Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: 9ff Speed9 takes Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio to the next level]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/pics-aplenty-9ff-speed9-takes-the-porsche-911-turbo-cabrio-to-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/pics-aplenty-9ff-speed9-takes-the-porsche-911-turbo-cabrio-to-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/pics-aplenty-9ff-speed9-takes-the-porsche-911-turbo-cabrio-to-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


9ff Speed9 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we discovered earlier this month, the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo is one heck of a fast car. The quickest Porsche has ever produced, in fact. So it would take considerable moxie to try and improve on it. Fortunately, 9ff has such moxie, as demonstrated with the company's new Speed9.

We brought you initial info on the Speedster-inspired tuner car a few days ago, but 9ff has been kind enough to grace us with a few more details on its latest endeavor. Set to be unveiled this coming weekend at the Essen Motor Show - Germany's equivalent of SEMA - the 9ff Speed9 starts with the new 911 Turbo cabrio and updates with a series of performance and body mods to take it to the next level.

Improving on the 997.5's 3.8-liter direct injection twin-turbo boxer six, the 9ff pumps output up from 500 horsepower up to 650 ponies with a simple upgrade to the ECU and new air filter, exhaust and catalytic converter. The result? Try 0-100 km/h (62mph) in 3.3 seconds en route to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph) - limited only by the speedster's slick open body-style. But those sleek looks and extra oomph will cost you: 239,000 euros - the equivalent of $360,000 in American greenbacks. That's two-and-a-half times the price of a stock 911 turbo cab, but if cost is no object, the Speed9 could be just your ticket.

Follow the jump for the press release and check out the fresh gallery of full high-resolution images below.


Gallery: 9ff Speed9


[Source: 9ff]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: 9ff Speed9 takes Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio to the next level

Pics Aplenty: 9ff Speed9 takes Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio to the next level originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 porsche 911 turbo cabrio2010 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet2010Porsche911TurboCabrio2010Porsche911TurboCabriolet911911 turbo911Turbo9ff9ff porsche9ff speed 99ffPorsche9ffSpeed9essenessen motor showEssenMotorShowporscheporsche 911porsche 911 turboporsche 911 turbo cabrioporsche 911 turbo cabrioletporsche 9ffporsche turboPorsche911Porsche911TurboPorsche911TurboCabrioPorsche911TurboCabrioletPorsche9ffPorscheTurbospeed 9Speed9Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:17:00 EST<![CDATA[9ff speeds into Essen with Speedster-inspired Speed9]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/9ff-speeding-into-essen-with-speedster-inspired-speed9/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/9ff-speeding-into-essen-with-speedster-inspired-speed9/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/9ff-speeding-into-essen-with-speedster-inspired-speed9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


9ff Speed9 - Click above for image gallery

If you love the spirit of SEMA but tend to lean towards more European tastes, Essen is the show for you. The annual aftermarket show in Germany always brings out an enticing crop of European tuner cars, and 9ff isn't about to let it go by without making its mark.

The Porsche tuner is hitting Essen with the Speed9, a slick speedster inspired by the legendary 356 (circa 1955) and based on the latest 997 Turbo cabrio. Naturally, 9ff started in the rear, boosting the 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat six from 473hp stock up to a whopping 650, all by tweaking the ECU and swapping out the air filter, exhaust and catalytic converter. The tuners have also fitted adjustable stabilizers front and rear with double springs at each corner, coupled with upgraded brakes.

There's no word yet on what effect the mods will have on performance, but you can't miss the body kit 9ff has developed. They've done away with the rear seats to give the cabrio a speedster-like profile, while fitting a new front air dam, side skirts and rear apron. No word on price either, but you can expect it to be commensurately expensive, with much of the range customizable to order.


Gallery: 9ff Speed9 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio


[Source: 9ff via WCF]

9ff speeds into Essen with Speedster-inspired Speed9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911 turbo911Turbo9ff9ff 997 turbo9ff porsche9ff speed99ff997Turbo9ffPorsche9ffSpeed9essenessen motor showEssenMotorShowporscheporsche 911porsche 911 turboporsche 997Porsche911Porsche911TurboPorsche997speed 9Speed9Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Another day, another racing 911: Introducing the Porsche GT3 R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/another-day-another-racing-911-introducing-the-porsche-gt3-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/another-day-another-racing-911-introducing-the-porsche-gt3-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/another-day-another-racing-911-introducing-the-porsche-gt3-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R - click above for high-res image gallery

Over its nearly half-century of its existence, the Porsche 911 seems to have spawned nearly as many racing variants as production models. The newest one announced is the 911 GT3 R, which, as the name implies, is targeted at GT3 class racing worldwide. The GT3 R is the followup to the GT3 Cup S model and just as with its road cars, Porsche has aimed to make the new racer both faster and easier to drive.

The GT3 R is derived from the most recent Cup car that was launched in September. It uses a larger normally aspirated 4.0-liter version of the classic flat-six that cranks out 480 horsepower. Like other road racing 911s, this one is rear-wheel drive only and uses a six-speed gearbox. The GT3 will be shown publicly in January at the Birmingham Motor Show in the UK before deliveries to teams start next spring. Since we can't afford one, we're hoping to see a few of these in the ALMS' new GT Challenge class next season. High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Another day, another racing 911: Introducing the Porsche GT3 R

Another day, another racing 911: Introducing the Porsche GT3 R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911 GT3 RS frankfurt911Gt3RsFrankfurt997ALMSbirmingham motor showBirminghamMotorShowGT ChallengeGT3GT3 RGt3RGtChallengePorscheporsche 911porsche 911 gt3Porsche 911 GT3 RPorsche 997Porsche Motorsportporsche motorsportsPorsche911Porsche911Gt3Porsche911Gt3RPorsche997PorscheMotorsportPorscheMotorsportsThu, 19 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch Porsche dealership covers new 997 Carrera S in milk chocolate for the holidays]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/dutch-porsche-dealership-covers-new-997-carrera-s-in-milk-chocol/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/dutch-porsche-dealership-covers-new-997-carrera-s-in-milk-chocol/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/dutch-porsche-dealership-covers-new-997-carrera-s-in-milk-chocol/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Porsche Centrum Gelderland's chocolate 911 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back when we were but wee little Autobloggers, Easter was one of our favorite holidays. Not that we were religious, mind, we just really dug finding baskets filled with sugary treats nestled in plastic grass first thing in the morning. As far as we were concerned, you could keep your colored eggs, your jellybeans, your Cadbury creme eggs - heck, we weren't even that excited about those supernaturally yellow marshmallow Peep things - we wanted the Big Daddy - the solid chocolate bunny.

You can imagine our horror, then, when at some point in our childhood, our long-eared cacao friend went on a diet, although we didn't know it right off. Oh, he looked about the same - and he even sported the same jaunty tinfoil jacket. But he weighed much less - he was - *shudder* - hollow. Empty inside like our little crestfallen Easter morning spirits.

Thankfully, these many years later, Porsche Centrum Gelderland appears to be going some way towards healing our childhood wounds and restoring our faith in humanity. Well, if not humanity, at least in the validity of hollow chocolate treats. You see, the Dutch Porsche dealership has apparently taken a brand-new 911 Carrera S and as a sort of marketing stunt, they've gone and covered it in chocolate. According to AB tipster Patrick, in the absence of a giant dipping mechanism, they've used 175 kilos of molten goodness (that's about 385 pounds) to conceal Stuttgart's finest, reserving another couple kilos of white chocolate for detailing like the headlamps.

Why on earth did they decide to do this? It's apparently for a Dutch holiday centered around "Sinterklaas" - Saint Nicholas - who was the Danish inspiration for Santa Claus. As the story goes, the holiday is held in The Netherlands on the evening of December 5, and one of the holiday's most storied traditions is that people buy or make chocolate letters in celebration - hence the milky goodness that is Centrum Gelderland's Choco997.

The dipped Porsche will remain on display until Christmas, at which time we fully expect to see it wheeled into a walk-in freezer until it can to be thawed in time to make an appearance in our Easter basket next Spring. Thanks for the tip, Patrick!


Gallery: Porsche Centrum Gelderland's Chocolate 911


[Sources: Automobiel Management; Autotelegraaf.nl]

Dutch Porsche dealership covers new 997 Carrera S in milk chocolate for the holidays originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CacaoChocoChocolateChocolatierEasterPorschePorsche 911Porsche 997Porsche CentrumPorsche Centrum GelderlandPorsche911Porsche997PorscheCentrumPorscheCentrumGelderlandSinterklaasStuttgartTue, 17 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche challenges you to guess which 911 you are listening to]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/porsche-challenges-you-to-guess-which-911-you-are-listening-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/porsche-challenges-you-to-guess-which-911-you-are-listening-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/porsche-challenges-you-to-guess-which-911-you-are-listening-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A Trio of Porsche 911s - click above for high-res image gallery

And if you get 'em all right, you get a chance to win your way into a Porsche 911 Evolution driving course. Which, we have to say, is pretty dang cool. Here's how it works. Porsche has the challenge broken up into five categories. You hit play and guess which engine you're listening to. We went ahead and gave it the old college try and, uh, it's incredibly difficult. Like, we bet that Porsche mechanics would have a difficult time getting all five correct.

But never mind that, because it's fun! The first category (Carrera) wants you to guess between a 964, a 996 and a 997. Second is "Classic" where you must distinguish between a RS 2.7, RS 3.0 and RS 3.8. Good luck with that one. Next up is "Race Derived" and the choices are 964 RS 3.8, 996 GT3 and 997 GT3. Hard, right? Because air-cooled boxer motors pretty much sound alike, even when they get water cooled. Well, actually...

The test now turns difficult, as the next category is "Turbo." This is especially hard as most Turbos do little more than shuffle about town from mall to mall -- meaning it's rare to hear one at full clip. And you've got to distinguish between the 930, 996 and 997. Lastly, you have "Motorsport," and whether or not the car is the 935, 911 GT1 or 936 it don't matter, as the sound is just glorious. See -- we mean hear -- for yourself.


Gallery: Porsche 911 Evolution Competition


[Source: Porsche]

Porsche challenges you to guess which 911 you are listening to originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PorschePorsche 911Porsche 911 EvolutionPorsche 911 evolution competitionPorsche CarreraPorsche Carrera 911Porsche RSPorsche TurboPorsche911Porsche911EvolutionPorsche911EvolutionCompetitionPorscheCarreraPorscheCarrera911PorscheRsPorscheTurboMon, 16 Nov 2009 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[TechArt squeezes more power out of Porsche 911 Carrera 4S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/techart-squeezes-more-power-out-of-porsche-911-carrera-4s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/techart-squeezes-more-power-out-of-porsche-911-carrera-4s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/techart-squeezes-more-power-out-of-porsche-911-carrera-4s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TechArt Porsche 911 Carrera 4S - Click above for high-res image gallery

In certain circles, the 911 4S is considered the Porsche to get. You got your high-output S motor, the security of all the wheels being driven, a curvaceous (if not swollen) rear end, all the luxuries of home (especially if you tick off "leather air vents" on the options list) but without the crippling price of the Turbo or punishing ride/packaging of the GT3. Obviously, lots of folks feel differently, but if you're going to go down the 4S road, you might want to stop off and pay a visit to TechArt.

The "why" is that using some absolutely gorgeous piping, TechArt has found a way to squeeze 35 more horseponies out of the Carrera 4S's 3.8-liter flat-six, raising the total from 385 to 420. Which is as much power as the original 996 Turbo made. Which, we need not remind you, passed for a supercar just a few short years ago. And the 997 iteration of the 4S weighs about one hundred pounds less than the old Turbo.

But you can't just give the people more power and call it a day. With that maxim in mind, TechArt has gone ahead and crafted up a nice body kit for its 4S. There's a little lip spoiler, some twisted sills and a tastefully done spoiler. Actually, that spoiler does more than just look good - it's got a Gurney flap! That means it's adjustable. TechArt also fussed around with the suspension, crafted some forged light-alloy wheels and even gave the interior a once over, adding better leather and aluminum pedals. You can find all of the details in the press release after the jump. But before than doing that, may we suggest you just trip out on this for a while?


Gallery: TechArt Porsche Carrera 4S


[Source: TechArt]

Continue reading TechArt squeezes more power out of Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

TechArt squeezes more power out of Porsche 911 Carrera 4S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4S911PorschePorsche 4SPorsche 911Porsche 911 4SPorsche Carrera 4Sporsche tunerPorsche4sPorsche911Porsche9114sPorscheCarrera4sPorscheTunertech artTechArtTechArt Porsche 911 4STechartPorsche9114stunerWed, 11 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven new Porsche models reportedly due over next four years... could there be more?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/seven-new-porsche-models-reportedly-due-over-next-four-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/seven-new-porsche-models-reportedly-due-over-next-four-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/seven-new-porsche-models-reportedly-due-over-next-four-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It doesn't seem that long ago that Porsche was a two-car company. But since then, the German automaker has come out with the Cayenne and the Panamera, taking it into new territory - for better or worse. Now that it's part of the Volkswagen Group, sources expect Porsche to begin expanding its lineup even more, and British rag Autocar has what they're calling a comprehensive outline for seven new models in the works at Stuttgart that will arrive over the course of the next four years.

Starting with next year, we should see V6 engines on offer in the Panamera, including gasoline and - in certain markets anyway - diesel-burning sixes. The same year should bring the new Cayenne, the third-generation model, with a more curvaceous body to look even more like a 911 on stilts.

Two years from now in 2011, we should be seeing a hybrid version of the Panamera coupling either a V6 or V8 engine to an electric motor for green propulsion. An all-new 911 is due by the summer of 2012, and is expected to be a significant departure from the existing model, both longer and wider with an all-new design - but don't expect the rear-engine set-up to go anywhere.

2013 could see the debut of the so-called Roxster, a baby brother to the Cayenne likely to share its platform with the Audi Q5, as well as the anticipated successor to the 928, based on the Panamera and arriving in both coupe and convertible body-styles. To Autocar's list we'll add the electric sportscar currently under development, the Boxster Spyder that we previewed earlier this morning, and the rumored RS Spyder-based supercar to succeed the departed Carrera GT, giving the Germans a more grandiose expansion plan than we've seen in over 60 years.

[Source: Autocar]

Seven new Porsche models reportedly due over next four years... could there be more? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new porscheNewPorscheporscheporsche 911porsche cayenneporsche panameraporsche rocksterporsche roxsterPorsche911PorscheCayennePorschePanameraPorscheRocksterPorscheRoxsterstuttgartThu, 05 Nov 2009 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo is Stuttgart's quickest car yet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/2010-porsche-911-turbo-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/2010-porsche-911-turbo-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/2010-porsche-911-turbo-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's faster to 60 mph than a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 or Ferrari Enzo. Porsche's fastest offerings, including the Carrera GT, GT2 and road-going 911 GT1 "Strassenversion" will only see its LED tail lamps during a typical sprint. Only the unlikely - make that incomprehensible - meeting of an SSC Ultimate Aero or Bugatti Veyron at a stop light will concern this car's owner that he or she has met a worthy adversary. The vehicle is the new seventh-generation 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo. Sporting a new 500-horsepower engine mated to the automaker's lightning-fast dual-clutch PDK transmission, the all-wheel drive coupe devours the magic 0-60 mph benchmark in less than 3.2 seconds.

Porsche invited us to a track outside Lisbon, Portugal to savor their latest Turbo iteration. While the physical appearance remains virtually unchanged to the uninformed eye, hidden under the familiar sheet metal is a new powertrain that makes one of the world's best sports car even more exceptional. What are the new mechanical specifications of the powerplant, and where does it come from? What's it like to drive on a track? Is the PDK transmission really better than the six-speed manual? Follow the jump for all of the answers...


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo


Photos copyright (C)2009 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo is Stuttgart's quickest car yet

First Drive: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo is Stuttgart's quickest car yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 porsche 911 turbo2010Porsche911Turbo911911 turbo911Turbofeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveporscheporsche 911porsche 911 turboPorsche911Porsche911TurboMon, 02 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche 911 GT3 RS reportedly laps the 'Ring in 7:33]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/porsche-911-gt3-rs-reported-laps-the-ring-in-7-33/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/porsche-911-gt3-rs-reported-laps-the-ring-in-7-33/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/porsche-911-gt3-rs-reported-laps-the-ring-in-7-33/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - click above image for hi-res gallery

Another day, another Nurburgring time report! These posts are fun for a wide variety of reasons, not the last of which is the outpouring of love and understanding showered upon me whenever I link to my pal Jack's fascinating article on what 'Ring records really mean (hint: not much). Still, what is good about Nordschleife times (and the reason why we report on them) is that it gives you a good general idea of how a car performs under the most adverse and challenging conditions possible (barring weather). Green Hell, it's said, is a bitch.

And the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (you know - the funny looking one with the pink lipstick) just lapped it in seven minutes and thirty-three seconds. Very impressive. That's almost a full minutes faster than a Chevy Cobalt SS. Er, it's almost nearly as fast as Godzilla, which can get around the Nurburgring's north track in 7:27. What's most impressive about the GT3 RS's time is the absence of forced induction and AWD. Remember, there's a 3.8-liter flat-six out back producing 450 horsepower and the car weighs very little - especially when compared to the porcine GT-R.

No word on if the record was set with PASM on or off, though we imagine off. Also, and this is going to be of special note to you Porsche fanboys, when the nameless Porsche test engineer ran the 7:33, he did it in light traffic. Meaning that Porsche feels the theoretical best for the GT3 RS is right around 7:30, whatever that means.


Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS


[Source: EVO]

Porsche 911 GT3 RS reportedly laps the 'Ring in 7:33 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 GT3 RS2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS2010Gt3Rs2010Porsche911Gt3RsChevy Coblat SSChevyCoblatSsGodzillaGT-RNurburgringNurburgring nordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifePorschePorsche 911Porsche 911 GT3 RSPorsche GT3 RSPorsche911Porsche911Gt3RsPorscheGt3RsWed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Tuned Porsche 996 Turbo loses it at 224 MPH]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/video-tuned-porsche-996-turbo-loses-it-at-224-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/video-tuned-porsche-996-turbo-loses-it-at-224-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/video-tuned-porsche-996-turbo-loses-it-at-224-mph/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Joetwint Porsche 996 is scary fast. Twint scored a world record top speed of 231.4 mph in the Texas Mile, and at a recent run the Evolution Motorsports-tuned 911 managed to hit 224.711 mph, but it also had a bit of a spill. Hit the jump to watch video of the massively-boosted 996 take off like a rocket and reach speeds of over 200 mph in a matter seconds. The video would be impressive enough even if it were simply a standard run, but this clip has a bit of a surprise ending.

About 54 seconds in, the incredibly high speeds achieved by the 996 prompted the sunroof to pop right off. That's bad when you're going 85, but when you're cruising at nearly one third the speed of sound, it can be catastrophic. A few seconds after the impromptu top-popping, the 996 gets sideways and ends up taking an unscheduled tiptoe through the weeds. The video is pretty entertaining, but it's also informative. If you're building a world-beating track star capable of speeds of over 200 mph, don't opt for the sunroof.

[Source: YouTube via 0-60 Mag]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tuned Porsche 996 Turbo loses it at 224 MPH

VIDEO: Tuned Porsche 996 Turbo loses it at 224 MPH originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>996 porsche996 turbo996Porsche996Turboevolution motorsportsEvolutionMotorsportsjoe twintjoetwintPorscheporsche 911Porsche 911 TurboPorsche911Porsche911Turbospin outSpinOutsunroofFri, 23 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Porsche to share platforms with VW, possibly 911]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/report-porsche-to-share-platforms-with-vw-possibly-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/report-porsche-to-share-platforms-with-vw-possibly-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/report-porsche-to-share-platforms-with-vw-possibly-911/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Can you image a VW-badged Panamera? What about a 911-based product from Wolfsburg? It could happen according to Porsche CEO Michael Macht. Autocar reports that Macht says, "Porsche needs to become a strong pillar of VW," and part of that means sharing platforms and components. The two companies have been on a rocky collision course towards merging for years, and now that the deal is all but done, the business of identifying synergies between the two companies is on.

Porsche apparently is not worried about diluting its brand image by sharing platforms with VW, even if that includes the iconic 911. What they won't be sharing, however, is engines. Macht made it clear that "Engine development is a core value for Porsche." At the moment, the only Porsche model with an engine that wasn't developed in-house is the V6-powered Cayenne.

Putting aside your feelings about whether or not Porsche sharing its platforms with VW is a good idea, what are some positive results that can be imagined? A Panamera-based Phaeton? A 911-based Audi speedster? A Boxster-based production version of the VW Concept BlueSport?


Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Porsche to share platforms with VW, possibly 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911panameraporscheporsche 911porsche panameraporsche volkswagenPorsche911PorschePanameraPorscheVolkswagenvolkswagenFri, 23 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: Men can't help but enjoy fast cars - it's that testosterone thing again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/study-men-cant-help-but-enjoy-fast-cars-its-that-testostero/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/study-men-cant-help-but-enjoy-fast-cars-its-that-testostero/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/study-men-cant-help-but-enjoy-fast-cars-its-that-testostero/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Porsche Carrera 4S Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Talk about a foregone conclusion. Researchers at Canada's John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montreal took thirty-nine typical young men (i.e. college guys) and placed them in one of two cars. The first was a Toyota Camry. The second was a Porsche 911 Cabriolet. They then let the men drive up and down on two streets. One was busy and filled with women. The other was deserted. After each little cruise, each man's saliva was measured for levels of testosterone. Results?

Interestingly, whether there were ladies present or not, the mens' testosterone didn't increase at all after driving the Camry. Can anyone else hear Toyota's CEO Akio Toyoda groaning? The Porsche? Well, this is interesting. When a young man drives down a skirt-filled street in a Porsche droptop, his testosterone level rises. And when then same young man drives down a totally empty road all by his lonesome in a Porsche convertible his testosterone level... rises. To the same level, in fact, as it did when all the ladies were around.

Says lead researcher Gad Saad, "In other words, just put a guy in a Porsche, and his testosterone levels shoot up, whether people watch or not." This biological reaction, according to Saad, is a form of "sexual signaling." A way of signaling to potential mates that the driver of said car is the best breeding stock, the best potential mate. Continues Saad, "It's saying, 'all you pretenders out there - you couldn't be driving this Aston Martin - you couldn't even rent it.'" Insert crack about auto journos borrowing it for a week here. Tip of the tuque to Jarrett!


Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S


[Source: CBC]

STUDY: Men can't help but enjoy fast cars - it's that testosterone thing again originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CamryCanadaGad SaadGadSaadPorschePorsche 911Porsche 911 4S CabrioletPorsche 911 Carrera 4S CabrioletPorsche911Porsche9114sCabrioletPorsche911Carrera4sCabrioletTestosteroneToyotaToyota CamryToyotaCamryThu, 15 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Nat Geo airing <i>Ultimate Factories</i> on Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Camaro and Porsche]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/video-nat-geo-airing-i-ultimate-factories-i-on-lamborghini/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/video-nat-geo-airing-i-ultimate-factories-i-on-lamborghini/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/video-nat-geo-airing-i-ultimate-factories-i-on-lamborghini/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lamborghini Factory in Sant'Agata - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's a reason cable is kicking so much network butt these days. No, not Deadliest Catch. Well, okay, Deadliest Catch and shows like the National Geographic Channel's Ultimate Factories. What is Ultimate Factories you ask? It's a show where a camera crew runs around the world checking out some really cool factories, that's what. Think Budweiser, Ikea and the place where they build M1 tanks. However, the show spends most of its time (and rightly so) on cars.

For example, we chose the Lamborghini picture as the lead for this post because A) that's the (drool) LP670-4 SV B) the Lambo factory episode already aired last week. From all accounts, it was super fantastic good, especially if you're into raging bulls. Missed it? Do not fear, however, as reruns are currently (re)running. But even if you missed the Lamborghini episode, there are some upcoming shows that will certainly pique your interest.

This Thursday, October 8, is the Rolls-Royce factory where Nat Geo explores the Rolls-Royce Phantom, a car that takes 450 hours to build. On October 15 they visit the Oshawa plant where the new Chevrolet Camaro is built. Unlike the largely hand-built Phantom, it takes 734 robots (plus a human or two) just 18 hours to build a Camaro, with one coming off the line every minutes. Check this out: every Camaro produced so far has an owner.

On October 22, Ultimate Factories visits Stuttgart to spend some time with the Porsche 911. Turns out that National Geographic is smarter than they look because the very next week - October 29 - they visit Bowling Green, Kentucky where the Corvette is made. Why smart? Would you want eleventy billion Corvette owners writing you hate mail all stating, "OMG. My C5 can smoke that Volkswagen. LOL?" Make the jump to watch some previews - including one with a guest appearance by our pal Valentino Balboni.


Gallery: National Geogrphic Ultimate Factories


[Source: National Geographic]

Continue reading VIDEO: Nat Geo airing Ultimate Factories on Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Camaro and Porsche

VIDEO: Nat Geo airing Ultimate Factories on Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Camaro and Porsche originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CamaroChevroletChevrolet CamaroChevroletCamaroLamborghinilamborghini murcielagolamborghini murcielago lp670-4 superveloceLamborghini murcielago LP670-4 SVLamborghiniMurcielagoLamborghiniMurcielagoLp670-4SuperveloceLamborghiniMurcielagoLp670-4SvLP670-4 SVLp670-4SvNat GeoNatGeoNational GeographicNationalGeographicPorschePorsche 911Porsche911Rolls-RoyceRolls-Royce PhantomRolls-roycePhantomUltimate FactoriesUltimateFactoriesWed, 07 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Epic custom Chevy SSR thinks it's a Porsche GT3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-epic-custom-chevy-ssr-thinks-its-a-porsch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-epic-custom-chevy-ssr-thinks-its-a-porsch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-epic-custom-chevy-ssr-thinks-its-a-porsch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chevrolet SSR with a Porsche complex - Click above for image gallery

If you like Porsche sportscars, may we suggest that you avert your eyes. Ironically, we'd still recommend the same if you aren't a fan of Stuttgart's Cayenne. Because if you thought that Porsche having an SUV was tough to swallow, that ain't nothin' compared to what's been done to this Chevrolet SSR.

Outfitted with the wheels, brakes and what appears to be a number of interior pieces from the Porsche 911 GT3, this particular SSR seems to be suffering from something of an identity crisis. (We dare not ask what the donor Porsche came away looking like). But that's not all: the owner appears to have made some unique modifications to the body as well, including a whale's mouth (ostensibly in, um... "tribute" to the GT3's whale tail spoiler, which rather surprisingly has not been fitted to the Chevy's bed cover) and rather small (presumably high-intensity discharge) headlamps.

If you're wondering when you might happen upon the unique creature, this mod job is far away from U.S. roads in Rügland, Germany, and comes to us via the magic of the internet. You're welcome. However, it can actually be yours for one easy payment of $105,000. No, we're not kidding. But if you're actually contemplating dropping that much cash on something like this, perhaps you might consider letting us steer you towards greener pastures, like, perhaps a genuine Porsche?


Gallery: Custom Chevrolet SSR GT3


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Epic custom Chevy SSR thinks it's a Porsche GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 gt3911Gt3chevroletchevrolet ssrchevrolet ssr gt3ChevroletSsrChevroletSsrGt3chevychevy ssrchevy ssr gt3ChevySsrChevySsrGt3gt3porscheporsche 911porsche 911 gt3porsche gt3Porsche911Porsche911Gt3PorscheGt3SSRWed, 30 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: The Belgrade Phantom trailer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-the-belgrade-phantom-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-the-belgrade-phantom-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-the-belgrade-phantom-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Click above to view the video after the jump

While we don't watch many of them, when we do get to see films from the region formerly known as Yugoslavia, we tend to like them. Case in point, check out Emir Kusterica's Underground. But that's not a car film. The Belgrade Phantom, on the other hand, is. Based on true story, the plot is that in 1979 when Tito was out of the country visiting Cuba, a car thief drives a white Porsche Targa S through the streets of Belgrade. Some view his hoonage as a challenge to Tito's power. Others feel he was once scorned by the police and he's out for revenge. Still others think he is delivering a rose to a love interest.

Regardless of the truth, 10,000 people pour into the streets nightly to watch and support his antics, while the police resolve to stop him at all costs. The thief takes the unusual step of calling radio stations and announcing his exploits. Sounds right up our alley, and a bit of a European homage to Vanishing Point. Which is a very good thing. The subtitled trailer can be found after the jump. Hats off to Drewbage for the tip!

Continue reading VIDEO: The Belgrade Phantom trailer

VIDEO: The Belgrade Phantom trailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 Targa911 Targa S911Targa911TargaSPorschePorsche 911Porsche 911 Targa SPorsche S TargaPorsche TargaPorsche Targa SPorsche911Porsche911TargaSPorscheSTargaPorscheTargaPorscheTargaSThe Belgrade PhantomTheBelgradePhantomFri, 25 Sep 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Singer 911 offers vintage looks, modern appointments, exotic performance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/singer-911-offers-vintage-looks-modern-appointments-exotic-per/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/singer-911-offers-vintage-looks-modern-appointments-exotic-per/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/singer-911-offers-vintage-looks-modern-appointments-exotic-per/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Singer 911 -- Click above for high-res photo gallery

Singer Vehicle Design rolled out its first prototype, plainly named the "Singer 911," at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance last month. Based on an '80s-era long-wheelbase 911 donor vehicle, the company strips each chassis to its bare shell for "reinvention" into what Singer calls a "celebration of the golden air-cooled era of the world's most important sports car."

Incontestable is its vintage Porsche 911 look. However, the Singer 911 is far from antiquated. The complete reincarnation includes chassis stiffening, new active aerodynamics, and a lightweight integral backbone structure and roll cage to improve torsional rigidity. Most interestingly, nearly all of the steel body panels are replaced by full carbon fiber composite bodywork candy-coated in Singer's exclusive "Racing Orange" paint.

Under the rear decklid is an air-cooled 3.82-liter flat-six sporting six individual throttle bodies. With a GT3 crankshaft and titanium connecting rods, the powerplant spins eagerly to 8,000 RPM. The engine sends 425 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque to a proper Getrag G50 six-speed manual transmission. According to the engineering team, the 2,400-pound Singer 911 will sprint to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 170 MPH.

Make the jump for more.


Gallery: 2010 Singer Porsche 911


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.




Continue reading Singer 911 offers vintage looks, modern appointments, exotic performance

Singer 911 offers vintage looks, modern appointments, exotic performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carbon FiberCarbonFiberCarreraCarrera RSCarreraRsfalsemonterey 2009monterey historicsMonterey2009MontereyHistoricsPorsche 911Porsche 911SPorsche 930Porsche911Porsche911sPorsche930SingerSinger 911Singer PorscheSinger Vehicle DesignSinger911SingerPorscheSingerVehicleDesignThu, 24 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes or Vigilantes? Canadian citizens go on 100-mph chase in Porsche 997 to catch suspected rapist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/heroes-or-vigilantes-canadian-citizens-go-on-100-mph-chase-in-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/heroes-or-vigilantes-canadian-citizens-go-on-100-mph-chase-in-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/heroes-or-vigilantes-canadian-citizens-go-on-100-mph-chase-in-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Here's the facts: Two Canadian men in a Porsche 997 encountered a woman (who jumped in front of their car) claiming that a man in a nearby Pontiac Wave (that's a Chevrolet Aveo to me and you) had just tried to assault her. The woman climbed in the back of the 997, and with the police on the phone, the Porsche boys chased the Pontiac all over Ottawa at speeds up to 170 km/h (around 105 mph). The chase, which sometimes involved residential roads, lasted about 20 minutes with the perp finally heading the wrong way through a McDonald's drive through and entering a roadblock set up by the police.

Now, of course, the police knew where the Pontiac was because of the actions of the men in the Porsche. And therein lies the dilemma. In Canada, "some [are] hailing the men as heroes while others are denouncing them as reckless cowboys." Ottawa Police Chief Vern White says that the dispatcher should have told the men in the Porsche to stop their pursuit - but didn't. As far as heroics, "When they put her in the back of the car, that was heroism," White said. "What happened after wasn't." Your thoughts? Thanks to Ben for the tip!

[Source: TheStar]

Heroes or Vigilantes? Canadian citizens go on 100-mph chase in Porsche 997 to catch suspected rapist originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911997CanadaOttawaottawa policeOttawaPolicePorschePorsche 911Porsche 997Porsche911Porsche997vern whiteVernWhiteWed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 GT3 RS goes 180 mph before coming to the show [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-porsche-911-gt3-rs-goes-180-mph-before-coming-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-porsche-911-gt3-rs-goes-180-mph-before-coming-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-porsche-911-gt3-rs-goes-180-mph-before-coming-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - click above image to watch the video

"You don't go from A to B -- you drive around in circles." So says Andreas Preuninger Manager of High Performance Cars at Porsche. First -- YES -- we want his job. Second, our buddy JF took a video camera into the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and went 180 mph on die Autobahn with Andreas at the wheel. This was Sunday Monday night. Then they turned around, washed it, put on some new tires and had it out on the show floor for all the world's automotive hacks journalists to see by Tuesday. We'll take two. Third, we want Herr Preuninger's job. For reals. Jealousy inducing video can be found after the jump.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS



Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 GT3 RS goes 180 mph before coming to the show [w/VIDEO]

Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 GT3 RS goes 180 mph before coming to the show [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 911 GT3 RS2010 GT3 RS2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS2010911Gt3Rs2010Gt3Rs2010Porsche911Gt3Rs911911 GT3 RS911Gt3RsFrankfurtFrankfurt 2009Frankfurt Auto ShowFrankfurt Motor ShowFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowGT3 RSGt3RsPorschePorsche 911Porsche 911 GT3 RSPorsche911Porsche911Gt3RsWed, 16 Sep 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic shares a funky tail, funky colors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-porsche-911-sport-classic-shares-a-funky-tail-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-porsche-911-sport-classic-shares-a-funky-tail-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-porsche-911-sport-classic-shares-a-funky-tail-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Porsche 911 Sport Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery

The seriously limited edition Porsche 911 Sport Classic -- for Porsche, at least -- makes our nostalgic tails wag, even though the gray exterior color is difficult to pin down and we couldn't get over the feeling when we checked out the Espresso-hued internals that we were looking at an entirely different car.

Even after all that, though, we weren't put off: what could have been a regrettable voyage to schmaltzy contrivances actually shapes up with modern purpose. Buyers can expect to be enchanted by vented tail, booming exhaust pipes, and Fuchs wheels, and more than adequately propelled by the 403 hp out back. The appreciation on its €169,300 ($240,702 USD) purchase price began yesterday.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 SC



Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic shares a funky tail, funky colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 9112010 porsche2010 porsche 911 sport classic20109112010Porsche2010Porsche911SportClassic911911 sport classic911SportClassiccoupefalsefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowlimited editionLimitedEditionluxuryperformanceporscheporsche 911porsche 911 sport classicPorsche911Porsche911SportClassicspecial editionSpecialEditionsport classicSportClassicWed, 16 Sep 2009 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche to offer proper paddle shifters on all models?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/porsche-to-offer-proper-paddle-shifters-on-all-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/porsche-to-offer-proper-paddle-shifters-on-all-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/porsche-to-offer-proper-paddle-shifters-on-all-models/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The new Porsche 911 Turbo is packed with sports car goodness, primarily with the inclusion of a new steering wheel with proper paddles for tapping your way through the gearbox. The replacement of the silly up-down switches on the spokes will be an option on the Turbo and it seems like the wiring from the wheel to the column is the same regardless of which style you choose.

That means the new wheel can plug into the connection on any new Porsche steering column including the 911, Boxster or Cayman. So if you aren't content with Porsche's admonishment that the two-switch setup is technically superior, you will soon have another way to pay an absurd premium for an option on your Porsche.


Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo and Cabriolet


[Source: Car and Driver]

Porsche to offer proper paddle shifters on all models? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>paddle shiftPaddleShiftporscheporsche 911porsche paddle shift steering wheelPorsche911PorschePaddleShiftSteeringWheelWed, 02 Sep 2009 16:31:00 EST