Autoblog

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car moves to latest 991 chassis

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Porsche, Racing

Enthusiasts of the Porsche 911 have been able to enjoy the new 991 for some time now, but they won't have to wait much longer to see the car in action on the race track. Just last week, Porsche teased us with a video of the upcoming 991-based 911 GT3 Cup racecar, and now we finally have our first official look at the car that will hit the track next year as the 911 GT3 Cup racecar. Porsche has yet to confirm when the street-legal version of this racecar, the 911 GT3, will go on sale.

Built on the same assembly line as the production 911, the 2013 911 GT3 Cup racer will benefit from a more powerful 3.8-liter flat six that produces 460 horsepower, but the big news is that the six-speed automatic gearbox will henceforth be operated by paddle shifters, which the company notes is "the first time for a Porsche brand trophy race car." Aside from the added power (up 10 horses compared to the current 911 GT3 Cup), other changes include an upgraded brake system, new one-piece racing wheels, a newly developed roll cage and driver's seat, along with a new rescue hatch built into the roof.

Teams looking to get their hands on one of these new GT3 Cup cars must first come up with the 181,200 euro asking price (around $234,000 USD) - not bad for a race car of the 911's ilk. Check out more details about the next evolution of this iconic sports car after the jump.

Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car moves to latest 991 chassis

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car moves to latest 991 chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stick And Move: Porsche reveals all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4 lineup

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Porsche, Luxury

Now that the rear-wheel drive Porsche 911 has clapped its thunder, it's time for the 991-generation all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S to roll forth in coupe and cabriolet forms. The meat of the transformation is the Porsche Traction Management system, and it's as much as 143 pounds lighter than the previous 997 C4S, despite being about 1.7 inches wider in back with rear tires that are a third of an inch broader. Detail changes include the cross-light connecting the taillamps moving up a bit and going what appears to be all LED illumination.

The new model has also brought less obvious benefits like better gas mileage than its predecessor, even with more power and speed. The 400-horsepower C4S Coupe, the quickest of the bunch, can dash from zero to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, max out a whisper beyond 185 mph and return almost 26 mpg combined if fitted with the optional seven-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox (the seven-speed manual comes standard).

Ushering in new tech that will become available for the entire 911 range, the C4S receives adaptive cruise control, a sliding glass sunroof and, on manual-equipped cars with the Sport Chrono pack, automatic double-declutching during downshifts in Sport Plus mode.

We'll see them on the Porsche stand at next month's Paris Motor Show and they'll go on sale in Germany later this year, finally arriving in U.S. showrooms next February. Not including $950 for destination, it will take take $91,030 to get in the all-wheel-drive 911 C4 Coupe. The C4 Cabriolet breaks the six-figure barrier at $102,930, trumped by the C4S Coupe at $105,630 and the C4S Cabriolet another high-jump away at $117,530. Have a look below at the press release with more information, get a preview of the lust on the way in our high-res gallery.

Continue reading Stick And Move: Porsche reveals all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4 lineup

Stick And Move: Porsche reveals all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4 lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 911 Turbo caught out and about again

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

We've driven the new 991-series Porsche 911, and now the next chapter of the new 911 story - the 2013 Turbo - has been caught proving itself in the wintertide climate. Its most important details - the front and rear bumpers and side intakes - remain behind camo, but we now get a look at how the tail sits across the wider rump, and we think it looks quite good.

When it's finally revealed, the new 911 Turbo is expected to put out more than 500 horsepower - numbers from 520 hp to 550 hp have been mentioned - from it's tri-turboed (yes, three turbos) 3.6-liter flat six. Both the seven-speed PDK and seven-speed manual transmissions should be on offer, and the lighter-than-the-last-Turbo package should be screamingly fast. Have a look at the high-res gallery to see it from just about every angle.

Porsche 911 Turbo caught out and about again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche releases mini-doc of 991 911 development

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

Testing the next 911 is the gig of a lifetime, but as this development video from Porsche proves, it's still a job.

The Tangent Vector film crew was given behind-the-scenes access to the development of the 991, and the resulting ten-minute mini-documentary shows the length Porsche's engineers will go to make sure the automaker's latest and greatest arse-engined flagship is ready for the rigors of daily life. In this case, "daily life" for the development crew involves traversing the Arctic in -40 degree temperatures and keeping things on the road during a sandstorm. Get an eyeful in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Porsche releases mini-doc of 991 911 development

Porsche releases mini-doc of 991 911 development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 911 found to be Frankfurt favorite

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche

The coverage coming out of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show was filled with vehicles that run the gamut of the automotive spectrum, but one vehicle in particular caught the eyes of journalists and readers alike. The 2012 Porsche 911 was the darling of the Frankfurt show, and the data backs it up.

According to browsing and social media data compiled by UK company Kantar Media Precis, the new 911 was the most (virtually) talked about machine in attendance. Websites, blogs and social media feeds were all abuzz, and it was the latest 911 that dominated all discussions.

We're guilty of falling in love with the German sports car as well. We spoke about both the standard 911 and the Carrera S, and are gearing up for another 50 or so variants set to debut in the next decade and a half.

Porsche 911 found to be Frankfurt favorite originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:01:00 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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Official 2012 Porsche 911 images spill onto the internet

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Here it is, folks: the all-new 991 Porsche 911. Like nearly every 911 that came before it, the iconic coupe's design has not changed too much, keeping the line's classic styling and proportions intact. Aside from some new LED running lamps and revised air intakes up front and some thinner taillights out back, the 2012 model is extremely similar to the 997 911 currently out on the road.

The big changes, though, are more than skin-deep. The car is about two inches longer than the current 911, and features revised six-cylinder engines. The base Carrera now uses a 3.4-liter direct-injected flat-six, producing 350 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while the Carrera S will use a direct-injected 3.8-liter unit, delivering 400 hp. Both engines will be mated to a seven-speed manual (yes, we said it) or PDK dual-clutch transmission, either of which can be had with launch control.

Inside, the 911's cabin uses a design borrowed from the Panamera, with a more pronounced, downward-sloping center console. Like the exterior, nothing radical has been done to the car's innards, and that's just fine with us.

We'll have the official details in the coming weeks in anticipation of the new 911's official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Official 2012 Porsche 911 images spill onto the internet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Undisguised 2012 Porsche 911 caught in Germany

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:59:00 EST

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

An astute Porschephile noticed a 2012 Porsche 911 at a gas station in Stuttgart and went to work. Following the brown coupe through the pumps then out to the street, he captured the sight and sounds of the car codenamed 991 from just about every angle before it roared off. We'll see the final version at next month's Frankfurt Auto Show, but in the meantime, check out the video after the jump, and note the intriguing appendage that appears to be covering the sunroof opening.

Continue reading Undisguised 2012 Porsche 911 caught in Germany

Undisguised 2012 Porsche 911 caught in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet blows its top

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Porsche

The Porsche 991 is nearly here, and our spy photographers have managed to capture nearly-naked test cars out and about. As the newest 911 makes its way towards the auto show stage, Porsche's engineering and marketing teams are already working on a bevy of trims and limited edition iterations. One such version was caught running around wearing camo body armor, the next generation Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

Unfortunately, our spy photographers were only able to capture three shots before traffic got in the way. Check out the shots they did manage to snag of the next droptop Porsche turbo in our gallery.

Next Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet blows its top originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Find all the easter eggs in Porsche's 911 teaser

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

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

The next iteration of the Porsche 911 is set to debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show and with the unveiling just a few months away, that means the factory-authorized teasers can officially begin.

Porsche snagged the video crew from Tangent Vector to tag along during the 991's final prototype validation in South Africa, and you can find the resulting teaser after the jump. But before you make the leap...

In the span of one minute and 22 seconds, Porsche has managed to squeeze in a host of details about the next 911, with coupe, convertible and psuedo-targa models all in attendance. The most telling shots we've assembled in the gallery above, including a Panamera-inspired center console, an obviously lengthened wheelbase (somewhere in the neighborhood of 97 inches) and an engine that continues to slowly creep forward with each successive generation. Naturally, we can't tell if these mules are powered by the new 350-horsepower 3.5-liter flat-six that will be shared by the Boxster S or the uprated 3.8-liter mill, but check out the full video below the fold to find the rest of the hidden clues.

Continue reading Find all the easter eggs in Porsche's 911 teaser

Find all the easter eggs in Porsche's 911 teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Porsche 911 to get seven-speed manual transmission?

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Rumormill

Spy Shots: Next-generation Porsche 911 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were thinking about buying the next-generation Porsche 911, you'd better start working out your shifting arm. Car and Driver has managed to extract a bit of information about the upcoming German sports car, and it appears a seven-speed manual transmission will be offered. You will be able to row-row-row-row-row-row-row your own ~~boat~~ gears.

Why the additional cog? Porsche reportedly wanted to supply the next 911 with a taller final gear in order to improve fuel efficiency. Hopefully we'll get to see the all-new shift pattern in the flesh when we head to Europe for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Next-gen Porsche 911 to get seven-speed manual transmission? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Coupe spotted making the rounds

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

Spy Photos: Next Generation Porsche 911 Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spy lenses have once again caught Porsche engineers out testing the next generation 911. Both cabriolet and coupe versions were seen out running on the Nürburgring. The 2012 Porsche 911 is expected to be slightly larger and boast a wider rear track. The boxer engine in the base model is rumored to produce 345 horsepower.

Current intelligence also has it that Porsche plans to unveil the car at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Until then, check out the spy photos in our galleries below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next Generation Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next Generation Porsche 911 Coupe

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Coupe spotted making the rounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next-gen Porsche GT3 to ditch manual transmission, rear-engine layout and KERS?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Porsche, Rumormill

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember simpler times when transmissions came in two flavors? Choosing a manual or an automatic was a straightforward decision: enthusiasts took the manual, commuters took the automatic. The emergence of in-between options like sequential and dual-clutch gearboxes may make it easier if you're an enthusiast who also has to commute, but what does it mean when these robotized transmissions shift faster and smoother than any set of human limbs could ever hope to?

That debate will rage for years to come, but when it comes to one of the world's purest driving machines, we could have our answer right here. According to reports circulating the interwebs, the next-generation Porsche 911 GT3 could lose the choice of a manual altogether, replaced by the PDK dual-clutch transmission. (Of course the stick could, mind you, come back for the yet more hardcore GT3 RS should enthusiasts object.)

That one bit will be enough to have purists up in arms, but that's not the end of it. An enthusiast on the Rennlist forum citing high-up Porsche sources also claims the GT3 will pack a 4.0-liter flat-six with some 480 horsepower on tap and nearly 200 fewer pounds to schlepp around. Purists may also take exception to the point that the engine is slated to move forward from its trademark position behind the rear axle to a more optimal mid-engine layout.

Finally, notions of a streetable implementation of the Williams-developed regenerative braking system from the GT3 R Hybrid is apparently off the table as well - at least for the GT3, anyway. Guess a hybrid, robotic-clutched, mid-engined GT3 would be one step too far, even for the people who came up with the Porsche Cayenne.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3

[Source: Rennlist via 0-60]

Rumormill: Next-gen Porsche GT3 to ditch manual transmission, rear-engine layout and KERS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: More details on 2012 Porsche 911 (991)

Zach Bowman — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Rumormill

Next-Generation Porsche 911 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Porsche 911 is due for an update, and if the rumors kicking around the internet are to be believed, 2012 will bring one of the most significant changes to the sports car in generations. The German automotive magazine Auto Bild is reporting that the next 911 will look a good deal different from the current generation thanks to some serious changes in the vehicle's proportions. The rear-engine coupe is expected to be over 2.2 inches longer and wear a roof line that's nearly half an inch lower than the outgoing design.

In addition, Auto Bild suggests that the engineers at Porsche have cooked up a new 3.4-liter boxer good for 345 horsepower in base configuration. As usual, Carrera S models will wear wider flanks, this time with the flares adding some 2.4 inches. The meaner of the two cars will also pack a 3.8-lilter boxer six that puts out 395 ponies. All told, the base 911 will be able to make the dash to 60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds while the Carrera S should be able to do the same dance in less than 4.5.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-Generation Porsche 911

[Source: Auto Bild via World Car Fans]

Rumormill: More details on 2012 Porsche 911 (991) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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