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!!
Stuttgart. At its first Le Mans 24 Hours outing, the best Porsche 911 RSR takes up the race on Saturday from the second grid row in the GTE-Pro class. In qualifying for the long distance classic in France, which was held for the first time 90 years ago,
Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France), Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) improved their time in the last lap and planted the #92 Porsche 911 RSR on third place.
Their factory pilot colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) concluded the qualifying in seventh at the wheel of the number 91 vehicle. Both 911 RSR are fielded by Porsche AG Team Manthey.
As the best Porsche in the GTE-Am class, the 911 GT3 RSR of the Proton Competition team in which Christian Ried (Germany) shares driving duties with his Italian teammates Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti, achieved the second quickest time.
The 911 fielded by IMSA Performance Matmut with Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) as well as Frenchmen Pascal Gibon and Patrice Milesi set the fifth quickest time. At his first Le Mans start with Porsche,
Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”) starts from seventh on the grid with support from Porsche works driver Patrick Long and Joe Foster (all USA).
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
The Le Mans 24 Hours takes off of Saturday at 15.00 hours. Eurosport broadcasts the entire race live on its channels Eurosport International and Eurosport 2.
On the internet, the long distance classic can be followed live on http://www.fiawec.com.
Quotes after the third qualifying
Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG:
“We are quite pleased with this result. Our aim was to beat Ferrari and we have achieved this. We’re only five-hundredths of a second shy of the first grid row which gives us hope for the race.”
Hartmut Kristen, Porsche Head of Motorsport:
“The changing weather conditions and many interruptions made for a pretty exciting qualifying. You could actually forget about a normal programme. Marc’s improvement to third place in the final lap has shown how important it was to push to the end today.”
Joerg Bergmeister (# 91):
“My qualifying was quite messed up. I went out on the first set of tyres but got held up by slower cars and had to reduce speed because the yellow flags came out. The same happened with my second set – first traffic, then yellow-flagged. In my third fast lap I went all out and was a bit late on the brakes in the first corner. That was the end of my qualifying. But Marc’s time underlined what would have been possible. This makes me confident for the race.”
Patrick Pilet (# 91):
“Our chances look good for the race. For me as a Frenchman Le Mans is the highlight of the year. To win here would be the greatest. We have a good car and we’ll do our utmost in the race.”
Timo Bernhard (# 91):
“The conditions were wrong today to learn anything significant about our car. I drove my five mandatory night laps. We could face such mixed conditions in the race, so it was important to see if everything was okay with the car. At the time I was sitting in the car it made no sense to risk too much.”
Marc Lieb (# 92):
“I spent about an hour at the wheel and was able to get used to the difficult conditions. The track was almost dry towards the end, only slightly damp in the second chicane. There I had to be careful on the brakes. Our car’s balance is good, not yet perfect, but we have definitely made great progress.
That I drove over the finish line three seconds before the end of the session and achieved the third fastest lap time was of course perfect timing. This is also a big motivation for the race. A huge thank you to my team. The boys have worked really hard over the last weeks and months to make our new 911 RSR even better.”
Richard Lietz (# 92):
“A good grid position in Le Mans is a matter of prestige, even if it doesn’t play a major role in the race. But when you come with a new car, like us, you naturally want to be as far up the front as possible, so we are delighted with third place.
Marc has made it more exciting and drove a great time right when everyone thought it was over.”
Romain Dumas (#92):
“In Le Mans the regulations stipulate that all competitors must turn five qualifying laps during the night. Since I didn’t get to drive yesterday, I turned my five laps today. At the time I went out, the track half dry, half wet. That wasn’t much fun.”
Wolf Henzler (#67):
“I was on wets, but the track was too dry for that towards the end. I should actually have gone out on slicks, but when the conditions are so difficult and it is night time, you obviously don’t want to take any unnecessary risks.”
Jean-Karl Vernay (#76):
“It’s not decisive whether you take up a 24 hour race from fifth, sixth or seventh place. That’s why we didn’t go all out to try and improve our time under such tricky conditions. We’ve added many new parts for the race and will attempt to finish as far up the field as possible.”
Christian Ried (#88):
“These conditions made it tough for everyone. You drive out, it starts to rain, you come in, the rain stops – this doesn’t give you the insights you need for the race. Today, it was really just a matter of us all turning our mandatory laps at night.”
Result 3rd qualifying GTE-Pro class
1. Bell/Makowiecki/Senna (GB/F/BRA), Aston Martin, 3:54.635 minutes
2. Dumbreck/Mücke/Turner (GB/D/GB), Aston Martin, 3:55.445
3. Dumas/Lieb/Lietz (F/D/A), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:55.491
4. Fisichella/Bruni/Malucelli (I/I/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 3:55.909
7. Bergmeister/Bernhard/Pilet (D/D/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:56.573
Stuttgart. Porsche AG Team Manthey used the first qualifying for the Le Mans 24 Hours on Wednesday primarily to work on the set-up of the new Porsche 911 RSR for its first outing at the world’s most famous long distance race.
The 911 RSR with the starting number 92, shared by Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France), Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria), performed impressively in free practice by setting the best time in the GTE-Pro class, and went on to post the fifth quickest time during the first qualifying held in the night.
At the wheel of the second 911 RSR with the starting number 91, their works driver colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) were clocked as seventh fastest.
The best Porsche in the GTE-Am class was the 911 GT3 RSR run by Proton Competition on second place. Christian Ried (Germany) and his Italian teammates Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti share the cockpit.
The IMSA Performance Matmut 911 with Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) clinched the third quickest time.
In the 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the Dempsey Del Piero Proton squad, the all-American line-up of Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey,
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Dempsey Dell Piero Proton: Patrick Dempsey, Joe Foster, Patrick Long
Porsche works driver Patrick Long and Joe Foster secured the seventh spot.
Quotes after the first qualifying
Joerg Bergmeister (# 91):
“My main priority was to turn my mandatory laps. I was driving on used tyres and everything went really smoothly. As a driver you’re never really satisfied but I think that as far as the race is concerned we are on the right track.”
Patrick Pilet (# 91):
Patrick Pilet and Timo Bernhard
“The balance of the car was okay. On the fastest lap I encountered a lot of traffic which cost me some time. For tomorrow we have to keep working on the balance.”
Timo Bernhard (# 91):
“Today wasn’t really a labour-intensive day. In free practice I turned three laps before the session was red-flagged. When I wanted to climb in the car for my last qualifying stint the red flag came out again and after that it was no longer possible to do anything. Now I hope that I get to drive a bit longer tomorrow.”
Marc Lieb (# 92):
Marc Lieb, Joerg Bergmeister, Porsche AG Team Manthey
“The qualifying was quite good. I went out on used tyres and that worked well. I’m happy with the car’s balance. Of course we have to tweak the set-up but I think that we’ll manage that before the race. Compared to Spa and Silverstone we’ve made great strides.”
Richard Lietz (# 92):
(l.-r.): Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas, Marc Lieb
“My first lap was really good, but I spun in the second. Luckily nothing happened and I then had no problems on the second set of tyres.”
Romain Dumas (# 92):
Romain Dumas
“Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to drive during qualifying. I drove a couple of laps in free practice during the afternoon. It was great fun to be out on this track in a GT car.”
Marc Lieb, Romain Dumas, Porsche AG Team Manthey
Wolf Henzler (#67):
“Today was my first time with the car on new tyres. The balance is still not quite perfect. I hope that we can attack it again tomorrow.”
Jean-Karl Vernay (#76):
“We have made progress in all areas since the last race in Spa. On the straights we are still a little slower but we are closing in on our competitors. I’m getting to know the circuit better with every lap I drive.”
Patrick Long (#77):
“I initially went out on used tyres to get a feel for the car. When I then tried to go for a good qualifying time with soft tyres the yellow flag came out at the first corner. Afterwards I only had time to turn the required mandatory laps for the night qualifying.”
Patrick Dempsey (#77):
Patrick Dempsey, Dempsey Dell Piero-Proton
“I’m very pleased to compete in Le Mans with Porsche. This is really a fantastic experience. Of course there are still some things that need improving but it’s been quite a long time since I’ve driven laps at night on this difficult track. The Porsche is great fun to drive. I’ve learned a lot and I’m feeling confident that we’ll improve even more until the race.”
Paolo Ruberti (#88):
(l.-r.): Gianluca Roda, Christian Ried, Paolo Ruberti
“I was almost a second quicker than in free practice. In the first chicane I was a little too quick and I lost the rear. Luckily I didn’t hit anything.”
Result 1st qualifying GTE-Pro class
1. Bell/Makowiecki/Senna (GB/F/BRA), Aston Martin, 3:55.658 minutes
2. Fisichella/Bruni/Malucelli (I/I/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 3:55.909
3. Dumbreck/Mücke/Turner (GB/D/GB), Aston Martin, 3:56.004
5. Dumas/Lieb/Lietz (F/D/A), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:56.457
7. Bergmeister/Bernhard/Pilet (D/D/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:56.573
Dear Dede,
thanks for sharing this.The car was stolen last Saturday May 18th 2013 at 0:20 a.m. right in front of the Steigenberger Hotel in Bad Neuenahr close to the Nürburgring in Germany. It is a black car with beige interior. The Vin is #54146. It has an 1956 1600cc A engine #61327. More infos will be on the website we are currently creating which can be reached under www.356-diebstahl.de.
It would be very kind of you to spread the word wherever you can.
Kind regards,
Marcus
Matthias Müller, President and CEO of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, paid tribute to the “invaluable contribution” Mr. Porsche has made for the sports car maker:
“The fact that a member of the founder family is actively representing our company internationally is essential for many Porsche fans in their extraordinary identification with the brand and its products.
As the son of Professor Ferry Porsche, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche supports our company with the greatest personal commitment. He has shaped the development of the Porsche AG over the past 35 years as a Member of the Supervisory Board and since 2007 as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.”
Wolfgang Porsche was born in Stuttgart on May 10, 1943, the youngest son of Dorothea and Ferry Porsche, the founder of the Porsche sports car brand. His grandfather was the brilliant automotive design engineer who shaped the history of the car with his Stuttgart automotive design engineering office.
Chairman of the Porsche Supervisory Board keeps company tradition alive
Wolfgang Porsche spent the first six and a half years of his life at the so-called “Schüttgut” in Zell am See, Austria, the estate of his grandfather Ferdinand Porsche. The family, and the company, returned to Stuttgart in 1950. Wolfgang obtained his Abitur (higher school-leaving certificate) in 1965. He also passed his journeyman’s examination as a metalworker. Afterwards, Porsche obtained his degree in Business Administration from the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration. He received his doctorate in International Business in 1973.
At first, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche went into business as an independent entrepreneur: As Managing Director of JAMOTO, he became general importer of Yamaha motorbikes in Austria. He returned to Germany in 1976 and worked at the Daimler-Benz AG in Stuttgart as manager in various areas of domestic and foreign sales. In 1978, he was appointed a member of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG, taking over the position of Chairman in 2007. He was also appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche Automobil Holding SE at its incorporation in June 2007.
In addition, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche has been a member of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg, since April 24, 2008.
Upon the death of his father Ferry in 1998, he was selected spokesman by the Porsche family. The father of four lives alternatively in Salzburg and the “Schüttgut” in Zell am See, which he acquired from the family estate.
There, in Salzburger Land, he operates an Alpine organic farm with around 200 dairy cows. An ardent hunter, he has always felt close to nature. His enthusiasm for sports cars has been the focus of his life from his very early youth on. Over the course of decades, a private collection of vintage cars has evolved that contains numerous very rare Porsche vehicles, which he drives regularly.
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche has received numerous honours for his services to business. In 2005, he was awarded the “Great Golden Medal for Services to the Republic of Austria” by the Chancellor of Austria, the highest award granted by his homeland.
For his services to the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, he received the Gold “Staufermedaille” Award. At the onset of 2012, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche was appointed Honorary Senator of Salzburg University and was admitted to the University’s Council in 2013.
Résumé Dr. Wolfgang Porsche
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche
May10,1943
Born in Stuttgart
1965
Abitur
1965 – 1971
Academic studies at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration
Graduation in Business Administration
1973
Doctorate in International Business at Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration
1976 – 1981
Active in various sales areas at home and abroad for Daimler-Benz AG, Stuttgart-Untertürkheim
Since 1978
Member of the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, Member of the Supervisory Board or Administrative Board in various Porsche sales companies
1983
Member of the Supervisory Board of the Austrian Porsche Group, Salzburg
1988 -2011
Managing Director in Porsche Holding Ges.m.b.H., Salzburg
Since 2007
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Stuttgart
Stuttgart. The first two drivers to contest the top class of the sports car World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Le Mans 24 hour race are confirmed.
Le Mans overall winners Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) will take the wheel of the new LMP1 vehicle from Weissach in the 2014 season.
Already this year the two Porsche works drivers Bernhard and Dumas will commence testing the new Le Mans racer.
Timo Bernhard & Romain Dumas
“Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas are regarded as some of the fastest and most experienced sports car pilots in the world. I’m very pleased that we have these two men contesting the World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours for us from 2014”, says Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board – Research and Development at Porsche AG.
“I particularly appreciate about the two is their competence as test drivers. For this reason the pair is already closely integrated in the development program of our new car and will embark on an intensive test schedule from the middle of this year”, says Fritz Enzinger, director LMP1-project.
Timo Bernhard & Romain Dumas in Silverstone
Timo Bernhard comes from Porsche’s own junior development programme. In 1999, Porsche recognised the talent of the then 18-year-old and coached him in the Porsche Junior Team to become a professional race driver.
In 2002, Bernhard was signed on as a works driver and since then has notched up victories and championship titles all over the world. In 2010 he was voted “Race Driver of the Year” by Germany’s automobile club ADAC for his outstanding achievements. Bernhard is the only race driver to have clinched overall victory at all four of the most famous sports car classics.
He won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2010, in 2003 the Daytona 24 Hours, the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2004, and a total of five times at the 24 hour race on the Nürburgring – another record.
Timo Bernhard & Romain Dumas in Silverstone
Romain Dumas joined the circle of Porsche factory drivers in 2004. Previously he attracted attention in the Formula 3, Formula 3000, at international GT races as well as the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland.
He is one of the most experienced pilots at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. All together, Dumas has contested his favourite race at La Sarthe twelve times. With Timo Bernhard, he scored overall victory there in 2010 at the wheel of an Audi. Together, the pair also celebrated huge successes in the U.S. in the RS Spyder sports prototype.
In 2007 and 2008, the two Porsche works drivers convincingly clinched the title in the American Le Mans Series. Bernhard shared the cockpit with Dumas at four of his five wins at the Nürburgring 24 hour race. Moreover, in 2010 Dumas celebrated overall victory in Spa at the wheel of a Porsche 911.
Stuttgart. The new Porsche 911 RSR narrowly missed out on a podium spot at its first race outing.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
At the six hour race in Silverstone, the season-opener of the sports car World Endurance Championship (WEC), Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany), Richard Lietz (Austria) and Romain Dumas (France) occupied fourth in the GTE-Pro class with the 470 hp race car from Weissach.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
At the wheel of the second 911 RSR, also fielded by the newly-formed Porsche AG Team Manthey, their works driver colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Pilet (France) and Timo Bernhard (Germany) took the flag in sixth.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Patrick Pilet
On the storied British race track, the Porsche 911 RSR, based on the seventh generation of the iconic 911 sports car, took up the race after a good qualifying result from the second row of the grid and could match the pace of its strongest opponents for some time.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Patrick Pilet
At times, Patrick Pilet was running third with the #91 car, before an unscheduled pit stop cost him more than two laps and pushed him down the field.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
Halfway through the race, Romain Dumas was also on track for a podium place in third with the #92 car. Later, his teammate Richard Lietz even moved into second place – but at the end of the day it was not enough for a top three placing.
Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board – Research and Development:
Wolfgang Hatz, Vorstand Forschung und Entwicklung Porsche AG, Porsche 911 RSR
“That was the first race for the new car and the new team. The organization of the squad worked well. Of course, there are areas where we have room for improvement, but it’s like a football team, we first have to get everything running smoothly.Technically, everything worked on the 911 RSR apart from a one small thing which we will have fixed by the next race.
As far as the performance is concerned, we still have room for improvement. Naturally we also have to work on the car, it has a little too much oversteer.
But all in all I regard it as a positive weekend. It wouldn’t have been good if the car had experienced lots of problems, but that was not the case. We saw that the 911 RSR can turn consistently quick lap times over the race distance. Now if we do our homework, I think we’ll finish further up the field at the next races.”
Hartmut Kristen, Porsche Head of Motorsport:
“Both new 911 RSR reached the flag at their race debut, and there were no major technical problems. With a new team, of course there is still some fine-tuning to be done, that’s normal. We are looking forward to the next race and hope that the car will make another step forward there.”
Marc Lieb (#92):
Marc Lieb, Porsche AG Team Manthey
“We gained many important insights in the race. The car underlined its potential. Now we just need to work a little more on that.”
Richard Lietz (#92):
Richard Lietz, Porsche AG Team Manthey
“We were looking good in the fast corners, but we need to sort out the oversteer exiting the slow corners. But our engineers should be able to correct this by the next race. If so, the podium is within reach.”
Romain Dumas (#92):
“An interesting race. We learned a lot. On the straights we are a little slower than our opponents which makes overtaking very difficult. Still, there are many positives things we can take from this race.”
Joerg Bergmeister (#91):
Joerg Bergmeister, Porsche AG Team Manthey
“That wasn’t our dream result. But we’ve learned a lot this weekend. The conditions were not the easiest, because we had no time to practice on the dry track for setting up the car.”
Patrick Pilet, Porsche AG Team Manthey
“It’s bad luck that we lost more than two laps, but the mechanics did a good job. In any case, we’ve found a good basis to work on and we are optimistic for the rest of the season.”
Timo Bernhard (#91):
“Heading towards Le Mans that was a very valuable race for us. Our performance wasn’t too bad. Without the front axle problem a podium place would have been within reach.”
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Proton Competition, Christian Ried, Gianluca Roda, Paolo Ruberti
In the GTE-Am class, Christian Ried (Germany) and his Italian teammates Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti scored fifth place in last year’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the customer team Felbermayr-Proton.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Round two of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) takes place on 4 May in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium).
Race result GTE-Pro class
1. Turner/Mücke/Senna (GB/D/BRA), Aston Martin Vantage, 171 laps
2. Kobayashi/Vilander (J/SF), Ferrari F458 Italia, 170
3. Dalla Lana/Macowiecki/Lamy (CAN/F/P), Aston Martin Vantage, 170
4. Lieb/Lietz/Dumas (D/A/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 170
5. Bruni/Fisichella (I/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 170
6. Bergmeister/Pilet/Bernhard (D/F/D), Porsche 911 RSR, 168
GTE-Am class
1. Nygaard/Poulsen/Simonsen (DEN/DEN/DEN), Aston Martin Vantage, 169 laps
2. Bornhauser/Canal/Rees (FRA/FRA/BRA), Chevrolet Corvette, 166
3. Potolicchio/Aguas/Peter (I/VEN/A), Ferrari F458 Italia, 165
4. Goethe/Hall/Campbell-Walter (D/GB/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, 165
5. Ried/Roda/Ruberti (D/I/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 165
7. Narac/Bourret/Tandy (F/F/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 163
The World Endurance Championship
In the World Endurance Championship, sports prototypes and GT vehicles start in four classes: LMGTE-Pro, LMGTE-Am, LMP1 and LMP2. They all compete together in one race but are classified separately.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Patrick Pilet
Stuttgart. The new Porsche 911 RSR heads into its race debut from the second grid row of the GTE-Pro class.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Patrick Pilet
In qualifying for the six hour race on the tradition-steeped British race circuit, on which the World Endurance Championship (WEC) kicks off the new season on Sunday, Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) posted the third quickest average time.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Patrick Pilet
Sharing the number 91 cockpit for the race is their works driver colleague Timo Bernhard (Germany). The 470 hp 911 RSR is based on the seventh generation of the iconic 911 sports car and is fielded by the Porsche AG Team Manthey squad.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
From this season on, the qualifying in the WEC is conducted following a new format: For the first time, two drivers must qualify one car.
The grid positions for the race are determined by the average of the two fastest timed laps of each of these drivers.
Joerg Bergmeister, Porsche AG Team Manthey
“As far as the set-up is concerned we have found some potential because prior to this qualifying we had very little time in the dry,” said Joerg Bergmeister.
“So we had to take a bit of a risk and almost found the right point. I think we’ll get it under control in time for the race.” Patrick Pilet commented: “In a six hour race, the qualifying times are not everything. I’m looking forward to Sunday and can’t wait for the first race with the new 911 RSR.”
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
In the second Porsche 911 RSR with the starting number 92, the factory pilots Richard Lietz (Austria) and Romain Dumas (France) achieved the fourth quickest average time. For the race, the pair receives support from Marc Lieb (Germany).
Romain Dumas, Porsche AG Team Manthey
“That was the first time that I drove the car on the dry track this weekend,” stated Richard Lietz. “We knew it would be difficult. But much more important than the result was that I got a good feel for dry conditions with new slicks. I was very happy with my laps.”
Romain Dumas, Porsche AG Team Manthey
His teammate Romain Dumas said: “That was an interesting qualifying. We are going well with our new car, but we’re still certain to learn a great deal over the season.”
Romain Dumas, Porsche AG Team Manthey
“The qualifying went quite well so far. We were lucky that it stayed dry,” said Porsche’s Head of Motorsport, Hartmut Kristen. “The whole team is now raring to tackle the first race with the 911 RSR.”
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey- Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
Qualifying result
GTE-Pro class
1. Turner/Mücke/Senna (GB/D/BRA), Aston Martin Vantage, 2:00.556 minutes
2. DallaLana/Macowiecki/Lamy (CAN/F/P), Aston Martin Vantage, + 0.216 seconds
3. Bergmeister/Pilet/Bernhard (D/F/D), Porsche 911 RSR, + 0.742
4. Lieb/Lietz/Dumas (D/A/F), Porsche 911 RSR, + 0.886
5. Bruni/Fisichella (I/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.946
6. Kobayashi/Vilander (J/SF), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 1.237
GTE-Am class
1. Goethe/Hall/Campbell-Walter (D/GB/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, 2:01.158 minutes
2. Nygaard/Poulsen/Simonsen (DEN/DEN/DEN), Aston Martin V., + 0.382 seconds
3. Gerber/Griffin/Cioci (ZAF/IRL/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 1.238
6. Narac/Bourret/Tandy (F/F/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.860
The World Endurance Championship
In the World Endurance Championship, sports prototypes and GT vehicles start in four classes: LMGTE-Pro, LMGTE-Am, LMP1 and LMP2. They all compete together in one race but are classified separately.
World Endurance Championship, round 1 in Silverstone, Great Britain
Joerg Bergmeister, Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey
Stuttgart. At the six hour race on the Silverstone Circuit, which signals the start of the 2013 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season on 14th April, the Porsche 911 RSR celebrates its race debut. Running the campaign on the storied 5.981 kilometre circuit in the British Midlands is the Porsche AG Team Manthey works team with Olaf Manthey at the helm.
Joerg Bergmeister, Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey
The Porsche drivers
Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Pilet (France) and Timo Bernhard (Germany) take up the GTE-Pro class in the 911 RSR with starting number 91.
Porsche 911 RSR , Porsche AG Team Manthey: Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Patrick Pilet
Sharing driving duties in the cockpit of the number 92 vehicle are their factory driver colleagues Marc Lieb (Germany), Richard Lietz (Austria) and Romain Dumas (France).
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
Two customer teams tackle the GTE-Am class with last year’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR: Driving the Proton Competition entry is Christian Ried (Germany) and his Italian teammates Paolo Ruberti and Gianluca Roda, with an all-French line-up of Raymond Narac, Christophe Bourret and Jean-Karl Vernay competing for IMSA Performance Matmut.
The Porsche 911 RSR
The Porsche 911 RSR delivers 460 hp and is based on the seventh generation of the iconic 911 sports car.
Timo Bernhard, Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey
As the successor to the winning 911 GT3 RSR, with which Porsche customers scored many victories and title wins since 2004, it is characterized by consequent lightweight design and sophisticated aerodynamics.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
Joerg Bergmeister, Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey
The look of the new 911 RSR is dominated by the flared mudguards and the deep cooling air intakes at the front. The exceptional vehicle styling honours the anniversary “50 years of the 911”.
Timo Bernhard, Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey
The schedule
The six hour race takes off on Sunday, 14 April, at midday local time (13.00 hrs CET). Eurosport 2 televises the start of the race live at 13.00 hours (30 minutes) and returns to a live broadcast at 15.00 hours (30 minutes). The final hour is aired live from 18.00 hours on Eurosport 1. The race can be viewed live on the internet under http://www.fiawec.com.
Comments before the race
Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport: “The whole team is ready and raring to tackle the first race with the 911 RSR. Our squad has worked extremely hard over the last months to make our new car competitive right from the start.”
Jörg Bergmeister
Joerg Bergmeister (# 91): “I’m looking forward to my premiere in the WEC – in the most beautiful and spectacular 911 ever.”
Patrick Pilet
Patrick Pilet (# 91): “To share the cockpit with such successful Porsche pilots like Joerg and Timo is a great and exciting challenge.”
Timo Bernhard
Timo Bernhard (# 91): “I felt great at the tests in the 911 RSR. We have a good chance to win our class with this car.”
Marc Lieb
Marc Lieb (# 92): “The new 911 RSR is a significant step forward. I hope that the good test results can be confirmed at the first race.”
Richard Lietz
Richard Lietz (# 92): “We face very strong opposition from the works teams from Ferrari and Aston Martin. In Silverstone we’ll see where we stand.”
Romain Dumas
Romain Dumas (# 92): “I’m looking forward to racing the new 911 RSR with Marc and Richard and I’m confident that we’ll make a good start into the season.”
In the World Endurance Championship, sports prototypes and GT vehicles start in four different classes: LMGTE-Pro, LMGTE-Am, LMP1 and LMP2. They all compete together in one race but are classified separately.
Is it possible to create a song made of original sounds form the Porsche Panamera?
Yes…..
In Porsches Sound Voyage competition, users were able to create their own song with a Facebook application and let their song be voted by the community. The winner of this contest recently came to Germany to record his winner song in a sound studio.
Listen to the song “Panamera Drive” by “DNAC”, the winner of Porsche Sound Voyage contest.
Video: Porsche World Debut
Music: by DNAC contest winner
In the making
Creating music with the sound of a Porsche Panamera
prepared a 2012 annual report for Dedeporsches.com Blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
About 55,000 tourists visit Liechtenstein every year. This blog was viewed about 290,000[actually the stats say 401,295]times in 2012. If it were Liechtenstein, it would take about 5 years for that many people to see it. Dedeporsches blog had more visits than a small country in Europe!
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 roots of ‘skijoring’ or motor skiing can be traced back to Bavaria, circa 1955, when a group of Germanic lunatics decided it would be a good idea to use motorbikes, VW Beetles and Porsches to tow themselves around for fun.
Filmed in Bavaria, Germany. The skiers are towed behind cars travelling at great speed.
The concept is simple enough: put a rope on a car or motorcycle, presumably equipped with studded snow tires, then have the driver navigate a race course at speeds up to 100 miles per hour.
Probably not considered the most dangerous sport by today’s standards!
Evidently safety was not as big of a concern back then either. The speeds and proximities to other skiers in this clip are unlike anyone would have attempted.
See the Teutonic madness, featuring Porsche 356s and even a Porsche 550 Spyder, a short but sensationalized video below.
You can spot the Porsche 550 Spyders in the video, and what appears to be Otto Mathe’s famous 4 cam-powered single seat racer, which you can see in person visiting the Prototype Museum in Hamburg.
Probably the Gmund 040, then used by Otto Mathe to tow his ice racer
World’s Most Dangerous Sport (1955). Filmed in Bavaria, Germany. Skiers are towed by cars and motorcycles travelling at great speed. Probably not considered the most dangerous sport by today’s standards!
As of now, the new TECHART wall calendar for the year 2013 is available.
The TECHART Calendar 2013
Twelve unique images of distinctive TECHART Individualization will accompany fans and customers of the TECHART brand through the next year.
TECHART Calendar – January 2013
The whole spectrum of TECHART refinement is shown in impressive scenery and dynamic and exciting views – from the TECHART MAGNUM program for the Porsche Cayenne models to the individualization for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and 4S and the new program for the Porsche Boxster.
TECHART Calendar – June 2013
The TECHART calendar is printed on 250 g/m² quality art print paper and is coated with a glossy protective varnish, which protects the motifs against discoloration and fading.
TECHART Calendar – March 2013
The 1,500-pices limited wall calendar in a format of 50 x 70 cm can be ordered for a selling price of 29,80 EURO incl. VAT plus shipping on the TECHART homepage at www.techart.de/calendar or by phone at the number +49 (0)71 52 / 93 39 0.
Shipping starts in early December 2012.
Official TECHART Calendar 2013
The 2013 TECHART Calendar
The official 2013 TECHART Calendar presents the most beautiful views
of TECHART individualization on 12 exciting pictures.
limited to 1,500 copies
14 pages, 12 calendar sheets in 70 x 50 cm size, Wire-O bound
It’s the little things that make a classic complete. Porsche crests for the Porsche 356 and the early 911, of course, “Made in Germany”.
An essential and much-loved detail of the Porsche 356 and the early Porsche 911 is now available again. Following extensive research, the experts at Porsche Classic have reproduced the original Porsche crest.
The Evolution of Porsche Crest
The relaunched crest is true to the colours and materials of the original and is, of course, “Made in Germany”. The new Porsche Crests are available for the front hood handle of all Porsche 356 (model year 1954 – 1965) and for the hood of the early 911 models (model year 1963 – 1973). As of August 2012, you can order them via your local Porsche centre.
1. Production of the special tool: engraving
Still in the Classic product range are the 911 Porsche Crests for the model years 1974 – 1998.
Such an unmistakeable and sought-after symbol has naturally had a very colourful and sometimes unusual history and been copied many times.
2. Stamping of the blanks
To eliminate all doubt, the experts at Porsche Classic delved deep into the history of the crest, which was first suggested as a quality seal for the Type 356 at a meeting between Ferry Porsche and US importer Max Hoffman back in 1952.
3. Brazing of the fixing pins
In the same year, advertising manager Herrmann Lapper and designer Franz Xaver Reimspieß produced a preliminary design that is still used to this day with just a few minor differences in detail. Reimspieß, who is also said to have designed the Volkswagen logo in 1936, sketched a magnificent crest that symbolised the roots of the company as well as the dynamism and quality of its products.
4. Polishing of the crests
At the centre of the golden shield, the horse of the official coat of arms of Stuttgart is depicted along with the name of the city. The composition is surrounded by the red and black state colours and the stylised antlers from the crest of Württemberg-Hohenzollern. The all-encompassing Porsche logo acts as a protective “roof” over all the design elements.
5. Silver and gold plating of the crests
In contrast to the current crest, the Porsche logo on the original crest was only embossed and was not black. In addition, the red elements of the crest were actually more orange in colour to reflect the Württemberg-Hohenzollern state colours.
6. Application of the enamel coating
The Classic experts charged with reproducing the crest went a lot further than merely ensuring that the colours were true to the original. The crest is being produced using special tools based on original drawings. The silver and gold plating is being applied using the same technique as the original and the colour and enamelling are being meticulously applied by hand.
7. Quality check of the final crest
The new “old” crest has also had to undergo the same quality tests as the original. This involved the simulation of a stone impact test using a ballistic firing range at the Research and Development Centre in Weissach. The crest also spent 240 hours in the salt spray chamber.
The Porsche crest passed these challenging tests with flying colours, thus proving its credentials as a genuine quality product, 100 per cent made in Germany.
The Evolution of Porsche Crest
This symbol, steeped in history, signals a continued long life for classic Porsche models.
Paraphrasing from “Excellence was Expected”:
The design was created by Ferry Porsche (on the proverbial napkin sketch) at the request of Max Hoffman, and refined/finalized by Erwin Komeda. The emblem first appeared on the steering wheel hubs of Porsches in 1953.
“993” was the company’s internal name for the version of the Porsche 911 model manufactured and sold between late 1993 and 1998. This was the final model of the air-cooled engine cars which are regarded by many as the last “real” Porsches.
Like the previous and current generation of the Porsche 911, there were several variants of the car manufactured, varying in body style, drive-trains, and technical specification. The ultimate model within the range has always been the GT2.
The GT2 is the racing version of the 911 model range. By the mid-1990s most of the sanctioning bodies of road racing had placed severe limitations, if not outright bans on the use of all-wheel drive systems. It was in this atmosphere that in order to take their turbo-engine 993 racing.
Porsche created the RWD-only GT2. The deletion of the front drive-train also brought with it the benefit of significant weight savings to the competition car.
To qualify the car for racing a limited number (57 in total) of street GT2s were created for homologation purposes, which are now highly prized and valued by Porsche 993 collectors.
The car is one of only 20 GT2 Club Sports ever produced; supplied new in Germany On the 8th March 1996 to Gernot Haverkamp of Delmenhorst.
From Porsche AG that # S392148 is the only GT2 ever produced in Blood Orange!
Accompanying the car is:
– Factory Build Specification Sheet
– Original Handbook Pack
– Original Fahrzeugbrief
– Varies Service and Maintenance Invoices dating back to 1996
– Historical UK MOT’s and tax discs
– Immobiliser and spare keys
Hexagon Classics offer a unique opportunity to own one of the only 20 road going Club Sport derivative of the 993 GT2; with only 28,236 miles from new this is without doubt is one of the finest and most highly collectable 911’s of all time.
POA
There’s no estimated pricing listed on the website, but if you’re interested hit the source link.[Source: Hexagon Classics]
A variety of small exhibits from Porsche Clubs worldwide.
The Porsche Museum is presenting today, “60 Years of Porsche clubs”
This Porsche 911 Carrera S was brought out in a limited edition of 50 units exclusively for American Club members.
Stuttgart. The Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, museum is presenting a new anniversary exhibition: In 1952, 13 Porsche drivers founded the world’s first Porsche Clubs in Germany. The Porsche Club scene now numbers more than 181,000 members worldwide.
One highlight of the special exhibition is the Porsche 914/6 GT from 1970.
The special exhibition displays rare Porsche models like the 914/6 GT or the 968 Turbo S.
To mark this 60th club anniversary, the Porsche Museum is putting on a special exhibition until 26 August 2012 featuring, in addition to twelve vehicle exhibits, very rare photographs, personal documents and small exhibits from club members.
Exclusively to Porsche Club members: Porsche is offering the 911 Club Coupe, limited to only 13 units.
The sports car manufacturer is also using the anniversary as an opportunity to thank club members for their steadfast loyalty over the decades and their deep commitment: Based on the 911 Carrera S, Porsche is offering the 911 Club Coupe, limited to only 13 units.
This special “911”, available exclusively to Porsche Club members, will make its debut appearance in the Porsche Museum.
With an extensive optional equipment offering and the newly developed Powerkit upgrade to 430 hp (316 kW), the SportDesign package and the lavishly refined interior, Porsche Excusive is exploiting every angle of the extensive individualisation offering to the utmost. The 911 Club Coupe is painted “Brewster Green” as are the 20-inch SportTechno wheels.
The exclusivity of the 911 Club Coupe is underlined by the illuminated door entry guards bearing the model designation and anniversary logo.
The exclusivity of the 911 Club Coupe is underlined by the decorative trim with lettering individually created for each customer as well as the illuminated door entry guards bearing the model designation and anniversary logo.
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche provides a rare vehicle from his private collection for the special exhibition: a 911 Turbo S (993).
One vehicle will remain with Porsche in honour of the Porsche Club universe. Porsche Club members have until 16 July 2012 to register their right to purchase one of the twelve remaining unique vehicles at www.porsche.com/911-club-coupe. The twelve winners will then be determined by a legally certified draw. The 911 Club Coupe will be offered in all markets worldwide with the exception of China and India. In Germany the vehicle costs 142,831 euro excluding VAT.
Also on show in the Porsche Museum for the first time will be the 911 T Coupé.
Also on show in the Porsche Museum for the first time as part of the “60 years of the Porsche Club” special exhibition will be the 911 T Coupé. Last year, Porsche Classic experts were commissioned by the Porsche Club of America to restore a 1973 vintage US version of this model under the motto “Revive the Passion.” This unique vehicle was raffled among American Club members in a tombola.
Also the Porsche “Jagdwagen” Type 597 has proudly his own Porsche Club.
The Porsche Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is eight euro for adults and four euro for concessions.
On a damp track with dry patches, a complete Nordschleife rookie positioned himself at the front of the 24-strong field. Austria’s Philipp Eng, driving for the MRS GT-Racing squad, snatched pole position at just his fourth qualifying session with the 450 hp 911 GT3 Cup on the world’s most challenging circuit.
Eng lapped the 25.378 kilometre track combining the Grand Prix circuit and the legendary Nordschleife in 9:53.131 minutes.
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Philipp Eng (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
A mere 0.294 seconds shy of the pole-sitter, Nicki Thiim (Hermes Attempto Racing) posted the second quickest time.
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Nicki Thiim (DK) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
However, the Dane and winner of round three on the Lausitzring was relegated back to fifth starting position due to a collision at Sunday’s race in the Lausitz.
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Nicki Thiim (DK) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
Instead, Sean Edwards (Great Britain, Team Deutsche Post by tolimit), the third qualifier and two-time winner this season, takes up the four-lap race from the second grid spot.
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Sean Edwards (GB)
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
The one-hour qualification session for the fifth race of the season run as support to the Nürburgring 24 hour race featured suspense from the first to the last minute as well as swaps at the top of the time sheets.
At first Philipp Eng was sixth but improved from lap to lap until in the dying minutes of the qualifying he popped up at the head of the list – and stayed there although everyone expected him to be ousted by a seasoned campaigner.
Eng is a Carrera Cup rookie with just one guest appearance at the 2011 finale to his credit. The 22-year-old did his mandatory training on the Nordschleife only two days ago at the wheel of his team boss Karsten Molitor’s Porsche 911 GT3. Yesterday’s free practice marked the first outing in a race car on this difficult circuit for the Austrian.
His namesake, Philipp Frommenwiler, is another unfamiliar name in the fiercely-contested one-make race series. Driving for Attempto Racing, the Swiss racer first contested the Carrera Cup in 2011 and concluded his first season as the best newcomer. Because of Nicki Thiim’s penalty, the 22-year-old takes up tomorrow’s race at 11.35 hours from the third grid spot.
Although last year’s Nürburgring winner, René Rast (Germany, Team Deutsche Post by tolimit), managed to secure the fifth fastest qualifying time despite scraping the barrier, he was also bumped down the grid by five positions due to the Lausitzring collision.
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 René Rast (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Jaap van Lagen (NL) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
Sharing the third grid row are Kévin Estre and Michael Ammermüller (Germany, SWITCH IT Lechner Racing).
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Kévin Estre (F) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
The Frenchman driving for Hermes Attempto Racing currently leads the rookie classification, but he already has one season of experience under his belt. At the end of the 2011 season, Estre took home the ‘Rookie of the Year’ title.
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Michael Ammermüller (D) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
Although the ex-Formula 1 test driver Michael Ammermüller is new to the Carrera Cup, he is not eligible to campaign for rookie honours, as the Bavarian is already 26-years-old.
Porsche-Junior Klaus Bachler made a good showing on the slippery surface in the Eifel after his previous difficulties at the Lausitzring race. At the wheel of the yellow Deutsche Post by tolimit 911, the 20-year-old Austrian takes up the highlight race from eleventh in front of huge crowds lining the Nordschleife.
The second Porsche-Junior, Michael Christensen (Denmark, Konrad Motorsport), was just 16th in qualifying after his sensational third place in the Lausitz.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
The Nordschleife race is aired live by Sport1 tomorrow from 11.35 to 12.35 hrs. Also on the official Porsche website (www.porsche.com), the race is broadcast live exclusively and in high quality – with editorial reports before the actual live-streaming, live-timing and commentary in Germany and English.
The broadcast begins at 11.10 hours. On May 21st, the Monday after the race weekend, news station N24 televises the 30-minute “Porsche Carrera Cup Magazin” at 18.30 hours. Sport1 broadcasts Carrera Cup highlights on Saturday, 26 May, from 17.45 to 18.15 hours.
Philipp Eng (pole-sitter):
“I’m actually totally surprised and I can hardly believe it. I’ve only driven 15 laps on the Nordschleife in a road-legal 911 and yesterday was my very first attempt with a Cup car. My vehicle ran superbly. And I very probably had a bit of luck on my side. But when that happens to you on the Nordschleife then it’s something quite extraordinary.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Philipp Eng (A) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
Sean Edwards (second in qualifying):
“That was a crazy session. At the beginning everything ran well, but later, on each lap, you had to overtake a couple of Clios which were practicing at the same time. I didn’t manage to get a clear lap where there wasn’t a yellow flag out. Still, I’m totally happy with second on the grid.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
Philipp Frommenwiler (third in qualifying):
“My qualifying was not so bad. When I take a look at the gap to the top time I think it could have been me on pole position. But I’m actually quite pleased not to start as the leader. This way I can trail along behind at first and that’s not a bad thing.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 2012 Philipp Frommenwiler (S) Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 03 – 24h Nürburgring 2012
Klaus Bachler (Porsche-Junior, eleventh qualifier):
“I’m very satisfied with my result. This was my first time on the wet Nordschleife. And it’s really hard because the circuit has all sorts of tarmac surfaces and every corner has a different level of grip. I felt my way step by step, but unfortunately I had to stop in the final lap because the circuit was too dry to turn a quick time with wet tyres.”
Michael Christensen (16th in qualifying):
“Whew, that was an extremely tough qualifying session, but it was certainly a good experience. I couldn’t get the most out of my new tyres when it became drier towards the end. I made the mistake of pushing too hard on the Grand Prix circuit during the warm-up. When I reached the Nordschleife the wet tyres were much too hot for the dry passages.”
Qualifying result
1. Philipp Eng (A), MRS GT-Racing, 9:53.131 minutes
2. Sean Edwards (GB), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, +2.307 seconds
3. Philipp Frommenwiler (CH), Attempto Racing, + 2.455
4. Jaap van Lagen (NL), FE-Racing by Land-Motorsport, + 3.745
5. Kévin Estre (F), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 4.104
6. Michael Ammermüller (D), SWITCH IT Lechner Racing, + 4.585
7. Nicki Thiim (DK), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 0.294*
8. Norbert Siedler (A), Konrad Motorsport, + 6.491
9. Clemens Schmid (A), SWITCH IT Lechner Racing, + 6.491
10. René Rast (D), Team Deutsche Post by tolimit, + 2.634*
* set back 5 grid positions
Amateurs
1. Peter Scharmach (NZ), GT3 Cup Middle East, + 14.336
2. Hoevert Vos (NL), Land-Motorsport, + 17.716
3. Pascal Bour (F), BG Racing, +25.630
Matthias Müller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG, paid tribute to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche’s services to the sports car manufacturer:
“We mourn the death of our partner, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. As the creator of the Porsche 911, he established a design culture in our company that has shaped our sports cars to this very day. His philosophy of good design is a legacy to us that we will honour for all time.”
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche was born in Stuttgart on 11 December 1935, the oldest son of Dorothea and Ferry Porsche.
Ferry Porsche (left) in his office with his son Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (ca. 1960)
Even his childhood was shaped by cars, and he spent much of his time in the engineering offices and development workshops of his grandfather Ferdinand Porsche. In 1943 the family accompanied the Porsche company’s move to Austria, where he went to school in Zell am See.
After returning to Stuttgart in 1950, he attended the private Waldorf school. After leaving school, he enrolled at the prestigious Ulm School of Design.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in his Design office (1963)
In 1958, F.A. Porsche, as he was known by his colleagues, joined the engineering office of what was then Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG. He soon proved his great talent for design by sculpting the first model of a successor to the 356 model line out of plasticine.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche next to Modell Typ 911 (1968)
In 1962 he took over as head of the Porsche design studio, creating a worldwide furore one year later with the Porsche 901 (or 911). With the Porsche 911, F.A. Porsche created a sports car icon whose timeless and classical form survives to this very day in what is now the seventh 911 generation.
Porsche Typ 901 (T8), next to model: Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (1963)
However, in addition to passenger cars, F.A. Porsche also concerned himself with designing the sports cars of the 1960s. His best-known designs include the Type 804 Formula One racing car or the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, now considered to be one of the most beautiful racing cars ever.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (1989)
In the course of the conversion of Porsche KG into a joint-stock corporation in 1971/72, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, along with all the other family members, stood down from the company’s front-line business operations.
In 1972 he founded the “Porsche Design Studio” in Stuttgart, the head office of which was relocated to Zell am See in Austria in 1974. In the decades that followed, he designed numerous classic gentlemen’s accessories such as watches, spectacles and writing implements that achieved global recognition under the “Porsche Design” brand. In parallel, with his team, he designed a plethora of industrial products, household appliances and consumer durables for internationally renowned clients under the brand “Design by F.A. Porsche”.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (1965)
A strong and clear design concept typifies all product designs created in his design studio to date. The credo of his design work was:
“Design must be functional and functionality has to be translated visually into aesthetics, without gags that have to be explained first.”
F.A. Porsche: “A coherently designed product requires no adornment; it should be enhanced by its form alone.” The design’s appearance should be readily comprehensible and not detract from the product and its function.
His conviction was: “Good design should be honest.”
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche received numerous honours and awards both for his work as a designer as well as for individual designs. For example, in 1968 the “Comité Internationale de Promotion et de Prestige” honoured him for the outstanding aesthetic design of the Porsche 911 while the Industrial Forum Design Hannover (iF) voted him “Prizewinner of the Year” in 1992.
Ferry (right) and Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in the Porsche Design-Studio (ca. 1959)
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche retained a close lifelong association with Porsche AG as a partner and member of the Supervisory Board. For example, even after stepping down from front-line business operations, he contributed to the design of Porsche’s sports cars over many decades and repeatedly steered the company in the right di-rection. This was especially the case for the difficult period Porsche experienced at the beginning of the 1990s.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche with model 911 S Targa (1968)
From 1990 to 1993, F.A. Porsche served as President of the company’s Supervisory Board, thus playing a major role in Porsche A.G’s eco-nomic turnaround. In 2005, he stood down from his Supervisory Board role in favour of his son Oliver and assumed the mantle of Honorary President of the Supervisory Board.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche will be buried in the family grave at Schüttgut in Zell am See, attended by his immediate family. An official funeral service will be held in Stuttgart at a later date.
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.
Porsche with 420 horsepower will be used to track drivers that press the accelerator too hard.
This supercar from a decade ago has one heck of a story behind it.
Back in 2002, a 996 generation of Porsche 911 Turbo was stopped by Romania police.Two turkish drug dealers were trying to use it to smuggle 60 kilograms of heroine into Germany.
The car was confiscated by the police and was subsequently used by the Romanian Finance Ministry.
Turn the clock forward and in 2007, 60 more kilos of drugs were found in the car when it was taken in for a routine service and checkup as the Turbo was going to be used for undercover work.
This car has become quite famous in the Romanian media, and now it’s being shoehorned into another role.
It’s been livered with Police stickers and will soon become their tool to hunt down speed freaks.
These photos provided by Adevarul.ro show the car being tested on DN1 highway, at the hand of a specially trained policeman.
When you see a Porsche Police car in your rear view mirror with the warning lights turned on at a speed worthy of a supersonic plane, you can not help to comply and pull over. Unless you drive a F1 car, to avoid meeting with the police.
For the 23-year-old member of the Porsche Team Germany, who made her
debut at the Premier Event tournament in the Gulf state, it was nevertheless
the biggest success of her career.
She pocketed 446,778 dollars prize money and moved up the WTA rankings
to No. 16 – her career highest position.
“Jule has had an excellent week. And she gave a good account of herself in the final,” praised Barbara Rittner, the captain of the Porsche Team Germany.
“When you consider that she had been on court an extremely long time in three of the previous matches, then you can only take your hat off to her.”
One of those matches was the semifinal against the former world
Agnieszka Radwanska, the new world No. 5, had earlier in January comprehensively
beaten her 6-1, 6-1 in the last 16 of the Australian Open. In Dubai, the German and
the Pole were evenly matched.
“She killed me in Melbourne. I did everything wrong there,” she said prior to the final. “This time everything starts from scratch again. When you stand in a final, you have to go out and give it your all. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Though she immediately lost her serve, she fought back to level at 4-4. In the
decisive stage she however made a few unforced errors that Agnieszka Radwanska
took advantage of to win the set.
In the second, Julia Görges quickly went 4-1 down. Though she clawed her way
back to 4-3, the Pole, who had knocked out Sabine Lisicki – another
Porsche Team Germany player – in the quarterfinals, converted her second match
point after 1 hour 44 minutes.
Julia Görges, Porsche Team Deutschland
Julia Görges and Agnieszka Radwanska will also be in the line-up for the 2012 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
All the top 10 players, including for the first time the superstar Maria Sharapova, have
signed up for the 35th edition of the long standing tournament in
United States
Germany
United Kingdom
France
Netherlands
Canada
Italy
Australia
Belgium
Spain
Brazil
Poland
Switzerland
Sweden
India
Japan
Portugal
Russian Federation
Mexico
Turkey
Austria
Czech Republic
Thailand
Denmark
Argentina
Hungary
Greece
Romania
Indonesia
Malaysia
Norway
Hong Kong
New Zealand
Ukraine
Taiwan
South Africa
Philippines
Finland
Republic of Korea
Ireland
Bulgaria
United Arab Emirates
Serbia
Croatia
Slovakia
Singapore
Slovenia
Colombia
Israel
Chile
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Viet Nam
Egypt
Peru
Lithuania
Estonia
Luxembourg
Kuwait
Lebanon
Puerto Rico
Latvia
Georgia
Venezuela
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Morocco
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic
Cyprus
Moldova
Azerbaijan
Qatar
Dominican Republic
Sri Lanka
Belarus
Ecuador
Iceland
Costa Rica
Algeria
Albania
Iraq
Jordan
Bangladesh
Malta
Uruguay
Tunisia
Bahrain
Armenia
Montenegro
Panama
Oman
Guatemala
Trinidad and Tobago
Syrian Arab Republic
Nigeria
Paraguay
Monaco
Macao
Jamaica
Kenya
Mongolia
El Salvador
Mauritius
Nicaragua
Brunei Darussalam
Libya
Myanmar
Bolivia
Andorra
Cambodia
Mozambique
Barbados
New Caledonia
Bahamas
Guernsey
Ghana
Liechtenstein
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Nepal
Angola
Yemen
Côte d’Ivoire
Kazakhstan
Jersey
Guadeloupe
Aruba
Honduras
Réunion
Ethiopia
Guam
Uganda
Afghanistan
Northern Mariana Islands
China
Suriname
Sudan
Madagascar
Maldives
Isle of Man
Netherlands Antilles
Åland Islands
Dominica
Gibraltar
Seychelles
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Cape Verde
Bermuda
United Republic of Tanzania
Rwanda
Faroe Islands
Senegal
Fiji
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Martinique
Bhutan
Benin
Namibia
Iran, Islamic Republic of
Cameroon
French Polynesia
Guyana
Cayman Islands
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Saint Lucia
Palestinian Territory, Occupied
Greenland
Grenada
Lesotho
Vanuatu
Burkina Faso
Gabon
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Djibouti
French Guiana
Togo
Norfolk Island
Cuba
Mauritania
San Marino
Anguilla
Sierra Leone
Haiti
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Papua New Guinea
Malawi
Liberia
Probably the Gmund 040, then used by Otto Mathe to tow his ice racer
Porsche Everyday Dedeporsches Blog 