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 Series: Introducing the All-New 911 Carrera 4S
This week we bring you a series of videos as Porsche factory driver, Patrick Long puts the new 911 Carrera 4S through the paces. We are introduced to the car’s bold new design as the journey begins in sun and serenity at the base of the mountain. As the series progresses, we travel through different terrain as the weather progressively turns colder and slicker. The power, agility and strengths in traction, safety and dynamic performance of the 911 Carrera 4S become obvious as the vehicle is put to the test.
The first video is merely a teaser to whet your palate. In the second video, Patrick highlights various design features of the vehicle and describes what it feels like to be behind the wheel.
Porsche Winter Driving School at Camp4 and Camp4S
Twenty Porsches, two handling courses, two driving circuits, one large skid pad, and a whole lot of snow will all come together this coming January and February as Porsche enthusiasts throughout the world make their way to Porsche’s Camp4 Canada winter driving academy.
Beginning January 31 and ending February 8, Porsche will offer three back-to-back Camp4 classes. Experienced customers can opt to attend Camp4S from February 8-12.
Like a jaunt to the ski resort, Camp4 provides the thrill and adrenaline of high-speed winter driving with the comforts and luxury of a high-end resort. Located almost an hour from Montreal, Estérel Suites, Spa & Lake in Québec will provide shelter for the four-day Camp4 driving school that contains two full driving days. While at Camp4 you will learn how to drive in treacherous winter driving conditions and will specifically be taught how to effectively change direction, brake, and perform a hill-start on low traction snow and ice surfaces.
If Camp4 is the winter driving equivalents of green and blue ski runs, than Camp4S provides drivers with black runs. With the addition of another driving day, Camp4S gives participants the chance to tackle an even more challenging driving course. Unfortunately for those new to Camp4, it is a perquisite to have had prior success at a Precision-level Porsche Sport Driving School Course, such as Camp4, to participate at Camp4S. There’s always next year.
Whether you’re looking for the thrill of driving a Porsche in the snow, the beauty of Québec in winter, or a thrilling family vacation that also teaches you and your loved ones how to safely control a vehicle in snow and ice, Camp4 and Camp4S will satisfy your driving desires as you push the latest Porsche models to their limits within the safe confines of a designated winter driving school.
Photo and Video Credit: Porsche
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.
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.
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.
The Perfect SUV. In Other Words: 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
There’s a lot of buzz around alternatives. Actually, around here, there’s always buzz. So how do you get away from the buzz and get into reality? Hop into a 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and go in (green) style! Pacific Porsche and LAcarGUY welcome to the only true performance vehicle in the utility class that carries a light footprint and can kick pavement between the eyes…
Yes, the Cayenne Hybrid is different. While it is not the highest performance Cayenne in the lineup, it’s other attributes are very evident and welcome. Carrying all of the same highlights of the completely redesigned Cayenne gas versions, this new model goes way beyond what you’d expect. Its Hybrid system is unlike any other on the market. While there is nothing subtle about the Porsche performance, the only giveaway of this car’s Hybrid status is the two badges just behind the front wheel wells.
Check out this quick video and see for yourself how Porsche has set the bar high on the perfect SUV. In our opinion!
Share Your Porsche Passion & Explore Some History
Porsche is a very unique brand because, despite regularly releasing new, improved beautiful examples of Porsche design for us to marvel, they also embrace their history and the enthusiasts who collect their older cars. Instead of ignoring the passion that Porsche buyers have for their cars, this is a company that truly appreciates that a Porsche owner is a Porsche enthusiast.
In 1948, the first Porsche was built in Germany and the automotive world was changed forever. Two years later, thanks to the foresight of Ferry Porsche and Max Hoffman, the first two Porsches arrived in New York City. Today, America’s passion for Porsche is deeper than ever, and to celebrate 60 years of Porsche in the U.S., PCNA is welcoming owners, fans and enthusiasts to tell their Porsche stories, and even help us locate the oldest Porsche sports cars in America.
Porsche- Celebrating 60 Years of Passion in America is a new site where there is a bevy of beautiful videos & photographs, interesting historical facts and Porsche Family Stories from enthusiast owners like Jerry Seinfeld.
From the site:
“The Porsche brand was established in Germany in 1948. In 1950, New York City businessman Max Hoffman introduced the Porsche 356 to America, sparking a love affair that has lasted for six decades. Today, America’s passion for Porsche is deeper than ever, and our Family Tree sports strong new branches. To help us celebrate 60 years of Porsche in America, we’re inviting owners, fans and enthusiasts to tell their Porsche stories on our Porsche Family Tree. We’re also looking for the oldest Porsche sports cars in the U.S. in the My Porsche Classic Search.”
Once you jump in, consider the boring part of your day to be over. Some of the featured content includes:
My Porsche Classic Search
- They are on the search for the oldest Porsche vehicles sold in America! If you own and can officially verify the retail age of your Porsche, you are invited to enter your car in one of the categories that include the oldest 356, 911, 912, 914, 924, 928, 944, 968, Boxster, Cayenne, Carrera GT and Cayman. Participants receive a badge from the Porsche Museum and the top 12 models may be photographed and included in the American exhibit at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
Porsche Passion Contest
- Win one of three trips to the Porsche Sport Driving School (with a guest) by entering your favorite Porsche story.
Porsche History
- An interactive timeline with photos of founders, cars and innovations, this section will keep you engaged if you love Porsche and want to learn even more!
Porsche Family Stories
- The Porsche legend is filled with larger than life stories. Thrilling race wins. Shattered records. Technological feats. Yet some of the favorite stories come from the mouths of owners and enthusiasts. Intimate tales of passion offer a glimpse into the ties that bind all Porsche owners. This is your opportunity to look beneath the sheet metal and statistics and see the heart and soul of Porsche.
Almost every part of the site is interactive: user can submit stories, photos and even video. This project will just increase the rich history of 60 years of Porsche Passion in America.
One of the featured videos by designer Freeman Thomas discussing the animated design of Porsche:
Taking the New 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Out
This is an exciting vehicle, no matter which way you look at it. Porsche has a winner on its hands with the complete redesign of the Cayenne. It’s no wonder that it has taken the luxury SUV market by storm since inception.
In this test drive video, our own Carl Tofflemire has some grin-inducing fun with the unrivaled Cayenne. Look at the car and you’ll see, aside from the fact that it shares some overall looks from the previous generation, the new vehicle is nothing like the outgoing model. No detail was left untouched by Porsche’s engineering and design teams as they set out to create the ultimate vehicle in the category. And we’re pleased to have it!
As Carl demonstrates, the new Porsche Cayenne has power to spare and features to match. Porsche even states that the 2011 Turbo gets better gas mileage than the 2010 V6! Talk about upgrades and improvements! But don’t take our word for it, come on in and experience it for yourself…in a V6 or V8.
Porsche Green Lights 718-HP 918 Spyder; Hybrid Said to Get 78 Miles Per Gallon
The Supervisory Board at Porsche this week gave the green light for series development of the 918 Spyder, the 718-horsepower all-wheel-drive hybrid sports car with outstanding fuel economy and claimed 3.2-seconds 0-62 mph quickness.
Taken from drawing to 2010 Geneva Auto Show in less than five months, the 918 Spyder mixes a 500-hp, 9,200-rpm, 3.4-liter gasoline V8 with two electric motors for a combined 718 hp. Porsche has calculated that it could be quicker than the old Carrera GT around the Nordschleife.
The 918 Spyder, one of three hybrid models Porsche presented in Geneva, can go up to 25 kilometers (15 miles) on electric power. The two-seater reportedly limits gasoline consumption to three liters per 100 kilometers (78.4 miles per gallon) and emits just 70 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
No time line has been given for when the car will be ready for the road, but Green Car Advisor doesn’t expect the first production models before the spring of 2012. Pricing has not been announced, but Bloomberg news service has reported it could cost $630,000. Porsche said more details will be disclosed in coming weeks.
The car was just unveiled for West Coast US eyes last night at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Thanks Edmunds.com Green Car Advisor
