Porsche Boxster Wins Automobile Magazine’s “Design Of The Year” Award
“There’s a good reason I keep a 1:18-scale model of the 1993 Porsche Boxster concept car sitting on a teak cabinet in my studio,” writes Automobile Magazine’s Robert Cumberford, “it’s gorgeous, the first Porsche to bring the spirit of early Porsche 550 racing cars to the road.”
Cumberford acknowledges that the first- and second-generation mid-engine Boxster’s design never appealed much to his sense of style; however, twenty years after the original Boxster concept, the all-new 2013 Boxster’s style managed to “wow” Cumberford and the rest of the Automobile Magazine staff enough to give magazine’s “2013 Design of the Year” award to the two-seat Porsche roadster.
With its sleek looks, the 2013 Boxster possesses a style that is distinctly Porsche, yet unique to the model line. Unlike the first-generation Boxster, the 2013 model will not be confused for a 911.
Available with a 2.7-liter 265-horsepower flat-six engine, the standard Boxster will take the roadster to 60 mph from rest in just under six seconds. Moving up to the Boxster S puts a 315-horsepower 3.4-liter flat-six engine behind the driver’s head. Equipped so, the car’s 0-60 time is shaved to a tick under five seconds.
Available with either Porsche’s responsive six-speed manual transmission or the quick-shifting PDK semi-automatic gearbox, Automobile Magazine’s “2013 Design of the Year” is arguably more fun to drive than it is to look at.
If Cumberford doesn’t purchase a 1:18-scale model of the 2013 Boxster to sit next to his 1993 model, we’ll understand. After all, a car of the Boxster’s caliber can only truly be appreciated as a full-size model sitting in your home’s garage.
Porsche 918 Spyder Prototype Goes Into Next Phase of Development
Initial prototypes of the Porsche 918 Spyder have been completed and the project is moving into the next phase. The 918 Spyder will go into production at the end of September 2013 as planned, with the first customers receiving their vehicles before 2013 comes to an end. “What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency, and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.
Porsche’s latest supercar is a plug-in hybrid and utilizes a 570 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 coupled with two electric motors, one acting on the rear wheels rated at 120 horsepower and another acting on the front axle rated at 110 hp for a total output of around 800 horses.
The images seen here are of the 918 Spyder prototypes sporting camouflage reminiscent of the Porsche 917 racing cars, which supposedly signal the near completion of the latest model. They make use of full carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. The 918 Porsche Spyder offers a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance is capable of in the future.
Chris Harris Demonstrates Masculinity, Performance Of All-New 2013 Porsche Boxster
When it came down to the Porsche 911 and Boxster, the demographics have traditionally been split. Whereas men preferred the power and presence of the 911, more often than not the stereotype has been that women enjoyed the zippy driving style and sleek curves of the Boxster. But with the Boxster being all new for the 2013 model year, do men, should men be wary of their appearance if they were to own one? According to famed British automotive critic Chris Harris, the answer is a definite ”no”.
Not only does the 2013 Porsche Boxster carry broader shoulders, a wider footprint, and more power with less weight, but its handling characteristics are so competent, so agile, that Harris himself is torn between whether or not he would approve the new, more powerful 911 over the lithe new Boxster. It’s that good.
Both the Boxster and more robust Boxster S models are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and a useful start/stop function for more impressive fuel efficiency. These features can be found in the Boxster’s new base engine, which delivers 265 hp from a 2.7 liter displacement – translating to a ten hp improvement over its larger displacement predecessor. As for the Boxster S, the displacement increases to 3.4-liters, while the power jumps to 315 hp — a five hp improvement over the last Boxster S.
The interior concept offers the occupants more space and reflects the new Porsche outline with a raked center console, which, originating with the Carrera GT ensures improved ergonomics in all models. As such, the passengers are enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric top, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. As Harris points out in the video, the leather accents are something to be fond of.
Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard — a favorite among traditional enthusiast drivers — with the seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) available as an option for those who prefer more precise, mechanical shifts. Both sports cars achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK.
With the re-engineered design, driving dynamics of the new Porsche Boxster are a vast improvement from the old model, with the Boxster accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the the Boxster S does the same in 4.7 seconds.
The new Boxster models are expected in U.S. showrooms in early summer 2012. The basic list price iwill be $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, not including a $950 destination charge. Look for it.
Pacific Porsche Hosts 911 Launch Party
Pacific Porsche held a launch event for the highly anticipated, all-new 2012 Porsche 911.
Approximately 100 people were in attendance at the launch event for the all-new 2012 Porsche 911, and everyone enjoyed appetizers, champagne and went home with a special gift bag.
Guests shared their enthusiasm and excitement for the new 911. Many were long-time Porsche enthusiasts who freely shared their passion and praise for the historical vehicle. Check out our Facebook page, and enjoy some of the photos we took.
Pacific Porsche Receives Premier Dealer Status
What does it mean to be recognized by Porsche North America as a Premier Porsche Dealer? It signifies that Pacific Porsche is one the top 25 dealerships in North America, encompassing performance among peers, product representation, and the development of key Porsche business drivers.
This is no trivial achievement as 175+ Porsche dealers did not make the list including most of the largest dealers in the country, and one of only 2 in California to be so recognized. This came as a result of some very hard work on the part of all of the Porsche employees and management and the commitment of Mike Sullivan to provide Pacific Porsche with all of the tools (and a “small” remodel) necessary to reach the top.
The entire LAcarGUY family of dealers would like to recognize and acknowledge the hard work and dedication it took from everyone at Pacific Porsche to achieve this elite status.
Pacific Porsche’s Carl Tofflemire Chosen As Porsche Owners Club Marketing Director
The first PDS Event of the 2012 Season at Streets of Willow is just a few short days away! This is a New Member Promotion Event with Recession Buster pricing! If you bring a New Member to the track that drives the event you get $50 POC Bucks. The New Member will get a $95 Certificate to use at his second event.
Lunch will be sponsored both days by Pacific Porsche with “give-a-ways”.
The weather is expected to be tailor made with track records to fall! No rain in the forecast! Please register ASAP so we can plan for the event. Call today for hotel reservations – space is limited due to soccer tournaments in town so rooms are at a premium. There are only a few rooms left at the Marriott Springhill Suites at the POC Rate. Instructors we need your help – contact Dave Gardner asap. Contact Laurie Taylor with your questions and don’t miss this opportunity to shake off the rust and get your Driving Season started!
The “Early Bird” Membership renewal rate of $75 is only good thru 1/31/12. Payment must be received by this date.
Porsche At The L.A. Auto Show
Los Angeles has always been a special place for Porsche. Executive Vice President for Research and Development, Wolfgang Hatz describes Southern California as “…the Porsche911′s second home”. It’s only fitting that Porsche made three tremendous presentations at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.
First, the new Porsche Panamera GTS made its world premiere debut. The Panamera was ceremoniously unveiled by two surprising guest: Patrick Long, Porsche Works & Flying Lizards Driver along with Romain Dumas, Porsche factory driver. The Panamera GTS is powered by a modified 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering 430 hp at 6,700 rpm, increasing the output over the Panamera S/4S by 30 hp. The maximum torque also increases by comparison, from 369 to 384 lb. ft.
At the push of a button, thanks to the standard Sport Chrono package, the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission transmits the engine output to the all-wheel drive system during gear changes without interruption to the power flow. This collaboration enables the Panamera GTS to sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, accelerating on to its top track speed of 178 mph. The GTS is equipped with the latest Porsche dynamic driving dynamic control systems, including adaptive air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). This system constantly calibrates settings to suit specific driving challenges, from regulating leveling, height and spring rate to electronic damping. With the suspension set at “Normal,” the GTS sits an aggressive ten millimeters lower than any other Panamera model.
In terms of looks, the new Panamera GTS includes distinctive design features at the front, side and rear as well as black highlights. The interior is also tailored to its sporty personality with adaptive ports seats, SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and exclusive GTS leather interior with Alcantara surfaces.
Secondly, Porsche also unveiled the all new Porsche 911 (991) Carrera S for the first time in North America. This is the seventh generation Porsche 911 and it does not disappoint. Executive VP of R&D, Wolfgang Hatz says that everything in this new 911 has been completely reengineered and redesigned, but maintains every inch the embodiment of 911 Carrera. Longer, lower, wider and 100 lbs. lighter than the previous 911, the seventh generation is athletic, elegant and iconic. The Porsche 911 Carrera is equipped with a new 350 hp, 3.4-liter boxer engine while the 911 Carrera S features a 400 hp, 3.8-liter boxer engine – a 15 hp improvement versus its predecessor. The first 911 models will arrive in dealerships beginning in February of 2012.
Lastly, Porsche announced its plans for the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles, to be built in nearby Carson, California. It will be situated near the intersection of two major Los Angeles area traffic arteries, the 405 and 110 Freeways. Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, indicates that the facility is going to be 53 acres, twice the size of the Atlanta Porsche Experience Center and both facilities will cost over $100 million dollars combined.
The centerpiece of the complex will be a world-class test track and handling course, including areas where special surfaces replicate rain, ice, and snow conditions. These training sections include the Ice Hill, where a steep slope, computer-controlled water jets, and a low-friction surface will challenge even the most experienced drivers and help them improve their real-world skills. A special off-road area will combine 45-degree declines and ascents – ideal terrain for unleashing a Porsche Cayenne.
The Porsche Experience Center will also offer programs focused on maximizing personal fitness, wellness, and athletic performance through its Porsche Human Performance Center. This unique facility will feature a leading sports science laboratory and training programs, incorporating the latest techniques used in preparing Porsche race car drivers.
Mike Sullivan Explains Why Fisker Santa Monica Is His Recycled Dealership
Rather than build an entire new building for our new Fisker Santa Monica store, we took an existing building that was our former Lexus Santa Monica store, remodeled it to be as green as we can be, and will be selling the first truly Eco-conscious luxury car, the Fisker Karma.
Let’s let Mike Sullivan tell you all about it.
Hermosa Beach Summer Concert Series Sponsored by LAcarGUY in association w/Saint Rocke & Time Warner
On every Sunday, starting on July 31st to August 21st, the Hermosa Beach Pier Association will present a series of free concerts that begin at 5:30 pm and continues to sunset. Popular, top-selling artists will fill the bill. This year there will be great artists such as:
July 31: English Beat
August 7: Mother Hips/ Brian Wright
August 14: Hermosa Local Favorites
August 21: HelloGoodbye
Teams from various LAcarGUY dealerships will be present on the following dates so visit us for your chance to win an iPad 2.
July 31 & August 21: Pacific Volkswagen
Come by and test drive the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
August 7: Pacific Posche
You’ll have to come by to see which vehicle we bring!
August 14: Pacific Audi
We will have one of our best selling Audi’s present.
So drop by our booth to fill out a ballot for your chance to win and check out the vehicles we will have on display.
The Porsche Museum Sees its One Millionth Visitor
In just two and a half years after opening, the museum of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has passed the million visitor mark. The special visitors to reach this mark were not just one, but 13 school children fro India. “We are very pleased to have been able to surprise these Indian boys and girls from Mumbai,” explained Achim Stejskal. “Almost 35 percent of our visitors are guests from other countries. Fascination for the Porsche brand and its history continues undiminished, all around the world.”
The class from Mumbai was invited to take a behind-the-scenes look in the museum workshop, which is not normally accessible to visitors. The school children were able to take a seat in a 1954 Porsche 550 Spyder. At the end of their visit, the young guests received a very special surprise–the Porsche Museum offered to support their school project. The boys and girls are constructing a well in a village close to their school.
Since its opening on the 31st of January in 2009, the Porsche Museum has provided more than 5,100 tours through the 5,600 m2 (60,000 square feet) exhibition and hosted ten special exhibitions. Many celebrities from all over the world, including Jerry Seinfeld, Paris Hilton, Jamiroquai, Robby Naish, Udo Lindenberg, and Peter Maffray have also taken an interest in this historic vehicle collection on Porscheplatz. Tickets sold to date would stretch a total of 150 km (93 miles) from Stuttgart to Lake Constance. Furthermore, more than 300 classics from the museum’s collection have been travelling around the world as rolling brand ambassadors, attending historic racing and classic car events.
To find out more about the museum and its latest special exhibits, visit www.porsche.com/museum.
