It's all about Porsche…if you're an owner of a Porsche,or a big enthusiast of Porsche Cars, Porsche Motorsports, Porsche Design, Porsche History, or a member of a Porsche Club….join me on focusing just about PORSCHE!!
The tradition-steeped race on the airfield circuit of Sebring (17 March) marked the start of the new World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the American Le Mans Series. In the WEC, works drivers Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz and Patrick Pilet clinched second place in the GTE Pro class for Felbermayr-Proton at the wheel of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
Motorsports: Season: Season 2012 Title: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Felbermayr-Proton: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Patrick Pilet 12h Sebring
In the amateur GTE Am category, Christian Ried, Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti made a faultless start to the season with a victory in last year’s 911 GT3 RSR. Bad luck, however, for the Porsche drivers in the ALMS: Flying Lizards Motorsports’ 911 GT3 RSR piloted by Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long and Marco Holzer was rammed by a Ferrari in the formation lap. Bergmeister and his colleagues still managed to yield tenth place.
Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers and Martin Ragginger claimed ninth in the Falken Tire Porsche after an engine change.
Tribute:Hans Herrmann inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame
Hans Herrmann in Sebring Hall of Legends - Season 2012 - Source: Porsche AG
The organisers of the Sebring 12 hour race pay tribute to the performances of extraordinary race drivers by inducting them into the Hall of Fame.
Hans Herrmann in Sebring Hall of Legends - Season 2012 - Source: Porsche AG
In the lead up to this year’s race, Hans Herrmann received this very rare honor.
Legendary achievements: Hans Herrmann and Porsche - Source: Porsche AG
The former Porsche works driver, born 1928, won the Sebring classic twice, contributed to Porsche claiming the manufacturers’ world title in 1969 and 1970, and clinched the first overall victory for Porsche at Le Mans with Richard Attwood in 1970.
Convalescence: Works driver Timo Bernhard on the way to recovery
Timo Bernhard - Source: Porsche AG
Porsche factory pilot Timo Bernhard has to take several weeks of time out. During testing with an Audi in Sebring (USA), he went off the track at high speed through no fault of his own and slammed backwards into the barrier. At hospital an injury to his cervical spine was diagnosed. An operation is not necessary. However, Bernhard has to remain in the USA for some time and is wearing a neck brace for support.
“I’ll take things easy so that I can get fit again quickly,” says the Porsche works driver. “My wife Katharina has joined me here in Florida and she’s helping me with the necessary check-up examinations. As soon as the doctors give me the clearance to fly, we’ll be back in Germany.”
Carrera Cup Asia: Tenth season features largest grid in history
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia - Season 2012 - Porsche AG
With 27 competitors, the Carrera Cup Asia enters its tenth season with the largest grid line up in its history.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia - Season 2012 - Source: Porsche AG
In Shanghai and Singapore the Asian Carrera Cup runs as support to the Formula 1.
Carrera Cup Australia: Champion Craig Baird unbeatable in Melbourne
Motorsports: Season: Season 2012 Title: Porsche 911 GT3 Cup: Craig Baird Carrera Cup Australia
Three races, three victories and the points lead. After a faultless weekend as support to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne (16/18 March), Craig Baird elbowed Alex Davison from the top of the points’ table. Davison had led the series after winning two races at the first weekend in Adelaide (3/4 March).
Todd Kelly of the Jack Daniel's Racing team March 03, 2012 Start Carrera Cup Australia - Season 2012 - Source: Porsche AG
Ex-Formula 1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen gave an impressive performance at his guest drive in Melbourne yielding two fourth places. This marked the first time at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for the German. Next round: 4 to 6 May in Perth, WA.
Heinz-Harald Frentzen - Round 2 of the 2012 Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia - Season 2012 - Source: Porsche AG
Carrera Cup Deutschland: Additional race on Saturday
Start Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland - 04 Lausitzring 2011 - Source: Porsche AG
The German Carrera Cup takes off: In addition to the 80 kilometre race on Sunday, competitors in 2012 also contest a 60 kilometre sprint on Saturday. Also new this season is the B classification for amateurs as well as a rookie category for new-comers up to 25 years old. The price money increases by 100,000 Euro to now total more than half a million Euro. Nine race weekends with an event on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife as the highlight make up the calendar. The season kicks off on 28 April in Hockenheim.
Carrera Cup Japan: New junior driver – season highlight alongside Formula 1
Carrera Cup Japan - Season 2012 - Source: Porsche AG
Again in 2012, a talented young driver is given the chance to launch his career in the Carrera Cup Japan. 18-year-old Ryo Hirakawa competes with the support of Porsche Japan in a 911 GT3 Cup fielded by the Garmin Team. Hirakawa comes from formula racing and contests his first GT season. He faces tough opposition from the likes of GT aces Igor Sushko and Shinichi Yamaji from the Japanese Super GT.
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Garmin Team: Ryo Hirakawa Carrera Cup Japan - Season 2012 - Source: Porsche AG
Two Porsche Centres join the series for the first time, with Excellence Motorsports running the 100th 911 GT3 Cup imported into Japan. Okayama hosts the first of eleven races on 1 April. Season highlight: The race as support to the Japan Grand Prix in Suzuka, 5/7 October.
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup: Shinichi Yamaji Carrera Cup Japan - Season 2012 - Source: Porsche AG
Race notes: Record grids in the GT3 Cup Challenge USA
GT3 Cup Challenge USA - Season 2012 - Source: Porsche AG
and the GT3 Cup Challenge Brasil with 39 and 37 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup respectively.
Motorsports: Season: Season 2012 Title: GT3 Cup Challenge Brasil
+++ After just the tenth of twelve races in the GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East 2011/12, Abdulaziz Al Faisal from Saudi Arabia is the champion.
PORSCHE GT3 ROUNDS 7 AND 8 REEM CIRCUIT FEBRUARY 2012 - Season 2012 -Porsche 911 GT3 Cup: Abdulaziz Al Faisal GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East - Source: Porsche AG
+++ Manthey Racing contracted Porsche works driver Marco Holzer for the International GT Open to race a new 911 GT3 RSR in the pan-European championship. His teammate is Britain’s Nick Tandy. The pair competes against their works driver colleague Patrick Pilet, who shares driving duties with Raymond Narac in a 911 GT3 RSR run by the IMSA Performance Matmut squad.
iRacing.com today announced plans to add the Ruf RT12R to its lineup of virtual race cars and high performance automobiles. Manufactured by Ruf Automobile GmbH, the RT12R is among the world’s very fastest production automobiles.
iRacing.com, the world’s foremost online motorsport simulation service, today announced plans to add the RUF RT12R to its lineup of virtual race cars and high performance automobiles.
Manufactured by RUF AutomobileGmbH, the RT12R is among the world’s very fastest production automobiles.
“We’re excited to offer the RUF RT12R to iRacers around the world,” says Steve Myers, Executive Vice President and Producer, iRacing.com Motorsport Simulation, LLC.
“We’re proud of the assortment of virtual race cars we have available, but iRacers have made it clear they also want high-performance, exotic automobiles in our service. The RUF RT12R certainly fits the bill. It’s a superb piece of automotive sculpture, with performance that is nothing short of breathtaking.”
At the heart of the RUF’s performance is a 3.8 liter, twin-turbo, flat six engine producing 730 horsepower and nearly 700 lb/ft of torque. Coupled with a six speed transmission, the RT12R has a top speed of 230 mph.
“RUF is pleased to partner with iRacing.com in building a digital version of the RT12R,” said Estonia Ruf, Director of Marketing, RUF Automobile GmbH.
“For more than 70 years RUF has been recognized for the craftsmanship and cutting-edge engineering that goes into all of our automobiles. Although it is a young company, comparatively speaking, iRacing clearly shares those core values of craftsmanship and engineering excellence.”
iRacing vehicle dynamic engineers will begin the process of creating a digital prototype of the RT12R later this spring.
When completed, the prototype will undergo a rigorous testing and development process in order to insure the virtual RUF drives just like the real one.
iRacing expects to make its RUF RT12R available to iRacing members in the fall of 2012.
Stuttgart. For summer, Porsche Design is presenting interchangeable lenses in new color variants for the legendary P’8478 sunglasses. As of now, as well as the six classic shades of brown, light blue silver mirrored, grey gradient silver mirrored, green, dark orange silver mirrored and olive silver mirrored three more exclusive colorways – sulfur (yellow), steel blue (blue)and raspberry (red) – are available.
Porsche Design P'8478 Sulfur
A sought-after style icon, P’8478 sunglasses were Porsche Design’s first ever eyewear and today they are still one of the most successful models.
The design of this classic item has remained unchanged since 1978, the only difference being the use of ultra-light titanium to bring the P’8478 up to the technical state-of-the-art of the 21st century.
Porsche Design P'8478 Steel Blue
The revolutionary feature of these sunglasses was – and is – their innovative interchangeable lens mechanism which enables them to be adapted to various sight requirements and light conditions.
Thus the trendy aviator sunglasses not only stand for a sense of style; their appeal lies in their intelligent functionality.
Available in four sizes (S, M, L und XL), the P’8478 has become the ultimate classic, enhancing every shape of face.
In 1978 the sunglasses with the innovative interchangeable lens mechanism were not only the first glasses to be made by Porsche Design, but were also the luxury brand’s first contribution to the fashion world.
With the new color variants for interchangeable lenses in:
sulfur (yellow)
P'8478 Interchangeable Lens Sulfur
steel blue (blue)
P'8478 Interchangeable Lens Steel Blue
and raspberry (red)
P'8478 Interchangeable Lens Raspberry
Porsche Design again establishes a trend matching the height of contemporary fashion. The enlarged range of lenses is obtainable in four sizes, corresponding to the four available frame sizes (S, M, L and XL).
As of now, the new summer shades for the Porsche Design P’8478 sunglasses are
available exclusively from Porsche Design stores throughout the world, and from the
Porsche Design is a luxury brand with a special focus on technically-inspired products. The brand Porsche Design was founded in 1972 by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. The products are the embodiment of functionality, timelessness and purist design. They impress by the technical innovations they incorporate.
The product portfolio includes watches, sunglasses, luggage, a sport and fashion collection, electronic products, and a line of fragrances for men. All products of the brand are designed at the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See, Austria, and are sold worldwide in the company’s own stores, in franchise stores, shop-in-shops, high-end department stores and exclusive specialist retailers.
Production of the most anticipated Porsche starts at the company’s Stuttgart plant on Sept. 18, 2013 with only 918 units to be produced. Porsche will start selling the car for a starting price tag of $845,000 and the first customer cars will begin arriving in the United States near the end of 2013.
That’s quite a bit time. But before all that happens, Porsche decided to give a select few a first ride in a very early prototype for the 918 Spyder.
A ride in a 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder prototype, the only one in the world at a remote test track, a gaggle of Porsche engineers are at work, surrounded by all sorts of data-logging equipment. And there, in the middle of it all, is the 918.
The first ever Porsche 918 Spyder to run under its own means is nothing more than a rolling chassis pieced together so engineers can test its gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain.
Partly covered in modified Porsche 911 body panels and flaunting outrageous exhaust pipes that sprout up from the engine bay at the rear (a feature we’re assured will be retained for production), it is a long way from the 918 Spyder concept that basked in the spotlight at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.
“The production version will be very similar to the concept car in overall appearance,” Frank Walliser, chief engineer for the 918 program.
“There will be some changes, like these tailpipes. This is really just a systems mule that we’re using to sort the various gasoline-electric hybrid components and its electronics package before we begin construction of road-going prototypes back in Weissach (Porsche’s research and development center in Germany).”
As we know the Porsche 918 Spyder by now. Mere months after its unveiling, Porsche confirmed it would put the supercar into production as a successor to the celebrated Carrera GT, starting on September 18, 2013.
Just 918 examples are planned, each running down a dedicated line that is being established in a former paint shop at the car maker’s Zuffenhausen headquarters in Germany. It is the same factory that builds the latest Boxster and 911 — a holy grail to true Porsche fans, no less.
Waking Up the Engine
The Porsche engineers make some adjustments to the prototype’s electronics, which are housed in a makeshift aluminum box strapped to an area that will eventually be occupied by the production car’s rear spoiler. Walliser’s boss, Wolfgang Hatz, Porsche’s chief of research and development, slides down into the driver seat and twists a key in the left-hand-mounted ignition. Odd whirring sounds rise up from underneath before the gasoline engine catches and fills the garage with a deep pulsating blare of exhaust from those prominent tailpipes.
The centerpiece of the new Porsche is its mid-rear-mounted V8 gasoline engine, seated on traditional rubber mounts (rather than the hydraulic mounts used on the 911) within a carbon-fiber cradle that is attached to the back of the main tub by six prominent mounting points.
Similar to the 90-degree V8 used in the Porsche RS Spyder successfully campaigned in the American Le Mans series between 2005 and 2008, the engine has gained 1.2 liters of displacement, going from 3.4 liters in race trim up to 4.6 liters in this application.
Walliser describes the engine as “entirely new,” noting that it features an all-new crankcase, cylinder head design and low-reciprocating-mass internals, plus that radical exhaust system that sees two pipes exit just behind the integral carbon-fiber roll hoops. The point of this arrangement is to keep hot exhaust gases well away from the car’s heat-sensitive battery pack mounted down low directly behind the tub.
Let’s Talk About the Numbers
The revamped V8 has been tuned to rev to a dizzying 9,200 rpm (though in its current state of tune, it has a lower redline), and owing to its racing gene, Walliser promises it will deliver the same razor-sharp throttle response as the Carrera GT’s 5.7-liter V10. Porsche engineers tell us the V8 makes about 562 horsepower.
But the 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder is a hybrid, remember, so it also has a pair of synchronous electric motors — one mounted up front acting exclusively on the front wheels with 107 hp, and a second, 121-hp motor attached to the rear of the gasoline engine providing drive to the rear wheels. We’re told total system power will be in the neighborhood of 759 hp, with 568 pound-feet of torque.
Barely containing his delight at finally getting to show off the 918 Spyder to someone other than an engineer, Hatz gingerly guides the prototype out of the garage. After prodding the throttle a couple times to release some heat into the engine and its peripheries, he speeds off into the distance. We scramble back into the Multivan and catch up with the prototype at the end of an immense test track. The engineering team has spent the 10 days here at the track methodically running through the first systems test of the new car.
This car will offer five driving modes. There’s “e power” for all-electric operation, a “hybrid” mode that allows either electric or gasoline operation, followed by “sport hybrid,” which is the first of three performance-oriented gasoline-electric modes. Beyond that, “race hybrid” calls up even further levels of performance, while “hot lap” unleashes all the battery’s remaining power for short periods of what Walliser describes as overboost.
How Quick Is It?
Nothing is official just yet, but Porsche is aiming for a curb weight around 1,700 kg (3,747 pounds), with 0-62-mph acceleration in less than 3 seconds.
Officials also hint at a 0-124-mph time of less than 9 seconds and zero to 186 mph in less than 27 seconds — quicker than the Carrera GT. Top speed, achieved with the help of a series of active aerodynamic functions including diffuser elements behind the front wheels and a multistage rear wing that extends to a maximum height of 4.7 inches, is pegged at 202 mph
The Chassis
The 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder prototype rides on a unique chassis made almost entirely from cast-aluminum components. The suspension is a combination of double wishbones at the front and a multilink setup in back, but unlike the system on the Carrera GT, which used a racecarlike pushrod system attached to the unit-body, the 918 has conventional springs and dampers sited outboard near the center-lock-style wheels, which measure 20 inches up front and 21 inches in the rear and are wrapped in 265/35R20 and 325/35R21 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber.
Computer simulations suggest the production car will be capable of generating up to a 1.4g on the skid pad (though that’s a maximum figure, rather than the average lateral acceleration we customarily report). He also drops a Nurburgring claim: Porsche is targeting 7 minutes, 22 seconds on the Nordschleife — still well short of the Dodge Viper’s 7:12, but moving nonetheless.
Even in early prototype form, the 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder is hugely impressive. There’s still a long way to go — another 18 months of intensive development, no less. But as our ride comes to an end, we’re struck by just how far Porsche’s engineering team has come during just 10 days of development work on the rolling chassis.
evo’s Editorial Director and Founder Harry Metcalfe has a look at the future of the supercar.
From Top Gear: The performance headlines are this. Acceleration from 0-62mph in ‘less than three’ seconds. Zero to 125mph in a time that almost matches a Bugatti Veyron. And a Nürburgring lap time (so far verified only on Porsche’s supernaturally accurate simulators), of 7.22. That’s 10 seconds faster than the old Carrera GT, and 10 seconds.
From AutoWeek: As if that’s not enough, Porsche also says its new supercar will boast a combined city/highway fuel-consumption figure of more than 78.4 mpg (U.S.) on the current European cycle. By comparison, the Carrera GT returned just 13.2 mpg (U.S.) under the same test procedure.
From Wired: Porsche pulled a variant of the 4.6-liter V8 originally fitted to the three-time ALMS LMP2 Championship-winning RS Spyder. That engine put out a comparatively paltry 503 horsepower, but fitted to the 918, output is up to 570 hp. That figure is before you account for the 918′s two electric motors, and it’s also where the similarities to past supercars ends.
Stuttgart. Porsche Classic will be exhibiting from 21- 25 March 2012 at the biggest Classic trade fair in the world in Essen, this time showcasing its comprehensive service offering on a stand with more than twice the area compared with last year.
The Techno Classica in Essen – the world’s leading motor show for classic cars
A particular highlight is the legendary 911 Carrera RS 2.7, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
To mark the occasion, Porsche is presenting two racing versions of the 911 Carrera RS from the Porsche Museum at the new location in Hall 7.0.
The Techno Classica in Essen – the world’s leading motor show for classic cars
The 1973 vintage 911 Carrera RSR delivers 330 hp. The ultimate RS variant dating from 1974, the 911 Carrera RSR Turbo with its two-metre wide rear end, even manages a sensational 500 hp, which it achieves with a mere 2.1 litre displacement.
Porsche 911 RSR - built in 1973, 330 hp
The “40 years of the 911 Carrera RS” anniversary is rounded off by a 911 Carrera RS 2.7, that has been restored by the Porsche Classic workshop specialists. Also on show is an early Porsche 911, which is currently being restored for a customer at Porsche Classic.
40th anniversary for the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
It goes without saying that the Porsche Classic experts will once again be on hand to provide advice and practical assistance to visitors regarding the preservation and maintenance of their historic vehicles and will provide information on the availability of Porsche Classic original spare parts. Especially noteworthy, for example, is the much coveted “orange” Porsche bonnet badge of the 911 models from 1965 to 1973, no longer available since 1974. 2012 will see it being re released again.
Complete wings, classic Fuchs wheels and many other parts besides – presented in a large high-bay storage system – demonstrate that Porsche Classic takes a close interest in preserving these sports car treasures.
The specialists’ repertoire comprises the repair, maintenance and restoration of classic Porsche road vehicles as well as the provision of original spare parts.
Together with a Porsche museum information stand, Porsche Exclusive & Tequipment will also be represented on the spacious 600 plus square metre stand. A custom-equipped 911 Carrera of the current 991 model series is being used to showcase the comprehensive personalization options. Porsche Design Driver’s Selection rounds off the varied offering on the Porsche stand with a wide selection of Porsche accessories.
Stuttgart. New record at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: 19 of the Top 20 players on the WTA world rankings will be appearing in Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena at the 35th edition of the long-standing tournament from 21 to 29 April.
Logo der Porsche Arena in Stuttgart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Südfront Porsche Arena in Stuttgart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
For the first time ever, superstarMaria Sharapova will also be in the hunt for prize money totalling 740,000 dollars and the Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet for the winner.
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart Maria Sharapova (RUS)
Porsche Team Germany’s Fed Cup tie against Australia and the duel between the tennis legends John McEnroe and Pat Cash are further highlights.
“The sensational field with all the Top 10 players is a dream,” said Tournament Director Markus Günthardt. “We’re therefore certain to be the tournament with the best main draw field on the WTA Tour.”
Victoria Azarenka will be returning to Stuttgart as the new world number one. The Belarusian celebrated the biggest success of her career in January when winning the Australian Open.
Another favourite to win the tournament is Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic.The Most Improved Player of 2011 took the titles in Wimbledon and at the WTA Championships.
Petra Kvitova - US Open 2010 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Last year’s runner-up and former worldNo. 1, Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) is another top 10 player in the line up in the Porsche Arena.
Not forgetting Germany’sAndrea Petkovic who is hoping to make a return in Stuttgart after a long injury break.
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart – Andrea Petkovic, Porsche Team Deutschland
Germany’s top players will be looking to present themselves as a force to be reckoned with on home soil, especially last year’s winner Julia Görges. The member of the Porsche Team Germany recently reached the final of the tournament in Dubai which moved her up to No. 15.
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart Julia Görges, Porsche Team Deutschland
Spectators in the Porsche Arena can also look forward to Sabine Lisicki (No. 13)
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart Sabine Lisicki, Porsche Team Deutschland
and Angelique Kerber (No. 14), who secured the first WTA title of her career in Paris in February and who sensationally reached the semifinals of the million dollar tournament in Indian Wells last week. After her great performance, she is now ranked a career high No. 14.
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart Angelique Kerber, Porsche Team Deutschland
Four Germans definitely in the main draw of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – the last time it happened was in 1992 when Anke Huber, Wiltrud Probst, Veronika Martinek and Barbara Rittner were direct acceptances. With two wild cards still to be awarded by the tournament, the number could well rise to six.
Before play starts in earnest at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the members of the Porsche Team Germany will get some serious match “practice” as they will be battling to stay in the World Group in their Fed Cup play-off tie against Australia in the Porsche Arena on 21 and 22 April.
However, Porsche Team Germany’s second appearance in Stuttgart is not the only highlight that tennis fans at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix can look forward to.
Image via Wikipedia
The Berenberg Bank Classics on the Centre Court in the Porsche Arena on Monday, 23 April (play starts at 5.30 pm local time) will include an historical exhibition match between the tennis legends John McEnroe and Pat Cash.
Tickets for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and the Fed Cup are available via Easy Ticket Service (telephone +49 711-2555 555, Internet http://www.easyticket.de) or at the Porsche Arena box offices during the tournament weekend
Eingang Porsche Arena in Stuttgart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Visitors to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix are traditionally offered a multitude of activities between the matches and off-court in the Porsche Arena and the Schleyerhalle. In the attractive Sport and Lifestyle Village, a boulevard and an attractive mixture of sport and entertainment will ensure a day of tennis in Stuttgart will turn into an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
The world class tournament, where the most important matches will be televised live on Eurosport and Eurosport 2, will begin with qualifying on Saturday, 21 April.
This year’s schedule includes a major change to the order of play on finals day on Sunday, 29 April. In contrast to the previous years, the singles final will begin later at 6.30 pm local time. It will be preceded by the doubles final at 2.30 pm.
At the wheel of the 911 fielded by the Felbermayr-Proton team, Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany), Richard Lietz (Austria) and Patrick Pilet (France) secured second place in the GTE Pro class at the long distance classic in Florida and with this made a very promising start into the new World Endurance Championship.
“Second place is a great result. Right from the start, our new 911 GT3 RSR was reliable and that’s very positive,” said Marc Lieb.
“But we lacked the speed to win off our own bat.”
Richard Lietz, who had to start from the back of the field because the cockpit temperature of his Porsche in qualifying was one degree over what was permitted, said,
“I’m very satisfied with how the race went. For twelve hours our 911 ran without the slightest technical problem. Which is, of course, not something you take for granted at the first race with a new car.”
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Christian Ried (Germany) and his Italian teammates Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti made a superb start to the season. With the second Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (2011 model year) run by Felbermayr-Proton they celebrated victory in the GTE Am class.
“This win is a perfect way to kick off the season,” Ried commented. “The last one and half hours of the race were incredibly tough for Paolo, because he had to cope without power steering.”
With the tradition-steeped twelve hour race on the Sebring International Raceway the American Le Mans Series also took off into the season.
Driving the new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR for Paul Miller Racing, Sascha Maassen (Germany), Bryce Miller (USA) and Rob Bell (Great Britain) secured fifth place in the GT class.
At the wheel of Flying Lizard Motorsports’ 911, Americans Seth Neiman, Darren Law and Andy Lally saw the flag in seventh place.
Darren Law (USA) and Andy Lally (USA)
For two other new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, the season-opening round in the sunshine state of the USA brought less than perfect results.
Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) secured ninth with Bryan Sellers (USA) and Martin Ragginger (Austria).
After the qualifying, their Falken Tire team had to replace the engine in the 911, and although the mechanics managed this in record time, he still took up the race one lap behind.
Things were not a lot better for his factory pilot colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Long (USA) and Marco Holzer (Germany) in the second Flying Lizard Porsche: In the formation lap, a Ferrari rammed into the rear of the Porsche, which threw them far back. After putting in a spirited chase, they still managed to yield tenth and earn valuable points towards the end.
Joerg Bergmeister, Marco Holzer and Patrick Long
“Our car ran better in the race than it did in qualifying. We drove consistently fast lap times to the end,” stated Wolf Henzler. Marco Holzer added:
“That was a bitter race. It was already over for us before it had really begun. So our goal was to finish the 70 percent distance and safeguard those important championship points.”
Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche motorsport, regarded the start of the season as positive.
“Compliments to the Felbermayr-Proton team for their victory in GTE-Am class and second place in GTE-Pro class. This was almost an optimum result,” he said. “I am extremely pleased with the reliability of the new 911 GT3 RSR.
As far as the time difference to our fastest rivals in qualifying and in the race is concerned, we will be analysing that gap to determine whether the performance balancing influenced this.
Congratulations as well to Paul Miller Racing for its great result in the American Le Mans Series with fifth.
It’s a pity that the race was over before the start for one of our strongest cars, it was not the team’s fault.”
Round two of the World Endurance Championship takes place on 5 May 2012 in Spa-Francorchamps/Belgium.
On 14 April, round two of the American Le Mans Series takes off on the street course in Long Beach, California.
Results
World Endurance Championship GTE Pro class
1. Bertolini/Beretta/Cioci (I/MC/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 307 laps
2. Lieb/Lietz/Pilet (D/A/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 306
3. Mücke/Fernandez/Turner (D/MEX/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, 291
4. Fisichella/Bruni/Vilander (I/I/SF), Ferrari F458 Italia, 215
5. Melo/Makowiecki/Vernay (BRA/F/F), Ferrari F458 Italia, 183
GTE Am class
1. Ried/Roda/Ruberti (D/I/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 298 laps
2. Bourret/Gibon/Belloc (F/F/F), Chevrolet Corvette, 297
3. Bornhauser/Canal/Lamy (F/F/P), Chevrolet Corvette, 288
4. Kaufmann/Waltrip/Aguas (USA/USA/P), Ferrari F458, 283
5. Krohn/Jönsson/Rugolo (USA/S/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 265
6. Binnie/Palttala/Camathias (USA/SF/CH), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 251
American Le Mans Series GT class
1. Hand/Müller/Summerton (USA/D/USA), BMW E92 M3, 307 laps
2. Magnussen/Garcia/Taylor (DK/E/USA), Chevrolet Corvette, 307
3. Gavin/Milner/Westbrook (GB/USA/GB), Chevrolet Corvette, 307
4. Müller/Auberlen/Alzen (D/USA/D), BMW E92 M3, 306
5. Maassen/Miller/Bell (D/USA/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 302
6. Brown/Segal/Lazzaro (USA/USA/USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, 302
7. Law/Neiman/Lally (USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 302
9. Henzler/Sellers/Ragginger (D/USA/A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 289
10. Bergmeister/Long/Holzer (D/USA/D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 251
World Endurance Championship Teams GTE Pro
1. AF Corse, Ferrari, 25 points
2. Felbermayr-Proton, Porsche, 18
3. Aston Martin Racing, Aston Martin, 15
Teams GTE Am
1. Felbermayr-Proton, Porsche, 25 points
2. Labre Competition, Chevrolet, 18
3. AF Corse-Waltrip, Ferrari , 12
American Le Mans Series GT class
1. Joey Hand, Dirk Müller, Jonathan Summerton, BMW , 24 points
2. Jan Magnussen, Antonio Garcia, Jordan Taylor, Chevrolet , 20
3. Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner, Richard Westbrook, Chevrolet, 17
5. Sascha Maassen, Bryce Miller, Rob Bell, Porsche, 12
7. Seth Neiman, Andy Lally, Darren Law. Porsche, 8
9. Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers, Martin Ragginger, Porsche, 6
10. Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long, Marco Holzer , Porsche, 5
Teams
1. BMW Team RLL, BMW, 24 points
2. Corvette Racing, Chevrolet, 20
3. Paul Miller Racing, Porsche, 12
4. Extreme Speed Motorsports, Ferrari, 10
This is the World Endurance Championship
Sports prototypes and GT vehicles race in the new World Endurance Championship. They are divided into four classes that start together but are classified separately:
LMGTE Pro class: This class is reserved for slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). LMGTE Am class: Like the LMGTE Pro, but the regulations stipulate that there must be no more than one professional driver per vehicle. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with around 440 hp and a 900 kilogram minimum weight.
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles.
The field is divided into five classes that start together but are classified separately:
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers traditionally receives the most support: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR).
GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and a 900 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
A Brand New 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera could be waiting for You!
I have seen some amazing giveaways on Facebook these days, but this has to be one of the biggest giveaways ever – a Porsche.
Falken Tire, a car tire technology company, has launched a Facebook campaign where the winner will win a Porsche 911 Carrera.
The New Azenis Commercial & Porsche 911 Carrera Giveaway
Jump to the Falken Tire Facebook Page to enter the giveaway, just click on image below
GIVEAWAY: Starting off the 2012 American Le Mans racing season, Falken Tire is giving away the grand prize of a brand new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera.
Yes, you may choose the color!
At the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 17th, Team Falken Tire has taken delivery of a brand new 2012 Porsche GT3 RSR racecar chassis and is prepared to take a leading role in the demanding GT class of the American Le Mans Series 2012.
Veteran Drivers Wolf Henzler and Bryan Sellers will return to pilot the car. The veteran duo secured two wins for Team Falken in last year’s series, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and the Baltimore Grand Prix. The Porsche racecar runs on Azenis race slicks.
Falken Tire, a leader in high performance tire technology for cars and trucks, will launch its largest social media campaign ever, focusing on the Azenis product line, and culminating in an aggressive giveaway contest featuring a brand new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera as the featured Grand Prize. The all new chassis of 2012 Porsche 911 is commonly referred to by enthusiasts as the 991, and is arguably one of the hottest supercars around the globe today.
The contest will get its biggest boost over the ALMS 12 Hours of Sebring race weekend March 16-18, with the release of a new Falken television commercial on Sunday, the 18th, which will promote the Azenis tire line, its motorsports lineage, and a social media tie-in with Facebook and the popular CityVille simulation and social network game.
Jump to the Falken Tire Facebook Page to enter “Win City Cash Today”, just click on image above
Reaching more than 48 million monthly users, CityVille has generated worldwide attention. By entering the game through Facebook, players will compete on a Falken-branded racetrack and have an opportunity to earn a Falken themed racecar
Andrew Hoit, Falken Vice President of Marketing said that
“this is one of the largest promotions online”,
and if Falken Tire can engage Cityville’s 48 million monthly users in addition to their own 381,462 likes, it would be a huge gain for the company in terms of exposure. The competition is off to a good start with the post announcing the giveaways on Facebook garnering 4,248 likes in just 12 hours.
The competition is part of a year-long social media campaign for Falken Tire, and the Porsche giveaway is only open to residents of the US.
For more information and to enter the sweepstakes CLICK HERE
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook. Entrants acknowledge that they are providing their personal information to Falken Tire Corp. and not to Facebook.
Stuttgart. With the qualifying session for the tradition-steeped twelve hour race on the Sebring International Raceway in Florida/USA, both the new World Endurance Championship and the American Le Mans Series took off into the new season. The long distance classic, at which the new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR makes its race debut, marks the only time that the two series run together.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
In the GTE Pro class of the World Endurance Championship, Porsche works driver Richard Lietz (Austria) planted his Felbermayr-Proton Porsche 911 GT3 RSR on the fifth grid spot.
At the wheel of the second Felbermayr-Proton Porsche, Paolo Ruberti (Italy) posted fourth in the GTE Am class.
“My lap was perfect and our car feels very good,” said Richard Lietz.
“Still, the gap is too big. We’ll be analysing this and trying to close that gap as quickly as possible.”
In the American Le Mans Series, Porsche factory pilot Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) also posted the fifth best time in the GT class with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports.
“That was a decent lap,” he said, “but it was all that was possible today.” His works driver colleague Wolf Henzler (Germany) clocked the eighth quickest time in Falken Tire’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
“We have to get more familiar with our new car,” he said. “It handles the bumps extremely well, but we still experienced way too much oversteer.”
Sascha Maassen (Germany) posted the new 911 run by Paul Miller Racing on ninth and commented,
“We turned our fastest lap of the weekend during qualifying and that’s exactly how it should be. But we’re still in the process of familiarising ourselves with the tyres of the new car. And there’s a great deal of potential there.”
Several pilots from the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup are using the GTC class, which they contest with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, to gain experience in international long distance racing.
The seasoned Supercup and Carrera Cup pilot Sean Edwards (Great Britain) clinched pole position with Damien Faulkner (Ireland) posting second. Reigning Supercup rookie champion Kévin Estre (France) put his 911 on position five.
Nicki Thiim (Denmark), who contests the world’s fastest international one-brand series for the 2012 season, qualified on sixth.
“That was an exciting qualifying. We are all very close,” said Sean Edwards.
“My team has done a great job in preparing the 911. Last year an accident before the qualifying prevented us from competing in the race. Now we’re back with a vengeance.”
The race starts on Saturday, 17 March, at 10.30 hrs local time (15.30 hrs CET) and is broadcast live on http://www.alms.com.
Qualifying result
World Endurance Championshi GTE Pro class
1. Gianmaria Bruni (I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 1:58.427 minutes
2. Jaime Melo (BRA), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.286 seconds
3. Olivier Beretta (MC), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.611
4. Stefan Mücke (D), Aston Martin Vantage, + 1.697
5. Richard Lietz (A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.779
GTE Am class
1. Dominik Farnbacher (D), Ferrari F458 Italia, 2:00.258 minutes
2. Niclas Jonsson (S), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.745 seconds
3. Pedro Lamy (P), Chevrolet Corvette, + 1.456
4. Paolo Ruberti (I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.603
American Le Mans Series GT class
1. Jan Magnussen (DK), Chevrolet Corvette, 1:58.996 minutes
2. Oliver Gavin (GB), Chevrolet Corvette, + 0.011 seconds
3. Joey Hand (USA), BMW M3, + 1.031
4. Johannes van Overbeek (USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 1.098
5. Jörg Bergmeister (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.123
8. Wolf Henzler (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 2.636
9. Sascha Maassen (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 3.154
10. Seth Neiman (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 8.358
Sports prototypes and GT vehicles race in the new World Endurance Championship. They are divided into four classes that start together but are classified separately:
LMGTE Pro class: This class is reserved for slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). LMGTE Am class: Like the LMGTE Pro, but the regulations stipulate that there must be no more than one professional driver per vehicle. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class:Sports prototypes with around 440 hp and a 900 kilogram minimum weight.
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. At the season-opener in Sebring, the field is divided into five classes that start together but are classified separately: GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers traditionally receives the most support: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and a 900 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
In a racing career spanning from 1953 to 1970, Hans Herrmann was twice
the overall winner at Sebring. In 1960, he won the legendary twelve-hour race
in a Porsche 718 RS60 with Oliver Gendebien, and repeated the feat in 1968,
in a Porsche 908 with Jo Siffert.
He also won his class for Porsche in 1956 and 1966. His first overall victory at
the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1960 was one of the most important wins in
Porsche’s racing history.
This was the first outing for the new Type 718 RS60 1.6 liter car, and it ended
in a double victory for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer as the Porsche teams
of Herrmann/Gendebien and Holbert/Schechter crossed the line in front of their
competitors from the 3-litre class.
Hans Herrmann is one of Porsche’s most successful works drivers.
Born on 23 February 1928 in Stuttgart, the endurance specialist is
regarded as one of the most reliable and consistent drivers of all time.
Here is a video that I found on Youtube done in 2008 in tribute to his birthday at age 80 in 2008…has some great vintage film and pictures of Hans Hermann
During his motor racing career, Hans Herrmann notched up more than
80 overall wins and class victories for manufacturers such as Porsche,
Mercedes-Benz, Borgward and Abarth. In 1953, 1954 and 1955 he
was German champion in the 1500 cc class, and manufacturers’
World Champion in 1969 in 1970.
Hans Herrmann achieved his greatest victories in cars made in
Maxted-Page Limited is very proud to be the appointed agents in offering for sale The Harrison Porsche Collection
5 Porsches out 7 are still available for sale.
A wide and significant collection of rare, road and competition Porsches, passionately acquired and owned by Gerald Harrison over the last 10 years.
Gerald Harrison’s passion for speed and adventure on land, sea and in the air has taken him into new directions within aviation, which now consumes most of his time, leaving little time to drive and enjoy this fine collection of Porsches.
A rare opportunity for the serious collector and or historic racing driver to acquire some of the most highly sought after and exceptional historic Porsche’s, which rarely ever come to the market together in this way.
Read on about The Harrison Porsche Collection from Maxted-Page, and head to their website here for more.
14 March 2012 – This Fabulous rebuilt, fast and historic 1964 Porsche 904 GTS has been made available for sale by Maxted-Page as part of the Harrison Porsche Collection.
Which comes fully race-prepared, complete with a set of spare wheels, FIA HTP paperwork, Monaco road registration and a comprehensively documented history file.at Maxted-Page.
Read on for the official word and the car’s full racing history from Maxted-Page, and head to their website here for more.
The 904 GTS was launched in 1964 as a successor to the 1957-introduced type 718 model, which had been previously been campaigned by both the factory and privateers worldwide, essentially as an aluminium-bodied open-cockpit sports-racing spyder, constructed on a tubular space frame.
The new 904 GTS – a mid-engined two-seater coupe – would have neither a tubular space-frame nor an aluminium body and represented a completely new design phase. In an effort to reduce production costs and build a minimum of 100 cars in order to homologate the 904 into the Grand Touring Class, the 904 was constructed from a box-section steel chassis and a fibreglass body, realised by the Heinkel Fleugzeugbau aircraft company who had spare capacity at the time.
One hundred and sixteen cars were built, mostly powered by a 180hp 2.0 litre 4-cylinder four-cam engine originally designed by Ernst Fuhmann in the 1950s. Towards the end of 904 production, however, a small batch of cars were also homologated and fitted with a 6-cylinder (2.0 911-derived) engine with twin triple-choke Weber carburettors and twin-plug ignition, thus raising the power output to nearer 210hp.
The race prepared 904 GTS weighed just 655 kgs and through 1964-65 achieved considerable international competition success at everything from hill climbs and the Monte Carlo Rally right up to the World Sporstcar Championship and long distance 24-hour endurance races.
Chassis 904 068
A well-known Porsche 904 which raced in the Americas during the mid-1960s. This beautifully re-built and well-documented 904 GTS was supplied new in June 1964 via Brumos in Jacksonville/Florida, USA to Bruce Jones Jr. of Macon, Georgia finished in Silbermetallic with Blau Velour interior.
Bruce Jones Jr. covered just 5788kms before the car was returned to Brumos to be prepared for future, famed Porsche racer Peter Gregg to drive.
Gregg would become the owner of Brumos Porschein August 1965 and began to race ‘068’ extensively in the US and Bahamas between 1964-66. Latterly teaming up with co-driver George Drolsom in 1966, the pair finished 3rd in class with ‘068’ in the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour race.
Following the 1966 Daytona 24hrs, Brumos sold ‘068’ to the father of a young, amateur racer from Jacksonville named Bill Hall. Soon after, however, Hall unfortunately had a tragic accident racing the 904 at an SCCA race in Savannah, Georgia and the car was split in half. The wreck was returned to Brumos where it remained un-repaired.
In 1971 the remains were sold on to fellow Porsche racer and US Porsche Distributor, Vasek Polak. In 1972, it is known that parts of the suspension were removed and used by Dieter Inzenhofer, Polak’s chief mechanic, to rebuild 904-064, but the rest of ‘068’ was untouched and remained in storage in Polak’s warehouse for the next 25 years.
By the late nineties, Polak had started to discuss rebuilding the car and sent it to US Porsche restoration specialist Kevin Jeanette of Gunnar Racing, Florida but passed away in 1997 just before the project started. However, through Jeanette in 2000, ‘068’ was sold to Michael Robottom of Jersey who commissioned Jeanette to completely rebuild the car as Polak had intended.
A lengthy, multi-year restoration followed with meticulous attention paid to every detail before ‘068’ was finally completed in 2009 and fitted with a newly-built (2.0 litre 6-cylinder twin-plug) race engine and correct 904 gearbox. Upon completion, the car was exhibited at the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and won the trophy for ‘Best Race Car’
In 2010, ‘068’ was shipped and imported into the UK by Michael Robottom, whereupon it was UK road-registered and import duties paid. It was then acquired, via ourselves, by the Harrison collection and fully prepared for historic competition use by our sister company, Maxted-Page & Prill Ltd.
The car was entered and raced by Gerald and Chloe Harrison in the competition category of the 2011 Tour Auto later in the same year raced in the 2011 Spa 6 hours endurance race.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
News Update:
Recently the 904 featured in the 2011 Spa Six Hour endurance pre-1965 Touring and GT race where it performed faultlessly throughout.
The top-selling lot of the weekend in Amelia Island, the $4.4 million 1973 Porsche 917 Can-Am Spyder Sets a Double Record for a Porsche and a 917 at Auction. Ten Cars Sold for More Than $1 Million Each Eleven World Records Realized with 91% Sold
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (March 10, 2012) – Gooding & Company, the acclaimed auction house celebrated for selling the world’s most significant and valuable collector cars, is thrilled to announce more than $36 million in sales from 70 out of 77 lots sold at its Amelia Island Auction, more than doubling its results from 2010 and establishing a new auction record for Amelia Island.
Led by many extraordinary Porsche racing cars that were part of the Drendel Family Collection, 11 world records were achieved. The top-selling lot of the Amelia Island weekend, the 1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder sold for $4.4 million and is now the most valuable Porsche ever sold at auction in the world.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
President and founder David Gooding and Auctioneer Charlie Ross entertained guests throughout the day’s many auction highlights which included lively bidding wars, more than ten individual sales over a million dollars and a surprise stage appearance by Derek Bell. The world-renowned race car driver introduced the significant 1984 Porsche 962, which he piloted in one of the most competitive races in Daytona history.
In addition to the 17 exceptional Drendel Family Collection Porsches that sold for more than $17.7million. Gooding & Company auctioned off a wide variety of unique collector cars, such as the 1955 Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder that sold for $3.685 million, the 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe that sold for $1.375 million and the 1948 Tucker 48 that sold for $1.32 million.
“We are extremely pleased with our $36 million auction results, as it underscores the continued strength at the top of the collector car market,” says David Gooding, President and founder. “I’m proud of ourteam, delighted for our clients and I believe we managed to raise the bar this weekend on many levels.”
In response to the successful results, Charlie Ross, Gooding & Company’s acclaimed auctioneer said,
“Yet again, our Amelia Island Auction proved that, if you have the best, the sky is the limit!”
Gooding & Company realized 11 outstanding world records yesterday, listed as follows:
• The 1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder (lot 57) at $4,400,000,
a double world auction record for a Porsche and a 917.
• The 1955 Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder (lot 15) at $3,685,000,
a world auction record for a Porsche 550 Spyder.
• The 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR Turbo 2.14 (lot 55) at $3,245,000,
a world auction record for a Porsche 911.
• The 1976 Porsche 935/76 (lot 47) at $2,530,000,
a world auction record for a Porsche 935.
• The 1984 Porsche 962 (lot 53) at $1,925,000,
a world auction record for a Porsche 962.
• The 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution (lot 49) at $1,265,000,
a world auction record for a Porsche 911 GT1.
• The 1967 Porsche 906E (lot 69) at $1,001,000,
a world auction record for a Porsche 906.
• The 1976 Porsche 934 (lot 51) at $891,000,
a world auction record for a Porsche 934.
• The 1980 Porsche 924 GTP (lot 48) at $385,000,
a world auction record for a Porsche 924.
• The 1992 Porsche 968 Turbo RS (lot 60) at $346,500,
a world auction record for a Porsche 968.
• The 1981 Porsche 944 GTP (lot 58) at $308,000,
a world auction record for a Porsche 944.
Gooding & Company’s top ten results from Friday’s auction are as follows:
• 1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder at $4,400,000 (lot 57)
• 1955 Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder at $3,685,000 (lot 15)
• 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR Turbo 2.14 at $3,245,000 (lot 55)
• 1976 Porsche 935/76 at $2,530,000 (lot 47)
• 1984 Porsche 962 at $1,925,000 (lot 53)
• 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe at $1,375,000 (lot 71)
• 1948 Tucker 48 at $1,320,000 (lot 78)
• 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution at $1,265,000 (lot 49)
• 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider at $1,001,000 (lot 33)
• 1967 Porsche 906E at $1,001,000 (lot 69)
*Prices are in US Dollars, including buyer’s premium. Gooding & Company is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.
About Gooding & Company
Gooding & Company, internationally celebrated for its world-class automotive auctions, provides unparalleled service in the collector car market, offering a wide range of services including private and estate sales, appraisals and collection management.
In the past two years, Gooding & Company hasrealized the most prestigious automotive records in the world for a Car Sold at Auction with the iconic 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype at $16.39 million, an American Car at Auction with the 1931 Whittell Coupe Duesenberg Model J at $10.34 million, and the undisclosed private treaty sale of the world’s Most Valuable Car with the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic.
The auction house ignited 2012 when it achieved extraordinary results at its annual Scottsdale Auctions in January with more than $39.8 million in sales and 98% sold.
Renowned for its annual standing as the official auction house for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Gooding & Company will return to Pebble Beach, California on August 18 & 19, 2012.
About the Omni Amelia Island Plantation
Beginning a new chapter in its nearly 40-year heritage, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation is undergoing an extensive re-imagination project.
As Florida’s award-winning island destination, the resort is recognized for offering a luxury resort experience in perfect harmony with nature, rich in recreational activities.
The certified Green Lodging Destination is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, lush marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway, located just north of Jacksonville, Fla.
The property sits on three-and-a-half miles of wide, uncrowded beaches and includes 49,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; 54 holes of championship golf; 23 Har-Tru® tennis courts; award-winning recreation programs; a shopping village with restaurants, boutiques and gift shops as well as the nature-inspired signature spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; nine culinary options ranging from casual to fine dining; kids camps; and numerous activities for adventurers including water sports, horseback riding, walking, hiking and Segway tours.
With 249 guest rooms in the oceanfront resort, the Villas of Amelia Island Plantation Resort offer 300 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with ocean, golf or resort views.
For more information, please call 1-800-The-Omni or visit omniameliaislandplantation.com.
Source: Gooding & Company CONTACT:
Katie Hellwig
Gooding & Company
(310) 526-0584
Katie@goodingco.com
Unsold lots are not shown. Gooding & Company is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. The exchange rates we used for the day of the sale were 1 USD = 0.64 GBP, 0.76 Euro, 0.92 Swiss Franc (CHF), and 82 Japanese Yen (JPY).
LOT #54 – 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup – SOLD AT $79,200 DOLLARS
Formerly the Property of Lloyd Hawkins
LOT #55 – 1974 Porsche RSR Carrera Turbo 2.14 – SOLD AT $3,245,000 MILLION DOLLARS
Formerly the Property of Dr. William Jackson
The Martini Racing Team Porsche System
LOT #56 – 1994 Porsche 968 Turbo S Clone – SOLD AT $72,600 DOLLARS
LOT #57 – 1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder – SOLD AT $4,400,000 MILLION DOLLARS
Formerly the Property of Alan Hamilton and Porsche AG
World Record 1973 #PORSCHE 917/30 Can-Am Spyder “SOLD” @ $4,400,000 including commission!
Gooding Auction Amelia Island 2012 Highest Sale Of Auction -CHASSIS NO. 917/30-004,
■The Most Powerful Road-Racing Car Ever Built
■An Undisputed Masterpiece of Automotive Engineering
■One of Only Six Examples Built
■Sold New to Australian Porsche Importer Alan Hamilton
■Meticulously Restored in Penske Racing’s 1973 Sunoco Livery
■Rennsport Reunion, AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix and Monterey Historics Participant
■Featured Prominently in Pete Lyons’ Can-Am Cars in Detail
■Eligible for Leading Historic Races and Porsche Gatherings
■The Ultimate Evolution of the Porsche 917
5,374 CC DOHC Air-Cooled Flat 12-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
Twin KKK Turbochargers
Estimated 1,200 HP at 8,000 RPM (1.4 Bar of Boost)
4-Speed Type 920 Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes
Fully Independent Double Wishbone Suspension with Coil-Over Shock Absorbers and Anti-Roll Bars
LOT #58 – 1981 Porsche 944 GTP – SOLD AT $308,000 DOLLARS
LOT #59 – 1985 Porsche 962 – SOLD AT $935,000 DOLLARS
The Holbert Racing Löwenbräu Special
LOT #60 – 1992 Porsche 968 Turbo RS – SOLD AT $346,500 DOLLARS
Formerly the Property of Dr. Thomas Bscher and Lloyd Hawkins
LOT #61 – 1980 Parnelli-Porsche Indy Car – UNSOLD
LOT #62 – 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 – SOLD AT $357,500 DOLLARS
The Champion Porsche
View the entire Drendel Family Porsche collection in a slideshow…..lots of pictures to feast your eyes on!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Auction Results
The following prices are in US Dollars and include the buyer’s premium of 10% and are rounded to the nearest dollar. Unsold lots are not shown. Gooding & Company is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.
Actual PDF final dollar sale listing will follow with an update!…….
Gooding & Company realized exceptional auction results in 2011 with 37 world records, including the venerable records for a car sold at auction, the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype at $16.39 million, and for an American car sold at auction, The Whittell Coupe, a bespoke 1931 Duesenberg Model J at $10.34 million. The highest recorded sale in Pebble Beach history, Gooding & Company’s 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions realized more than $78 million in collector cars sold.
About Gooding & Company
Gooding & Company is recognized the world over as a leading collector car auction house specializing in the finest antique, classic, sports and racing cars. We have consistently achieved record-breaking results at prestigious venues such as Pebble Beach, Scottsdale and Amelia Island. Not only is Gooding & Company committed to holding auctions of distinction, but we have also orchestrated many successful and significant private sales, provided accurate and detailed appraisals, guided estate planning and advised the custodians of some of the world’s finest automobile collections. We are determined to present the highest quality consignments and operate with transparency and integrity in every aspect of our business.
One of the most talked-about drawbacks to Forza Motorsport 4 upon it’s release was the lack of Porsche, a brand that has been apart of the franchise since its inception in 2005.
The first look at the Forza Motorsport 4 Porsche Expansion Pack, which will arrive on Xbox LIVE on May 22, featuring content and gameplay experiences solely dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands.
Forza Motorsport – March 5, 2012 – by BRIAN EKBERG
This is the kind of news that deserves to be shouted from the rooftops:
Porsche is returning to Forza Motorsport!
Today we’re unveiling the first look at the Forza Motorsport 4 Porsche Expansion Pack, which will arrive on Xbox LIVE on May 22, featuring content and gameplay experiences solely dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands.
First up, the cars. The Forza Motorsport 4 Porsche Expansion Pack will feature 30 incredible Porsche models for you to collect, drive, and customize, including two models announced today: the 2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic and the 2010 Porsche Boxster S. Seven of the 30 Porsche models that will be featured in the Porsche Expansion Pack are brand new to the Forza franchise—look for more car details to be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Porsche Expansion Pack is more than just cars, however. The pack will also feature 20 brand new Porsche-centric events to be added to your Forza 4 career, as well as 10 new Xbox LIVE Achievements (worth a total of 250 Gamerscore points) all centered around Porsche. In addition, players can expect to see Porsche models in the AI field when racing in events, as well as integrated into Forza 4’s level reward structure.
Upon the release of the Porsche Expansion Pack, fans can expect Porsche-themed Rivals Mode events and new online multiplayer hoppers dedicated to the dozens of Porsche models in the pack. In short, our goal is to deliver the most comprehensive and fun Porsche experience available in any racing game today!
Now, thanks to a new agreement, the marque is back in Forza Motorsport 4 and it’s returning after the short hiatus in grand fashion.
Releasing this May, the Porsche Expansion Pack brings with it 30 vehicles; 23 of which are returning from Forza Motorsport 3, and 7 are all-new to the franchise.
It doesn’t end there, oh no, it also brings with it 20 brand-new Porsche-centric events, 10 new achievements totaling at 250 Gamerscore, and a wealth of online integration as well.
It will be available on said date at 1600 Microsoft Points ($20 USD).
1964 Carrera Chassis #0028 – 2.0 Porsche 904 GTS (Gerhard Koch) 7th (2nd in class) [chassis 904 028]
You will see some original sketches done in the early 70’s by the owner in the opening part of video one of the three part videos, along with the exhaust notes coming from the early six cylinder.
You will see Dave Conklin of Porsche Excellence as he goes through his photo shoot and sets up the 904 in different locations.
You will also see the 904 with racing history in motion with the great sounding exhaust note.
Some 904 photos taken during the Porsche Excellence Photo Shoot, in between the filming.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Photo Video Shoot 1 of 3
Photo Video Shoot 2 of 3
Photo Video Shoot 3 of 3
Source: Photos & videos by Nick Moskatow Carrera GTS Club
“904 Driver” Story
A cage-free 904 that’s been on the road since 1972.
Story and Photos by David Conklin
Wow, a 904! ….Is that one of those new kits?” asked the soccer dad leaning out of his “soccer van.” Alex Pollock stepped towards him and replied, “No, that’s the real thing.” “Really? I never thought I would see one of those in Detroit,” said the soccer dad, before dropping his van into gear and slowly pulling away, still glancing back at the diminutive silver racer.
For my part, I’m not sure what’s more out of the ordinary: a 904 in the heart of Detroit or a casual observer in Detroit recognizing it! Detroit is, after all, the home of the Big Three, muscle cars, and rust. While some designers at the domestic automakers indulged themselves with European exotica, “little foreign jobs” weren’t really looked upon kindly here. That was especially true in 1972, when Alex purchased his 904.
Alex’s love affair with Porsche’s first fiberglass flier had started several years earlier and hundreds of miles south of the Motor City — when he was a student at the University of Florida with a passion for sports-car racing. He went to Daytona and Sebring every chance he got. He watched George Follmer win the GT class at the 12 Hours of Sebring in a 904, and promptly fell in love with the car. Away from the track, he purchased a plastic model kit of a 904 and decided that, one day, he would own the real thing.
Once he had graduated from college and was making a good living as an engineer, Alex bought a used 1967 911. He couldn’t shake his hankering for a 904, but as things turned out, the path from plastic model to plastic Porsche was a relatively short one — albeit one punctuated by a move to Detroit and a wedding.
In time, Alex placed a want ad in Hemmings Motor News to see what might surface. Not long after, his phone rang. Uwe Buehl was on the other end, saying that on his lot in Pennsylvania was a 904, white with blue trim and equipped with a four-cam engine that would fit both expectation and budget. It was 904-028, and by 1972 it wasn’t much more than an old, used-up race car. In fact, Alex says he was young and impetuous, and that he should have looked the car over more carefully, calling its condition at the time “tortured.”
The 904 had earned its scars. Its first several years were spent on the racing circuits of Europe. First delivered to Gerhard Koch in Germany, 028 competed in and typically won the GT class in regional Flugplatzrennen (airfield races) in 1964. More noteworthy were a second-place finish in the 500 kilometers of Spa in May and a series of class wins at the Nürburgring, the GP de Paris, and the GP Angola.
With a works ride for 1965, Koch sold 904-028 to Rainer Ising of Munich. Ising and Bernd Degner piloted the car to a significant victory that year: the GT class win in the 84-hour Marathon de la Route at the Nürburgring.
In 1966, the Porsche was brought into the U.S. by Uwe Buehl for yet another new owner, Roger Neuman in Pennsylvania. He kept 904-028 for only one year before selling it to fellow Pennsylvanian Dieter Oest, who campaigned it throughout the 1967 season before replacing it with another 904. Continue reading <<<here>>>
“The Panamera offers the ideal combination of sportiness and practicality,” said Dr. Döllner.
“With a choice of nine different Panamera models, we offer a model diversity unrivalled by any other competitor in this segment,” Dr. Döllner continued.
The offering comprises economical six-cylinder vehicles, a particularly fuel-efficient diesel and a full-hybrid version, which can be driven on purely electric power. These are complemented by the sporty S, GTS, Turbo or Turbo S models.
The power range extends from 250 hp to 550 hp. The Panamera is available with rear or all-wheel drive, manual transmission, eight-speed automatic transmission or Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK).
Europe’s largest Internet public award offered a choice of 351 models in ten vehicle categories.
Approximately 162,000 online users from eight European countries took part in the ballot.
Porsche 904, officially known as Carrera GTS is usually on display at the Porsche museum, but as we can see from the video above it does get back to the track once in a while. This time with a legendary driver Walter Röhrl who beautifully shows us a how to handle this 1964 Carrera (904) GTS on the track.
The first prototype will utilize the platform from a 987 Porsche Boxster (2005 – 2011) and will provide all the necessary modern amenities and controls such as the instrument panel, air conditioning, LED lights, iPod docking station, navigation system, steering wheel and seats but with the retro look of the original.
The prototype will also retain the 6-speed manual transmission and 3.4-liter boxer engine with 295HP (217kW / 291bhp) as well as power steering and ABS among other modern basics. A sport tuned exhaust will give it that racecar sound and the adjustable suspension will provide the dynamic handling and ride height.
The exterior body of the P/904 will be constructed of composite material and will be complemented by GWA’s custom-designed 5 spoke wheels in 18×8 size at the front and 18×10 in the rear.
The estimated cost of the conversion is approximately 70,000 euros. This does not include any additional customization or the donor Boxster, which can be purchased in RHD if required.
July 8th, 2012 will mark the twenty-five year anniversary win of “perhaps” the greatest rally driver of all time—Walter Röhrl. And in recent years, he has been retained as the senior test driver for Porsche road cars
Cool and collected, Röhrl piloted an Audi sport quattro S1 up the world’s highest highway in record time of 10:47.85 minutes.
Walter Röhrl triumphed at Pikes Peak 25 years ago
* Convincing victory in 1987 in Colorado with Sport quattro S1
* 19.99 kilometres, 156 corners, with over 600 bhp
* Audi won the famous hill-climb race three years running
Of the many rally victories recorded by Audi in the 1980s, the last one was particularly memorable: 25 years ago, on 11 July 1987, Walter Röhrl and his Audi Sport quattro S1 won the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the US state of Colorado.
Walter Röhrl and Audi, the best driver and the most successful rallying team at that time, enjoyed a close and always extremely intensive relationship. Röhrl, the world champion of 1980 and 1982, had joined the Ingolstadt team in 1984 at a time when the brand with the four rings dominated the entire rallying scene.
The permanent four-wheel drive system left the rear-wheel-drive competitor vehicles with no chance whatsoever. A mere two years after first testing the Audi quattro at the end of 1980, Audi had already clinched the manufacturers’ world title. The Finn Hannu Mikkola won the drivers’ world championship in 1983, and in the following year Audi took both titles, with Stig Blomqvist from Sweden topping the drivers’ rankings.
Walter Röhrl was emotional and happy following his victory, and seemed close to tears. He later stated:
“All I can say is that it was great to take part. It was crazy, but often it is in fact the crazy things which are the best in life. It was the very pinnacle of what can be done with a rally car.”
To commemorate this victory, ACNA members will gather at the starting line to watch as racers rev their engines, embracing the mighty challenge as they quest for victory, just as Walter did 25 years ago…..http://forums.quattroworld.com/quattro/msgs/6277.phtml
Stay with the video, for the most part not in English..but great video and music to your ears!
It’s a gathering of like-minded Audi enthusiasts that will share a spirit of adventure as they gather for the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb–Race to the Clouds.
At the age of 16, Röhrl began working for the commercial director of a company that legally represented the Bishop of Regensburg along with 6 further Bishops in Bavaria, and skiied in his spare time. In time he became a qualified ski instructor and a keen driver, and became the chauffer to the commercial director, covering up to 120,000 kilometres annually. Some unqualified reports have stated he was once the Bishop’s own driver, but this has been acknowledged as untrue. Having also now been active in sports like skiing, Röhrl was invited to drive his first rally in 1968.
Röhrl was a World Rally Championship favorite throughout the 1970s and 1980s, winning the Monte Carlo Rally four times with four different marques. His co-driver for many years was Christian Geistdörfer. His Fiat 131 Abarth carried him to the 1980 title, clinched with his victory in that year’s San Remo rally, but it was arguably his equivalent success in 1982 that impressed most of all, with Röhrl fending off audacious four-wheel drive opposition, led by Audi‘s resurgent Michèle Mouton, to take the title, by virtue of consistency, in his increasingly outmoded rear-drive Opel Ascona 400. It was also during this time that he won the African Rally Championship, in 1982.
In 1983, he joined Lancia to pilot the new, rear-wheel drive Lancia 037, before finally changing his machinery, in 1984, to the four-wheel drive Audi Quattro, an automobile actually incidentally produced in his home state of Bavaria.
Despite being selective in his choice of top-level events, albeit during a time when this was a less unusual occurrence for top-line drivers in the championship, he still scored 14 WRC victories in his career.
Röhrl was also successful in road racing events, and called “Genius on Wheels” by Niki Lauda. In the 1992 24 Hours Nürburgring race which saw fog and heavy rain in the night, he hardly slowed down, anticipating the corners by timing. The race was nevertheless interrupted for hours.
Best rally driver of all time
In Italy, a jury selected 100 motor sports experts from around the world named Walter Röhrl as “the best rally driver of all time.”
Here are the standings table from the magazine “Rally-Sprint” (anno numero 3 1/2):
In Italy, he was elected “Rallye driver of the century”. In France he was elected “Rallye driver of the millennium” in November 2000.
In recent years, he has been retained as the senior test driver for Porsche road cars, famously setting quick laptimes for them testing round the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife, for example with the Porsche Carrera GT.
Röhrl was expected to make his competitive return to the Nürburgring 24 hour race in 2010 at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. However, he was forced to withdraw from the event due to a back injury. It was to be his first 24 hour race in 17 years, since his last start in 1993.
This year it’ll be different, as it’s the first year where the whole 19.9 kilometre climb is lined with tarmac. Will he be any less sideways? We doubt it.
If you can’t make it to Colorado on July 8th, you can watch Rohrl’s 1987 run below. Once you get past the German bits, there’s some handy footwork, wailing waste-gate chatter, a 2.1-litre five-cylinder engine screaming at 8,000rpm and a long way down if it all goes wrong. You’re going to like it…
It’s Porsche Camp4. 30 Pfaff Porsche enthusiasts about to learn all about oversteer and understeer on ice–in brand new Porsches.
(Courtesy of Andrew Taylor)
For the uninitiated, Kai, the German Porsche Factory driver, explains the differences between oversteer and understeer.
“Ven you understeer, you zee vot you hit. Ven you oversteer, you hear vot you hit.”
Kai,the German Porsche Factory driver explains that a car handles on ice just as it does on tarmac.
The difference is that you reach the limits of adhesion on tarmac at speeds in excess of 150 km/hr. On ice you reach those same limits at 30 km/hr.
(Courtesy of Andrew Taylor)
Professional driving instructors coach you the entire day. Drive around racecourses carved from ice, swinging cars through slaloms, learning how to drift in large circles on a skid pan.
(Courtesy of Andrew Taylor)
Driving on ice requires very little input from the steering wheel and a lot of input from the accelerator pedal. When you get it right, you are effectively swinging the car sideways from corner to corner, like the pendulum on an old grandfather clock, in a constant state of oversteer.
The drivers spin out of control more times than one would care to admit, as the instructors stand at the corner exits laughing and doing pirouettes like clumsy ballerinas as drivers slide around the course.
What a blissful day for everyone left smiling. A great way to make fast friends who share a unique understanding of how Porsche cars behaved when driven to the limit.
Porsche Everyday Dedeporsches Blog 