Autoblog

Porsche recalls select 2012 Panamera, Cayenne models over turbo fractures

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, SUV, Recalls, Safety, Porsche, Luxury

A potentially defective turbine wheel in the turbochargers of 2011 and 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo and Turbo S models and the 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo has led to a recall. There are 270 units affected among the three models, with a casting defect being cited as the cause of the trouble. The issue could lead to a fracture in the turbocharger itself, which could then lead to follow-on problems, smoke and risk of fire.

Porsche is notifying owners this month, after whcih they can take their cars to their dealers for repair free of charge. A complete notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is below.

Continue reading Porsche recalls select 2012 Panamera, Cayenne models over turbo fractures

Porsche recalls select 2012 Panamera, Cayenne models over turbo fractures originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S [w/video]

Michael Harley — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Porsche, New Car Reviews, Luxury

A Small-Scripted S Delivers Power, Performance And Pomposity

Porsche offers its Panamera to North American buyers in no fewer than eight models with six different engine choices, including a hybrid. There's even an oil-burning diesel model available across the Pond. At one end of the spectrum is the entry-level Panamera with a very capable 300-horsepower V6. At the other end, and at the top of the pecking order, is the Panamera Turbo S, boasting a 550-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8. Not only is it the most powerful street-legal Porsche on offer, but it is the world's quickest four-door sedan. Err... hatchback.

So others are aware of the Panamera's potential, Porsche reserves its coveted 'Turbo' script only for its most capable vehicles. It is indeed a badge of honor. However, the ante is upped even further when a small scripted 'S' is adhered as a suffix. Its addition indicates to all others that the overall performance has been boosted to flagship levels - it is a tiny yet bold badge of bravado.

To help us solve the riddle of whether or not the Panamera Turbo S is more than just an exercise in demonstrating masculine superiority within ones social circle, Porsche deposited a stunning Aqua Blue Metallic example in our driveway for a week. It was our job to put the $195,000, four-passenger neck-snapper to the test and somehow avoid filling its glovebox with citations in the process.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S [w/video]

2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S [w/video]

Matt Davis — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche, Luxury, Quick Spins

First-Generation Panamera Achieves Perfection

2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Man, that 494-horsepower Porsche Panamera Turbo you're driving is hot. The best $136,700 you ever spent, eh? Geeze, you even got the $2,440 Sport Chrono Pack Plus, so those 60 mph runs must flash by in 4.0 seconds flat, sometimes less, thanks in no small part to the 567 pound-feet of torque overboost. Damn. There isn't a four-door out there that can even come close. You're the king of the county, sir.

A stop sign appears in the middle of nowhere, and it's time for some safe Launch Control excitement. It would have been nice to opt for the Sport exhaust, yeah, but who needs it? Silly Porsche price-gouging options lists. Pshaw.

But hang on - what just pulled up alongside? Hold on here... another Panamera? And it sounds different. Oh, crap, those 20-inch 911 Turbo II wheels are wrapped in specially concocted performance tires with sidewalls that just read "Michelin." And its got Porsche Exclusive side skirts, thick black-lacquered window trims, and that exhaust. Oh, maaaaaan, it's the Panamera Turbo S you read about. The one with 543 horses and 590 lb-ft of overboost torque. They keep blipping the throttle, too, like they want to play. The whole car is shaking like a bull in the stall at a rodeo. With the specific Sport Chrono Turbo fitted as standard, they say it'll scorch the 60-mph run easily in just 3.6 seconds.

Just let 'em go first.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S [w/video]

2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche offers 540-hp kit for Cayenne Turbo, improves Diesel's efficiency

Chris Shunk — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, SUV, Porsche, Diesel, Luxury

2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche has announced changes to its 2012 Cayenne that provide more power, increased efficiency and a few options that weren't available before.

When it comes to power, the Cayenne Turbo already packs a 500-horsepower punch, but if that isn't good enough for you, Porsche is now offering a kit that boosts power to 540 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque; an improvement of 40 ponies and 37 lb-ft. That increase comes courtesy of a pair of new turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine wheels and engine electronics adjustments. The added power will net you a 0-62 time of 4.6 seconds (from 4.7 seconds) and a top speed of 176 miles per hour. Porsche also improved brake cooling to help stop this raging locomotive, and the optional Ceramic Composite Brakes now feature larger front discs to boost stopping power.

The diesel-powered Cayenne has also received a significant upgrade, with a cleaner diesel engine that is more powerful and efficient than before. Output has been bumped by five ponies to 245 hp, and the automaker claims the oil-burning SUV consumes only 7.2 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. That's 39 imperial mpg, or roughly 32 mpg in U.S. mpg. The added performance also improves acceleration, with a quoted 7.6 seconds to reach 62 miles per hour, or .2 seconds quicker than the 2011 Cayenne diesel. Engine improvements include a new turbocharger, an amazing 44 pounds of weight savings (just from the diesel engine!) and a 10-percent increase in direct injection pressure.

Porsche also announced minor changes meant to improve the Cayenne Hybrid's driving characteristics and the addition of Lane Change Assist to the 2012 Panamera. There's a slew more detail changes outlined in the Porsche press release that you'll find after the break.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche offers 540-hp kit for Cayenne Turbo, improves Diesel's efficiency

Porsche offers 540-hp kit for Cayenne Turbo, improves Diesel's efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gemballa shows Mistrale and Tornado at Top Marques Monaco

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Europe, Porsche, Luxury

2012 Gemballa Tornado - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite losing its founder under suspicious circumstances last year, German tuning house Gemballa is back with a vengeance at this year's Top Marques Monaco show. To help celebrate its 30th anniversary, the company is rolling out two new models: The Porsche Cayenne-based Tornado and the Porsche Panamera-based Mistrale.

Both of Gemballa's new models sport extensively reworked bodies, which Gemballa says shave nearly 150 pounds off each car. The weight savings come thanks to carbon fiber body panels made in-house by Gemballa. Both cars' front fenders, hood, doors and front valance get replaced with new bespoke units made entirely of the black stuff.

Gemballa also unleashed its expertise underhood. In Stage 1 trim, the Tornado delivers 580 horsepower and the Mistrale pushes 610. If that's not enough, Gemballa is happy to oblige with Stage 2, which takes either car to 700 hp and 737 lb.-ft. of toque. Keeping all that grunt in check is a set of enormous Brembo clamps developed specifically for Gemballa.

No matter which car you choose, you get a set of 410-mm, six-piston discs up front with 380-mm, four-piston units out back. The new brakes exert stopping power on a set of forged 22-inch Gemballa wheels. Despite their size, Gemballa says the forged rims are lighter and stronger than the stock Porsche units.

Inside, the cars get Gemballa's signature Alcantara and quilted leather treatment. If either of Gemballa's new rockets floats your boat, we'd suggest getting in line now, as the company says it will only build 30 examples of each. Check out the full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Gemballa Tornado and Mistrale

[Source: Gemballa]

Continue reading Gemballa shows Mistrale and Tornado at Top Marques Monaco

Gemballa shows Mistrale and Tornado at Top Marques Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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