Porsche, the once unassailable leader in the sports car segment, has proven that it's not completely immune from global economic conditions but the brand is at a crossroads and a raft of new models could see it rise to the top once again.

This turn around is being led by the new 2010 Porsche Panamera, which has already racked up 983 firm orders and will allow the automaker to record flat or slightly increased sales this year. This has got to be very good news for Porsche, which is coming off a year that saw sales in the U.S. drop 32% to 14,310 units through September after declining 25% in all of 2008 to 26,035 units.

The information comes from Michael Bartsch, COO of Porsche North America, who explained that the Panamera is bringing new customers to the brand and helping boost traffic numbers in showrooms.

Porsche expects to sell just 1,000 Panameras this year, with an additional 200 being kept as demonstrators. Next year, the automaker plans to sell between 4,000 and 6,000 Panameras in the U.S., accounting for roughly a quarter of all sales.

Source: Motor Authority

Get ready for a blast from Porsche’s past! The German firm is developing a luxurious, front-engined grand tourer – a spiritual successor to the 928 built between 1977 and 1995. The ‘new 928’ will be a fifth model line, and is designed to sit above the sportier 911 in the range.

With the compact Boxster and Cayman, the 911, the Cayenne SUV and four-door Panamera, Porsche would appear to have most bases covered. But it’s notable for its absence in the front-engined GT segment. The newcomer will allow the brand to take on rivals such as the Ferrari 599 GTB, Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin DB9. And our exclusive pictures show exactly why the curvy, Panamera-based coupé is set to stun the competition.

Essentially it’s a two-door, short-wheelbase version of the Panamera, which will help to spread the £1.1billion development costs of that model. Its front-engined layout has a number of inherent benefits, too. More in the jump!

A rear-engined 911 has barely more than 100 litres of luggage space, but a similarly sized GT with its motor up front would offer a useful 320 litres – a vital attribute if the new 928 is to be taken seriously as a grand tourer.

While the nose is virtually identical to the Panamera, the shortened wheelbase and 2+2 layout mean the 928 features far smoother lines at the back. One of the major criticisms levelled at the four-door Panamera was its bloated rear, but this model’s muscular haunches and neater proportions should attract a new wave of style-conscious customers.

As you’d expect from Porsche, though, driver appeal remains a top priority. The engine line-up will mirror that of the Panamera, so a 4.8-litre V8, with or without a turbocharger, producing 500bhp or 400bhp, will be available. The naturally aspirated variant is set to come with four or rear-wheel drive, while the range-topping turbo model will be 4WD only.

Thirsty V8s aren’t the only power units on the agenda. The Cayenne SUV hybrid is ready to go on sale next year, with a petrol-electric version of the Panamera following closely behind. As the new 928 shares the latter’s platform, it’s sure to get the hybrid drivetrain, too.

An Audi S4-sourced 369bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6, coupled to a 38kW electric motor, will give the hybrid 928 fuel economy that breaks the 30mpg barrier. That will make it the most frugal petrol-powered Porsche ever, while still providing hair-raising performance.

The 928 will slot into Porsche’s pricing line-up somewhere between the 911 and Panamera. The four-door ranges from £70,000-£95,000, while the 911 starts a little lower, at just over £60,000, but stretches to £128,000 for the GT2.

With this is mind, expect the 928 to be pitched between £65,000 and £90,000 – enough to safely undercut its Ferrari and Aston rivals when it goes on sale in 2012.

Source: AutoExpress

Porsche is prepared to share the Panamera and 911 platforms with other Volkswagen Group brands, according to new boss Michael Macht.

Macht said Porsche will pursue co-operative projects now that it
is part of VW. “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,” he said.

These synergies include Porsche components being offered to sister firms. “The Panamera platform could be used by other brands for models that are in development and at the concept stage,” Macht said.

When asked if the 911 platform was also on the table, Macht said it “could be made available to other VW brands”. But apart from the Cayenne’s V6, Porsche will not use any other VW Group engines. “Engine development is a core value for Porsche,” Macht said.

Source: AutoCar

Volkswagen will make Porsche the 10th brand in its stable with a $5.8 billion acquisition of a 49.9 percent stake in the sports-carmaker. The deal was announced in August, was completed Tuesday, and will end in a complete merger by 2011.

The consummation of the merger is the final chapter in a saga that started when Porsche tried to buy Volkswagen — but was unable to raise the money amid a collapsing global auto market. It's also a larger-scale buyout than VW had been expected to make. Porsche had agreed in August to sell 42 percent of Porsche AG to Volkswagen in a $4.9 billion deal.

The 49 percent stake will be effective by year's end, with the full "integration" of the companies effective in 2011.

To finance the deal, The Wall Street Journal reported today, VW will ask shareholders for the go-ahead to issue some $15 billion in new preferred stock. VW will also reportedly put into motion a $6 billion capital increase in the first half of 2010. The Journal says these plans have "revived speculation" that VW has "set its eyes on further expansion."

Source: InsideLine

Even the name "ENCO Exclusive Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo" prepares you for something that's not going to score any points in the "taste" department. And true enough, the German tuner's Porsche Cayenne Turbo proposal gives another meaning to the term "lipstick on a pig" - dark red lipstick to be precise. You can see it everywhere; on the massive 23-inch alloy wheels that are shod in 315/25 R23 rubber, the two tone paintjob, the engine cover and even the carbon-fiber inserts and the roll cage in the interior.

But that's not all. The Gladiator also gets a full body armor kit with a restyled front bumper that incorporates a huge mouth-like grille and a lower apron, a new carbon fiber bonnet, wider side panels with air vents, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear apron with an integrated diffuser that also houses a pair of tail pipes in the center.

Move on to the interior and aside from the dark red carbon trim elements and the roll cage you'll also find four bucket seats from the 911 GT RS with carbon backrests.

And you'll probably need those bucket seats as the tuning firm gave the stock Cayenne Turbo's V8 engine larger turbos, a sport exhaust system with manifolds and sport catalytic convertors.

Along with numerous other modifications the result is an output of 700 horsepower and 850 Nm or 627 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to propel the Gladiator from naught to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of around 290 km/h or 180 mph.

The engine kit is complemented by a high-performance braking system with 410mm x 36mm brake disks and 12-piston callipers up front and 380mm x 32mm disks with 4-piston callipers at the rear while the tuner also fitted the Cayenne with an electronic suspension module that lowers the car by some 50mm.

No prices were released but we gather that money won't be an issue for those who find the Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo fascinating enough and at the same time are able to afford a Cayenne Turbo.

Source: CarScoop

The first batch of Lumma Design’s Porsche Panamera-based CLR 700GT images were leaked on the Internet today. From the three images, you can see that Lumma added a very aggressive body kit consisting of a new front fascia, a carbon fiber hood, side skirts, a four-tailpipe exhaust system, 22-inch Racing Edition Wheels and a new carbon fiber spoiler.

While details on performance upgrades are limited, we do know that the car will produce in the excess of 700-hp and will feature a high-performance braking system.

Source: eGMCarTech

Speaking for the first time publicly at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche’s new CEO, Michael Macht, said that the Stuttgart automaker is “considering and working hard on an electric-powered sports car that would meet the high demands of the Porsche brand.”

“I am also convinced that one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in its line-up,” said Macht. He cautioned that so far the available battery technology is not “sufficient to meet Porsche’s strict requirements.”

Macht said that Porsche engineers are working hard on improving battery technology and that “an electric sports car would therefore only make sense for Porsche if it offers performance and a cruising range similar to that of current sports cars in the market.”

“We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid – in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?,” he said.

Source: eGMCarTech

Porsche's new Panamera platform will now be shared with another Volkswagen Group brand as a direct consequence of its takeover by VW, company sources tell Inside Line.

Previously, independent Porsche had no intention of sharing the platform with other marques, but the company's integration into the VW Group has seen that decision reversed.

Our source would not be drawn on which brand that is, other than to say that it will not be Lamborghini, which could potentially have used it to produce a showroom version of its four-door Estoque concept car.

That leaves Bentley, Bugatti and possibly Audi as theoretical customers for the new rear-/four-wheel-drive, four-seater platform. More in the jump!

For Bentley, it could provide a new platform with which to replace the Continental GT, although the substantial differences in the heights of the Continental and the Panamera could make it unsuitable, and the British company may already have selected Audi's lightweight aluminum MLB structure as part of its campaign to reduce weight (the Panamera's platform is steel).

For Bugatti, Porsche's platform offers the possibility of a front-engined model of either two or four doors, but while a five-door GT model might provide a complement to Audi's successful R8 supercar, the Panamera's steel structure and the substantial market overlap between these models are likely to rule it out for Ingolstadt.

As for the Panamera itself, which will not be replaced when it dies in 2017, according to the U.K.'s Car magazine, next developments include the introduction of gasoline V6 engines derived from the company's V8 in 2010, and a hybrid version in 2011. A diesel model is unlikely, say insiders, the large-capacity, high-performance V8 and V10 diesels offered by German rivals finding too few buyers to warrant a Porsche offering.

Source: InsideLine

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 ($169,300 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. More in the jump!

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 straight-6 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.

Source: eGMCarTech

According to Team Speed, a new 997.5 Turbo S is coming, and coming soon. When? Spring 2010. And how much power? Pure speculation, but 540 to 550 hp sounds about right. And figure on standard ceramic brakes, RS-style center lock wheels, and some sort of unique bodywork (more strakes?) to differentiate it from mere mortal Turbos. But like all rumors, this could prove totally false. But if it's true, look for the Porsche Turbo S to going up against Nissan's similarly steroidal Godzilla GT-R Spec-V on that one road in Germany...

Source: AutoBlog

Turns out Porsche will unveil not one, but two fresh editions of the evergreen 911 at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. In addition to the new 911 Turbo revealed recently , the company is updating the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which it describes as "the definitive track-ready, street-legal 911."

A new normally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-6 kicks out 450 horsepower, an increase of 15 hp over the standard GT3. The six-speed manual gearbox has shorter ratios and shorter gearshift travel — ideal for the track. The engine also sits on dynamic mounts that automatically adjust damping and stiffness to speed and driving conditions and exits through a titanium exhaust system.

Another track-oriented detail: a purpose-built, specially tuned version of Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that lowers ride height. Ultra-wide wheels — 9 inches in front, 12 in the rear — make for a wider front and rear track, so the bodywork has been modified accordingly. Porsche fits 245/35ZR19 sport tires in front and whopping 325/30ZR19s in the rear.

To drive the point home, the car gets an oversize carbon fiber rear wing and is plastered with in-your-face exterior graphics.

U.S. customers will see the new 911 GT3 RS show up in dealerships next spring, priced at $132,800.

Source: Edmunds

Gemballa does the Porsche Panamera and calls it the Mistrale. The highly-specialized German tuner of Porsche models has come up with this new look for the recently unleashed Panamera. Details on what will lie beneath that re-fashioned exterior remain few, but hey, with tuning, exterior styling are half the fun anyway.

By the looks of it, changes to the face are in store for the Panamera, with a wholly new front bumper including a carbon fiber lip flowing seamlessly into the front skirt. The large air intake slits (on the bonnet too) also hint at some serious power upgrades with their capacity for increased cooling of brakes and engine.

At the back are also some additional touches to give the Panamera more of a 911 coupe/sedan look. A rear diffuser made to hold a quad stainless-steel sport exhaust is effortlessly integrated into the Panamera's existing rear bumper. Air outlets are also added at the back. The 22-inch alloy wheels (likely by Gemballa) are the visual signature of what will surely be a performance-oriented Panamera tuning job.

Source: WorldCarFans

In late July Porsche announced Wendelin Wiedeking would be leaving his position as the company's CEO to be replaced by Michael Macht, clearing the way for the supervisory board at Volkswagen to lay the foundation for an integrated company with Porsche under VW leadership. Today that merger has moved forward, and reports indicate the Auto Union name could be revived to brand it.

According to a statement released by the VW Group on the announcement of the acquisition, "The integrated automotive group will be formed from the progressive participation of Volkswagen in Porsche AG and the subsequent merger of Porsche Automobil Holding SE and Volkswagen AG. Porsche will remain an independent company headquartered in Stuttgart."

Today's report re-affirms Porsche's independence, and the Auto Union name is apparently being considered to help preserve the idea that it's not Volkswagen running the whole show.


The Auto Union name was originally given to a merger of four German carmakers - Horch, Audi, DKW and Wanderer - in 1932. The brand went on to fame in motorsports through the 1930s, but was disrupted by World War II, and subsequently went through a number of reformations, eventually ending in a renaming to Audi AG in 1985.

Volkswagen is buying a 49% stake of Porsche AG, the company's sports car business, however, with final valuations to be set on Thursday, reports Automotive News. Qatar, which has recently sought a share of Porsche and VW both, has also been welcomed into the deal as well as a key shareholder.

VW board chairman Martin Winterkorn described the company's plans in July, saying, "Volkswagen and Porsche have excellent know-how at their disposal and can use their resources even more efficiently by combining them. For this reason, we expect additional growth opportunities, safeguarding existing jobs and creating new ones.

"At the same time, we can call on our considerable experience in the integration of proud and successful brands rich in tradition. Like Audi today, Porsche can also continue its independent development under the aegis of Volkswagen and preserve its own identity. We have great respect for the achievements of the Porsche workforce and are convinced that Porsche can enrich the Volkswagen Group – just as Volkswagen can vice versa enrich Porsche.”

The comparison to Audi may be the most apt of all, as it will be the balance between Audi and Porsche in the mass market that will likely shape both brands' future product lineup.

Source: MotorAuthority

Rather than let the aftermarket have all the glory, Porsche has decided to up the Turbo's performance for 2010. But not just in terms of power. Egged on no doubt by the pesky Nissan GT-R, Porsche is performing a complete character change for their newest Turbo, including less weight, RWD bias and a more sporting character.

The big news is of course the engine. Goodbye 3.6-liter six, it's been fun. Hello 3.8-liter directed injected flat-six from the Carrera S. Coupled to two variable-vane turbos, power is now 500 hp. And because it's direct injected, mileage increases from 22.1 mpg to 24.1 mpg with the manual. Should you opt for Porsche's 7-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (dual-clutch) gearbox, mileage improves from the old Tiptronic's 20.8 mpg to a very impressive 24.8 mpg. Also gone (kinda) are the silly dual-action faux-paddle shifters. Replacing them are F1 style right-is-up, left-is-down wheel-mounted paddles -- a welcome improvement, though we'd still prefer column-mounted shifters like on Ferraris and Godzilla. And you can still opt for the inferior dual-action buttons if you like.

The fun continues with a reprogrammed Porsche Traction Management system that distributes torque between the front and rear differentials via an electric multi-plate clutch. Still not convinced? The PSM (Porsche Stability Management) has been re-calibrated to provide more thrills. New RS Spyder rims are also available to decrease unsprung weight. In a word, yes please.
Pricing is listed for the coupe and cabriolet at $132,800 and $143,800 respectively, with an on-sale date of November 2009 in Germany and January 2010 here in the United States.

Source: AutoBlog

It's been quite a few years since RUF launched its 911 Turbo-based Rt 12, and the German uber-tuner has decided its time for a refresh. Designated the Rt 12 S, the new model gets a bump in output from 650 to 685 horsepower, good for a new maximum velocity of 224 mph. Along with the distinctive front and rear fascias, the exterior is differentiated with widened rear fenders that house air ducts, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, LED lighting, CTR 3 mirrors, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Additional upgrades include carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulically-adjustable suspension system, a variety of custom seats, a new steering wheel and more. Customers can also opt to convert the car to RWD and choose from a variety of interior trim options. All of this comes at a cost, though. At the current exchange rate, RUF will take a cool $359,000 out of your bank account.

Source: AutoBlog