Category: Porsche

50 years ago, Porsche was looking to introduce a stronger, bigger, and more luxurious version of one of its earliest successful models, the Porsche 356. Conceived by Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, with the first sketches drawn out in 1959, the company eventually brought its new design to the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show. No one present yet knew that the automobile presented at that show – with a non-operational engine, no less! – would become the flagship vehicle of one of the most successful and inspiring car brands in the world. Now, Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 high-performance sports car.

Back at its introduction, the 911 was not called that at all: many of the parts in the car’s earliest runs contained the original model still stamped on them, 901. The name change came about when Peugeot claimed to have the rights to all three-digit car names with a zero in the middle. Rather than squabble, the car’s name was modified to the now iconic “nine eleven” and shipped off around the world, bearing a United States price tag of $6,500.

That 1964 model boasted a top speed of 131 miles per hour, thanks to its 128 horsepower, six cylinder, air-cooled engine. For most of its run, the Porsche stunned other manufacturers for the incredible performance it was able to put out with only air cooling.

Ever since, the 911 has been the flagship Porsche model, one of the most successful racing cars ever designed, and the baseline by which all else in its category is compared. No car is as beloved or as revered as the 911, not just for what it is, but what it inspires in the entire high-performance automobile industry. While it is one of the oldest and most venerated nameplates still in continuous production, constant development has kept it at the bleeding edge of performance and style without compromising the basic concept as dreamt up by Ferdinand Porsche so long ago.

Not one to let the heart of the brand go uncelebrated, Porsche has declared 2013 the Year of the 911 and planned a number of activities for the car’s 50th year on the road. The kickoff event was held at the Stuttgart automobile show with a display known as Retro Classics. The Porsche Museum displayed four exhibits featuring four of the most important 911 models to leave the factory. The models on display include the 911 Turbo Coupe, the 1981 911 Cabriolet concept car, the 1997 911 GT1, and a special Type 754 T7, a vehicle which precedes the first 911 but functions as an important milestone in its design

The Porsche Museum continues the festivities on June 4th running through September 29th, when they will feature an exclusive exhibition entitled “50 Years of the Porsche 911.” Attendees will not only be able to explore the storied history of the vehicle, but purchase a special commemorative coffee table book called “911×911” so they can share the experience with others and relive it themselves years down the road.

Finally, a genuine antique, perfectly restored, will tour the world in the form of a 1967 model 911. This beauty of a car will be shown across five continents and in some of the most prestigious locations known to automobiles, including Pebble Beach, Shanghai, Paris, and more. Keep an eye out for the 1967 911 at such events as international fairs and major motor shows.

There is a reason the 911 has been described by Ferdinand Porsche as the only car that is just as much at home on a rugged African safari as it is on the race track at Le Mans or an evening at the Granada Theater. Its timeless style and everyday elegance belies the power that has led it to over twenty thousand race victories since its release. With the 50 year anniversary, Porsche is sparing no expense in celebrating this model that defines not only the Porsche brand, but the entire high-end sports car market.

The entire 2013 Porsche lineup can be seen at Park Place Porsche in Dallas.

The luxury sport sedan by Porsche has a wide portfolio of credentials to back up its performance. The lineup now includes all wheel and rear wheel drive as well as models that are turbocharged and naturally aspirated. There is even a hybrid trim available for the 2013 Porsche Panamera.

Capable of seating four, the 2013 Porsche Panamera is a sedan style vehicle that comes with a hatchback trunk. There are eight trims available: Base, 4/S, S/Hybrids, GTS and Turbo/S.

The base Panamera comes with a V6 and includes 18-inch wheels, LED daytime lights, automatic xenon headlights, a sunroof and auto-dimming mirrors. Other features include a tilt and telescoping steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, partial leather upholstery, driver memory functions and an eight-way power front seat. The 4 is the same but with all wheel drive, and the S Hybrid has similar equipment as well.

The Panamera S comes with a V8 while the 4S has all wheel drive, and both maintain the same features as the standard V6 models along with heated front seats, additional interior lighting, adaptive headlights and an adaptive suspension.

The GTS has a V8 and offers much of the features from the Turbo. The Turbo and Turbo S have a V8 along with 19-inch wheels, expanded driver memory functions, front parking sensors and heated rear seats.

As one would expect of Porsche, there are quite a number of Panamera accessories to be added to customize the cars. All of the non-engine options on the Turbo can be added to the S and 4S, for example.

Other options that can be added include adaptive cruise control, rear windshield wiper, ventilated front and rear seats, ceramic-composite brakes, eight-way power rear seats, a heated steering wheel, four-zone climate control, a rear seat entertainment system and a 16-speaker surround sound audio system by Burmester.

The 2013 Porsche Panamera comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that can deliver 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. From a standstill, the V6 accelerates to 60 miles per hour in just 5.8 seconds. According to the EPA, the fuel economy is estimated to be 18 miles per gallon in the city, 27 miles per gallon on the highway and 21 miles per gallon when combined. On the other hand, the Panamera 4 returns 18/26/21.

The S Hybrid comes with a 3.0-liter supercharged engine paired with a 35kW electric motor capable of producing 428 pound-feet of torque and 380 horsepower. This only comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control sent to the rear wheels. The acceleration brings the S Hybrid to 60 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds. Naturally, the fuel economy is respectable at 22/30/25.

When it comes to safety, all trims of the 2013 Porsche Panamera are equipped with stability and traction control, side curtain airbags, rear side airbags, front side airbags, front knee airbags and antilock brakes as standard. It is optional to get a rearview camera and ceramic-composite brakes. If the typical brakes are installed, the 4S and Turbo models can come to a halt in just 109 and 112 feet, respectively, which is impressive. The Hybrid takes 112 while the GTS with carbon-ceramic requires 110 feet free of fade.

It is impossible to mistake the Panamera cabin to anything but a top notch Porsche due to its cockpit-like aesthetics and great round of available accessories.

The four seats are all similar when it comes to comfort and appearance. They are well formed and have headrests integrated with the back, offering great support during twisted turns and on long distance hauls.

Even though the 2013 Porsche Panamera is definitely accomplished for a luxury car, it also delivers in high performance. Because of the wide range of engine output depending on the trim, there are more than enough options available for any kind of driver. Normal mode provides a personality for leisure while the Sport mode sharpens the experience.

The Porsche Panamera with the V8 under its hood can offer even better performance when turbocharged, on the level of what supercars offer for acceleration. Nonetheless, the power can easily be served up to perform. The PDK transmission changes gears quickly and flawlessly when the driver strikes down the pedal.

Steering the Panamera always delivers great response as it is precise and is easily comparable to much smaller sports cars outside of it’s segment.

 

The Crazy Beautiful Boxster

When you approach the new 2013 Porsche Boxster, you can talk about things like style, performance and affordability, but most importantly, the rush, which according to one owner, will never stop. “The design of this car is crazy beautiful. Every day when I go out to the garage, it’s going to excite me,” he declared online. The 2013 Boxster is obviously a machine that must be seen and driven to be believed.

An Uncannily Efficient Car

The design of the new Boxster is not just amazing to look at; it actually works in an “uncannily efficient” way, as one reviewer put it. That is due to Porsche’s very earthy engineering smarts and unrelenting persistence in the search for excellence in design. The Boxster has been improved and upgraded nearly every year since 1997.

Impressive Fuel Economy

For 2013, the Boxster has improved torsional rigidity and a lower center of gravity. A new platform has been implemented using more aluminum than ever to produce a vehicle that is 55 pounds lighter than before. This translates into better aerodynamics and impressive fuel economy for a performance car: 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Engine Lowdown

The 2.7-liter V-6 engine delivers 265 hp with 207 lb-ft torque and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The Boxster S houses a 3.4-liter V6 engine that packs a roaring 315 hp and 266 lb-ft torque and an amazing 4.8 second 0 to 60 mph acceleration rate. You can choose from the tactile six-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed dual clutch automatic.

How it Handles

Stability in the Boxster has been improved, thanks to a new wider platform. As one reviewer remarked, this “makes it very, very easy to drive quickly, and overall cornering stability is improved.” Another improvement, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), maximizes the efficiency of rear brakes for turning and cornering. PTV operates independently of stability control, giving drivers a lighter hand for enhanced handling.

Extra Roomy

The Porsche Boxster is one of the few sports cars that can accommodate tall drivers, and thanks to an overall longer wheelbase, there is more space to stretch out. There is also more room for cargo due to the way the retractable roof folds into its own compartment, leaving plenty of cargo space in the trunk.

The Affordable Porsche

The entry-level Boxster is as close as you can get to a cost-effective performance sports car. The good news is you are getting unbelievable quality for a relatively small price. As one Porsche review in Car and Driver put it, “Porsche’s best car is now its entry-level one.” Another review in Autoweek states that as sports cars go, the Boxster is “one of the best you can get. That you can get a base model for $49,000 blows my mind—that is a heck of a deal.”

“Just a Hell of a Good Sports Car”

Though you’ll have to arm yourself against love at first sight, if you are in the market for a new sports car, don’t miss out on the new Porsche Boxster. Its styling, amazing rev and budget- friendly price are definitely worth a test drive. The 2013 Porsche Boxster is “just a hell of a good sports car that’s fast, comfortable, and features terrific handling,” concludes Autoweek’s review.

See our 2013 Boxster Inventory at the Park Place Porsche website.

 

Crossover seems to be the exciting new frontier for every car manufacturer these days, and Porsche has actually managed to superbly blend utility, beauty and power for the enthusiast looking for a family vehicle in the 2013 Cayenne GTS. While this engineering marvel doesn’t come with a manual gearbox, its paddle shift with manual Tiptronic gate in sport mode and Sound Symposer will have you swearing you’re driving a sport coupe as you reach the finish line at the grocery store.

The Affordable Cayenne Sport

One of the things to love about the new 2013 Cayenne GTS is the fact that it comfortably occupies the middle range between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, both in terms of price range and ponies under the hood. The GTS is nearly a full $27,000 less than its turbocharged twin, yet delivers quite a charge at the starting block. The sporty wagon can sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reaches 100 mph in just 13.3 seconds. The Cayenne S is just a few split seconds slower on the time. This is mainly due to the fact that the GTS and S share the same aggressive 4.8-litre V-8 engine, but the GTS has a 20 horsepower boost over the S for a total of 420 hp. Torque is also more eager with the GTS rearing up at 380 lb-ft compared to 360 lb-ft on the S.

Sport Performance from an SUV?

The Cayenne GTS really distinguishes itself from the S version in its aggressive design and aerodynamics. The GTS chassis sits as low to the ground as EPA regulations will allow and is assisted by dual adjustable air suspension and damper systems. The GTS borrows all-wheel drive torque from the Cayenne Turbo for sport performance on turns and winding roads. As the GTS turns its wheels, torque can be delivered wherever its needed for superior gripping power. In addition, the GTS has a standard torque-vectoring system that adds additional tensioning to rear brakes when steering gets tough.

Exterior Styling

The GTS was designed to resemble its sibling, the Cayenne Turbo, and imitates its front and rear styling, down to the four exhaust pipes and LED lights. The GTS sports its own double winged roof spoiler that adds to the sleekness of this more affordable sporty family Porsche. For people tired of shoe-box style SUVs that lag on the highway, the Porsche Cayenne GTS is the perfect answer.

Porsche’s Prestige Interior

The feisty GTS avoids the six figure price tag of the Cayenne Turbo, yet still delivers a luxury interior with 8-way electronically adjusting leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, stainless steel gas and brake pedals, Bluetooth connectivity, electric sunblind for the rear windows, and Alcantara wrapped interior components.

Safety on Tap

Safety features on the Cayenne GTS abound. Of course, the Cayenne GTS comes with a heated windshield; daytime running lights; passenger, side and curtain airbags; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is standard, and sensors watch the vehicle’s acceleration, steering and speed. Stability is maintained by electronic braking on each wheel, and the engine is also controlled to provide the correct amount of power for driving conditions.

Emergency braking conditions are also sensed by PSM. It can sense release of the throttle and automatically brings the brake pads closer to the discs. This minimizes braking distance in unexpected situations. For sudden stops, brake assist applies hydraulics to increase brake power on each wheel. PSM also works with adaptive cruise control to detect vehicles ahead. If the distance between the Porsche and another vehicle decreases, PSM automatically readies the brakes for quick application. For off the road or hazardous travel, wheels lock in order to offer better traction on snow or rough terrain.

The Final Word

With the Porsche Cayenne GTS, you get a dynamo that can perform like a roadster on the highway and take you where you need to be in the city with verve and style. The Sound Symposer, unique to the GTS, delivers the excitement of a growling cat under the hood, so executives, after a long day at work, can unwind on their way to pick up the youngster at daycare. As a wise man said, “It’s the little things that count.”

Ready to get behind the wheel? See our 2013 Porsche Cayenne Inventory here.

 

Built on the code of the curve, the Porsche Cayman takes the direct path without ever going in a straight line. The coupe puts you way ahead of the curve.

Overview

Inside the 2014 Porsche Cayman, you’re always ahead of the curve. Instead of taking the direct path in a humdrum straight line, the Cayman follows the bold and adventurous code of the curve. Porsche takes the nonconformist approach by placing the heart of the coupe — a compact, mid-mounted boxer engine — a little less than 12 inches behind the heart of the driver. This puts the bulk of the weight near the middle which lowers the center of gravity and evens the weight between the front and rear axles. Using this method turns the Cayman into a master of the curve.

Delivering 275 hp power to the 2014 Porsche Cayman is a 2.7-liter displaced 6-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection (DFI) and VarioCam Plus. Mated to the engine is a 6-speed manual transmission that accelerates the Cayman from 0 to 60 mph in a heart palpitating 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph. You can boost performance with the optional Sports Chrono Package and it’ll cut the 0 to 60 to 5.1 seconds – a whole .3 seconds. Just listen to the sound of the Cayman engine and see how it makes you feel.

In building the 2014 Porsche Cayman S, Porsche engineers couldn’t resist the challenge of throwing everything they had along with their passion. Giving the Cayman S its heart is a 3.4-liter, flat-six engine with DFI and VarioCam Plus. The Cayman S coupe generates 325 hp propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with the speed maxing at 175 mph. Shave time from 4.7 to 4.4 by opting for the PDK and Sport Chrono package. And here’s the Cayman S sound. Can’t get more electrifying? Add a sports exhaust system and you’ll hear this engine.

Recovered yet? As if that isn’t enough to overwhelm you with excitement, the Porsche Cayman and Porsche Cayman S come with powerful and efficient technology. Auto Start Stop turns off the engine when the Cayman coupe comes to a stop while all sound and communications systems remain turned on. Electrical engine management optimizes engine performance. Advanced thermal management regulates the temperature in the engine and gearbox to cut friction loss. “But don’t be fooled by the greenie wrapper, the Cayman’s performance is supreme,” writes Car and Driver.

In driving the 2014 Porsche Cayman, you’ll choose curves over straight roads just to the experience the code of the curve every chance you get. Get a taste of the curve with by checking out the mid-engine coupe at Park Place Porsche Dallas.

 

Interior

Interior features vary based on model and package. This is a sample of some of the interior features you’ll find in the 2014 Porsche Cayman.

Interior colors: Colors vary based on model. These are some of the colors available. Black leather, Platinum Grey leather, Yachting Blue leather, Luxor Beige leather, Agate Grey/Pebble Grey two-tone leather, Agate Grey/Amber Orange two-tone leather, Agate Grey/Lime Gold two-tone leather, Agate Grey special leather, Espresso natural leather, Carrera Red natural leather.

Audio system: The BOSE® Surround Sound System features 8 amplifier channels. 10 loudspeakers integrated behind the dashboard include an active subwoofer to deliver balanced sound and a total output of 445 watts for a surround-sound experience.

Seating: The standard and comfortable sports seats finished in Alcantara provide support even when the hitting corners hard. The seat features powered backrest adjustment and manual height and fore/aft adjustment. All-around powered seating – fore/aft adjustment, lumbar support and steering column — is available as an option.

Steering wheel: The standard sports steering wheel with 3-spoke design is adjustable up to 60 mm axially and up to 40 mm vertically.

 

Exterior

Exterior features vary based on model and package. This is a sample of some of the exterior features you’ll find in the new Porsche Cayman.

Exterior colors: Colors vary based on model. These are some of the colors available. Agate Grey Metallic, Anthracite Brown Metallic, Aqua Blue Metallic, Basalt Black Metallic, Cognac Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, GT Silver Metallic, Guards Red, Lime Gold Metallic, Mahogany Metallic, Racing Yellow and White.

Lighting: Clear glass halogen headlights are standard on the Cayman. Bi-Xenon headlights are standard for the Cayman S. Integrated in the air intakes are circular front light units with LED daytime running lights and position lights. The taillights also use LED technology to increase safety.

Wheels: The 18-inch alloy wheel with dual-arm spoke design is standard in the new Cayman. Equipping the Cayman S are 19-inch wheels with the classic five-spoke design.

 

Safety

Safety features vary based on model and package. This is a sample of some of the safety features you’ll find in the 2014 Porsche Cayman.

Porsche Stability Management (PSM): Standard in both new Cayman models, Porsche Stability Management (PSM) maintains stability even at the limits of dynamic driving performance. Sensors continuously monitor the direction, speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration of the car.

Braking system: Equipped with four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed brake calipers, the brakes are resistant to deformation and lightweight for fast and sensitive braking response. The Caymans also feature a new generation of brake caliper at the front axle. When combining this with the large brake pads and the new brake booster, it increases braking and stability. Brake discs are internally vented and cross-drilled for improved braking in wet conditions.

Electric parking brake. As you pull away, the new electronic parking brake automatically releases. You can manually activate and deactivate the brake.

Airbags. Both Cayman models come with full-size and knee airbags that inflate in two stages depending on the severity and type of accident. In less serious accidents, the airbags are only partially inflated to limit discomfort.

 

Performance

2014 Porsche Cayman Vital Stats

Engine: 2.7-liter flat-six engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) and VarioCam Plus

Max power: 275 hp @ 7,400 rpm

0-60 mph time: 5.4 seconds

Top track speed: 165 mph

Max torque: 213 lb-ft @ 4,500 to 6,500 rpm

 

2014 Porsche Cayman S Vital Stats

Engine: 3.4-liter flat-six engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) and VarioCam Plus

Max power: 325 hp @ 4,700 rpm

0-60 mph time: 4.7 seconds

Top track speed: 175 mph

Max torque: 273 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 to 5,800 rpm.

Experts at Car and Driver Magazine describe 2013 Porsche Panamera performance like a land-based rocket ship. Designed as a sporty upgrade to the 2011 Panamera 4S model, these vehicles are perfect for consumers seeking form and function while driving. Seven distinct styles allow customers to create truly unique pieces of machinery.

Origins
Porsche designed Panamera vehicles with speed and excitement in mind. The  “Panamera” name originated from a Mexican sports car race that also provided inspiration for another Porsche model, the Carrera. It debuted to consumer markets back in 2009.  The vehicles offer a sleek alternative to similar luxury models with features frequently seen on Maseratis and Aston Martins.

 

General Overview
2013 Panamera models offer maximum comfort for long-distance travel. The design remains true to its original hatchback design with a four-door body style. Current Panamera models wowed spectators at the Los Angeles Auto Show while North American critics initially approached the cars with hesitation due to hybrid body styling.

Vehicle Trims
Six cylinder Panameras include basic rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Eight cylinder sedan (S) models come with rear or all-wheel drive. Grand turismo (GTS), turbo and turbo sedan (TS) units equipped with eight cylinder engines are also available. Standard features vary by trim, customers should consult with Porsche representatives to ensure that a particular model fits their needs.

Performance
18-inch summer tires with 0.2-inch rear-tire spacers enhance overall aesthetics and offer increased vehicle maneuverability. Strategically placed front-end intakes facilitate peak engine performance by continuously delivering fresh air during vehicle operation. Six-cylinder, 300 horsepower engines take vehicles go from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph) in approximately six seconds. Top speeds clock in at 160 mph.

Dual clutch, seven-speed transmissions offer quick acceleration and improved fuel economy. An automatic stop-start feature reduces idle times for reduced fuel consumption. Active suspension management (PASM) and stability management (PSM) are two standard features that provide maximum control on uneven surfaces. Panamera vehicles are part of a selective group that utilizes electronic parking brakes. Drivers simply push a button to engage the feature.

Safety Features
Panamera vehicles offer an extensive array of safety features. All vehicle doors provide impact protection. Airbag systems include dual front, knee, side and curtain units for the car’s ceiling and window spaces. Rollover detection deploys specific airbags in the event of an emergency.

Exterior
The official Porsche website indicates 2013 Panamera vehicle exteriors consist of an efficient steel and aluminum mix to reduce overall body weight. Standing approximately 55.8 inches tall, 2013 models are 0.4 inches shorter than previous models for minimal wind drag. Standard vehicle color selections include Black and White. Custom paint colors are available for an additional fee.

Interior
Porsche took extreme care in surrounding vehicle occupants with subtle luxuries. Partial leather seats envelop occupants in sumptuous comfort without the potential for wear and tear that accompanies traditional leather fittings. The feature is perfect for younger families who want a vehicle they can enjoy without hesitation. Multiple compartments including a cooled glove box provide ample storage space for smaller items. Panamera vehicles have four 12-volt electrical outlets.

Heat insulated glass helps vehicles maintain constant temperatures. Charcoal filters aide in alleviating seasonal allergy symptoms while operating conditioning and heating system systems. Two particularly driver-friendly features include power steering and rear ParkAssist. ParkAssist delivers auditory tone to help with parking and backing up.

Communication Management System
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) systems come standard on Panamera Turbo and Turbo S models. The seven-inch touch screen serves as a vehicle entertainment hub. PCMs play CDs, DVDs and  connect to mp3 players and provide navigation services. 42 radio-preset spaces offer more than enough room for station selections. An optional feature adds phone capabilities.

Optional Features
Additional features allow consumers to personalize their driving experience. Heated front and rear seats offer additional comfort in colder climates. Adaptive cruise control uses onboard sensors for automatic vehicle slowdown and acceleration. A front and rear ParkAssist provides visual safety cues with a rear-mounted camera.

Optional entertainment features include BOSE or BURMESTER surround sound systems and an integrated six-disc CD / DVD player. Installing voice control allows drivers to control many vehicle functions with vocal commands. Four-zone climate control gives passengers power over individual comforts.

Pricing
Suggested retail pricing for six cylinder 2013 Porsche Panamera vehicles starts at $75,850 United States dollars (USD). Sedans start around $91,350 USD. Starter pricing for turbo models is approximately $138,650 USD. Optional features add to overall costs. Prices are current as of November 2012.

Customers looking for the next generation in luxury vehicle should search no further than Porsche’s latest Panamera series. Hailed by critics as a luxury car that performs like a sports car, vehicles turn everyday driving into an experience. Porsche Panamera performance is truly in a league all its own.