There's been a lot of news on the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance recently, and Straightline has sure done its share of posting on that event. However, there's several other classic car news events worthy to report on as well.
How about getting chance to bid on Carroll Shelby's 1949 MG TC? This car, which by the way, set him off on a career in auto racing, will be going up for auction at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas this October.
Here are a couple from the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA.
Porsche through Time, August 16-21 August 24-27
Porsche Cars North America will be hosting a North American dealer training event here in Hershey with special events at the AACA Museum. As part the updated 2009 911 Carrera training, Porsche will bring a total of six (6) vintage 911 cars for public display at the Museum from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
This exhibit will include the earliest 911, which is actually a 1963 Porsche 901 Prototype with chassis 13327. It is the only survivor of the original development prototypes.
Visitors will be able to see more than forty years of evolutionary advances in engineering, technology and styling to the iconic 911 model line.
PRESERVATION TREASURES, INCLUDING FIRST PRODUCTION PORSCHE, TO APPEAR AT AUG. 17 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS d'ELEGANCE
Prewar and postwar preservation classes show cars can be original only once
Every third Sunday in August, rows and rows of pristinely restored Duesenbergs, Packards and Bugattis decorate the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links®. It's the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®, an automotive time capsule where entries are judged for their elegance and authenticity.
In recent years, though, some graying interlopers have cropped up amidst the spotless, automotive jewels.
Immaculately restored vehicles assuredly still capture the majority of the Concours limelight, but the unrefurbished cars of the Pebble Beach prewar and postwar preservation classes are garnering more and more public and media attention.
"There's something stately about these treasures that actually show their history; once regal vehicles that have been left unrestored by their owners," says Sandra Kasky Button, Pebble Beach Concours Chairman. "Some have sat untouched for decades in barns, under tarps or buried in the back of deserted warehouses while others have been lovingly driven around town. In each instance, they're unique, beautiful and bear witness to the passage of time -- not only to those who created them, but to those who drove them."
A prime example of historic beauty and relevance in this year's Concours is Porsche
No. 1. Dr. Ferry Porsche once said, "I couldn't find the car I'd been dreaming of. So I decided to build it myself."
On June 8, 1948 his dream car became a reality and signaled the birth of the sports car company bearing his name. The car spent many years with numerous owners before being recovered and returned in 1958 to the Porsche headquarters in Stuttgart, where it has remained the centerpiece of Porsche's automotive history.
Porsche No. 1's appearance at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance is Porsche's second chance to display this piece of history in the U.S. Ten years ago, on the occasion of the company's 50th anniversary, the first attempt was foiled by a shipping accident that damaged the car and prevented its debut. On Aug. 17, though, Porsche will make good on its quest to show No. 1 in its original glory at Pebble Beach when it joins 16 of its preservation brethren to create the largest showing of unrestored cars in the event's history.
When horseless carriages began ruling the road about 100 years ago, many vehicles were discarded once they began to age. By the late 1950s, as the collector car pastime began to blossom, the emphasis was solely focused on restoring these older cars -- making them as good or better than new. More recently, though, some auto aficionados have come to believe that cars restored to "as new" condition can lose a portion of their historical significance. While some purists are still unable to see beauty amid the chipped paint, rusted rims and sun-shredded upholstery, leaders in the preservation movement insist that the patina of age has a beauty all its own, that these "rescued" automotive time capsules maintain peak historical importance by keeping the cars in their original unchanged condition.
The Pebble Beach Concours initially recognized preservation cars in 1999 when a trophy was awarded for Best Preserved Car. The first class at Pebble Beach solely devoted to pre-war preservation vehicles was in 2001, and in 2007 a post-war preservation class was created.
"Our preservation classes cover a wide range of cars - from the untouched, long-hidden finds to much-loved automobiles that have been used, well maintained (but not restored) and passed down through many generations of owners," says Button. "Everyone talks about the untouched barn find and bemoans the fact that they're increasingly rare. To be truly preserved for a long period of time, though, cars require lots of care. So over time, I think everybody's preference will swing toward lovingly preserved cars."
LeftLaneNews is reporting that a possible new mid-engine sportscar from VW may be in the works, and may be displayed at the LA auto show. If true, this would be a 'halo' car for the VW brand. Even more intrieging is that Audi and Porsche may also get versions.
Think of this as being a modern-day VW/Porsche 914. Also think Lotus Elise-fighter, but cheaper; well the VW version will be cheaper. A couple of engine could be used, all based on a four inline four-cylinder format set in front of the rear axles. As to specifics, a gasoline 1.4-liter turbo engine making 168 horsepower and a new 1.6-liter diesel with 125hp are under consideration. Either engine will likely use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Audi version would likely use the 211hp 2.0TFSI engine, with the option of a twin-turbo 2.0-liter TDI good for 204hp. Porsche may even revive the 914 nameplate for their model.
Also expected is an aluminum spaceframe. If true, the car would weigh in at under 2,200lbs, which would mean great performance as well as fuel economy.
The future of Cobo Hall is beginning to look as overcast as the image above. This past year Porsche dropped out of the NAIAS, next year Suzuki will be passing on it, and now there's word of another luxury car brand that's considering on not showing up.
So what brand is it? More important: what's going on here? Don't know, and don't know, but clearly Cobo Hall (and Detroit) have a problem on their hands here. One of those problems is that people come to this show to ooh, ah and dream--but they don't buy. Now that may sound strange, but that's what Manny Lopez of The Detroit News says.
I've long felt, that of the all the Porsche 997 (911) models offered, that the Targa had the most sex appeal. Now seeing this updated model, I feel even more so that this is the case. That tapering chrome lip that runs along the top of the side windows is the icing on an already delicious cake.
The car reportedly goes on sale at the end of July.
With all this interest and fuss about lap times at the Nürburgring, Jalopnik has posted some info and several videos of other vehicles lapping this famous track. So while the Corvette ZR1 Nissan GT-R lap times are amazing, they're nowhere near the time posted by the Porsche 956, which has lapped the 'Ring at 6:11.13.
Lots of new stuff on the 2009 Porsche 911, but you'd never know by just looking at them. Nope, all the big changes are under the skin, with only a few cosmetic changes to be seen.
Man, this Nürburgring lap record thing has really taken off. Might the word "obsession" be even a better descriptor?
Ever since the Nissan GT-R recently posted a record-breaking time, we've Cadillac, Honda and others going after the 'Ring's brass ring, so to speak... So here's Porsche too trying to cash in here—which makes sense, as they have perhaps the most to gain (or lose) by posting record lap time times there...
It's called the PDK, or Doppelkupplung which is German for "double clutch." It's an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and will be offered on the 2009 Porsche 911. While new to production Porsches, they fooled around with this concept back in the 1980s on their 962 race car.
The new 911s also get direct injection, so that combined with this new transmission option, means more power and better economy; sort of like having your cake and being able to eat it too. Just thinking about it is making me hungry...
Good news for car, SUV and truck buyers, as the quality of vehicles built for consumers continues to improve. J. D. Power and Associate's has just just-released their 2008 Initial Quality Study, which measures quality in the first 90 days of ownership...
If the government gets it way, cars like Porsche, Ferrari and even Subaru could be in a heap of trouble down the road. You see what the govenment want to do is to classify vehicles by their "footprint," or the amount of square feet they occupy.
In doing so a Toyota Camry would be classified along with cars like the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. That means both cars (mid-size by this new standard) would have to achieve 30 mpg, which wouldn't be that tough for the Camry, but much so difficult for the Ferrari...
A new SUV has hit the Nurburgring and it’s causing quite a stir. With its Cayenne bodywork it appears to be a smaller, compact version of Porsche’s SUV. We’re not so sure, however, as Porsche has said repeatedly that it’s not interesting in going into cheaper segments of the SUV market.
Porsche obviously sees plenty of potential in the Chinese market. So much so that it staged the world premiere of its most expensive SUV, the 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, here in Beijing.
This new Cayenne Turbo S gets a slight bump in horsepower along with a few minor mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. The twin turbo 4.8-liter in the Turbo S produces 550 horsepower, a 50-hp bump compared to the standard Turbo. Porsche says a revised exhaust system and "improvements in engine control" account for the increase. Torque is up to 553 pound-feet as well.
London's Mayor Livingston, if re-elected, wants a 20 mph speed limit in residential sections of the city. If you recall, this is the same guy who wanted to apply a "congestion tax" to vehicles entering the city, which prompted a request for a judicial review by Porsche.
So, what are the odds of this guy getting re-elected to a third term? Think he's going to get the gearhead (or local business) vote?
If you recall, last year Porsche developed a special Cayenne to compete in the 4,400 mile Moscow-to-Mongolia Transsyberia Rally. Now they've come up with a new-and-improved version for this year's race.
Improvements over last year's racer include a new sump guard, a beefier tire package, tweaked air suspension, a shorter final drive ratio (shared with the new Cayenne GTS), plus updates to the transmission programming, dynamic chassis control and traction management systems. Also, an upgrade conversion package is available for those who own last year's model...
Frankly I'm not surprised to hear this, as Audi has done wonders with diesels in racing. My guess is the Touareg V10 diesel will be the basis from which Porsche will undoubtedly tweak so that it meets their needs. In addition to this, there are rumors that there could be a Panamera hybrid as well.
Not only not exist as we know it, but maybe not exist at all if the proposed European CO2 rules go into effect, so says Porsche management.
The proposed CO2 reductions would require Porsche to achieve a 40 percent cut in its fleetwide average, now 242 grams per kilometer (85 pounds per 100 miles) by the beginning of 2015. The German car maker would be subject to fines of $149 for every gram over the limit.
That means that the Cayenne S would be slapped with a $15,211 fine after 2014...
There have been rumors for a very long time that Porsche wanted more of a stake in VW than it currently has. It's been an unofficial on-and-off thing for quite a while.
Now, it is indeed official, as they (Porsche) are going to buy more than 50% of VW, effectively taking control of the company. It should also be noted that Porsche does not plan on merging the two companies...
Not surprisingly a recent poll indicates that 74 percent of Londoners disagree with the new proposed "CongestionTax," which levies a fee on those driving into London. In addition, larger vehicles and performance vehicles will be taxed higher, which has in turn has gotten the goat of Porsche UK. The Brit distributor of this high-end sports car has taken London's mayor Ken Livingston, who proposed this tax, to task on it (here). The overwhelming feeling is that this will ultimately hurt business in London...
"The Porsche RS Spyder was launched in this same Chicago room a year ago," said Peter Schwarzenbauer, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, "and look at the successful year it had."
But superstition isn't the only reason Porsche decided to unveil its new 2008 Cayenne GTS in the Windy City. As Schwarzenbauer explained, "Chicago is the fifth largest Porsche market in North America, and 50 percent of Porsche sales in Chicago are Cayenne."
Porsche is hoping Chicagoans will embrace the 405-horsepower Cayenne GTS, complete with a Cayenne Turbo front fascia, standard 21-inch tires and sport seats for front and rear passengers.
Two new colors will be exclusive to the Cayenne GTS: Nordic Gold and GTS Red. Unfortunately, we're forced to show you the SUV in everyday silver...
Porsche has announced 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 Panamera's full parallel hybrid system will be configured with the battery unit positioned below the luggage compartment, and hybrid module, which comprises an additional clutch and electric motor, and will be located 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, will be Porsche’s fourth model line, and will debut in 2009...
There had been rumors that Porsche may offer another SUV, but a smaller one than that of the Cayenne. Those rumors have since been squashed by Porsche.
Or have they?
There may in fact be some truth to that rumor afterall—but with a twist. That "twist" being that the rumored smaller SUV may in fact be the next Cayenne!..
Is Porsche getting cold feet on this hybrid idea? Remember they announced not long a go that they would introduce a Cayenne hybrid by 2010. Now apparently that date has been pushed back to 2013 or so.
The Porsche exhibit was light on excitement this week, except of course for the basic fact it was filled with Porsches. Unlike all the other manufacturers, Porsche had its own large exhibit hall to itself including a pretty nifty entry way. Instead of describing it to you, though, here is the final Martin Scorcese short from the 2007 LA Auto Show. I think Marty outdid himself on this one...
Probably the most interesting figure stated during the Porsche press conference related to the company's history in fuel efficiency. According to Peter Schwarzenbauer, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, the brand's model lineup has averaged a 2 percent gain in fuel mileage, year-over-year, during the past 20 years. Two percent may not sound like much, but compare that to most automakers' history of fuel mileage over the past two decades. Porsche reps were also quick to point out that Ferdinand Porsche created his first all-electric car at the age of 23 and displayed it at the Paris auto show in 1900.
As for the future of "green" Porsches, you can expect not only a Cayenne Hybrid (capable of speeds up to 75 mph on pure electricity!) by the end of this decade, but a Panamera Hybrid to follow the sedan's 2009 launch.
There were plenty of enthusiasts who scoffed when Nissan's engineers started dragging a 911 Turbo around with them while testing the 2009 GT-R. It seemed like a lofty benchmark for a car that's expected to cost around $75,000, but the latest word from Germany suggests Nissan may have met its goals.
Prototypes of the 2009 GT-R started circling the Nurburgring yesterday, and according to spy shooters on the scene it was clear that the GT-R was running at full steam. With that in mind, they pulled out their stop watches to get an idea just how fast the GT-R was getting around the Nordschleife...
Looks like the 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo is getting a little touch up. This prototype spotted in Germany looks like the current model, but we noticed a few minor changes that indicate an imminent midcycle refresh. The front end is unmolested as far as we can tell, but the rear end has new taillights with LEDs and a slightly different lens arrangement. Reshaped tailpipes indicate a reworked exhaust, so there could be a few extra horsepower on tap for a car that's already one of the fastest we've ever tested...
Please enjoy these pictures of the Porsche 911 GT2. We don't have much to add to our First Look story (link below) other than that seeing it in person, in red, brought us a great deal of joy. --Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit, Inside Line
Porsche announced today at the Frankfurt show that it will produce exactly one infinity of variations on its Cayenne SUV. There will be a Cayenne for everyone. There's the Cayenne, the Cayenne S, the Cayenne Turbo, the Cayenne Bob, the Cayenne powered by rabid squirrels and many, many more. Or at least there will be two new Cayennes: the GTS and the Hybrid...
Porsche has just announced a new version of their Cayenne SUV: the GTS.
This model is clearly aimed at those who prefer carving up back roads rather than carving up dirt trails. It features a lowered suspension, turbo-like front and rear panels. In addition it has 21" wheels sporting 295/35R21 tires, and comes painted in either a bright red or gold...
One of the best things about the Porsche 911 is that it really is a sports car that can double as an every day driver. The Targa 4S features the Carrera 4's all-wheel-drive system and packs a 3.8-liter boxer engine capable of 355 horsepower.
With the retractable glass roof, it's even more pleasant.
Inside Line conducted a not-really-a-comparison test by pitting the BMW M3 against some of our favorite cars. There was no track testing involved, just an all-out drive across Spain.
The players were a 2008 BMW M3, a VW Golf GTI, an Audi RS4, a Porsche 911 GT3 and an Audi R8.
Porsche Cars North America will be hosting a North American dealer training event here in Hershey with special events at the AACA Museum. As part the updated 2009 911 Carrera training, Porsche will bring a total of six (6) vintage 911 cars for public display at the Museum from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
