Autoblog

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet brings warm weather to Detroit [w/video]

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Design/Style, Luxury

The Motor City has been blessed with unseasonably warm weather and mostly clear skies this week, so consider it fortuitous that Porsche has gifted the Detroit Auto Show with the global premiere of its 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

This topless 911 carries with it a unique top mechanism that comes off like a particularly snug-fitting canvas lid that follows the roofline of the coupe beautifully - Porsche says it carries rigid panels like a folding hardtop along with its fabric top. The goal? Increased security and noise abatement along with improved styling. The new power retract cap can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 31 miles per hour and also includes a novel power wind deflector that can deploy in seconds.

The 3.4-liter Carrera reaches 62 miles per hour in 5.0 seconds with the seven-speed manual (4.8 seconds with the PDK and 4.6 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono) thanks to its 350-horsepower 3.4-liter flat six. Like the coupe, the Carrera S gets a displacement bump to 3.8 liters and a commensurate rise in power to 400 horsepower. 0-62 mph is dispatched in 4.7 seconds with the seven-speed manual and as little as 4.3 seconds with the PDK Sport Chrono. Check out some rolling footage of the Cabrio after the jump and the official press release.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet brings warm weather to Detroit [w/video]

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet brings warm weather to Detroit [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche committed to offering manual transmissions as long as there's demand

Noah Joseph — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Porsche

Purists take note: As long as customers ask for it, Porsche will offer the 911 with a manual transmission. This sigh of relief comes from the mouth of the company's CEO Matthias Muller, speaking with Motor Trend editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie.

The news will undoubtedly come as welcome to those who feared that the smooth-shifting PDK dual-clutch transmission would obviate the availability of a traditional three-pedal stick-shift gearbox. Porsche did, after all, just develop a new seven-speed manual for the new 911, even though the PDK is both smoother and quicker than even the most seasoned heel-and-toer could ever be.

While they were at it, Muller and MacKenzie also confirmed that the new 911 GT3 will remain a manual-only affair, superseding earlier reports and allaying fears that the beloved enthusiasts' favorite would lose a pedal for the clutch in favor of a second automated one.

Porsche committed to offering manual transmissions as long as there's demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche 911 gets shifty with 7-speed manual gearbox

Zach Bowman — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Technology, Videos, Porsche, Luxury

We're all clamoring to get our greasy mitts on the new seven-speed manual transmission in the 2012 Porsche 911. Porsche has officially released a video of exactly how the gearbox works. As expected, engineers opted to use shorter ratios for gears one through six while leaving seventh gear nice and wide. That strategy is the same one employed in the company's optional PDK, and it essentially operates as a six-speed manual with a seventh gear over drive. Porsche says the design allows the 2012 911 to deliver buyers the acceleration and performance that the vehicle has come to represent while also serving up improved fuel economy.

The Porsche marketing machine calls the new manual "puristic," which, given the company's enthusiasm for the PDK, we assume to mean "dated." We're fine with that, though. We're not whipping the car around Le Mans, so Porsche can keep the faster-than-human shifts of the double-clutch box. We want our third pedal. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself. Thanks for the tip, GT6!

Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 gets shifty with 7-speed manual gearbox

2012 Porsche 911 gets shifty with 7-speed manual gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche to nix manual option for next-gen Panamera? [w/poll]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

2010 Porsche Panamera 4S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche offers no lack of choices for the purist, but the Panamera isn't one of 'em. Despite being ridiculously capable, the company's four-door coupe is more for spirited cruising than track attack. Little wonder, then, that Porsche is reportedly likely to abandon the availability of a manual transmission on the next-generation Panamera.

The decision reportedly comes, naturally enough, from lack of demand for three pedals on the current sedan. Which makes enough sense, we suppose - while we'd take a GT3, for example, with a clutch pedal, when it comes to the Panamera, we can see most customers preferring to let the robot do the work.

The report comes from the German correspondent at Car and Driver, who just a couple of weeks ago brought better news for the enthusiast side of Stuttgart's fan base: namely, that the next-gen 911 will offer a seven-speed manual. That in addition to the seven-cog, dual-clutch PDK that will apparently be the sole choice on the next Panamera.

In other news, C/D also suggests that the next Panamera will receive electric power steering, an energy-saving technology whose main drawback has been that such systems are tough to tune while preserving steering feel, an essential Porsche ingredient.

So, assuming word of no manual Panamera is true, has Porsche made the right decision? Cast your vote in the poll below.

View Poll

Porsche to nix manual option for next-gen Panamera? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chronolyze unleashes the potential of Porsche's Sport Chrono Plus

Michael Harley — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Technology, Porsche

Chronolyze software - Click above for high-res image gallery of screen shots

Porsche's optional "Sport Chrono Package" adds a Sport button to the center console that kicks throttle, suspension and engine behavior up a few notches. It also adds a cool swivel-mounted timer to the center of the dashboard (essentially so your friends and passers-by know you have it) and launch control on PDK-equipped models. The upgraded "Sport Chrono Package Plus" adds a memory function to the system and the ability to display and review some of the lap data on the Porsche PCM (multi-function display).

The on-board PCM analysis only scratches the surface, says the team at Chronolyze. According to their engineers (no relation to Porsche AG), the Chrono Package Plus records vehicle speed, engine speed, transmission gear, steering angle, lateral g-forces, engine temperature, outside temperature, distance traveled, altitude and GPS coordinates (on NAV-equipped vehicles). That's a ton of information that is left sitting completely unused.

Since none of this data is available via the PCM, Chronolyze has developed software that extracts the text files (through Bluetooth or the iPod connection) so they may be further analyzed on a computer. The Chronolyze software organizes the data, calculates a 3D analysis of the laps (so they may be played back in real-time animations), and then graphs it all out for your viewing pleasure. In addition, the software also allows users to share telemetry, give ratings and overlay sessions from multiple files. If you've got a properly equipped Porsche in your driveway, give it a trial run. You can get your free beta account here.

Gallery: Chronolyze Screen Shots

[Source: Chronolyze]

Chronolyze unleashes the potential of Porsche's Sport Chrono Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All Thumbs? No Problem: Gemballa F1 steering wheel for Porsche 911 PDK

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Porsche

Porsche 911 Carrera PDK with Gemballa F1 steering wheel - Click above for a hi-res gallery

There's no doubt that the technology behind the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission is a marvel of engineering - much like any other dual-clutch gearbox - but its ergonomics leave something to be desired. Instead of offering seamless and effortless shifting, journalists and buyers alike have derided the placement of the shift levers on the steering wheel (much like many chided the thumb rockers on its Tiptronic predecessor). Fortunately, there is no shortage of aftermarket tuners out there which specialize specifically in Porsche, and one of them has just stepped up with an answer.

Gemballa, the same tuning house that has come up with a seemingly endless string of gonzo modified Porsches, has just released a new aftermarket steering wheel for PDK-equipped 911s that aims to rectify the sportscar's ergonomic shortfalls. The 34 cm wheel incorporates a full-size airbag and can be ordered in a variety of color and trim combinations to match your 997's interior, but the highlight is a set o black paddles positioned behind the wheel: right for up, left for down, no questions, no problems. Check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Gemballa F1 steering wheel for PDK

[Source: Gemballa]

All Thumbs? No Problem: Gemballa F1 steering wheel for Porsche 911 PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:28:00 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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Review: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Michael Harley — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, New Car Reviews

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

A 1980 Porsche 911 SC Targa was deposited in my driveway during the spring of 1999. A good friend left it in my care while a contractor remodeled his garage. I'd never driven a Porsche, let alone a 911, but I would tend his car for three full months. With a 3.0-liter flat-6 hung way out back, the 180-horsepower engine was noisy, its open chassis flexible, and the whole thing smelled like dirty motor oil. Regardless of its rudimentary technology and semi-backwards handling tendencies, it was an absolute challenging thrill to drive. One decade later, déjà vu, as a brand-new 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is sitting in the driveway. A direct descendant of the classic SC, it represents the pinnacle of Porsche engineering and the latest iteration of the rear-engine sports car. A week with the car reveals some surprises, exposes a few pitfalls, and confirms many theories. Read about all of them after the jump...

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage - 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Continue reading Review: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Review: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'09 Boxster/Cayman pricing announced

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche Cayman

The all-new 2009 Porsche Cayman and Boxster are coming Stateside in March, with new technology, more power, and a price hike over the outgoing model. The 2009 Boxster will start at $46,600, and the right to own the more powerful Boxster S will run you $10,100 more at $56,700. The Cayman will start at $50,300, and adding an S will bring you up to $60,200. Porsche's 2009 pricing represents a 1.8% increase when compared to the outgoing 2008 models, but you get quite a bit more Porsche for the New Year.

Thanks to Porsche's new Direct Fuel Injection tech, both the Boxster and Cayman models will receive a significant power boost. The base 2.9-liter flat-six will increase power for the Boxster and Cayman to 255 and 265 ponies. The S-level 3.4-liter engine will now crank out 310 hp in the convertible and 320 hp for its fixed roof sibling. Also available is Porsche's new seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission, which offers manual paddle shifting without the labor of a clutch. The new powertrains will give Porsche owners some extra punch, while also improving fuel economy -- combined estimates come in at over 25 mpg.

Porsche is also cranking up the price of the iconic 911 and the Cayenne will also see a bump in price for 2009. Beginning in February, both models will receive a 1% price hike, with the average sticker jumping by about $900.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman

'09 Boxster/Cayman pricing announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche PDK can turn off front-wheel-drive in Carrera 4

Chris Shunk — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Porsche

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK

The Porsche PDK system is a revolutionary new dual-clutch transmission that gives does lightning fast shifts without the need to move your left foot. That's not the only cool trick up the new Carerra's sleeve when equipped with PDK. The guys at Garage 419 found out from Porsche engineers that front-wheel drive can be disabled entirely by lifting up the parking brake a single notch. Once you lift up that brake, the four-wheel-drive Carerra 4 becomes a Carrera 2 and power slides and donuts are yours to discover. Follow the jump to view Garage 419's video review of the new 997. News about the front-drive shutoff is available at the two-minute mark, but the entire video is worth watching. You can check out our own first drive of the Porsche Carrera with PDK by clicking here.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Carrera 911 PDK

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Porsche PDK can turn off front-wheel-drive in Carrera 4

Porsche PDK can turn off front-wheel-drive in Carrera 4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK

Michael Harley — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, First Drives

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK - Click above for high-res image gallery

Introduced in 1963, the Porsche 911 is one of the most successful competition cars ever built. Despite its unconventional rear-engine platform, the 911 Carrera holds recorded wins in nearly every type of automotive competition. Continuously upgraded and refined, Porsche has introduced a mid-cycle refresh for the 2009 model year. While the cosmetic changes are immediately apparent, the most significant improvements - two new engines and a new double-clutch transmission - are hidden under its sleek skin. We spent a long day putting the 2009 911 Carrera through its paces on a race track near Salt Lake City framed by the spectacular snow-capped surrounding mountains of Utah. Read our impressions after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Carrera 911 PDK

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK

First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Porsche's PDK gearbox in action

Drew Phillips — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, 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

VIDEO: Porsche's PDK gearbox in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche buyers not keen on start-stop tech

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Green, Porsche

Porsche, like every other automaker under the sun, is under pressure to produce vehicles with improved fuel efficiency that emits less CO2. The current 911 puts out 225 g/km of CO2, but Porsche believes that it can hack another 10 g/km off that figure with the implementation of start-stop technology on its flat-six engines. Not so fast, say Porschephiles. According to the automaker, buyers aren't fond of such a feature on their arse-engined performance machines. Porsche didn't cite the reasons behind consumer's reluctance, but a 10 g/km reduction doesn't seem like much in the overall product scheme of Porsche.

During the launch of the 2009 911, CAR asked Porsche engineers what the CO2 limitations are of the current flat-six, and according to Thomas Wasserback, "it might be possible to produce a Boxster that emits 180 g/km, it would be difficult to engineer a 911 to produce 200." However, Porsche intents to maintain current performance levels, despite a possible reduction in engine output, by lessening equipment levels and making use of more lightweight materials and body shells. Interestingly, Porsche estimates that the new 911s equipped with the seven-speed PDK transmission, which increases fuel economy and decreases emissions, will account for 80-percent of all 2009 911s sold and could spell the end of the stick shift within five years. However, manual transmissions will remain standard on Porsche's 911 Turbo, GT2 and RS models due to the torque limitations of the PDK gearbox, but a stronger version of the 'box is in development, so expect to see dual-clutch technology on all those models in the coming years.

Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S

[Source: CAR]

Porsche buyers not keen on start-stop tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2009 Porsche 911 gets direct injection and dual-clutch gearbox

Alex Nunez — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:22:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche 997 Carreras

The 2009 Porsche 911 has been formally unveiled, sporting lightly -tweaked styling, and important changes under the skin. The 3.6L and 3.8L engines to be found under the engine covers of Carrera and Carrera S models are new, featuring gasoline direct injection for the first time, and bringing more power and improved fuel economy in tow. The 3.6L engine now produces 345 horsepower (a 20-horse increase), while the 3.8 in Carrera S gets a 30-horsepower boost, coming in at a very healthy 385 HP. Both engines' fuel economy and emissions output levels are improved, with the Carrera Coupe boasting a 24 mpg (US) combined-cycle figure.

Also contributing to the cars' improved performance and fuel economy is the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that arrives for 2009. Dubbed Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), it replaces the Tiptronic S in the Carrera and Carrera S. Visually, the 2009 Porsche 997 is freshened with bi-Xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and restyled taillamps that now use LED illumination. Also in back, you'll see that the Carreras get ovoid dual exhaust outlets, while the Carrera S cars get a pair of double-barreled tips. The cars arrive in Europe next month with a U.S. launch to follow later in this year.

Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2009 Porsche 911 gets direct injection and dual-clutch gearbox

Officially Official: 2009 Porsche 911 gets direct injection and dual-clutch gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roadgoing Porsches may finally get dual clutch gearboxes

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Porsche

The dual-clutch gearbox was originally conceived back in the 1930s by half-track inventor Adolphe Kégresse, but its first practical application didn't appear until nearly six decades later in the back end of some Porsche 956 and 962 race cars and some Audi rally cars. For whatever reason, Porsche dropped the idea in favor manually shifted automatic TipTronic gearboxes for its production cars.

Volkswagen finally brought the dual clutch system to the masses a few years ago with its DSG units. It looks like Porsche will soon finally add the setup to its road cars in the next few years with the brand name it used on the race cars - PDK for Porsche Doppel Kupplungen or Porsche Double Clutches. The TipTronic paddle shifters will be retained so that the driver can execute shifts without releasing the steering wheel. No word yet on timing or application, but as soon as we know you will.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Roadgoing Porsches may finally get dual clutch gearboxes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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