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Porsche

VIDEO: True history of the 911 gang

To help promote the new 991 911, Porsche has released this short clip reminding us of the previous generations that have entered the history books since 1963.

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Porsche

VIDEO: 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Porsche has released this teaser video of the new 991 911 Carrera S. Dramatic scenery, and music to go with, makes this clip worth watching over and over again.

We still need a bit more time to get used to the front LEDs; there’s something not quite right about the styling. But, we know we will get over it as soon as we get a chance to see the car in person.

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Oh the humanity Porsche

Turbo Rhine

Porsche 911 Turbo, Rhine River

It was this big!

Sadly, we bring you this video of a soaked 996 Porsche 911 Turbo being craned out of the Rhine River in Zurich, Switzerland. We’re told the owner was a well-to-do 24-year-old but that it was a friend of his who drove the Porker off a dock and into the river.

We’re guessing the 24-year-old is not quite so neutral to his one-time ally anymore. (Video after the break.)

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

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Porsche

2012 Porsche 911 – Australian pricing

2012 Porsche 911 (991)

Word has come through confirming local pricing for the new Porsche 911. The 991 is expected in Australia by March 2012 and list pricing will start at $229,900 for the Carrera (3.4 litre, 257kW) and $263,100 for the Carrera S (3.8 litre, 294kW).

Despite a strong Aussie dollar, the new pricing represents an increase of around 3–4% compared to the outgoing model.

For more detail on the new 911 click here.

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Porsche

OFFICIAL: 2012 Porsche 911 (991) revealed

2012 Porsche 911 (991)

Following last week’s leaked images Porsche has lifted the veil on its all-new 911. While many wags will joke that nothing has changed, Porsche appears to have done a great job in managing the balance between heritage and progress (see our 991 v 997 comparison for more).

Aside from minor gripes about the wheel design and front LED styling we think the 991 is a great looking 911. The shapes around the rear wheel arch are unmistakably 911 and the side profile leaves nothing to chance.

Porsche generally take a less is more approach to their official material and as a result only basic details and just 13 images have been revealed to date. That’s not much when you consider this is just the third genuinely ‘all-new’ 911 since the original model in 1963 and the 996 in 1998.

Of course, the 991 will make its public debut in Frankfurt Motor Show (15–25 September). But the order book opens before then on 1 September and deliveries will start in early December. We’re not sure how much longer Australian buyers will need to wait, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see new 911s in local dealerships before the end of Q1 2012.

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Porsche

911 watch: Snow business

Porsche has released what we believe will be their last official teaser video of the new 911. That’s right, we have an inkling that the wraps will come off the 991 as soon as tomorrow. Well, after last week’s leaked images, we already know the basics about Stuttgart’s latest iconic sportscar looks. So, c’mon Porsche, go the whole nine yards and tell us all we want to know and more!

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Porsche

Porsche 911: 991 compared to 997 in pictures

Porsche 911_991 v 997

Here’s a pictorial comparison of the new 991 Porsche 911 against the well loved 997.2 model it replaces.

One of the first things you notice in profile view is how the 991 appears a bit sleeker and lower. The more dramatically raked front and rear glass is a small, but definite improvement.

At the front the 997 gets our tick for having less fussy LED daytime running lights. Even the headlights, while very similar, look nicer in the old car. Although, we reckon Porsche has done a good job in the lower spoiler area on the all-new 911.

When comparing the backsides of the two 911s we call it in favour of the 991. We like the sharper look of the new rear lights. The quad-tipped exhausts also look better, despite being a bit clichéd these days. The new model also has a more refined finish around the lower bumper area. Our only concern is how the rear cooling vents look in profile view; they stick up a bit too much. That’d be function ruling over form, of course, so we can happily accept that.

So there you have it, as expected the exterior of the new 911 doesn’t appear to have changed too much, but we’d still call it a successful progression. You can click on the image above for a larger version of the comparison grid, or check out the individual images below, including interior photos.

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Porsche

2012 Porsche 911 revealed in leaked images

2012 Porsche 911

BREAKING: A series of seven images revealing the all-new 991 Porsche 911 Carrera have been leaked. You can see more after the break.

Official information from Porsche was originally expected on 24 August, but we suspect we might see something meaningful from Stuttgart sooner, rather than later.

The entry level Carrera model now features a 3.4l flat-six, down from 3.6l. The engine is bespoke to the 911, however, and not simply lifted from the Cayman. It should be good for around 260kW (350hp). The Carrera S (pictured above) will keep its 3.8l capacity from the previous model with peak power at 300kW (400hp).

In a first for any sportscar we can think of the 911 will be offered with a 7-speed manual gearbox. An optional double-clutch ‘PDK’ transmission will also be available. Both gearboxes will have a launch control feature; yep, even the manual.

It’s no surprise the 991 911 is an evolution of previous generations. Despite its extended wheelbase (approx 100mm) to allow for more optimum engine placement, the 911 still maintains its traditional rear overhang. Inside the look has been very inspired by the Panamera and it does have a more upmarket feel. The front LEDs are perhaps the only controversial styling element on the new 911. Overall, we reckon it looks pretty good.

We’ll have more as soon it comes to hand.

[Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

UPDATE: All seven pics have now been replaced with higher res files. Click on the images to load at 2000px super sizing.

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Porsche

Porsche 929 design study

Porsche 929 design study

Last month we brought word that Porsche is considering the re-introduction of a 928-style GT sportscar. The discussion centred around drawings of this spectacular 929 design study.

The concept was created by design student Julliana Cho who is in her final year at the Royal College of Art in London. Cho is being sponsored by Porsche and is making herself known following internships with Honda and Kia.

Talking about her work Cho says, “The reason why I am fascinated by vehicle design is because such opposite things can be combined beautifully into it.

“Creating ideas for a mechanical object with a different approach, such as architecture, fashion, sculpture or eco-friendly products, makes me motivated and passionate.

“My aim is always focused on ‘How to create the perfect balance between the message and the object?’”

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Porsche

Porsche to open pavilion at the Autostadt in 2012

Autostadt

Progress on a Porsche pavilion at Volkswagen’s Autosadt in Wolfsburg has just commenced and has a target opening in the first half of 2012. It’s a sign that the Volkswagen–Porsche merger is working reasonably well.

The Porsche Museum in Stuttgart will still be the best place to see the best the company has to offer. Although we expect the addition of a Porsche pavilion will certainly add to the experience at the Autostadt. It will join existing displays at the theme park which include Volkswagen Group car brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen.

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Porsche

911 watch: Brown is the new black

A few days ago we brought you some more spy shots of the new Porsche 911, with a warning we might end up going slightly overboard on 911 material prior to its official launch.

There’s good news for you on two counts today, then, with this video showing the 911 in action. As is the norm, it seems, the car is pretty much undisguised, save for some stuck on graphics over the front and rear lights.

The other good bit of news is there is now less than 40 days to go until the 991 is revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

[Thanks to Jono for the tip]

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Porsche

More 991 Porsche 911 spy shots

991 Porsche 911 prototype

New spy shots of the soon to be released 991 Porsche 911 have been published by Autocar (follow the source link for more). You can tell it’s the new 991 by the wing mirrors and, of course, the subtle disguise over the lights front and rear.

The new 911 is due for its first public showing at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. It’s not too far away now and forgive us if we happen to go into 911 overload between now and then.

[Source: Autocar]