Now that the 991-series Porsche 911 has been unleashed on the world, it’s time for the other twenty-ish variants of the company’s halo car to be unveiled. We’ve seen the 911 Cabriolet, and our spies have caught the Turbo out testing. Now, the even hotter 911 GT3 has been caught in its early stages of development (read: before it gets it’s big ol’ wing out back).

Mum’s the word on exactly what sort of insane power the GT3′s flat-six will produce, though reports have suggested numbers as high as 450 horsepower. That said, there have been conflicting reports about just how that power will be sent to the wheels – recent news suggests that both a manual and dual-clutch setup are being tested, but that only one will make it to production. (There can only be one!) Porsche officials believe that the PDK will win, though we’ll wait until we get final confirmation before cutting off our left feet. In any case, we’ll wait for more details to roll out throughout the year.

Source: Autoblog

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart’s new sports car in the SUV segment has been given the name Macan. The name Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics – core characteristics of the new off-road car.

The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of a SUV and is a genuine Porsche, said Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG. The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations.

As the fifth Porsche model line, the Macan is a central plank of Strategy 2018, by which the sports car manufacturer wishes to expand its model portfolio. Porsche intends the Macan to emulate the success of the Cayenne. The SUV will start coming off the production lines in Leipzig in 2013. To that end, the site in this city in Saxony is being expanded into a fully-fledged production plant including body assembly line and paint shop; with 500 million euro of investment one of the biggest building projects in Porsche’s corporate history. In the medium-term, the sports car manufacturer will be creating more than 1,000 new jobs here.

Word names at Porsche have a concrete connection with the corresponding model and its characteristics: the name Boxster describes the combination of boxer engine and roadster, Cayenne stands for sharpness, the Cayman is snappy and agile and a Panamera is more than a Gran Turismo, capable also of winning the Carrera Panamericana long-distance race.

Source [Porsche]

Classic car aficionados are currently making arrangements to be in Northeast Florida for the second week of March for the Amelia Island Concours, but not everyone will be headed to Florida just to see cars. Plenty of collectors come to the annual event with cash burning in their pockets, and the various auction houses are happy to oblige with a selection of special cars on offer.

One of the highlights of the weekend’s auction action will surely be this incredible Porsche collection slated to cross the block at Gooding & Company. Owned by the late Matthew Drendel, the collection consists of 18 classic Porsche’s from a rare 1973 917/30 Can-Am Spyder with an estimated value of up to $3.25-$4 million to a very attainable 1991 944 S2 Cabriolet worth around $30,000. Also of note are a two-time Daytona 24 winning 1984 Porsche 962, the very first Porsche 935 built and a 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution that is one of just four factory team cars.

Gooding & Company will be conducting its annual Amelia Island Auction on March 9, 2012 at 11 a.m., at the Racquet Park located at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation at 6800 First Coast Highway in Amelia Island, one mile south of the Amelia Island Parkway. Guests may preview the cars on Thursday, March 8th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, March 9th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. An auction catalogue for $75 admits two to the viewing and auction. General admission to the viewing and auction can be purchased at the tent for $30 per person. Bidder registration forms, press credentials and additional auction information are available at www.goodingco.com or by calling (310) 899-1960. Auctions are broadcast live at www.goodingco.com/auction

The remaining cars of the Drendel Family Collection, 10 offered without reserve, are listed below:

1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder
Chassis 917-30-004
Estimate: $3.25 – $4 million
The Porsche 917 racing program was one of the most successful in the history of motor sport and the 1973 917/30 Can-Am Spyder represents its pinnacle. With a 1,000 hp turbocharged flat-twelve, American racing champion Mark Donohue’s 917/30 was so dominant that the Can Am Challenge Cup was disbanded and the other manufacturers withdrew due to their inability to compete.

One of four examples completed at the Porsche factory, 004 was intended to be the 1974 Penske-Sunoco team car but was instead sold to Australian Porsche Importer Alan Hamilton. Later purchased by the Porsche factory, this car is now the centerpiece of the Drendel Family Collection. Meticulously restored and presented in the iconic Penske-Sunoco livery, this 917/30 has been raced at the Monterey Historics and has been displayed at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and Rennsport Reunion.

1984 Porsche 962
Chassis 962-103
Estimate: $1.75 – $2.225 million
According to Gooding & Company specialists, this car is the finest example of the Porsche 962 and one of the most successful racing cars of its generation. With only two owners from new, this back-to-back 24 Hours of Daytona winner will be one of the Drendel Family Collection’s most significant offerings at the auction with its immediately recognizable Löwenbräu livery, list of legendary drivers, unrivalled racing record and superb documentation.

1974 Porsche RSR Turbo Carrera 2.14
Chassis 911 460 9016 (R9)
Estimate: $1.75 – $2.25 million
The Carrera RSR Turbo 2.14 represents a turning point in the history of competition Porsches when it introduced the use of turbocharged engines in production-based race cars. Used by the factory for development, this hand-built experimental 911 was campaigned as a Martini & Rossi Porsche Works entry in the 1974 season at Nürburgring, Imola and Zeltweg. Few racing cars of this caliber have remained so correct and untouched, making this car an extremely important piece of Porsche history.

1976 Porsche 935/76
Chassis 930 570 0001 (R14)
Estimate: $1.7 – $2 million
The first 935 built, this car served as the prototype and development mule for one of the most successful series of Porsche racing cars. This historically-significant example ran as a factory team car under the recognizable Martini & Rossi livery and its podium finishes at Watkins Glen and Dijon helped Porsche capture the Group 5 World Championship in 1976. In addition to its impressive provenance and great originality, this factory race car has the remarkable distinction of being the first Porsche with a 930 serial number prefix.

1985 Porsche 962
Chassis 962-HR1
Estimate: $900,000 – $1.2 million
During its career, this Porsche achieved 11 overall wins and 19 podium finishes, as well as 2 IMSA GTP Drivers Championships and an IMSA GTP Manufacturers Championship. Along with its Holbert Racing sister car, 962-103, this 962 is one of the most significant 962s in history. Fresh from restoration, 962- HR1 was displayed at RennSport Reunion IV in 2011.

1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution
Chassis 993-GT1-004
Estimate: $900,000 – $1.2 million
This rare factory team car – one of just four built – has competed at top events (Le Mans, Nürburgring and Laguna Seca) in the highest levels of international racing with known drivers behind its wheel. Later campaigned by Rohr Racing at Daytona and Harry Bytzek in the Canada GT Challenge Cup, GT1-004 has one of the most impressive racing records of any factory GT1.

1975 Porsche 934
Chassis 930 670 0155
Estimate: $800,000 – $1 million
The racing variant of the road-going 930, the 934 expanded on the success of the RSR, winning the European GT Championship as well as the TransAm Championship in North America. The second 934 constructed, this car was actively campaigned through the early 1980s, culminating in a first in class at the 1982 24 Hours of Le Mans. In regards to this car, noted Porsche authority Bruce Anderson was quoted as saying “it is the most successful 934 to race in international competition.”

The remaining cars of the Drendel Family Collection, 10 offered without reserve, are listed below:

1980 Porsche 924 Carrera GT Le Mans
Chassis 924-003
Estimate: $450,000 – $600,000, Without Reserve
One of three Works entries at the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans; placed 13th Overall with Bell and Holbert

1980 Porsche Indy Car
Chassis 0031
Estimate: $350,000 – $550,000
Intended as Porsche’s return to open-wheel racing, the company’s ground-breaking program was cancelled a month before the Indianapolis 500 s a result of last-minute USAC rule changes

1987 McLaren-Porsche MP4/3 Formula One
Chassis MP4/3/1
Estimate: $450,000 – $600,000, Without Reserve
The first MP4/3 built and the only example in private hands

1981 Porsche 924 GTP “Le Mans”
Chassis 924-005
Estimate: $375,000 – $450,000, Without Reserve
Factory prototype and development car, built to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

1995 Porsche 911 GT2 Evolution
Chassis WP0ZZZ99ZTS393062
Estimate: $375,000 – $425,000, Without Reserve
The Champion Porsche, 1996 12 Hours of Sebring class winner

1992 Porsche 968 Turbo RS
Chassis WPOZZZ96ZNS820065
Estimate: $250,000 – $325,000, Without Reserve
Factory prototype with Le Mans and Sebring race history

1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6
Chassis WP0AC2965RS480276
Estimate: $75,000 – $90,000, Without Reserve

1986 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup
Chassis WP0ZZZ95ZGN154076
Estimate: $65,000 – $85,000, Without Reserve

1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S
Chassis WP0AA2957JN151272
Estimate: $50,000 – $65,000, Without Reserve

1994 Porsche 968 Turbo S Clone
Chassis WP0AA2961RS820772
Estimate: $45,000 – $55,000, Without Reserve

1991 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet
Chassis WP0CB2949MN440106
Estimate: $25,000 – $30,000, Without Reserve

The new Porsche 911 is the most important new sports car of 2012. Thanks to an all-new platform, revised engines and improved dynamics, it’s more poised and competent than ever. Steve Sutcliffe talks us through the highlights.

Just the Facts:
Porsche is evaluating manual and PDK transmissions for the new GT3.
Only one transmission will eventually be offered for sale.
The GT3 will debut in 2013.

STUTTGART, Germany — Porsche is evaluating a PDK gearbox for the next-generation GT3, due next year. August Achleitner, the 911 project chief, confirmed that Porsche’s motorsport division is currently testing both manual and PDK versions of the new GT3. Only one transmission will ultimately be offered for sale, and Achleitner reckons the PDK is the favorite to get the nod.

Stick-shift 911s currently account for just 30 percent of sales. “When we launched the 911 Turbo S, we did not offer a manual, but we have not had a single complaint,” Achleitner told Inside Line. A PDK-equipped GT3 would be the next logical step.

Achleitner also confirmed that the next-generation GT3 and GT2 will definitely feature a variant of the electromechanical steering system introduced on the new Carrera. He defended the system, which has been criticized for offering less driver feedback than a traditional hydraulic setup. “The new system only removes the feedback you don’t need,” he said. “All our race drivers prefer it.”

Source: Inside Line

The first few 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR racers have made their first appearance in the United States, ahead of their competition debut in the the American Le Mans Series. Although the machine is labeled with the 2012 designation, the latest GT3 RSR is actually still based on the 997 model, not the latest 991 variant of Porsche’s long-running 911 model range.

Still, there are plenty of updates that make this GT3 interesting to racers. For starters, a mandatory air-restrictor still lets in enough oxygen for the 4.0-liter boxer six to deliver 460 horsepower to the 310-millimeter rear wheels, which necessitate bodywork that is 48 millimeters wider than before. Like 911 Turbo models, new air scoops are incorporated into the rear fenders – just one small part of a completely revised aero package.

Porsche 911 summed up in one word would be “evolution.” For decades, Porsche has methodically improved its rear-engined sports car.

Automotive News reports that Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller has cooled on the idea of a sub-Boxster Porsche model. Mueller reportedly told German publication Wirtschaftswoche that a vehicle priced under the Boxster could dilute the brand’s image, adding that Porsche may need to “wait until the next generation of customers before the idea of a small roadster will work.”

We’ve been hearing about a roadster that slots under the Boxster for years, and in February, Mueller told AN that such a vehicle could arrive as soon as 2014.

We’d be lying if we said we weren’t disappointed by this development, as any new mid-engine Porsche sounds like a great idea to us. Porsche is, after all, still looking to launch the sub-Cayenne Cajun SUV next year. The Cajun should cost less than the base Boxster (the Cayenne is currently the lowest-priced Porsche), making it the lowest-priced vehicle in the lineup. We’re just not sure why an entry-level mid-engine roadster would be a worse idea than a second Porsche SUV.

The base Boxster uses a 2.7-liter flat six, good for 265 horsepower (10 hp more than its predecessor) while the Boxster S is powered by a 3.4-liter six that produces 315 hp (an increase of 5 hp versus the 2012 model). The standard Boxster will run to 60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds with the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, while the Boxster S will do the same jaunt in just 4.7 seconds. A six-speed manual gearbox is also available with either engine.

Porsche will offer a Sport Chrono package that further enhances performance, adding things like dynamic transmission mounts and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV).

Look for the 2013 Boxster to hit United States showrooms this summer.

Automakers have been integrating wind deflectors into convertibles for years now, though in many cases, they’re a do-it-yourself, manual affair. The idea is to disrupt the wind enough to eliminate that obnoxious swirling effect that kills conversations and hairstyles in equal measure.

That said, we’re not surprised that Porsche has fitted its 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet with just such a device, but we like the car’s unique power execution here (manually erecting or folding a wind deflector can be a chore and eat into storage space). The 911 Cabrio’s new assembly is massive, which might not do the car’s aesthetics any favors, but the size should help it be more functional.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 boasts some serious performance numbers. The race-ready 911 can hit 62 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds, and a trip to 120 miles per hour takes only 11.5 seconds.

The RS 4.0 can stop from 186 mph to zero in 6.66 seconds, and here is the video that proves it.

Half a decade ago, Porsche thought so little of the Detroit Auto Show that it canceled its participation altogether. But the German automaker came back last year with the 918 RSR concept, and will use the show to unveil its new 911 Carrera Cabriolet to the public for the first time.

Initially revealed in cyberspace this past November, the new 911 Cabrio makes use of a new folding soft top that employs all manner of advanced materials like magnesium-infused canvas and high-strength steel to keep weight to a minimum, while its design is said to more closely mimic the profile and design of the fixed-roof coupe.

In selecting the Detroit show as its launchpad for the new open-air Elfen, Porsche is recognizing the importance of the annual expo and the central place it holds for one of the largest new car markets in the world. In fact, it comes at the start of a fresh product push in the United States that will, as has now been confirmed, include the Panamera GTS, the Cayenne Diesel and the all-new Cajun to follow next year.

Spy photographers have managed to capture an almost completely undisguised all-new Porsche Boxster out and about this morning. With almost all of the vehicle’s camouflage removed, we can clearly see the body lines of the new convertible. As seen in the photos leaked a few months back, the side of the all-new boxster now wears a dramatic side strake and sizable air inlet, positioned just forward of a set of equally bold wheel arches. Those openings are filled with massive, multi-spoke rollers.

Toward the rear of the vehicle, we can clearly see a new integrated lip spoiler that spans across the entirety of the car’s rump, bisecting the tail-lamps. That’s exciting and all, but our sources also indicate that this model may boast a next-generation 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder. If those whispers are to be believed, the new Boxster could pack as much as 360 horsepower courtesy of a little forced induction. Word is the vehicle will receive a proper introduction on the show circuit in the next few months.

Source: Teamspeed