Autoblog

Quick Spin: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel delivers torque and efficiency with negligible compromise

Michael Harley — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Porsche, Diesel, Quick Spins

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

Porsche sells no fewer than seven different Cayenne models in the U.S. All share the same unibody platform and permanent all-wheel drive system, but each is differentiated by its powerplant, brakes, suspension, and accessory list. Whether you are a blasé soccer mom or an exec hell-bent on embarrassing the dude in the sports car at the traffic light, if you're willing to write the check, Porsche has a Cayenne model with your name on it.

The selection is generous, but there is something missing from the mix. As of right now, all North American-bound models have an appetite for premium unleaded fuel. With the price of high-test wavering on the expensive side, Porsche has been diligently engineering hybrid and diesel-powered Cayenne models to significantly reduce pain at the pump.

While the automaker has announced the sale of Hybrid Cayenne next year, it's on the fence about offering the diesel model on this side of the Atlantic. Proudly showing off its latest wares, and teasing us with what we can't have, Porsche let us sample a Euro-spec Cayenne Diesel model... on our own turf.

Gallery: Quick Drive: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel delivers torque and efficiency with negligible compromise

Quick Spin: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel delivers torque and efficiency with negligible compromise originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK

Michael Harley — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, First Drives

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

The Italian countryside passes by in a blur. At an indicated 265 km/h (164 mph), we have hit the invisible wall. The accelerator pedal has been jammed into the carpet for the last ten seconds, yet the sleek Porsche cannot push the molecules of air away any faster. Thanks to a stiff headwind, simple aerodynamic drag has overcome the 310 horsepower engine and arrested our acceleration a bit shy of Porsche's quoted maximum speed. Regardless of the blustery gusts, the direct-injected flat-six buried in the middle of the chassis continues to wail as it sustains the fight. An approaching curve on the horizon convinces us to reluctantly lift off the gas.

We're in Sicily testing the new second-generation 2009 Porsche Boxster S. Significantly updated for the new model year, the drop-top coupe continues to impress us. How has Porsche improved its 12-year-old platform? Are the new powerplants significantly different from their predecessors? How does the Boxster compare to the Cayman? Follow the jump to find out and take a tour of Italy with the Porsche Boxster in our high-res gallery of images below.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK

First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Porsche reveals improved Boxster and Cayman

Michael Harley — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Click on the image above for our high-res gallery

Even as the industry swirls in turmoil, Porsche continues to offer hope to enthusiasts as they relentlessly increase performance without sacrificing efficiency. For 2009, Porsche has given the Boxster and Cayman a mild facelift, along with updating the interior and accessories. More importantly, and following in the footsteps of the 911 Carrera PDK, all 2009 Cayman and Boxster models are also offered with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission (aka PDK). Mated to the new transmission are two significantly reworked engines featuring direct injection. The result is more power, and improved fuel economy (we shouldn't fail to mention that the PDK accelerates faster than the six-speed manual). Porsche is offering two engines in 2009. The standard engine is a 2.9-liter flat-six rated at 255 hp. The "S" models are fitted with a more powerful 3.4-liter sending 310 hp to the gearbox. Like the Carrera, go-fast options on the sporty mid-engine two-seaters include active suspension (PASM) and ceramic brakes (PCCB). Look for both to arrive in showrooms in early 2009.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Porsche Boxster S

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Porsche Cayman S

Continue reading LA 2008: Porsche reveals improved Boxster and Cayman

LA 2008: Porsche reveals improved Boxster and Cayman originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche's new PDK transmission trims 911 lap time on the 'Ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche 911

Porsche decided to do a little 'Ring running in three different 2009-spec 911 models and quietly let the results slip during a press event. A 2009 911S fitted with Porsche's new twin clutch system (PDK: Porsche Doppelkupplung), Porsche Active Stability Management and "sport tires" took the top place, scoring a 7:50. The new PDK shifts a whopping 60-percent faster than the old Tiptronic S.

The first place getter was followed by what is assumed to be a 2009 911S with a manual transmission some eight seconds back, and then a 2008 911 S another four seconds back, at 8:02. There's no word on who was driving the cars, or what exactly counts as a "sport tire."

According to FastestLaps.com, Walter Rohrl did a 7:49 in a 997 turbo two years ago. If the next year's 911S is really that close to the twin-blower, that's not a bad feat. Still, the Cadillac CTS-V did the thing in 7:59 -- and so did the C6 Corvette that puts the current Porsche to bed and is an A-pillar away from the 2009... but who's counting?

Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S

[Source: Inside Line]

Porsche's new PDK transmission trims 911 lap time on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Photos: Porsche 911 again

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Porsche

It hasn't been very long since we last brought you some spy shots of the freshened 911, but when another pic popped up, we felt we had to share. After all, this is our favorite rear-engined sports car. Returning even closer to its roots, the two-beam round headlamps and larger air inlets look very 993 Turbo. The cleaner look should be an improvement that the loyalists will appreciate and the masses will completely miss.

Actually, the air scoops match the look of the restyled Cayenne, and the integrated turn indicators somewhat mimic the current Turbo 997, albeit integrated rather than "free floating" like on the Turbo. The new lower lip is more noticeable here too. It creates a continuous line around the nose that continues along the rockers and into the tail, where we'll see new LED tail lamps.

Expect similar mechanical changes to those being done on the Cayenne, and an interior upgrade that should be evolutionary like those on the outside. New direct-injection and a DSG option should keep the new 911 at the top of the heap.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Photos: Porsche 911 again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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