A hybrid Porsche sports car? Well, it definitely is possible as long as it doesn’t compromise performance – that’s Porsche philosophy. According to sources, Porsche will be putting that philosophy to the test at the Nurburgring 24 Hours race later this year with a hybrid Porsche 911. Reports suggest that the Porsche 911 GT3-RSR is being prepared by engineers to run as a gasoline-electric hybrid using an F1-style KERS system.

Porsche had no comment on the report.

“It is not a question of yes or no, but a question of how and when,” said Porsche motorsport boss Hartmut Kristen when AutoCar asked about the company’s hybrid intentions.

“We believe that the future of motorsport is not only with the conventional internal-combustion engine,” he said. “We have to think about the alternatives. When you see the red-hot discs on a racing car, you have to think about all the energy being wasted.”

Porsche is preparing to launch a hybrid version of the Cayenne and Panamera later this year.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

UK publication AutoCar is outlining Porsche product plans for the next four years. If they are to believed, we have a couple of exciting things coming from Porsche’s garage.

First up, Porsche has a V6 and a diesel version planned for the new 2010 Panamera sedan. Both models will be a little more affordable than their more powerful V8 siblings.

Following that, a new redesigned Porsche Cayenne is due out sometime in 2010.  The Porsche SUV will receive some modifications to the headlights and taillights along with a reworked direct-injected V8 as seen in the Panamera. A hybrid version of the Cayenne will arrive in 2011 with fuel-economy improvements of up to 30 percent.

The already confirmed Panamera Hybrid is also due out in 2011.

Porsche will give the 911 sports coupe a facelift in the summer of 2012 with some engineering enhancements including a modification to the steel floorpan and an extended wheelbase by 50mm to 2400mm and an upgraded suspension.

Also in the works is the much-rumored compact SUV known as the Rockster, which will fit below the Cayenne. It will use some of the body engineering from the Audi Q5.

Last but not least, it is reported that a Coupe and Convertible version of the Panamera are also in the works. The model will compete against the likes of the Maserati GranTurismo and the GranTurismo Convertible. Look out for the drop-top Panamera in 2013.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Earlier this week, Volkswagen released a statement saying that it plans to complete its merger with Porsche during the course of 2011.

According to Michael Macht of Porsche, the sports car maker is prepared to share the Panamera and 911 platforms with other Volkswagen Group brands.

“Porsche needs to become a strong pillar of VW, as well as having its own production and research and development capabilities. It is important to 
use synergies as well as having independence,” Macht said. “The Panamera platform could be used by other brands for models that are in development and at the concept stage.”

When asked if Porsche’s 911 platform was also set to be shared with other brands in Volkswagen, Macht said that it could be made available on other vehicles under Volkswagen’s umbrella.

As for engine sharing, Porsche will only use Volkswagen V6 in its Cayenne SUV. Other than that Macht said that “engine development is a core value for Porsche” and the company will work to stick to its core values.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Yesterday, Porsche gave us our first look at the special-edition 911 Sport Classic that will make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. We have now posted a video of the 911 Sport Classic in action showing off its new “ducktail” style spoiler.

Refresher: Power comes from a 3.8L 6-cylinder with Direct Fuel Injection making a total of 408-hp. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and also features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, PASM sports suspension that lowers the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79″

Click through for the video.

2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic:

2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

So you take your first look at the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and you feel that it’s not that much different from the 2008, or even the 2007 model. Whereas other automakers like to completely redesign their vehicles every couple of years, Porsche is one automaker that follows the philosophy “If it ain’t broken – don’t fix it.”

However, if you have 169,300 euros ($241,236 USD) laying around in your bank account, Porsche will make your 911 very exclusive. At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche will unveil the new 911 Sport Classic, bringing back the tradition of a small series built in very limited numbers.

Customized by Porsche’s Specialist Department over the last 3 years, the 911 Sport Classic pays a tribute to the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 with unique “ducktail” style spoiler.

Power from 3.8L 6-cylinder with Direct Fuel Injection has been increased by 23-hp for a total of 408-hp. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and also features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, PASM sports suspension that lowers the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79″ and custom-made 19-inch wheels. The interior comes with a wide-range of upgrades and is finished in Espresso Nature natural leather, providing a great contrast to the exterior Sport Classic Grey.

Sales will begin January 2010. Only 250 units will be made.

2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic:

Press Release:

The 911 Sport Classic – Exclusive for 250 Fans of the 911

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has refined the DNA of the 911 to what must be the most supreme standard of class and style in the 911 Sport Classic available to a strictly limited number of very special 911 enthusiasts. Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars.

This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customised versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models.

The unique character of this very special 911 comes out at very first sight in the newly developed double-dome roof. A further highlight of this sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the wider rear body up by 44 millimetres or 1.73″ and the wider track on the rear axle. The striking SportDesign front apron with its unique spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position like the legendary ducktail on the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 round off the unmistakable look of the 911 Sport Classic. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.8-litre with Direct Fuel Injection, increased in this case, also through the introduction of a newly developed resonance intake manifold with six vacuum-controlled switching flaps, by 23 bhp to 408 horsepower for even more outstanding performance.

The 911 Sport Classic comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ideally reflecting the sporting character of this exclusive 911, PASM sports suspension lowering the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79″, as well as the mechanical rear axle differential and custom-made 19-inch wheels with their rim star painted black all come together to offer a perfect match for the character of this most exclusive car.

The very special, highly sophisticated interior of the 911 Sport Classic bears powerful testimony to one of the core competences of Porsche Exclusive and is characterised by new materials never used before even by Porsche. One example is woven leather made up of smooth leather strips and woven yarn featured on the seat centrepieces of the newly designed adaptive sports seats complete with light-grey piping and on the door panels.

The dashboard including a wide range of inserts and add-on components is finished in Espresso Nature natural leather, providing a distinctive contrast to the exclusive body paint in Sport Classic Grey.

Marking the introduction of this special limited edition model, Porsche Design Driver´s Selection is likewise introducing a range of new and The 911 Sport Classic – Exclusive for 250 Fans of the 911

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has refined the DNA of the 911 to what must be the most supreme standard of class and style in the 911 Sport Classic available to a strictly limited number of very special 911 enthusiasts. Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars.

This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customised versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models.

The unique character of this very special 911 comes out at very first sight in the newly developed double-dome roof. A further highlight of this sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the wider rear body up by 44 millimetres or 1.73″ and the wider track on the rear axle. The striking SportDesign front apron with its unique spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position like the legendary ducktail on the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 round off the unmistakable look of the 911 Sport Classic. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.8-litre with Direct Fuel Injection, increased in this case, also through the introduction of a newly developed resonance intake manifold with six vacuum-controlled switching flaps, by 23 bhp to 408 horsepower for even more outstanding performance.

The 911 Sport Classic comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ideally reflecting the sporting character of this exclusive 911, PASM sports suspension lowering the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79″, as well as the mechanical rear axle differential and custom-made 19-inch wheels with their rim star painted black all come together to offer a perfect match for the character of this most exclusive car.

The very special, highly sophisticated interior of the 911 Sport Classic bears powerful testimony to one of the core competences of Porsche Exclusive and is characterised by new materials never used before even by Porsche. One example is woven leather made up of smooth leather strips and woven yarn featured on the seat centrepieces of the newly designed adaptive sports seats complete with light-grey piping and on the door panels.

The dashboard including a wide range of inserts and add-on components is finished in Espresso Nature natural leather, providing a distinctive contrast to the exclusive body paint in Sport Classic Grey.

Marking the introduction of this special limited edition model, Porsche Design Driver´s Selection is likewise introducing a range of new and very special products at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The limited edition AluFrame Trolley as well as a polo-shirt, a cap and a personalised lanyard take up the colour concept of the 911 Sport Classic, and in good time for the introduction of the new car a top-quality 1:43 model will also be available.

Sales of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic are starting in January 2010. The Euro base price of the car without value-added tax and national specifications is Euro 169,300.-.

The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country. Please contact the Porsche PR Manager of your country in order to receive country-specific information. very special products at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The limited edition AluFrame Trolley as well as a polo-shirt, a cap and a personalised lanyard take up the colour concept of the 911 Sport Classic, and in good time for the introduction of the new car a top-quality 1:43 model will also be available.

Sales of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic are starting in January 2010. The Euro base price of the car without value-added tax and national specifications is Euro 169,300.-.

The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country. Please contact the Porsche PR Manager of your country in order to receive country-specific information.

- By: Omar Rana

The Avalanche name is very much connected to the success of tuning firm Gemballa Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG. It was the first Avalanche in the mid 80s that set the foundation for the success of the Gemballa brand. Ever since, the name has been reserved for the Porsche 911 tuning program.

Gemballa has now unveiled the new facelifted Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R. Besides the visual upgrades, Gemballa continue to offer its performance upgrade that takes output to 650-hp with peak torque of 701 lb-ft. That allows the 4WD Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 206 mph.

And if that’s not enough for you, Gemballa offers further engine upgrades that taking output up to 800-hp.

Make the leap for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2009 Gemballa Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R:

Press Release:

The AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R

The GEMBALLA masterpiece based on the Porsche 911 Turbo

The history of GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG is inseparably connected with the AVALANCHE. It was the first AVALANCHE generation in the mid 80s with its trendsetting body- and interior design which became a world-wide bestseller and laid the foundations of success for the Leonberg-based company. And ever since, this name is exclusively reserved for the masterpiece of the extensive GEMBALLA refining programme for Porsche 911 models.

With the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R the chairman and founder Uwe Gemballa follows this success story and presents the face-lifted version of the current AVALANCHE-generation. Equipped with a spectacular automobile design and an auto body which has been broadened with Thyssen steel, the super sports car sets benchmarks for production quality and design vocabulary. But that is not enough: the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R offers elaborate, supreme technology and with 650 hp it delivers an enormous top speed of 332 km/h. Driving pleasure for highest demands.

Fresh design for the super sports car

Already at first glance, the AVALANCHE explicitly underlines its ties with the supreme sports car league. Especially designed gull wing doors and the new front headlights from the Carrera GT, leave significant visual accents. The same applies for the powerful metal extensions which were specially produced in a Thyssen Group subsidiary and then directly welded to the body shell. The GEMBALLA technicians developed a custom-made bonnet and side skirts as well. The front wings are replaced by a carbon version. Following the facelift of the current Porsche 911 induction engine models, GEMBALLA gives the AVALANCHE a visual refreshment as well. A part of this modernisation is the entirely re-designed front skirt. The integrated carbon front lip conveys the air to the large cooling slits and gives the car an even more lowered look.

Also the rear section of the AVALANCHE contains a makeover: the most striking feature is the use of LED tail lamps from the current Porsche 911. Moreover, this is additionally enhanced by a new rear skirt. The integrated rear diffuser can either be selected with a varnish or in carbon fibre and offers space for the four end pipes of the sport exhaust system. Together with the carbon rear wing, it renders additional downthrust at the rear axle.

When engineering the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R also great emphasis was put on the aerodynamic efficiency. Therefore, the body components were perfectly adjusted to each other. The result: An individual design in perfect surface quality which also reduces the lifting forces.

Sensational performance due to elaborate technology

In addition to the breath-taking shape of the AVALACHE, the GEMBALLA engine department developed a powerful performance enhancement for the serial gearing. The engine makeover includes a racing crankshaft, a titanium connecting rod, forged pistons and racing turbo chargers. Camshafts and cylinder heads are mechanically fabricated in precision work. The aluminium induction pipe and a carbon air box with sports air filter provide the optimal air supply. A further makeover feature and responsible for the sporty and powerful sound of the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R is the stainless steel – high-performance exhaust system with the optimised racing headers.

After the extensive modifications, the super sports car has 650 hp / 478 kW at 6.200 rpm and 950 NM at 4.600 rpm. Thereby, the 4WD automobile accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 332 km/h.

And when this is not enough, the GEMBALLA-specialists offer even further engine types with performance enhancements up to 800 hp.

Wheels and running gear – the combination for best road handling and a striking appearance

The wheel/tyre combination of the AVALANCHE offers the optimal compromise between comfort and control. The multi-part and especially light aluminium wheels are delivered in size 9.0Jx20 with tyres measuring 245/30 ZR 20 for the front axle and 1.5Jx20 with 325/25 ZR 20 tyres at the rear axle.

The high-performance braking system which was especially devised for the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R can be easily recognised by its red-painted brake callipers. The optimal deceleration and perfect gas pedal response is rendered by enlarged 6-piston brake callipers in connection with discs measuring 405 millimetres at the front axle and 4-piston brake callipers with 380mm-discs at the rear axle.
Also, the running gear has been thoroughly modified. The new coilover kit was especially adjusted to these increased requirements. Four individually adjustable rebound dampers allow an individual fine tuning. Sport stabilisers and strut braces render additional torsional stiffness and therefore improve road handling.

VIP lounge with motor sports atmosphere

GEMBALLA completely re-designs the interior of the AVALANCHE and turns it into a VIP lounge with motor sports atmosphere. The serial lining is replaced by most precious leather. The GEMBALLA aluminium pedals splendidly shine in the foot well and perfectly go with the carbon fibre components of the interior set. The technical highlight is the full-size airbag sports steering wheel measuring 340 millimetres in diameter. The sports seats type POLE POSITION offer extra seating stability.

GEMBALLA – the specialist for high end refinement and innovative interior design offers the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R from 350,000 € (net, including basic automobile Porsche 997 Turbo).

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Gemballa (via WCF)

Our friends at Garage419 recently flew down to Salt Lake City to test drive the 2009 Porsche 911 with PDK or ’Porsche-Doppelkupplung.’ The new PDK double-clutch 7-speed automatic gearbox replaces the Tiptronic S-automatic transmission on all Carrera models.

Porsche says PDK improves acceleration and fuel-economy. The Stuttgart company also hit up the Nurburgring to test the PDK which it said cut 8 seconds off the 911 Carrera S’s lap time. According to Porsche, the 2009 911 Carrera S lapped the Nurburgring in 7:50. The 2009 911 Carrera S with manual did it in 7:58.

One interesting fact Garag419 points out is that you can disengage front wheel drive in the Carrera 4 if you pull the handbrake up on notch – but that’s only if you have the PDK transmission.

Make sure you check out Garage419’s YouTube Channel.

Follow the jump for the video.

Source: Garage419

While Motor Trend was hanging out at Chrysler’s Arizona Proving Grounds in over half a million dollars worth of the world’s hottest cars, they decided it was the perfect opportunity to take each vehicle to its top speed. Check out these videos of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Porsche 911 GT2, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the Nissan GT-R as 24 Hours of Daytona winner Didier Theys takes them around a five-mile oval.

Refresher:

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: LS9 supercharged 6.2L V8 engine producing 638-hp and 604 lb-ft of torque.
2009 Nissan GT-R: 3.8 L twin-turbocharged DOHC V6 engine that produces 473 horsepower and a peak torque of 430 lb-ft.
2008 Porsche 911 GT2: 3.6 liter 6-cylinder producing 530-hp with a maximum torque of 505 lb-ft.
2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano: V12 producing 620-hp with and 448 lb-ft of torque.

Follow the jump for the videos.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1:

2009 Nissan GT-R:

2008 Porsche 911 GT-2:

2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano:

Source: MotorTrend

TECHART has announced its new Aerokit I for the 2009 Porsche 911 models giving the cars a more aggressive look. All modification have undergone wind tunnel testing to ensure optimal aerodynamic values.

The Aerokit I consists of a new front spoiler that reduces force on the front axel, front air inlets, side sill panels that emphasize strong side lines, a roof spoiler and three different types of rear wings (elegant rear wing I, the sporty rear wing III and the variable rear wing IV with integrated back pressure air channels and additional adjustable gurney flaps).

TECHART also added some decorative trims for the exterior mirror with carbon fiber and chrome finishes, headlight trims, TECHART light-metal wheels, a double-oval sports exhaust and some interior modifications. No power upgrades were made but we’re sure TECHART engineers are hard at work for those as well.

Click through for the high-res gallery and press release.

TECHART Aerokit I for 2009 Porsche 911:

The TECHART Aerokit I for the new Porsche 911 models.

Only genuine TECHART individualisation programmes are defined by the typical TECHART features. Aesthetic and technical. Visible and invisible. One of these is a basic principle of all TECHART products: quality original equipment manufacture.

The new TECHART Aerokit I for the new Porsche 911 model is characterised by its unrivalled exterior design and its inner values: optimal aerodynamic values, confirmed by wind tunnel tests and high quality polyurethane RIM throughout. And, of course, all produced at the company’s manufacturing site in Germany.

TECHART is presenting its programme for the new Porsche 911 models at the Essen Motor Show from 28 November to 7 December 2008.

TECHART Aerokit I for Porsche 911, model year 2009

Vehicles fitted with the TECHART Aerokit I demonstrate a passion for perfection, even at first glance. The result of development work and wind tunnel tests: a sporty and elegant appearance typical of TECHART as well as optimal driving stability thanks to reduced buoyant forces and balanced aerodynamics on the front and back axels.

The new front spoiler I emphasises the dynamics of the new 911, reduces buoyant forces on the front axle and ensures optimal air flow for the effective cooling of the brakes. The air inlets on the front of the vehicle also come with new decorative features. Sill panels emphasise the vehicle’s strong side lines.

A roof spoiler and three different types of rear wing enable precise aerodynamic adjustments to the back axel. The elegant rear wing I, the sporty rear wing III with its fixed wing profile and the variable rear wing IV with integrated back pressure air channels and additional adjustable gurney flap.

The newly designed decorative trims for the exterior mirror – varnished, in carbon fibre or a new chrome finish – as well as headlight trims, TECHART light-metal wheels, striking sports exhaust in a typical double-oval design and individually adapted interior fittings are just some of the options which form part of the comprehensive TECHART individualisation programme for the new 911 models.