2009 Porsche 911 details leaked
New documents resembling official internal specification lists for the upcoming 2009 Porsche 911 range have appeared on a number of internet forums, revealing crucial details about engine outputs, a new dual-clutch transmission and optional features and electronics. The big news is the introduction of a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission called Porsche Doppelkupplung or PDK for short. Other important changes include the introduction of a new set of direct-injection engines rated at 345hp in the...

Activists angered by Porsche’s judicial review of London c-charge
Environmental groups have criticized Porsche’s decision to challenge London’s new congestion charge, claiming the carmaker should drop its judicial review and focus on building cleaner cars. Leading the charge is activist group Friends of the Earth FoE, who claim the majority of Londoners support an increased congestion charge for the most polluting vehicles. FoE’s Executive Director Tony Juniper said in recent statement that “people are recognizing the urgency of cutting carbon dioxide...

Activists angered by Porsche’s judicial review of London c-charge
Environmental groups have criticized Porsche’s decision to challenge London’s new congestion charge, claiming the carmaker should drop its judicial review and focus on building cleaner cars. Leading the charge is activist group Friends of the Earth FoE, who claim the majority of Londoners support an increased congestion charge for the most polluting vehicles. FoE’s Executive Director Tony Juniper said in recent statement that “people are recognizing the urgency of cutting carbon dioxide...

From 356 to Panamera: sixty years of Porsche
June 8th marks the 60th anniversary of the homologation and road-approval of the German maker’s first sports car, and the first true Porsche prototype, a 356 known internally as 356-001. The culmination of Ferry Porsche’s search for the perfect car, the 356 began what would become one of the most impressive sports car dynasties ever, though it wasn’t always so clear that the company would end up a success. The company spent most of the 1950s and 1960s working to develop its motor...

Porsche boosts power for Cayenne Turbo S
Porsche has updated its Cayenne range with the addition of the most powerful model yet, the 2009 model Turbo S powered by a 550hp 404kW forced induction 4.8L V8 engine. The Turbo S’s enhanced performance relative to that of the regular Turbo model is due to its modified exhaust system and improvements in engine control. In addition to the added power, there has also been an increase in maximum torque by 50Nm to 750Nm within an engine speed range of 2,250rpm to 4,500rpm. This is enough to see the car...

Porsche exec denies rumors of baby Cayenne and 928-sucessor
Porsche is planning to expand its operations considerably over the next couple of years by hiring up to 2,100 new employees and opening dozens of new dealers in emerging markets such as China and Russia. However, don’t expect to see any major model launches as the only car Porsche marketing exec Klaus Berning is willing to comment on is the new Panamera sedan due next year. Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, Berning explained that executives haven’t discussed adding a smaller SUV model...

Porsche files judicial review against London c-charge
Porsche today officially applied for a judicial review challenging the London Mayor’s £25 $50 congestion charge in the High Court of Justice. The sports carmaker believes the increase of the congestion charge from £8 $16 a day, or £0.80 $1.6 for residents, to £25 is both unfair and disproportionate and predicts that the charge could even increase congestion and damage air quality in London. Commenting on the filing, Andy Goss, Porsche’s UK chief, said, “not only is this new tax on motorists...

Porsche may use VW stake to avoid emissions rules
Porsche has a major challenge on its hands in the form of strict new fuel-economy and emissions regulations set to roll in across the U.S. and Europe in coming years. Carmakers are being forced to improve their average fleet-wide mileage and carbon emissions levels and for a niche brand like Porsche, which sells a limited range of high-performance models, meeting these new standards will be near impossible given the current deadlines. To get around the new regulations, Porsche may be able to merge its...

Porsche Panamera to start production in April 2009
Whether you love it or loathe it, Porsche’s new Panamera sedan is due to hit the streets in 2009 and is expected to change the performance sedan market forever. Buoyed by the success of the Cayenne SUV, Porsche’s managers have seen fit to put their famous badge on a four door saloon and according to latest reports the wait on the car could be less than a year. According to AutoTelegraaf, the Panamera will officially start production in April next year and will make its world debut one month earlier...

Porsche prepares for 2008 Transsyberia Rally
Porsche has announced plans to enter this year’s Transsyberia Rally, an epic journey that sees competitors travel more than 6,200km through the roughs of Siberia. Last year, Porsche took the top three places in the event and to make sure it remains on top the sports carmaker has developed a number of modifications for its Cayenne S Transsyberia rally-SUV. Engineers focused on improving the suspension set-up of the previous model, and added a number of reinforced parts including a newly-formed...