Category: Porsche

Here’s the latest summary of things to expect when the 991-based Porsche 911 Turbo is unveiled later this year.

• PDK transmission only, coupled to a computer controlled water cooled Haldex centre differential.
• Up to 13% more power able to be sent to the front wheels.
• Active aerodynamics employed to improve front-end downforce.
• Turbo body to be approx 28mm wider than Carrera 4, and more than 70mm wider than standard 911 body.
• Active rear-wheel steering system as per 911 GT3.
• Roof can be painted, made of glass, or made of carbon fibre.
• Up to 13% more fuel efficient than the old model.
• Peak boost up to 17.4psi, 7200rpm redline.
• 387kW/650Nm (520hp/479ft lb) for Turbo.
• 418kW/700Nm (560hp/516ft lb) for Turbo S.
• Overboost function for both engines to offer an extra 50Nm for 10 second bursts.
• 0–100km/h in around 3.0 seconds.
• Sub-7:30 Nürburgring lap time (Carrera GT lapped in 7:25).

[Source: Road & Track]

For a while there it seemed we couldn’t go more than a few days without featuring some Porsche 918 content. Well, this is just the second post on the 918 for the year. This rather spectacular looking 918 Spyder was in Monaco recently for the Top Marques festival and thankfully a few people were on hand to film the car being driven around the principality’s famous streets.

[Thanks to Richard for the tip]

Drive.com.au brings word that Porsche Cars Australia has taken its red pen out and slashed prices across the board. For an entry level Boxster you will soon save $5500 off the old retail list price, while at the upper end, a rather large $36,300 has been trimmed from the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet.

This action has been taken because, according to Bernhard Maier, board member responsible for sales and marketing, “We had an issue with the pricing strategy of Porsche in Australia.

“Our competitors, some of them have repositioned their brands or products and repositioned their prices accordingly.”

The thing is, the current range of Porsche models haven’t been selling at their list prices. Discounts have been given by Porsche dealers in order to secure sales. That’s business and pretty standard fare in the car game.

Now, though, the question remains, will Porsche continue to discount over and above the new pricing regime, which takes effect on 1 June, or have they merely made the former real world discounted pricing official?

Time will tell, and we suspect with over a month to go until the new pricing takes place that many Porsche dealers will have time to ponder that thought. Why would you buy a Porsche now, before the cheaper pricing kicks in? Unless the new officially cheaper prices are offered to customers now, unofficially, of course.

And let’s not really address the price disparity between the cost of a Porsche in Australia compared with many other markets. Especially the United States, where a base spec 911 can be had for almost $20,000 less than you’re expected to pay for a base spec Boxster in Australia.

This has been feebly defended by Maier who stated, “We have to deal with different currencies, we have to stabilise the currencies. This we can’t change day after day.”

[Source: Drive.com.au]

We’ve known for some time that Porsche will be developing a new four-cylinder boxer engine and we’ve also previously suggested a high-powered turbo version will find its way into the new Cayman later this year (and the Boxster too).

A new report from Porsche specialist site Flat-6 News says the 2.5 litre four-pot boxer unit is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The new powerplant needs to be in a car, or cars, of some sort, so pencil in the arrival of Boxster and Cayman Turbo models.

Peak power of 350hp (260kW) or more is still predicted and will arrive thanks to the use of a single turbocharger, complemented by proven Porsche technology such as Direct Fuel Injection and VarioCam Plus.

[Source: Flat-6 News]