Porsche

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2015 Porsche Panamera Hybrid: The perfect cycling car?

The fledgling Airgas-Safeway cycling team is still seeking competitive clout. But the squad has attracted major attention at the Tour of Utah, if only in the caravan of race vehicles. The first-year team and its exuberant owner, Chris Johnson, secured the use of two 2015 Porsche Panamera S Hybrids as team cars for the biggest race of the team’s short tenure. Subaru is a race sponsor and there’s the usual assortment of manufacturers represented among team vehicles, Kia to Volvo. But it’s a safe bet to assume $110,000 high-performance, four-door hybrid sports cars with 380 horsepower are a first in the sport. “I think cycling is a perfect type of audience; a lot of cyclists drive Porsches,” said Johnson, prior

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Bridging the gap between other models, Porsche has unveiled the second generation of 911 Carrera GTS models in coupe and cabriolet versions and with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The new Porsche model features 430 horsepower from the Carrera S Powerkit which incorporates the Sport Chrono package and Sport Exhaust. The standard PASM active damper system lowers the ride height by 10 mm compared to the 911 Carrera. When equipped with PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung dual-clutch transmission), the 911 Carrera GTS sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.0 seconds). Top track speeds for the GTS models range from 187 to 190 miles per hour, depending on drivetrain and transmission. Despite quicker acceleration and higher top

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Favorite fantasy cars, Jaguar XKE to Bugatti Veyron

Maybe just a simple red convertible, any year, any style is your fantasy car? If that’s not good enough, how about a high-performance supercar like a Bugatti Veyron or a even more rare Saleen? Perhaps you’re into vintage cars and long for a 1957 T-Bird, a Gullwing Mercedes-Benz or a pristine Porsche? Or maybe off-the-hook top speed is what you’re seeking and you’ll only settle for a Hennessey. Its Venom GT model last February achieved a record top speed of 270.49 mph at the Kennedy Space Center on the Shuttle Landing Facility’s 3.2-mile runway in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Regardless of your desires, here are 10 fantasy cars. Some are readily attainable without cashing in your 401K. Others are likely out

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Concours on the Avenue: rare cars, rare owners

Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar and Woodys, the classic surf cars, were featured among the rare cars  and unheralded automobiles Tuesday during the Concours on the Avenue on the streets of downtown Carmel. The first major showcase in the weeklong celebration of automobiles on the Monterey Peninsula progressed August 12 as it has throughout its now eight-year tenure. The crowd of humans and dogs was well behaved . . . perhaps only outdone by the enthusiasm of car owners. They polished their cars, revved their machines’ engines and eagerly talked about their prized possessions. Plenty of pristine Porsche 911 and 356s lined Ocean Avenue and side streets. There were enough Ferrari offerings to comprise a well-stocked dealership. TheWeeklyDriver appreciates Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar

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REVIEW: 2014 Porsche Cayman S lighter, faster

The new Porsche Cayman S edges even closer to the venerable Porsche 911. The first Porsche Cayman model blew me away when I drove it during a media preview through twisting mountain roads in northern Italy in late 2005. Now the lighter, faster third-generation Cayman is here as a redesigned 2014 model with features including sleeker styling, a longer wheelbase, classier interior and power gains. The new mid-engine, rear-drive Cayman looks significantly different than the Boxster and the last-generation Cayman. Precise lines and sculpted edges complement the lowered, lengthened profile. There’s a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase (97.4 inches) for greater high-speed stability and a wider track at both axles for stability and cornering agility. There’s also larger diameter wheels and tires

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2014 Porsche Panamera: Smooth, quick, luxurious

The 2014 Porsche Panamera 4S sedan seems perfect for those who want a Porsche sports car, but need more passenger and cargo room. I almost felt as if in a jet’s cockpit after settling into the Agate Grey leather beautifully finished interior of my test vehicles. It appropriately had Yachting Blue Metallic paint, which is a $790 option. The Panamera 4S I drove seemed to accelerate like a big jet, although Panamera models weigh 3,902-4,586 pounds. The aircraft look was largely provided by a no-nonsense dashboard and button-dominated center console. The buttons are well-labeled, and their functions are easy to quickly figure out. As a Porsche spokesman put it, “The buttons sure beat drilling down through menus that force a

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Paul Walker: car crash death leaves Hollywood uncertain

The death of the actor Paul Walker two days ago (Nov. 30) in a single-car automobile accident in Santa Clarita, California, has reverberated throughout the film industry and among the popular star’s global fan community. Walker, 40, was the star of the “Fast & Furious” film franchise. He was preparing to resume production of the film’s seventh installment. Walker played the rogue ex-cop Brian O’Conner. Walker had already filmed scenes the movie, the pending edition of which features a vengeful rivalry between racing crews. James Wan, the director of the film, Neal Moritz, the lead producer and executives haven’t made decision to continue make the film, set for release July 11. According to a report via Associated Press, Walker hadn’t

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Porsche adds beauty to beauty, names Maria Sharapova ambassador

Maria Sharapova owns a Porsche, she’s famous, she’s athletic and she’s stunning. That’s the ideal combination for the German sports car manufacturer. It has signed Sharapova to a three-year contract as a brand ambassador. Sharapova, 26, of Russia, is a four-time Grand Slam winner and is currently ranked N0. 2 in the world. “Maria Sharapova is an exceptional athlete. She combines top performance in her sports with elegance and power. These are precisely the qualities that are embroiled in our sports cars,” said Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller. “Her profile and charisma are an ideal fit for Porsche. She is also highly respected around the world and enjoys an outstanding reputation.” Sharapova was rewarded with a white Porsche Carrera S Cabriolet

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Toyota dominates new ALG top resale value rankings

Toyota and its automotive Lexus and Scion families combined for nine top spots among 22 vehicle categories in the annual list of highest projected resale values offered by ALG, Inc. The Southern California source for automotive residual values provides the list for buying or leasing consumers. The reason: Depreciation is the largest percentage of overall vehicle ownership costs. Among mainstream brands, Honda was top-ranked for resale value, followed by Hyundai and Scion. Among premium brands, Acura was top-ranked followed by Infiniti and Audi. Toyota, however, had the most vehicles chosen at the top of their category. Category Rankings Sub Compact, Honda Fit; Compact, Hyundai Elantra; Midsize, Honda Accord; Fullsize, Hyundai Azera; Sports Car, Scion FR-S; Alt-Fuel Vehicle, Toyota Prius c;

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Porsche Macan, not Cajun, confirmed as Porsche’s newest SUV

Porsche has announced its upcoming compact SUV will be called Macan, not Cajun as previously announced. The name Macan originates from the Indonesian word for tiger, which describes the core characteristics of Porsche’s new all-terrain vehicle: suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics. “The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of an SUV and is a genuine Porsche,” said Bernhard Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG. The new car will debut at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Saxony, in 2013. The site is currently being expanded into a fully-fledged production plant including body assembly line and paint shop. With 500 million euro of investment, it is one of the biggest building projects in Porsche history.

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Porsche Reunion 2011 at Laguna Seca gets Speed TV slots

The Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV, held Oct. 14-16 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and presented for the first time on the West Coast, will be broadcast on Speed TV five times beginning at noon (PST) Nov. 13. More than 350 of the rarest Porsches competed in the famed track on the Monterey Peninsula with more than 1,300-plus Porsches staged in the traditional car corral area. Here’s the schedule (all times are PST): Sunday, Nov. 13, noon; Monday, Nov. 14, midnight; Saturday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 30, 11 p.m; Thursday, Dec., 1 a.m. Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV was the final event of the race season for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, which also included Ferrari Racing Days; Continental Tire Sports

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Ferrari Italia 458 outdrives Lotus, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz

The Ferrari 458 Italia has outdriven 10 of the world’s most renowned cars, Audi to Mercedes-Benz, Lotus to Porsche, according to Motor Trend. The automotive magazine named the Ferrari 458 Italia as the “2011 Best Driver’s Car” after the 11-lap racetrack drag race and racetrack hot-lapping. Motor Trend drafted a crew of 25 editors, photographers, video producers, championship-winning race driver Randy Pobst and Le Mans class winner/TV host Justin Bell, to test, review and film the cars in the competition’s history over six days. The competition required daily driving, hot lapping on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, plus the full battery of Motor Trend performance tests. “The 458 Italia is easily the best mid-engined Ferrari road car yet,” said Angus MacKenzie,

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2012 Porsche 911 Carrera ready for North American debut

The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera, the redesigned seventh-generation sports car icon, will make its North American debut October 14 at Rennsport Reunion IV at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. The new 911 will be shown alongside the world’s most noteworthy Porsche race cars for three days. The three-day occasion will be highlighted by on-track competition featuring hundreds of treasured vintage and current Porsche race cars. Every chapter of Porsche’s motorsports history will take to the track, from the nimble 550 Spyder of the mid-50s through the legendary 917 and 956/962 of the 70s and 80s to the GT3 RSR of the last decade. To additional celebrate the unveiling of the new Porsche 911 Carrera, a special tribute will

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Steve McQueen's Porsche 911s sells for record $1.375 million

The 1970 Porsche 911s formerly owned by actor Steve McQueen and featured in his film Le Mans sold August 20 for $1.375 million before a packed house at RM’s Monterey, California, auction, establishing a record price for a 911 sold at auction. Built to 1970 specification and with a full complement of factory options, the Slate Grey 911s stars in the film’s legendary opening sequence as McQueen’s character, Porsche driver Michael Delaney drives through the French countryside, reflecting on life, death, and racing. In addition to its starring role in the film, the Porsche 911s was used as McQueen’s personal transport during the movie’s production, later joining his own stable of extraordinary motor cars in California. The sale of the

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New Porsche 911 set to debut at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

The new Porsche 911 is set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The Porsche 911 is an enigmatic vehicle which has a presence of its own, not to mention the breath taking power it holds in the rear engine. It’s the latest offering by the German auto manufacturer, well known for the fleet of Carreras and Cabriolets. The new 911 will likely stand out among its automotive siblings. Above image is a “leaked” image of the automobile, although its specifications won’t be released until the Frankfurt Motor Show. Porsche has kept the designed as promised, without major changes. But the new 911 have slimmer tail lights, downward mirrors and an electric parking brake.

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New green, lots of green, Porsche hybrid will debut in 2013

Porsche has announced its 918 Spyder hybrid sports car, the carmaker’s most expensive model ever, will be priced at $845,000 in North America and will be available to buyers in November 2013. The vehicle, which will be priced at $1.09 million in Europe, will have appropriate production number, 918. The two-seat Porsche plug-in hybrid will accelerate to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds. It features a 500-horsepower V8 engine and 218-horsepower electric drive system. The car’s lithium-ion battery can be recharged in three hours.

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