Category: Porsche

Categories
Porsche Red Bull Racing WEC

Red Bull is nothing, Porsche is everything

Porsche 956 at 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Porsche has released a highlights video from the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed showcasing its Le Mans heritage. It got us thinking, in Australia, the mainstream media just doesn’t seem to understand what a big deal it is that Mark Webber will be part of the iconic company’s return to LMP1 racing at Le Mans next year.

Of course, Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, we understand that. But Webber’s current employer Red Bull Racing, for all of the amazing thing it has achieved, is a minnow on the motorsport landscape when compared with Porsche.

Porsche is racing.

As the legendary Jacky Ickx, a six-time Le Mans winner himself (four with Porsche), says at the end of the video, “They make the soul of motor racing.”

Mark Webber will never be an F1 world champion, and that’s a shame for all Australian motorsport fans. And yet, by moving to Porsche, he has the chance to join the likes of genuine motor racing legends such as Derek Bell, Jacky Ickx, Hans Stuck and many more. All achieved so much with Porsche.

The best years of Webber’s career could still be ahead of him.

Continue reading “Red Bull is nothing, Porsche is everything”
Categories
Porsche

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S built by Facebook fans

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 5 million fans

If you’re one of the 5 million plus fans of Porsche on Facebook you’ll know all about this car. That’s because it’s been made by you, according to the special badging inside the car that is.

When Porsche reached 5 million likes on Facebook they began a process to build a one-off car to celebrate the milestone and to do so they consulted their fans to decide on the car’s specification.

The end result is a 991 911 Carrera 4S fitted with a Powerkit to take peak power to 316kW, up from 294kW found in the standard C4S. Cosmetic enhancements include the Aquablaumetallic paint, Aerokit, 20″ alloys in white and 5M Porsche Fans decals.

And the best part? You and a friend could win a chance to drive the car at Silverstone later this month. To win all you have to do is have the most Facebook friends who also “like” Porsche. Simple, huh!

Continue reading “Porsche 911 Carrera 4S built by Facebook fans”
Categories
Porsche

Porsche Macan Turbo spied in LA

Porsche Macan Turbo prototype

This amateur spy shot gives us a pretty good look at the back of what is most likely a Porsche Macan Turbo; those quad tail pipes tell a story. While at first glance the Macan looks just like a baby Cayenne we can see the rear window is angled more aggressively for the smaller SUV.

A V6 engine is expected to be used in the Macan Turbo, producing close to 400hp. The entry level Macan is due to be launched around mid-2014.

Photographed in LA, the source of the pic is quite an amusing story, make sure you follow the source link below for the skinny.

[Source: The Car Lounge | Thanks to Paul for the tip]

Categories
Porsche

Porsche 911 sets world record at Silverstone Classic

2013 Silverstone Classic

Porsche’s ongoing celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the 911 saw a new world record set at Silverstone the weekend. Organisers were hoping to attract 911 911s to form a parade lap to honour the model. Instead a total of 1208 911s turned up for the event. The spectacular results can be seen in picture and video form after the break.

Mark Porsche, son of 911 designer, Ferdinand Alexander ‘Butzi’ Porsche, and great-grandson of the marque’s original founder, Ferdinand Porsche, was on hand to enjoy the celebrations. Also in attendance were Porsche racing legends Richard Attwood, Derek Bell and John Fitzpatrick.

Speaking at the event Mark Porsche said: “Of course, the 911 means a great deal to me as it’s my father’s big design and it will always have a special place in my heart. It’s been a family member over all the generations of the 911 series and I’m very proud to be here today to represent the Porsche family at this great event. I think that to have these 1,200 cars on track is the attention that the 911 deserves for its 50th birthday. I can’t thank the Porsche Club GB enough for making this event possible.”

Continue reading “Porsche 911 sets world record at Silverstone Classic”
Categories
Motor Shows Porsche

2013 Goodwood FoS in pictures – Porsche

2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed

For Porsche at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed it was all about the iconic 911 and its 50th anniversary. Here’s another 50-odd images from the festivities showing the many cars Porsche had on show and in action.

Porsche was also the manufacturer charged with installing the annual sculpture in front of Goodwood House. It was a trio of 911 models being thrust into the air. Quite spectacular really.

See also: 2013 Goodwood FoS in pictures – gallery 1 & gallery 2

Continue reading “2013 Goodwood FoS in pictures – Porsche”
Categories
Porsche

991 Porsche 911 GT3 – Australian pricing

991 Porsche 911 GT3

Word has come through to AUSmotive that when the totally lustful new Porsche 911 GT3 goes on sale in Australia later this year it will carry a list price of $294,000. That price includes the front-axle lift system, which we understand will be standard equipment for the local market.

Compared with the old 997.2 911 GT3 (6-speed manual) the price has increased by $17,800, up from $276,200. This has been partially offset by the inclusion of the lift kit, which was previously an option, and the fact the new GT3 is PDK-only.

We only wish our informant was as good at predicting Tattslotto numbers.

Categories
Porsche

Porsche Macan on track for mid-2014 release

Porsche Macan prototype

It’s been a while since we’ve had any news on the Porsche Macan. Stuttgart’s baby SUV is expected to become the company’s best seller, with annual sales as high as 75,000 units being discussed. It’s market launch is predicted to take place a bit under 12 months from now.

As you might expect Porsche claims the Macan will be the sportiest mid-size SUV money can buy. The Macan Turbo is expected to give 400hp a nudge thanks to its twin-turbo 3.0 litre V6. It’s based on Audi’s MLB platform and Porsche has been fiddling around to achieve the dynamic handling it desires. One insider has reportedly said, “Audi cannot believe how much we have changed it.” A wider front track is said to be one of the more notable modifications.

Interestingly, the MLB platform and its engine-gearbox configuration is designed to suit FWD as well as AWD applications. Of course, Porsche won’t settle for FWD and all Macans will feature a four-wheel drive system.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Formula 1 Porsche Red Bull Racing WEC

Reaction to Mark Webber’s Porsche move

Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, Jenson Button

The reaction to Mark Webber’s decision to quit Formula 1 and switch to endurance racing with Porsche has captured the attention of the media across the world.

To be honest we’ve been a little surprised by how much coverage there has been, especially in the F1 paddock. Perhaps that says a lot about the high regard in which Mark is held, where his no nonsense and honest approach is greatly appreciated.

So here’s a grab of some of the comments that have been made since Mark’s move to Porsche was announced, starting with the FIA’s Thursday press conference ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

It’s interesting to note that Mark said his mind has been made up for some time, which adds more weight to the early rumours which first emerged in June last year and again in April this year.

Q: A momentous announcement from you today. Tell us the thinking behind the announcement of your retirement from Formula One. And how significant is the year, 2013 to 2014?

Mark WEBBER: Well, the timing is perfect for me. Very, very excited about my new chapter and the new challenge ahead. One of the most famous and most well-respected brands in automotive and motor racing in Porsche, so that’s something which personally I’m very satisfied about taking on. The decision has been there for quite a long time for me actually. So, I’ve known for quite a while, I’ve had a plan and I’ve stuck to it. But still, in the meantime, respecting the profession that I have now at this level and focusing on achieving very, very strong results in my last season in Formula One.

Continue reading “Reaction to Mark Webber’s Porsche move”
Categories
Porsche

VIDEO: Autocar gets a turn in the new 911 GT3

991 Porsche 911 GT3

Autocar is the latest mag to get its hands on the all-new 991 911 GT3. And we’re going to spoil the outcome for you by saying that Steve Sutcliffe concludes his review with the words: “I think this is the best sportscar I’ve ever driven.”

As if telling you that is going to stop you from watching the clip for yourself!

Continue reading “VIDEO: Autocar gets a turn in the new 911 GT3”
Categories
Porsche WEC

Porsche has class

Porsche 911 RSR

Porsche has released a short highlights package from their winning effort at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They’re a company that has achieved great things at La Sarthe.

There’s the 16 outright wins, of course, but by winning the GTE Pro and Am categories this year they racked up the 99th and 100th wins for Porsche at the famous race.

Not a bad way for the new 991-based 911 RSR to debut in its first Le Mans race. We wonder what their return to LMP1 will bring in 2014?

And, as the closing sequence shows of the highlights video, Porsche is also a company that has a lot of class.

Continue reading “Porsche has class”
Categories
Formula 1 Motorsports Porsche Red Bull Racing WEC

OFFICIAL: Webber to race for Porsche in 2014

Mark Webber, 2014 factory Porsche driver

Mark Webber: factory Porsche driver. It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think.

Sure, it’s not the most surprising news—over a year since it was first mentioned—but it’s now official that Mark Webber has been signed to drive for Porsche in the World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, from 2014 on a multi-year deal.

Whether multi-year translates to the five-year deal mentioned in April, or a more circumspect two–three year deal is not certain at this stage.

Mark has been a Porsche enthusiast for many years and his expertise and setup skills developed in Formula 1 should be a great boost to Porsche as it prepares for its 2014 LMP1 program.

“It’s an honour for me to join Porsche at its return to the top category in Le Mans and in the sports car World Endurance Championship and be part of the team,” Mark said. “Porsche has written racing history as a manufacturer and stands for outstanding technology and performance at the highest level.

“I’m very much looking forward to this new challenge after my time in Formula 1. Porsche will undoubtedly set itself very high goals. I can hardly wait to pilot one of the fastest sports cars in the world.”

Porsche will run a minimum of two cars for the WEC series, with three likely for Le Mans. Other drivers confirmed for Porsche are Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas, and Neel Jani.

Now that Mark’s F1 future is known the race will be on to see who replaces him at Red Bull Racing. Will it be Kimi Raikkonen or one of the Toro Rosso drivers, Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Eric Vergne?

Continue reading “OFFICIAL: Webber to race for Porsche in 2014”
Categories
Motorsports Porsche

Porsche set to announce Webber deal

2013 Monaco Grand Prix

A new report suggests Porsche is set to announce as soon as this evening it has signed Mark Webber to race in its new LMP1 program at Le Mans in 2014.

More to follow.

[Source: motoring.com.au | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]