New prices for the Porsche Cayenne

March 31, 2008

At first I thought it was a joke (April Fools maybe?). But, then I realized it was still March (at least when I posted this it still was) and April Fool’s day is not until tomorrow. The timing seems odd to raise pricing on their most profitable model. According to most economic pundits, we’re in the middle of a significant global economic slowdown. This is usually a time to give price incentives and help reduce inventory. However, based on the strength of demand, that hasn’t been a problem for Porsche lately and their corporate profits prove it. It’s obvious that Porsche’s strategy to keep stock low at most dealers is paying off.

Here’s the full Press Release for your Review

Stuttgart: For the first time since the launch of the second generation Cayenne, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will be increasing prices. The price changes, effective 1st June 2008, will be between 1.4% and 2.8%, depending on the model.

IOverall, all second-generation Cayenne models are very much in demand from customers.The main reasons that customers value the Cayenne are the new engines featuring direct fuel injection and fuel consumption reduced by up to 15% and the option of being driven by the environmentally friendly bioethanol fuel E10.The price increases will be accompanied by a range of product upgrades - for example, a completely new development, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) Multimedia System with touch-screen operation and hard disc navigation. In other models this is available as an optional extra, but in the Cayenne Turbo it comes as standard.

The new prices (incl. 19% VAT and country-specific requirements):

Cayenne (Manual gearbox) 52,449 Euro
Cayenne S (Manual gearbox) 67,681 Euro
Cayenne GTS (Manual gearbox) 78,034 Euro
Cayenne Turbo (Tiptronic S) 111,711 Euro

[Source: Porsche]

Written by 993C4S · Filed Under News, Porsche Cayenne | Leave a Comment

Porsche GT2 Compared to a Corvette Z06

March 30, 2008

What is the purpose of zero to sixty straight line comparisons, especially when the cars are not evenly matched in the first place? I think the answer depends on who is conducting the test. In the instance of this post, it’s Autocar and Chris Harris. Simply put, I think this type of test brings eye-balls to a web-site and helps to spark conversation and controversy amongst loyal readers. What other reason is there to compare a Porsche GT2 to a Corvette Z06 in a straight line speed test? Let me know what you think.

Take a look at the following video and you be the judge.

Let’s look at the following specs from MotorTrends review of the Porsche GT2 (as compared to the Corvette Z06).

0-60 mph
Porsche 911 GT2 3.4 sec (Porsche claims 3.7 seconds)
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3.5 sec

Quarter mile
Porsche 911 GT2 11.4 sec @ 127.9 mph
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 11.5 sec @ 127.1 mph

Braking, 60-0 mph
Porsche 911 GT2 98 feet
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 104 feet

Weight
Porsche 911 GT2 3175lbs
Cheverolet Corvette Z06 3132 lbs

Horespower
Porsche 911 GT2 530 HP
Cheverolet Corvette Z06 505 HP

I admit, on paper, the cars are fairly close. However, even if you overlook the fact that the GT2 has 25 more HP, is rear-engined (helps traction off the line) and has a proper suspension, you can’t get past the fact that the GT2 is a purpose built track car from the days of “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” (the least of all those purposes is drag racing in a straight line).

Don’t get me wrong, the Corvette is a fantastic performing car (especially when you factor in the price differential) and this simply isn’t a fair or proper comparison. To me this is simply another instance of the media helping to perpetuate the legend that is Porsche. As you can tell from the image at the top of this page, comparisons like Porsche vs. Corvette have been going on for a long time and I don’t expect them to stop anytime soon. This is something I don’t have a problem with, for obvious reasons. What do you think?

Favorite Chris Harris quote from the video (in reference to the Corvette):

“The bonnet appears to end in a different time zone. It’s miles away.”

[Source: MotorTrend, Autocar]

Written by 993C4S · Filed Under Porsche vs., Videos | 2 Comments

Porsche 917 and Making History at Le Mans

March 28, 2008

Admittedly, not all the news that Porsche releases to the press is exciting. However, what caught my eye on this particular news note, was the display they are planning with regard to various Porsche exhibits. More specifically, on display (among other interesting Porsche cars) will be the 1971 Porsche 917 “short-tail” that won the ‘24 Hours of Le Mans” in 1971 and still holds the record to-date for both distance (5,335.313 km) and average speed (222.304 km/h). That’s pretty impressive considering we’re talking 37 + years.

For those of you not familiar with the 917, this is the model that basically put Porsche on the endurance racing road-map with wins at Le Mans in both 1970 and 1971. Of course, we can’t forget the car was made even more famous by Steve McQueen in his epic racing story Le Mans. The 917, with a flat 12 motor, was capable of speeds in excess of 248 Mph and a 0 to 60 time of 2.5 seconds. That’s comparable to today’s F1 cars.

The Porsche Pink Pig

My favorite of all 917s, for no other reason than the name, is the 1971 917/20 otherwise known as the “Pink Pig”. Click on the thumbnail to the left to see a larger version. The car got its name from the paint scheme that showcases the names of certain cuts of meat (written in German) similar to that of a butcher diagram.

I must say, were I going to be anywhere near Essen, Germany this looks like a great event with the chance to see some fantastic current and historic Porsche cars. If anyone happens to go, please send me some picture!!!! What event am I talking about? Read below for more information.

Porsche Press Release

Stuttgart. This year at the Techno-Classica in Essen, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, and its Classic Customer Centre will be giving visitors a glimpse behind the scenes. The company’s Classic department, which has its home on the main Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen site, will be on show from 27th to 30th March 2008 at the greatest vintage car fair in the world. Under the spotlight will be its product and service range in connection with repair, maintenance, care, restoration and the procurement of original spare parts for Classic Porsche models.

On the Porsche stand in Hall 3 the emphasis will be on detailed advice provided by Porsche’s own restoration specialists. The experts will be happy to answer visitors’ questions – ranging from the availability of spare parts for Porsche Classic models to the maintenance and servicing of historic vehicles. Porsche drivers who enjoy working on their Classic vehicles themselves will also be well served: there will be a large range of literature available on the stand, from owners’ manuals through parts catalogues and CDs to repair instructions. In addition, the ‘living workshop’, in which Porsche specialists will be demonstrating their skills to enthusiasts and experts alike, will give visitors a chance to see original works’ restoration.

As well as the Classic Customer Centre, the approximate 800 square metres of exhibition space will house eight Porsche clubs displaying various privately-owned vehicles. Collectors and souvenir hunters will be able to view the current product range from the ‘Porsche Design Driver’s Selection’.

Porsche lovers will particularly relish the various exhibits on display: for example, a current 911 Turbo from Porsche Exclusive is shown side by side with another 911 Turbo dating from 1974, privately-owned by Ferry Porsche. The top attraction for motorsport fans will definitely be the vehicle which won the 1971 ‘24 Hours of Le Mans’. The Porsche 917 short-tail, racing as 22, set the standard as a light-construction prototype with a special magnesium lattice-tube frame. Driven by Dr. Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep, the vehicle won Porsche the second of a current total of 16 victories at Le Mans and set the still unbeaten records for distance (5,335.313 km) and average speed (222.304 km/h).

[Source: Porsche, Wikipedia]