Tag: 991 911

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Porsche

Engine transplant required to prevent 911 GT3 fires

Porsche 911 GT3

A Porsche US spokesman has confirmed the manufacturer has identified faulty conrod fasteners as the cause of the two fires which damaged 911 GT3s in Europe. To remedy the problem Porsche will be replacing the engines of all relevant models sold to date. That’s 785 new engines at last count!

“We are in the process of validating the revised part,” Nick Twork told AutoGuide. “We will be replacing the engines in each of the 911 GT3s that have been built thus far.”

Porsche will build the engines in Germany and then ship them across the globe so that customers can once again enjoy their GT3s. “It will take us a little while to build the engines. I don’t know specific timeframe but we’ll do it as quickly as we possibly can,” Twork added.

Some GT3 owners have received communication from Porsche already. It’s expected it will take one day to fit the new engines once they have been delivered to dealerships. At this stage it’s unclear what will be happening to the old engines.

There is also talk there could be compensation for owners, although Porsche says the focus now is on getting the cars fixed. “We’re going to be speaking with each of the customers individually [about possible compensation], the first priority is to minimize the inconvenience to our customers,” Twork said.

[Source: AutoGuide]

UPDATE 19 March: Now with an official statement from Porsche (below)

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Porsche

Porsche fires up recall for MY14 911 GT3 models

Porsche 911 GT3

Porsche’s official reaction to reports of fires in new 911 GT3 models has moved up a gear with word they will be recalling all 785 model year 2014 GT3s for inspection.

The notice includes a recommendation that owners should not drive their car until it has been checked:

Inspection of all 911 GT3 vehicles of model year 2014

Porsche inspecting engines of current 911 GT3 models

Stuttgart. 2014/02/20 – The sports car producer Porsche is inspecting all engines of 911 GT3 vehicles of model year 2014. Porsche is informing the owners of the affected vehicles directly and recommending that they stop using their vehicles. The company is offering to pick up the vehicles and take them to a Porsche Centre immediately.

Safety is a number one priority at Porsche, and the company takes its responsibility seriously. After engine damage occurred in two vehicles in Europe and the vehicles then caught fire. Porsche decided to inspect all 785 delivered vehicles worldwide. There was no traffic accident and no personal injure. Internal studies to determine the cause of the engine damage have not been completed yet.

Porsche will report on any new findings immediately.

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Oh the humanity Porsche

Porsche brings halt to 911 GT3 fire sales

Porsche 911 GT3 fire sale

Porsche has reacted quickly to reports of its current 911 GT3 model catching on fire. As the screen grab above shows Porsche is officially owning up to two incidents of fire with the GT3, although unconfirmed reports on the interwebz claim as many as five GT3s have become carbecues.

After reporting on the Swiss GT3 fire we asked Porsche for an official response:

AUSmotive: Are you able to confirm or provide any comment regarding speculation that deliveries of all new 911 GT3s have been suspended while Porsche investigates the cause for a series of alleged fires with the cars?
Porsche: Porsche is investigating the case and, if necessary, will inform customers and the public as quickly as possible about the results of the investigation.

There’s also a report from a 991 GT3 owner  on the Aussie Exotics forum that local deliveries have been suspended while Porsche investigates the issue.

We didn’t win OzLotto last night but when we do land those winning numbers we’ll still be putting an order in for a 911 GT3!

[Source: CNBC | Thanks to Wayne & John for the tips]

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Oh the humanity Porsche

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 lights my fire

991 Porsche 911 GT3

We don’t like bringing you this story. Not one little bit. You see, to us, the Porsche 911 GT3 is one of our most yearned for cars. To see one go up in flames like this makes us rather sad.

The loss happened near St Gallen in Switzerland and the key paragraph of the official Police report (translated) reads:

A Porsche GT3 drove on the A1 highway towards St.Gallen. When the driver perceived strange noises from the engine area, he left the highway. On the Wilerstrasse the driver stopped the car. He saw leaking oil and smoke is in the rear engine. A short time later the Porsche caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The cause of the fire will be investigated by the Forensic Science Service of the Canton of St. Gallen police.

Worse, other reports of similar 991 GT3 fires indicate this isn’t an isolated case, with as many as five other incidents occurring in recent weeks.

There’s also talk that deliveries of 2014 911 GT3s have been stopped by Porsche while they investigate the problem. As far as we’re aware Porsche is yet to confirm or comment on this matter, but we’ll let you know if we hear any more.

[Source: Axis of Oversteer | Thanks to John for the tip]

UPDATE 20 Feb: Porsche will recall all MY14 GT3s for inspection.

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Porsche

Always a frown with gold and brown

911 Turbo by Porsche Exclusive

Hot on the heels of Audi’s awesome Nogaro Blue revival comes word via the Porsche Facebook page of a new 911 Turbo by Porsche Exclusive. The special creation is painted in Lime Gold Metallic and we really want to hate it. But on the outside, at least, the unique colour is not that bad.

The subtle gloss black details complement the very nice alloy wheels really well and overall the outside does look quite good if you take the time to appreciate the finer points.

Inside, though, we’re not fans. The 911 starts with a brown interior—why is that even a option?—and is then festooned with gold bits all over the place. It just looks horrible.

In Porsche’s own words:

Since 1986, Porsche Exclusive offers almost endless possibilities to personalize your Porsche. One of the latest examples is this 911 Turbo in Lime Gold Metallic. As you can see in this gallery the exterior colour is not its only special feature.

“Special feature”? Well, we do suppose the reaction of a sharp intake of breath followed by the words, “My god that’s awful” could be considered a special feature.

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Motorsports Porsche

The sweet sounds of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Steven Richards in the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

The raw sounds from inside the cabin of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup are a true delight. And thanks to the combination of a brand new 991-based GT3 Cup, Steven Richards, Speedcafe and Sydney Motorsport Park you can experience those sounds right now!

[Thanks to John for the tip]

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Porsche

Porsche explains the 911 Targa roof

991 Porsche 911 Targa

Porsche has set up a dedicated microsite for the new 911 Targa which features a slider allowing you to open the roof. There’s more, of course, but it’s doing the roof thing that’s the best fun.

We’ve got a couple of other videos too which show the 911 Targa in action.

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Motor Shows Porsche

Detroit 2014: Porsche 911 Targa

991 Porsche 911 Targa

Finally, we see official information on the all-new Porsche 911 Targa. It’s a return to an old-skool look with that iconic rollover hoop. As reported the roof does operate electronically and when you see the videos of it in action after the break we’re sure you’ll agree it’s a clever bit of kit.

Available only in all-wheel drive the Targa 4 gets the 3.4 litre engine from the regular 911, which means it has 257kW/390Nm to play with. The Targa 4S boasts the now familiar 3.8 litre flat six with 294kW/440Nm.

When fitted with the 7-speed PDK transmission the 1560kg Targa 4 can reach 100km/h in 5.0 seconds and 200km/h in 17.5 seconds. The addition of the Sport Plus option brings those times down to 4.8 seconds and 17.2 seconds respectively.

The 1575kg Targa 4S and its 400hp knock off 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while 200km/h takes 15.5 seconds. Again, similar reductions are available with Sport Plus option, bringing the sprint times down to 4.4 seconds and 15.2 seconds respectively.

Despite saving 20kg in weight with the manual transmission you’ll need to add a few tenths to those performance figures.

The roof can only be opened when the car is stationary and it takes 19 seconds. It’s pretty nifty to see it work. The rear window lifts up, parts of of the rollover hoop fold out of the way, the fabric roof comes to life and is then cleverly stowed away out of sight.

Not sure about you, but we want one!

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Porsche

So how’s this electronic roof going to work then?

991 Porsche 911 Targa prototype

This is one of the latest spy shots of the Porsche 911 Targa, expected to debut at the Detroit Auto Show later this month. Reports suggest the main roof panel will be removed electronically. But how?

Looking at the rear of the car you can see the engine cover looks like it will have similar opening to the 911 Cabriolet, which does fold away its roof at the touch of button. Meanwhile the spy shot after the break, which shows the Targa with the roof panel removed, the finish is neat and tidy. Suggesting the rollover hoop may somehow fold out of the way during the removal of the roof panel.

Regardless of how this system operates we trust Porsche can make it work. And for the first time, we think we’re going to genuinely lust after a 911 Targa.

[Source: Autocar]

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Porsche

2014 Porsche 911 Targa drawings leaked

991 Porsche 911 Targa drawing

New drawings have emerged showing the 991 911 Targa. As you can see the Targa returns to an old skool look with the silver rollover hoop and dramatically curved rear window. Most notably, removable roof panels are back, after the 997 had what amounted to an oversized sunroof.

There has been talk in the past that the Targa would feature an electrically operated roof. We’re not really sure how that would work; based on these drawings it seems the only option would be for the roof panels to be removed by hand.

The 911 Targa is expected to be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

[Source: MSN]

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Porsche

VIDEO: 2014 Porsche 911 GT2 spied at the Ring

2014 Porsche 911 GT2 prototype

What do you get when you cross a Porsche 911 Turbo with a 911 GT3? A 911 GT2! That’s the simple explanation anyway.

Under the hood, sorry, in the boot, you’ll find a 3.8 litre flat six twin turbo offering up 412kW to the power gods, while the handling demons get to revel in a chassis inspired by the always sublime GT3.

As you will see and hear from this spy video the GT2 looks awesome, sounds awesome and most probably will be awesome.

Due to its rear-wheel drive only drivetrain and stonking power the GT2 is nicknamed the “widow maker”. We’d really like to put that reputation to the test one day!

[Thanks to John for the tip]

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Porsche

Porsche planning to repeat 911 Speedster

Porsche 911 Speedster

Perhaps because they made such a hash of the arse on the 997 version (above), Porsche is reportedly readying itself to give the world another 911 Speedster.

It’s due in 2015, according to Auto Bild, and where the previous 911 Speedster paid respects to the 356, this new one will honour the 550 Spyder. As such production will be limited to 550 cars.

The 550 is one of the best looking cars Porsche has ever made, but you’ll forgive us if we don’t hold out much hope that the 991 911 spin-off will reach the same heights.

Apparently the 991 911 Speedster will feature shaved door handles, a lower windscreen and a fabric roof limited in function in much the same way we saw on the Boxster Spyder.

[Source: Auto Bild via Autoblog]

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