Autoblog

Paris Preview: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS [UPDATED]

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Porsche

2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're in the market for a new 911, but don't want the same Carrera S as your neighbor and the GT3 is just a wee bit too hardcore for your tastes, we don't understand you. Thankfully, Porsche does and the answer to your prayers is coming to Paris. Meet the 2011 Porsche Carrera 911 GTS, the new middle-child of the ass-engined family.

If the body work looks familiar, that's because it's cribbed from the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 - a trick Porsche has pulled off several times in the past. Nestled between that 44mm wider track is an upgraded 3.8-liter flat-six putting out 408 horsepower (23 more than the standard S, 27 less than the GT3) and 310 pound-feet of torque, now peaking at 4,200 rpm - 200 rpm earlier than in the S.

Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels (and as it should be), with a manual six-speed transmission coming standard and a seven-speed PDK as an option. Select the Sport Chrono package along with the dual-clutch 'box, and Porsche claims you'll be cracking off four-second 0-60 runs all day long.

Aside from the widened haunches, the GTS is set apart by its 19-inch center-hub RS Spyder wheels, SportDesign front and rear fascias, black Alcantara trim and assorted body and interior bits.

After the GTS debuts in Paris, sales of both the coupe and cabriolet versions will begin early next year, with a starting price of $103,100 and $112,900, respectively. Full details in the press blast after the break.

UPDATE: More high-res images in the gallery below and a video added after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Continue reading Paris Preview: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS [UPDATED]

Paris Preview: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do Want: Singer Vehicle Design delivers its first production 911

Drew Phillips — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Singer 911 production car debut - Click above for high-res image gallery

We first spotted Singer's 911 Concept in Monterey last year at the historic races at Laguna Seca. From afar, it just looked like another classic Porsche 911, but a closer look revealed much, much more. We met up with Singer and the car back in Los Angeles for a photoshoot and were astounded at the creativeness, attention to detail and absolute beauty of the car. Singer told us that they were hoping to build a production version, but with a targeted selling price of a little under $200,000, we feared that the concept might be the only one ever built.

Thankfully, as it turns out, there are at least a few wealthy car enthusiasts with a taste for a hand-built, vintage 911 with carbon fiber bodywork, custom interior and a modern Porsche flat-six power. Singer completed its first production 911 late last week and delivered to its lucky new owner at their facility in Sunland, CA with a small gathering of those who helped make the car happen.

The car is finished in Singer Racing Green with a Grow Green and Terra Cotta striping package and is heavily optioned with a 410 horsepower 3.82-liter flat-six, Brembo brake package, Bilstein coilover suspension, RSR steering wheel, Heuer chronograph clock, leatherweave seats and more. Building of the second production car will start later this month with a third beginning in October. Check both the mean green machine and the stunning orange Laguna Seca model in our high-res galleries below.

Gallery: Singer 911 Production Car Debut

Gallery: 2010 Singer Porsche 911

Do Want: Singer Vehicle Design delivers its first production 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 rolls into Jay Leno's Garage

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche, Celebrities

Porsche's 911 GT3 pays a visit to Jay Leno's Garage - click above to watch the video

Porsche recently dropped off a new 911 GT3 at Jay Leno's garage where racer Justin Bell picked it up for a bit of a road trip. Before the trip, Leno and Bell discuss their preference for normally aspirated manual transmission Porsches over the more powerful turbos and dual-clutch PDKs.

On his way to Laguna Seca for the spring American Le Mans Series event, Bell finds a perfect little road for his own private hill climb and gushes over the responsiveness of the non-turbo engine and enormous Brembo binders. At Laguna, Bell hooks up with factory pilot Patrick Long to discuss the differences between the Flying Lizard Motorsports 911 he races and the roadgoing GT3 which spawned it. Even within the limits of the rules set out by the ACO, Flying Lizard and Porsche have managed to find a lot of creative ways to extract more speed out of their competition machine. Check out the full video after the jump.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 rolls into Jay Leno's Garage

Video: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 rolls into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jeff Zwart's Porsche GT3 sets Pikes Peak Time Attack 2WD class record

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Porsche, Racing

Jeff Zwart's Porsche 911 GT3 scales Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've seen footage of Jeff Zwart practicing for his recent run up Pikes Peak, now filmmaker Will Roegge has delivered unto us the footage from Zwart's Time Attack 2WD class record.

Zwart ran his 911 GT3 up 12.42 miles and through 156 turns in just 11:31.095, averaging over 65 miles per hour. But you don't need us to tell you about it - these things tend to speak for themselves. Follow the jump to watch a record being set.

Gallery: Jeff Zwart's Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Sources: Will Roegge, YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Jeff Zwart's Porsche GT3 sets Pikes Peak Time Attack 2WD class record

Video: Jeff Zwart's Porsche GT3 sets Pikes Peak Time Attack 2WD class record originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ezra Dyer tackles the Spectre 341 Challenge in a Porsche 911 Turbo

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Porsche

Click above to view the video after the jump

We didn't make it out to this year's Spectre 341 Challenge as time just wasn't on our side. Fortunately, we can live vicariously through a few of the participants, including Automobile scribe Ezra Dyer.

If you're not familiar with the event, it has roots dating back to the early seventies, when then-president of the Ferrari Owners Club of Southern California, Hans Tanner, organized a hill climb up Nevada Highway 341.

In the years since, the event has waxed and waned, but the purpose has remained the same: run up the 5.2-mile hill, tackle over 20 turns and scrape just north of 6,200 feet in a time of 3:41 - or less. Can Dyer do it in a Porsche 911 Turbo? Make the jump to find out, read more about the event here and look for Dyer's account of the run in the October issue of Automobile.

Continue reading Video: Ezra Dyer tackles the Spectre 341 Challenge in a Porsche 911 Turbo

Video: Ezra Dyer tackles the Spectre 341 Challenge in a Porsche 911 Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid to run at Petit Le Mans

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Porsche, Racing

Porsche911 GT3R hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, Porsche announced today in New York that the 911 GT3R hybrid will be coming to North America later this year to race in the Petit Le Mans (PLM). When the new flywheel hybrid race car was first announced this past spring, Porsche told us that it would make a decision about running in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) after evaluating the new car's performance during its early races in Europe. After coming within two hours of winning the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May, it was clear that the 25-percent fuel economy boost and extra power was more than enough to make up for the added weight of the hybrid drive.

Since the Automobile Club de l'Ouest has yet to finalize the technical rules for hybrid GT cars, the Porsche will run unclassified at Road Atlanta on October 2. The Georgia race will be the North American round for the inaugural Le Mans Intercontinental Cup. Following the PLM, Porsche will take the car to Zuhai, China for the Asian round on November 7. No announcement has been made yet about running in the European round at Silverstone in the UK in September.

The 911 GT3R hybrid has a 480-horsepower flat-six driving the rear wheels and a pair of 60-kilowatt electric motors for the front wheels. The motors recapture kinetic energy during braking and store it in an electromechanical flywheel mechanism. The flywheel can release energy back to the motors automatically during cruising or the driver can press a boost button on the steering wheel for extra power on demand for passing.

Gallery: 24 Hours of Nurburgring: Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid to run at Petit Le Mans

Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid to run at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Autocar pits Porsche 911 4S against Cayenne Turbo... who wins?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:01:00 EST

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

Porsche 911 C4S vs the Porsche Cayenne Turbo around Millbrook - Click above to view the video after the jump

According to the Porsche, the 4,784-pound, 500-horsepower Porsche Cayenne Turbo gets from zero to sixty in 4.4 seconds. The 3,219-pound, 385-hp 911 Carrera 4S with PDK takes 4.3 seconds to run the same distance. With such remarkably close acceleration times, Autocar wanted to see if the Cayenne Turbo could hang with the 911 around Millbrook's 1.39-kilometer Outer Handling Circuit. The answer: A lot better than expected. Follow the jump to watch Steve Sutcliffe run both Porsches ragged. Top tip, Steve!

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Video: Autocar pits Porsche 911 4S against Cayenne Turbo... who wins?

Video: Autocar pits Porsche 911 4S against Cayenne Turbo... who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: German-baiting Nissan ads at Goodwood draw Porsche ire

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Nissan, Porsche, UK

Why is everybody picking on Porsche these days? Last month, the marketing team at Mini had quite a bit of fun at the expense of the German sports car maker, daring the storied automaker to step into the ring to take on a Mini Cooper S at Road Atlanta. A privately sourced 911 ended up kicking the Mini's go-kart-handling butt to the curb, but even in defeat, the British marquee had the nerve to mention that the 911's two-second victory would cost the typical weekend warrior about $36,000 per second.

Mini isn't the first automaker to go after Porsche; Nissan has been nipping at the heels of the 911 since the venerable GT-R hit the streets a couple years back. Nissan was back at its German rival during the Goodwood Festival of Speed last week, with a splattering of advertising preaching general superiority. Nissan smacked at Porsche, Audi and BMW on a giant billboard at London's BFI IMAX cinema and on smaller postcards handed out. The ads are part of a UK-wide campaign that includes such slogans as "How to beat the Germans" and amusingly, "Kaisers Chiefed" and "The Germans Came Off Wurst." The aggressive campaign at Goodwood included a brace of Nissan GT-R and 370Z models displayed wearing BMW, Audi and Porsche logos next to fighter plane-style kill marks.

So, is Porsche going to take this face-slap sitting down? Actually, lawyers at the German automaker have already blew the whistle on the ad, but not because of any embarrassment, pain or trauma it may have caused. Instead, Porsche suits simply asked that any unauthorized use of its crest trademark be removed. Nissan is reportedly removing the trademarks and continuing the ad campaign. For our money, we'd rather see the lawyers stay out of this fight and get a GT-R and a 911 Turbo on the 'Ring for a final showdown.

[Source: Guardian UK]

Report: German-baiting Nissan ads at Goodwood draw Porsche ire originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Porsche 911 Speedster in the works

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Rumormill, Luxury

Of all the names and model designations used by Porsche in its illustrious history, there are two that stand out more than others: the 911 and Speedster. And it's easy to see why. The Porsche 911 has become the de facto sportscar since its introduction in 1963 and many people simply refer to the seminal 356 convertible as the Porsche Speedster.

Might Porsche be working on a new machine that would combine these two icons? According Auto Express, the answer is yes. Take it all with an appropriately sized grain of salt for now, but the rumormill would have Porsche building exactly 100 911 Speedsters for roughly $300,000 (£200,000) each.

That princely sum will reportedly buy a 911 boasting a cut-down windshield and racing-style sloping rear humps behind each passenger headrest. The German automaker's well-known 3.8-liter flat six would provide power, boosted 17 horses over the mill found in the 911 Sport Classic for a total of 402 horsepower.

Rear-wheel drive over all-wheel drive should make traditionalists happy, and a supposed 0 to 60 times of about 4.5 seconds and top speed of 190 miles per hour ought to please everyone else. Also, Porsche is reportedly cooking up wide-body non-Speedsters that will use the same engine and be available in either coupe or cabriolet forms with a much more reasonable price tag.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Porsche 911 Speedster in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: The Smoking Tire wrings out the 620 hp VF Engineering BMW M3

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Celebrities, Luxury, Racing

The Smoking Tire gets to play with the VF Engineering toy box - Click above to watch video after the jump

When VF Engineering comes to party, they do so in the biggest way possible. The crew recently invited the guys from The Smoking Tire out to Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch for a little taste of exactly what the tuner is all about. Instead of bringing a handful of reworked cars for an hour or so of track antics, the VF Engineering team rolled out every supercharged beast in their possession. That means that while the company's relatively mild mannered 510 horsepower Porsche 911 was in attendance, as was the equally sinister widebody BMW M3.

If you've spent any time perusing the VF Engineering site, odds are you know a little about that diabolical Bavarian. The car uses a custom-fabricated intake manifold that spends its off time on display in the Met. It's just that gorgeous. But as pretty as all of the custom metal work is, it pales in comparison to how impressive the power figures are. Running just six pounds of boost, the VF Engineering team has managed to wring 620 horsepower from the Bimmer. How's that for tire-shredding glory? Go ahead and hit the jump to see Matt Farah tear it up in both cars. But be warned, there's some slight NSFW language.

[Source: YouTube via The Smoking Tire]

Continue reading Video: The Smoking Tire wrings out the 620 hp VF Engineering BMW M3

Video: The Smoking Tire wrings out the 620 hp VF Engineering BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Express offers pricey Porsche special in Hong Kong

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, China, Porsche

Ask anyone with the Centurion card from American Express and they'll tell you black is the new gold. The new platinum, even. Now the exclusive credit card has launched a special edition Porsche, just for card holders.

The Porsche 911 Carrera S Centurion Edition is distinguished by matte black paint with blacked-out wheels, and an interior decked out in black leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber trim. Oh, and there are special badges, of course. But that's about it.

Only three of them will be made - available exclusively in Hong Kong - which is probably just as well considering each costs nearly a quarter million dollars. No word on whether you can pay it off entirely on your credit card, though.

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

American Express offers pricey Porsche special in Hong Kong originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta"

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mini, Porsche

Mini vs. Porsche - Click above to view the videos after the jump

In the over-hyped and ridiculous contrived "race" between the Mini Cooper and the Porsche 911, a victor has been crowned, and as you'd expect, the blokes from BMW had their bumpers handed to them.

Despite creating a "track" at the infield of Road Atlanta designed to maximize the Mini's potential and neuter the high-speed prowess of the Porsche, the Cooper still lost the battle by a full two seconds. Naturally, Mini likes to point out that the difference was $38,000 a second, but to anyone paying attention, the additional $76k is money well spent... particularly on a real track. Maybe Mini should've reconsidered Hyundai's offer...

Hit the jump for the race and two introductory videos, including a thoroughly comical explanation about why Mini opted for an autocross track and not the full course at Road Atlanta.

[Source: Facebook]

Continue reading Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta"

Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:03:00 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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Video: Fifth Gear pits Audi R8 Spyder vs. Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:05:00 EST

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

Fifth Gear compares the Audi R8 V10 against the Porsche 911 Turbo - Follow the jump to watch the video

The problem with physics is that it is largely immutable. Less mass plus more low-end torque and comparable power generally equates to better performance. Take, for example, the Porsche 911 Turbo convertible and the Audi R8 V10 Spyder. As much as we love the design of the R8, it is rather porky at 3,792 pounds. At 3,627 pounds, the Turbo convertible is probably the heaviest 911 ever, but it's still got a 165-pound advantage over the Audi.

The Audi's V10 produces 525 horsepower to the 500 hp of the 911, although Porsche's ratings are generally considered to be conservative. On the other hand, the V10 only produces 390 pound-feet of torque with a peak at 6,500 rpm. The turbocharged and direct injected flat-six of the 911 cranks out 480 lb-ft at just 1,950 rpm.

As the gang from Fifth Gear found out, this adds up to a measurable advantage in acceleration, braking and track times for the rear-engined machine, although the Porsche did seem to be a bit more challenging to drive fast. Check out the video after the jump for the full results.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Fifth Gear pits Audi R8 Spyder vs. Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Video: Fifth Gear pits Audi R8 Spyder vs. Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:05:00 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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Video: It's the all-aluminum (foil), zero-emissions Ferdinand GT3 RS

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Porsche, Racing

Click above to view video after the jump

Much to our chagrin, we've seen no shortage of polished, chromed or gold plated Porsches over the last few years. Until now none of those were either attractive or functional. But now, we have the Ferdinand GT3 RS.

While the recent 911 GT3 R Hybrid demonstrated that an electromechanical flywheel hybrid system could boost both efficiency and performance, the Ferdinand relies on ultra-light construction to optimize efficiency. Everything non-essential was removed and what was left was stripped to the bare essentials. The revolutionary foil over (PCV) tube-frame construction yields a total mass of just 220 pounds, making the Lotus Elise look like a total porker. The slim tires feature exceptionally low rolling resistance and the simplified controls let the driver stay focused on the task at hand. The Ferdinand is not quite as swift as the hybrid, but sometimes thats the price you have to pay for zero emissions. Check out its maiden voyage at the Salzburgring in Austria after the jump. A tip of the hat to Raphael!

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: It's the all-aluminum (foil), zero-emissions Ferdinand GT3 RS

Video: It's the all-aluminum (foil), zero-emissions Ferdinand GT3 RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auto journalist's 16-year old son crashes Porsche 911 Turbo - in his garage

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Porsche, Canada

We'll admit it - one of the best parts about being an auto journalist is the ability to spend time with many different cars, most of which are in our possession for a week at a time. And while the automakers trust us to be extremely careful and avoid damage at all costs, sometimes the unavoidable happens. Usually it's a chipped windshield or a bit of curb rash, and even that's enough to make us wince and break out the apology pen. Peter Cheney, a writer for Canada's The Globe and Mail, had one such experience lately, but he wasn't behind the wheel. In fact, he wasn't even in the car.

We're very accustomed to the idea of friends and family members wanting to take a closer look at the cars we're testing, and when Cheney's 16-year-old son wanted to snag a closer look inside the Porsche 911 Turbo his dad was driving that night, Cheney thought nothing of it. That is, until his son came tearing back into the house, a look of panic in his eyes. When Cheney went to investigate what was up, he saw the unthinkable - the big-buck sports car had rocketed through his garage door, causing an reported $11,000 in damage to the car and an additional $2,700 in garage repairs. "Yikes" doesn't quite cover it.

Be sure to head over to The Globe and Mail to read the full account of what happened. It's an incident that we hope never happens to any of us, but most importantly, we're glad no one was hurt. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

Auto journalist's 16-year old son crashes Porsche 911 Turbo - in his garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS trailer has us saying "&^%!"

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS trailer - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Honestly, most of the phrases that come to mind when describing the 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS involve some sort of non-FCC-approved dialogue. But then again, can you blame us? Certainly not. And after reading the specs and seeing B-roll footage of the meanest Porsche around, we're having a hard time keeping the drool off of our keyboards.

620 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive. 3,020 pounds. $#*%^!, indeed. Hit the jump to watch Porsche's latest trailer of the GT2 RS, and try to keep the expletives to a minimum.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS trailer has us saying "*&^%*!"

Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS trailer has us saying "*&^%*!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: B-roll footage of Porsche 911 GT2 RS is just fine with us

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS B-roll footage - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'll admit it - the 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS gives us the willies. There's something about the idea of 620 horsepower packaged into a 3,020-pound body that sends shivers down our spines, but we'd be liars if we said we weren't dying to get some seat time. (Or 'Ring time. Whatever.)

Only 500 of these beasts will be produced, retailing from $245,000 when the first deliveries begin this October. And when you consider that the GT2 RS is the most powerful street-legal Porsche available today, we doubt that enthusiasts in the top tax bracket will have any trouble scooping up all 500 examples in relatively short order. For now, Porsche has just released some B-roll footage of the hardcore GT2 doing what it does best on the track, and we highly encourage you to see for yourself, after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Video: B-roll footage of Porsche 911 GT2 RS is just fine with us

Video: B-roll footage of Porsche 911 GT2 RS is just fine with us originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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