Autoblog

Porsche 911 Carrera S nails down 7:37.9 'Ring time [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

Porsche released a video of its 911 Carrera S lapping the Nürburgring last month, and with a time of 7:37.9, the quintessential sports coupe continues to impress. With Timo Kluck behind the wheel, this Carrera S posted better times around the 'Ring than the 997 911 Turbo and, according to PorscheBoost, it even knocked a full two seconds off the time the Carrera S recorded last year.

The run took place on August 28, but Porsche only published the video this week. After checking recorded lap times posted on Wikipedia, the 911's run was faster than independent tests of the Lexus LFA, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R and Ferrari 458 Italia (which all posted times of 7:38). That's good company if you ask us.

Scroll down to watch Kluck and the 911 tackle the Nordschleife.

Continue reading Porsche 911 Carrera S nails down 7:37.9 'Ring time [w/video]

Porsche 911 Carrera S nails down 7:37.9 'Ring time [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gemballa reveals new Porsche 991-based GT convertible

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Pontiac, Luxury

Gemballa went through the ringer last year, but rebounded with products that signal a complete turnaround. The latest is the recently-released Porsche 911 Carrera S with a Gemballa GT aerodynamics and technology package. Aero-wise, it includes carbon fiber additions beginning with a front bumper wearing the classic Gemballa air intake design and a lower, angrier splitter. New side skirts run from wheel to wheel, the final piece being a rear bumper in three sculpted horizontal sections featuring a rear diffuser tucked between six rectangular exhaust tips.

No engine mods have been made, but the technology part of the tune - springs that are 30 millimeters shorter yet still able to work with the PASM system - is claimed to make the car faster. Bringing things to a halt is a new Brembo brake system hiding behind 21-inch GForged wheels that are lighter than Porsche's standard 20-inchers.

The Gemballa GT aero kit runs €19,860 ($26,070 U.S.), which includes paint and installation if you happen to be in Germany, and we're assuming that includes the suspension modification, brakes and sport exhaust. The GForged wheels are another €9,895 ($12,989 U.S.) depending on your choice of tire. Check out the press release below for more info, and the photo gallery above for all the angles.

Continue reading Gemballa reveals new Porsche 991-based GT convertible

Gemballa reveals new Porsche 991-based GT convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend picks its top driver's car of 2012 [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos

Here's a test of nine cars (see above), only two of which make less than 500 horsepower. Three of these nine cars recorded 0-60 times of less than three seconds, and all the rest but one (the Subaru BRZ), did it in 4.2 or less. Those are impressive stats, to be sure, but huge horsepower figures and stupid-quick acceleration, while certainly amazing in its own way, doesn't necessarily mean the car is a blast to drive - as Motor Trend says, if it were, they'd be testing a bunch of Top Fuel dragsters.

No, the point of throwing together these nine cars was to find out which is the magazine's Best Driver's Car of 2012. As you might imagine, a lot of instrumented testing goes into the equation, but perhaps the most important pieces of information come from the pilots behind the wheel. Again, to quote Motor Trend, "picking the Best Driver's Car, while fun, takes a great deal of time, thought, sweat, and vicious arguing."

Sound like fun? Instead of spoiling the results, we'll direct you to the video pasted below and the accompanying article here.

Continue reading Motor Trend picks its top driver's car of 2012 [w/video]

Motor Trend picks its top driver's car of 2012 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche announces Powerkit upgrade for 911 Carrera S

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

It's been less than a year since Porsche released its latest iteration of the iconic 911 range, and along with it the more powerful Carrera S model. And already the German automaker is offering an upgrade.

Released by the Porsche Exclusive department, the Powerkit ups the output from the 3.8-liter flat six from 400 horsepower to 430. As a result, the 911 Carrera S coupe equipped with the PDK dual-clutch transmission and the Powerkit is quoted at four seconds flat to 100 km/h (62 mph), with a top speed raised by four kilometers to 306 km/h (190 mph) or 308 km/h (191 mph) with the manual. It appears to be the same package that was fitted earlier to the exclusive 911 Club Coupe.

While output and performance has been heightened, Porsche quotes no changes to the car's fuel consumption figures. The changes are carried out by a remapped ECU, new cylinder heads and camshafts, a variable intake system, an additional radiator and a low-backpressure exhaust. The Sport Chrono dynamic engine mounts are also part of the package, and there's a host of aerodynamic enhancements - including a ducktail spoiler - on offer as well.

Scroll down for the full press release and scope out the retrofitted Carrera S in the high-res image gallery above for a closer look.

Continue reading Porsche announces Powerkit upgrade for 911 Carrera S

Porsche announces Powerkit upgrade for 911 Carrera S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche announces super-exclusive 911 Club Coupe

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 May 2012 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Specialty, Luxury

Porsche has worked up a treat to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first two Porsche Clubs, the first of which was founded by seven gentlemen in Westphalia, Germany in 1952, and the second started by another six gentlemen a few months later. Those few enthusiasts and two organizations have grown into 181,000 members among 640 Porsche Clubs in 75 countries. In honor of those humble beginnings, Porsche has created the 911 Club Coupe.

Using the Carrera S as a base, the Club Coupe gets the Carrera S Powerkit providing an extra 30 horsepower, taking the total to 430 hp and dropping the 0-to-100-kph sprint to 4.0 seconds. The PASM option drops the car by 20 millimeters over its 20-inch Sport Techno rims, and the Sport Design package adds a new front fascia and a ducktail spoiler out back. The work is then coated in Brewster Green paint with an Espresso interior, and finished with glossy script on the doors.

The only bittersweet note concerning the 911 Club Coupe is that Porsche is making just 13 of them, and the company is keeping one for itself. The remaining 12 will be awarded to those who win the allotment lottery, entered by registering at the microsite. You have until June 16 to get your name down, and if you are among the chosen your name will be engraved on the door sill - but we assume that's after you've paid €142,831, or $175,580, before taxes for the privilege.

Have a look below for the press release and above for the gallery of a car that will be harder to find than Carmen San Diego.

Porsche announces super-exclusive 911 Club Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche recalling 2012 911 Carrera S over possible fuel leak

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche is recalling 1,232 examples of its new 911 Carrera S over potential fuel leaks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filing, routing of a coolant line could interfere with the fuel line, causing the latter to to become disconnected. Naturally, a loose fuel line is no small matter, as it could lead to stalling problems or even a fire.

NHTSA says the recall will begin in April, when Porsche notifies owners that they can take their coupes to the dealer to repair the issue free of charge. Follow the jump for the official details.

Continue reading Porsche recalling 2012 911 Carrera S over possible fuel leak

Porsche recalling 2012 911 Carrera S over possible fuel leak originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche 911 hits U.S. dealerships

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

The 2012 Porsche 911 has been soaking up its share of plaudits, now its ready to soak up its share of your bank account. The "longer, lower, wider, 100-pounds lighter, faster" 911 has finally reached dealerships in its two initial guises: 350-horsepower Carrera and 400-horsepower Carrera S.

The entry model will need $82,100 of your hard earned cash, which is a $4,300 premium over the 2011 Carrera MSRP. It takes another $14,300 to affix an S to the rear end. Those prices don't include the $950 destination charge, but you wouldn't let such a tifle stand between you and history anyway, right? You'll find a press release with a few more details after the jump, then we can all turn our attention to the 911 Turbo.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 hits U.S. dealerships

2012 Porsche 911 hits U.S. dealerships originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S [w/video]

Michael Harley — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche, First Drives

Think Your Job Is Stressful? Try Redesigning The 911

The world's most iconic sports car, the Porsche 911, is redefined about every seven years. This is no easy feat, as each new model must not only conform to ever tightening emissions, fuel economy and safety regulations, but must be faster and more competitive in motorsports. The 911 remains one of the most successful racing cars ever built, and for many, it's not just a sports car from Porsche - it is Porsche.

Now, an all-new seventh-generation Porsche 911 Carrera has been unveiled. While the rear-engine replacement lacks serious controversy (the move from an air-cooled flat-six to water-cooled powerplant more than a decade ago was dreadfully traumatic), the new Type 991 presents altered proportions to improve passenger comfort, handling and stability. But don't think for a moment that the 2012 model has gone soft. It is much more dynamic and capable than its predecessor. To substantiate the fact, Porsche divulges that its all-new Carrera S is capable of lapping the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit in just 7:40 minutes. Not only is that 14 seconds faster than last year's 997, but it matches the time of the race-ready Type 997 GT3. And that's just the start.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S [w/video]

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche 911 lops 13 seconds off predecessor's 'Ring time, quick as 997 GT3

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

The Porsche 911 is dead, long live the Porsche 911. The German automaker's latest and greatest has taken to the Nürburgring where old marks have fallen hard. The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S was sent through the Green Hell, where it promptly beat the time achieved by the prior 997 version by a whopping 13 seconds.

With a time of 7:40, the 2012 911 matches the mark set by the previous 911 GT3. If you happen to own a previous generation 911 GT3, we'll pause here for a moment while you go out to smash something with a hammer.

Back? Great. You shouldn't fret too much, because this just means the next-generation GT3 should be a land rocket capable of blistering the surface of the 'Ring. GT2 guys, your numbers are still safe... for now.

2012 Porsche 911 lops 13 seconds off predecessor's 'Ring time, quick as 997 GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S is seven shades of awesome [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

We like the new 2012 Porsche 911 so much that we thought, heck, why not show it to you twice. This time, however, we bring you the more powerful 911 Carrera S from the floor of the Frankfurt Motor Show. It's the more powerful sibling to the standard 911, and a German sports car that we're eager to get some seat time in.

Buried in the tail is a 3.8-liter flat-six engine that produces 400 horsepower, and can be paired with either a PDK or the new seven-speed manual gearbox. A 911 Carrera S equipped with the auto-shifting unit can run from 0-62 miles per hour in just 4.3 seconds. If you opt for the Sport Plus package, that time drops to just 4.1 seconds. Seeing as this is a Porsche, the Sport Plus package is just one of many things you will be opting for.

Regardless, the new 911, while looking similar to all past examples, offers subtle styling cues that reveal it as the latest member of an iconic family. The wheelbase is 100 millimeters longer and the height of the car has been reduced. Both of these factors give the 2012 911 Carrera S a slightly sleeker profile.

Are you in the market for the latest 911? You'll need at least $96,400 to put a Carrera S in your driveway. That's $13,771.43 per gear.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S is seven shades of awesome [w/video]

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S is seven shades of awesome [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche 911 Carrera disrobes ahead of Frankfurt, priced from $82,100

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Things happen in an orderly fashion in Germany. And so they do with the unveiling of new cars. The Porsche 911 most of all.

Every few years, Porsche makes enough substantial changes to its 48-year-old rear-engined sports car to categorize it as a new model. Then it begins rolling out one version after another until a couple dozen are out there, and the process starts all over again.

You may call it Sisyphean, but Porsche calls this progress. And even this process follows in an orderly fashion. So with the initial images already leaked out online and the new model's debut scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, it only follows in typical Teutonic logic that Porsche now release the first batch of official photos and information on its new staple model.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera disrobes ahead of Frankfurt, priced from $82,100

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera disrobes ahead of Frankfurt, priced from $82,100 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Need For Speed franchise gears up for The Run with trailer

Zach Bowman — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, Porsche, Toys/Games

Everyone knows that street racing of any ilk is a recipe for disaster. Pushing a machine on public streets is an easy way to end an innocent life, which is why we love the Need For Speed franchise so much. The games allow to take to virtual tarmac to scratch our persistent illegal go-fast itch. NFS has officially released a trailer for its next title, Need For Speed: The Run, which pits high-dollar metal against each other in a race from Los Angeles to New York. Gamers who opt for the limited-edition game can sink their teeth into three unique cars, too.

Those include the mighty Lamborghini Aventador as well as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the yet-to-be-unveiled Porsche 911 Carrera S. We even get a few quick shadowy glances at the Porsche during the teaser. The game looks to promise plenty of fender-to-fender action, crashes and death defying feats of driving skill. Hit the jump to check out the trailer for yourself.

Continue reading Need For Speed franchise gears up for The Run with trailer

Need For Speed franchise gears up for The Run with trailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Michael Harley — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche, New Car Reviews

There's No Better Place To Drive A Porsche Than Germany

2010 Porsche 911 Carrera S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Driving a Porsche in Germany is akin to climbing rocks with a Jeep JK in Moab, piloting a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean, flying a Long-EZ into Oshkosh or guiding the Skycycle X-2 over the Snake River Canyon - the machine is a perfect choice for the venue.

With a personal European vacation already scheduled, it was an ideal opportunity to review a 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera S in Deutschland. During one full week of touring, I'd have the opportunity to drive the venerable sports car nearly a thousand miles through German Bavaria. The planned route would wander through wooded forests, cross fertile farmland and follow the banks of the Rhine River. There would be days climbing through the spectacular Alps, and countless miles spent zooming down unlimited sections of Autobahn.

There is no better place on earth to drive a Porsche than in Germany and it was going to be my job to prove it...

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera S: Review

Continue reading Review: 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Review: 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911?

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Racing

After Mini's many attempts to coax Porsche into a race, including videos, posting an online petition and even flying a banner plane over the automaker's North American headquarters, the lights have all gone dark in Atlanta, and it looks like Mini is out of luck.

But the show must go on! Even if Porsche has officially decided to decline.

Not only is Mini offering space at Road Atlanta for up to 400 people to come watch, but they're even providing a race-ready 911 Carrera S. As for who's driving, that's still up in the air. Mini posted this advertisement (right) on its Facebook page, hoping to find one brave soul who will put the mighty 911 through its paces against the Cooper S.

What's more, Mini is even offering up track time to any of the 400 guests who show up on June 21. It certainly sounds like a fun day will be had, regardless of the race's final outcome, and we're now wishing that we lived just a little bit closer to Atlanta. Remember, you can keep up to date on all of the Mini vs. Porsche happenings on Facebook.

[Sources: MotoringFile, Facebook]

Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Racing

Mini boss Jim McDowell responds to Porsche - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'll be honest - we were rather excited to see how a race between a Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Carrera S would go down. After Mini initially challenged Porsche to a trackday showdown at Road Atlanta on June 21, Porsche declined, saying that it will "stick to racing the way we have over the decades," and welcomed Mini to attend any sanctioned race where "there is more at stake than t-shirts and valet parking spaces."

Mini has had a very impressive response to this challenge, and isn't giving up. Mini USA boss Jim McDowell has issued yet another message to Porsche Cars North America CEO Detlev Von Platen saying that they're willing to raise the stakes, offering prizes such as Justin Bieber concert tickets (including backstage passes!), a lifetime membership to the Salami Of The Month club or even a (slightly used) home gym, among other things. Excellent.

We love Mini's enthusiasm over this whole event, and as we understand, Mini is even flying a banner plane over Porsche's Atlanta, Georgia headquarters with the message "Dear Porsche, Bring it. Love, Mini." Seriously. You can keep up with the whole back-and-forth on Mini USA's Facebook page. In any case, with only one week until the supposed race day, we hope Porsche will saddle up for this duel, even though Mini hasn't specified what the Road Atlanta challenge(s) will be (it could be an egg-carrying race for all we know) and Stuttgart really doesn't appear to have much to gain by picking on the little kid. Top tip, Brett!

[Source: Mini Facebook]

Continue reading Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race

Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST

Mini takes on Porsche - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's something unexpected. Mini USA has announced it's challenging Porsche to a formal race, where the go-kart-like Cooper S will take on the infamous 911 Carrera S. This may seem like a far stretch, seeing as how the Cooper is down on power by over 200 horses, but Mini is confident that its more nimble, lighter hatch can out-maneuver the big 911 on the track.

This certainly isn't the first automaker challenge we've heard of this year, and we're hoping Porsche steps up to the plate. The event will take place on June 21 (that's in two weeks!) at Road Atlanta, which as Mini points out, is right around the corner from Porsche's North American headquarters.

In the video found after the jump, Mini USA's president, Jim McDowell (a former Porsche executive, we might add), explains the whole deal, and says that if his team loses, he'll wear a shirt that reads "We did not beat Porsche" at his next public appearance. Likewise, he has a "We beat Porsche" shirt prepped for the same occasion. Mini will be hosting a live video of the event on their Facebook page, as well as more information about the event. Will Porsche send out a 911 for the challenge? We certainly hope so. Let the games begin.

Gallery: Mini Challenges Porsche

[Source: Facebook via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 997 hits 100,000 units faster than any other 911 generation

Alex Nunez — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Porsche

Click image to enlarge

Porsche has announced that the current iteration of the iconic 911 sports car, the Type 997, has reached a milestone. The 100,000th 997 has rolled out of Zuffenhausen, and the significance here is not the number, but how quickly it got there. The first 997 was completed in April 2004, and no other 911 generation has reached the 100,000 car mark in so short a time. The landmark vehicle, shown above, is a Guards Red 911 Carrera S with a manual transmission which will be delivered to a German customer. How'd Porsche get to the number so fast? Well, obviously there's demand for the car, and production capabilities have only improved over the years. We wouldn't be at all surprised to see the next-gen 911 repeat this feat.

[Source: Porsche]

Porsche 997 hits 100,000 units faster than any other 911 generation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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