FALKEN Porsche 997 GT3 R

FALKEN Motorsports selects Porsche 911 GT3 R for 2011 Nürburgring 24 Hour

Long time participant in the Nürburgring 24 Hour race, FALKEN Motorsport Team, has signalled its intent for this year’s event (June 25th-26th) with the decision to run a highly competitive GT3 R specification Porsche 911.




The high performance tyre manufacturer’s decision to switch to the competitive Porsche follows a successful history of campaigning Japanese sports cars in the ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race and ties in with increasing activity of the brand in the region. “With FALKEN High Performance Tyres and Porsche, two premium motorsport brands are coming together. This comes at a time when we are increasing our commitment in Europe, with an intention to expand further,” says FALKEN’s Marketing Director, Satoru Ushida.

Drivers for the 2011 race, an assault that will be used to develop the next generation of FALKEN tyres, are still to be announced but in line with the team’s preparations, the selection is likely to focus on those with extensive Nürburgring experience. “It is our aim to improve our race results from the past. Last year we achieved 12th place overall and 3rd place in the SP7 class and put our performance to the test at the highest level,” adds Ushida.

The 2011 race will take place on the unique Nordschleife on June 25th-26th. With 33 left-hand and 40 right-hand curves, the famous strip of asphalt snakes through the hilly Eifel landscape. In the 2010 Long-Distance Championship (VLN) held at the track, nine out of the ten races were won by the Porsche 911 GT3 R.

About the Porsche 911 GT3 R:
The 911 GT3 R is powered by a six-cylinder, naturally-aspirated boxer engine with four litres of displacement, which generates 480 horsepower (353 kW) at 7,250 rpm. Through a six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox, the power is transmitted to the rear axle. Traction control, the electronically controlled double de-clutching function and a specially tuned racing ABS make the 911 GT3 R a highly competitive vehicle.
Wheels: Front axle: One-piece, forged, lightweight alloy wheels (11J x 18 ET 35) and 290/660R18 tyres.
Rear axle: One-piece, forged, lightweight alloy wheels (13J x 18 ET 12.5) and 330/710R18 tyres.

About the ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race:
The ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring has been held on the approximately 25km long combination of the Nordschleife and Grand-Prix track since 1970. The long lap length makes a field of more than two hundred vehicles possible, which are driven by up to approximately 700 drivers. Due to the large starting field and more than 200,000 fans that line the track, the race is regarded by some as the largest motorsports event in the world. In 2011, it will be held from the 23rd to 26th June.

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Porsche has unveiled the 2011 911 GT3 RSR,which will debut on Dec. 11 at the Porsche R&D center in Weissach, Germany.

The new 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR comes with a 4.0-litre, 6-cylinder boxer engine that now develops 455 hp (355 kW) at 7,800 rpm and 450 Nm of torque. The maximum rev range of the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR continues to be 9,400 rpm.

The transmission is a six-speed manual with sequential jaw-type shifting, a single-mass flywheel, hydraulic disengagement lever, a three-plate carbon-fiber clutch and a limited slip differential. The body consists mostly of steel but thanks to a series of weight saving modifications, the whole car tips the scales at just 2,689 pounds.

The 911 GT3 RSR also includes aero modifications, including a new front lip to increase downforce. The German automaker increased the size of the front wheels from 11 inches to 12 inches for better grip and less understeer.

The 911 GT3 RSR joins the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup at the very top of Porsche Motorsport’s lineup and costs a mere EUR 410,000 plus country-specific value added tax. If you already own a GT3 RSR and want the extra power and aerodynamic mods, but don’t want to spend almost half a million euros on a new car, the modifications are available as a kit for GT3 RSR cars from the 2010 season.

Source: Porsche





Press Release

Debut for the 2011 version of the world's most successful GT race car


Stuttgart. The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new motorsport season with extensive modifications. The 2011 version of the world's most successful GT race car celebrated its international premiere at the "Night of Champions" party held at the R&D Centre in Weissach to mark the end of the motorsport season. Priority in the further development of the GT3 RSR was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear, changes to the suspension kinematics and to the engine.

The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 455 hp (355 kW) at 7,800 revs, five horsepower more than its predecessor. The power increase results from an engine management system which adapts even better to different fuel grades, as well as a redesigned exhaust system and a modified air intake housing. Moreover, the driveability of the famously efficient engine has undergone further improvements. Maximum revs remain unchanged at 9,400 rpm.

Clearly visible are the modifications to the front. A new front lip provides higher downforce at the front axle. The front wheels are now wider with the rims growing from 11 to 12 inches giving additional grip and less of an understeering tendency. The position of the rear wing and the shape of the wing mounting also underwent optimisation and were adapted to the new rear fairing with additional air outlet louvers. The rear lid was also redesigned for optimised air ducting. Like the 911 GT3 Cup and the GT3 R, the RSR has now been equipped with the LED rear lights taken from the latest 911 road-legal cars.

The 911 GT3 RSR joins the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup as the top model of Porsche Motorsport's product range. The successful long distance racer from Weissach can be ordered now at a price of 410,000 Euro plus country-specific value added tax. All 2011 modifications are available as a kit for GT3 RSR cars from the 2010 season.

Technical description Porsche GT3 RSR (2011 model year)
Engine
Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine; 3,996 cc; stroke 80.4 mm; bore 102.7 mm; 455 hp (335 kW) at 7,800 rpm; max. torque 450 Nm; air restrictors 2 x 28.6 mm; max. revs 9,400 rpm; four valve technology; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle butterflies; fuel injection.

Transmission
Porsche six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift; oil/water heat exchanger, single-mass flywheel; hydraulic disengagement lever; three-plate carbon-fibre clutch; rear wheel drive; limited slip differential 45/65 percent.

Body
Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel; aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler; aerodynamically optimised front underfloor; adjustable rear wing; 90-litre FT3 safety fuel tank with fast filling function; air jack; welded-in safety cage; race seat (driver's side only) with flame retardant upholstery; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire extinguishing system.

Suspension
Front axle: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar; power steering.
Rear: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar. Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).

Brake system
Brake system with balance bar control.
Front: Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 380 mm diameter; racing brake pads.
Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 355 mm diameter; racing brake pads.

Wheels
Front: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (12J x 18 ET 34); central bolt.
Rear: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18 ET 12.5); central bolt.

Electrical system
Motec display with integrated data recording; multi-function display with integrated gearshift indicator; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 80 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight
1,220 kg

Porsche Exclusive Celebrates 25 Years

Porsche Exclusive, the German sports car manufacturer's personalization division, is turning 25 years old this month. To celebrate this occasion, Porsche has released a brief history of the brand, featuring the milestone models of the range. Porsche Exclusive offers hand-crafted personalization factory options and takes care of everything from development to sales.

Porsche Exclusive has a team of 100 specialists that cover all the operations from a custom vehicle’s development to its sale process. Based in Weissach, the division creates items like performance parts or top interior equipment, integrating them in the production process of a new vehicle.

The same team also takes care of sales, offering customers refined interior equipment or performance enhancements, which, in many cases, have been integrated in the production process of stock Porsches as well.

The Exclusive team also has been the driving force behind several of Porsche's limited-edition cars, including the 250-vehicle 911 Sport Classic, mating the best of Porsche's design history with today's technology.





Press Release

25th Anniversary of Porsche Exclusive

For the past 25 years, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has been offering the option – under the term “Exclusive” – of individually tailoring a Porsche to create an unmistakable, unique vehicle immediately on ordering it. Porsche Exclusive offers hand-crafted refinement ex-works to provide a highly personalised touch in terms of design and performance. Virtually any customer desire can be fulfilled by Porsche Exclusive following a personal dialogue.

The sole prerequisite is technical and qualitative feasibility. Implemented with the finest craftsmanship and using selected materials, the skilful hands of the Exclusive specialists create components and complete vehicles in which personal care and dedication can be seen and felt down to the very last detail. Bespoke, manual work – also with needle and thread wherever appropriate – is the most important principle of Porsche Exclusive. Because no machine handles material with as much finesse as human hands.

A team of about 100 specialists at Porsche Exclusive takes care of everything from development to sales. Whether it be refined interior equipment or performance enhancements, all options from the Exclusive range and the vehicles themselves are not only developed in Weissach, but are also to a large extent integrated in the production process of a new Porsche.

A separate, extensive Exclusive catalogue, which also shows examples of completely individualised vehicles besides the range of options, is of course also available for each Porsche model. The customer discusses further special wishes directly with the Porsche dealership or the Exclusive customer advisors in the Zuffenhausen or Leipzig factories. Selected “flagship dealers” also offer this high-quality service abroad. Porsche Exclusive is additionally represented world-wide at a number of events and trade fairs.

In 2009 Porsche Exclusive added a further gem to its portfolio in the form of the 911 Sport Classic. Limited to 250 vehicles, this was a 911 which perfectly combined tradition and modernity. Designed with Porsche’s discerning customers in mind, the Porsche 911 Sport Classic with fixed rear wing in the “ducktail” shape first exhibited by 1973′s legendary Carrera RS 2.7 was a quite special highlight.

25 years of success are a good reason to celebrate. Porsche Exclusive will be doing this in a manner which reflects the high standards of the company within the company: with a strictly limited edition of a new 911 Speedster. In homage to the first Porsche model that bore the name Speedster – the 356 Speedster – the production run for the new model is limited to 356 cars. In the best tradition as a puristic, open-topped two-seater with low windscreen and double bubble on the convertible-top compartment lid.

With the 911 Speedster Porsche Exclusive will herald in a year chock-a-block with activities. With a new book on the Porsche Exclusive history, which will be available in the Porsche Museum shop from March 2011, a special Museum exhibition to run from March to May 2011 or a special Porsche Travel Club trip in June, for instance. Amongst other venues, Porsche Exclusive can be experienced live at the vintage vehicle grand prix at the Nürburgring in August 2011.

2011 speedART BTR-II 650 EVO Porsche 997 Turbo

Based on the Porsche 911 Turbo (997), speedART’s BTR-II 650 EVO features an aerodynamic body kit with a revised front bumper, new side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a modified wing for improved downforce, as well as adjustable sport suspension and 20-inch LSC (Light Spoke Competition) wheels.

Power comes from a 3.8-liter flat-six which has been outfitted with larger turbochargers, new manifolds, and a sport exhaust. Thanks to these modifications, the engine produces 650 PS (478 kW / 641 hp) and over 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque - an improvement of 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp) and 150 Nm (110 lb-ft). Connected to an enhanced PDK transmission (which boasts eight rings per packet, instead of the usual six), the BTR accelerates from 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) in just over nine seconds and has a top speed in excess of 335 km/h (208 mph).

Speedart tacked on some extra get-up-and-go for the Porsche 997 Turbo by offering offering a modified motronic, bigger VTG-turbo chargers, a sport exhaust with sport cats, and twin tail pipes, plus sport headers/manifolds, sport air filter, and enlarged intercoolers.




Press Release

speedART BTR-II 650 EVO based on Porsche 997 Turbo. The worldwide strongest 911 Turbo with an enforced PDK-gearbox.

The latest speedART „BTR-II 650 EVO" (Bi-Turbo Racer, 2. generation with 650 hp and Evolution-body kit) is the worldwide strongest Porsche 997 Turbo with 650 hp and over 900Nm. Additional to the impressive power the BTR-II 650 EVO is the only Porsche with an enforced PDK-gearbox which is the qualification for an impeccable power transmission. These modifications are in particular the following conversions:

Power:
The power increase of 150 hp and 150 nm consists of a modified motronic to enlarge the power boost in combination with bigger VTG-turbo chargers, a sport exhaust with sport cats and twin tail pipes plus sport headers/manifolds, sport air filter and enlarged intercoolers for a better heat dissipation. The acceleration 0-200 km/h is just over 9 sec. and top speed over 335 km/h.

Power transmission:
For power upgrades over 900 Nm and 650 hp an enforced PDK is required. The multi-discs in the gearbox are enforced (standard are 6 rings for inner and outer multi-disc-packet. The enforced version has 8 rings for each packet). So the enhanced surface of the rings is able to put over 30% more torque from the engine to the wheels which is required especially while using launch control starts and race track performance. Therewith the BTR-II 650 EVO becomes a unique experience because it had never given a Porsche who shifted faster and stronger.

Body kit:
The body kit "BTR-II EVO" consists of a new designed front bumper with spoiler lip and gun-metal frames for more down force and better brake cooling (EVO-version), side skirts, rear diffuser and a rear spoiler with movable rear wing for an improved aerodynamic and more down force.

Wheels:
3-piece screwed forged wheel set type „LSC FORGED = Light Spoke Competition" in 8,5" and 12 x 20" , in many different colours (for rim and center star) available. Tires: FA: 245/30 ZR 20" and RA: 325/25 ZR20".

Suspension:
Sportive and adjustable speedART sport suspension type "street race" incl. PASM function.

Interior:

• 340 mm sport steering wheel with F1 shift paddles for PDK
• enlargement of power boost display up to 1,8 bar
• carbon interior parts in many colours
• stitched interior parts and floor mates in many colours
• coloured safety seat belts
• coloured instrument dials

1952 356 Cabriolet Is Porsche's Oldest Import in U.S.

The owner of the “Strawberry Red” 356 Cabriolet pictured above has earned the bragging rights for owning the oldest Porsche model sold in America. The discovery was made as part of the My Porsche Classic Search, which was launched in August to celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary. The Porsche Classic Search was conducted online with owners having to submit documentation that their Porsche was one of the earliest in its category to be retailed in the USA.

The oldest documented sale was this rare 1952 356 Cabriolet owned by Dr. Robert Wilson of Oklahoma City, Okla. According to the company, Wilson's car was imported in November of 1952 by Austrian businessman, Max Hoffman, in New York, who brought the first Porsche cars to the U.S. beginning in 1950.

The 1952 Porsche 356 Cabriolet is powered by a 1.5 liter, 60 horsepower engine and was salvaged by its current owner from a salvage yard. The oldest Porsche in USA was completely restored.

The program also led Porsche to one of the first 356 cabriolets ever built--a 1950 model owned by Richard Brumme of Annapolis, Md. Brumme's Porsche is from the first batch of cars built in Stuttgart, Germany, after the company moved from Gmund, Austria. But because the car was originally sold outside the United States, Porsche gave the winning honors to Wilson's car.




Press Release

Porsche Classic Search Crowns Rare 1952 356 Cabriolet as America's Oldest Import

National search also finds 12 of the earliest models sold in America

ATLANTA, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, Porsche Cars North America embarked on a quest to find the oldest Porsche sold in America. The Porsche Classic Search, conducted online at www.Porsche60Years.com, encouraged individuals from coast to coast to submit documentation that his or her Porsche was one of the earliest in its category to be retailed on American soil. With awards and bragging rights at stake, the call for entries yielded an impressive collection of finalists, including the oldest U.S. - retailed model found, a lovingly restored 1952 Strawberry Red 356 Cabriolet.

Launched in August, the My Porsche Classic Search received hundreds of submissions from Porsche owners across the country. Among them was a rare 1952 356 Cabriolet owned by Dr. Robert Wilson of Oklahoma City, Okla. Wilson's car was imported in November of 1952 by Austrian businessman, Max Hoffman, in New York, who brought the first Porsche cars to the U.S. beginning in 1950. The 1.5 liter, 60 horsepower gem was discovered in a salvage yard by Wilson years after arriving on U.S. soil and meticulously restored.

The My Porsche Classic Search also yielded the discovery of another distinguished and even rarer Porsche - a blue 1950 356 Cabriolet owned by Richard Brumme of Annapolis, Md. This car is one of the very first series production 356s built in Stuttgart, after the company relocated from Gmund, Austria. Impeccably restored with original parts sourced from around the globe, the 1950 356 Cabriolet was also recently honored with the 2010 Best in Show and Best in Class Awards at the 356 Registry's annual gathering in Cleveland, Ohio. While Brumme's car is unique and special, it was not the oldest Porsche actually retailed in America. This distinction goes to Wilson's 356 Cabriolet of 1952.

Porsche also encouraged owners of cars spanning 12 model ranges to enter their cars for a shot at earning the 'oldest' designation for their respective car model. Apart from the 356 lineup, entries were submitted for the Porsche 911, 912, 914, 924, 928, 944, 968, Boxster, Cayenne, Carrera GT and Cayman. The oldest Porsche models in America and their owners are:

• 1965 911: Barry August of Clarksville, Md.
• 1965 912: Steve Torkelsen of Wilton, Conn.
• 1970 914: Ralph Stoesser of Marco Island, Fla.
• 1977 924: Jay Hoover of New Haven, Ind.
• 1977 928: Jim Doerr of Richmond, Va.
• 1983 944: John Denning of Covington, Wash.
• 1992 968: Jeffrey Coe of Trumball, Conn.
• 1997 Boxster: David Adrian of Worcester, Mass.
• 2004 Cayenne: Adam Reichard of Magnolia, Texas
• 2005 Carrera GT: Robert Ingram of Durham, N.C.
• 2006 Cayman: Eugenie Thomas of Martinez, Calif.

A photo gallery of the oldest Porsches and car details can be viewed at www.Porsche60years.com.

Porsche plans to honor the owners of these cars with an exclusive badge issued by the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, and by featuring images of the cars at the new "Sixty Years of Porsche in America" exhibit, which opened in the museum on Oct. 12. Additionally, the 1950 356 will be displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, where it will join the company's newest models.

The celebration is not yet over. Porsche aficionados still have an opportunity to participate in Porsche's 60th anniversary. Open until Nov. 1, the My Porsche Passion Contest encourages enthusiasts to submit a 500-word story that communicates their passion for a specific Porsche car or an experience with the Porsche brand at www.Porsche60Years.com. The top 20 stories, selected by a special panel of Porsche judges, will be available for public judging Oct. 25 – Oct. 31. Fans are encouraged to vote online for their favorite essays from the list of 20 finalists. The three entries with the most votes will win an all-expense-paid trip to the Porsche Sport Driving School in Birmingham, Ala.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc
A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c.F.Porsche, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. and its 197 dealers offer U.S. customers some of the most technically advanced and high-performance vehicles in the world. Porsche is also synonymous with supreme quality and first-class customer treatment. A testament to this is the fact that Porsche has been ranked No.1 in J.D. Power and Associates' prestigious Initial Quality Study (IQS) during four of the past five years. Also, Porsche is fully and publically committed to being a leader in significantly lowering emissions, and saving fuel. The company's guiding credo is "Porsche Intelligent Performance" and the goal is to prove that Porsche's high performance and efficiency are not contradictory terms. A dramatic example of this is the highly-anticipated 918 Spyder - a super sports car that is also a planned plug-in hybrid. Of course this is nothing new for Porsche, which for 62 years has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations. Obviously, one expects such achievements from the most revered race car brand in the world --- one that has accumulated more than 28,000 motorsport victories. Today, PCNA imports the cars that are the product of this great history, including the iconic 911 series, the renowned Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, the high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicles and the four-passenger Panamera Gran Turismo cars.