My wife just came in and asked if I was interested in going shopping this coming Friday (Black Friday) to try and take advantage of some of the deals that are sure to be offered. My response was an emphatic no! Actually, what I really said was, “I’d rather cut off my legs with a butter knife.” I think she got the hint.
There are many things I find enjoyable (like taking my Porsche for a spirited drive) and other things I’d just as soon avoid (like battling the crowds of screaming kids and stressed out parents in the mall). My guess is that there are a lot more like me out there and chances are (if you’re reading this) that you’re a Porsche fan too. With that in mind, I thought I would put together a list of gifts for the Porsche lover on your shopping list and make sure they were all things you could purchase on-line (there by avoiding the stress of the mall and giving you more time to drive).
Porsche Gift Ideas
Race Ramps and other Products from Brute Industries. A number of months ago I reviewed a safe and alternative method for jacking up your Porsche using Brute’s RaceRamps. If you have a DIYer on your gift list, here’s a chance to get them something nice for the garage and get a 10% discount at the same time. Either read through the review or simply go directly to Brute’s web-site. Either way, be sure to use the coupon code of 993c4s8 in order to get 10% off your entire order.
PORSCHE DESIGN BY Eton, Table Top Stereo System with Dock for iPod/AM/FM/Shortwave/RDS. I’ve found that a lot of Porscheophiles tend to be audiophiles as well. If that’s the case with you, then the Eton P’9120 is a great match. Complete with a built in satellite tuner, iPod dock and short-wave radio, this compact little stereo delivers big sound and will look great in your garage or office. Eton was kind enough to send me one a few months ago to review and I fell in love with its design and sound. I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Porsche Design Emergency Crank by Eton to see how that sounds in comparison.
Tamiya Porsche 911 GT3 VIP 2007 RTR RC Car. You may remember this one from a a few weeks ago. Here’s a gift you can buy for the kids and still enjoy yourself. Or, if you’re like me, just buy it for yourself and then set it up as a drifting machine. If you have a minute, you can check out the video I made and an even better one (produced by someone with better video editing skills) to see just how much fun this little toy can be. One of the coolest features on this car is the LED light kit that allows you to drive at night.
Porsche Reference Books. Any one of Adrian Streather’s “Porsche The Essential Companion” series. I own the 993, 996 and 911sc version (here’s a review on the 996.) I should be posting my review on the 911sc version soon. I’ve found my 993 book to be indispensable when trouble shooting problems. The 996 and the 911sc books are used for reference material and for researching my next Porsche purchase. Any time I post facts or figures about the 993, 996 or 911sc you can pretty much guarantee that the information came from one of Adrian’s books.
Video Games and Accessories. Admittedly, I’m a bit of a video game junkie. I love racing sim type games (as well as role playing games). If any of you have a similar affliction, you’re probably familiar with Need for Speed: Undercover. This game is a blast, available on almost all platforms and fairly inexpensive. I wrote a post a few months ago about driving games and how they might improve your track skills. Hell, even if they don’t it’s still fun. If you or the Porsche lover on your list already has all the video games they need, chance are they may not have a Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel made by Fanatec.
Finish off your Porsche Library. There are so many Porsche related books it’s tough to even know where to begin. However, I think most would agree that two “must haves” for any respectable Porsche library are Karl Ludvigsen’s Porsche: Excellence Was Expected: The Comprehensive History of the Company, its Cars and its Racing Heritage – 2008 Update and Genesis of Genius. I just received my copy of Genesis of Genius a week or two ago and I’m slowly making my way through it. Once I complete it you can be sure I’ll write up a review. Excellence Was Expected was first published in the late 70’s. Having gone through many, many revisions it is now comprised of over 1500 pages spread across three volumes. Some have called it “The Best Automotive History Ever Written”. These books are not inexpensive, but they are worth every penny.
Porsche Related Artwork. Given all the time I’m spending in my garage I figured I might as well make it a nicer place to hang out in. One of the easiest ways to do this is by hanging up some posters and other original art. If you’re looking for Porsche related items (and I’m sure you are) then you might want to take a look at the work of Paul Chenard. Last but not least, be sure to check out what’s available from Freck’s Auto Art. They have some great artwork signed by legendary Porsche race drivers.
A work of Porsche fiction. If you haven’t yet read Hunt for 901, by Kevin Gosselin, what the heck are you waiting for? To the best of my knowledge this is the first and only fictional book that has Porsche front and center. Even if there were other books, this is worth reading on the merits of the story line and writing alone. Hunt for 901 follows Faston Hank and his team as they search the globe to locate Rolland Zeller (the last man to see the missing Porsche 901 prototype). Find Rolland and you find the 901. If you want to read a more in-depth review on Hunt for 901, then you’re in luck; just click here.
A Subscription to 993C4S.com This will be the cheapest gift you buy this season. You know why? Because it’s FREE! If you’re not already a subscriber, simply follow this link and choose from receiving our newsletter via email or via RSS reader. If the subscription’s not for you, just plug in the email address of the person you’re sending it to and you’re done. I guarantee it will be one of the easiest things you do this holiday shopping season.
A More Comprehensive List of Porsche Gift Ideas
Wow, that’s a lot of stuff and I don’t even think I’ve scratched the surface. There are so many items available it’s mind boggling. The title of this post promised 10 Gift Ideas and I only listed 9 above. In an attempt to organize things (and give you 10 ideas) I’ve put together a list of Porsche related products available on Amazon. I’ve been building this list in anticipation of launching my new blog theme and new name. The new site isn’t quite ready to go, but the list is. It’s by no means complete, but it’s still better than going to the mall and fighting the crowds!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE AND HAPPY SHOPPING!!!
I am a Porsche addict (like you couldn’t tell from the fact I publish this site). In fact, my fascination with the marque borders on obsession and some might say just a touch scary (thought I am not alone). Even still, I’ve had enough. I have reached information overload and I’m punch drunk on Porsche Panamera pictures. I understood building up the hype before the big launch, but now, to continue things in dribs and drabs; STOP IT! PLEASE! Just give us all the information already and let us run with it. What am I talking about you ask…?
Whew… that was a lot and I thought we were done, at least for now. Let’s not forget we still have months to go before the official launch. But now, today even more pictures surface (20 of them). Take a look for yourself. It looks like Porsche is already starting to market certain accessories (luggage and roof-rack). Where’s the tow hitch? Don’t get me wrong, I like the Panamera (I think I’m in the minority) and I even liked the way Porsche released the initial information to the motoring press. But enough is enough. Stop with the pictures. Give us some info and facts. What’s this beast going to cost? What are the performance specs? Oh yeah, when can I drive one???
Don’t forget to vote in the Panamera Love it or Hate it Poll in the sidebar!
Click on any of the thumbnails below for full size pics.
Early this morning Porsche officially, officially released pictures and video of the long awaited, family friendly Porsche; the 2010 Porsche Panamera. Why “officially, officially” you ask? Well, in the event you’ve been living in a cave, the first pictures were placed by Porsche leaked last Friday by Autotelegraph in the Netherlands, followed quickly by additional images on Supercars.net. Immediately after each release leak, just about every major automotive publication, on-line news site, Porsche forum and garage run blog was jumping on the bandwagon to perpetuate the hype (yours truly included.)
The rumor mill ran over-time prior to today’s announcements. What would the finished product look like? What are the specs? Is it really two inches longer than an S class Mercedes? Today, many of those questions have been answered and yes, the released leaked pictures we saw prior to today were the genuine article (not something created in Photoshop as many have stated.) Pricing and performance remain to be seen, but I’m sure the reviews will start trickling in shortly. I for one have already thrown my hat in the ring for a chance at piloting this four door behemoth around my local back roads and byways.
Say what you want about the car itself, but when was the last time the “official” release of a four door sedan created so much interest and intensity within the automotive community (and all this nine months before the official launch)? In fact, I can’t think of another vehicle that so polarized speed junkies and car pundits since, well – the Porsche Cayenne maybe? It seems you either love it or hate it, with little to no room in-between. Where do you stand? I’ll start things off; I’m a fan but still want to drive one before giving a final decision.
Earlier in the year, at the request of a few different readers, I posted pictures and descriptions of Porsches they were looking to sell. The response from that post was fairly strong and the people who had their cars listed received a number of different responses. Even more surprising is that the original post still gets significant page views even though each of the cars has since been sold. Today’s post is the latest Reader’s Ride for sale. Not surprising, it’s a 933 and an exceptional one at that.
As a reminder, for those of you looking to sell your Porsche, each one of this site’s sponsors: TruSpeed Motorcars, Willhoit Enterprises and Sloan Cars all buy cars as well (Sloan will also help sell on consignment). I know what you’re going to say, they’ll only offer you wholesale pricing. In some instances, that may be true, but in others, depending on the car, they may be able to do much better. The market for certain cars is very limited and they get most of their inventory from people just like you. Each one of them is as much a buyer of cars as they are a seller.
Speed Yellow 1996 Porsche 993 C4S For Sale
If you are a member of Rennlist, then you’re sure to know JoAnne and her Speed Yellow C4S. If you’re not a member of Rennlist or you don’t know JoAnne, you should. JoAnne and a bunch of other women from RL make up the women of Rennlist who generously donate their bodies (okay, pictures of their bodies) to produce a calendar where all the proceeds (from calendar sales) go to Project Rennwish. Here’s a taste if you don’t remember (and it just happens to feature the car for sale. )
According to JoAnne, the car has 49,100 miles is a six speed with black powder coated 996 Turbo Twist Wheels. The car comes complete with Motor Sound Package, Optional GHL SS Exhaust, LPMM, black partial leather interior, Speedline SS pedals and door levers, Schnell strut brace, rear wiper and after market performance shocks (JoAnne thinks they are MO3s?? but can’t completely remember. She does know they are set-up for the street vs. track use). Lastly, she spent almost $6k having the car sorted at Callas Rennsport and has the records to show for it.
JoAnne adds the following:
This is a Very Strong Running and Great Driving car. Tony Callas himself said this is one of the tightest running 993’s he’s worked on…. This is not a Concours car, but a great looking clean driver. You may want to respray the nose. It has the usual rock chips that 993’s are famous for attracting. It also has a small scratch that the previous owner touched up, but it’s still lightly visible. The car is currently located in Prescott, Arizona
ASKING PRICE: $43,900 If interested, in this car, you can contact JoAnne through RL, by commenting on this post or by emailing her at rojospeedster at verizon dot net.
Want Your Car Featured Here!
Are you interested in selling your car? Want to reach more than 15,000 people a month interested in Porsche cars and products? It’s simple, use the contact page to get in touch with me and I’ll be happy to put your car in a listing like this one. If I start getting a lot of interest from people, I’ll add a classifieds section where you can list your car for sale. If, you simply want to show off your car for other Porsche owners to see and comment on, let me know. I’ll be showcasing the first of many Featured Reader’s Rides in the next few weeks.
Porsche seems to have a pretty good handle on PR, so you have to wonder, is this all planned and is it even real? There are many online who think these shots are still just products of Photoshop. Originally, Porsche was to release the Panamera in all its glory this coming Monday. However, starting last night with a leak from AutoTelegraph.nl and now today with more pictures appearing on SuperCar.net, you have to ask yourself, is it coincidence? Or, is it a well thought out plan to create a flurry of on-line and print media activity showcasing their most controversial product since the introduction of the Cayenne?
click on any thumb for larger image
From what I have read over the last 24 hours, the majority of on-line automotive commentators are less than enamored with the design (or as they say, the lack of one) for the new Panamera. Robert Farago from TTAC.com says, “It’s STILL Fugly“. I like Robert’s rants writing, but in this rare instance, I simply don’t agree.
I guess I’m going out on a limb here and maybe even contradicting some of what I’ve said in the past, but I like what Porsche has done and it appeals to my eye (assuming this is the real deal.) Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to rush out and purchase one. I’m not really the target market (I’ll stick to my 911s for now) but I would have no problem seeing one in my father’s garage or jumping into the back seat for a long family trip.
Now that you’ve seen more and especially the much anticipated rear-end, what do you think?
They wouldn’t! They couldn’t! They did! According to AutoTelegraaf.nl the picture below is the first official picture of the eagerly awaited and much anticipated Porsche Panamera. Details were not due until this coming Monday, but it would appear a picture has leaked anyway. It sure looks like a Porsche promotional shot to me at least. See below and you be the judge.
It’s better without the camouflage, but it’s still not great.
Unfortunately, what the picture doesn’t show, and generally thought to be the Panamera’s biggest (pun intended) potential design flaw, is a bulging back-end of epic proportions (one that would be right at home in a Sir Mix-a-Lot video). Along with the picture comes some eagerly awaited details and technical specifications.
The Porsche Panamera is 16.3 feet long, 6.3 feet wide and 4.66 feet tall
The wheelbase is 9.6 feet
A drag coefficient of 0.29
Electronic air suspension is standard
So is an Limited Slip Differential
More impressive is that you can opt for two wheel or four wheel drive
Official pricing has yet to be released, but we all know there has been lots and lots of speculation. The Panamera is initially available in S and Turbo trim with other models coming in line over time.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see the rest of this car, especially that big but, and see if Porsche pulled one over on all of us! Let’s hope they did.
The last couple of weeks were filled with lots of announcements regarding Porsche and Porsche related tuners and products. Rather than posting everything individually I thought I’d give you a quick overview with links to everything that’s going on. This way you can read what’s of interest and maybe check out a new interesting Porsche related site at the same time. In no particular order, here’s what you may or may not have missed over the last couple of weeks in the world of Porsche!
Email
. I’ve found that a lot of Porscheophiles tend to be audiophiles as well. If that’s the case with you, then the Eton P’9120 is a great match. Complete with a built in satellite tuner, iPod dock and short-wave radio, this compact little stereo delivers big sound and will look great in your garage or office. Eton was kind enough to send me one a few months ago to review and I fell in love with its design and sound. I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Porsche Design Emergency Crank by Eton to see how that sounds in comparison.
. You may remember this one from a a few weeks ago. Here’s a gift you can buy for the kids and still enjoy yourself.
series. I own the 993, 996 and 911sc version (here’s a review on the 996.) I should be posting my review on the 911sc version soon. I’ve found my 993 book to be indispensable when trouble shooting problems. The 996 and the 911sc books are used for reference material and for researching my next Porsche purchase. Any time I post facts or figures about the 993, 996 or 911sc you can pretty much guarantee that the information came from one of Adrian’s books.
. This game is a blast, available on almost all platforms and fairly inexpensive. I wrote a post a few months ago about driving games and how they might improve your track skills. Hell, even if they don’t it’s still fun. If you or the Porsche lover on your list already has all the video games they need, chance are they may not have a Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel made by Fanatec.
and Genesis of Genius. I just received my copy of Genesis of Genius a week or two ago and I’m slowly making my way through it. Once I complete it you can be sure I’ll write up a review. Excellence Was Expected was first published in the late 70’s. Having gone through many, many revisions it is now comprised of over 1500 pages spread across three volumes. Some have called it “The Best Automotive History Ever Written”. These books are not inexpensive, but they are worth every penny.
, by Kevin Gosselin, what the heck are you waiting for? To the best of my knowledge this is the first and only fictional book that has Porsche front and center. Even if there were other books, this is worth reading on the merits of the story line and writing alone. Hunt for 901 follows Faston Hank and his team as they search the globe to locate Rolland Zeller (the last man to see the missing Porsche 901 prototype). Find Rolland and you find the 901. If you want to read a more in-depth review on Hunt for 901, then you’re in luck; just click here.
Earlier in the year, at the request of a few different readers, I posted pictures and descriptions of
The last couple of weeks were filled with lots of announcements regarding Porsche and Porsche related tuners and products. Rather than posting everything individually I thought I’d give you a quick overview with links to everything that’s going on. This way you can read what’s of interest and maybe check out a new interesting Porsche related site at the same time. In no particular order, here’s what you may or may not have missed over the last couple of weeks in the world of Porsche!
