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Ferdinand Alexander Porsche – The legendary designer of the Porsche 911 turns 75

2010-12-08T07:02:00.001-08:00

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Stuttgart. Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Honorary Chair of the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, celebrated his 75th birthday on 11 December 2010. As a designer of true genius, F.A. Porsche was the creator of such legendary automobiles as the 904 Carrera GTS, or the Porsche 911. After stepping down from the management of Porsche KG, in 1972 he founded the “Porsche Design“ Studio, and achieved worldwide fame and recognition as an independent product designer.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche was born on 11 December 1935 in Stuttgart, the eldest son of Dorothea and Ferry Porsche. As a child his world was already being influenced by automobiles, with him spending a lot of time in the design offices and development workshops of his grandfather Ferdinand Porsche. In 1943 the family, together with the company of Porsche, relocated to Austria, where he went to school in Zell am See. After returning to Stuttgart in 1950, he passed the final school examination, the “Abitur”, at the Waldorf School, and registered at the College of Design in Ulm. In 1958 F.A. Porsche joined the design department of what was at that time Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG.

His talent for design very soon became apparent when, with the Type 754 “T7“, he formally presented to the world the direction which was to be followed in the succession to the 356 Series. In 1962 he took charge of the management of the Porsche Design Studio, and one year later took the world by storm with the Porsche 901 (also referred to as the 911). As well as passenger cars, F.A. Porsche was also deeply involved in the design of the racing cars of the 1960’s. Among his most famous designs were the Formula One Type 804 racer, or the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, which motoring fans have always regarded as one of the finest and most beautiful racing vehicles ever made.
With the conversion of Porsche KG into a share company in 1971/72, F.A. Porsche and all the other family members stepped aside from the operational business of the company. As a shareholder and member of the Supervisory Board, he oversaw the development of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG for many years, and from 1990 to 1993 he served as the Chair of the Supervisory Board. In 2005 he passed the mantle of responsibility as a Porsche AG Supervisory Board member to his son Oliver, and took on the position of Honorary Chair of the Board.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche founded the “Porsche Design Studio“ in Stuttgart in 1972, the headquarters being relocated to Zell am See in Austria in 1974. Over the decades which followed he designed a wide range of classic men’s accessories, such as watches, spectacles, and writing implements, which achieved worldwide fame under the brand name “Porsche Design“. In parallel with this, he and his team, using the trademark “Design by F.A. Porsche“, created a large number of industrial products, domestic appliances, and consumer goods for internationally famous clients. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche has been acclaimed for his work as a designer by the bestowing of many honours and awards.
In autumn 2003 F.A. Porsche and the other shareholders of “Porsche Design“, together with Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, founded the Porsche Lizenz- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG (PLH, Porsche Licence and Trading Company). The aim of this company is to make best use of the potential of the name Porsche in sectors which go beyond the automobile. The focus here is on the trademark “Porsche Design“, which in recent years has developed to become one of the world’s leading brand names in luxury articles, with its own marketing network.
12/7/2010
Photo credits: Porsche AG
[Source: Porsche]

About dedeporsche
I am a girl "Car Enthusiast" of all cars, racers, exotic, vintage and rare.

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In tribute to Matt Drendel of the Porsche Community - CEO/Founder of Heritage Motorwerks LLC.

2010-12-03T06:26:00.001-08:00

Footage courtesy of Paul Powell….”my buddy Matt“
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PPowell6@Catchfence.com
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Historian/Web Master
Paul@UnfairAdvantageRacing.com
http://www.unfairadvantageracing.com

Matt Drendel was very special to many of us. For me he was like Family. We spent many of hours on the phone talking about everything from Porsches, Mark Donohue, Al Holbert to how much we missed our Moms who have passed away. He was like a brother from another Mother. This one for me is going to take a long time to digest, but will never be forgotten. His everyday kindness was remarkable as he always had a smile and something nice to say no matter what when we talked or saw each other. He was always so proud to share what he had going on and always willing to hear an idea or get my opinion on something, it was as if we had a connection with each other from the moment we met.
I will always feel special knowing he was my friend, brother and will always be missed.
All the best,
Paul Powell

Edited and Produced by @RLavigne42
Name: Robert Lavigne
Location: Toronto, Canada
Web: http://rlavigne42.com

Pictures at the Mark Donohue celebration at Road America July, 2010 - Matt Drendel and Paul Powell

Matthew Clayton Drendel – May 31st, 1975 – November 24th, 2010)

The Porsche Community has lost an outstanding friend Matt Drendel and uber custodian of one of the most significant private Porsche collections in the world. Among many accomplishments in his 35 years Matt was CEO/Founder of Heritage Motorwerks LLC. The word Heritage is described as “Something that is passed down from preceding generations”, and at Heritage Motorwerks they simply followed in the footsteps of Porsche and their amazing appreciation for detail and how much pride they take in their product. Heritage Motorwerks was founded by Porsche collector, Matthew Drendel and was initially formed as a group that would solely support and maintain his extensive collection. Heritage Motorwerks was invited to Irvine, California to help in the filming of the Porsche Panamera “Family Tree” commercial. Matt being a avid Porsche collector had many of the cars in the Panorama commercial, including the 917/30, 962, GT1, 934, 935 and many others.

Pictures from Pelican Parts Forum Thread – Matt’s Porsche Service Shop -(Matt is wearing the black jacket and baseball cap)
Matt’s first word was probably “Turbo” and he put together what has to be the most comprehensive and quality collections of historic Porsche Turbo models in the world including the first Turbo, and a 917/30….too many more to list here. Matt’s father Frank has long been a Porschefile also. (quoted from a close friend named Tim Herman, N.C. from the Porsche356registry.org)
Matt Drendel also drove a Porsche 996 GT3-R in the GT3 Championship in 2001 with Darren Law, David Murray & Cort Wagner. Pictures of some of Matt’s racing cars
Porsche PANORAMA October 2010 issue features a salon on one of the rarest of Porsche-powered race cars—the TAG McLaren-Porsche MP4/3 owned by Matt Drendel. (Picture from Pelican Parts thread)

Matthew Clayton Drendel was 35 and died quickly of a brain aneurysm on November 24, 2010. The Drendel family is highly regarded in the Porsche community and has contributed a great amount to the quality of life here. Survivors include his wife, Shana Hefner Drendel; father, Frank M. Drendel; son, Zachary Matthew Drendel; and daughter, Alyssa Leigh Drendel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Drendel family.
Share your memories, express your condolences and add photos in the Guest Book for Matthew Clayton Drendel. ….Here View all “guest book entries for Matt….Here
This Guest Book will remain online until 12/27/2010.

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells…Oh, what fun it is to drive a Porsche Panamera Turbo Sleigh!

2010-11-27T16:52:00.001-08:00

Dashing through the snow…..in a 500 hp @ 6,000 rpm open Panamera Turbo Sleigh…..o’er the fields we go, drifting all the way…….exhaust notes ringing, making spirits bright….Oh what fun it is to drive a Panamera Turbo Sleigh tonight !…Oh Jingle bells, Jingle bells…Jingle 188 mph all the way.

Oh what fun it is to laugh and sing in a Porsche turbo sleigh…..dashing through the snowdrifts in a big white cloud of snow………with a V8 twin-turbo engine ….HO HO HO a way we go! Oh, what fun it is to drive a Porsche Turbo Panamera Sleigh.

……WISHING YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

Marines run across the US in a 'Gumpathon' - from New York to California

2010-11-12T07:27:00.001-08:00

Marines run across the US in a 'Gumpathon'

The Gumpathoners - five Brits and one American - started off at the USS Intrepid in New York City on 10 September and finished on the Santa Monica Pier in California on 11 November - Remembrance Day, or Veterans Day.

By Katie Connolly BBC News, Washington

The team members were greeted by cheers as they crossed the finishing line

Six British and US servicemen have run across the US - from New York to California - to raise money for wounded military veterans, the BBC's Katie Connolly reports.

Colour Sgt Damian Todd doesn't even like to run. "I hate running. I absolutely hate it with a passion," he told the BBC.

And yet he has just led a team of six servicemen - five marines and a British Army member - on a 3,530 mile, eight-week running odyssey, passing through three deserts, four time zones, 10 mountain ranges, 16 states and 789 towns across the US.

Colour Sgt Todd dubbed this trek "the Gumpathon", after the film Forrest Gump, where the title character runs across America. Colour Sgt Todd liked the idea when he saw the film 14 years ago, and stashed the seemingly fanciful notion in the back of his mind for a later date.

That date came on Christmas Eve 2007, when Royal Marine Mark Ormrod stepped on a land mine in Afghanistan and lost both his legs and one arm.

The Gumpathon set off from the USS Intrepid, which is docked off Manhattan

Inspired by the courage and strength of amputees like Marine Ormrod, Colour Sgt Todd revived the idea of the Gumpathon as a way to raise money for wounded veterans.

Each day - rain, hail or shine - they ran anywhere up to 88 miles, keeping an average pace of 10 minutes per mile or less.

Most days, they ran relay-style for about 10 hours, with one runner completing 10 or more miles before handing off to the next.

Gruelling feat

Other days they set personal challenges. Master Gunnery Sgt Charles Padilla, the one US Marine, achieved a personal goal of 85 miles (137 km) in one day, which sparked a friendly trans-Atlantic rivalry.

Refusing to be outdone by an American, Army Staff Sgt James Mazzoni-Dalton ran 86 miles. Egged on by his fellow Brits, he completed the run in 19.5 hours. He was so exhausted when he finished around midnight that Colour Sgt Todd had to carry him to his bed.

Marine Ormrod usually completed at least one mile per day

On his prosthetic legs, Marine Ormrod usually ran one gruelling mile at a time. His prosthetics have no knee joints so he had to run with stiff upper legs - a much more physically taxing style.

Over the course of the Gumpathon, his fitness and endurance increased so dramatically that some days he managed to run up to five miles in one stretch.

Colour Sgt Todd snapped his Achilles tendon just before leaving the UK, leaving him unable to run. He completed his legs of the relay using a hand powered recumbent bike he's affectionately nicknamed "Achilles".

"I have to say, my upper body is quite buff now," he jokes. He has lost at least 11lb (5kg).

Another Gumpathoner, Cpl Lloyd Renner, has lost almost 25lb (11kg), even though each runner has been chewing through about 6,000 calories a day. They have eaten anything - chocolate bars, cookies, pizza - just to get those calories in.

Only Staff Sgt Mazzoni-Dalton had ever completed a marathon before the Gumpathon - which is the equivalent of 34 marathons for each runner. Colour Sgt Todd says he deliberately sought participants who weren't experienced runners to make the achievement even more impressive.

Triple amputee Marine Mark Ormrod was the inspiration for the Gumpathon, which unfortunately may not meet its fundraising goals

Never quit

Sadly though, despite their astonishing endurance, the Gumpathoners are falling short of their fundraising goals.

"Every one of us has picked up at least one injury," Marine Jamie Jobson wrote on the Gumpathon blog last week.

"Our bones ache first thing in the morning and last thing at night, we have blisters, shin splints, clicking ankles and knees, bruised heels, colds… the list could go on but I'll round it up by saying we're all hurting, but all of this will be in vain if we don't raise as much money as we can for our chosen service charities."

Communities across the US have cheered on the Gumpathoners

But Colour Sgt Todd says the idea of quitting never entered his mind - even when running uphill on a humid 110F (43C) day in West Virginia, getting frostbite in his fingers on a chilly night in California or struggling against the driving rain in New Mexico.

His spirits are buoyed by the people he has met and the generosity of the communities they have passed though - many have provided food, shelter and donations.

Among his memories are highs like being cheered by onlookers as he crossed the Hoover Dam, and lows like getting a flat tyre on the downhill stretch he had been longing for on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

But an Arkansas man holds the honour of making the biggest impression on Colour Sgt Todd. After hearing what the Gumpathon was about, the man turned to Colour Sgt Todd and told him: "You're the most remarkable man I've ever met."

Upon hearing such a positive affirmation of his work, Colour Sgt Todd, tired to the point of breaking, had just one response: he cried.

via bbc.co.uk

...and those who would like to contribute can go here: http://www.thegumpathon.com/index.php

PORSCHE MUSEUM holds treasure trove of history: As the company’s “memory,” the Porsche Archive

2010-11-10T20:19:00.001-08:00

The Porsche Museum houses a Central Department offering all the historical and contemporary knowledge about Porsche. The Historical Archive of Porsche AG moved also into the new edifice, where portions of it are visible through glass walls from the lobby.

As the company’s “memory,” the Porsche Archive collects all important information concerning business, technical, social, or cultural matters relating to Porsche AG and its subsidiary companies. The archived items include anything worth saving about the unparalleled Porsche success story, from the beginnings of Ferdinand Porsche as an automobile designer to the engineering office established in 1931 all the way to today’s Porsche AG. The present files of the Porsche Archive cover 2,000 meters of shelf space, including bookshelves, display cases, steel cabinets, and safes.

The Historical Archive with its accumulated knowledge is available not only to internal departments but also to external users, such as journalists and scientists. Many thousands of inquiries annually are handled here in a professional manner by the Porsche archivists.

Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche shared one characteristic with other automotive icons such as Enzo Ferrari and E. L. Cord: a complete concentration on building the future and little interest in the past.

However, in more recent times, automakers have come to realize the value of their history, Porsche among them.

In a quiet corner with no signs in the Porsche museum in Zuffenhausen, Germany, are a number of fireproof vaults and a huge library. This is Porsche’s DNA.

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Available to researchers and writers, hundreds of thousands of period photographs and negatives are stored, along with all company publications. It’s likely that everyone who has ever written a book on the marque has spent a lot of time here.
Ferdinand Porsche was near the end of his life when the first Porsche car was built in 1948. But he had been building and designing cars for almost 50 years, including a hybrid at the turn of the 20th century, the iconic supercharged Mercedes-Benz SSK sports cars of the 1920s, the rear-engined Auto Union Silver Arrows, the Volkswagen, and finally, along with his son, the car that bore his name.

Most of the records of Porsche’s design firm were lost in World War II, but the archives still contain Porsche family albums and photographs going back to 1900.

The main focus of the library, however, is from 1948 onward. Period photographs of every Porsche produced are catalogued, as are photographs from every competitive event the factory entered, plus many others. Most have never been published.

A huge collection of rare catalogs and posters is also stored, as is virtually every works manual. Original works drawings are kept in a separate archive in Weissach, Germany. Porsche is not convinced of the longevity of digital storage, so all original drawings are also photographed using traditional cameras. New material is always being added, including rare collections of racing posters from around the world, sometimes donated by collectors. A varied collection of memorabilia is stored.

The archive does not authenticate individual cars, although it is certainly helpful in locating original photographs of cars that have significant provenance.

Of course, it helps to be able to walk downstairs to the museum and the attached garage. On the floor, an original Formula One car alongside the 1970 Le Mans-winning 917 and some other jaw-dropping cars. A few of the rarest customer cars make it to this, the best Porsche garage of the lot.

Given the lack of interest in history that the Porsches had, it’s amazing that it all survived intact and became the authoritative source for those with a keen interest in Porsche’s past.

THE PORSCHE ARCHIVE – PORSCHE MUSEUM

Facts About the Historical Archive

Principal contents: product history (production and racing vehicles, design studies, in-house and third-party developments), company history (information and documents about Porsche AG, subsidiaries, associated companies), and media archive (pictorial, motion picture, and sound materials)

More than 2.5 million images (one of the largest image archives in the automobile sector)

Media archive with over 1,000 hours of motion picture materials

Library with more than 3,000 books on automotive subjects

A successful season finale for Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid fastest and most economical GT car

2010-11-07T09:09:00.001-08:00

Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, round 3 in Zhuhai, China

The relentless pace of the Porsche GT3 Hybrid of Bergmeister and Long was impressive.

The first GT first to finish the race - but ranked outside classification - finished in sixth place overall in the 1000 km of Zhuhai and made only four pit stops!

A performance that earned the German manufacturer the Motul trophy for technological innovation.

A successful season finale for Porsche: At the 1,000 kilometre race in Zhuhai/China, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid impressed once again with its performance and efficiency. The innovative sports car from Weissach, piloted by Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA), was by far the fastest GT vehicle in the field at its eagerly awaited premiere in Asia. Porsche factory drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) claimed second place in the GT2 class with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR on China’s oldest race track. With this result, they secured the team championship for their Felbermayr-Proton squad at the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, run for the first time this year.
“The first race in China with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid was a complete success,” says Hartmut Kristen, Porsche Head of Motorsport. “The car contested the entire race without the slightest technical problem. The excellent pit stops by our factory squad from Weissach and an absolutely perfect performance from the drivers also contributed to this success. The development work on the hybrid system that we conducted since the last race in Road Atlanta has paid off. Today, we showed impressively just what potential the hybrid technology has. This result is a great motivation for continuing our work on the project. This was definitely not the last race for the 911 GT3 R Hybrid.”

"Our car ran perfectly"
On the 4.319 kilometre Zhuhai International Circuit, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, which started in the special GTH class, was not only the fastest but also the most economical GT vehicle. Thanks to its ground-breaking drive concept, it made one less pit stop and completed three more laps than the next GT opponent. “Our car ran perfectly from the first to the last lap,” said Joerg Bergmeister. “That was another super test of the hybrid system under race conditions – and the most successful conclusion I could think of.” Patrick Long, his teammate with whom he won the GT title of the American Le Mans Series for the second time straight this season, said: “The performance of the Porsche factory mechanics was world class. We had the most efficient and at the same time fastest GT car. Now, that’s what I call Porsche Intelligent Performance.”

Breathtaking chase through the pack
In the GT2 class, the race for start driver Marc Lieb did not begin very promisingly: Right in the first lap in a tussle with a Ferrari his 911 GT3 RSR suffered tyre damage which relegated it to last place. With a breathtaking chase through the pack, he and his teammate Richard Lietz quickly managed to catch up with the front-runners. At the halfway point in the race, the Felbermayr-Proton pilots, who clinched the GT title of the Le Mans Series for the second consecutive time this season, were already running third. Shortly afterwards they then overtook a Ferrari.
“Unfortunately we didn’t have enough for victory, but it’s still a great day for Porsche,” said Richard Lietz. “Obviously it was somewhat frustrating when Marc was forced back into the pits in the first lap with a torn-off valve. But we didn’t let that upset us and simply concentrated on working our way up the front again. Actually, it was huge fun - not least because our chase ended on the podium.” Marc Lieb added: “That was almost a perfect year for our team. Today we were very fast, but experienced a bit of bad luck early on in the race.”

Felbermayr-Proton first in team classification
With the second 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the Felbermayr-Proton team, Martin Ragginger (Austria), Christian Ried (Germany) and Gianluca Roda (Italy) occupied fourth place – despite the botched and unnecessary overtaking manoeuvre of a Peugeot prototype that forced Martin Ragginger into the gravel trap in the last hour of the race. The former Porsche-Junior had to pit and lost ten minutes. In the Felbermayr-Proton camp, however, elation prevailed. “That was a fantastic year for our team. Firstly our win in Le Mans, then the Le Mans Series victory and now the best team in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup – you can’t really do more,” said Christian Ried, team boss and driver at Felbermayr-Proton. “To be so successful, everything has to run smoothly and that was exactly the case in our team. We didn’t retire once. Despite never having started from pole position, we won three races. That can only work with a good car, strong drivers and a super team.” One of the first to congratulate the crew was Hartmut Kristen: “I’m particularly thrilled that Felbermayr-Proton won the team classification.”
Despite his strong drive, Richard Westbrook (Great Britain) didn’t manage to see the flag with the Prospeed Competition 911 GT3 RSR. The double Supercup winner and former FIA GT champion was on course for a podium result with his teammate Darryl O’Young (Hong Kong) when a clutch problem in the 119th lap signalled the end. “What a shame. We were looking very good in third place,” he commented. “Our mechanics tried their very best to repair the car but time ran out for us.” Local hero Darryl O’Young said: “It was a fabulous experience to drive on this track with the 911 GT3 RSR and to be cheered by so many fans. I became more and more familiar with the car. Under normal circumstances we would have finished on the podium. That would have been a highlight in my career. What a shame it didn’t work out.”

Statistics
Race result GT2 class1. Müller/Werner (D/D), BMW E92 M3, 202 laps2. Lieb/Lietz (D/A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 2023. Bruni/Vilander/Melo (I/SF/BRA), Ferrari 430 GT, 1994. Ragginger/Ried/Roda (A/D/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 1925. Ehret/Quaife/Kirkaldy (D/GB/GB), Ferrari 430 GT, 1916. Giroix/Goethe/Fatien (F/D/F), Lamborghini Gallardo, 187
Final standings team classification GT2 class1. Felbermayr-Proton, Porsche, 72 points2. AF Corse, Ferrari, 573. CRS Racing, Ferrari, 47
Final standings manufacturer classification GT2 class1. Ferrari, 120 points2. Porsche, 1133. BMW, 69

THE FUTURE OF THE SPORTSCAR

via porsche.com

The ILMC 2010 is now complete. Next appointment is as soon as next March 19th at Sebring in the 12 hours, for the first round of a competition that seems, certain to be even more hotly contested.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid in China is awaited with much anticipation on November 7th 2010

2010-11-02T20:25:00.001-07:00

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid celebrates debut in China

Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, round 3 in Zhuhai, China
The race in China marks an exciting conclusion to the year.

Last exit Zhuhai:
With the race premiere of the innovative Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid in China, Porsche sets another highlight to conclude a successful year of motorsport. At the 1,000 kilometre race in Zhuhai on 7 November, Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) take the wheel of the ground-breaking sports car from Weissach, which features two electric motors at the front axle each developing 60 kilowatts to supplement the 480 horsepower combustion engine.

The first outing of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid in China is awaited with much anticipation. Porsche uses the final race of the newly created Intercontinental Le Mans Cup season to showcase its prototype, which perfectly embodies the philosophy of “Porsche Intelligent Performance’, to the important market of China. At its first race, Porsche Motorsport’s ‘rolling test laboratory’ caused a sensation by almost winning the Nürburgring 24 hour race. The Hybrid-911 led the overall classification until shortly before the flag. At its race debut in the United States of America, the #911 vehicle thrilled not only the fans at the 1,000 mile classic at Road Atlanta with its strong performance. Environmental politicians, who had come from Washington D.C. especially, were obviously impressed, stating that Porsche was forging the way of the future in motorsport with this vehicle.

Exciting conclusion to the year
For Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long, who clinched the GT class title of the American Le Mans Series this season with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR for the second time in a row, the race in China marks an exciting conclusion to the year.

“Having the chance to contest my first race in Asia with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid is something quite special,” says Joerg Bergmeister, who has already manned the Hybrid racer on the Nürburgring. “For me, this project was great fun right from the start. It is a completely new technology for which there is no basis. So, as a driver, you can also contribute a great deal more than would normally be the case. And, of course, better still is when you see how everything runs so smoothly.” Patrick Long is also looking forward to the race: “It’s a great experience to be able to work on a project that writes history. Many only dream of such a thing, but for me this dream comes true.”

On the 4.319 kilometre Zhuhai International Circuit, which was completed in 1996 as China’s first permanent race track, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid competes in the GT Experimental class and hence is not eligible to earn points. Its innovative hybrid system was developed specifically for use in the race car, differing significantly in its configuration and components from conventional hybrid systems. An electric front-wheel-drive with two electric motors supplements the four-litre flat-six at the rear. Under braking, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and stores it in a flywheel. During acceleration, this energy is automatically delivered to the front wheels, supporting the combustion engine. This leads to a reduction in fuel consumption and increases the cruising range on the circuit. Moreover, drivers can manually utilise the stored energy with a boost-paddle on the steering wheel for overtaking. Performance on call.

The most successful GT racer
Racing alongside the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid in Zhuhai, which borders the Macau peninsula in southern China, are three Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. At the wheel of the most successful GT racer this season, which also won the environmental Michelin Green X Challenge as the vehicle with the best overall efficiency, are two favourites in the GT class, Porsche factory pilots Marc Lieb (Germany)and Richard Lietz (Austria).

This season the pair has already clinched their second Le Mans Series title in succession. Former Porsche-Junior Martin Ragginger (Austria)

as well as Gianluca Roda (Italy)and Christian Ried (Germany) share driving duties in the second Felbermayr-Proton 911 GT3 RSR.

The double Porsche Supercup champion and former FIA GT Championship title holder

Richard Westbrook (Great Britain) teams up with

Darryl O’Young (Hong Kong) in the 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Prospeed Competition.

The race in Zhuhai starts on Sunday, 7 November, at midday local time (0.5.00 hrs CET) and runs over 1,000 kilometres.

via porsche.com

Watch lights-to-flag coverage of the ILMC’s trip to Zhuhai on Motors TV – Sunday November 7 at 11am

Zhuhai 1000 KM entry list updates!

LMP1

1 Team Peugeot Total – Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP – Sébastien Bourdais / Simon Pagenaud
2 Team Peugeot Total – Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP – Stéphane Sarrazin / Franck Montagny
7 Audi Sport Team Joest – Audi R15+ – Tom Kristensen / Allan McNish
8 Audi Sport Team Joest – Audi R15+ – Rinaldo Capello / Romain Dumas
11 Drayson Racing – Lola-Judd Coupe – Paul Drayson / Jonny Cocker
23 Tokai University – Courage Oreca-YGK – Shigekazu Wakisaka / Shogo Mitsuyama

LMP2

24 OAK Racing – Pescarolo Judd – Jacques Nicolet / Frédéric Da Rocha / Patrice Lafargue

Formula Le Mans

47 Hope Polevision Racing – Oreca-FLM – Luca MORO / TBA

GT1

50 Larbre Competition – Saleen S7R – Roland Berville / Julien Canal
69 JLOC – Lamborghini Murcielago – Iiri HIROYUKI / TBA

GT2

75 ProSpeed Competition – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (997) – Richard Westbrook / Darryl O’Young
77 Team Felbermayr-Proton – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (997) Marc Lieb / Richard Lietz
78 BMW Team Schnitzer – BMW E92 M3 – Jörg Müller / Dirk Werner
81 JaguarRSR – Jaguar XKRS – Marc Goossens / Tommi Drissi / Paul Gentilozzi
82 JaguarRSR – Jaguar XKRS – TBA / TBA
88 Team Felbermayr-Proton – PORSCHE 911 GT3 RSR (997) – Gianluca Roda / Christian Ried / Martin Ragginger
90 CRS Racing – Ferrari F430 GT – Pierre Ehret / Phil Quaife / Andrew Kirkaldy
95 AF Corse – Ferrari F430 GT – Giancarlo Fisichella / Gianmaria Bruni
99 Gulf Team First – Lamborghini Gallardo – Fabien Giroix / Roald Goethe / Frédéric Fatien

GT-Experimental

92 Porsche AG – Porsche GT3R Hybrid – Jörg Bergmeister / Patrick Long

GTC

91 Team Hong Kong Racing – Aston Martin DBRS9 – Philippe Ma / Marchy Lee
96 United AutoSports – Audi R8 LMS – Danny Watts / Richard Meins
97 United AutoSports – Audi R8 LMS – Alain Li / Henri Richard
98 KK Performance – Audi R8 LMS – Marchy Li / Alexander Yoong / Matthew Marsh

Murder of German Porsche specialist Uwe Gemballa has taken a sensational twist - his killer was arrested, convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison in a mere 24 hours this week.

2010-10-31T08:51:00.001-07:00

KILLED: German supercar mogul Uwe Gemballa

It does seem that the police have struck some kind of deal to perhaps take statements and use it later to get to the big fish Jacob Zuma

The Sunday Times can today reveal exclusively that 28-year-old Thabiso Mpshe of Pretoria was arrested quietly on Friday and appeared in the high court in Johannesburg that afternoon.

As revealed previously in the Sunday Times, the businessman's body was found buried in Atteridgeville just over a month ago, on September 28.

He vanished a day after arriving in South Africa for a business deal in February - and shortly afterwards he had called his wife, Christiane, to tell her he had been involved in accident and needed her to transfer à1-million to a bank account.

Police spokesman Colonel Vishnu Naidoo said yesterday: "It is still unclear how Gemballa was murdered, but indications are that he was suffocated. He had no visible injuries."

Naidoo said he was "not at liberty to say" if Mpshe pleaded guilty or whether the prosecution struck a deal with him.

When asked why the arrest in such a high-profile murder case was kept so low key, Naidoo said: "We need to protect any investigation, and it would not be to our benefit to talk about some successes for fear of jeopardising investigations.

"We are happy and satisfied that an arrest was made."

Top criminal attorney William Booth said the hastiness of the conviction and sentence sounded most "unusual".

Booth, chairman of the Criminal Law Committees of the Cape Law Society and the Law Society of South Africa, while not able to comment on this case, said: "It does seem that the police have struck some kind of deal to perhaps take statements and use it later to get to the big fish."

Gemballa, who was in serious financial trouble with the German authorities, evidently came to South Africa on a business trip to set up a local franchise of his company, Gemballa Automobiletechni, which specialises in tuning Porsches and Ferraris for the rich and famous.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said it was not unusual for a criminal case to be disposed of within a day.

"If the person has an attorney (and) witnesses, prosecutors and all the other roleplayers are available, including a judge, the matter can be dealt with within a day.

"This was demonstrated with the World Cup special courts that were set up."

Mhaga said it was commendable that cases could be dealt with so speedily. "If someone is caught red-handed for shoplifting, and if he pleads guilty, and if he has an attorney available, then the case can be finalised in an hour."

But this is also entirely dependent on whether the court roll can accommodate an additional case on the day or not.

Martin Schaefer, spokesman for the German consulate, said: "The corpse is being flown to his (Gemballa's) home. We have offered our consular services in terms of issuing official documents for customs and the like."

via timeslive.co.za

This should make the Guinness Book of Records! - fastest murder trial on Earth!

What were the details?
What reason was given for the murder?
Why such a high profile victim?
What happened to the proceeds from the murder (i.e. that R1million)?

There is is a distinct smell attached to this story.

Comments please.....

Porsche 918 Spyder North America Release - Video Production Company Los Angeles

2010-10-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

via vimeo.com

Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid North American Hybrid Release 2010. Porsche Intelligent Performance. Featuring Interview clips with Jay Leno and Arnold Schwarzenegger commenting on Porsche's Masterpiece. Video release footage shot in Monterey California. broadwavestudios.com/Video

http://www.svenvoelker.com/Sven_Voelker.html

Warpaint: The Graphic Design of Racing Cars

2010-10-12T22:24:00.001-07:00

via vimeo.com

You'd never guess it, but these big toys for big boys were at the height of their design. Mechanics and team members – adorned racecars with all of those flashy stripes, logos, numbers and colors prevalent race today. A whip-fast lesson in competitive "WAR PAINT", visual anarchy and car designs.

They were to LOOK dangerous and be the WINNER.

This video provides a very interesting look at the design of racing cars in 70s. The graphics on these cars are incredible — very minimal and nothing at all like the logo-plastered cars of NASCAR.

Go Faster by Sven Voelker gives deep insight into racing-car graphic design

Go Faster is a book by a German university professor, Sven Voelker giving the clear insight into the glory of racing-car graphic design. This book makes car fans familiar with the fact that most of the racing cars like Porsche and Ferrari were given looks not by marketing strategists or designers, but by chance.

Go Faster -The Graphic Design of Racing Cars

by Sven Voelker

Go Faster is a collection of over one hundred examples of racecar design that documents the carefree anarchy in which they were created. In the book, each colorful racing car is featured next to a blank, white model.

Thanks to this juxtaposition, Go Faster shows its readers exactly how graphics modulate the look of the vehicle. The neutral models also give readers ample opportunity to imagine their own possibilities for graphic design in motor sports. This makes the book an ideal gift for anyone interested in racing and high speeds.

Stripes, numbers, colors, and logos – the graphic visual look of a racecar has to stand out from all the others as they go zooming by. Most people don’t know that racing cars from the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati, and Lotus were given their looks not by marketing strategists or designers, but by pure chance.

Go Faster is a collection of over one hundred examples of racecar design that documents the carefree anarchy in which they were created.

In the book, colorful racing cars are featured next to blank, white models. Thanks to this juxtaposition, Go Faster not only takes its readers on a breakneck ride through images of racing history, but also shows them exactly how the graphics modulate the look of the vehicle.

The neutral models in the book also give readers ample opportunity to imagine their own possibilities for graphic design in motor sports.

The time and effort invested in the look of racecars is strangely out of balance compared to that used to shape the bodywork or engineer the technology present in the car. But perhaps it is precisely this amateur quality, this anarchy and randomness that results in the irresistible attraction that racing cars and their graphics have on us.

There are, of course, countless books on racing cars, but Go Faster is the first to focus on the graphic design of these machines. This makes the book an ideal gift for anyone interested in racing and high speeds.

Sven Voelker

is a car enthusiast and graphic designer in Berlin. He is responsible for the global corporate design of the Suzuki Motor Corporation and other clients.

Via:Gestalten

This book with 144 pages and 21 × 26cm format was release on January 2010 and is priced at $ 40, 00. The book is the collection of more than hundred examples on race car design, documenting the carefree anarchy which these vehicles were created in.

At the same time, the book not only gives the readers a chance to know how graphics modulate the look of the vehicle but also the opportunities to imagine their own possibilities for graphic design in motor sports.

Go Faster gives meticulous attention to minutest details and discusses how the numbers, stripes, logos and colours in vehicle are not a willy nilly affair but purposefully placed by the designer team. Well, this book comes out to be a perfect gift for the racing nerds and car freaks.

While the go-faster stripe is a classic design element of the racing car, the look of these vehicles is rarely created by a designer. Sven Voelker looks at the unexplored area of fast and furious graphic art in the new book,.......

Go Faster...

The Graphic Design of Racing Cars

Release Date:: January 2010
ISBN:: 978-3-89955-279-9
Authors:: Sven Voelker; http://www.svenvoelker.com/Sven_Voelker.html
Language:: English
Features:: 144 Pages, full color, hardcover
Format:: 21 × 26 cm

Ayrton Senna Movie to Open in Japan - Oct 8th, 2010

2010-10-07T21:07:00.001-07:00

Ayrton Senna: The Movie (Trailer)

A documentary on the life and career of Ayrton Senna, the great Brazilian Formula One driver, will open in theaters in Japan on Friday.

This is one of the few movies that will result in theatres full of grown men in tears.

The documentary on the life and career of Ayrton Senna, the great Brazilian Formula One racecar driver, will have a special screening in Suzuka, Japan, on Thursday, as teams prepare for the Grand Prix of Japan, according to The Globe and Mail. The film opens in theaters across Japan on Friday.

The film, “Senna,” was directed by Asif Kapadia and produced by Working Title Films and Midfield Films. The filmmakers received tremendous access after the Senna family gave its approval. “The most emotional time in my life was going to São Paulo to pitch the story to his sister, Viviane,” said Manish Pandey, who wrote the film and also served as an executive producer. Bernie Ecclestone, the commercial rights holder to Formula One, also opened up his archives to the filmmakers.

Senna died during the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, in 1994, at the age of 33. He was a three-time champion and held the prospects for more. Although there are drivers with more championships (Michael Schumacher has seven, Juan-Manuel Fangio has five, Alain Prost has four) Senna is considered by many current top Formula One drivers as the best ever.

“I really didn’t want to do a film about the death of Ayrton Senna because I thought it would really miss the point of him, even if the plan was to do three days at Imola with flashbacks,” said Pandey. “I really wanted to make it cinematic by giving him the classic three-act structure of the story: The ascendancy of the guy, his massive meteoric rise and then the third act about his death.”

“Senna” will have its official world premiere in São Paolo next month. A release date for the United States has yet to be announced.

Porsche to return to Formula One after nineteen year absence

2010-10-05T08:54:00.001-07:00

Recent rumours are circulating pointing towards Porsche rejoining Formula One sometime in the near future. Although there has been no official confirmation, Porsche boss has mentioned words which heighten the likelihood.

Apparently there’s been discussions going around at the current Paris Motor Show between Porsche CEO, Matthias Mueller, and Audi motorsport chief, Wolfgang Ulrich, surrounding the two company’s future in motorsport.

The two companies are looking to venture into Le Mans and Formula One, but with Audi already in Le Mans it’s unlikely the two will battle it out against each other, leaving the door open for Porsche to join F1. Porsche boss, Matthias Mueller, recently said to Autocar at the Paris show,

“We have to discuss whether it makes better sense for one of the brands to go into LMP1, and the other brand into Formula One. So we will have a round-table to discuss the pros and cons.”

Meanwhile, Audi motorsport chief, Wolfgang Ulrich, abruptly rejected the suggestion, saying, “Audi and F1 do not fit together.”

Now these are just rumours at this stage but with Porsche boss saying those words it’s hard to ignore the possibility of such movement.

The last time Porsche was involved in Formula One was between 1984 and 1987 with the McLaren TAG-Porsche powered red and white Marlboro car. The car, in various iterations, took 25 wins during that period. Porsche then returned unsuccessfully in 1991 supplying engines to Footwork cars and has since not returned to the international championship.

It would certainly provide spectators will excellent rivalry between Ferrari and Porsche if the company did return to F1, and possibly attract more overall supporters and interest to the sport.

via caradvice.com.au

“Porsche Kids Driving School” - “My First License – I Know My Road Rules”

2010-09-26T08:58:00.001-07:00

Is the Dad out on the track with the new 911, while you are at home watching the kids? How about a Porsche Driving School just for your kids? ...

A track where young children could get their first taste of driving, albeit
in small Porsche pedal cars and learn about basic traffic rules and road signs.

Organized by Porsche Middle East and Africa, this was the second year running that the
company had set up the “Porsche Kids Driving School” to educate
children about road safety and was a great hit with more than 400 kids aged
between 3 and 10 lining up to drive 15 Porsche 911 pedal cars.

Deesch Papke, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa,
underlined how this event complements Porsche’s comprehensive approach to
safety: “Our mission in Porsche is not only automotive, but also social and
humane. The safety features implemented in our cars justify this notion to the
fullest. Since safety is also an educational affair, it is very important to
teach it to the public, especially the young audience. The fruit of our highly
ambitious event will be appreciated to a great extent in the present as well as
in the long-term future.”

A small road-track was set up, complete with road signs, zebra crossings and traffic
signals. After a short briefing by a qualified instructor on traffic signs and
rules, children drove on the track while adhering to basic road safety rules.
The aim of the educational activity was to create awareness about road safety
amongst children, and provide an exciting ‘Porsche experience’ for children.

All children,many of whom even carried their license with them from last year’s
program, received an easy-to-understand booklet on road safety rules. Upon
completion of the session, they also received a ‘Porsche Driving License’ stating
“My First License – I Know My Road Rules”. The plastic license card carries all
details of the child such as name, age and photograph, and although it does not
permit the child to drive, it does indicate that the card holder has
participated in a road safety program.

Furthermore, each child received an “Information Pack” including a “Porsche Safe Driving
Handbook” for his parents, to promote awareness of traffic rules and explain
what we can do to make the roads safer for us and our children. At the end,
there were lots of happy and proud little faces!

Porsche Classic Challenge 2010

PORSCHE CLASSY - Porsche Classic Challenge 2010

2010-09-22T20:16:00.001-07:00

Porsche Classic Challenge, a three-day trip from Castle Ophemert to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart

A brilliant mix of great social atmosphere throughout the 3 days of events.

Those hot, early model Porsche 911s are pretty special too.

Porsche Design unveils the $1 million Advent calendar

2010-09-21T07:01:00.001-07:00

Porsche Design’s $1 Million Advent Calendar

Porsche Design has just unveiled their latest Advent Calendar which will be sold for $1 Million. This brilliant showpiece, which stands approximately 1.75 meters high and is made of brushed aluminum with double-coat finish surfaces, reveals, each day up to December 24, a new surprise from the world of Porsche Design.

For all you luxury loving people who have set their designs on Porsche Design’s offerings for this Christmas, you had better pay attention to this. The famed design group has unveiled its best yet offering for the holiday season, the Advent calendar. The 1.75-meters high calendar, made of brushed aluminum with double-coat finish surfaces is one unique way to begin your countdown to Christmas. Priced at a cool $1 million, this calendar is truly one of a kind. What is more, the calendar is so exclusive that only one piece is available per continent.

Some of the surprises that this calendar will offer its very lucky owners each day include a Porsche Design P’6910 Indicator in rosé gold, an individually customizable Porsche Design Kitchen P’7340 and a RFF28 motor yacht, eight and a half meters long designed by Porsche Design Studio!

The P’6910 Indicator chronograph consists of approximately 800 individual components, hiding a 6036 movement from Eterna while the exclusive P’7340 Kitchen boasts of an innovative frame construction and is a beautiful creation made from a combination of aluminum, wood and glass.

The powerful RFF28 motor yacht has a 525 hp Mercury engine and reaches top speeds of up to 92 mph (148 km/h). The luxurious cockpit interior features custom-made teak sole and adjustable upholstered sporting bucket seats. A luxurious motor yacht, it will truly appeal to all.

Besides these exclusive offerings, the 24 windows in this unique calendar have many other surprise goodies. These include 18 carat yellow gold sunglasses, fine writing tools, timeless cufflinks and the premium running shoe Bounce:S, the limited edition leather blouson made from hand-woven lambskin nappa, as well as a travel assortment from the French Classic luggage series. While some products are hidden inside the window, the rest are represented symbolically on aluminum plates.

Sure to make for the most awesome Christmas gift for your man, this exclusive Porsche Design Advent Calendar, strictly limited to five in number, is available worldwide on request via the Porsche Design Stores.

Porsche Design’s $1 Million Advent Calendar

Source Via

Porsche 917 Sofa - INSPIRED DESIGN - VIDEO

2010-09-18T08:43:00.001-07:00


Front view of Porsche 917 seat	Rear view of Porsche 917 seat

The Porsche 917 inspired the design of this unique piece of creative art. The early 70’s at Le Mans fastest and distinctive cars of this era. A functional two seater sofa which encapsulates not only the style of car but a moment in time.

The Porsche 917 sofa is offered in a range of the original body colours and livery. The body is manufactured in an original glass fibre format and painted with nine coats of two pack automotive paint. The chassis frame is manufactured in 16 gauge tubular mild steel and powder coated for a hard non corrosive finish. Having five alloy legs and four genuine automotive lights (a functional option) which are sealed under a Perspex lens.

INSPIRED DESIGN

There are a lot of hours in making this sofa.

Is that a 550 spyder in the workshop there at 9:45?

Porsche Martini 917 Sofa

Back in 1957, Trevers and Ivor Walklett were the two original founders of Ginetta Cars LTD. Their desire to create and passion for cars started the life long quest that was to create some of the most desirable and exhilarating designs of the last few decades.
Mark Walklett, son of Trevers who grew up in this environment with sketches on scraps of paper, sketch books to drawing boards was taught to always have an open mind when it comes to design.

Having helped to create in a hands on way some of the models from the mid 80’s. Mark served his apprenticeship well in the early 90’s, with one of his personal concepts granted the car of the show when launched at the 1991 motor show.

In 1992, Mark together with his father Trevers and Ivor Walklett, co-founded a new company DARE UK LTD (Design And Research Engineering), manufacturing many of their classics models and created several new designs including the DARE DZ concept that was launched at the 1998 Motor Show.

Dare DZ concept car

Original Sketch by Mark Walklett

In 2000, a new design the TG sport was launched and named in memory of Trevers Walklett. And, with expectations running high, in 2006-2007, DARE’s latest new mid-engined super-car, is coming to fruition.

Other non Ginetta /Dare automotive and none automotive designs had been undertaken over the last decade. In recent years, they have varied to include a 14-ft high copper tree-fountain to Porsche classic recreation body panels and other automotive furniture, which leads us to Mark’s first commercially offered item under his inspired designed name.

Other concepts will surely follow from these evocative periods of time.

GALLERY

New Products

Events

The seat was on display at the Birmingham NEC Classic & Sports Car Show, courtesy of F1 Shop www.theformula1shop.co.uk and Grand Prix Images shop www.grandpriximages.com

At Eynsham Hall, the seat had its public debut on the 911 & Porsche World Magazine stand at the Porsche Festival, which was organize by the Porsche Club of Great Britain. Many thanks to the Editor Steve Bennett and all of his team.
THE FIRST ORDER WAS TAKEN.

Tel: +44(0)1206 735 610 | email: info@inspired-design-uk.com

See and download the full gallery on posterous

The Ultimate Turbo 911 - Ex-Steve McQueen 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo

2010-09-17T22:36:00.001-07:00

1976 Porsche Turbo Carrera Steve McQueen

1976 Porsche Turbo Carrera. | September 16, 2010 | Photos by Jamie Lipman

These days lots of people claim to know Steve McQueen. In fact a little niche of celebrity journalism about the late actor has sprung up, and naturally there are plenty of references to the cars he owned, many of which have crossed the auction block.

But the truth is, it all happened a long time ago. McQueen died in 1980 at age 50, and his cool, laconic style on the screen is the antithesis of the well-meaning but smarmy things that are written about him today.

The one thing that can safely be said about Steve McQueen is he liked machines — things that clattered, rattled and zoomed. He owned airplanes, motorcycles and especially cars.

Like this 1976 Porsche Turbo Carrera.

The Porsche Thing
McQueen's first-ever new car was a black 1958 Porsche 356A 1600 S Speedster that is still owned by the McQueen family. When the actor took his new car to the Santa Barbara road races in May 1959, he received a lukewarm reception until he won the novice event. Soon he bought the 1956 Jaguar XKSS that had been owned by James E. Peterson, the architect of Riverside International Raceway. And he went on to race a variety of cars while filming movies, including a Mini Cooper S, an Austin-Healey Sprite and a Cooper T56 Formula Junior.

He quickly became known as a car enthusiast, and Sports Illustrated even collared him for one of those celebrity automotive stories (some things never change) in the edition of August 8, 1966, in which he drove eight cars at Riverside, including his first-ever Porsche 911. Of this newly introduced Porsche, McQueen said, "The old Porsches had that violent oversteer tendency, and they would get out of whack with no warning. Now the problem has been corrected. The 911 was a very neutral-handling car, very docile, very pleasant to drive, and the five-speed gearbox sure was easy to use."

Finding the McQueen Ferrari
But Mike Regalia found Steve McQueen because of a Ferrari, not a Porsche. A longtime specialist in custom cars and now the owner of Regalia Concours Restorations in Sun Valley, California, Regalia had just sold his own Ferrari Testarossa in 1997. Prices in the classic car market had ebbed after the recession of the early 1990s and he thought it might be his last chance to personally own a collectible Ferrari. Regalia went looking for a Ferrari 250 GTL "Lusso" Berlinetta, perhaps the most beautiful of the early Ferrari GT cars. Then a friend called him with news about a Lusso locked away in an industrial space in San Francisco.

Regalia went to see the car and met Tom Sherwood, who had owned the Lusso since 1972. Regalia recalls, "The seller claimed Steve McQueen was the original owner, but he had nothing to confirm it. He was asking $135,000 when Lussos were selling for $85,000. I made a fair offer and kept in touch. It took two years to do the deal."

Eventually the car was sold for cash (plus a custom handgun previously owned by McQueen that Regalia had acquired). Later the Lusso's original sales document was uncovered and it transpired that the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTL Berlinetta had been purchased for McQueen's 34th birthday by his wife, Neile. Specially painted Morrane, a metallic dark brown, the car was a favorite of McQueen's until the engine started smoking under acceleration in 1967 and he sold it.

Regalia was slowly restoring the Lusso when the organizers of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance asked him to complete the car in time for their 2005 event, which would honor Pininfarina, the design house that did the Lusso's bodywork. And after some 4,000 hours of restoration, the McQueen Lusso finally appeared in public.

In August 2007, the McQueen Ferrari Lusso became the centerpiece of Christie's last-ever car auction, selling for a stunning $2.31 million. But letting the Lusso go left a hole in Mike Regalia's life. What could ever replace such a precious possession?

The Widowmaker
Steve McQueen's connection with Porsche during the production process of Le Mans (1971) had been quite well documented by 2008. During preparation for the film, he drove a Slate Gray 1969 Porsche 911S. In the months before filming began in 1970, he owned and raced a Porsche 908 racing car. For his personal use during filming in France, he purchased a Slate Gray 1970 Porsche 911S in Europe. The '69 911S is still owned by the McQueen family, while the '70 911S is in private hands and is driven weekly.

Barbara Minty, the actor's third wife, remembers the Porsche as a handful when she rode with McQueen.

Yet McQueen apparently wasn't yet done with Porsche after Le Mans. The introduction of the 1976 Porsche Turbo Carrera in the U.S. caused quite a stir, as it represented Porsche's first real supercar, a monster 911 with the then-impressive output of 234 horsepower at 5,500 rpm in U.S. trim, with torque rated at 246 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm. The actor immediately ordered one ($25,880) from Pete Smith at Bob Smith Porsche in Hollywood. He asked for three special options: a sunroof ($675), a limited-slip differential ($345) and Slate Gray paint ($250).

When the Turbo Carrera arrived some months later, McQueen was in no great rush to pay for it and pick it up. Pete Smith put 100 miles on the car to break it in. Finally Smith and his wife Becky arrived in the Porsche 930 for a dinner with McQueen and Ali McGraw, McQueen's second wife. Seeing the car in the metal sealed the deal and McQueen finally took delivery of his third 911.

The Turbo didn't stay stock for long. The first change was a switch on the dash to knock out the taillights and brake lights in case of hot pursuit by law enforcement personnel. Later the standard 15-by-7-inch front and 15-by-8-inch rear Fuchs wheels were replaced by 15-by-8-inch front and 15-by-9-inch rear Fuchs wheels.

By 1978, McQueen's divorce from McGraw was in the cards. Barbara Minty, the model who became the actor's third wife, still remembers the Porsche Turbo as quite a handful when she rode at McQueen's side. In the midst of his domestic mayhem, McQueen happened to be talking to Pete Smith about the 3.3-liter version of the Turbo that had just been announced, and he offered to sell his Slate Gray Turbo back to Smith,

For this Porsche 930, the McQueen years were over.

Discovering the Gray Ghost
After McQueen, the Porsche's ownership can be traced to car dealer Pete Smith, film director Floyd Mutrux, and then to Dean Paul Martin, the son of singer Dean Martin and an actor in his own right who was killed in 1987 in a jet fighter while serving in the Air National Guard. Enthusiast Craig Barrett next owned the McQueen Porsche.

In 2008, a year after the sale of the Lusso at Christie's, the McQueen Porsche Turbo found itself in a Gooding & Company auction at Monterey. It was one of the last cars added to the catalog and not much was being made of the McQueen connection. Still mourning the sale of his McQueen Lusso, Mike Regalia went along to see the Porsche.

Since a pair of McQueen's sunglasses had recently sold for $70,000, Regalia didn't expect his budget would stretch far enough to purchase the car, which the auction house estimated to be worth between $125,000 and $175,000. But as the bidding began to stall just past the $100,000 mark, Regalia's hand went up. He bought the car for $137,500.

The Ghost Drives Again
Since picking up the McQueen Turbo in 2008, Regalia has done nothing but drive it, although he's installed 16-inch Fuchs wheels with low-profile Michelin tires. It shows evidence of a restoration completed in 1995 and has 152,000 miles on the odometer.

The auction spiel at the time of sale said this car was in perfect mechanical condition, but the clutch cable is unhappy, the shift lever is looser than you'd like and there's a curious sound from the left front. A box of air-conditioning parts is also awaiting installation. But today we get to photograph the car at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, so it feels just fine to us.

As we leave the track, we narrowly escape a speeding ticket from a ranger patrolling the state park that surrounds the motorsports facility. "Steve would have loved that," notes Regalia. "A speeding ticket at Laguna Seca!"

Once you put your foot down, this turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-6 spools up delightfully, though it's not as almighty as we're expecting. The 1976 Porsche Turbo didn't feature a boost gauge and probably the single turbocharger's 11.5-psi output wouldn't impress us anyway, since we're only talking about 234 hp here. The 930 was really only a monster because it made 77 hp more than a standard 911 of the time.

As we rumble back to the parking lot at the end of our drive, Chad McQueen — Steve's son — is on hand to say hello. "When I was 15, I got caught borrowing this car for a ride around the neighborhood," recalls Chad. "I got my ass kicked for that one, but it was worth it!"

Mike Regalia might say the same thing. Though he made some money from his sale of the McQueen Ferrari, he remains simply a McQueen fan at heart. He has the freedom to drive the hell out of the Porsche and apologize to no one, and that's about as close as you can come to the real Steve McQueen.

via insideline.com

Bergmeister, Long To Drive Porsche Hybrid In China

2010-09-17T07:06:00.001-07:00

via auto-racing.speedtv.com

American Le Mans Series stars trade their GT2-spec 911 GT3 RSR for Porsche's innovative GT3 R Hybrid for the Six-Hour ILMC contest

Media Release | Posted September 17, 2010 Atlanta, GA

Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long will tackle the 1,000 kilometer race in Zhuhai,China on November 7 with the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid.

This marks the first event in China for the innovative sports car from Weissach, which features two electric motors at the front axle each developing 60 kilowatts to supplement the 480 horsepower combustion rear-engine. The race on the Zhuhai International Circuit, in which the 911 GT3 R Hybrid is not eligible for points, is the third and final round of the newly-inaugurated Intercontinental Le Mans Cup after Silverstone and Road Atlanta.

"It's a fantastic conclusion to the season to drive this car in China after the race debut on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife," says Joerg Bergmeister. The Porsche factory pilot was part of the driver crew at the wheel of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid when it demonstrated the potential of its leading edge technology at the 24 hour race on the Eifel circuit and was on course to victory until shortly before the flag. In the American Le Mans Series, Bergmeister and Long are on the brink of successfully defending their GT class title with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.

With a 22-point lead in the drivers championship, but only a single point lead for Porsche in the manufacturers points, the pair will drive the Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR at the Petit Le Mans event at Road Atlanta on October 2.

Long has tested the Hybrid in Germany, but the China event will be his first racing experience in the unique race car. The race in Zhuhai is a great chance for Porsche to showcase its "rolling race lab" 911 GT3 R Hybrid - which perfectly embodies the philosophy of 'Porsche Intelligent Performance' - to its important market of China. At the same time, Porsche is lending its support the new Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, organized by the Automobil Club de l'Ouest (ACO).

Laguna Seca 2010: Porsche Motorsports - Video - Jay Leno's Garage

2010-09-08T19:57:00.001-07:00

Jay Leno at Laguna Seca for a visit with selected members of Porsche's motorsports team.

This new Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid review video has been released by Jay Leno on his web-based auto show - Jay Leno's Garage. Mr. Leno got up close and personal with the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car at this year's Pebble Beach on the Laguna Seca race track. Technical Director Nick Lester, factory driver Patrick Long and driver Jeff Zwart all take turns and present their "side" of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid. If you're not yet familiar with the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, it has a two electric motors on the front axle that develop 60 kW each and a 4.0-liter flat-six rear engine with 480 bhp.

Watch Jay Leno's Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid review video after the jump.

PORSCHE: The Early Years Rare Video Footage

2010-09-03T20:08:00.001-07:00

"Prof. Dr. Ing h.c. Ferdinand Porsche", designer of Grand Prix and road cars, finds a financial and philosophical ally in a new German government eager to extend motoring to the "volk", or people.

Prof. Dr. Ing h.c. Ferdinand Porsche (3 September 1875 – 30 January 1951) was an Austro-Hungarian automotive engineer. He is best known for creating the Volkswagen (Beetle) as well as the first of many Porsche automobiles, and for his contributions to advanced German tank designs: Tiger I, Tiger II and the Elefant.

Porsche was awarded in 1937 the German National Prize for Art and Science, one of the rarest decorations in Nazi Germany. Porsche's son, Ferry Porsche, is the eponym for Porsche automobiles, initially based to a large extent on the Volkswagen Beetle design.

Though he and his son founded the high-performance sports car firm that bears the family name, Ferdinand Porsche Sr. (1875-1951) is remembered as the visionary who created the Volkswagen Beetle in the 1930s.

Already a renowned automotive designer, Porsche's dream was to create a small, affordable car for the European mass market.

A Quick Spin with the 2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic- Limited to 250

2010-08-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Bernhard, Dumas and Rockenfeller pilot Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid at Road Atlanta Oct 2nd, 2010

2010-08-25T06:30:00.001-07:00

Porsche Intelligent Performance

Bernhard, Dumas and Rockenfeller pilot Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Stuttgart. Porsche works drivers Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) return to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) as teammates. The pair join forces on the “Road Atlanta” race track for the season final on 2 October to pilot the innovative Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, which features two electric motors at the front axle each developing 60 kilowatts to supplement the 480 horsepower normally-aspirated rear-engine. The third driver is former Porsche-Junior and current Audi factory pilot Mike Rockenfeller (Germany). Together, the trio won the Le Mans 24 Hours in June. In January, Rockenfeller claimed victory in a Porsche-powered Daytona Prototype at the Daytona 24 hour race.

At the 1,000 mile race on the outskirts of the US city of Atlanta, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid will not be eligible for points, as hybrid technology is not yet included in the GT regulations. “Our priorities are to further develop the hybrid technology and to optimise the fuel consumption under racing conditions. Nevertheless, I’m very interested to see how we compare to the GT2 cars,” says Timo Bernhard. “Nowhere is the competition in the GT segment as hard as it is here in the USA,” adds Dumas.

As a driver pairing, Bernhard and Dumas have already notched up many historical victories, including the ALMS title in the LMP2 prototype class in 2007 and 2008, the overall win at the 2008 Sebring 12 Hours, as well as three overall victories at the Nürburgring 24 hour race from 2007 to 2009.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, that demonstrated the potential of its groundbreaking technology over 22 hours and 15 minutes at this year’s Nürburgring 24 hour race and led the overall classification for more than eight hours, expressly typifies the philosophy of “Porsche Intelligent Performance”. Under braking, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and stores it in a flywheel. During acceleration, this energy is automatically delivered to the front wheels, supporting the combustion engine. This leads to a reduction in fuel consumption and increases the cruising range. Moreover, drivers can manually utilise the stored energy with a boost-paddle on the steering wheel for overtaking.

Posted by Amigos Racing for Latin America at 02:16

Bernhard, Dumas and Rockenfeller pilot Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid at Road Atlanta Oct 2nd, 2010

2010-08-25T06:23:00.001-07:00

Bernhard, Dumas and Rockenfeller pilot Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Press-Information

25/08/2010

Porsche Intelligent Performance

Bernhard, Dumas and Rockenfeller pilot Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Posted by Amigos Racing for Latin America at 02:16

Arrival of the First Porsche Sport Classic in America #116 of 250

2010-08-24T22:04:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, the 22nd of August at approximately 3:00 in the morning, the first Porsche Sport Classic to be in America arrived at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX. The anticipation to see such a magnificent machine and a true work of art, had built up all day long, and it was definitely worth the wait; and can simply be made an unforgettable memory, a once in a lifetime event. We were lucky enough to be with friends and members of Urban Speed to not only be up and close with the massive Boeing 747 cargo jet as it lifted its nose and unloaded, but to experience the long awaited moment of seeing the Porsche Sport Classic roll out from the plane onto the tarmac. A truly unique moment for such a unique and well crafted vehicle.

The bespoke character of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic has been developed over a period of three years by Porsche Exclusive, the company’s Specialist Department which creates the most outstanding personalised versions of Porsche cars.

Fans of the Porsche 911 will recognize immediately the charismatic styling cues incorporated in this exciting addition to the range, principally the ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler reminiscent of that made famous by the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 and iconic ‘Fuchs-style’ design of the special custom-made alloy wheels. The Sport Classic is further distinguished by its more powerful engine, unique exterior with new front and rear styling, a new centre section in the roof, new side sills, and new design of front and rear lights which illustrate the high technical standard of this very special project.

Every car in this limited series comes in the exclusive new paintwork colour of Sport Classic Grey, with discreet dark trim strips accentuating the unique character of the car. The very sophisticated and elegant interior in Espresso Nature sets new standards, going beyond even the well-known customization of the Porsche 911 interior already offered by Porsche Exclusive.

The Porsche Sport Classic – A true work of art.

Porsche 911 Sport Classic Specifications

Body: Two-plus-two coupé; monocoque, fully hot-galvanised lightweight steel body with aluminium doors; driver and front passenger airbags operating in two stages; side and head airbags for driver and front passenger.

Aerodynamics: Cd = 0.32

Power Unit: Water-cooled horizontally-opposed six-cylinder; engine block and cylinder heads made of aluminium; four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing on intake side and valve lift switchover (VarioCam Plus); hydraulic valve play compensation; Direct Fuel Injection; two three-way catalytic converters on each row of cylinders, each with two oxygen sensors; 10.0 ltr (2.2 imp gals) engine oil; electronic ignition with solidstate distributor (six ignition coils).

Bore: 102 mm (4.02″)

Stroke: 77.5 mm (3.05″)

Capacity: 3800 cc

Compression ratio: 12.5:1

Engine output: 408 bhp (300 kW) at 7300 rpm

Max torque: 420 Nm/310 lb-ft at 4200-5600 rpm

Output per litre: 107.4 bhp (78.9 kW)

Max engine speed: 7500 rpm

Transmission: Engine and gearbox bolted to form one drive unit; six-speed manual gearbox.

Chassis and Suspension

Front: Spring strut axle in McPherson design optimised by Porsche with independent wheel suspension on track control arms, longitudinal arms and spring struts; conical stump springs with inner-mounted vibration dampers.

Rear: Multi-arm axle with independent suspension on five arms; cylindrical coil springs with co-axial inner-mounted vibration dampers.

PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management with electronically controlled vibration dampers and two manually selectable control maps; mechanical rear axle differential.

Brakes: PCCB brakes with brake discs made of carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramics; twin-circuit brake system split front-to-rear.

Front: Six-piston aluminium monobloc brake callipers; crossdrilled and inner-vented brake discs measuring 350 mm/13.78″ in diameter and 34 mm/1.34″ across.

Rear: Four-piston aluminium monobloc brake callipers; crossdrilled and inner-vented brake discs measuring 350 mm/13.78″ in diameter and 28 mm/1.10″ across. PSM Porsche Stability Management; vacuum brake servo; Brake Assistant.

Wheels and Tires

Front 8.5 J x 19 on 235/35 ZR 19

Rear 11 J x 19 on 305/30 ZR 19

Weight

Unladen: 1425 kg (DIN)

Max permissible: 1830 kg

Dimensions

Length: 4440 mm (174.8″)

Width: 1852 mm (72.9″)

Height: 1290 mm (50.8″)

Wheelbase: 2350 mm (92.5″)

Track: front: 1492 mm (58.7″) / rear: 1550 mm (61.0″)

Luggage capacity

front 135 ltr (4.7 cu ft)

rear 205 ltr (7.2 cu ft)

Tank capacity: 64 ltr (14.1 imp gals)

Performance

Top speed: 302 km/h (187 mph)

Acceleration

0-100 km/h: 4.6 sec

0-200 km/h: 14.8 sec

Below are a few pictures from this mornings arrival of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic. We will have more pictures and video soon of when it has been cleaned up and all four wheels are on the ground! Stay tuned!!

Porsche 911 Sport Classic

via texasmotorevents.com

Video: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept driven at Pebble Beach

2010-08-16T07:27:00.001-07:00

The highly-anticipated Porsche 918 Spyder Concept is no longer a static piece of automotive perfection. The car has been driven, albeit at driveway speeds, at the recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Eelegance event.

Stunning the crowd and photographers, the guys from Autoblog had to get amongst it to get these exclusive images. The Porsche 918 Spyder had only just been confirmed for production, seeing it as a final working example provides definite assurance the car will be made.

The specifications are also said to be on par with those of the initial concept; 372kW, 3.4-litre V8, combined with two electric motors which sum 162kW. Some witnesses at the event thought the car was being driven with the handbrake on, while sources confirmed the 918′s engine was simply being switched into full-electric mode.

This car is very special for a number of reasons. The most interesting though, we think, is the fact that it is an ultra-modern design, with swoops and cuts contouring the bodywork, but it also sports traditional and retro features.

Check out the interior, it’s almost retro with its green pin striping, but then look at the seats. The passenger seat appears to be a very large unit that extends all the way up to the centre dash fascia.

And then there’s the Park/Reverse/Drive toggle to the right of the steering wheel. It looks very James bond/stainless steel, but also hints simplicity and tradition.

Exterior-wise, the wheels look as they did on the original concept – futuristic to the utmost level – but then there’s the side-exiting exhaust outlets that almost look fake and for show only. But they’re not.

Although thought to be the first official drive of the car, Porsche has said the car was driven a few days earlier at a secret private test road prior to the event. It’s certainly the first public exhibit showcasing the car under its own power though.

Here’s a video of it all anyway. It sounds like a loud, chunky rally car yet it’s capable of consuming just 3L/100km.

*Updated: First drive video and engine sound video below

via caradvice.com.au

PATRICK LONG Takes 4th Place at Mid-Ohio - Long and Bergmeister Retain ALMS GT Championship Lead

2010-08-08T09:56:00.001-07:00

Long Takes 4th Place at Mid-Ohio

August 8, 2010

Long and Bergmeister Retain ALMS GT Championship Lead

Patrick Long, having qualified the #45 Flying Lizard Porsche in 8th position, finished fourth in the GT class with his teammate Jörg Bergmeister yesterday at round six of the 2010 ALMS season, at Mid-Ohio. Long was the fastest qualifying Porsche, and the vaunted competition of the GT class showed its depth with two BMWs, two Corvettes and three Ferraris qualifying in front of the Californian. By finishing fourth, the duo retained their GT-class championship by eight points, with three races left to run in the season. Additionally, the #45 captured the Michelin GreenX Challenge in GT, as the racecar performing with the lowest environmental impact.

In a race in which the margin of victory was 0.582 of a second - with the #62 Ferrari barely eclipsing the #4 Corvette - Jörg finished 5.298 seconds behind the winner, and just more than .4 seconds behind the 3rd place finisher. In fact, the top six finishers of the two hour, 45 minute race were covered by only 6.736 seconds. In the closing 10 minutes of racing - after a late caution period - Bergmeister fought tooth and nail for 3rd position, only to be balked repeatedly by slower traffic.

Patrick said, "It was all about track position today, and starting eighth, we had to move up one position at a time, relying on our strategy and mistake-free driving to get to the top. We moved from eighth to fourth in the race, but a couple of lucky breaks for our main rivals after they went off course just before yellows and some bad traffic didn't help us. We're still leading the championship, but as we've been saying all season - the championship is going to come down to the last race."

The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge will be broadcast in documentary form, as was the Laguna Seca round earlier in the year, on CBS Sports on Sunday, August 15 at 12:30pm ET.

Long and Flying Lizard race next at Wisconsin's picturesque Road America, near Milwaukee in Elkhart Lake, WI. The longest circuit of the championship, Road America is a perennial favorite for drivers and spectators alike, due to the challenge and ambiance of the track. The race will be broadcast live on SPEEDTV, starting at 3pm ET on Sunday, August 22.

Follow Patrick on Twitter and Facebook:

Patrick Long Motorsport wishes to thank all of its partners and supporters for the 2010 season: Porsche, Flying Lizard Motorsports, Troy Lee Designs, Oakley, Club Corp, FRS Healthy Energy, Leeper's Stair Products and Speedware Motorsports.

Porsche - http://www.porsche.com
Oakley - http://www.oakley.com
Club Corp - http://www.clubcorp.com
Troy Lee Designs - http://www.troyleedesigns.com
Speedware Motorsports - http://www.speedwaremotorsports.com
FRS Healthy Energy - http://www.frs.com

Photos © Rick Dole 2010

Porsche to show its extensive hybrid power at next week's Monterey Historic Weekend. - August 12-15th, 2010

2010-08-04T18:26:00.001-07:00

Cars to be shown include the 918 Spyder (front, center), the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racecar (left), and the Cayenne S Hybrid (right). (PRNewsFoto/Porsche Cars North America, Inc.)

ATLANTA, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Monterey Historic Weekend traditionally focuses on the most coveted automobiles from around the world, but rarely have vehicles with a "hybrid" designation so forcefully commanded the anticipation of attending enthusiasts. Porsche aims to change that status quo by proving just how tempting – and potent – Porsche's Intelligent Performance can be. The German automaker is making its point with the new 918 Spyder, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racecar, and the Cayenne S Hybrid – all joining a collection of Porsche classics and contemporary models on display during the Monterey festivities.

The annual gathering of automotive aficionados during the August 9 – 15 Monterey Peninsula Automotive Week is also a fitting venue to celebrate the company's 60th anniversary year in America. In addition to introducing its new portfolio of hybrid cars, Porsche will be unveiling a new web site to go live next week that will feature contests, videos, stories and images, all celebrating the cars and people that put Porsche on the United States map six decades ago.

"Automotive passion is always alive and thriving within the Porsche community, but it's particularly heated at this extraordinary event," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. "Where else can you see the evolution of Porsche in America so magnificently displayed, from early sports cars like our 356 through our newest intelligence performance powerhouse, the 918 Spyder?"

Among the Porsche models on display throughout the Monterey peninsula, the first North American public appearance of the 918 Spyder concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, August 15 will be a highlight. Just recently approved for production, the fuel-sipping, ultra-high-performance super sports car has already been pre-ordered by over 1000 enthusiasts.

With the potential of recording 78 mpg, the 918 Spyder is an impressive showcase of Porsche's Intelligent Performance philosophy, but it's not alone in getting performance enthusiasts to "think green." Motorsports fans will have the opportunity to check out the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid August 12 – 15. The race car will be based at the Porsche Zentrum, a specially-built facility open to visitors located up Peter Hayes Hill on the compounds of the Pebble Beach Lodge.

Attendees will also have a unique opportunity to see the car and chat with Porsche Works racer Patrick Long at "The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering" from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, August 13. On Saturday, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be showcased at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (formerly the Monterey Historic Automobile Races) at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and then alongside the 918 Spyder at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday.

The Quail Lodge will also be the place to see some of the world's finest Porsche classics. Four rare automobiles from the Porsche Museum in Germany are en route to Monterey. Visitors will be able to enjoy the beautiful lines of a 1955 and 1958 356 Speedster, a 1960 356 B Carrera 2000 GS Carrera GT and a 1962 356 Carrera 2 Cabrio. Newer Porsche siblings are also on display, including new and latest models available for consumer test drives.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs 213 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 199 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its more than six-decade history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful brand in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the highly acclaimed Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicles and the four-door Panamera Gran Turismos, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.

Follow us: www.twitter.com/PorscheNewsWire and www.facebook.com/Porsche

SOURCE Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

via virtualpressoffice.com

"Legends of the Autobahn" – Monterey Week Event - Friday August 13th, 2010

2010-07-31T11:25:00.001-07:00

Legends of the Autobahn – Monterey Week Event

Rancho Canada Golf Club located on Carmel Valley Road just East of Hwy1

German car enthusiasts now have a place to call their own during Monterey Week 2010 with the addition of a new event, the Legends of the Autobahn: West Coast Summer Concours.

The BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA), the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA), and the Porsche Club of America (PCA)—the largest German marque enthusiast organizations in the world—have joined together to co-sponsor this year’s premier German auto spectacular, to be held Friday, August 13, 2010 at Rancho Canada Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California.

The one-day “Legends” event aims to bring enthusiasts, owners and aficionados of distinctive German cars to view some of the finest German marques in the world. Last year’s “Legends of the Autobahn: West Coast Summer Concours,” sponsored exclusively by the BMW Car Club of America, drew an audience of over 1,000. With the additional participation of the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche Car Clubs, event organizers expect three-times the entertainment and crowd.

“The Mercedes-Benz Club of America is thrilled to be a co-sponsor of ‘Legends of the Autobahn’ this year. The sheer ‘buzz’ that ‘Legends’ generates is a testament to the enthusiasm people hold for their cars, their appreciation for all-family entertainment, and their love of the Carmel Valley community,” boasts Laura Simonds, MBCA National Treasurer and Event Coordinator.

New, experienced, and non-auto enthusiasts are encouraged to attend for the fun and fervor of the show. For those interested in entering the Concours, a $50 entry fee will apply. For those wishing to display their vehicle without judging, a $25 corral fee will apply. For everyone else there will be food, displays, and Club booths where guests can enjoy the cars, mingle, get educated and more.

To register, visit www.motorsportreg.com for more information. Registration deadline is August1. Location of the event is Rancho Canada Golf Club located on Carmel Valley Road just East of Hwy1.

[Source: Legends of the Autobahn; photo credit: Dennis Gray]

Related stories:

New Monterey Week Event – La Dolce Vita Automobili at Black Horse

La Dolce Vita Will Not Return to Monterey Week

Legends of Motorsports All-Lotus Event

The Porsche Book by Frank M. Orel

2010-07-25T20:09:00.001-07:00

Frank M. Orel was born in Stuttgart. He is one of Germany's top advertising photographers. Now he has published a 300 page book highlighting Porsche.. It is his fourth Porsche book and will be succeeded by a fifth limited edition which goes on sale in September. Orel has won a number of awards for his photos including a 2004 red dot award. He has been photographing Porsche for over 12 years.

American Le Mans Series announces the debut of the Porsche 911 GT3 R HYBRID in USA

2010-07-22T23:59:00.003-07:00

ALMSOfficialVideos | July 22, 2010
The American Le Mans Series is proud to announce the debut the Porsche 911 GT3 R HYBRID that will race at Petit Le Mans this October. The media announcement was held at Rouge Tomate in New York City on July 21st, 2010. Watch the announcement and hear from ALMS President / CEO Scott Atherton, Porsche North America President / CEO Paul Ritchie, and Porsche Factory driver Patrick Long.

American Le Mans Series announces the debut of the Porsche 911 GT3 R HYBRID in USA

2010-07-22T23:59:00.001-07:00

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/07/22/testing-worlds-fastest-hybrid/

Testing Porsche's 911 GT3 R Hybrid Race Car - Ask Porsche driver Patrick Long.

2010-07-22T09:50:00.001-07:00

Ask driver Patrick Long, and he'll tell you he's "still pretty charged up (forgive the pun)" after returning to the States following two weeks of testing the car on the Lausitzring circuit outside Berlin.

We had a chance to chat with Long next to one of the world's only two 911 GT3 R Hybrid models, incongruously parked outside a swanky restaurant in midtown Manhattan.

He was there to announce that the groundbreaking hybrid would make its first appearance in U.S. competition in the Petit Le Mans race, the last event of this year's American Le Mans Series, to be held October 3 at the Road Atlanta racetrack.

"It's an exciting platform," said the boyish-looking Long, whose normal ride in the series is a Porsche GT3 RSR which he drives for the Flying Lizard Motorsports team.

Compared to the RSR, he said, he could brake later into turns and accelerate earlier, knowing he had up to 160 horsepower available to power the front wheels for added thrust out of corners.

The R Hybrid provides that front-wheel power for 5 to 7 seconds after the driver initiates it via a small gold paddle behind the steering wheel.

A row of LEDs shows the driver its state of charge at any given point; once the driver triggers it, Hybrid Manager software determines how much torque can be delivered to the front wheels, based on speed, steering angle, cornering force, wheel slip, and a host of other sensor data.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid in action

Enlarge Photo

That power is generated by energy stored in the form of a flywheel rotating at high speed inside in the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, or KERS.

The drum-shaped unit sits on the passenger-side floor of the racer, along with its power electronics, orange high-voltage cables, and pipes carrying an oil-based coolant to and from side radiators behind vents just behind the doors.

When the driver asks for power, a clutch connects the flywheel to a motor-generator that flows power through cables to a pair of electric motors below the front axle, each connected through a reduction gear to a front wheel.

The system adds about 140 pounds on the front axle, roughly 100 pounds for the flywheel-generator package, and another 60 pounds for power electronics, cooling systems, and cables. To offset this, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid replaces the RSR's steel roof with one made from magnesium.

That the system works as well, and as powerfully, as it does is "a testament to the guys at Weissach," Long said. But like many, he was a skeptic at first. "I saw it as a project" or a technology test, he admitted, "until I got in, and saw how refined it was."

That was when "I knew we were onto something," said a grinning Long. "I just kept asking myself, why hasn't Bergmeister been talking more about this? It's amazing."

The results of improving the 911's efficiency by recapturing wasted brake energy? The standard 911 GT3 RSR can do 10 laps of the Nurburgring circuit on a tank of gas; the hybrid saves enough fuel to do an entire extra lap before having to pit.

And in endurance racing, a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency can win you races just through time saved. Just ask the Le Mans victims of the Peugeot and Audi diesel endurance racers.

PORSCHE 911 GT3 R HYBRID TO MAKE NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT PETIT LE MANS!

2010-07-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK CITY (July 21, 2010) – The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón took another monumental step toward enhancing its position as the Global Leader of Green Racing with today's announcement that Porsche's innovative 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car will race for the first time in North America at the Series signature event – Petit Le Mans on October 2 at Road Atlanta.

After debuting in April at Germany's world-renowned Nürburgring race circuit in a six-hour event, the Porsche Hybrid challenged the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May. It earned worldwide acclaim with its performance that had it leading many hours of the race – at times by a significant margin – until the closing two hours when a combustion engine issue forced the car to retire.

"After the 911 GT3 R Hybrid's fantastic performance at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, we are now eager to gain more experience with the hybrid technology on a variety of race tracks," says Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport. "At the same time, we would like to show fans and customers in our most important market how our 'race lab' performs under racing conditions," adds Kristen.

The Porsche Hybrid will take its place on a worldwide stage at Petit Le Mans, which not only is the Series' cornerstone event but one of the most important endurance races in the world. This year, for the first time, it will hold the distinction of being the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup's sole North American stop. The Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, announced by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest a year ago, will decide an international champion based on results from three Le Mans-based series on three different continents – Europe, North America and Asia.

"This is an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate the advances in automotive technologies and energy efficiencies that you won't see in any other motorsports environment in the world," said American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton. "Porsche has always led by example throughout its motorsports history – transferring what they learn on the race track to their production cars. And I believe this becomes the modern-day benchmark of how a manufacturer uses the American Le Mans Series' platform to develop and showcase new technology that is destined for road-car application. This car truly offers a glimpse into the future of high-performance road car technology."

The distinctive aspect of Porsche's hybrid technology features an electric flywheel power generator located in the cockpit beside the driver that has the advantage of storing and delivering high amounts of energy very quickly. The combination of the combustion engine and electric motor fulfils a simple objective – using less fuel without compromising performance. When overtaking or accelerating, the driver can engage the system by pressing the boost paddle on the steering wheel to send energy from the charged generator.

Because the ACO (sanctioning body for Le Mans racing) has not yet created rules for hybrid technology in production-based cars, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid will race unclassified at Petit Le Mans.

The American Le Mans Series has achieved the distinction of being the Global Leading of Green Racing by providing a platform that encourages manufacturers to showcase leading-edge, relevant technologies and requiring all vehicles that compete in the world's leading sports car series to utilize an alternative fuel or energy source. At Petit Le Mans, five different types of alternative energy sources will be raced: clean diesel, E10, cellulosic E85, isobutanol and electric hybrid.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with SAE International, have cited the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón as the only motorsport series to meet its green protocols. In recognition of that achievement, the groups have created a Green Challenge™ award to a prototype and GT (Grand Touring) manufacturer at season's end. Michelin, meanwhile, has extended the award – the MICHELIN® GREEN X® Challenge Award – to teams on a race-by-race basis. The award goes to the teams that demonstrate not only the best overall performance but also the most efficient use of fuel and least amount of carbon emissions.

Porsche won the inaugural Green Challenge at Petit Le Mans in 2008 with a Porsche RS Spyder that featured direct fuel injection. In 2009, Porsche and Flying Lizard Motorsports won the event at Petit Le Mans behind an E85-powered Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. Porsche and Flying Lizard also claimed the season-long GT manufacturer and team championships, respectively.

Porsche People - Porsche Owners Club at El Toro

2010-06-27T17:20:00.001-07:00

via vimeo.com

DREAM PORSCHE

2010-06-27T17:08:00.001-07:00

via vimeo.com

Posted via email from Northern California Porsche Backroad Destinations

~Russian River Fun Run ~ Sat, June 19th, 2010 - PCA - San Francisco

2010-06-27T09:26:00.001-07:00

..North of the Golden Gate Bridge via Panoramic Hwy, Ridgecrest Rd to the famous twisty Bolinas-Fairfax Road via the Shoreline Hwy 1 straight up to Occidental for lunch, drive after lunch along the Russian River & Bohemain Hwy to Goat Rock Pacific Coast Hwy 1 to Bodega Bay

Russian River Fun Run- Saturday, June 19th, 2010 - San Francisco Bay Area PCA Regions
I lead a tour from the Golden Gate Bridge up to Occidental/Russian River with a fantastic group
of San Francisco Bay Area PCA members. Awesome day!

~~Brief description of drive up to Occidental for Lunch~~

Meeting area at the Golden Gate Bridge "Vista Point" parking lot, then headed north to Mill Valley, via Shoreline Hwy 1 to the Panoramic Hwy. Cruised through Mt.Tamalpais State Park via Ridgecrest Road (view is spectacular). Took the famous twisty Bolinas-Fairfax Road to Shoreline Hwy 1 north towards Pt. Reyes as our 1st Pit stop was at Point Reyes Visitor Center/Pt. Reyes Station. Merged in with PCA Diablo region group, then headed north on Shoreline Hwy 1 to Freestone, where we met PCA Redwood Region. Had lunch in Occidental at the Union Hotel. After a fantastic lunch (PCA-RR, Ron Breeze organized) Ron lead the way on the beautiful Bohemian Hwy out to Goat Rock on the Pacific Coast Hwy 1, where we had a photo opportunity and then drove south to Bodega Bay.

Great food, great people, great cars, great roads, great weather....what more could you ask for!

"It's not just the cars, it's the people too!"

Here we are at the first meeting place north east side of the Golden Gate Bridge (Vista Point)
...great picture from Mike! Mike's silver 911 is parked next to Troomi's awesome Boxster (speed yellow)

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At Point Reyes Station, Shoreline Hwy 1 - merging with other group (PCA Diablo Region) organized bt Tito Y., we filled up the whole side street and more...all in all maybe 42+ Porsches!......close to 60 people.

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Photo by Mike B.

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Photo by Mike B.

Headed north on shoreline Hwy 1...James in the Red Boxster, Troomi in the Speed Yellow Boxster,
Mary (aka as DreamMachines) in the black Honda and
you can barely see me in front (Dede) the Pastel yellow Boxster leading the group..

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Photo by Mike B.
Looks like Jeremy in front of SteveW & Rhonda in their new 911...beautiful car!

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Photo by Mike B

MORE....from Steven S.

Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point Parking lot - photo taken by Steven S.

Point Reyes Station - photo taken by Steven S.

Point Reyes Visitor Center - photo taken by Steven S.

Point Reyes Station - photo taken by Steven S.

Goat Rock Beach, Sonoma County, California - photo taken by Steven S.

- photo taken by Steven S.

photo taken by Steven S.

Click this bar to view the full image.

me..... photo taken by Steven S.

Photo by Jacquie L.

me in the red hat....

Photo by Jacquie L.

all the yellow together...(me - pastel yellow)

Photo by Jacquie L.

Dede leading the group. Pastel Yellow Boxster in front.

Photo by Jacquie L.

Goat Rock State Park - Pacific Coast Highway 1 - mouth of the Russian River, Sonoma County, California

Photo by Jacquie L.

Northern California - Porsche Club of America regions

911 GT3 R Hybrid - 24 electrifying hours at the Ring

2010-06-17T20:22:00.001-07:00

"Porsche – The 911 GT3 R Hybrid delivered a storming debut and led until hour 22, when a technical problem brought the fairytale to a premature end. So no laurels this time - but we didn't plan to rest on them anyway. Bring on 2011!..." This video relives the dramatic events of the 24 Hour Race at the Nürburgring. Although the 911 GT 3 R Hybrid failed to score a sensational victory, it showed the potential of Porsche Intelligent Performance at the ring. For more information click on http://www.porsche.com/intelligent-performance

Building the Porsche FERDINAND GT3 RS

2010-06-16T07:40:00.001-07:00

Yankodesign 2010 Porsche for Hauling

Inside Racing - Faces: The Gangs of LeMans

2010-06-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Audi and Peugeot???? ...... the duel of the year.

Porsche TranSport Pickup Truck - concept

2010-05-27T19:49:00.001-07:00

via youtube.com

Designer Nouphone J. Bansasine knows that Porsche already has a Porsche Panamera sedan, the Cayenne SUV, and a sports car line up. Now comes the time for a new Porsche TranSport!

May 23, 2010 — This concept focus upon for high end market buyer. To achieve the concept strategy, below is his proposal to design the Porsche TransSports Premium Truck to be more power, sophisticated, premium and better handling performance than the rest of the competitors. The ultimate goal is to gain the consumers interest and trust in Porsche.He believes this proposal will achieve not only its estimated growth in the prestigious image statement but also the overall branding of the Porsche quality product. Unlike in the past, the automotive industry is highly sophisticated and technology advanced. As a result, consumers demand more and the automotive industry are challenged with competing for consumers loyalty.

Engine Displacement

1.The engine locates behind the occupants underneath the truck bed..

2.Front hood will be used for a trunk and available space for gas tank.

3.Transmission locates underneath the truck bed.

4.Combustion Powered is in consideration.

5.Engine flat six

Designer: Nouphone J. Bansasine

See and download the full gallery on posterous

What If Porsche Made a Pickup Truck?

2010-05-26T21:46:00.001-07:00

Ever wondered what it might be like to pull a trailer at 120 mph on the German autobahn?

Neither have I, but designer Nouphone J. Bansasine apparently has. He's created a new vehicle idea for Porsche's lineup: a pickup truck.It's called the Porsche TranSport Truck, and it's supposed to be the ultimate fusion of luxury and load-carrying capability.

Bansasine figures that since Porsche is selling SUVs and recently added a four-door sport sedan, why not a pickup, too? We'll let you answer that question. Maybe Porsche could base it off the VW Amarok? In the meantime, we're going to imagine hitting the Nürburgring after the next trip to Home Depot.

Porsche Pickup Truck Rendering

I'm sure it would come with lots of cool tech; air lift suspention, paddle shift 6 speed etc, an all wheel drive system close to what the SUV has.

I wouldn't buy one, but I bet there is people out there who would.

[Source: Bit Rebels]

via news.pickuptrucks.com

$180,000 Porsche goes through a garage door! - Reporter's son crashes Porsche

2010-05-26T11:59:00.001-07:00

This Porsche Turbo boasts 500 horsepower, a leather-lined cockpit and a 330 km/h top end* (*Unless jammed under a garage door).

Photo Credits:
Peter Cheney/The Globe and Mail

Peter Cheney's son drove a $180,000 Porsche through the garage door while attempting to check out the stereo. Take an expensive sports car, a curious teen and a garage door – and mix together to get one very embarrassed automotive writer

via theglobeandmail.com

Peter Cheney
Globe and Mail Published on Tuesday, May. 25, 2010 5:33PM EDT

Some moments are lived backwards. The great ones run through your mind like a favourite movie. Then there are the other kind, where you try to roll back the clock – like the afternoon my teenage son launched a brand new Porsche Turbo through our garage door.
So far, I have not managed to invent a time machine, go back, and snatch the key from his hands (and in case you were wondering, the car goes for $180,000, not including freight, tax or a new garage).
That day began with deceptive perfection. I woke up in a sunlit bedroom next to my beautiful wife. We had celebrated 26 years of marriage just the day before. Our cherry tree was in full blossom, and in the garage, locked away like a crown jewel, was a 2010 Porsche 997 Turbo, the latest (and costliest) in a long series of test cars.
When I decided to transition into automotive journalism after more than two and a half decades of news reporting, no one was happier than my son Will. Instead of telling his friends his dad was in Afghanistan (or at a murder scene) he could bring them over to check out the latest ride.
My new trade did have its perils, which include the creeping cynicism of the professional test driver. An auto journalist’s existence is like a mechanized version of Hugh Hefner’s – when you are presented with an endless cavalcade of automotive beauties, you can easily become jaded.
Now I had the Turbo, the car that every driving aficionado and pension raider dreams of – 500 horsepower, leather-lined cockpit and a 330 km/h top end. Until I drove it, I’d been a little skeptical – I’d seen too many Turbos employed as male enhancement devices by hobbit-looking accountants who couldn’t even drive a stick shift.
But the previous day, I had taken it to Mosport racetrack for a high-speed lapping session where it inhaled other cars like so many insects – when they saw the Turbo in their mirror, most simply pulled over to let us pass, acknowledging the Porsche as the alpha car.

I was experiencing the acme of German engineering. The Turbo had launched me up Mosport’s kinked back straightaway at more than 250 km/h, then purred back to the city through rush hour traffic, as though it had been magically converted from a race car into a Honda Civic. Best of all, my Turbo was a purist’s model, with a six-speed manual transmission – a factor that would play a key role in the events that were about to unfold.
It was early afternoon. Will had just returned from summer job hunting, accompanied by a friend. I was in my home office, writing and looking out at the green park in front of our house. That morning, Will and I had appeared together in a Globe Drive column called A Hockey Dad’s Last Ride that commemorated his 14 years in minor hockey.

Will stuck his head into the office and asked me if he could show his buddy the Turbo. I told him to go ahead. He and his friends always checked out my cars. Their main focus seemed to be the interior and stereo systems – details I barely cared about.
I went back to my computer. My car buddies knew I’d been at the track with the Turbo, and they wanted my verdict. I told one it was like a tiger in an Armani suit – killer chassis, unbeatable power, but suave and comfortable, too.
I shut down my computer and prepared to head to the office, smiling at the thought of a few minutes in the Turbo. As I headed out the back door, I saw my son running toward the house. His eyes were the size of dinner plates. He sputtered: “Dad, the Porsche … the Porsche …”
I thought the Turbo had been stolen. Our garage has a full security system, but this is one of the most desirable cars in the world, so you never know. Will tried to speak again. “The Turbo rolled into the door….” I walked past him into the garage.
For nearly a minute, I was too dumbfounded to speak. The Turbo hadn’t rolled into the door – it had launched itself through the entire structure. In a distance of approximately four feet, the Turbo had developed enough kinetic energy to blow the entire door apart. Parts of the roller mechanism were scattered through the alley. Dazed, I picked up a bent metal piece – it looked like a Crazy Bone, a toy Will had collected as a little boy.
When I parked it, the Turbo had been pristine. Now it looked like the car from Dukes of Hazzard after a chase through the southern backwoods. Stunned, I surveyed the damage. The hood was raked with gouges, the top of the right front fender was flattened, and the driver’s door (which is made from aluminum to save weight) had taken a beating. Worst of all was the rear fender, which had hit the concrete door frame as the Turbo launched itself into the alley – it looked like a giant blacksmith had smacked it with a sledge hammer.
Like a man surfacing from a deep dive, I slowly returned to reality. I yelled at my son for a minute or two. Then it was time to make some phone calls. Will stood in the garage, quaking. I dialled Rick Bye, a professional race driver who manages the Porsche press fleet. The day before, he had been with me in the Turbo at Mosport, teaching me the fastest line around the track and making sure I didn’t destroy his car. After decades of racing and dealing with idiot journalists, Mr. Bye has seen almost everything there is to see in the car business. But as he turned the corner into my alley, he was greeted by a new first: the nose of a $180,000 high-performance car projecting halfway into the lane, with a shattered garage door draped over it like a curtain.
Mr. Bye quietly surveyed the scene for a minute. Then he walked over to my son. “Stuff happens,” he said. “We’re glad you’re okay. This is only a car. You don’t need a lecture. You already know.”

Now Mr. Bye and I were both on our cellphones. He was talking to Porsche’s insurance company. I was trying to find someone who could get the garage door off the Turbo and get my garage closed up for the night – it was filled with mechanic’s tools and my homebuilt airplane project. If we left it open, we’d be picked clean by the morning.
I found three companies that advertised 24-7 emergency service. That was a joke – none of them could come within the next two days. Then I remembered my contractor, Marty Edge. Six years ago, he rebuilt my house. Now he works full time for David Thomson (yes, the one you’re thinking of) on his properties around the world.
Luckily, Marty was in Toronto. An hour later, he was at my garage, along with a door expert named Frank Dyer. The cavalry had arrived. I was starting to feel a little better. Frank used the remains of our ruined door to close up the opening. Will had never used power tools before, but Frank put him to work driving screws.
As the dust settled, my wife and I confronted the parenting issues that attended the disaster. What was the appropriate punishment for a boy who trashes a car worth $180,000? Friends were flooding us with stories of costly child screw-ups – like the son who flushed an action figure down a toilet, creating a deluge that caused more than $100,000 damage to their house. A colleague told me how she damaged her parent’s brand-new van – she got distracted and rear-ended a truck filled with huge stones (driven by two women who were starting a rock garden project.)
I recalled a childhood friend who rolled a bowling ball off a garage roof (it seemed like a good idea at the time) only to have it land on his father’s newly restored Porsche 356. Another had totalled the family Mercedes by taking it out of gear and pulling off the handbrake – he jumped out as the car began to roll, and watched helplessly as it headed down their steeply sloped driveway, across the street, and into a ravine.

Will’s ride through the door was getting around. I got an e-mail from a partner in a Bay St. communications firm: “Congratulations on your son’s Ferris Bueller moment,” it read. “ It’s all over town. There must be just a touch of parental pride that he has the sense of adventure, the stones, and the good taste to give it a try. That will be a wedding day story. Hope you got photos.”
Ferris Bueller had crossed my mind. There were some obvious parallels to the movie. Like Ferris, my son is a spirited, upbeat boy who loves a good time. And, also like Ferris, his coming-of-age story featured the ruination of an extremely valuable car. He had taken a four-foot, 500 horsepower ride to manhood.
We had a hard call to make. Would it be grounding for life? Let it go? Something in between? Will was a teenage boy. One of the world’s hottest cars had been sitting in our garage, calling to him like the sirens of Homer’s Odyssey. He had a friend to show off for. Will had taken the key, intending to turn on the stereo and navigation system, only to inadvertently fire up an engine that could launch the car to 100 km/h in just over three seconds. He didn’t know how to drive a standard. The outcome had been written in bent metal.
A lawyer friend who has known Will since he was 11 called me at the office. He was laughing so hard that he cried. In his view, Will had made a standard teenage mistake that happened to involve an expensive car. “He’s a great kid,” he said. “Give him a break.”
As I saw it, raising our boy was a lot like training a horse. I didn’t want to break his spirit and turn him into a pit pony. Neither did I want him to become El Diablo. I hoped he would end up as Secretariat – a disciplined champion.
My wife and I decided that Will would have to repay our insurance deductibles and discount losses by getting a summer job. The total would be about $750. Porsche’s deductible on the car was $10,000. I offered to pay it. Mr. Bye said no.
via theglobeandmail.com

Royal Falcon Fire 28 by PORSCHE DESIGN STUDIO

2010-05-26T09:42:00.001-07:00

PORSCHE DESIGN - Schmittenhöhebahn Aerial Tramway Cabins Get Porsche Looks - Zell am See, Austria

2010-05-26T09:26:00.001-07:00

Schmittenhöhebahn has a long history of more than four decades to carry millions of visitors in summers and winters from Zell am See, Austria, to Schmittenhöhe. But finally it’s a time to replace its two old red cabins with the latest generation of new cable cars. For that purpose, they partnered with Porsche Design Studio to develop the specifications for the fifth generation of Schmitten aerial tramway cabins thus giving the red cabins new Porsche looks. The cable cars make a captivating impression with their compelling combination of design and function. Two new cabins with the h/b/l: 270/270/430-510 cm dimensions and increased capacity of 45 persons per cabin; 30 persons with bar installed can travel to Schmittenhöhe (2000 meters above sea-level) in just eight minutes.

The other design specifications include a strong focus on safety and a comfortable ride, full-length glazing, extra-wide doors and the latest safety features. And for those fun loving people, one of the cabins has a mobile bar and high-end multimedia system installed so that it can be used for private parties and company events.

Via: Porsche-design / Isr544004

via automotto.org

Posted via web from Northern California Porsche Backroad Destinations

Exotic Supercars San Francisco Bay Area - Hwy 92, San Mateo Bridge,cruising the Northern California Backroads

2010-05-08T11:06:00.001-07:00

via vimeo.com

Porsche Cayenne and Porsche 911 Turbo driving on Icelandic glacier

2010-05-05T19:58:00.001-07:00

Porsche Cayenne and Porsche 911 Turbo driving on Icelandic glacier. This is probably a world record and one of the most interesting footage of what Porsche is capable of doing. The conditions were excellent to perform such a stunt but with combination's of world class driver with decades of experience this was completed successfully. The driver a stunt man is Benedikt Eyjolfsson the owner of Porsche importer in Iceland along with other driving experts.

Interview with Jorg Bergmeister for Renntrack.com

2010-05-02T21:05:00.001-07:00

April 28, 2010 — Renntrack.com interview with Jorg Bergmeister inside the Flying Lizard rig at the 2010 Long Beach Grand prix.

The Last Eleven; the first Porsche Gmünd 356SL Factory Race Cars

2010-05-02T12:39:00.001-07:00

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The Last Eleven
Philip Carney & Jacques Mertens
NEW! Covers the 11 special-bodied Gmünd Coupes assembled by Porsche as its first factory race, rally, and record-setting cars, which provided the first Porsche factory entries at Le Mans in 1951. Describes competition development via enhanced aerodynamics, weight savings, powerplant improvements. Detailed histories of each chassis–356/2-05 to 356/2-063–use information and very rare photographs gleaned over many years. Foreword by Karl Ludvigsen. Hardbound, 10x8-inches, 98 pages. (European and Japanese residents, order via jacques-mertens@skynet.be)

Timeline for the 356

Here's a very rough timeline of the development of the 356, compiled from a variety of sources. "Driving in it's Purest Form", "Excellence was Expected", "Speedster" and "Porsche : 356 & Rs Spyders" are all recommended for the Porsche 356 enthusiast and those interested in the Porsche history 1948-1966. See also the Porsche North America corporate website from which much of the below material came. The student of Porsche and 356 history is strongly encouraged to seek out the above books for a detailed history of the car, the company and the amazing individuals who brought us the 356.

1948: Gmünd, Austria. The Porsche Firm, having located to Austria just after the war to be closer to parts suppliers, turns out a variety of automotive, farm and industrial motors and tools for the war-ravaged western europe. Ferry Porsche (son of the famous Dr. Ing Ferdinand Porsche, founder of Porsche motors) designed and fabricates the first Project #356 car, model 356-001. The car utilized a tubular chassis, an 1100cc engine and was very light and so quick for the time. Karl Frolich was the gearbox and suspension specialist contributing to the handling of the prototype. Ferry Porsche often took the prototype--sometimes just the rolling chassis without body--up the steep mountain roads surrounding Gmünd and found the car a spright handler and good climber.

The body of the car was designed by Irwin Komenda. Kommenda, an Austrian born in 1904, contributed substantially to the Volkswagen, Cistalia, Auto Union racers and other cars of the day. Though the car changed from mid-engine to rear, the tubular chassis gave way to a unitized pan and body construction, and a myriad of details evolved over the 22 year run of the model, the overall design and instantly recognizeable shape of the car remained the same, a timeless classic. Komenda joined Porsche's design bureau in 1931 after positions at Steyr and Daimler-Benz and other coach shops in Austria and Germany. Komenda contributed to many other designs in Porsche's history and was the chief engineer and head of Porsche's coach werk from 1955 until his death in 1966.

Karl Peter-Rabe was the "confidential clerk" for Porsche, and became the chief business manager, after Prizing, until 1965. Dr. Ing Albert Prizing was a business manager who brought 37 orders back to the factory after one importer's conference in Wolfsberg in 1950.

The original 356-001 car is raced at the Innsbruck city race, achieiving a victory in the 1100cc class in its first outing. Porsche was homologated by the state government of Kärnten in Austria on 8 June 1948. Above and below photos courtesy of the Porsche archives. The original Porsche "001" car is in the Factory Meuseum and frequently tours the world for special car shows and historic events.

Over 50 Gmünd cars are built and sold primarily in Austria and Germany. Many still survive in US and other collections around the world.

1949: The first 356 Cabriolet is built. The Gmünd cars are alloy aluminum.

1950: The factory relocates to Zuffenhausen, next to the Reutter coachwerks and begins production on the 356. This run will continue to 1965, and produce nearly 80,000 cars. Cars are produced by other coachbuilders as well, namely Gläser.

A 1951 "split windshield" 356 Cabriolet. Porsche 356es made prior to 1955 are sometimes called "Pre-A", as the model took on the letter predicate at that time.

1951: Porsche 356 technical innovations continue. The 1.3 liter motor has chrome plated aluminum cylinders and the world's first synchromesh transmission. Porsche 356-002 wins at LeMans in the 1100cc class. The "Old Professor", Dr. Ing Ferdinand Porsche, Sr. dies at 75. Porsche KG employs 1400 people as Ferry Porsche leads the company.

1952: The 1500 "Super" engine is introduced (1488 cc, 70hp DIN)
1953: In a deal with Max Hoffman, of New York, Porsche introduces the 356 to the United States. Soon Hoffman makes arrangements with select foriegn auto dealers around the country to carry the Porsche cars. Hoffman acts as sole US importer. Split windshields give way to bent windshields.
1954: Hoffman urges Porsche to make a less-expensive "stripped-down" model of it's open car for the West Coast. Fair weather, a cruising scene and lots of amateur racing make the "Speedster" a success, a staple production for the next 5 years. Over 4100 Speedsters will be sold by 1959.
1955: The 1600 motor is in production. The 1500 GS Type 547 Carrera motor is in development for racing and finds its way into the 356 production line. The "A" version of the 356 model is introduced. Numerous subtle differences in the shape of the body and features of the care are introduced. Almost half the cars sold are open cars: cabriolets and Speedsters. The "A" models are named internally at "Type 1", and thereafter known by enthusiasts as "T-1" cars.
1956: The 10,000th 356 Rolls off the assembly line. Pictured below with Ferry Porsche.

1957: More improvements to the 356A results in a new project, the Type 2, or "T-2". A new transmission, the 644 replaces the earlier 519 with improved shifter, a split case design, dual nose mounts and better synchros.
1958: Continued improvements in the Carrera engines yield higher horsepower. Production begins on the "Convertible D", a replacement for the Speedster. The "D" is made by Drauz factory, and the car is between a Speedster and a Cabriolet in luxury and lightweight appointments. Most noticeable are the roll-up windows and a taller, but still "removeable" windscreen.
1959: The last Speedster is made. The 1300 engine is dropped from the line. In the fall a new model, the Type-5 (T-5), 356B is introduced. The Convertible D becomes the Roadster with the new T-5 body style.
1960: The 356B gets the "Super 90" (S90) motor as an option, with a counterweighted crank, sodium-filled valves and Solex P40-II carburetors.
1961: The Karmann Coachwerks is employed to make the "Hardtop", which is a Cabriolet body with a fixed hard roof. This profile gives the car the knickname "Notchback". Nearly 1750 of these cars will be made over two years' production
1962: Karmann makes 2170 coupes along with the 4100 made by Reutter. Along with almost 1600 Cabriolets, production tops 7900 for the year. Porsche begins discussion with Reutter to purchase the coachmaker and finally completely consolidate the successes of 12 years of co-operation. The factory launches "Christophorus", a customer magazine of news and background on the Porsche lifestyle.
1963: The 356C, known as the Type 6 (T-6) is introduced, along with the SC engine with 95hp. The "C" has 4-wheel disc brakes, and an optional 12-volt electric system. The optional "Carrera 2" motor develops 130 DIN hosepower.
1964: 356 Production reaches a high of over 10,000 in a single year, more than the entire line production of the first 10 years of the Porsche 356. The factory introduces the 911 model, presaging the end of the 356 line.
1966: The last 10 356 Cabriolets run off the production line in this calendar year, finishing the 1965 model year run. The 4-cylinder Carrera engines contiune racing in the successful 904 model. Total production run: more than 78,000. About 1/2 of the entire production are believed to exist today.

The 50+ Greatest Automotive Quotes of all Time.

2010-04-29T06:57:00.001-07:00

Here is a listing of some of the greatest quotes as they pertain to the automobile industry and racing.Also included are the photos of those who said them as well… who knows, maybe their pictures will give you a little insight as to the reasons why they said what they said. Either way though there are some kickers in there, so start reading and enjoy.
We all love famous quotes don’t we? Little snippets of verbiage that for whatever the reasons, are so profound that they stay with us forever.
Some, like Neil Armstrong’s famous moon landing quote have made history: That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
Others, like the beauties from Yogi Berra of the New York Yankees have just made us laugh and wonder: You can observe a lot just by watching or Baseball is 90% mental — the other half is physical…?

1. To finish first, you must first finish. – Rick Mears
2. Nobody remembers the guy who finished second but the guy who finished second. – Bobby Unser
3. The winner ain’t the one with the fastest car, it’s the one who refuses to lose. – Dale Earnhardt

4. You win some, you lose some, you wreck some. – Dale Ernhardt Sr.
5. Aerodynamics are for people who can’t build engines. – Enzo Ferrari
6. The client is not always right. – Enzo Ferrari

7. If you think the last 4 words of the national anthem are gentlemen, start your engines, you might be a redneck. – Jeff Foxworthy.

8. Need to tie some kerosene rags around his ankles so the ants don’t eat his candy #$@ - Dale Earnhardt speaking of Mark Martin.
9. The lead car is absolutely unique, except for the one behind it which is identical. – F1 commentator Murray Walker.

10. Turbochargers are for people who cant build engines. – Keith Duckworth
11. Here Kitty Kitty Kitty! - Tony Stewart
12. We broke something, I think it was traction… – Carl Edwards after getting spun out by Dale Jr. at Michigan

13. Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports… all the others are games. – Ernest Hemingway
14. Calling upon my years of experience, I froze at the controls. – Stirling Moss
15. Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death… – Hunter Thompson

16. I don’t know driving in another way which isn’t risky. Each one has to improve himself. Each driver has its limit. My limit is a little bit further than other’s. - Ayrton Senna
17. It is amazing how may drivers, even at the Formula One Level, think that the brakes are for slowing the car down. – Mario Andretti
18. Once you’ve raced, you never forget it…and you never get over it. - Richard Childress

19. Race cars are neither beautiful nor ugly. They become beautiful when they win. – Enzo Ferrari

20. There’s no secret. You just press the accelerator to the floor and steer left. – Bill Vukovich

21. To achieve anything in this game you must be prepare to dabble in the boundary of disaster. - Sterling Moss

22. To achieve anything in this game you must be prepare to dabble in the boundary of disaster. – Sterling Moss
23. What’s behind you doesn’t matter. – Enzo Ferrari
24. When you win a race your on top that day, so take it for what its worth, have a good time and party, cause the next day when you get out of bed, the meter goes back to zero again. - Bobby Allison

25. No, no, he didn’t slam you, he didn’t bump you, he didn’t nudge you… he *rubbed* you. And rubbin, son, is racin’. – Harry Hogge, Days of Thunder
26. If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking
zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue
27. If you’re in control, you’re not going fast enough. – Parnelli Jones

28. Mr. Bentley – He builds fast trucks. – Ettore Bugatti
29. Why worry about death, it’ll come sooner or later. - Jim Dunn
30. Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary… that’s what gets you. – Jeremy Clarkson

31. Auto racing began 5 minutes after the second car was built. - Henry Ford
32. As far as cheating goes, they’ll never stop it. The only way it can be done successfully, only one person can know about it. – Smokey Yunick
33. It’s like flying jet fighters in a gymnasium - Dick Trickle was asked what racing at Windchester Speedway was like.

34. You can’t fix stupid - Larry Morgan, NHRA Pro Stock driver
35. You can tell that you’re in trouble when you feel the air on the back of your neck instead of in your face. - Buddy Baker
36. I got hit in the head pretty hard. My clock ran backwards for two years. - Buddy Baker

37. He ran out of talent about halfway through the corner. – Buddy Baker
38. After the third flip, I lost control………… - Don Roberts after crashing in the Jade Grenade at New England Dragway in 1975.
39. We worked 80 hour weeks for 30 years to keep from having to get a real job. – Tom Lemon’s comment on the rigors of being a drag racing.

40. It’s basically the same, just darker. - Alan Kulwicki, on racing Saturday nights as opposed to Sunday afternoons.
41. Auto racing is boring except when a car is going at least 172 miles per hour upside down. - Dave Barry
42. If someone said to me that you can have three wishes, my first would have been to get into racing, my second to be in Formula 1, my third to drive for Ferrari. – Gilles Villeneuve

43. There are seven winners of the Monaco Grand Prix on the starting line today, and four of them are Michael Schumacher. – Murray Walker
44. When I raced a car last it was at a time when sex was safe and racing was dangerous. Now, it’s the other way round. - Hans Stuck
45. I love this kind of racing, (but) these guys sure change their personalities in race mode. They’re like Doberman Pinschers with a hand grenade in their mouths. – Road racer Boris Said speaking of NEXTEL Cup drivers.

46. The crashes people remember, but drivers remember the near misses. – Mario Andretti
47. When I started racing my father told me, ‘Cristiano, nobody has three balls but some people have two very good ones. - Cristiano Da Matta
48. Moonshiners put more time, energy, thought, and love into their cars than any racer ever will. Lose on the track, and you go home. Lose with a load of whiskey, and you go to jail. – Junior Johnson, NASCAR legend, and one time whiskey runner.

49. There have been other tracks that separated the men from the boys. This is the track that will separate the brave from the weak after the boys are gone. – Driver Jimmy Thompson speaking about Daytona International Speedway.
50. Winning is everything. The only ones who remember you when you come second are your wife and your dog. – Damon Hill

51. “Racing Is Life. Anything That Happens Before or After is Just Waiting.”...The headline quote is a favorite line from Steve McQueen’s character in the movie Le Mans. It sums up well my current state of mind.

52. “Thank god there’s no 48-hour race anywhere in the world, because chances are nobody could beat Porsche in a 48 hour race. They’re probably the only cars in the world that would stand up for something like that.” – Carroll Shelby, quoted in Porsche advertising brochure, 1972.

via ridelust.com

Porsche, There Is No Substitute - Risky Business

2010-04-27T22:05:00.001-07:00

Warner Bros. film - "Risky Business" a 1983 teen comedy-drama film written by Paul Brickman. It is best known for being the film that launched Tom Cruise to stardom.

Joel Goodson (Tom Cruise) is a tame high school student who lives with his wealthy parents in the North Shore area of suburban Chicago. His father wants him to attend Princeton University, his alma mater, so Joel participates in Future Enterprise's, an extracurricular activity in which students work in teams to create small businesses. When his parents go away on a trip, Joel's friend Miles (Curtis Armstrong) convinces him to take advantage of his new found freedom by having some fun.

On the first night, he raids the liquor cabinet, plays the stereo loudly, and dances around the living room in his underwear and pink dress shirt to the tune of "Old Time Rock and Roll". Another night, he races his father's Porsche 928, despite his parents' explicit instruction to drive only his mother's car.Tom Cruise breaks it down in Risky business... showin' the ladies how to work it....dances around the living room in his underwear and pink dress shirt to the tune of "Old Time Rock and Roll".

via youtube.com

Quest for "Risky Business" 928 Porsche

Porsche Motorsport - POC El Toro Airbase Road Course 2010

2010-04-26T20:08:00.001-07:00

via vimeo.com

Video of the Porsche Owner's Club at the Orange County Great Park – Old El Toro Marine Airstrip on March 13th & 14th, 2010. This is a professionally designed 2.14 mile high-speed road course with 15 corners, elevation changes, and painted curbing. The track is smooth and clean, minimizing rock chips! Racing through the heart of Orange County without getting a speeding ticket!

PORSCHE OWNERS CLUB

From Road to Sky: The Porsche FlugMotoren, Auto Engines that Fly

2010-04-25T21:07:00.001-07:00

Engines from road-going vehicles often prove to be good for powering aircraft.

Porsche PFM 3200

See and download the full gallery on posterous

The Porsche FlugMotoren (Porsche Aero Engines) was either sort of a disaster, or a total disaster, depending on who you ask.

At least they look cool. PFM in a Mooney M20L.

Derived from the road-going 911’s 3.0 liter flat six, you’d think the PFM would make the planes it flew in seem like P-51 Mustangs. Instead, it was the answer to a question that no one asked: can someone build a heavy, complicated, expensive, and unreliable engine for my light plane? Porsche's PFM 3200 was a six-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled aircraft engine developed from their air-cooled line of automobile engines from the famous Porsche 911 sports car. The PFM designation was derived from the name of the division that designed the engines, Porsche-Flugmotoren (~ Porsche Flight Engines).

Air-cooled six-cylinder, horizontally-opposed piston engine

In the 1950s, European light aircraft builders began adapting the air-cooled automobile engines from Porsche and Volkswagen into aircraft engines with a series of limited modifications. Porsche cooperated with some of these builders and produced a series of factory-built engines for about six years between 1957 and 1963, the Porsche 678 series. These relatively small engines displaced about 1.6 litres (97 cubic inches) and produced between 55 and 70 horsepower, depending on the version.

Porsche decided to re-enter the aviation market with much larger engines derived from the Porsche 911, starting development in 1981. As the engines ran at higher speed than most aircraft engine designs, the propeller drive used a 0.442:1 reduction gearing so it could drive common propellers. The high operating speed meant the engine ran more smoothly than older designs, and the use of a muffler meant it was quieter as well. With about 3.2 litres (195 cubic inches) displacement, the normally-aspirated N-series models produced about 210 hp, while the turbocharged T-series produced about 240 hp. This was roughly twice the horsepower of a conventional lower-rpm design of the same size. With single-lever operation, fully aerobatic fuel and oil supplies, direct fuel injection with automatic altitude compensation and optional turbocharging, the PFM 3200 series were some of the most advanced engines on the market.

After being introduced in late 1985 and starting to generate increasing interest in the general aviation (GA) market, Porsche exited the field during the massive downturn in the market in the late 1980s, closing the lines in 1991. It is suggested that the program cost them US$75 million to develop and produce the small number of engines delivered (about 80).Although marketed for only a short period, the PFM was found on a variety of aircraft as the primary powerplant, or as one-off modifications. These included the Extra 330, Mooney M20L, Socata TB-16, Robin DR400, Ruschmeyer MF-85 and others. Only the M20L went into production, with 40 produced in 1988, and one more in 1989.

Porsche PFM 3200 aircraft engine in Technik Museum Speyer

Under United States law, where most of the engines were used, Porsche was required to continue to supply parts and maintenance for the engines. Instead, they claimed to have destroyed all spare parts and refuse to support the very engines they put into the marketplace. The company has even gone so far as to try and render the planes worthless by claiming the engines need certain parts replaced after a number of flight hours and then refusing to provide technical information so such parts could be privately manufactured.

So the PFM, ultimately, is the not-so-flugmotoren. It’s not really a good choice to put in anything, let alone an airplane. Surely there is some who would defend this engine.

[For more, see: Sequair.com, Wikipedia]

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid: Formula 1 driver Nico Hülkenberg tested the orange and white liveried racing 911 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife

2010-04-25T16:34:00.001-07:00

via f1sa.com

Nico Hülkenberg

Source - Porsche Media Friday, 23 April 2010

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid has passed its most unusual task by now with flying colours in preparation for the Nürburgring 24 hour race on 15/16 May. AT&T Williams Formula 1 pilot Nico Hülkenberg tested the orange and white liveried racing 911 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the lead up to the third round of the VLN Long Distance Championship Hulkenberg was enthusiastic with many aspects of the experience: “Great car, fascinating technology and an incomparable track,” concluded Hülkenberg.

The Formula 1 driver completed three laps at his Nordschleife debut in a race car and was able to get an idea of the perfect interplay of all the hybrid system components. “This test was great fun. I’m impressed with how well the hybrid system works in the Porsche,” said Hülkenberg. One of the components of the hybrid system, the flywheel generator installed inside the cockpit, was designed and manufactured by Williams Hybrid Power following Porsche’s specifications.

“This circuit is unique, you can’t compare it to any other track in the world. This is certainly not the last time I’ll drive here,” said Hülkenberg, who has driven only single seaters on the race circuit. “Surprisingly, in the slow corners, the 911 is not far off a Formula 1 car. The mechanical grip is impressive.” In the 911 GT3 Hybrid, two electric motors at the front axle developing 60 kW (82 hp) each supplement the 353 kilowatt (480 hp) four litre flat six at the rear. Instead of the batteries used in hybrid road cars, an electrical flywheel power generator fitted in the cockpit beside the driver delivers energy to the electric motors.

Compared to a battery, the flywheel generator has the advantage of storing and delivering high amounts of energy considerably quicker. Thanks to its sophisticated electronic control, the innovative hybrid drive of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid automatically provides optimal efficiency at racing speed. The combination of the combustion engine and electric motors fulfils a simple objective: Less fuel consumption without compromising performance. When overtaking or accelerating out of a bend, the driver can manually override the controls by pressing the boost paddle on the steering wheel and sending energy from the charged flywheel generator to the front axle.

This additional power of 120 kilowatts is available to the driver after each charge process for approximately six to eight seconds.

Photo credit Porsche Media