Porsche takes overall victory at 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race

Porsche has won the Nurburgring 24-hour race for the fourth year in a row, with the first place title going to the Manthey Racing team after its 480hp (358kW) Porsche 911 GT3 RSR managed to rack up 155 laps during the event. Spending time behind the wheel were Timo Bernhard (Germany), Marc Lieb (Germany), Romain Dumas (France), as well as Marcel Tiemann (Monaco), who completed the last laps.

Clocking up 3,933km (2,443mi) the Manthey Racing squad improved on its own distance record from 2006 by a further 101km (62.8mi). Furthermore, Timo Bernhard and Marcel Tiemann are the first drivers to win the long distance classic four times in succession. All in all, Tiemann has climbed to the top of the podium five times, making him the most successful driver of the 24-hour race.

Just one lap behind was Audi’s new R8 LMS race car, but with seven 911 race cars in the top ten there’s no denying that Porsche was easily the most successful manufacturer.

Up against the Porsches were many strong competitors, including the aforementioned Audi R8 LMS, two prototypes of the upcoming Lexus LF-A supercar, six Aston Martins and a GT4 BMW M3.

Overall result for 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race:
1. Bernhard/Lieb/Dumas/Tiemann, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 155 laps
2. Abt/Hemroulle/Kaffer/Luhr, Audi R8 LMS, 154
3. Collard/Henzler/Lietz/Werner, Porsche GT3 Cup S, 152
4. Alzen/Bert/Arnold/Mies, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 150
5. Basseng/Fässler/Rockenfeller/Stippler, Audi R8 LMS, 149
6. Schmitz/Abbelen/Althoff/Heyer, Porsche 911 GT3, 149
7. Kräling/Gindorf/Scharmach/Holzer, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 149
8. Bermes/Kainz/Schmickler/Bergmeister, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S, 148
9. Quinn/Quinn/Baird/Denyer, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 146
10. Adams/Ludwig/Meier/Grossmann, BMW Z4 M Coupe, 145

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Wimmer custom Porsche GT2 puts down 680hp

With the tight tolerances, high-quality materials and top-level engineering that goes into today's cars, there's often a surprising amount of potential left inside their engines. It appears the Porsche GT2 is no exception, with the tuners at Wimmer Rennsporttechnik Solingen finding another 150hp (111kW) inside the already brutal car with just a few additions.

Starting with a twin-turbo version of Porsche's 3.6L boxer engine, Wimmer adds advanced engine management, a custom-built sport exhaust with high-flow cats, a redeveloped cylinder head and 'sport' camshafts. That's all it takes to get output up to 680hp (507kW) at the crank, though it does require an upgraded clutch to send that power to the rear wheels.

Wimmer says this upgrade pack is enough to push 0-100km/h times down to 3.4 seconds, get it to 200km/h in 9.78 seconds and from a stop to 186mph (300km/h) in just 25.8 seconds. Top speed: a mind-melting 221mph (356km/h). To help the car match the engine's capability, sticky and max-speed-rated Dunlop Sport-Maxx GT tires in appropriately understeer-biased 235/30 (front) and 325/20 (rear) widths are wrapped around 20in alloy wheels.

Visually, the Wimmer GT2 also gets carbon fiber exterior mirrors and rear spoiler lip, though the entire exterior of the car can be made of carbon upon request. H&R suspension upgrades help handle the extra power.

Pricing for this all-out package starts at €29,800 ($40,400), or about 20% of the car's original purchase price here in the States.

Porsche news at Wimmer custom Porsche GT2 puts down 680hp

Porsche starts Panamera production, offers free factory tours

Porsche's new Panamera may have been revealed to the world in a glitzy event at the Shanghai Motor Show but production of the car has only formally started this week. To mark the occasion, Porsche has also announced that it will be offering buyers and enthusiasts alike the chance to see the Panamera without all of its makeup on - at a free, two-hour factory tour in Leipzig.

With the car officially launching in select European markets this September and in the U.S. this November, Porsche is keen to let future customers see the complete production process at its newly upgraded Leipzig plant in Germany.

In order to accommodate the new model, Porsche reports that the Leipzig plant had to undergo a 22,000 square meter expansion that took around two years to complete. During that period, no factory tours were allowed for around eight months, but now the company will begin tours again to give visitors a chance to get up close with the newest addition to the Porsche stable.

Additionally, visitors will be able to book tours where they can then drive certain Porsche vehicles on the nearby racetrack or off-road facility themselves, or be taken for hot laps by Porsche's own test drivers. For those that eventually decide to purchase and take ownership of their Porsche cars from the factory, the company also offers a free meal in its restaurant and a driving course for owners with a professional driving instructor.

Porsche news at Porsche starts Panamera production, offers free factory tours

Porsche Cayenne goes wider and lower with new MAFF Design ‘Muron’ kit

Porsche itself has recently gotten into the game of modifying its Cayenne SUV, so it's no wonder the vehicle has been a favorite of the tuner crowd for years. Though MAFF Design's latest creation may not have the exclusivity of the GTS Design Edition 3 revealed earlier in the year, it does have a flavor all its own.

Based on the 957 Porsche Cayenne, the MAFF Design Muron is primarily an appearance upgrade program. LED daytime running lights, an aggressive front, side and rear body kit with flared and vented fender wells to house the widened track. That's right, MAFF Design did do some mechanical work on the vehicle, spreading the width by 60mm up front and 80mm in the rear for an even more planted stance.

Combined with the lowering job - adjustable between 35 and 80mm thanks to an electronic lowering kit or optional Version 3 coilover, the Muron offers a new dynamic sensibility to Porsche's already very competent SUV. The MAFF portfolio includes some unique models able to develop over 700hp (522kW), which is one of the primary reasons engineers worked on the suspension of the big SUV.

Furthermore, no tuner Cayenne is complete without a set of huge alloy wheels, and MAFF doesn't disappoint, fitting a set of 22x10in alloys. Wrapped in beefy 295/30 rubber at all four corners, the driver will most likely run out of guts before the Muron runs out of grip.

Porsche news at Porsche Cayenne goes wider and lower with new MAFF Design ‘Muron’ kit

Porsche planning Panamera Cabrio

Carmakers love to build as many models as possible from a single platform as this helps them spread the initial investment costs involved, as well as the risk, of what can often run up into the billions of dollars. This is especially true for smaller carmakers with limited budgets and low production volumes. Case in point is Porsche, which has just developed a brand new platform for its 2010 Panamera sedan.

According to Porsche’s R&D chief, Wolfgang Dürheimer, the Panamera platform has great development potential and already in the works is a new Cabrio variant. Dürheimer first revealed the information during an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, where he also mentioned that because of its size the Panamera Cabrio will only feature two doors in order to maximize rigidity. Furthermore, Dürheimer confirmed that it will feature a conventional soft-top roof as this is the only option Porsche wants for all of its convertible models.

The Porsche exec wasn’t willing to reveal details about a successor to the 928 but previous reports suggest that such a car is in the works. The new car would likely be called the GT Coupe but unlike the Panamera it would be an all-out performance model rather than a comfortable tourer.

Both the new Cabrio and GT Coupe are expected to feature 2+2 seating plus most of the engine options from the Panamera sedan, which means a range of V8 powertrains as well as a new V6 unit. The upcoming hybrid version, however, will likely be limited to the four-door.

Porsche hasn’t officially confirmed either the Cabrio or the GT Coupe but the latest comments from Dürheimer suggest the cars are already in development, which means they should be on sale by next year as 2011 models.

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Build your own: Porsche launches configurator for Panamera Sedan

Call it a blessing or call it blashpemy, Porsche's four-door Panamera is here to stay. And despite an odd angle here and there, it has a certain charm about it. If you're a believer, or even if you're in doubt, Porsche has launched a new Panamera Configurator that lets you see what you can do to improve on its basic design.

The example above - a well-outfitted $143,110 example of the Porsche Panamera Turbo - shows that there's a lot of flexibility in the online design tool. There are some limitations as well, however.

It will give you a photo of the car you've built updated with the trim level, exterior color, wheel option and interior choice, but smaller adjustments - such as painted intakes, diffusers or rear apron - aren't included, leaving your imagination to fill in the details.

In total, however, the tool is a handy way to explore the options the Panamera offers, all the way from the $89,800 base S model to the $93,800 4S and on to the $132,600 Turbo. Options can quickly boost those prices, however, with a full slate of options bumping the base model up to $150,000 and beyond. How much for a fully-optioned Turbo? Open up that wallet, because it will run you right up against the $200,000 mark.

A wide range of options are available inside and out, including a choice of birch, mahogany, aluminum and carbon fiber interior elements, a range of custom and premium paint colors, four sets of wheels and more audio equipment than you could shake a 300-CD case at.

To see for yourself, and build your own Panamera, check out the Panamera's model page and click the 'build your own' link for the model you want.

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Gemballa takes wraps off Porsche Cayenne Turbo-based Tornado 750 GTS

The high-performance SUV is something of an oxymoron at first blush, but anyone that's taken the wheel of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo or Mercedes Benz ML-Class AMG knows it's possible. Gemballa takes the concept to the next level, dropping over 550lb (250kg) from the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and boosting power to 740hp (552kW).

The weight savings are perhaps the most welcome change to the highly tuned SUV, since most tuner kits add weight through more elaborate interiors and bulkier aero packages. Slashing over 550lbs of weight from the vehicle while bringing a full Alcantara and carbon-fiber interior to the table is an impressive feat, and a serious improvement over the stock vehicle and even its own limited-edition Tornado GTS.

Power is the real story here, however, with over 750 horses straining to break out from under the hood. The twin-turbo V8 cranks out a massive 740hp (552kW) or 750 metric horsepower - hence the name. Torque tops out at 775lb-ft (1,050Nm), and that's enough grunt to scoot the big - but now relatively light - vehicle to 62mph (100km/h) in just 4.3 seconds. That's near-supercar territory, as is the 186mph (300km/h) top speed.

Keeping the shiny side up is a custom supsension that allows the ride height to be adjustable by 70mm, suiting purpose and conditions with ease. Big 22x12in wheels at all four corners wrapped in 335/25 aspect tires helps keep the power and momentum under control. When the whole show needs to come to a stop, a set of six-piston brakes paired with 420mm discs up front and 380mm discs out back provide ample capacity.

The end result is impressive in every respect, including its impact on your wallet. Only 50 of the special-edition Tornado 750 GTS Cayenne Turbos will be built, at a price of €400,000 ($521,880) - yet another way that the Tornado delves into supercar territory.

Porsche news at Gemballa takes wraps off Porsche Cayenne Turbo-based Tornado 750 GTS

Porsche Panamera hybrid and V6 models coming soon

The past week has seen a blitz of stories about the new Porsche Panamera, such as its dramatic 94th story reveal in a Shanghai skyscraper. For now, the four-door Porsche will only be offered in various V8-engined guises, but more economical engines are expected to be arriving soon - including a hybrid model.

Currently, Porsche has a Cayenne SUV prototype that uses a 3.0L V6 hybrid engine sourced from Audi, and it wouldn't be surprising if this engine found its way into the Panamera for the more environmentally conscious Porsche buyers out there.

Porsche purists may balk at the idea, but there is also expected to be a conventional V6 engine for the new Panamera - in other words, Porsche's famed flat-six won't likely be making an appearance in the new four-seater model.

Porsche's head of research and development, Wolfgang Durheimer, explained to Drive that the flat-six engine doesn't fit in the front of the Panamera because of the particular shape of the engine bay, as well as the fact that the suspension would get in the way.

A V6-engined variant will certainly bring down the cost of the cheapest Porsche Panamera, which for now resides with the Panamera S that starts at a little under $90,000. Assuming a petrol-powered V6 becomes the entry-level model, with conventional suspension rather than Porsche's air suspension system, we could see the Panamera drop a large amount of that $90,000 price tag.

An exact date hasn't been set for when the two variants will arrive, though they are expected to be launched by the end of the year. Until then, there's always the completely electric Porsche 911 from Ruf, although unfortunately it only features two seats.

Porsche news at Porsche Panamera hybrid and V6 models coming soon

Porsche Panamera makes world debut at Shanghai Auto Show

Porsche today unveiled its new Panamera grand tourer at the Shanghai Auto Show, ahead of its official European sales launch scheduled for September. The car will arrive in U.S. showrooms just one month later, although only the V8 variants will be offer initially.

These include the naturally aspirated Panamera S, AWD 4S and the flagship Turbo. The Panamera S is powered by a 4.8L V8 developing maximum output of 400hp (294kW). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels as an option by Porsche’s seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox. Acceleration to 100km/h comes in 5.4 seconds and top speed is 283km/h.

The Panamera 4S features the same powerplant but thanks to AWD traction only needs 5.0 seconds to sprint to 100km/h. The range topping Panamera Turbo, meanwhile, sports a twin-turbo 4.8L V8 engine with a healthy 500hp (368kW) on tap. When equipped with the PDK the car will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 303km/h.

All models will be available with PTM, Porsche Traction Management, and a unique new high-volume adjustable air suspension will also be available, offering a wide range of performance options including a Sport Plus mode that lowers the car even further, stiffens effective spring rates and lowering the center of gravity. The standard steel suspension is also available on all models.

The Panamera S will start at $89,800, while the AWD 4S will start at $93,800 and the flagship Turbo from $132,600. Later this year Porsche will introduce an entry-level V6 model and a petrol-electric hybrid.

Porsche made a last minute decision to swap the debut of the Panamera from last month’s Geneva Motor Show to this week’s Shanghai event. The decision for the shift was due to the increased importance in the Chinese market, in addition to rapidly growing neighbors such as India and Russia.

More than 8,190 Porsches were sold in China last financial year, and this was more than double the number of sales made the previous year. At the same time, sales in established markets, such as Germany, dropped by more than 5% over the same period.

Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking said he is hoping for "new market opportunities" and a "stronger presence" in regions like China and the Middle East.

Porsche has set a firm production rate of 20,000 Panamera per year, but if demand drops the rate will be reduced. "In no case will we produce too many," Wiedeking explained. "In that case, I would intervene myself."

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Spy shots: Facelifted Porsche 911 GT3 RS up close

Porsche’s current iteration of the 911 has been around for almost four years and is currently in the process of a mid-cycle update. We’ve already seen the introduction of the facelifted Carrera and Carrera S, AWD 4 and 4S models, as well as the GT3, but still in the works are the more extreme Turbo, and GT2, plus the track-honed GT3 RS – the latter captured here in these latest spy shots.

It will be hard to spot the difference between the new and the old as the images reveal. This is because most of the planned changes will be taking place under the sheet-metal.

Power levels should receive the same 435hp (320kW) boost as the new 3.8L GT3. In line with the changes in the facelifted Carrera range, the engine in the updated GT3 RS will also sport bigger combustion chambers, a new crankshaft, an upgraded oil and water pump, and possibly direct-injection technology as well.

Acceleration times over the current model would likely be improved if Porsche adds its new Doppelkupplung dual-clutch system, but a conventional six-speed manual is likely to remain the only option given the intended purpose of the track special.

The GT3 RS will also once again based on the Carrera 4 body and should feature the same widened track, carbon-fiber interior and plastic rear window as the current model. Styling updates include new LED daytime running lights, revised taillights, a cleaner front end with larger intakes in the lower skirt, and a new lip spoiler. Expect to see the new model make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Porsche news at Spy shots: Facelifted Porsche 911 GT3 RS up close