Porsche Universe

Porsche History - History Of Porsche Automobiles

admin — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 23:28:32 +0000

Ferdinand Porsche played an important role in the development of airplanes and racing cars, and the construction of tanks for the Wehrmacht. He is an automobile engineer with more than a thousand patents to his name. He was appointed chief engineer at Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart inthe 1920s. Later on, he set up his own engineering workshop and designed among others
the Volkswagen. At the plant where Volkswagen was made, Wolfsburg, he was chief of operations and at the end of the war he was interned by the Allies.

He was released a few years later and started building his first car with his son, Ferry Porsche. The car was named the Porsche 356 and it was a sports car and a reminiscent of the Volkswagen. It had the same four-cylinder boxer engine that was rear-mounted, just like the VW. It was far from being a powerful sports car, developing only 40 bhp and a maximum speed of 87 mph (140 km/h). First produced as a convertible and later as a hard top it distinguished by the very elegant and innovative body. It was developed in theworkshop of Erwin Komenda, a master of restrained streamlining who had been in charge of sheet metal and design techniques at Porsche since the VW Beetle. The new style of closed coupe was designed by Komenda and it soon became the embodiment of the sports car, thanks to its fastback.

This tradition was continued by Komenda and Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, the founder’s grandson, with the 911.

The 911 became easily recognizable: it had attractive sloping bonnet and what later became characteristic “frog eye” headlights, curves running from the top edge of the windscreen to the rear bumper and a straight waistline. From a functional and technical point of view it was more like BMW 1500, although it retained the stylistic features of the original Porsche. The new 911 will become the foundation stone of Porsche’s identity, even though the design was not always appreciated. During the 1970`s and 1980`s, the designers attempts to distance Porsche from its legendary design brought the company to the edge of disaster. The more modern 924 model, “a people’s Porsche”, developed with Volkswagen, as well as the 928 were far from fulfilling the expectations.

In the 1990`s, the company realized that what for over twenty years was perceived as a straitjacket, it was in fact a marketadvantage. During the 1990`s, Porsche became highly
profitable since they now knew that the typical Porsche features were timeless. Nearly forty people now worked in the design department on further developments of the long-running 911. These developments included the 911 GTI, a powerful combinationof sports and racing car, put forward by the in-house designer Anthony R. Hatter. In 1999, chief designer proudly presented the new Boxster which enabled Porshe to establish a second independent range of models.

Porsche Names New President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America

admin — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:25:24 +0000

Today, the board of management of Porsche AG in Stuttgart, Germany, announced the appointment of Detlev von Platen (44) as President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), effective April 1, 2008. Von Platen will succeed Peter Schwarzenbauer who has been named to the management board of AUDI AG, in Ingolstadt, Germany, responsible for worldwide sales and marketing. For the past nine years, Detlev von Platen has been President and CEO of Porsche France. Under his leadership Porsche France became one of Porsche’s major sales subsidiaries in continental Europe with total sales of close to 3,000 sports cars and Cayenne SUVs in 2007. Before joining Porsche in 1996, von Platen held a number of management functions within the sales and marketing department of BMW Motorrad GmbH in Munich, Germany.

In Atlanta, von Platen will be heading Porsche’s most important sales subsidiary. With total 2007 sales of 36,680 units in the United States and Canada, North America accounts for nearly 40 percent of Porsche’s worldwide sales volume. Under Schwarzenbauer, PCNA posted four consecutive sales records in an extremely challenging market place. In fact, since the arrival of the Cayenne model line in 2003 Porsche increased its volume in North America by 68 percent. But despite an increasingly incentive driven sales environment, even in the premium segment Porsche never lost focus on generating value for the company, its dealers and its customers instead of striving for mere growth and market share through subsidizing sales.

Schwarzenbauer leaves his successor with an enthusiastic and able organization and a healthy, passionate dealer body. Over the past two years, he spearheaded a comprehensive restructuring of PCNA’s field organization and sales regions in order to prepare the company for next year’s arrival of Porsche’s fourth model line, the four-door Gran Turismo Panamera.

Beginning April 1, 2008, PCNA’s market responsibilities will focus solely on the United States. Only last week, Porsche announced the foundation of Porsche Cars Canada, a new, independent sales subsidiary for the Canadian market that will report directly to its Porsche AG parent. Christian Marti was appointed President and CEO of the new entity.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. (PCL) in Mississauga, Ontario, are the two importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada respectively. They are wholly owned, indirect subsidiaries of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. Combined, PCNA and PCL employ approximately 260 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 200 U.S. and 12 Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S Made Exclusively For Racing

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:31:19 +0000

The new Porsche GT3 Cup S, based on the road-going GT3 RS sportscar, is created exclusively for racing purposes. The Weissach-developed and built vehicle will race in international champion-ships which run in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations.

To a large extent, the 3.6-litre boxer engine is identical to the power unit used in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup and the international Carrera Cup championships. Power output has increased by 20 horsepower to now 440 hp (324 kW) at 8,000 rpm. Maximum torque is up by ten Nm to 430 at 7,250 revs per minute. The power increase results from optimised engine electronics and a modified exhaust system.

In contrast to the Porsche GT3 Cup, the body of the Cup S is not based on the road-going GT3 but on the GT3 RS. In the wider wheel arches, considerably larger wheels can now be mounted. At the front, the rims measure 10.5 inches in width with 12 inch wheels fitted at the rear. The front section and flares are significantly different to the GT3 Cup components. An adjustable front-splitter generates more downforce at the front axle. The rear-wing is wider and positioned higher than the Cup version and provides more downforce at the rear axle.

Several suspension components for the Porsche GT3 Cup S have been taken from the more powerful GT3 RSR which races in the GT2 class at international long-distance championships. The braking system of the GT3 Cup S was adjusted to the increased power compared to the Porsche GT3 Cup. At the rear the diameter of the brake discs has grown by five millimetres to now measure 355mm.

The new Porsche GT3 Cup S costs 250,000 Euro plus national VAT and is scheduled for delivery to customer teams from April. Additionally, Porsche offers a kit to upgrade the 2007 Cup models to the GT3 Cup S standard.

Read the rest here: Duemotori.com

Looking For A Porsche 944 Turbo Manual!

admin — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 02:34:36 +0000

Anyone know where I can find a 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Manual?

Best I have been able to find online is THIS Haynes 944 Repair Manual on Amazon,

but….

when you’re really looking to make your car look like it just came from the showroom,

sometimes nothing less than a glovebox filled with an original manual will do the trick!

So, where can you find original manuals online?

Well, after searching far and wide on the internet, and online finding Original Porsche Owners Manuals in PDF format,

I figured I’d check with the good ol’ standard for Porsche parts and thick glossy catalogs, Automotion!

Ground Breaking Four-Door Panamera GT to be Offered with Porsche Hybrid System

admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:55:14 +0000

-Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, announced today that it is developing a hybrid drive version of its highly anticipated four-door Gran Turismo. The Panamera Hybrid will utilize the same gas-electric drive concept as the Cayenne Hybrid that comes to market at the end of the decade and will claim a remarkable 30% reduction of fuel consumption. The full parallel hybrid system of the Panamera will be configured with the battery unit positioned below the luggage compartment, and hybrid module, comprising of an additional clutch and electric motor, will be between the engine and transmission. Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid module has the ability to disengage either the combustion engine or the electric motor, or to combine both drive systems as one joint power unit. This flexibility results in benefits such as a zero emissions driving mode, fuel savings in both city and highway driving and maximum performance when desired.

The Panamera, which represents Porsche’s fourth model line, will make its world debut in 2009 and promises to redefine the Gran Turismo category by featuring a unique design package that will afford equally generous front and rear space and seating comfort for four while retaining the sporting and unmistakable driving dynamics of every Porsche. Introduced initially with traditional drivetrains, the hybrid version of the Panamera will be offered at a later date.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 212 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

Buying A Porsche For Under $2000

admin — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:06:10 +0000

Buying a reliable Porsche for under $2000 was a challenge Jeremy and the boys took on with joy. Looks like a challenge that could be fun for us to take on too.

Porsche’s U.S. sales best ever

admin — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:25:50 +0000

American consumers’ worries about the housing market and the economy apparently aren’t stopping them from buying hot wheels.

Porsche Cars North America Inc. said it broke a new sales record last year. The Atlanta-based importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne SUVs in the United States and Canada today announced December 2007 sales of 2,891 units in the United States. With December’s results, total 2007 U.S. sales reached 34,693, exceeding 2006 record-breaking sales of 34,227, and marking the fourth year in a row Porsche has enjoyed record sales.

“We realized a significant milestone in 2007, reaching another consecutive record in the United States,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Porsche North America’s president and CEO.

Porsche’s Cayenne SUV posted sales of 1,254 units, representing an increase of 34 percent over last December sales of 938 units. Total 2007 Cayenne sales reached 12,547, up 19 percent over total 2006 sales of 10,569.

The Porsche 911 also experienced another record in 2007, with 12,493 units sold vs. 12,045 units sold in 2006.

Via: Atlanta Business Chronicle

Swiss Express - The Rinspeed LM 600 based on the Porsche 997 Turbo

admin — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:35:54 +0000

The Rinspeed LM 600 based on the Porsche 997 is just about the hottest and fastest tuned Porsche 997 Turbo available to the public. The “LM 600″ front skirt with integrated Carbon splitters appears eye-catching and produces a higher aerodynamic down force at the front axle. This increase results in a better road handling. The bigger and re-shaped air intakes for the radiators and the brakes improve the cooling of them considerably. Additional headlights with day light driving lights and the inboard moved fog lights guarantee a sporty yet elegant appearance. The newly - especially for the Turbo developed - side skirts connect optically the front and rear fenders in a maximal way. It follows the new body lines harmonically. Further appearance improvement is achieved by the Carbon covers for the rear view mirrors. The “LM 600″ rear skirt with integrated exhaust tips also increases the down force on the rear axle and esthetically supports the high performance exhaust system with integrated metal catalytic converters. Eye-catching yet not separable element is the rear wing which sits tightly above the rear hatch. The wing profile is also available in a Carbon finish.

The propulsion

For the first time the Swiss tuners have also addressed the engine output. The 3.6 liter power pack produces in the “LM 600″ breathtaking 600 hp (441 kW) at 6′700 rpm, the torque is increased to almost unbelievable 800 Nm at 4′000 rpm. The engine conversion includes two special VTG turbo chargers, a new Carbon air intake ram-air system with sport air filters, improved intercoolers as well as a high performance exhaust system with metal catalytic converters.

These modifications allow the Rinspeed “LM 600″ to be accounted amongst one of the fastest street legal sports cars. The sprint from 0-100 km/h is achieved by the super sportsman in just 3.3 seconds, the 200 km/h mark is reached in 10.9 seconds and the top speed is clocked at 343 km/h.

Further equipment of the “LM 600″ consists in an adjustable suspension which is based on the original PASM damper system. It has been developed in cooperation with Bilstein and assures a precise road handling in the top class. Maximum braking is achieved by an efficient and stable high performance brake kit with 8 pistons aluminum calipers and 380 mm x 34 mm at the front axle and 6 pistons calipers with 360 mm x 32 mm at the rear axle.

A close contact to the road is ensured by the typical and well sold Rinspeed 20 inch aluminum wheels in the C5/1 design. The rear wheels have been widened to the size of 12 x 20″ especially for the Turbo. The tires sizes of 245/30-20 at the front axle and 325/25-20 at the rear axle hug the road for sufficient grip for the Swiss super sportsman.

The Classic Porsche 356

admin — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:13:57 +0000

The 356 was the first production sports car bearing the Porsche name.However, before the war designer Ferdinand Porsche also created the Type 64 as well as a mid-engine prototype called “Number 1″, which has led to some debate as to the “first” Porsche automobile.

The 356 was created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche (son of Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the company). Like its ancestor, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche senior had designed), the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive car. While the 356’s body was an original design by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, its mechanicals (including engine, suspension and chassis) were all derived from the Volkswagen. Early 356 prototypes were bodied in aluminum, but this proved impractical for production, and all subsequent 356’s were steel-bodied.

The first 356, debuted on June 8, 1948, used many Volkswagen parts for manufacturing economy. However, Porsche quickly re-engineered and refined the car with a focus on performance, so that by the late 50’s few parts were shared in common between the two marques. Little noticed at its inception in 1948, by the early 1950s the 356 had gained some renown among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic for its exceptional aerodynamics and handling, as well as excellent build quality. It was common for owners to race 356s as well as drive them on the street.

Video Of The Day: Vintage Porsche Commercial

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:26:03 +0000