Category: Porsche Blog

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PORSCHE SUPERCAR FOR 2015?

Pictured is the Porsche 918 RSR concept car, a potential long awaited replacement for 911 based race cars. What’s now being rumored is an additional model that would sit between the 911 GT2 RS and the 918 Spyder. This car, designated “project 960,” is being reported as a possible modular mid-engine design in the same territory as the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C and Lamborghini Gallardo. Power could come from a 3.8 liter twin-turbo flat 6-cylinder making 600-hp with a maximum torque of 550 lb-ft. Continue reading “”

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EXCELLENCE DEUX

John Straub and John Manning. Two great Porsche enthusiasts with two great cars. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to photograph and write about their 911s for the best Porsche magazine in America.

The October issue of Excellence features Straub’s “barn find patina queen” and Manning’s “all-out assault beast.” Both Porsche 911s, but each as different from one another as is physically possible. It was interesting to approach these two remarkable cars, knowing the treatment for each would need to reflect their opposite characters. Hopefully I have done justice to them both. Continue reading “”

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A VERY SPECIAL 911S

Is Steve McQueen still the “King of Cool?”

Judging by the price his previously owned 911 brought at auction last night, the answer to this question is unquestionably “yes.”

A 1970 Porsche 911S that McQueen drove in the opening sequences of the film Le Mans sold for a record breaking $1.35 million dollars during the RM Auctions in Monterey, CA yesterday. It was a world record for a 911 sold at auction and was RM Auctions 200th “million dollar vehicle.” This slate grey early 911S Porsche was delivered to McQueen on the film set in Europe in 1970. It became his personal car throughout filming and was subsequently driven by him for a few years in the US. Continue reading “”

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MORE EXCELLENCE

The latest issue of Excellence (September 2011) includes a feature written by Peter Linsky and illustrated with my images. The subject – Paul Risinger’s incredible concours winning Sand Beige 1967 Porsche 911S. I had the distinct privilege of driving this perfect car and commenting on my experience in a side bar to the article. Here’s an excerpt: Continue reading “”

PORSCHE RETURNS TO LE MANS

Happy 4th of July!

Porsche has just announced its return to top-tier motor racing. It will debut a works-run LMP1 sports prototype at the 2014 Le Mans 24 hour event. With 16 overall victories, Porsche is the most successful manufacturer at the world’s most famous endurance auto race. The marque’s last overall Le Mans win was in 1998 with the Porsche 911 GT1. From 2006 to 2009 the factory backed the Penske Racing team, which raced the RS Spyder (an LMP2 prototype) with great success in the U.S. The RS Spyder also took class honours at France’s Le Mans in 2008 and 2009, as well as outright victory at the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring. Continue reading “”

The Road is Calling. from TennXX on Vimeo.

90s R GRUPPE 911

One of the hottest threads on the Early 911S Registry forum was started by my buddy Gib Bosworth extolling the virtues of the Porsche 964. This interim 911 was produced from 1989 to 1994 between the traditional short hood Carrera and the more rounded (and longer geared) 993. It was significantly different from what had come before (better suspension and comfort, more powerful motor and A/C, etc), but was the last model to retain the prominant front fenders, headlamps, and classic shape of the 911. Many early 911 long hood fans own a 964 as well because it still feels nimble while providing a more sophisticated ride. Continue reading “”

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YOUR FIRST TRACK DAY

Taking your car to the track is not for the faint of heart. With the cornering forces generated and the speeds achieved, there is only so much car aids can do. The rest is up to the driver. The track can be a safe environment compared to public streets, as long as you approach it with thoughtfulness and respect.

Whether you have been to the track or not, car prep is obviously important. But mental preparation can be just as critical. You do not want to arrive exhausted or upset. Ideally you want to be calm and ready to learn. Remember to keep drinking water throughout the day as you could become dehydrated otherwise. Continue reading “”

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BEYOND EXCELLENT

The August issue of Excellence: The Magazine About Porsche features an article of mine on a ’73 911 build titled “The Color of Money.” Nope, this isn’t one of those “cookie cutter” R Gruppe builds with a 3.2 Motronic motor and center fill cap. It’s a no-holds-barred homage to all that is right with this hobby.

Scott Longballa is to be congratulated for taking a hands-on approach in creating this unique and totally intoxicating package – a short stroke MFI powered “RSR” that goes way beyond the expected using only the best parts available. Continue reading “”

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BACK FROM CALIFORNIA (AGAIN)

Just home from three weeks in California. Thanks to Curtis Autenrith and Nick Psyllos for their comraderie and hospitality – and all my other car buddies for their generous support. The R Gruppe Track Day at Buttonwillow and Treffen in Monterey were highlights.

It was the most productive automotive trip I have been on. I shot five cars for Excellence magazine, finished the rebuild on my 1972 Porsche 911″ST” and drove it home in time for a track day in Seattle. More to come… Continue reading “”

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THE NEW BEETLE

In the wake of Porsche raising $7.1 billion to complete its merger with Volkswagen AG, the “new” sporty VW Beetle has just been announced.

This car has one of the most recognizable shapes in the world. Between 1938 and 2003 the original “Bug” sold nearly 5 million copies in the U.S. alone, with over 22 million built. It was developed by Ferdinand Porsche as the Type 1 Volkswagen – which literally means “people’s car.” The second-generation Beetle was designed by J. Mays and R Gruppe co-founder Freeman Thomas at the company’s California design studio. Since 1997 this very rounded design has become a popular choice for city-dwelling females. Continue reading “”

TARGA FLORIO 1973

So were the early 1970’s really cooler than today?
Watch this vintage video, then you decide.

Targa Florio is a Documentary TV Movie on the 1973 race made in Italy in 2005. Director: Cuiri Amelio Ortiz. Cast: Francesco Arezzo, Antonio Catanzaro, Vic Elford, Mauro Forghieri, Giacinto Gargano, Ciccio Liberto, Sandro Munari, Silvana Paladino, Salvatore Requirez, Pao… Continue reading “”

DRIVING – MORE POWER OVERSTEER

By popular demand… Fellow Excellence writer Chris Harris explains how to achieve a power oversteer drift in a rear-wheel-drive front-engine BMW M5.

With its lighter front end, the rear-engined Porsche 911 will require some weight transfer under braking on entry to initiate the drift (see previous video). You will also need to apply different throttle as more rear traction is available. Otherwise it’s very similar. Enjoy!

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