Here at rpmGo we are not big fans of the Porsche Panamera so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that this stretched version created by Ruf is not our cup of tea. Known as the Panamera XL, the car will be heading to China, a very important market for Porsche since more than 50% of the Asian market is accounted by China.
In 2011, Porsche managed to sell 24,340 units in China, which is almost 65% more in comparison to 2010. The German automaker offers a wide array of models in China, ranging from roadsters to SUVs and supercars. However, they don’t have a long wheelbase version for the Panamera which could rival cars like the Audi A8L and the BMW 740iL, both models being already available in China.
Ruf Porsche Panamera XL
Ruf has decided to fill in this gap and launched the Panamera XL which is based on the Panamera S version (V8). They’ve stretched it about 16 inches while the wheelbase has grown by a little over 14 inches. As you would expect, the curb weight of the car is higher, with the Panamera XL gaining about 345 pounds in comparison to the standard version. The German tuner/automaker Ruf has also increased the output of the engine by 14 hp and 7 lb.-ft.
The tuners from SpeedART have announced a few days ago that their tuning program for the recently introduced Porsche 911 (991) will be making an appearance at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show which will be organized in March this year.
The car will adopt a new SP91-R package that will have a “CS-rear wing” and it will ride on LSC forged wheels that measure 21 inches. Inside the cabin, the SpeedART SP91-R features a new sport steering wheel, Alcantara / leather trim and also “many” other goodies.
The 3.4-liter boxer engine will be getting a revised ECU and a sports exhaust system which will allow the power unit to generate an additional 25 hp (25 PS / 18 kW) and 15 lb.-ft (20 Nm) of torque.
Over the last few months we’ve seen a lot of spy shots with the third generation of the Porsche Boxster but now we have official photos courtesy of the German manufacturer. The car will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will become available in UK towards the last of April.
2012 Porsche Boxster
The new styling of the Boxster is the work of Porsche’s design boss Michael Mauer. It adopts a cab forward stance and comes with heavily sculptured flanks, longer doors, bigger wheel houses that will be accommodating larger wheels up to a size of 20 inches. At the back it will remind us of the classic 911 ducktail.
2012 Porsche Boxster
The carmaker has stated that the new model has a longer wheelbase and will feature wider tracks that guarantee more space inside the cabin. Codenamed 981, the new Boxster has a fully automatic cloth hood that no longer needs manual assistance. There is no need for a tonneau cover as it stows behind the cabin in a fully exposed position.
2012 Porsche Boxster
Autocar estimates that the car’s structure is more than 100kg less heavy in comparison to the all-steel body of the outgoing model. This means that the entry-level model is going to have a curb weight of less than 1,300 kg, even though it will pack more equipment.
2012 Porsche Boxster
This third generation of the Porsche Boxster features an entirely new chassis that has a longer wheelbase and a wider front track. Up front it features a MacPherson struts suspension while at the back it adopts a multi-link arrangement, which means that it can accommodate 20-inch wheels so Porsche will also install beefier brakes.
2012 Porsche Boxster
Probably the most significant modification in the car’s mechanical setting would have to be the steering system which ditches the hydraulic assistance in favor a new electro-mechanical system that Porsche developed in collaboration with ZF.
2012 Porsche Boxster
The previous generation of the entry-level Boxster came with a 2.9-liter engine while the new model will have an horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder 2.7-liter that has been reworked. Even though it is a smaller engine, it manages to be 10 hp more powerful than the engine it replaces so it pumps out 265 hp. As you would expect, this power unit benefits from the stop/start technology, along with a thermal management system that dispenses with the gearbox oil cooler. Porsche also fitted the new Boxster with brake energy recuperation which should help the car deliver 36.7 mpg UK on the combined cycle which is going to be a 15% more efficient in comparison to the outgoing model.
2012 Porsche Boxster
The hotter Porsche Boxster S has the same 3.4-liter engine but this one too has been revised in order to be more efficient. The power figure is up by 5 hp to 315 hp while the fuel consumption is rated at 35.3 mpg, which is better than the previous 30.1 mpg.
2012 Porsche Boxster
As standard, the new generation of the model will come with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the 7-speed PDK double clutch transmission is going to be an optional feature. Fitted with the latter, the regular Boxster needs 5.7 seconds to do the 0-62 mph sprint, while the S version will do it in 5 seconds. Compared to the outgoing model, the new version of the car is 0.1 and 0.2 seconds faster, respectively. The car will be even quicker if fitted with the optional Sport Chrono package that offers dynamic gearbox mounts. The company’s engineers have also developed a Torque Vectoring system that offers the car a mechanical differential, but this is available only for the S version.
2012 Porsche Boxster
Inside the cabin, the new generation of the Porsche Boxster is wrapped around in Alcantara and has an audio CD system with a 7-inch color touchscreen display. In addition, it will have an auto stop/start and Sports mode, 18-inch alloy wheels and a universal audio interface that offers MP3 support. The more expensive S model rides on bigger 19-inch alloys and also has bi-xenon headlights and a partial leather interior.
If this isn’t your first time on our website, you probably already know that the Porsche Cayenne is not one of our favorite cars. However, Caractere Exclusive’s latest project based on the German SUV makes the car look a lot better than it does in its standard configuration.
Porsche Cayenne II by Caractere Exclusive
The Belgian tuner has developed a new full conversion kit which brings an aerodynamic kit, a sport exhaust system, light alloys and a set of carbon fiber interior trims. That aerodynamic kit consists of a new front bumper assembly, side skirts, rear bumper assembly, a roof spoiler and wheel arch extensions, along with a sport exhaust system.
Porsche Cayenne II by Caractere Exclusive
The second generation of the Porsche Cayenne is now riding on 10×22 (front) and 11×22 (rear) CW1 silver or graphite wheels which are also available in the same width in 20- and 21-inch versions. Inside the cabin, we find a bunch of components covered by real carbon fiber which are available in a wide variety of finishes and colors.
Porsche Cayenne II by Caractere Exclusive
Caractere Exclusive is now focusing on launching similar kits for the Porsche 911 (991) and the Panamera models.
The German automaker Porsche has revealed this week the first photos and details about the upcoming 2012 911 (991) Carrera Cabriolet as well as the Carrera S Cabriolet. The open top model is powered as you would expect by the same engine available in the Coupe version which means that it will be motivated by a 3.4-liter unit that churns 345 hp (350 PS / 257 kW) whereas the Carrera S Cabriolet has a beefier 3.8-liter power unit that generates 394 hp (400 PS / 294 kW).
2012 Porsche 911 (991) Carrera S Cabriolet
The new design of the roof manages to retain the roof line of the 911 Coupe, and just like its predecessor it comes with a soft top, plus a new lightweight folding roof frame made from magnesium.
2012 Porsche 911 (991) Carrera S Cabriolet
Both versions of the 911 are scheduled to go on sale in March next year. In Germany, the Porsche Carrera Cabriolet will have a starting price of 100,532 Euros, while the S version will cost from 114,931 Euros.
Porsche unveiled this week during the L.A. Auto Show the GTS version of the Panamera model which is powered by a naturally-aspirated V8 4.8-liter engine that produces 424 hp (430 PS / 316 kW) and 383 lb.-ft (520 Nm) of torque.
2012 Porsche Panamera GTS
It has a PDK gearbox that sends the power to the PTM all-wheel drive system, along with the Sport Chrono Package as a standard feature which improves power flow without interruption. The car needs less than 4.5 seconds to hit 62 mph and it has a maximum top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h). With low-rolling resistance tires, the Panamera GTS has a fuel consumption of 10.7 liters / 100 km while with normal tires it is 0.2 liters thirstier.
2012 Porsche Panamera GTS
The car also comes as standard with an adaptive air suspension as well as the PASM – Porsche Active Suspension Management system with a tauter damping configuration to provide the Panamera GTS a sportier ride. The car sits on 19-inch alloys that have 225/45/R19 tires in the front and 285/40/R19 tires at the back.
2012 Porsche Panamera GTS
The Porsche Panamera GTS is scheduled to go on sale in February next year and the base price in Germany will be of 116,716 Euros.
Why working at an app dedicated specifically to your car brand when you can have an entire phone inspired by it? This is what Porsche Design has done in collaboration with Blackberry. The association is not accidental: both Porsche and Blackberry rely on their functions and less on their form. That’s the moment when Porsche Design interferes and does its job perfectly.
Porsche Design P’9981 Smartphone from BlackBerry is a co-branded product; it features a 1.2 GHz processor, a HD video camera, 8 GB of internal memory, QUERTY keyboard and a touch display screen. In addition to this, a personal concierge service is included with the P’9981. The entire value of this “creation”: $2,000.
When it came out back in 1986, the Porsche 959 was the quickest street-legal car in the entire world, being capable of hitting a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h). To be honest, it’s not one of the prettiest cars Porsche has ever made but it was at that time one of the most technologically advanced cars launched. The German automaker made only 337 units of the car in three years of production.
1988 Porsche 959 Sport
It is powered by a twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder, 2.8-liter engine that fires 450 hp so it’s pretty quick, even by today’s standards. The one in these photos is the Sport variant of the 959 which is 220 lb (100 kg) lighter than the standard model since it doesn’t have the variable ride height system, passenger-side mirror, electric windows and central locking.
1988 Porsche 959 Sport
The car is from 1988 but it was driven in its 23 years of existence for only 207 miles (332 km). It was owned by a Mexican collector who probably bought it in order to preserve and sell it after year for a better price, which he most likely did.
The engineers from Edo Competition have taken the Porsche Panamera S to the gym and made it more powerful. The standard version produces 400 hp (294 kW) and now with this power boost it is capable of delivering 465 hp (342 kW) which should be enough for a 0-62 mph sprint in 4.6 seconds, en route to a maximum speed of more than 190 mph (305 km/h).
Porsche Panamera S By Edo Competition
They managed to increase the output of the engine by installing a self-adjusting, pressure-monitoring, header-back stainless steel exhaust system with butterfly valves. In addition, it packs catalytic converters, new high-flow mufflers and air filters, along with a remapped ECU. In addition, the car was also put on a diet as it now weighs 77 lb (35 kg) in comparison to the standard version.
Porsche Panamera S By Edo Competition
Other than that, the Porsche Panamera S by Edo Competition features a carbon fiber front skirt, along with a lip that incorporates daytime running lights. Also new are the side skirts and the rear apron which now has a diffuser and fender vents. In addition, the car features new side mirrors plus a ducktail spoiler that looks similar to the one fitted to the Porsche Carrera RS. The new suspension brings the car closer to the roads by 30 mm while the massive 21-inch alloys give it a more masculine look.
The guys from Auto Express have taken the other day a few spy shots with the upcoming Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Its Coupe sibling is set to go on sale towards the end of this year, while for the Cabriolet we don’t have an official release date but it is expected to go on sale towards the end of next year.
The photos show us a thinly disguised prototype that had its roof on and despite the fact that the headlights were pretty much covered by some oversized stickers, it’s more than obvious that it will have the same bigger headlights that we’ve seen in the Coupe, along with the thin taillights and the LED daytime running lights.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet
Even though the new model will be a little bit heavier than the Coupe, it will still be 45 kg lighter than the model it will replace. They’ve managed to do this by using a lot of aluminum in the body while the roof is made from fabric which is stretched over semi-rigid panels for keeping the weight down to a minimum while at the same time increasing insulation.
The most affordable Porsche 911 Cabriolet will be motivated by a flat-six 3.4-liter engine that produces 20 hp more than the previous model which means that it will be capable of developing 345 hp, while the hotter Carrera S will offer 394 hp from its 3.8-liter unit. The standard variant will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds, while the “S” in 4.2 seconds.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet
After the launch of this model, Porsche will roll the four-wheel drive versions of the 911s. The Turbo version is set to arrive in 2013 and it come with 4WD as well as a wider body. At the back it will have a 3.8-liter turbocharged engine which will most likely produce more than 500 hp. The lighter and more track-focused GT3 models will go on sale in late 2013 / early 2014. Drawing their inspiration from the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race cars, the German automaker will launch a hybrid 911 in 2014.
Courtesy of our colleagues from Auto Express, these are the clearest photos of the new Porsche Boxster available on the Internet and by analyzing them we can easily see that the car adopts a more dramatic profile while every body panel is completely new. At the back, car will get LED brake lights, while the cabin should borrow some of the design cues of the recently introduced 911 so expect to see clearer instruments and better quality.
The model in these photos is in fact the hot “S” version of the Boxster that rides on massive 18-inch alloys which will come as standard, and has a more shapely body and deeper intakes in order to feed cool air to the rear-mounted power unit. In addition, as you can see for yourselves it has flared wheel arches which make it look more masculine.
2012 Porsche Boxster
The new generation of the Porsche Boxster uses the same platform of the new 911 and the S version will probably get a 6-cylinder 3.4-liter engine that will adopt the stop/start technology. The old 6-cylinder 2.9-liter 255 hp engine will be ditched in favor of a smaller 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs approximately 270 hp and it is more eco-friendly. By using more aluminum, Porsche’s engineers will be able to roll out a considerably lighter Boxster which will help shave off CO2 emissions.
2012 Porsche Boxster
Many people were expecting for an unveiling of the car back in March at the Geneva Motor Show, but now we’ll probably have to wait until the first month of next year when the Detroit Motor Show will be organized. The 2012 Porsche Boxster is scheduled to go on sale in the following spring, while in 2013 the new generation of the Cayman will be out.
The German tuners from TECHART have unveiled this week their Stage 2 power kits for the Panamera Turbo and the Cayenne Turbo. The sedan’s engine now develops 621 hp (630 PS / 464 kW) and a peak torque of 649 lb.-ft (880 Nm) which allows the car to hit 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, en route to a top speed of 202.5 mph (326 km/h).
Porsche Cayenne Turbo by TECHART
Fitted with this power kit, the engine that resides under the hood of the SUV is able to produce 651 hp (660 PS / 486 kW) and a peak torque of 649 lb.-ft (880 Nm), which is enough for a 0-62 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds, before reaching a maximum speed of 189.5 mph (305 km/h).
The German tuners from speedART have developed an upgrade program for the diesel-powered Porsche Panamera. Dubbed the PS9-300D, they’ve managed to increase the output of the V6 3.0-liter engine to 296 hp (300 PS / 221 kW) and a peak torque of 479 lb.-ft (650 Nm), up from the standard 247 hp (250 PS / 184 kW) and 406 lb.-ft (550 Nm).
speedART PS9-300D
Aside from the power increase, it comes with an aerodynamic kit that includes side skirts, a front chin spoiler, a double wing rear spoiler, rear diffuser, as well as revised front & rear air intakes. Other than that, this Panamera comes with massive 22-inch mono-block wheels that are wrapped around in 265 tires for the rims in the front and 305 rubbers for the back ones. The tuning ends with twin tailpipes that provide a more muscular look.
The sixth generation of the legendary Porsche 911 was officially unveiled a couple of weeks ago and we’ve learned that it will spawn a whole bunch of derivates. If we were to believe the guys from CAR, the next sibling will be the 911 Cabriolet which is set to debut this year.
Towards the end of 2012 we will see the AWD versions of the Carrera 4 and the Carrera 4S which will be available in coupe and cabrio configurations. The 911 Turbo is scheduled for a 2013 release and it will be motivated by a 520 hp (527 PS / 387 kW) engine. 2014 will be the year when the Cabrio Turbo version will be launched. But before that, in 2013 Porsche will roll out the 911 GT3, while at the end of 2014 the 911 Targa will go on sale, featuring a removable roof panel.
These are only just a few variants of the 911 (991), because the German automaker is also working on the GT2, the RS and others as well, along with some overpriced special editions. What’s even more interesting is that the current generation of the 911 will have a lifespan of 14 years.
A woman has many wishes for her wedding day and she is so stubborn to have them fulfilled, no matter how long this takes. This is also the case of a British bride, Megan Ashton, who wanted to arrive in a Porsche 356 on her wedding day, but due to the fact that she couldn’t afford one, has spent six years hand-building a Porsche replica from a Volkswagen Beetle donor car.
So, she bought a ’69 Beetle for about $300 and then started stripping it to its chassis: she installed a new engine, attached Porsche body panels and made an interior which to match the interior of an original Porsche. With few exceptions (such as the bottom chassis and the wheels), the Beetle became a Porsche.
How much did these changes cost? $6,300 and six years of work.
So, dear ladies, would you work so much for fulfilling a wedding dream?
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