2013 Porsche 911 / 991

The 911 is the most successful model in Porsche’s history. It started its long history back in 1963 and since then Porsche has offered five distinct generations: 911 classic, 964 Series, 993 Series, 996 Series, and 997 Series. Moreover, the sixth one is already under intense testings and will make its official debut in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

It may be a little unorthodox for Porsche to be bringing out a new generation 911 despite the fact they just revealed a facelift version, but the requests keep changing and Porsche must answer the call of duty. Their latest target is improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The sixth generation 911, or the 998, will be a completely new vehicle, even though everyone will recognize it as a 911 model. Shortly after the launch of the 998 911, Porsche will also be releasing the Turbo, GT2, and GT3 in 2012.

Recent spy shots have revealed that the next generation 911 might also be offered as a hybrid. The prototype caught testing featured extra devices attached to the brakes, most likely placed there in order to measure regenerative effects. The rear hood was enlarged and vented, and the side vent was just a stick-on decal.

 Autoblog reports that all the models in the next generation Porsche 911 line-up will be offered with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. Until now, this system has been used in the Formula 1 vehicles and, most recently, added to Ferrari models.

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New Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

Porsche is once again making use of its “Black Edition” nameplate for one of its models, this time for the Cayman S, which benefits from a power boost and additional standard equipment. Limited to 500 units worldwide, the Cayman S Black Edition features an upgraded version of the 3.4-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, with output increased by 10 horsepower to 330HP at 7,400 rpm (200 rpm higher). Maximum torque remains unchanged, however, at 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) at 4,750 rpm.

The added ponies allow the Cayman S Black Edition to complete the standard sprint to 100km/h (62mph) 0.1 seconds faster at 5.1 seconds when the car is fitted with a six-speed manual transmision. With the optional Porsche PDK double-clutch box, the car performs even better achieving the sprint in 5 seconds flat.

For those still unimpressed, the limited edition Cayman can shave a further 0.2 seconds off the 0-100 km/h time with the optional Sport Chrono package and Launch Control activated. Top speed is also 2 km/h higher than on the standard Cayman S, with the Black Edition reaching 279 km/h (173 mph) with the manual transmission, and 277 km/h (172 mph) with the PDK gearbox.

As you've probably noticed by taking a peek at the photos, the Black Edition name comes from the extensive use of black on the car's body and the interior. The bodywork and the 19-inch wheels are painted black, while the headlights are smoked as well. Inside, the car sports a black dashboard, gear lever and instrument dials and the “Black Edition” inscription on the stainless steel sills. The lid of the glove compartment bears the badge of the limited edition with the production number below.

The Cayman S Black Edition's standard equipment includes Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering function and LED daytime running lights, anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, black seats with partial leather upholstery, automatic climate control, Sport Design steering wheel and cruise control. In addition, the Porsche Comfort, Infotainment and Design packages are also included. The starting price in Germany for the Cayman S Black Edition is €67,807 ($98,500), including VAT, while U.S. prices are even much lower starting from $67,500 (€45,600).

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New Porsche Panamera Diesel

European Porsche shoppers will soon have the option of ordering a diesel-powered version of the Panamera sports saloon. The most fuel-efficient model of the Panamera range is equipped with a Porsche-tuned version of the VW Group’s widely used 3.0-liter V6 TDI employing common rail direct injection technology and electrically controlled variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs).

The six-cylinder unit produces a maximum output of 250HP (184 kW) between 3,800 rpm and 4,400 rpm and a peak torque of 550Nm (405.7 lb-ft) available from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm. The V6 is hooked up to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission while a start/stop system comes as standard. The Panamera Diesel is offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive.

With the standard tires, the diesel-powered Panamera returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.5 lt/100 km (equal to 36.2mpg US or 43.5mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 172 g/km CO2. Opt for the low rolling resistance tires, and the aforementioned numbers drop to 6.3 lt/100 km (equal to 37.3mpg US or 44.8mpg UK) and 167 g/km CO2 respectively. The 80-liter tank allows a theoretical range in excess of 1,200 kilometers (746 miles).

In comparison, the Panamera Hybrid that makes use of a 333HP 3.0-liter V6 TSI gasoline engine and a 47HP electric motor returns 6.8 lt/100 km (34.6 mpg US.) with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km when equipped with low rolling resistance tires.

Porsche says the Panamera Diesel can accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 242km/h (150 mph).

Sales of the Panamera Diesel will start in Europe this August with prices starting from €80,183 (US$119,200) in Germany and from £62,134 (US$92,300) in the UK.

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Porsche 911 GT3 500HP

The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is Porsche's ultimate street-legal track racer and a fitting farewell to the current 911 series, codenamed 997, which will soon be replaced by an all-new model set to be unwrapped at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
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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Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Supercar Price

We may be more than two years ahead of the production launch of Porsche’s new 918 Spyder, but that isn’t stopping the Stuttgart automaker from putting up a price tag and at the same time, begin accepting orders on its upcoming plug-in hybrid supercar.

The 918 Spyder will be Porsche’s most expensive model ever with prices in the USA, excluding destination and handling chargeς, starting at $845,000 (€598,000), and in Europe from €645,000 ($911,400) subject to VAT and country-specific charges.

As an extra treat, those who place an order for the 918 Spyder will also be eligible to buy a new special edition version of the 911 Turbo S series, more of which we’ll tell you about in our next post.

Production of the 918 Spyder will take place at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant in Germany starting from September 18, 2013, with delivery of the first vehicles to commence in November 2013. Porsche plans to limit production of the two-seater model to no more than 918 units worldwide. According to Porsche, “the earlier a customer orders his vehicle, the earlier it will be delivered, as production is initialized in the same sequence in which orders are received”.

The 918 Spyder is closely modeled after the concept study seen at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. However, the production version of the two-seater ditches the full open-top treatment for a manual roof system with removable roof panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment. Other changes visible from the official sketches include the addition of exterior mirrors and the elimination of the side exhaust tail pipes.

The flagship Porsche supercar is built around a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque and features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that comprises of a V8 gasoline engine with a displacement exceeding four liters and output of more than 500HP plus two electric motors – one each on the front and rear axle – with a joint output of at least 218HP.

The V8 engine transfers its power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The electric motors are fed via a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket, delivering a range in excess of 25 km (16 miles) in the NEDC on purely electric power. Porsche said the charging time depends on the country-specific mains network, being approximately three hours in Germany. The automaker added that a quick charging option is planned to reduce charging time yet further.

According to Porsche, the 918 Spyder’s combined total fuel consumption in the European driving cycle is estimated at 3.0 lt/100 km (94 mpg UK / 78.4 mpg US.), equating to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km (112 g/mile). Porsche said official EPA fuel economy figures for the US model will be announced just before the first customer cars begin arriving near the end of 2013.

The 918 Spyder can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 320 km/h (199 mph). Porsche said the Spyder will be able to manage a lap of the Nürburgring in “less than seven minutes and 30 seconds”, compared to the Carrera GT which needs seven minutes and 32 seconds. The top speed on purely electric power is 150 km/h (94 mph).

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Porsche 911 Turbo S

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

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Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Porsche will mark its return to this year’s edition of the Nürburgring 24 hour race on June 25 with a newer version of its 911 GT3 R Hybrid that is more powerful yet lighter and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.
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.

In the Version 2.0, the output of both electric motors has increased from 60kW (80HP) to 75 kilowatts (100HP) each, meaning that seconds at a time, pilots will now have an additional 200HP at their disposal.
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. 

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Porsche New Cajun SUV

Today, Porsche put an end to the rumors concerning the production location of the Cajun by confirming that the assembly will take place in Leipzig, in the Saxony region of Germany, alongside the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan model.
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. 

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Mansory Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Mansory put up quite a show in Geneva this week as the tuning house unveiled no less than three world premieres. Aside from the Mercedes SLS AMG Cormeum and the Ferrari 458 Italia Siracusa, that we've already told you about, the tuner's Swiss subsidiary also revealed a new program for the latest generation of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV.
The tune includes an excessive aero treatment with a wide-body kit that extends the vehicle by 60 mm at the front and 80 mm at the back and also comes with numerous carbon fiber parts such as the bonnet, side skirts and rear diffuser. New daytime running lights and a set of 22-inch black alloy wheels shod in massive 295/30 tires further differentiate the SUV's looks from its factory sibling.
Under the bonnet, Mansory Switzerland upgrades the Cayenne Turbo's 4.8-liter V8 with larger turbo chargers, a custom exhaust system, reprogrammed ECU and other mods resulting to an output of 690HP and 800Nm of peak torque at 4,800 rpm for a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 300km/h (186 mph).
Mansory said buyers can also opt for a variety of interior enhancements and an electronic module for the air suspension to lower the SUV's ride height by 45mm.


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