J.D Power just released its 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study findings, and Lexus tops the list. Toyota’s luxury brand ranking the highest in dependability shouldn’t come as a surprise — this is the eighth year in a row Lexus earned top honors. What should raise a few red flags are a few industry firsts the study uncovered.
Now, 30-years running, J.D power’s study tallies up the number of problems experienced per 100 cars over the last 12 months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. So 2019’s study is shining a light on 2016’s cars. The study scrutinizes 177 possible problems across the eight major categories: mid-size sedans, full-sized pickups, all the sizes of SUVs, etc. Then, each vehicle gets a score, using golf rules: the lower, the better.
With all the numbers crunched and Lexus in the number one spot, Toyota and Porsche tied for second. The Porsche 911 won the inaugural “Most Dependable Model” award. But, for the first time, mass-market brands like Toyota and GM outperformed luxury brands. J.D Power’s study also revealed Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen are better than the industry average for the first time in 30 years. If that doesn’t dismantle the urban legend of German cars being historically reliable, nothing will.
“Vehicle dependability continues to improve, but I wouldn’t say that everything is rosy,” said Dave Sargent, Vice President of Global Automotive at J.D. Power. “Vehicles are more reliable than ever, but automakers are wrestling with problems such as voice recognition, transmission shifts, and battery failures.” So it would seem manufacturers have the most mechanical kinks worked out, but the more technology we pack into our cars, the more we’re leaving up to a chance of failure. At least now you know the best bet is a Lexus.
February 15, 2019 / Comments Off on Lexus Is the Most Dependable Luxury Brand of 2019
Porsche Classic has done some fantastic restorations of all kinds of Porsche vehicles, but the Carrera GT pictured here is a true stunner.The owner of the car commissioned Porsche Classic to not only restore the car but to completely strip it down and rebuild it to his specific instructions. That’s how it arrived at the beautiful one-off green machine you see before you.
The Carrera GT’s production ended about a dozen years ago, but the car is still a favorite among supercar enthusiasts. The V10 machine is one of Porsche’s most unique models. Now, this particular one stands out from the pack due to its perfect-in-our-eyes restoration.
To do what the owner of the car wanted, Porsche started by completely disassembling the car. It then refurbished or replaced every single part. Mechanics overhauled the engine, transmission, and chassis. The owner then chose an Oak Green Metallic paint from the 1970s that was never used on the Carrera GT.
The wheels are a special BBS five-spoke made of magnesium. The five spokes were painted and the rim of the wheel was polished using a special method developed for this specific application. Porsche used real silver to get the rims to shine. After that, Porsche spent 350 hours working on all the carbon fiber parts.
When finished, the car was presented to the owner and showed at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, GA. Porsche held an event with 100 people there and a symposium that coincided with the event. The star of the show, though, was undoubtedly the car.
February 7, 2019 / Comments Off on Porsche Classic Rebuilds Carrera GT From Scratch
Porsche plans to return to rally racing with a 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport R-GT Rallye. The car came about because of the positive response Porsche received on a rally car concept that it sent out into the world. Before the official car comes, Porsche did some testing with its 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport-based concept race car. The company let racing legend Walter Röhrl get behind the wheel at the GP Ice Race in Austria.
In the video below, you can see Röhrl whipping the car through the track on the very low traction surface. It’s a feat that not many of us could pull off. It’s simply a wonderful thing to see such a beautiful car handled with such finesse. Also, it helps that the vehicle sounds so beautiful. The car comes with a 3.8-liter flat-6 that makes 425 hp.
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The upcoming race car will be based on the new 718 and feature the car’s unique natural-fiber body panels, which help make it extremely lightweight. Porsche’s new rally car will compete in the FIA R-GT class when it’s finally finished. The car seen racing here is just the prototype and the testing was designed to help Porsche determine how to tweak the model for the actual production car.
While the car in the video above is not the final production vehicle, it’s doubtful that many noticeable changes will be made. At this point, Porsche is just fine-tuning the model, and getting it ready for production. The company stated the car should come in 2020, and we can’t wait for it.
February 3, 2019 / Comments Off on Walter Röhrl Tests Porsche’s 718 Rally Concept at GP Ice Race in Austria
The Porsche Taycan will come to the market as one of the company’s most highly-anticipated models ever. It’s an important car, too. It has a fully electric powertrain and the rumors say 600 hp. It will have a range of around 310 miles and can charge up to 248 miles worth of its battery in just 15 minutes.
According to Autoweek, its 0-60 mph time should be 3.5 seconds and 124 mph should come in a quick 14 seconds. Not good enough? What about a GT3 version? A new rendering from Porsche Taycan EV Forum shows what the model could look like. It’s stunning, and if Porsche is paying attention it should take note.
Will There be a Taycan GT3?
The Taycan will debut later this year, and when it does Porsche will have three versions of the vehicle. The Taycan, Taycan 4S, and Taycan Turbo. Because the vehicle is a fully electric machine and therefore can’t have turbos, we’re not really sure why Porsche will call one of the versions the Turbo.
The Turbo designation will likely just be for the higher-performance model. However, it seems that Porsche could have just come up with a different name, one that would have made sense. Anyway, the Taycan should be a riot on the road with that kind of horsepower, and it will show what Porsche plans to do as cars transition away from fossil fuels.
With all that said, I sincerely hope the company chooses to make a GT3 version of the Taycan, and when that happens, I hope it looks as good as the rendering shown above. The model gets a revised front end with a new splitter, front fascia, and grille. The rear has a big wing on it. It looks fantastic, and with the interest in this model Porsche should consider something like it.
January 28, 2019 / Comments Off on Porsche Taycan GT3 Rendering Looks Awesome
Porsche is prepared to make the 992 version of the 911 GT3 RS the best it has ever been. According to Wheels magazine, quoted on Which Carthe vehicle will be more of an evolutionary change rather than a revolution for the vehicle. Talking with 911 product line chief August Achleitner Wheels was able to get confirmation that Porsche won’t mess with the basic formula for the GT3 RS.
That means the car will still be rear-wheel drive, have a high-revving naturally aspirated engine, and be extremely lightweight. The engine will be similar to the 4.0-liter flat-six engine in the current car. However, it may receive a displacement bump. Despite the increase in cubic centimeters, the car will likely still car the engine a 4.0-liter, according to Achleitner.
As far as transmissions go, the car will get the 7-speed PDK. A manual will be optional, too. This should help the GT3 RS keep weight down rather than going with the heavier 8-speed automatic at Porsche’s disposal. Keeping the car lightweight, Porsche will also employ plenty of carbon fiber and a magnesium roof.
Which Car notes that the focus of the new GT3 RS will be aerodynamics. The goal will be to increase both the possible top speed and cornering speed. Achleitner told Wheelsthe car would come with the latest technology, too. It would be available through the two 7-inch displays in the new car. The information displayed could be tailored to track use, giving the driver up-to-date data whenever he or she wants it. Sounds like the upcoming GT3 RS will be a real winner.
January 23, 2019 / Comments Off on Details on the New Porsche 911 GT3 RS Emerge
Porsche had a concept rally car based on the GT4 Clubsport racing car. At the time the company showed it off, it made it clear it was just a concept. Well, now Porsche will build a production 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport R-GT Rallye.It should be ready for the rally race track in 2020.
The company decided to actually make a rally car after the concept was well received at an ADAC rally race in Germany. Porsche said the response to the car was very positive. The concept was based on the old version of the Cayman GT4 Clubsport, but the production car will be based on the new 718 Gayman GT4 Clubsport that we previously covered.
That means the rally car will get a 3.8-liter flat-six engine making 425 hp. The car comes with a 6-speed PDK transmission, sending all of the naturally aspirated engine’s power to the rear wheels. The car gets several body panels with natural fiber materials to keep its overall weight down.
Porsche’s new rally car will compete in the FIA R-GT class. It’s a class designed for two-door cars based closely on street-legal sports cars. The cars also must have a power to weight ratio of 7.5-pounds per horsepower. That means the new Porsche rally car should compete with vehicles like the Aston Martin Vantage, Porsche 997 GT3, and Fiat 124 Abarth in the World Rally Championship, according to The Supercar Blog.
Porsche says highlights of the racing class include the famous Monte Carlo Rally and the stages on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. Even if Porsche wasn’t actually racing the car, I’d watch it drive along those iconic stretches of road. The fact that the car is competing and will likely be a force to be reckoned with is icing on the cake.
January 19, 2019 / Comments Off on Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport R-GT Rally Car Confirmed
With the introduction of the 2019 718 Cayman T and Boxster T, it is clear that Porsche has taken a page out of the 911 playbook – and to great effect. The 911 T, which was released early in 2018, is a no-frills, purists version of the 911. In short, it is a spartan, stripped down version of the base-model Carrera, sparingly equipped with only the equipment necessary to create a completely driver-focused 911.
The warm reception of the aforementioned car has convinced Porsche that they should apply this philosophy to their 718 lineup as well, also proving that Porsche appreciates and listens to its customers. This is not just good for public relations, but it is also good for business – a touring version of the affordable 718, truly means that this is a Porsche sports car for the masses.
Features and Highlights
Engine and Performance
Both the Cayman T and Boxster T will be equipped with the base-model 718’s mid-mounted 2.0L flat-four turbocharged engine, which produces 300-horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The 718 T will come standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and buyers will also have the option of outfitting the car with a PDK transmission. Respectively, the car will sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds in the manual and 4.5 seconds in the PDK version’s Sport Plus mode, while top speed is 170 mph.
Chassis and Handling
As a result if its inherent philosophy, an un-optioned 718 T will weigh in at 1,350 kg, making it the lightest version in the lineup. The chassis is also 20mm lower to the ground than the base-model it has stripped down, and sits on lightweight 20” high-gloss titanium grey wheels.
In continuing to stay true to its word, the 718 T is equipped strictly with features that enhance the driving experience through a purist’s field of view. The 6-speed manual version of either car will come standard with Porsche Torque Vectoring and a mechanical locking rear axle differential. For the first time, Porsche Active Suspension Management is available (and in this case, also standard) on a 718, with the latest Cayman and Boxster now able to benefit from this state-of-the-art the electronic damping system.
Interior and Exterior
Inside the cockpit is a seamless continuation of the no-frills principles of the “T”, with door pull straps replacing the door handles, a leather-wrapped 360-millimeter GT sports steering wheel and two-way adjustable sport seats. My only surprise here is that the seats aren’t cloth, as leather doesn’t seem to buy into the ideals of spartan-ism so much – oh well.
Furthermore, the Porsche Communication Management module isn’t standard and a storage bin takes its spot instead. Adding it back is actually a no charge option, should you feel the need to restore a sense of relative convenience in the car. Other features that come standard are agate grey mirror shells, a shorter-throw gearbox, and Sport Chrono package (with the dashboard-mounted stopwatch included).
The 718 T will be visually differentiated from its stable-mates with retro-style graphics on each side of the car. To truly stand out, in addition to the standard palette, buyers can also opt for special-edition Lava Orange and Miami Blue paint jobs which are exclusive to the 718 T.
Verdict
I believe that the Porsche 718 T is a car we can all get excited for – and by all, I really mean everyone. With official pricing expected to start in the $60,000 USD range, the scenario of owning a true sports car – a Porsche sports car – is very attainable. In an age where large SUVs and crossovers address the necessities of today’s society and lifestyles, the 718 T opens the door for the midlife crisis to happen sooner than originally thought.
Similar to the 911 T, the 718 T will not be the fastest, most luxurious or even the cheapest of all the 718 variants. However, the car is a unique combination of features and nuances that add up to more than the sum of its parts. The T-wins are the perfect car for somebody who knows exactly what they want, and wants nothing more than that – the purist’s car.
Kudos to Porsche for continuing to take the words of their customers and fans to heart.
2019 Porsche 718 T Cayman Image Gallery
January 10, 2019 / Comments Off on 2019 Porsche 718 T Cayman & Boxster Revealed
Porsche revealed the new 911 Cabriolet, and it marks the second version of the 992. The company claims the Cabriolet will be just as good to drive as the coupe. Removing the roof the car is supposed to have little impact on its chassis stiffness and curvy road prowess.
Porsche will offer the Cabriolet in Carrera S and Carrera 4S versions to start. Eventually, the model will expand to other variations. That means if you want a 911 Cabriolet GTS or Turbo, you’ll be able to get it. Both rear and all-wheel-drive models will be offered.
The car features Porsche’s new MMB platform. That means it will remain stiff even without its roof thanks to additional structural elements in the floor and firewall as well as the new engine mounts.
These new improvements allow Porsche to offer the Sports PDCC Chassis option. This was only offered on the coupe version of the 911 previously. Because the new Cabriolet is so stiff it can now handle the option.
Roof and Performance
The 911 Cabriolet’s roof can go down in a quick 12 seconds. You can raise or lower it up to 31 mph, which is a nice feature. Porsche added magnesium structural elements to the drop top to keep it from ballooning at high speeds. When up, the car keeps the coupe’s overall shape well. If you drop it, the soft top folds down and has no cover, a feature typical for the brand.
Powering the Cabriolet is the same impressive turbocharged flat-six engine that makes 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The base rear-drive car can do the 0 to 60 mph run in 3.9 seconds. With the optional Sport Chrono Package that drops to 3.7 seconds. The all-wheel-drive version knocks out a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds. Again, with the Sport Chrono Package, it’s down further to 3.6 seconds.
It sure sounds to me like you don’t lose much when you go with the 911 Cabriolet in terms of performance. You just gain the option to drop the top on a sunny day.
January 9, 2019 / Comments Off on Porsche Reveals the 911 Cabriolet
Prepared by Porsche Motorsports, the new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is a track car that offers supreme performance chops. Porsche offers it in two forms: the “Trackday” model for amateur racers and the “Competition” model for national and international racing.
The Cayman GT4 Clubsport features natural-fiber composite material. This is a first of any production race car ever to use natural-fiber. Porsche crafted the doors and rear wing from an organic fiber mix. The company makes this mix from a unique blend of agricultural products. This gives the composite similar characteristics to carbon fiber.
Around the back of the vehicle is the 3.8-liter flat-six engine that powers the car. It makes 425 hp, which is a boost of 40 hp from previous models.
The Trackday version of the car gets non-adjustable shock absorbers; ABS, ESC, and traction control settings that are more forgiving; air conditioning; and some additional safety features. Porsche equipped the Competition model with three-stage adjustable shocks, 115-liter safety fuel tank, adjustable brake balance, integrated air-jack system, automatic fire extinguisher system, and a quick release racing steering wheel.
Both versions of the cars are available for order now and can be shipped anywhere in the world. The Trackday version starts at 134,000 Euro (about $152,000). The Competition version starts at 157,000 Euro (about $178,000).
January 4, 2019 / Comments Off on Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport Breaks Cover
The 2019 Porsche four-door Panamera is getting a huge upgrade in the form of its very own GTS Sport Turismo variant. The ride, boasting a 4-liter twin-turbo V8, has 20 more horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque than the standard model. It also features Porsche’s dual-clutch PDK transmission.
That means an acceleration of zero to 60 in just 4.1 seconds, with eight gears sending power to all four wheels. You can opt for the Sport Chrono Package to boost acceleration even further to zero to 60 in just 3.9 seconds. On top of that, you’re also getting an active air suspension with a reworked Active Suspension Management system. Plus a 10mm lower ride height and larger brakes on the front and rear. And don’t even worry about speed because this thing is fast. The top track speed is 179mph.
There’s also a new HUD system available inside, in addition to Alcantara-trimmed interior with aluminum accents throughout, giving the inside of the car a classic yet badass feel. Two models are available, the Panamera GTS and GTS Sport Turismo. Both models carry the SportsDesign package as standard, complete with distinctive front and rear fascia.
The adaptive rear spoiler of the Panamera GTS splits after extending, which in turn makes it much broader and ensures the lift in the rear axle is efficiently reduced. The GTS Turismo, on the other hand, features an adaptive roof spoiler to ensure exceptional driving stability. You can even opt for “GTS” logos on the lower edge of the front doors to complete the overall sporty look.
The Cayenne is Porsche’s larger mid-size luxury SUV. For its third generation, the self-described “sports car for five” has gotten lighter, faster, and more performance-inclined to distinguish itself from external competitors and similar internal competitors like the Audi Q8 and the Porsche Macan S.
The Good: Porsche designed it. Quick for an SUV. Excellent balance and low center of gravity. Responsive steering. Intuitive transmission. Notably comfortable front seats.
Who It’s For: Affluent SUV buyers who want Porsche cachet and performance. Perhaps a one-car Porsche enthusiast whose kids have outgrown the 911’s rear seat.
Watch Out For: Engine noise underwhelms. Standard suspension feels tight. The option tree gets pricey and borderline exploitative.
Alternatives: Other high-end European performance geared SUVs in this general price range include: • Range Rover Sport ($67,050, base)
Review: The thing about driving a Porsche around Napa for a day is you can’t describe it as work. Social mores mandate at least a knowing smirk when you say that. We all know why. Porsche means premium, precisely engineered, and damn near perfect. When Porsche needed to redefine the Cayenne for its third generation (and differentiate it from its Audi Q8 cousin using the same MLB platform and engine) the answer was to play up just how much of a Porsche this midsize SUV is.
Porsche made the Cayenne more athletic. The SUV has gotten lighter (down 120lbs) from the last generation. The new 3.0L Turbo V6 in the base model generates more power (+35hp) and torque (37lb-ft) than the last model. Getting lighter, more powerful, and having the driving dynamics improved makes it faster. Every iteration of the Cayenne will do 0-60mph in under six seconds.
Porsche wants the Cayenne to look more like a Porsche. Truth be told, it looks similar to Gen 2. But, Porsche wants the wide shoulders to remind you of the 911’s characteristic, much fawned over back end. The new Cayenne also incorporates a number of performance features from other Porsches. It has staggered front and rear wheels, replacing the predecessor’s square alignment. It can be fitted with rear axle steering and launch control. The Cayenne will be the first Porsche fitted with proprietary Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB). These deliver most of the benefits of ceramics, cost much less, and leave a boss mirror finish.
Upping the Porsche quotient (surprise, surprise) produces an engaging SUV to drive. The Cayenne is quick. It is well-balanced. The steering is responsive. It has a low center of gravity and an impressive amount of grip. The transmission intuits what the driver wants seamlessly. It’s a keen corner taker. It behaves when bottled up behind a Subaru on a two-line highway. About the only criticism is the engine note which was either too mild or too mild to puncture the noise canceling glass.
Rest assured. Porsche did not go full-on “SAV” here. The Cayenne is still an SUV. The grab bag of Porsche sports car features available did not include the PDK transmission, because Porsche believes its 8-Speed Tiptronic is better for off-roading and towing. The Cayenne has multiple off-road terrain settings. The closest we got to testing them was ducking into a scenic roadside lookout for pictures.
The Adaptive Air Suspension is worth the expense. The standard one felt very tight and unforgiving on our morning tester with 21-inch wheels. The air suspension gives a smoother and more composed ride. Even when the car is being pushed, the copilot can settle into a notably comfy front seat for a post-lunch snooze.
I would lean toward taking the PSCB brakes as well. I found them too touchy starting out at slow speed. I missed how easily they stopped the car when I didn’t have them. The standard brakes are adequate. The PCSBs, as they should be for the cost, are better and look cool.
I didn’t futz with the infotainment system too much. The Cayenne has dual customizable 7-inch displays behind the wheel and a 12.3-inch tablet screen in the center. The design was clean. Menu progression was natural. I wish the big screen had been angled toward the driver slightly more.
Where the Cayenne offers the truest Porsche experience is when you reach for the checkbook. Porsche makes nearly everything, including many features most luxury cars would make standard, options. Those options get expensive in a hurry. Embark with me on a quick configurator journey.
Let’s add the air suspension ($4160) and the PSCB brakes ($3490). The latter require you to upgrade to at least 20 inch wheels ($1720 minimum). That alone is approaching $10,000. You probably want adaptive cruise control ($2000) and lane change assist ($950) on your kid transporter. Sunroof? That’s an additional ($1850). Want your car to remember your seat settings ($1900) and heat up during the winter? ($530 for just the front).
Does the performance stuff intrigue you? The Sport Chrono package for launch control and sport plus driving mode ($1130) is a must have. There’s the rear-axle steering ($1650) Do you plan to use your Cayenne for SUV stuff? That will be an additional off-road package ($2000) and tow rig ($660). Yeah, I dig that Biscay Blue Metallic paint ($800) too. This stuff only scratches the surface of the customization options.
Our lightly outfitted, base model tester vehicles were pricing out north of $80,000 for what, reminder, is the third best engine you can have in a Cayenne. That price tag factors into the perception. The Cayenne provides a great drive for an SUV. It’s an all-around, capable, and fun car. It’s recognizable as a Porsche. It’s more than a profitable placeholder in the Porsche lineup. But, an $80,000-plus or more car should have some outstanding quality that makes that expenditure feel justified. However improved or formidable, the Cayenne in the base trim doesn’t.
The Cayenne will be more than enough SUV for most buyers. Porsche will sell a number of them. The cachet from that Porsche emblem alone will keep many Cayenne customers happy. It better, because they are paying a steep premium for it.
Verdict: The Cayenne is a proper Porsche. It’s top notch engineering. It performs just about every task well. It will be more than enough for most buyers. But, a near $90,000 car, SUV or no, should give you the giggles. It should have one exceptional quality that excites you about spending that much money. The Cayenne didn’t.
What Others Are Saying:
• “It took Porsche 53 years to sell a million 911s. Porsche has sold 770,000 Cayennes in the 15 years since it was launched in 2002, and the millionth will probably be built in about three years. As much as we love and cherish the sports cars from Stuttgart, Porsche in the 21st century is the house that the Cayenne SUV built.” – Tony Quiroga, Car and Driver
• “If you’re willing to pay the premium, though, the new Cayenne delivers precisely what cargo-hauling Porsche fanboys consistently insist they want: an SUV that satisfies the sport part of the equation while offering a level of functionality and people-moving they can’t get in a 911 or 718. – Basem Wasef, Autoblog
There’ll be only a few of these, so act fast if you want one. Porsche has now unwrapped the open-top 2019 911 Speedster. This was the concept car the automaker unveiled back in June, now greenlit for production.
The gorgeous two-seater model is going to be built as part of the line’s 70th anniversary, and it’ll also mark the end of the current-generation 911. Porsche is only making 1,948 units, though (owing to the fact that the first 356 was made in 1948), and the car will come in a Paris is Guards Red colorway, exactly like the 1988 911 Speedster.
Porsche based the car on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet body shell then added a more aerodynamic windshield angle and shorter side windows. It should be noted that this isn’t just a minor revamp; Porsche Motorsport in Weissach developed this car, meaning it’s a more hardcore 991 iteration than you’d initially think. You’ll find 911 GT3 parts in the chassis, plus carbon fiber on the the fenders, the hood, and the engine cover. Meanwhile, the exhaust system and six-speed manual gearbox come from Porsche’s GT unit.
The 911 Speedster boasts a 500-horsepower flat-six engine, which was borrowed from the track star GT3. The six shifts through a six-speed manual transmission. The car also debuts Porsche’s new Heritage Design Packages, which should give customers a lot more personalization options.
Porsche is set to begin production during the first half of 2019. Pricing has yet to be determined, but this is a limited-edition model, so don’t expect it to be cheap.
As a lover of sports cars I have a huge admiration of Porsche and their two door sports cars. The Boxster and Cayman have mid-engined poise and balance like noting else in the segment and don’t even get me started on the brilliance of every 911 in the range from the T, to the GTS to the unhinged GT models. Porsche define sports cars and set an example to the rest on how things should be done.
But now there are far more Porsche models on offer. When the Cayenne launched way back when I was a wee little lad, the world thought that the Germans had gone mad. When the Panamera launched the world thought the designers had gone blind. Then followed the Macan, a car that was an instant hit, because the world had gone barmy and suddenly everyone wanted an SUV to clog up narrow city streets and school drop off zones.
Porsche Macan Mallorca Zaid Hamid
This epidemic has continued and now we live in a world where Porsche sells more Macans than any other model. This is great for two simple reasons. The Macan is brilliant and selling shed loads of Macans, Panameras and Cayennes means that Porsche can reinvest profits into the cars that the rest of the world and I love them for – the bonkers things such as the GT2 RS et al.
So the Macan is the bread winner, the golden child, the cash cow if you will – this makes it extremely important. It must be good and for this reason I flew to Mallorca to see what was what. Initial impressions are great – my buddy Philipp Rupprecht shot the official press pictures of the updated Macan and it looked great under the studio lights. The front end is not wildly different to the first gen car. The rear is a similar story, the most notable change being the lightsaber rear light beam that is now the norm on the buttocks of every Porsche. I liked the look of the old car, I love the look of the new one.
Enough of the styling, what this this new car like on the road? Porsche boldly opens the press materials with the statement that the new Macan is ‘the sports car in its segment’. The seating position immediately suggests that they are on to something – you sit nice and low and the steering wheel comes to meet you. It’s a little bizarre, but it is positive in a car that weighs 2,500 kilograms. The drivetrain continues the sporty connotations with a 3.0-litre petrol, twin-scroll turbocharged V6 nestled under the bonnet on the Macan S – this same unit can be found in the Cayenne and Panamera. This is, of course, linked to Porsche’s PDK which we all know to be sublime. Being an SUV, the power is fed to all four wheels via the PTM all-wheel drive system.
With 354 horsepower the Macan S is spritely for a midsized SUV sprinting to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds and ploughing onto a top speed of 225km/h. What is interesting is how the Macan S is able to be driven with gusto on twisty roads and manage its weight very well. The car I was driving was fitted with the Sport Chrono package meaning that features the drive mode switch. In Sport and Sport+ the air suspension is stiffened to fight body roll and works with the Porsche Stability Management systems to make this the most dynamically capable Macan yet. Furthermore, new engine mounts manage the movement of the engine.
There is a smidgen of feedback from the steering wheel, a feat for such a car, there is always a sense that you can feel what the chassis is doing beneath you. Driving the car for several hours a few things instantly became clear. The car is happy to be driven in anger and handles well for a car of this nature, but more importantly, it is a sublime and comfortable car to drive at a more leisurely pace. That being said, the sound of the engine in the upper half of the rev range is disappointing. It does not sound smooth, to the extent that it could pass as a diesel to the untrained ear.
The aforementioned air suspension irons out bumps and craters as if they were filled with marshmallow and it is extremely quiet and gentle on highway cruises. This is where Macans will almost entirely spend their lives – going to the supermarket, dropping children to and from schools and occasionally doing a longer drive on a long weekend or vacation.
For tasks such as these the Macan shines. The interior, complete with Panamera like screen and displays is fantastic with fabulous materials and build quality. There is a small army of driver aids and tech and the updated styling, in and out will be a huge success. The Macan S is sure to still be the segment leader.
December 10, 2018 / Comments Off on 2019 Porsche Macan S Review
Ferdinand Porsche truly believed he could fuse a generously powered engine and a small body together and create the ultimate “fun” driver. And as the Porsche 356 proves, he was right.
A bit of a history lesson: This lightweight rear-wheel-drive, rear-engine sports car was first built in 1948 in Austria. Two years later, Porsche swapped out the aluminum body for a Reutter-built steel-shell, and moved production to Germany. Then, the 356 won its first Le Mans, giving Porsche some much-deserved street cred. With the model still popular, Porsche followed up with the “B” series in 1959. Nearly 31,000 units were built before the “C” series arrived in 1963.
Fast forward to today and you’re now looking at this bad boy, which came straight out of Porsche’s factory in 1963. It comes with an unrestored sunroof, Becker radio with speakers, and black leather seats. Plenty of things to gush about here, like the Leitz luggage rack and deluxe horn ring. There’s also a tinted windshield and Rudge knock-off wheels. A thing of rarity in vintage car circles.
Everything inside is untouched. In fact, the radio suppressor and original voltage regulator are still tethered to the engine. A family in the Hamptons used to own it, but only drove 27,317 miles so it still has plenty of kick left. It also retains more than 50% of its original paint, and mind you, it’s still in excellent running condition. The engine has apparently never been overhauled, although the current owner, a Porsche devotee, will provide receipts for reconditioning if need be.
Quite a few truly impressive products have come out of the Porsche Design Studio, founded by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (grandson of the Porsche founder and the original designer of the 911). Studio F. A.…
The new Porsche 911: more powerful, faster, digital
The German automaker has unwrapped its powerful new 911 on the eve of the Los Angeles motor show, offering folks a first real look at the eighth generation of one of the motoring world’s most recognizable rear-engined icons. It is the eighth generation 911, codenamed the 992 (see all historical models here). This is a big deal, it isn’t often we get a new 911 so when we do we like to obsess.
The basic structure and footprint of the 991 Porsche was carried over for the 992, but the new Porsche wears updated bodywork that (as expected) evolves the 911 shape rather that do anything too rash. Save for the front and rear fascias, the body is made entirely from aluminum, too. It looks more planted to me, a more muscular look and better stance than the outgoing 991. It has wider arches covering 20-inch wheels up front and 21-inch wheels down back, while the front end has been stretched out by 45 mm (1.77 in) to give it that slightly wider stance. All 911s will now have this wider body (previously it was only the all-wheel drive models). On the outside, we also love the cool electrical pop-out flush doorhandles which mean the side is completely flat as well as the rear end which is modern and old school at the same time.
The new cars have the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter used in current Carrera models. The flat-six turbocharged engine has been further developed and is more powerful than ever before. It gets an improved injection process and a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system. It is a turbocharged 3 liter flat-six unit with 444 hp in both the 911 Carrera S and Carrera 4S which is up 23 horsepower over the outgoing 991 car. Torque numbers haven’t been released yet. Also standard for 2020 is a brand new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (Porsche says there will be a manual, but won’t say when).
Performance-wise, all of this adds up to some great numbers. The rear-wheel-drive Carrera S gets to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S does it in 3.4 seconds. The optional Sports Chrono package shaves a further 0.2 seconds of those times. For those counting, that puts the Carrera 4S half a second behind the current GT2 RS. I bet that real world performance will feel markedly better than even those impressive numbers suggest when compared to the current 991.
The redesigned interior brings plenty of modern touches for the digital era, spearheaded by a new 10.9-inch center touchscreen. This is a seven-inch upsize from the previous model and displays software like Porsche’s Road Trip planning app with its curated routes, the Porsche 360+ lifestyle assistant, and the web-based emissions calculator. The instrument cluster, meanwhile, is apparently inspired by 911s from the 1970s era, with a central rev counter flanked by two smaller, freeform displays. For the first time, the 911 is complimented by exclusive digital products that go with the car: the Porsche Road Trip app for extraordinary road trips, the Porsche 360+ personal assistant which is a web-based Porsche Impact emissions calculator for neutralizing your individual carbon footprint.
As always the new 911 gets a host of new technology upgrades. Additional highlights include the new assistance systems, including Porsche Wet mode to make driving on wet roads even safer, and Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, as well as comprehensive connectivity – which now also uses swarm intelligence. In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet mode, included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver, who can then set up the vehicle for a particular emphasis on safety, by simply pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel (Sport Chrono Package). The warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collisions with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The adaptive cruise control option includes automatic distance control, stop-and-go function, reversible occupant protection and an innovative autonomous Emergency Assist function.
Prices for the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S start at $113,200, while the 4S starts at $120,600. Orders are open, but deliveries won’t start until summer of 2019 in the U.S.
Photo Gallery
Videos
The new Porsche 911: Exterior & Interior Design.
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The new Porsche 911: First Driving Footage.
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The New Porsche 911 – Highlight Video
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Porsche 911 (992) Announcement
Unmistakably committed to the Porsche design DNA, a much more muscular look, and an interior featuring a 10.9-inch touchscreen monitor, the new 911 is timeless – and modern. Intelligent control and chassis elements as well as innovative assistance systems combine the masterfully uncompromising dynamism that the classic rear-engine sportscar is famed for, with the demands of the digital world.
The next generation of flat-six turbocharged engines has been further developed and is more powerful than ever before, with 331 kW (450 PS) in the S models. The drive efficiency has been increased by way of an improved injection process and a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system. The power is delivered by a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Additional highlights include the new assistance systems, including Porsche Wet mode to make driving on wet roads even safer, and Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, as well as comprehensive connectivity – which now also uses swarm intelligence. The 911’s features are rounded off by three exclusive digital offerings: the Porsche Road Trip app for extraordinary tours, the Porsche 360+ personal assistant, and the web-based Porsche Impact emissions calculator for neutralising your individual carbon footprint.
Carrera S models start from 450 PS
The turbocharged flat-six engine of the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S now produces 331 kW (450 PS; 911 Carrera S: Fuel consumption combined 8.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 205 g/km; 911 Carrera 4S: Fuel consumption combined 9.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 206 g/km). This corresponds to an increase of 22 kW (30 PS) compared with the previous model. Both 911 models beat the four-second mark for acceleration from zero to 100 km/h: the rear-wheel-drive Coupé needs 3.7 seconds and the 911 Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive just 3.6 seconds. This makes both cars 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model in each case. This advantage is increased by a further 0.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The top speeds are now 308 km/h (911 Carrera S) and 306 km/h for the all-wheel-drive version. The fuel consumption (NEDC-correlated) of the 911 Carrera S is 8.9 l/100 km, while the 911 Carrera 4 S records this figure as 9.0 l/100 km.
Clear design language, unmistakable identity
The exterior design is completely new and emphasises the leap in performance for the 911 type 992. Significantly wider wheel housings arch over the 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels. The rear end is now the same width across all models, highlighting the slimline centre section. At the front, the body is 45 mm wider. Flush integration of the electrical pop-out handles in the doors emphasises the tapered and smooth side contour. Between the new LED headlights, a bonnet with a pronounced recess evokes the design of the first 911 generations. The rear is dominated on all models by the significantly wider, variable-position rear spoiler and the seamless, elegant light bar. Apart from the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminium.
The completely new interior is characterised by the clear and straight lines of the dashboard with recessed instruments. The 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here. Alongside the central rev counter – typical for Porsche – two thin, frameless freeform displays supply information to the driver. The centre screen of the PCM is now 10.9 inches, and can be operated quickly and without distraction thanks to the new architecture. Located underneath this there is a compact switch unit with five buttons for direct access to important vehicle functions. In terms of digitalisation, the 911 takes the next step into the future with permanent connectivity as well as new functions and services. The standard PCM features include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Porsche Connect Plus.
<a class="fancybox fancybox-gallery" href="https://porschenewsroom.s3.amazonaws.com/porsche_newsroom/produkte/911/992/992-press-release/b-p18_0874jpg/f98ba974-ed8b-4808-a217-79e889b14faa_teaser_original_720.jpg" data-id="" data-fancybox-lowres-url="https://newsroom.porsche.com/download/?id=f98ba974-ed8b-4808-a217-79e889b14faa&size=low" data-fancybox-description="911 Carrera 4S (992), 2018, Porsche AG
911 Carrera 4S: Fuel consumption combined 9.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 206 g/km” data-header=”Foto”>
New assistance systems increase safety and comfort
In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet mode, included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver, who can then set up the vehicle for a particular emphasis on safety, by simply pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel (Sport Chrono Package). The warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collisions with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The adaptive cruise control option includes automatic distance control, stop-and-go function, reversible occupant protection and an innovative autonomous Emergency Assist function.
Digital applications: “Road Trip”, “360+” and “Impact”
“Porsche Road Trip” supports car enthusiasts in planning, organising and navigating special trips. The curated routes it offers include exclusive hotel and restaurant recommendations as well as points of interest and viewpoints along the route.
“Porsche 360+” has the goal of allowing the customer to enjoy the Porsche experience even while away from the vehicle; the heart of “Porsche 360+” is a personal lifestyle assistant that is available to customers around the clock. The assistant is intended to make everyday life easier and exclusive experiences possible.
“Porsche Impact” is an emissions calculator. It calculates the financial contributions that Porsche customers can pay to offset their CO2 footprint. They themselves can choose the internationally certified climate projects in which to invest. The projects available are spread out all over the world and focus on wind, hydro and solar power, as well as forest protection.
992 Porsche 911 Press Release
The eighth generation of an icon: World Premiere in Los Angeles
The new Porsche 911: more powerful, faster, digital
Stuttgart, Germany. Sensation in Los Angeles: the Porsche 911 is now entering the eighth generation. The new 911 celebrated its world premiere on the eve of the L.A. Auto Show. It continues to set the standard when it comes to exclusive sportiness. Unmistakably committed to the Porsche design DNA, a much more muscular look, and an interior featuring a 10.9-inch touchscreen monitor, the new 911 is timeless – and modern. Intelligent control and chassis elements as well as innovative assistance sys- tems combine the masterfully uncompromising dynamism that the classic rear-engine sportscar is famed for, with the demands of the digital world.
The next generation of flat-six turbocharged engines has been further developed and is more powerful than ever before, with 331 kW (450 PS) in the S models. The drive efficiency has been increased by way of an improved injection process and a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system. The power is delivered by a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Additional highlights include the new assistance systems, including Porsche Wet mode to make driving on wet roads even safer, and Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, as well as comprehensive connectivity – which now also uses swarm intelligence. The 911’s fea- tures are rounded off by three exclusive digital offerings: the Porsche Road Trip app for extraordinary tours, the Porsche 360+ personal assistant, and the web-based Por- sche Impact emissions calculator for neutralising your individual carbon footprint.
Carrera S models start from 450 PS
The turbocharged flat-six engine of the 911 Carrera S* and 911 Carrera 4S now pro- duces 331 kW (450 PS). This corresponds to an increase of 22 kW (30 PS) compared with the previous model. Both 911 models beat the four-second mark for acceleration from zero to 100 km/h: the rear-wheel-drive Coupé needs 3.7 seconds and the 911 Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive just 3.6 seconds. This makes both cars 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model in each case. This advantage is increased by a further 0.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The top speeds are now 308 km/h (911 Carrera S) and 306 km/h for the all-wheel-drive version. The fuel consump- tion (NEDC-correlated) of the 911 Carrera S is 8.9 l/100 km, while the 911 Carrera 4 S records this figure as 9.0 l/100 km.
Clear design language, unmistakable identity
The exterior design is completely new and emphasises the leap in performance for the 911 type 992. Significantly wider wheel housings arch over the 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels. The rear end is now the same width across all models, high- lighting the slimline centre section. At the front, the body is 45 mm wider. Flush inte- gration of the electrical pop-out handles in the doors emphasises the tapered and smooth side contour. Between the new LED headlights, a bonnet with a pronounced recess evokes the design of the first 911 generations. The rear is dominated on all models by the significantly wider, variable-position rear spoiler and the seamless, ele- gant light bar. Apart from the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminium.
The completely new interior is characterised by the clear and straight lines of the dash- board with recessed instruments. The 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspi- ration here. Alongside the central rev counter – typical for Porsche – two thin, frame- less freeform displays supply information to the driver. The centre screen of the PCM is now 10.9 inches, and can be operated quickly and without distraction thanks to the new architecture. Located underneath this there is a compact switch unit with five but- tons for direct access to important vehicle functions. In terms of digitalisation, the 911 takes the next step into the future with permanent connectivity as well as new functions and services. The standard PCM features include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Porsche Connect Plus.
New assistance systems increase safety and comfort
In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet mode, included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver, who can then set up the vehicle for a particular emphasis on safety, by simply pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel (Sport Chrono Package). The warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collisions with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The adaptive cruise control option includes automatic distance control, stop-and-go function, reversible occupant protection and an innovative autonomous Emergency Assist function.
The 911 Carrera S costs from 120,125 euros in Germany and the 911 Carrera 4S from 127,979 euros, including VAT and country-specific equipment. The new models can be ordered now.
Digital applications: “Road Trip”, “360+” and “Impact”
“Porsche Road Trip” supports car enthusiasts in planning, organising and navigating special trips. The curated routes it offers include exclusive hotel and restaurant recom- mendations as well as points of interest and viewpoints along the route.
“Porsche 360+” has the goal of allowing the customer to enjoy the Porsche experience even while away from the vehicle; the heart of “Porsche 360+” is a personal lifestyle assistant that is available to customers around the clock. The assistant is intended to make everyday life easier and exclusive experiences possible.
“Porsche Impact” is an emissions calculator. It calculates the financial contributions that Porsche customers can pay to offset their CO2 footprint. They themselves can choose the internationally certified climate projects in which to invest. The projects available are spread out all over the world and focus on wind, hydro and solar power, as well as forest protection.
The consumption and CO2 emission values were determined in accordance with the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The NEDC values derived from this should continue to be specified for the time being. These values cannot be compared to the values determined in ac- cordance with the NEDC measuring procedure used up to now.
Further information on the official fuel consumption and official, specific CO2 emissions of new passen- ger cars is available in the “Guidelines on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new passenger cars” [Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromver- brauch neuer Personenkraftwagen], which are available free of charge from all sales outlets and from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT).
New Porsche 911 Infographic
November 28, 2018 / Comments Off on The All New Porsche 911 (992) – Everything You Need to Know
Porsche is going to announce the new 911 tonight. Join the livestream from L.A. to watch the presentation of the new Porsche 911. #NewPorsche911#TimelessMachine
November 27, 2018 / Comments Off on TONIGHT: Watch the Livestream of the World Premiere of the New 911
Our ultimate guide to the restoration shop with the motto “everything is important” and how they build the best custom Porsches in the world by sweating the little details.
A strange thing happened last week. We created two posts, one about the best restomod Porsche companies and one that included over 60 of the coolest restomod Porsches we loved. Porsche fans immediately knew what we were talking about and have followed a lot of the restoration and aftermarket scene for years, but for regular Supercars.net fans they were left a little confused, having never have heard of companies like Singer or Rob Dickinson or the Singer Vehicle Design DLS. So we decided to give you the ultimate guide to Singer Porsche and this is it right here.
Some call them the best air-cooled Porsches ever, others the best cars in the world. They are Porsche 911 sports cars that have been restored, reimagined, and reborn by Singer Vehicle Design. Each commission represents a unique collaboration between the customer and Singer, combining bespoke carbon fiber body panels, the finest in optimized mechanical and electrical components, superlative materials and finishes, and the spirit of the golden age of the iconic air-cooled 911. Every Singer-restored car is an incomparable work of impeccable craftsmanship.
Singer Vehicle Design is driven by the singular vision of Rob Dickinson, an ex-car designer and rock musician who came to be one of the world’s foremost distillers of the essence of air-cooled Porsche. Rob’s lifelong obsession with the most important sports car on the planet began on an autoroute in France in the ’70s and now finds a home on the concours lawns and racetracks of the world’s most prestigious automotive events.
Rob Dickinson – Founder, Singer Vehicle Design
It sounds like a Hollywood movie. The singular vision of an obsessed an ex car designer who then became a rock musician who now stands as one of the world’s foremost distillers of the essence of air cooled Porsche. This is the story of Rob Dickinson and Singer Vehicle Designs.
Companies like Singer Vehicle Designs are as much about their amazing founders as they are about the spectacular cars so we want to tell you about Rob Dickinson, the founder and CEO of Singer Vehicle Designs. Rob Dickinson is an overachiever. Born 23 July 1965 in the UK (a native of Norfolk, England) he is a singer, songwriter and entrepreneur who has seen tremendous success in his life.
Rob’s infatuation with cars began in 1970 on a family vacation in France. As he had told it in numerous interviews, his father pointed out a fast approaching 911 Targa while travelling on the Autoroute and he was hooked forever. In college he studied Automotive Design at Coventry University and on graduation went on to work with the Peter Stevens (designer of the Mclaren F1) and Julian Thompson at Lotus. A few years later he decided that car design was not his future mainly because he saw rock ’n’ roll as my way out of Norfolk. He picked up a guitar and took inspiration from his cousin (Iron Maiden singer Bruce) and off he went.
He decided to focus on his music and that is where most of you may know him from. Rob Dickinson first became known worldwide as singer and guitarist in the band Catherine Wheel. While a member of Catherine Wheel from 1990 to 2000, Dickinson proved himself as a talented songwriter and vocalist, however, after the 2000 release of Catherine Wheel’s last album, Wishville, the group disbanded.
He moved in Los Angeles in 2003 to make a solo album. While in LA he also focused on creating his dream 911, “the ultimate hybrid of all the lightweight, racing 911s I loved, mashed up as a cafe racer hot rod”.
Enter a 1969 Porsche 911 that became known as the “Brown Bomber”. Restored to serve as a lightweight daily driver that Rob used all the time, it wasn’t long before people would hound him to buy it. He thought he may be onto something special. In his own words he started to ask, “Why can’t we take an old 911 and present it as the definitive air-cooled 911? The best-looking, the best driving, the best spec, built like a Rolex…”
The Brown Bomber
In 2009, after a decade as a touring rock-n-roll frontman, Dickinson returned to his automotive passions full time and founded Singer Vehicle Design in Los Angeles (where it is still headquartered). It became a new outlet for his creativity and lifelong love of the Porsche 911. Singer Vehicle Design started by restoring and modifying the 964s and continues to innovate and grow, including a new Swiss watch and the ultimate 911 in the DLS. As for the Singer company name, it is both in honor of renowned Porsche engineer, Norbert Singer, and Dickinson’s other career as a singer himself.
This may seem like an obvious question, but the answer is nuanced. Is a Singer Porsche a restored Porsche 911? Is it a customized classic 911? Is it a hot rod outlaw Porsche? It is a totally unique model? Maybe all of the above.
Singer Vehicle Designs restores air-cooled 964 911 Porsches, turning them into the “ultimate 911.” The final product name sums it up best, it is a Porsche 911 “reimagined” by Singer. It focuses its restoration efforts on 1989-1994 Porsche 964s (about 60,000 units were produced by Porsche so there are lots of them around, although values have skyrocketed because of their popularity as a base for restomodding).
The 964 is the perfect foundation for a Singer restoration. The 964 has classic air cooled 911 proportions, an air-cooled flat six engine, modern day technology in terms of safety, braking, suspension and steering.
Singer takes these tired 964s and restores them from the ground up while simultaneously optimizing every facet of the car and evoking the classic lines of the original 911. Each Singer Porsche is unique and no detail is unattended (“everything is important”) in a Singer build, the attention to detail is amazing. A new engine, drivetrain, and suspension improves performance, while painstakingly refurbished bodywork and stunning interiors complete the cars. 4,000+ hours go into into restoring, tuning, and customizing a Singer Porsche.
A Singer Porsche is the ultimate 911.
Where is Singer Vehicle Design Located?
A company like Singer could only happen in sunny California. Los Angeles and California are a fundamental part of the DNA of Singer Vehicle Design and Singer Reimagined. California loves entrepreneurs trying to change the world and it is the heart of the classic Porsche tuner market. Combining the history the iconic 911 with California’s hot rod culture and a willingness to support the guy saying f**k you to the classic car establishment it was a marriage made in heaven.
In addition to their headquarters in Los Angeles, Singer had built a base of suppliers and specialists across California who work closely with them and help them think through thorny problems and create. More recently Singer has expanded its partnerships globally. They worked with Williams in the UK and Singer Reimagined in Geneva has helped them grow that network in those countries too.
Demand has meant that the company continues to grow. From a small beaten up workshop in Los Angeles in 2009 to two sites in California, teams in the UK and Switzerland and representatives around the world. Not bad for a single guy who was just trying to build his own perfect car.
Singer Porsche Price – How Much Is A Singer Porsche?
This is where we need to break the bad news to you. It is not cheap to have the ultimate reimagined Porsche 911. Singer Porsche restorations start at $395,000 plus the donor car, but most customers usually go well over $600,000. Singer says the most recent restoration commissions have been in the $600,000 to $650,000 range.
At the top of the range is the Singer and Williams collaboration in the form of the wildly reimagined 500 horsepower Singer Vehicle Design DLS. That sells for $1.8 millions, with 75 examples of this restoration being made available to customers (as always every single one is personalized for every individual buyer).
If all of this sounds absurdly expensive, think about the work that goes into these builds and the custom high end materials. A “normal” build is upward of 4,000 in man hours alone. A story Rob often tells is he first started out (in 2009), Rob charged one of his first customers $300,000 and ended up spending $800,000 on the restoration. Since then the company has worked hard to find the right balance between reasonable pricing with how absurdly expensive it is to do the work right.
The process for getting your own Singer car is more than just rocking up and dropping money. Sure, each Singer Porsche starts with the owner putting down a big deposit and then working on their dream spec list but they also need to find a 964 donor car (so we are talking 1989 to 1994 Porsche 911 for non-nerds). Once they are called up they send their car to Singer and the team goes to work, completely disassembly the car, media blasting to bare metal, adding carbon fiber bodywork and then technicians at Singer each wait their turn to transform the 911 into the final form. Engine assembly is handled by Ed Pink Racing Engines and paint is outsourced, for now, but the suspension, trim, interior, assembly, and final fit and finish are all done inside a surprisingly small shop in Sun Valley, California. We go into more details below on the whole thing if you want to learn more.
Buying a Singer Porsche – Get on the Waitlist
As of June 2018 Singer had built 100 cars. We scour the classifieds to see if anybody is selling their Singer car and unfortunately we have yet to see one come up for sale. Too bad because we would totally buy a Singer car if it came up for sale (we wish).
So what is the waitlist and process if you are one of the lucky ones who just sold your tech startup or your hedge fund had a great year and you wanted to buy the ultimate, reimagined Porsche by Singer. You will need to work directly with Singer and you better get in line because there is a long wait.
After a deposit has been placed and the specifications have been determined, the restoration can take from 8-10 months, while a typical waiting period from deposit to delivery is approximately 18 months. You are looking at an almost two year wait for your Singer Porsche, but is that really too long when you consider each donor 911 goes through Singer’s complete ground-up customization process, ending up as the ultimate re-imagination of the 964-generation Porsche 911, with no detail overlooked and totally personalized to your tastes. Don’t wait then, write that check for the deposit and get on the waitlist.
Speccing Your Reimagined Porsche
Singer really allows a lot of personalization on these cars. Broadly you can have your Singer be sports-driving focused, luxurious, flamboyant or simple and understated. Every restored car is unique to their owner and has its own story. In saying that we did find some broad options that Singer talks about on their site that will help you with your (probably imaginary) options list.
Chassis & Body
You supply your own fully road legal 1989-1994 Porsche 911 Coupe or Targa so that it retains its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), odometer reading and is legally registered, operated and licensed in the same manner.
The cars are comprehensively disassembled and all bodywork to be replaced is removed from the car. The monocoque (unibody) is media-blasted to bare metal and then treated for rust prevention. The monocoque receives additional welding strengthening and fabrication in preparation for its new bodywork. After that almost every panel on the car is replaced by carbon fiber bodywork (doors stay as steel to keep strength in side impacts).
In terms of colors, Singer has 75 colors which they feel complement the classic curves of our machines and recall some of the vivid hues pioneered in the 1960s and 70s. The doorframes, and all exterior and interior bright work is nickel-plated.
In addition there are options like getting a fully integrated roll hoop upholstered in padded leather or adding front strut bracing, adding a sunroof and even a Touring Package Option (not sure what that gets you).
Aerodynamics on the cars are optimized for high-speed stability via a set of custom designed and tested front and rear spoilers. The front spoiler is a fixed, flexible urethane unit while the rear spoiler is an active, speed-sensitive unit (automatically raises up and down depending on speed). The rear spoiler boasts a 60’s inspired delicate plated grill under which a tinted acrylic screen allows views of the engine.
Engine, Exhaust & Transmission Options
Donor car engines are completely disassembled then meticulously blueprinted, balanced and hand-built using new or state of the art components. Customers are offered a choice of three engines, each with a unique output and character, designed to match the dynamics of their car.
Engine Option – 3.8-liter, 300 horsepower. There is a 3.8L flat six with 300 horsepower. It has a Bosch engine management system, exhaust and ancillaries, therefore retains the engine’s original emission calibration.
Engine Option – 3.8-liter, 350 horsepower. There is a 3.8 liter flax six with 350 horsepower. The engine was co-developed with Cosworth and is built by Ed Pink Racing Engines. Singer says this engine option is a nice balance between a high-revving, high horsepower Porsche racing engine and a torque rich, tractable and durable engine for the road.
Engine Option – 4.0-liter, 390 horsepower. There is a 4.0 liter flax six with 390 horsepower. Ed Pink Racing Engines developed and builds this unit and it takes cues from the Cosworth unit. This is the most popular engine option. In addition to almost 400 horsepower it has a healthy 7,200 rpm redline and about 315 lb/ft of torque. Performance is amazing for an air-cooled, non turbo engine with an estimated 0 – 60 mph time of 3.3 seconds.
Custom Exhaust. One of the coolest features on the Singer Porsche is the cool ceramic coated, matte titanium gray exhaust. The exhaust is more than just show. It is made of a lightweight stainless steel and Singer says the it improves throttle response, torque distribution, and top-end power.
Transmission. The original Porsche/Getrag G50 units can be used. If you choose this option the units are stripped and rebuilt. Ratios are changed to match whether you want more sporting or touring like characteristics. The shift linkage is also rebuilt to remove sloppiness and give you ‘rifle bolt’ tactility. You can also choose to have a close ratio 6 speed Getrag G50/LSD unit or a close ratio 6 speed Getrag G50/LSD 993 derived 4WD system. The latter is designed to give you great power delivery in all road conditions while the former is for guys looking for a really sporty drive from their Singer 911.
Interior Options
Your Singer 911 comes with a customized interior. The attention to detail is amazing. There are too many interior options to name here but suffice to say this is where you can really go nuts in making your car your own. Materials, fittings, seats, steering wheel, gauges, rear seating, interior paneling and much more can be completely customized.
Singer Porsche Engine Builder – Meet Ed Pink Racing Engines
Ed Pink Racing Engines has been located in Van Nuys, California since 1965. In their 50 years of experience they have built every type of racing engine. Frank Honsowetz is the General Manager of Ed Pink Racing Engines and he isn’t a Porsche guy. He prefers to build drag racing engines and yet this is the only guy that Singer trusts to build their engines. He must be good.
The core engine in most Singer Porsches is a 4 liter air-cooled flat six engine built by Ed Pink Racing Engines team.
Each engine is brought into their Van Nuys facility, disassembled, hot tanked, machined, and fitted with a completely new rotating assembly, set of cylinder heads, and valvetrain components. All engines keep the case of the 964 and employ a bespoke crankshaft, oil pump, pistons, cylinders, connecting rods, cams, cylinder heads, throttle bodies and intake system. These are not off the shelf units with the engines benefiting from state-of-the-art innovation and breakthroughs in intake design, cylinder head, piston, cylinder and rod design, plus fuel injection and engine management advances.
We cannot do justice to the craftsman and the engines themselves in this short post so we encourage you to spend five minutes watching the informative Hagerty video below that shows the Ed Pink team taking you through their Singer engine builds. You will see the perfection the aim for, the attention that is paid to even the most minor details.
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What is a Singer Porsche Like to Drive? The Reviews…
We have never driven a Singer Porsche so we are not going to pretend we can accurately describe what one is like to drive. Luckily, some of our favorite automotive journalists and car magazines have gotten their mittens on one and filmed it for our (and now your) pleasure. Watch some of the Singer Porsche reviews…
Called the Singer Vehicle Design DLS (DLS stands for “Dynamics and Lightweighting Study”), the opportunity came up to create this car thanks to a repeat customer who wanted his 1990 Porsche 911 to be taken to the “next level”. The company began the “dynamics and lightweighting study” with Formula 1’s Williams Advanced Engineering. The results are amazing, the DLS is an absolute masterpiece. Price point is a cool $1.8 million and 75 will be made for customers.
At a quick glance, the bodywork looks like it could’ve come from a 911 RSR, but it’s all bespoke to this car, made from carbon fiber. It’s all aerodynamically optimized, too, with a small air channel at the rear window designed to work with the ducktail spoiler and diffuser, making real downforce. Norbert Singer, the legendary Porsche Motorsport engineer who ran the company’s Le Mans program for decades helped with the aero.
Williams worked on balancing the weight of this 911 as much as possible, moving the engine forward slightly and relocating other components to the front trunk. Speaking of the engine, it is a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat six worked on by Williams and is good for 500 horsepower at 9,000 RPM. The motor boasts lightweight throttle bodies with F1-inspired upper and lower injectors, a unique oil lubrication system and it has dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. The engine breathes through two ram-air intakes integrated into the rear quarter windows, while a vent in the spoiler helps expel air.
The suspension was also optimized by Williams. Williams designed the suspension, which is equipped with remotely adjustable dampers, and the tires are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s in a custom size. The ABS, traction, and stability control brains come from Bosch and it has switchable driving modes. Completing the package is a six-speed manual designed by Hewland—no autos or dual-clutch transmissions here.
The interior is absolutely stunning, the body is perfect, the nuts and bolts and little things are just outstanding. Everything else here was made specifically for this car, completely custom. The seats? Custom carbon-fiber Recaro buckets. Steering wheel? Custom carbon-fiber Momo Prototipo. Brakes? Carbon-ceramic Brembo discs with monobloc calipers. Wheels? 18 inch center-locking BBS magnesium made to look like old Fuchs alloys.
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Singer Porsche Galleries
We tried to break out the Singer car picture gallery by a few categories.
Singer Car Pictures
Singer “Look at the Attention to Details” Pics
Singer Interior Pics
Singer Engine Pics
Singer Vehicle Design DLS Gallery
November 13, 2018 / Comments Off on [Guide] Singer Porsche – Creators of the Ultimate Porsche 911s
I am a big fan of Steve Sutcliff’s video reviews. He gets cars and you can tell just how genuinely excited he is to be behind the wheel. In this video he focuses on comparing the GT3 and the McLaren 570S Track Pack. It’s funny because we talk a lot about choosing cars here at Supercars.net and we often struggle with this very choice and whether McLaren can unseat the GT3 as our favorite all round car. Watch this video to find out.
November 8, 2018 / Comments Off on VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT3 v McLaren 570S Track Pack
911 Speedster Green-Lighted For Production: Specifications Provided
It wasn’t long ago that Porsche unveiled its 911 Speedster Concept in July 2018, during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This retro-inspired car is based on a 991 chassis, and is a celebration of Porsche’s 70th anniversary of producing sports cars, and also serves as a parting gift for the conclusion of the current generation 911.
While we always expected the concept to be green-lighted, Porsche only just released news that it would be officially moving forward a production version in early 2019. Along with this news, Porsche also provided some specifications of the car, which has undergone several changes from the concept version.
The most notable change would be the new paint color – known as ‘Guards Red’ – which pays homage to the original 1988 Speedster. The concept car was unveiled in a primarily metallic silver scheme, with only the front bumper and parts of the fenders donned in white – a nod to some of Porsche’s older race cars. Some of the other tweaks include new 21-inch center lock alloy wheels, and retro-styled door mirrors and fuel caps finished in dark chrome paint.
Overall, the embodiment of the car is retained from the concept version. This means that the production car will be an open-top without a roof option (hardtop or otherwise), has shortened window frames, a “double bubble” engine cover and plenty of carbon fiber.
The interior is trimmed in “Cognac 356” leather and comes standard with carbon fiber bucket seats. To reduce weight, there is an absence of conveniences such as infotainment, navigation, and air-conditioning.
Performance specifications are more tight-lipped, though the production version is expected to use the same engine as seen in the concept – the 4.0L flat-six naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3, which produces 500-horsepower. As part of the car’s celebration of nostalgic qualities, the engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
No word either on pricing just yet; but Porsche has announced that only 1,948 units will be produced. As is the case with any limited-edition vehicle Porsche releases, getting your hands on one will be anything but conventional and its exclusivity will ultimately dictate its true price.
Porsche 911 Speedster Gallery
October 30, 2018 / Comments Off on 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster – Concept Becomes Reality
