011. It will pair the V6 with a 100-hp electric motor. And if all of that isn't enough, Porsche is waiting to see how many folks might request the V10 from the Carrera GT, or Audi's monstrous V12 TDI. Of course, you can expect that kind of power to be a load more Geld.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera - spy shots

[Source: Inside Line]

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Volkswagen unveiling two-door Elise fighter in LA, new sports car

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-07-21T15:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Click either image for a high-res gallery.

Over the past five years, Volkswagen has continued to tease us with sports car concepts that never seem to come to fruition. Back in 2003, VW unveiled the Concept R in Frankfurt to critical acclaim and two years later, the wraps came off the EcoRacer, proving that the automaker was still kicking around the idea of a lightweight, affordable roadster for the masses.

In the interim, VW had two similar concepts that never left the studio, but when the Los Angeles Auto Show rolls along later this year, a new mid-engine coupe will be revealed, and this one actually has a shot at production.

According to Autocar, this newest concept aims to be a budget alternative to the Lotus Elise, balancing performance and fuel economy in a low-cost package. Sources suggest that the coupe will feature either a 168 hp, 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine or a 125 hp, 1.6-liter TDI mounted amidships and sending power to the rear wheels via a seven speed DSG gearbox. If and when the production version debuts in 2011, the coupe's curb weight is pegged at just over 2,200 pounds, allowing it to run to 60 in under seven seconds while still returning over 55 mpg.

If the project is given the green light, the same architecture that underpins the VW variant could form he basis for the oft-rumored and continually denied Audi R4. And with Porsche's stake in V-Dub, that means a 914 successor is just a badge and prayer away.

Gallery: Volkswagen Concept R

Gallery: Volkswagen EcoRacer

[Source: Autocar]

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Rumormill: Porsche Cayman S Sport

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-07-21T14:32:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

The Porsche Cayman is due for a makeover, and to coincide with the automaker's 60th anniversary, Porsche will be offering a Sport version of its mid-engine coupe as a fitting send off before the next generation arrives in 2009.

CarTribe is reporting that the Cayman S Sport will be equipped with some of the same kit featured on the Boxster S Sport, including a chronos package, upgraded brakes and suspension, along with a two-tone paint scheme that could ape the Porsche 911 GT3. Power upgrades will be nominal and pricing is expected to be around £47,000 in the UK. Porsche might roll out the Cayman S Sport at the London Motor Show this week, but it's more likely to be soft launched later this year.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

[Source: CarTribe via WCF]

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VIDEO: Porsche's PDK gearbox in action

Drew Phillips — 2008-07-17T09:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Tech, Videos, Porsche

Click above to watch Porsche's PDK gear box in action

Porsche's unveiling of the 2009 911 Carrera also came with the introduction of the new PDK seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. It can shift 60-percent faster than the Tiptronic system, and reportedly helps the 911 S lap the Nurburgring eight seconds faster than the six-speed variant. Porsche has released a video explaining more about how the PDK works, showing off the dual wet clutches that are simultaneously connected to two gears so that when gear is engaged the next gear has been selected, essentially providing instantaneous shifts. Follow the jump to watch the PDK gear box in action and learn more about how the dual clutch system works.

Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Continue reading VIDEO: Porsche's PDK gearbox in action

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Spy Shots: Porsche 998 911 mule

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-07-16T15:32:00+00:00

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Porsche 998 911.

Spies posted around the Nurburgring have caught what's likely to be the next generation Porsche 911 undergoing testing. The 998 mule is wearing modified 997 body work, with the addition of blistered wheel arches hinting at a widened track and a makeshift wing providing additional downforce. According to KGP, the quad exhaust tips pulled from the Carrera S aren't fitted as flush as the 997 model, so space is likely tight in the rear, while the roll cage proves that the new platform is still in its infancy. Expect the 998 911 to debut late in 2010.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche 998 911 mule

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Rendered Speculation? 2010 Porsche Cayman leaked

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-15T14:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Tech, Porsche, Rendered Speculation

Click above for more renderings of the 2010 Porsche Cayman S

We're already smitten by the current-generation Porsche Cayman and its older brother, the Boxster, and it now appears as if the iconic German automaker is poised to improve the breed even further. What first began with forum rumblings now appears to be official information from the factory. The revised Boxster S and Cayman S models will get direct injection and the new seven speed PDK transmission along with a limited slip differential. That DI is responsible for an increase of 25 ponies to 320 hp along with 273 lb.-ft. of torque in the Cayman. Lesser models don't get the DI, but will get a displacement bump from 2.7- to 2.9-liters and a corresponding jump to 265 horsepower. The Boxster and Boxster S each offer ten fewer ponies than the Cayman.

Along with the new PDK transmission, which produces faster shifts than the conventional six-speed manual 'box, the Sport Chrono package will be available along with Launch Control. As is often the case with Porsche, a comparison is required to notice the revised front and rear fascias, but after some examination, we like what we see. Take a look at the galleries below of both the revised Cayman S and Boxster S models to judge for yourself.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman Renderings

Gallery: 2010 Boxster Renderings

[Source: Cayman Club via Jalopnik]

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Top speed test on Sunday, sell on Monday: 9ff offering limited run of GT9 supercar

Drew Phillips — 2008-07-10T18:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a high resolution image

After proving in May that its GT9 supercar could run with the world's fastest supercars by topping out at 409 km/h at the Papenburg oval, 9ff is offering a limited production run of twenty cars. Loosely based on a Porsche 911 GT3, each GT9 comes with a heavily modified twin-turbo 3.6-liter flat-six producing 973 horsepower and 711 lb-ft of torque. Other unique items include a chopped roof line, integrated tubular roll cage, six-speed sequential transmission, an adjustable suspension system, and special Continental Vmax tires good for 410 km/h. The price? The GT9 starts at €498,000. What's interesting is that the press release issued by 9ff declares the GT9 as the world's fastest road car, saying it "breaks the new Vmax world record for road-going vehicles", completely ignoring the SSC's two-way top speed run that averaged 255.83 mph, or 411.72 km/h. Yes, fast enough to beat the Veyron, but not quite enough to take the top spot.

Gallery: 9ff GT9

[Souce: 9ff]

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Enthusiast's tractor brings Porsche back to its roots

Noah Joseph — 2008-07-08T17:35:00+00:00

Filed under: Commercial Trucks, Porsche, Special/Limited Editions

What do Porsche and Lamborghini have in common? Well, a lot. To begin with, both make highly desirable sports cars, and after the former bought up a serious stake in Volkswagen, which in turn had bought the latter, both are now under common ownership. Both have produced insanely powerful sport-utilities and both have built tractors. Lamborghini started out making tractors before Ferruccio's infamous run-in with Enzo Ferrari, after which he started making sportscars. The rest, as they say, is history. Porsche, on the other hand, started out in the opposite direction, producing sportscars before eventually moving on to sport-utes. But back in the 1950's, Porsche made a series of tractors as well. Now one enthusiast has brought it around full swing with this unique Porsche tractor.

The machine started out as a 14.5hp Partner lawn mower before its owner went to town, taking apart the engine and painting it yellow, fitting a custom stainless-steel exhaust, a fire extinguisher and a tachometer crafted from a 911 oil filter, then painting the body "Grand Prix Weiss" with "Idischrot" red accents. The result? Well, it won't be setting any Nürburgring lap records, but we'd be happy to see it face off against an old Porsche Diesel Super tractor to see which could mow The Green Hell fastest.

[Source: The Car Connection]

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Porsche claims victory in London congestion charge case

Chris Shunk — 2008-07-08T14:27:00+00:00

Filed under: Green, Porsche, UK

London motorists can rejoice after a planned £25 daily congestion charge was lifted by a signature of consent order by an administrative court in London. Porsche was a major voice against the charge, and the German automaker went full-tilt in the courts to throw out former mayor Ken Livingstone's hefty tax. The proposed tax likely didn't do much good for Livingsone's re-election campaign, which he lost to Boris Johnson in May, who campaigned against the charge.

As the victor in the case, Porsche will receive a six-figure lump sum to pay its legal bills, but the German automaker isn't interested in the money. The money will be donated to UK-based Skidz, which teaches at-risk kids to be automotive mechanics. Mayor Johnson will now work to introduce a 'fairer and more effective' congestion charge. Hit the jump for a bit of Porsche gloating in press release form.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

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VIDEO: Porsche Panamera caught testing in the Arctic Circle.

Chris Shunk — 2008-07-05T10:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Videos, Porsche

The Porsche Panamera has been caught testing in Stuttgart and on the 'Ring for some time, and now you can add the Arctic Circle to the list. The forthcoming sedan is undergoing cold weather testing in one of the world's most most inhospitable places in an effort to ensure the family man's Porsche's engine will still purr even on your worst winter morning. The car's appearance looks essentially the same as it has prior spy shots, which is to say that it's still ugly, yet it's still A Porsche. With possible plans for a diesel, hybrid, V6, V8, and turbo V8 model on the table, the German automaker will likely be hanging out with Santa and Frosty for quite a while. Hit the jump to see the V8-powered Panamera as it traverses the white stuff.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera - spy shots

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading VIDEO: Porsche Panamera caught testing in the Arctic Circle.

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Spy Shots: Porsche 997 Targa uncloacked before unveiling

Noah Joseph — 2008-07-02T11:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Porsche

As we reported previously, following the unveiling of the new 997-generation 911, Porsche is preparing to unveil the new Targa variant. However someone seems to have gotten the jump on Stuttgart, snapping a few shots of an undisguised new Targa ahead of time.

The model in the spy shots is the all-wheel-drive Targa 4, identifiable by the badge on the rear deck (most obviously) and by the red tail-light strip running the width below it like on the fixed-roof and convertible Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S. The shots also seem to indicate that the contemporary glass roof on late-model Targas will carry over to the new model, however we'll have to wait a bit until Porsche releases official details to get the full 411 on the new glass-top 911.

[Source: GermanCarScene]

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Porsche Design and Adidas gear up for the Winter

Noah Joseph — 2008-07-01T16:33:00+00:00

Filed under: Porsche

Porsche is known to have some of the best engineers in the business, constantly churning out new technologies for their vehicles. But, as we've often said - irking Porschephile commenters in the process - their designers always seem to be focusing on something else, which could go a long way towards explaining why every successive 911 iteration looks largely the same as the one it replaces. So, what is Porsche Design so busy with? Why, apparel, of course! Now we know that Porsche Design is not the same group of designers responsible for the cars, but it sure gets you thinking when the merchandising division comes up with new designs faster than the car folks.

Case in point: the latest Adidas collection from Porsche Design, marking four years of collaboration with Adidas. With the fashion industry already gearing up for the Fall/Winter seasons, Adidas and Porsche have come out with their latest cold-weather gear. Among the items in the new collection are the Primaloft stuffed vest, messenger bag, Tennis shoes, driving shoes and jump rope shown above - perfect for the dash from your Cayenne into the gym. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Porsche Design via acquire]

Continue reading Porsche Design and Adidas gear up for the Winter

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

Michael Harley — 2008-06-30T15:03:00+00:00

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sports/GTs, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Porsche Cayman S

To many, the Porsche Cayman is just a look-alike twin to the drop-top Porsche Boxster. While it shares a platform, underpinnings, and even engine choices with its two-seat sibling, the Cayman performs a decidedly different role and delivers even more gratifying performance. Porsche dropped off a top-of-the-line Cayman S in the Autoblog Garage. It offers a more powerful engine and larger brakes over the standard Cayman model. Follow the jump to read our impressions on the Porsche Cayman S after we held the keys in our hands for a week.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

All photos copyright Michael Harley / Weblogs Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

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Porsche to move Cayman & Boxster production from Finland to Austria

Noah Joseph — 2008-06-30T07:56:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Euro, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

Click for a hi-res gallery of Porsche production in Finland

Porsche has announced that production of its Boxster and Cayman models is to shift to component supplier Magna Steyr's facility in Austria beginning in 2012. Last year the contract with Finland's Valmet to assemble the two associated mid-engined models was extended through 2012, after which the terms will expire and Magna will take over.

Porsche CFO and deputy chairman Holger P. Harter stressed that the decision was not a vote against Valmet - which has to date built over 200,000 vehicles for Porsche - but rather the result of several elements that Magna brought to the table: firstly, Magna's production is scalable so that it will only manufacture what Porsche's own factory in Zuffenhausen (where the rear-engined 911 series is made) cannot handle. Secondly, Magna is able to assume some development responsibilities along with the final assembly. Thirdly, Magna's proposal was more financially attractive (read: cheaper) than Valmet's. And finally, Magna already supplies various components to Porsche - including convertible roofs and body panels - creating the opportunity for future synergies between Porsche and various Magna subsidiaries.

Click on the thumbnails below to view the Porsche Boxster and Cayman production facility at Valmet in Finland.

Gallery: Porsche production at Valmet

[Source: Porsche]

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New Porsche 911 Targa next in the 997 pipeline

Noah Joseph — 2008-06-29T11:03:00+00:00

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

When Porsche introduces a new 911 update, you know exactly what that means: derivatives. The Porsche 911 has more derivatives, body-styles and variants than just about any other automobile in production, and after unveiling the latest 911 Carrera and Carrera S, Carerra 4 and Carrera 4S, in both coupe and cabrio formats, the next version due for release is the 911 Targa.

Porsche defined the term Targa when it borrowed the name from the famous Sicilian race, the Targa Florio, and applied it to its lift-roof-section model, bridging the gap between its convertibles and coupes. The outgoing 911 Targa features a sliding panoramic roof section, but we'll have to wait and see what tricks Porsche has up its sleeve for the newest version.

[Source: GermanCarScene]

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VIDEO: Porsche engine runs the 'Ring, virtually

Chris Shunk — 2008-06-27T18:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Supercars, Porsche

Thanks to media outlets like YouTube and Autoblog, a good lap time in on the Nurburgring will get you plenty of positive press. The grueling track has become the yardstick by which any performance vehicle is measured, and if you can post a record time, people want to know about it. The engineering geniuses at Porsche have designed a special moving dyno to test g-loads in a virtual 'Ring. The system was used to test the upgraded dry sump oil system for the new 3.6- and 3.8-liter boxer engines powering the 2009 911 Carrera and Carrera S. The dry sump system now has a variable-flow pressure pump that needed to be tested extensively at the 'Ring, but the new system can perform the same task whenever engineers want, and at a fraction of the cost.

Engineers were able to get a near perfect reproduction of a lap on the 'Ring by recording the g-force and engine load during a live lap of the Nordschleife, and then feeding the data into the contorting contraption. Hit the jump to view video of the moving dyno in action. It's pretty radical, and it gives you a better idea of how crazy the 'Ring really is.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading VIDEO: Porsche engine runs the 'Ring, virtually

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Porsche studying targa top for Panamera, diesel engine

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-06-27T14:59:00+00:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Porsche Panamera

According to a source that recently attended a Porsche focus group in California, the crew from Stuttgart is considering offering the new Panamera sedan with an optional "targa" top and making a diesel engine available.

Autoweek's insider saw a rendering of a three-panel "targa" roof that could conceivably make up another trim level of the Panamera when it goes on sale next year. The sources also said that two mules were on hand, a base and a turbocharged variant, sporting front fender vents that "were reminiscent of [the] Ford Focus." Uh oh.

Although details weren't given on the specifics of the diesel engine, Porsche is apparently considering offering an oilburner along with gasoline and hybrid drivetrains, and if approved for production, Autoweek speculates that Porsche could utilize one of Audi's diesels. That could include a 3.0-liter V6, but more likely Porsche would opt for either the 4.2-liter V8 or 6.0-liter V12 that powered the R8 TDI Le Mans concept.

Gallery: Spy Photos: Porsche Panamera

[Source: Autoweek]

Continue reading Porsche studying targa top for Panamera, diesel engine

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