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Friday, April 29, 2011
There’s a lot to like about the new GT3 RS including the fact that it is fitted with the largest engine ever to be mounted on a factory-approved 911; a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six unit that develops 500 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, 50 horses more than the standard GT3 RS. It is also the most powerful 911 naturally aspirated engine with 125 horsepower per liter. The engine carries the crankshaft from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car, while the forged pistons' connecting rods are made from titanium.
The impressive output and peak torque of 460 Nm (339 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm help the sports car achieve stunning performance, such as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes 27 seconds, 1.7 seconds faster than the Carrera GT and 6 seconds faster than the GT3 RS. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed sports transmission with gearing designed for the circuit. Porsche says the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 12 seconds.
The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 uses motor racing suspension components and weight-saving materials such as carbon fiber for the bonnet and front wings, plastic for the rear windows, light bucket seats and even weight-optimized carpets. As a result, the car tips the scales at just 1,360 kilograms (2,998 lbs) with a full tank of fuel. The power-to-weight ratio is an amazing 2.72 kg/hp, as very few production cars drop under the threshold of 3 kilograms per horsepower.
On the outside, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is finished in white as standard and comes with optional “RS 4.0” decals. It is also distinguished by the wide track and low stance, a large rear wing with adapted side plates and central twin tailpipes. The front bumper sports lateral air deflection vanes, which make their appearance for the first time on a production Porsche. They increase downforce on the front axle and in combination with the rear wing push the car onto the road with an additional 190 kg (426 lbs) of aerodynamic force at top speed.
The car will launch in Germany in July 2011 with a starting price of €178,596, taxes included. In the U.S., the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will cost $185,000 (excluding destination charges) and will go on sale in late 2011. Production will be limited to just 600 units worldwide.
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Labels: cars 2011, CARS GALLERY, PORSCHE
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
There has been much hype and whispers amongst the car-lovers community about the highly anticipated release of the new Porsche Panamera. Porsche have tried their best to keep photos of the new model under wraps, but as of late some have been leaked to the public. Porsche lovers around the world like what they see, and there has been a lot of discussion regarding this new venture.
Porsche drivers can be very selective and particular when it comes to their cars. Most Porsche drivers are used to the small and nifty models such as the Boxster and Cayman. Unfortunately there are a large number of Porsche fans who are deterred by this, needing more interior space for other members of their families. The Porsche Cayenne is a large 4x4 model, but one which some might find to be too bulky. There are Porsche lovers who still want the sleek compact design of the other Porsche models, but with more space.
This is where the concept for the new Porsche Panamera came into being. The creative facilities at Weissach, Leipzig and Zuffenhausen decided to design a four seat and four door model. Although the car is bigger and has four doors instead of the traditional two, it still carries the same dynamic look and performance of a traditional Porsche sports car.

The Panamera has apparently been born of another four door concept created by Porsche in the late 1980's. The idea for this Porsche from the 1980's was unsuccessful and never made it past the drawing table. The Panamera will be marketed as being in strong competition with cars such as the Mercedes CLS and the soon-to-be-released Aston Martin Rapide.
The bodywork of the Panamera is low and wide, and has been compared to a sedan. Although based loosely on the original design of the 911 Carrera, the Panamera is different in that its engine is in the front of the vehicle. This has irked some Porsche fanatics, but the Porsche designers have tried their best to keep the engine as close to the centre of the vehicle as possible. The Panamera range will include three engine choices for the Porsche purist. A more affordable V6 version is also expected to be released later next year.


Despite the hype, there are many Porsche enthusiasts who are not too thrilled about the production of the Panamera. They feel that too much has been taken away from the original feel of a Porsche. There were also a lot of negative whispers regarding the Porsche Cayenne, which was often labeled as 'ugly.' Due to the leaked spy photos people all over the world have analyzed and examined the new model and the response hasn't always been complimentary. Some are comparing it to the Cayenne and feel that the Panamera is only a bulkier and uglier version of the 911.
Despite all this, there are also plenty of enthusiasts who are on the edge of their seats in excitement. It seems to be a bold and intelligent venture for Porsche, and the build-up to its release has only created more eagerness for those wanting to get their hands on a more spacious model of their favorite kind of car.







Monday, March 21, 2011
If you can afford the $845,000 price tag for an 918 Spyder, chances are you won’t blink an eye at the $160,000 Porsche is asking for its 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”, which is being offered exclusively to those that place an order for its upcoming plug-in hybrid supercar. As you would expect, production of the special edition 911s is limited to 918 units worldwide.
The limited edition 911 Turbo S series is cosmetically inspired by the 918 Spyder and will be available in both coupe and convertible body styles.
While keeping the standard model’s 530HP-strong flat-six turbo intact, the special edition gets distinctive acid green features such as the brake calipers, specific and part-embroidered model logos and seams, the instrument cluster needles, the bespoke PCM screen and illuminated door entry guards.
In the special edition, the 911 Turbo S’ standard equipment is complemented by an enhanced leather interior, a special instrumentation version and additional carbon elements both inside and out.
In addition, there’s a limited edition badge on the glove compartment lid that bears the same number as the 918 Spyder the customer has ordered, while the two cars can be finished in the same exact color.
The U.S. base manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” Coupe and Cabriolet versions are the same as the standard Turbo S models, at $160,700 and $172,100 respectively, excluding destination. In Germany, the special edition costs €173,24i in Coupe form and €184,546 as a Convertible.
First deliveries of the 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” will commence in June 2011
Labels: cars 2011, CARS GALLERY, cars news, new cars, PORSCHE
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The 2011 edition of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid carries the geeky ‘Version 2.0’ moniker, and keeps the general layout of the 2010 model. The racer’s hybrid powertrain comprises of a 470HP 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine at the rear and two electric motors driving the front wheels.
According to Porsche, the extra power is automatically activated through use of the throttle pedal and can be very useful when overtaking.
Porsche has also optimized the hybrid system with the electric flywheel accumulator that stores energy now housed with the other hybrid components in a carbon fibre safety cell on the passenger’s side.
In addition, thanks to the optimisation of the hybrid system’s high voltage components, the large louvres in front of the rear fenders were no longer necessary. The Germany company claims that these changes help reduce drag and lowers fuel consumption.
All in all, Porsche’s engineers managed to reduce the weight of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid from 1,350kg (2,976 lbs) to 1,300 kilograms (2,866 lbs).
“The emphasis of our work was on improving efficiency,” says Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche motorsport. “That means we want to keep the lap times consis-tent with 2010 but use less energy, hence less fuel. In this way, we support future developments of road-going, sporting hybrid vehicles.”
Other changes for the 2011 model include the thoroughly updated cockpit as most of the displays and controls have moved to the steering wheel. According to Porsche, drivers can operate the rest of the functions via backlit buttons now situated on the centre console.
Labels: cars 2011, CARS GALLERY, PORSCHE
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The facilitate production, Porsche plans to extend the Leipzig factory and turn it into a fully-fledged manufacturing site for the Cajun, including body assembly line and paint shop. Porsche said the decision to build the Cajun will create at least 1,000 new jobs in Leipzig and Stuttgart.
The Leipzig plant has been producing the Cayenne SUV since 2002, with Porsche expanding the factory in 2009 to accommodate the Panamera. To date, Porsche has invested around 280 million euro in Leipzig.
The Stuttgart-based automaker said the Cajun will come with typical Porsche traits such as “light weight” and “refined handling” adding that the baby SUV model “is expected to pave the way for new, younger customers to enter the world of Porsche”. The new model is expected to be introduced towards the end of 2012.




















