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Porsche pilots hope for improvement in the World Endurance Championship, rd 2 at Spa-Francorchamps/Belgium

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas

Stuttgart. In the qualifying for the six hour race of Spa-Francorchamps, round two of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for sports cars on the storied circuit in the Ardennes,

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas

Porsche works pilots Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) planted their Porsche 911 RSR on the sixth grid spot in the GTE-Pro class. For Saturday’s race, they share the cockpit of the number 91 car with Timo Bernhard (Germany).

Marc Lieb, Romain Dumas, Richard Lietz, Porsche AG Team Manthey

Marc Lieb, Romain Dumas, Richard Lietz, Porsche AG Team Manthey

Their works driver colleagues Marc Lieb (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) take up the race one position behind them. The third driver in the 470 hp # 92 GT racer is Richard Lietz (Austria). Porsche AG Team Manthey field both Porsche 911 RSR.
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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.

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Patrick Pilet

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Patrick Pilet

Joerg Bergmeister (#91)

“I made a small mistake in my second lap. Otherwise I could have gone a little faster. But I still pitted so that I didn’t wear the tyres too much for Patrick.”

Patrick Pilet (#91):

“The car ran very steadily and that’s good for the race. We’re not too far back and I hope that we can do even better tomorrow.”

Romain Dumas (#92):

“That qualifying wasn’t perfect. But I’m sure we’ll look better in the race.”

 

Marc Lieb (#92):

“Our car performed better than in practice so that’s a small step in the right direction. Let’s see what tomorrow’s race brings.”

Porsche AG Team Manthey

Porsche AG Team Manthey

Qualifying result
GTE-Pro class
1. Makowiecki/Bell/Senna (F/GB/BRA), Aston Martin Vantage, 2:19.811 minutes
2. Bruni/Fisichella (I/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.042 seconds
3. Kobayashi/Vilander (J/SF), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.278
4. Turner/Mücke/Dumbreck (GB/D/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, + 0.296
5. DallaLana/Stanaway/Lamy (CAN/NZ/P), Aston Martin Vantage, + 0.430
6. Bergmeister/Pilet/Bernhard (D/F/D), Porsche 911 RSR, + 0.432
7. Lieb/Lietz/Dumas (D/A/F), Porsche 911 RSR, + 1.049

GTE-Am class
1. Nygaard/Poulsen/Simonsen (DK/DK/DK), Aston Martin Vantage, 2:21.265 minutes
2. Potolicchio/Aguas/Malucelli (I/P/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.030 seconds
3. Goethe/Hall/Campbell-Walter (D/GB/GB), Aston Martin Vantage, + 0.284
4. Bornhauser/Canal/Rees (F/F/BRA), Chevrolet Corvette, + 0.480
5. Ried/Roda/Ruberti (D/I/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.425
7. Narac/Vernay (F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 2.156

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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.

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database Photo

Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press

 

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World Endurance Championship, round 2 in Spa-Francorchamps Latest Photos

Patrick Pilet, Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas, Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Joerg Bergmeister (l-r), Porsche AG Team Manthey

Patrick Pilet, Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas, Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Joerg Bergmeister (l-r), Porsche AG Team Manthey

Stuttgart. Latest photos from free practice 1 in Spa-Francorchamps, where round 2 of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) is contested on Saturday.

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas

Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Proton Competition, Christian Ried, Gianluca Roda, Paolo Ruberti

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Proton Competition, Christian Ried, Gianluca Roda, Paolo Ruberti

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Patrick Pilet, Romain Dumas, Joerg Bergmeister, Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz,Timo Bernhard (l-r), Porsche AG Team Manthey

Patrick Pilet, Romain Dumas, Joerg Bergmeister, Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz,Timo Bernhard (l-r), Porsche AG Team Manthey

 

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SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Databse
Communication Porsche AG Motorsport Press

 

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Latest Photos: Porsche Free Practice World Endurance Championship, rd 1 in Silverstone, Great Britain

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Stuttgart. Latest photos from free practice on the Silverstone Circuit, on which the first round of the World Endurance Championship WEC is contested on Sunday.

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database

Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press

 

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Porsche 911 RSR – Consequent lightweight design for 50th anniversary

Porsche 911 RSR

Porsche 911 RSR

Stuttgart. Porsche has developed a new GT race car for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Le Mans 24 Hours. The new 911 RSR is characterised by consequent lightweight design and sophisticated aerodynamics. The exceptional vehicle styling honours a very special anniversary:

Porsche 911 RSR

Porsche 911 RSR

From a bird’s eye perspective, the numbers 50 and 911 are visible. These stand for 50 years of the Porsche 911. The Porsche AG Team Manthey works squad exclusively fields two Porsche 911 RSR in the 2013 season.

Porsche 911 RSR

Porsche 911 RSR

The new 911 RSR, which is based on the seventh generation of the iconic 911 sports car, follows in the footsteps of its successful predecessor, the 911 GT3 RSR. As with the production vehicle, the wheelbase grew by about ten centimetres. A new wishbone front suspension replaces the previously used McPherson struts. Another new development from Porsche Motorsport is the particularly lightweight racing gearbox. The six gears are selected via paddles on the steering wheel. The 460 hp, 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine was taken from the predecessor and optimised in detail.

Porsche 911 RSR

Porsche 911 RSR

One of the priorities in the development of the new 911 RSR was the more evenly balanced weight distribution. The centre of gravity is also significantly lower than that of its predecessor. Carbon fibre played a crucial role in the new design. The front and rear mudguards, front and rear lids, doors, underbody, wheel arches, rear wing, dashboard and centre console are constructed from the very light and strong material. Moreover, all windows are made of particularly thin and light polycarbonate. Also contributing to the weight reduction is the lithium-ion battery known from the GT road-legal models.

Porsche 911 RSR

Porsche 911 RSR

The look of the new 911 RSR is dominated by the flared mudguards and the deep cooling air intakes at the front. With the new air ducting, the radiator is now centrally-located in the front and even more effective than in the previous model. At the same time, the cockpit air conditioning became more efficient. The quick-change concept of the body parts was specially adapted for endurance racing, allowing for easier maintenance and shorter repair times. The front end, front lid and rear panel are fitted with quick release systems and can be replaced within seconds.

Porsche 911 RSR

Porsche 911 RSR

Competing in the Porsche 911 RSR with starting number 92 are Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria), who already shared a cockpit in the 2012 WEC. At the first two races of the season in Silverstone (14.4) and Spa (4.5) as well as at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (22.6), they receive support from their works driver colleague Romain Dumas (France).

Richard Leitz

Richard Leitz

Marc Lieb

Marc Lieb

Romain Dumas

Romain Dumas

Factory pilots also drive the #91 sister car, with Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (FR)  making up a team. In Silverstone, Spa and Le Mans, the duo is joined by Timo Bernhard (Germany).

Joerg Bergmeister

Joerg Bergmeister

Timo Bernhard

Timo Bernhard

Patrick Pilet

Patrick Pilet

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database

Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press

 

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6 VIDEOS: PORSCHE JUNIOR PROGRAM – Six finalists at evaluation drive in Vallelunga, Italy

Dennis van de Laar, Connor de Phillippi, Levin Amweg, Alex Riberas Bou, Jeffrey Schmidt, Pieter Schotthorst (l. – r.), Porsche Junior Programme, Vallelunga

Press Release29/10/2012

Porsche Junior Programme …… Stay tuned for more updates from this post.

Six finalists at evaluation drive in Vallelunga

Porsche Motorsport International Scholarship

Latest video from the shootout on the Porsche press database

Stuttgart. A video from the Porsche Motorsport International Scholarship on the Autodromo di Vallelunga, which is contested today

Porsche Junior Programme

Fifth video from the final of the process on the Porsche press database

A further video from the final of the Porsche Junior process on the Autodromo di Vallelunga, which is contested on Monday and Tuesday

Porsche Junior Programme

Fourth video from the final of the process on the Porsche press database

A further video from the final of the Porsche Junior process on the Autodromo di Vallelunga, which is contested on Monday and Tuesday (10/29 & 10/30)

Stuttgart. Six young pilots aged from 18 to 20 years will front each other to determine who receives intensive support in the 2013 season as a Porsche Junior in the Carrera Cup Deutschland.

Dennis van de Laar, Pieter Schothorst, Jeffrey Schmidt, Alex Riberas Bou, Levin Amweg, Connor de Phillippi, Porsche Junior Programme, Vallelunga

Porsche Junior Programme

Third video from the final of the process on the Porsche press database

Stuttgart. A further video from the final of the Porsche Junior process on the Autodromo di Vallelunga, which is contested on Monday and Tuesday

At the finale of the international youth selection process, two Swiss drivers Levin Amweg (18) and Jeffrey Schmidt (18), two Dutchmen Dennis van de Laar (18) and Pieter Schothorst (20), a Spaniard Alex Riberas Bou (18) as well as American Connor de Philippi (19) will undertake a comprehensive test programme this Monday and Tuesday in Vallelunga (Italy) with the 450 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

Porsche Junior Programme – 6 Finalisten – 6 Finalists 
Stuttgart. A video from the final of the Porsche Junior process on the Autodromo di Vallelunga, which is contested on Monday and Tuesday,

In the lead-up, the six finalists had come out on top in an extensive selection process against young talents from around the world. Factors taken into account were fitness, mental strength, demeanour and technical understanding.

Pieter Schothorst, Dennis van de Laar, Levin Amweg, Connor de Phillippi, Alex Riberas Bou, Jeffrey Schmidt, Porsche Junior Programme, Vallelunga

Now working alongside engineers on the track, the junior drivers, all of whom were successful in various national and international formula race series, will be tested for consistent times over a race distance as well as in simulated qualifying laps. Moreover, candidates must demonstrate their skill in handling the media with television interviews and photo shoots.

Porsche Junior Programme 2013 – Second video from the final of the process
Stuttgart. A further video from the final of the Porsche Junior process on the Autodromo di Vallelunga, which is contested on Monday and Tuesday.

In the weeks following the selection process, two pilots will be chosen after careful analysis of all data and given support in their 2013 Carrera Cup Deutschland campaign as Porsche juniors. Porsche provides a large part of the season’s budget. The junior pilots choose their own race team based on a defined set of criteria from Porsche Motorsport

Dennis van de Laar, Levin Amweg, Pieter Schothorst, Connor de Phillippi, Jeffrey Schmidt, Alex Riberas Bou, PorscheJunior Programme, Vallelunga

Aside from financial funding as well as support from an experienced coach who accompanies the two drivers on and off the race track, the Porsche juniors receive assistance similar to the internationally successful Porsche factory pilots.

Fitness tests with constantly adapted training plans as well as media coaching, technical seminars and sponsor obligations are also part of the programme. In the 2012 season, both Porsche juniors Michael Christensen (Denmark) and Klaus Bachler (Austria) started the programme which initially runs for four years.

Porsche has intensively supported talented youngsters in motorsport since 1997. T

oday’s Porsche factory pilots Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, Patrick Long and Marco Holzer were trained as Porsche juniors. Other big-league names in motorsport to emerge from this scholarship programme are Dirk Müller, Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller.

SOURCE: Porsche AG media Database

Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press

 
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Posted by on October 29, 2012 in Porsche, PORSCHE JUNIOR PROGRAM

 

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What’s on the hood of every Porsche? – The complex re-production of the Porsche Crest, made in Germany

Relaunch of the original Porsche Crest from 1954 – 1973

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”.

The original crest as a quality seal.

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.

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database

 
 

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Joerg Bergmeister crowns 100th race with 1st win of the season,American Le Mans Series, rd 4 Lime Rock, USA

Joerg Bergmeister crowns 100th race with first win of the season

Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long

Stuttgart. A perfect anniversary for Joerg Bergmeister: At his 100th race in the American Le Mans Series, the Porsche works driver scored the first win of the season for Porsche. With his works driver teammate, Patrick Long (USA), he won the fiercely-competitive GT class in the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports at round four of the racing series featuring the world’s fastest sports cars. This marks his 35th victory in the American Le Mans Series and his sixth in Lime Rock.

Patrick Long, Jörg Bergmeister

The race on the short 2.478 kilometre circuit in the picturesque countryside of the US state of Connecticut, two and a half hours’ drive from New York City, was not for the faint-hearted. Fans watching from the grass banks along the track witnessed a varied race with tough battles for positions, particularly in the GT class, the heart of the American Le Mans Series.

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long

At the halfway point in the race, Patrick Long moved to the front of the strong field and handed the # 45 silver and red 911 to Joerg Bergmeister as the leader after 100 laps. Bergmeister rejoined the race in third on the narrow circuit after a pit stop, snatched the lead back after several laps and fended off all attacks to the flag. At times the first four GT vehicles were running within a mere second..

Jörg Bergmeister

“We’ve waited a long time for this win. Now we’re all off to Manhattan to celebrate,” said Joerg Bergmeister after his anniversary race.

“We made several mistakes this season, for example our pit stop in Laguna Seca, but mostly it was just bad luck that prevented us from securing podium results. Today, everything ran smoothly, from the performance of the drivers to the pit stop strategy. The Porsche is fantastic. We are still learning about setting up the RSR but today we took a giant step forward.”

Patrick Long

Patrick Long said, “We really earned this victory. It’s a great achievement to beat such a strong GT field. Thanks to the new aero kit we have more grip and a better performance compared to last year.”

Early on in the race, Falken Tire’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR driven by Bryan Sellers (USA) also led the very strong GT field for a time, only to have tyre damage in the 35th lap throw him far back down the field.

Bryan Sellers

At the flag, he and Porsche factory pilot Wolf Henzler (Germany) finished in seventh place.

Wolf Henzler

Directly behind him came the 911 fielded by Paul Miller Racing with Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA)

Sascha Maassen

Bryce Miller

as well as the second Flying Lizard Porsche with Porsche works driver Marco Holzer (Germany) and team owner Seth Neiman (USA).

Seth Neiman

Marco Holzer

In qualifying, Marco Holzer had set the second fastest time, but the stewards of the meeting banned the Porsche to start from the back of the field due to a ride height that was too low.

Round five of the American Le Mans Series takes place on 21 July in Mosport/Canada. 

Result
GT class
1. Bergmeister/Long (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 160 laps
2. Magnussen/Garcia (DK/E), Chevrolet Corvette, 160
3. Gavin/Milner (GB/USA), Chevrolet Corvette, 160
4. Sharp/van Overbeek (USA/USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, 160
5. Hand/D. Müller (USA/D), BMW E92 M3, 159
6. Auberlen/J. Müller (USA/D), BMW E92 M3, 159
7. Henzler/Sellers (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 158
8. Maassen/Miller (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 157
9. Holzer/Neiman /D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 157

GTC class
1. Keen/MacNeil (USA/USA)), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 151 laps
2. LeSaffre/Faulkner (USA/IRL), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 151
3. Welch/LeSaffre (USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 150

Points’ standings 
GT class
Drivers
1. Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner, Chevrolet, 72 laps
2. Jan Magnussen, Antonio Garcia, Chevrolet, 64
3. Joey Hand, Dirk Müller, BMW, 60
4. Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long, Porsche, 39
5. Scott Sharp, Johannes van Overbeek, Ferrari, 39
6. Bill Auberlen/Jörg Müller, BMW, 36
7. Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers, Porsche, 25
9. Sascha Maassen, Bryce Miller, Porsche, 23
10. Seth Neiman, Porsche, 20
11. Marco Holzer, Porsche, 15

Manufacturers
1. Chevrolet, 78 points
2. BMW, 68
3. Porsche, 59
4. Ferrari, 55

Teams
1. Corvette Racing, Chevrolet, 78 points
2. BMW Team RLL, BMW, 65
3. Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche, 44
5. Team Falken Tire, Porsche, 25
6. Paul Miller Racing, Porsche, 23

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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.

Source: American Le Mans Series – Porsche AG Media Press Database

Communication Porsche AG
Motorsportpress

 

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American Le Mans Series, rd 1 in Sebring, USA – Green light for new World Endurance Championship

World Endurance Championship / American Le Mans Series, round 1 in Sebring, USA

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.

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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

GTC class
1. Sean Edwards (GB), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 2:06.674 minutes
2. Damien Faulkner (IRL), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, +0.023 seconds
3. Leh Keen (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, + 0.037

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. 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.

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database

Communication Porsche AG
Motorsportpress

 

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Internet Public Auto Award for Porsche’s Gran Turismo at Geneva Motor Show

  Porsche Panamera is Europe’s most popular car for the second time  

Panamera GTS

Stuttgart. The Porsche Panamera has won the Internet Auto Award in the higher and luxury class.

Users of Internet portal AutoScout24 gave pride of place to the Gran Turismo for the second time since 2010.

Dr. Gernot Döllner, Director Product Line Panamera, accepted the evening award on behalf of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart at the Geneva Motor Show.

 

“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.

Source: Porsche AG Media Database

Product and Technology Communication
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Porsche Museum New Special Exhibition “911 Identity” – Tradition meets Innovation

Rare motor racing variants such as the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 “Safari” will also be on show.

Starting Today: New Special Exhibition “911 Identity” in the Porsche Museum

Stuttgart. For more than four decades, the Porsche 911 has been deemed an automotive icon and the very epitome of the sports car. That means that the launch of the new Type 991 is an important event for the Porsche Museum Stuttgart as well.

As a curtain raiser for 2012, the new generation is being welcomed as part of a major special exhibition from 31 January to 20 May, 2012 under the banner “911 Identity”.

The automotive retrospective of the special exhibition is rounded off by documents from the company archive that have never previously been on public display.

More than 700,000 911s have been produced in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen since it was unveiled in 1963. The recipe for its success is its uniqueness, because the 911 combines apparent contradictions such as sportiness and everyday practicality, tradition and innovation, exclusivity and social acceptance or design and functionality like no other car.

The special exhibition also showcases wheel rims from 1963 to the present day.

No wonder that each of the now seven 911 generations has written its very own success story.

As a curtain raiser for 2012, the new generation of the 911 is being displayed as part of a major special exhibition from 31 January to 20 May, 2012 under the banner “911 Identity”.

As a result, the Porsche Museum is exhibiting all the 911 generations, from the “original 911” to the new Type 991 – against the backdrop of the prevailing mood of the relevant decade or year in which the sports car icon came to market.

The Porsche Museum offers one hour themed guided tours through the special exhibition.

Rare motor racing variants such as the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 “Safari” or Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid will also be on show. In addition, to unique technical exhibits and cutaway models from Weissach, the visitor will also get to see one of the new 911 generation “Erlkings”, before being able to slide behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 Carrera at the end of the special exhibition.

In addition, to unique technical cutaway models from Weissach, the visitor will also get to see one of the new 911 generation “Erlkings”.

The special exhibition also showcases steering wheels and wheel rims from 1963 to the present day. Finally, the automotive retrospective is rounded off by documents from the company archive that have never previously been on public display.

Special Offers for Visitors

As part of the “911 Identity” special exhibition, the Porsche Museum is also expanding its guided tour offering. 911 fans can brush up their knowledge of the sports car icon during an one hour themed guided tour – after first registering with the visitor service using the e-mail address info.museum@porsche.de.

The Porsche Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is eight euro for adults, reduced admission is four euro. Children up to the age of 14 years are free provided they are accompanied by an adult.

Further information, including the special guided tours, is available online at http://www.porsche.com/museum.

 

SOURCE: Communication Porsche AG Media Database
Porsche Museum

 
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Posted by on January 31, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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VIDEO: Porsche plans return to Le Mans in 2014 – 24hr at the limit

“Motorsport was always an essential part of the Porsche brand,” emphasises Matthias Müller, President of the Executive Board at Porsche AG. “So for us it was only a matter of time before we returned as a factory to the top league of racing. Porsche’s successes in Le Mans are unrivalled. We want to follow up on this with the 17th outright victory.”

Matthias Müller, President of the Executive Board at Porsche AG

With the RS Spyder sports prototype that was run with great success from 2006 to 2008 by the factory-backed Penske Racing team in the USA and to 2010 by several customer teams worldwide, Porsche has set the benchmark recently in the LMP2 category.

“With the RS Spyder we proved that our motorsport engineers in Weissach are at the forefront,” says Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG. “For instance, we were the first to run a high-revving race engine with direct fuel injection, DFI, setting new standards in performance and efficiency. Recently, with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, we adopted a completely new drive technology for racing purposes and achieved a considerable reduction in consumption.”

Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport, is already prepared for one of the most challenging development programmes in the company’s history.

“We’re looking forward to the task of developing new technologies and to continue on with the success of the Porsche RS Spyder. After the conclusion of our works-supported sports prototype programme in the American Le Mans Series we have kept up with the latest technological advances. Now we will begin with detailed research in order to evaluate the various concept alternatives for our new car. These obviously depend on how the regulations for the year 2014 look in detail. In principle, these regulations are interesting for us because the integration of our hybrid technology in the vehicle concept is one possible option.”

Held every year since 1923, the legendary 24-hour race at Le Mans draws an annual crowd of more than 200,000 spectators to the French region of La Sarthe.

Around the world, this long-distance motor racing classic is viewed as one of the greatest challenges for man and machine. For Porsche, Le Mans is not only the place of famous victories and the ultimate proving ground. It is also their spiritual home.

Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood claimed the first overall victory for Porsche in 1970 with the legendary 917 short-tail. The 16th and by now last overall win was secured by Laurent Aiello, Stéphane Ortelli and Allan McNish in 1998 with the 911 GT1. In the years 2008 and 2009, the Porsche RS Spyder sports prototype won the title in the LMP2 category.

16 overall victories. Countless records. That’s Porsche Motorsport in Le Mans. For more than 60 years: the fastest race cars. The toughest drivers. And now: the best scenes.

Le Mans 24hr at the limit

More information to start the web special: http://www.porsche.com/microsite/lemans/international.aspx

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SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database

 

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Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet Debut with Innovative Roof Concept – Market Launch for 2012 Video

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is doubling the driving fun to be had from the new 911 Carrera by putting a Cabriolet alongside the Coupé.

The debut of the new generation of the sports car classic is being followed only a few months later by the open-top models of the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S in the new 911 design.

What the Coupé began with the new aluminium-steel body, the Cabriolet continues with the all-new, unique hood: As a result, the typical 911 roof line is initially retained in its entirety.

Even when closed up, the Cabriolet cuts a fine figure. Intelligent lightweight design, even including the use of magnesium in the hood, ensures less weight and more sportiness, lower fuel consumption and greater comfort. With the open-top 911s as well, Porsche has managed to reverse the weight spiral and make the new Cabrio models significantly lighter than its predecessors.

Each of the two new Cabriolets has the same engine as its Carrera Coupé equivalent. The rear of the 911 Carrera Cabrio houses a 3.4-litre flat engine generating 350 hp (257 kW) of power driving the rear wheels through a seven-gear manual transmission. The open-top Carrera S comes with a 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine developing 400 hp (294 kW) and also a seven-gear manual transmission featured as standard.

That means that the open-top 911s as well are distancing themselves even further from the competition in terms of efficiency; both models consume less than ten litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC). The Cabriolets as well have the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an optional extra, delivering even lower fuel consumption and shorter acceleration times.

With the longer wheelbase compared with the predecessor model, the wider front track and the new electro-mechanical power steering, the new Cabriolets offer even sportier driving characteristics, greater precision and agility. Depending on model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics.

The 911 Carrera Cabriolet will be launched in Germany on March 3, 2012. The prices for the 911 Carrera Cabriolet start in Germany with 100,532 Euros, the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet starts with 114,931 Euros including value-added tax in both cases.

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media database

 

 

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Porsche mourns Jaroslav Juhan-one of the 1st Porsche Factory Racers

Jaroslav Juhan at Buenos Aires 1000km, 1954

Stuttgart. The Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche AG is mourning the death of former factory racer on 28 Died September 2011 Jaroslav “Jerry” Juhan at the age of 89.

In the fifties, he was instrumental in making the Porsche brand known in the South American continent.

Juhan (far right) with teammates Herbert Linge, Herrmann and Porsche motorsport boss Huschke von Hanstein.

Former Porsche factory driver Jaroslav Juhan has died. Juhan, born in Prague in 1921, started his career as an importer of Italian cars and buses.He left his homeland in 1951 for the Republic of Guatemala, where he became the official importer of Porsche sports cars – and to publicize his business, he raced the vehicles he was selling.

Juhan won the Guatemalan 1953 Carrera de Pacifico in a 356 1500 Super. In a 550 Spyder, he led the 1.6-litre class of the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico later that year, though he had to retire on the seventh section due to a technical defect.

Jaroslav Juhan at Buenos Aires 1000km, 1954

Nonetheless, his performance was good enough to win him a works drive the following year: dueling with Hans Herrmann, then regarded as Porsche’s top driver, he finished just seconds behind to take second place in their class and fourth place overall behind two of the far more powerful Ferraris. The second picture above shows Juhan (far right) with teammates Herbert Linge, Herrmann and Porsche motorsport boss Huschke von Hanstein.

Later in 1954, Juhan won the 1000km race from Buenos Aires, taking fourth place overall in 1955, he scored a sixth place at Le Mans with teammate Helm Glöckler, and a fourth place in class in Buenos Aires (bottom picture). However, he always regarded himself as an amateur.

Juhan left Guatemala in 1961 due to its unstable political situation and settled in Switzerland, where  he drove a Porsche 928 S4 on-road well into his old age.

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database Public Relations
Porsche Museum
Astrid Boettinger

 

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Porsche congratulates Derek Bell – Famous works driver celebrates 70th birthday

Happy Birthday Derek Bell!

Porsche congratulates Derek Bell

Stuttgart. Derek Bell, one of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG’s most successful works drivers, will celebrate his 70th birthday on 31 October 2011.

Derek Bell (GB), five times winner at Le Mans.
He won two World Sportscar Championship titles in 1985-86, the 24 Hours of Daytona three times in 1986-87 and 1989 and Le Mans five times in 1975, 1981, 1982, 1986 and 1987, mostly teamed with Jacky Ickx in one of the Porsche 936 and Porsche 956/Porsche 962 models. Ickx/Bell is nowadays considered as one of the most famous pairings in motorsport history.

Born in Pinner, Middlesex, Great Britain in 1941, Bell is considered to be one of the most versatile and popular racing drivers of his time.

VIDEO: Derek Bell in car Porsche 956 at Nordschleife. Derek Bell drives and describes a lap in a Porsche 956 around the old Nurburgring

Matthias Müller, Porsche AG’s Chairman of the Board of Management has this to say about the birthday boy:

Derek Bell in Monza, 1983

“Derek Bell made motorsport history with Porsche. Whether it was in a 917, 936 or 956 – he was always one of the fastest and above all most reliable drivers. Derek Bell won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times for Porsche. He won the world championship twice. For that we owe him our gratitude and great respect.” ~ Matthias Müller, Porsche AG’s Chairman of the Board of Management

Derek Bell began his racing career with Lotus in 1964. In Formula 1 he then took his place on the starting grid for Ferrari in 1969. In the 1971 season he drove the Porsche 917 and 908/03 racing cars for the Porsche-Gulf team, forming a successful driver duo with Jo Siffert.

Porsche 917 KH Coupé in Spa, 1971, Drivers: Jo Siffert and Derek Bell

This was followed by appearances in the Porsche 934 and 935 in 1976 and 1977 before Derek Bell took his place on the Le Mans starting grid as a works driver in the 924 Carrera GT. In 1981, together with Jacky Ickx in the Porsche 936/81 Spyder, he won the first of his total of four Le Mans overall victories in a Porsche.

1982 saw the beginning of the Group C era with the Porsche 956 during which time Bell made his mark as one of the most successful endurance drivers of all time.

Derek Bell in Brands Hatch, 1971

VIDEO: Derek Bell in the Porsche 956 gives a running commentary at Brands Hatch.

Together with drivers such as Jacky Ickx, Stefan Bellof and Hans-Joachim-Stuck, he not merely won numerous overall victories in the Types 956 and 962 but also the World Sportscar Championship in 1985 and 1986.

Derek Bell remains in close contact with Porsche to this very day, constantly undertaking ambassadorial tasks for the Stuttgart-based sportscar manufacturer, such as for example at the Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring or at this year’s Corso to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the car.

Porsche 956 in Le Mans, 1983, Drivers: Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell

Derek Bell, driver of the #17 Rothmans Racing Porsche 962C celebrates with champagne after winning the FIA World Sportscar Championship 24 Hours of Le Mans on 14th June 1988 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Getty Images)

Photos: Haynes -  For further information, visit www.haynes.co.uk.

There’s no question that Derek Bell also remained faithful to the Porsche brand off the race track:

To this very day he can be seen on Britain’s roads driving a 1981 vintage Porsche 924 Carrera GTS.

Derek Bell’s GTS, a special one in that it has a factory fitted road interior with carpets and road seats, one of only 2 done like that.

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database
Public Relations and Media
Porsche-Museum – Astrid Böttinger

 

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Porsche misses second grid row by one thousandth of a second – ALMS Monterey Round 8

Stuttgart. That was close: In the hotly-contested qualifying for the six-hour race in Laguna Seca/California, Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA) missed a second row grid spot by just one-thousandth of a second. Piloting the Flying Lizard Motorsports’ Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, which he shares with his works driver teammate Joerg Bergmeister for the eighth round of the American Le Mans Series on Saturday, Long set the fifth quickest time. Last year, the reigning GT champions won the classic in the dunes of Monterey.

“Our car’s balance is very good,” said Patrick Long. “Between the final practice and the qualifying we changed a couple of things on the car and that worked well. My quickest lap was perfect. We have an excellent set-up for the race.”

At the wheel of Falken Tire’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, the winning car at Mid-Ohio and Baltimore, Bryan Sellers (USA) posted the ninth quickest time. He contests the race with Porsche factory pilot Wolf Henzler (Germany). “We didn’t have an optimal set-up today, but we know that our car and the tyres will perform much better in the race than in the qualifying,” explained Bryan Sellers. Wolf Henzler added: “The circuit was very cold over the last days. Today we have sun and the asphalt temperatures were suddenly much higher. That changed everything. Our team still simply lacks the experience of reacting to such changes in a short timeframe.”

The innovative Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0, with which the Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France) and Richard Lietz (Austria) conduct further tests at Laguna Seca, did not take part in the qualifying. At its debut on the West Coast of the USA, the vehicle is not eligible for points and starts from the back of the grid. At the final free practice, however, it demonstrated its huge potential turning the third quickest lap of all GT vehicles.

“We’ve improved the car step by step,” said Romain Dumas. “It’s a shame that we weren’t permitted to join the qualifying, we could have done with the extra practice for finding a good set-up. I last drove the car at Road Atlanta. Compared to last year’s version, the 2.0 has made huge progress.” Richard Lietz commented: “Okay, we have to start from the back tomorrow, but that is not a decisive handicap over a six hour race. I’m looking forward to showing the fans in the States how much fun a hybrid car can be because it’s efficient and quick swift at the same time.”

The race starts on Saturday at 13.30 hrs local time (22.30 hrs CEST) and is broadcast live on http://www.americanlemans.com/live.

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Qualifying result

GT class
1. Joey Hand (USA), BMW M3 GT, 1:22.226 minutes
2. Oliver Gavin (GB), Chevrolet Corvette, + 0.898 seconds
3. Bill Auberlen (USA), BMW M3 GT, + 0.906
4. Guy Cosmo (USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 1.141
5. Patrick Long (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.142
6. Johannes van Overbeek (USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 1.160
9. Bryan Sellers (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.532
10. Sascha Maassen (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.907
12. Seth Neiman (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 5.603

GTC class
1. Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 1:27.850 minutes

Facts and Figures

This is the American Le Mans Series

The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race.

GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR).
GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. 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 an 825 kg minimum weight.
LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.

All classes start together but are classified separately. This ensures racing that is exciting and constantly changing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are awarded only for placings in each class.

SOURCE:Porsche AG Media Database

Public Relations and Media
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Porsche launches campaign accompanying world premiere of the new 911

Advertising campaign “Porsche Identity. The new 911.”

 

Sophisticated 3D animations and spectacular images communicate Porsche identity

Stuttgart. Right on cue for the world premiere of the new 911 Carrera at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is launching a multimedia firework extravaganza. TV spots, adverts, film clips and web specials featuring spectacular images and sophisticated 3D animations will showcase the Porsche identity.

Because the 911 icon personifies what the Porsche brand stands for like no other model: tradition and innovation, performance and practicality, design and functionality, exclusivity and social acceptance.

Webspecials “Porsche Identity. The new 911.”

The new TV spot relates what you get when you pack loads of good ideas into a lump of metal. A metal plate acts as a projection screen for the most emotional moments in Porsche history, and begins to change shape in response. Racing victories, engineering achievements, customer adulation, the childhood dream of the sports car – all this forges the metal, in a unique way, further and further again into the new 911, which is finally released into the real world.

The 30-second TV spot, combining historical film material and new pictures, was created entirely in CGI technology – a 3D animation that was behind the spectacular effects in the cinema blockbuster “Avatar”.

App “Porsche Identity. The new 911.”

The film sequences entailed an odyssey along breathtaking Californian coast roads, through the Redwood National Park with its impressive giant trees, through the Sierra Nevada, the searing midday heat and icy night-time cold of Death Valley. In twelve days, the 75-strong crew covered 2,500 miles and produced 15,000 metres of film material.

The photo shoot for the advertising campaign involved six weeks in New Zealand, where the varied, unspoilt landscapes provided the ideal backdrop for the 911. All the shots depict the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S together but with one model always dominating, drawing the beholder’s attention to the new design details.

The 911 experience is what counts on the Internet and on mobile platforms. A special 360° flight around the vehicle at www.porsche.com shows all the technical details, and the driving dynamics can be experienced at first hand in a virtual test drive at the wheel of the 911.

SOURCE: Public Relations and Media
Corporate Press

 

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Porsche’s crowd-puller: The new 911 Carrera-2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show


Porsche at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show with four world premieres

Stuttgart. With the new 911 Carrera, the next completely redeveloped generation of the sports car classic by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, celebrates its world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.

The sports car icon is stepping into the limelight with its flat, stretched silhouette, exciting contours and precisely designed details, yet from the very first glance it remains unmistakably a 911. True to the 911 tradition, the distinctive Porsche design language with its tendons and muscles exudes power and elegance. The 100 millimetre (3.94 inch) longer wheelbase and reduced height combined with the up to 20-inch wheels underpin the athletic appearance.

Setting the standard in its class, as it has for generations, the new 911 raises the performance and efficiency bar yet again. All Coupés get by with significantly less than ten litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Fuel consumption and emissions are up to 16 per cent lower compared with its predecessor. The Carrera with the new 350 hp (257 kW) 3.4-litre boxer engine and optional Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) consumes a mere 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres based on the NEDC – 1.6 l/100 km less than its predecessor. Also, at 194 g/km CO2, it is the first Porsche sports car to make it below the 200 g/km mark.

911 Carrera S

With the Carrera S as well, with its 3.8-litre boxer engine and what is now 400 hp (294 kW), fuel consumption when paired with the optional PDK is reduced by 14 per cent or 1.5 l/100 km to 8.7 l/100 km despite 15 hp (11 kW) more power. That equates to CO2 emissions of 205 g/km.

The all-new, lightweight body is an intelligent aluminium-steel construction. It is responsible for a significant proportion of the weight reduction of up to 45 kilograms. New active control systems elevate driving dynamics to an unprecedented level. The new electro-mechanical power steering offers Porsche’s typical precision and feedback, and also helps to economise on fuel. Moreover, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission is featured as standard. Additional systems and functions such as auto start/stop, thermal management and electrical system recuperation further enhance the new Carrera’s efficiency.

Also celebrating a world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show is the Panamera Diesel, the long-range cruiser in Porsche’s Gran Turismo stable with an impressive turn of speed. With a range in excess of 1,200 kilometres on a full 80 litre tank, it is a good bet as a distinctly economical GT saloon thanks to its fuel consumption of only 6.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres based on the NEDC with optional low-friction tyres.

Panamera Diesel

The new Panamera Diesel is powered by a smooth-running, three-litre V6 250 hp (184 kW) engine and a brawny maximum torque of 550 Newton metres. Power transmission is handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

911 GT3 RS 4.0

With the 911 GT3 RS 4.0, which is making its debut in front of an international public in Frankfurt, one of the most popular, coveted and successful Porsche racing pedigree production cars is entering the home straight.

Limited to 600 vehicles, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 brings together in a road car all the attributes that have made the Porsche 911 GT3 a serial winner on the race track.

The four-litre displacement sports engine, the largest engine ever used in a production 911, produces 500 hp (368 kW). At 125 hp per litre, the engine is also the most powerful naturally aspirated engine. This propels the 911 GT2 RS 4.0 around the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:27 minutes.

The Cayman S Black Edition limited to 500 units is also celebrating its debut in Frankfurt. The all-black, mid-engine Coupé boasts even better performance than the Cayman S and offers especially lavish equipment. The Cayman S Black Edition is powered by a 3.4-litre flat-six engine with power output increased by 10 hp to 330 hp (243 kW). The greater power feeds directly through into the two-seater’s performance. The acceleration times from nought to 100 km/h (62 mph) are improved to 5.1 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission and to 5.0 seconds with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK).

Cayman S Black Edition

The world premieres are accompanied by two vehicles, which provide impressive proof of the tradition and future of Porsche Intelligent Performance. The Boxster E and the legendary “Semper Vivus”, the world’s first fully-functional, full-hybrid car. The Boxster E, with one electric motor apiece on front and rear axle, runs on purely electric power with four-wheel drive and is equivalent to a Boxster S in terms of driving dynamics. Together with two other Boxster Es, in which an electric motor drives the rear wheels, the prototype is being used to explore the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles and how they are used, especially in terms of driving and battery charging.

The faithful reconstruction of the “Semper Vivus” pays tribute to the visionary invention of Ferdinand Porsche, who in building it in 1900 created the first ever functional vehicle with a series hybrid drive. The faithful replica, the visionary design of which impresses to this very day, was the outcome of a collaboration between Porsche Engineering and Karosseriebau Drescher, a coachbuilding company based in Hinterzarten (Germany).

Porsche looks forward to welcoming its visitors, prospective purchasers and customers at the IAA Motor Show in Hall 3.0, Stand A12. The press conference will take place on September 13th at the Porsche Stand.

SOURCE: Public Relations and Media
Technology Press

 

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Jörg Kerner appointed as new director of power train development at Porsche

Jörg Kerner, Director power train development

Change in power train development division

Stuttgart. With effect from October 2011, Jörg Kerner will be heading up the power train development division for Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart at the Weissach Development Centre. The 41-year-old succeeds Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neußer, who at the same time takes charge of power train development at the Volkswagen brand.

Jörg Kerner worked for Robert Bosch GmbH from 1986 to 2004 where his responsibilities included various Audi projects in the petrol engine control and application area. The engineering graduate joined Audi AG in 2004, where Jörg Kerner built up the engine and transmission electronics design, software and functional development division, managing it until 2009. The engine developer subsequently took over the power train electrification division at Audi.

SOURCE: Public Relations and Media
Corporate Press

 

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Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, rd 7- F1 race in Budapest/Hungary-Kuba Giermaziak 50th Supercup winner

Kuba Giermaziak 50th Supercup winner

Start – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

Stuttgart. In a turbulent rain race, Kuba Giermaziak celebrated his maiden victory in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup on the Hungaroring near Budapest.

Kuba Giermaziak (PL) – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

With his win, the Pole goes down in the successful history of the world’s fastest international one-make race series as the 50th winner out of 201 races contested so far.

Kuba Giermaziak (PL) – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

Kuba Giermaziak (PL) – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

At the wheel of his 450 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, which is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 RS street sports car, the VERVA Racing pilot put in a brilliant drive to outpace Dutchman Jeroen Bleekemolen (Team Abu Dhabi by tolimit) by 18.783 seconds.

Kuba Giermaziak (PL) – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

Third place was enough for Bleekemolen’s British teammate Sean Edwards to snatch the championship lead.

Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL), Kuba Giermaziak (PL), Sean Edwards (GB) Porsche Mobil1 Supercup

Kuba Giermaziak claimed the maiden win for a Polish and East European driver by a huge margin, very rarely seen in this fiercely-contested championship. Many young pilots have used the one-make series run as support to the Formula 1 as a launching platform for extremely successful careers in international GT racing and attracted attention with performances similar to that of the youngest driver in the field at 21 years. Taking up the sprint from fifth on the grid, Giermaziak immediately shot past the first rivals and already after one lap had moved into third place. In lap four he had snatched the lead.

During the first laps on the wet Grand Prix circuit, positions changed almost by the second. Kévin Estre, the French Supercup newcomer driving for Hermes Attempto Racing, made the most of his pole position and initially defended his lead.

Kevin Estre (F) – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

When he visited the gravel in the lap one, René Rast (Germany) took his place at the front. But under such difficult conditions the points’ leader from VELTINS Lechner Racing made several mistakes and fell back in the field. Over the course of the race, the title defender had to let more opponents past. With four laps to the flag, technical problems forced the German into retirement, which robbed him of his overall points’ lead.

Nick Tandy also came away from the seventh round with a disappointing result. Driving for Konrad Motorsport, the Briton spun in the second lap and lost touch with the front-runners. Crossing the finish line in ninth, last year’s vice-champion very likely has to bury his title aspirations completely.

Meanwhile at the front, Kuba Giermaziak continued to pull away from his pursuers. With his VERVA Racing team, he had previously tested in the rain on the Hungaroring. Team boss Timo Rumpfkeil could implement the insight gained from this almost 1:1 in the race.

Behind the leader, Sean Edwards and Kévin Estre managed to fend off any attacks for quite some time before the Frenchman made some errors and lost contact to the front-runners to finish in fifth. For the Briton, this didn’t bring much relief.

Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL), Sean Edwards (GB) – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

His teammate Jeroen Bleekemolen put him under immense pressure from behind to finally pass him shortly before the finish in the final lap to snatch second. For the two-time Supercup winner, this marked his first podium result so far this season.

Behind the Team Abu Dhabi by tolimit duo, Norbert Siedler’s stunning chase through the field was rewarded with fourth place.

Norbert Siedler (A) – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

Taking up the race from tenth place after a poor qualifying, VELTINS Lechner Racing sent the Austrian as well as René Rast into the race on brand new rain tyres. With sixth, Robert Lukas yielded his best result this season behind his teammate Kévin Estre.

Kuba Giermaziak (PL) – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

Kuba Giermaziak (winner):

Kuba Giermaziak (PL) – Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – GP Ungarn 2011

“I’m absolutely delighted with my first victory in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, and my biggest thanks go to my team. It’s incredible how hard the boys work to put a perfect car on the track for us at every race. We tested here in Budapest, luckily in rain, and that paid off. We knew we’d do very well on the wet circuit, but we hadn’t anticipated that we’d do it with such a huge advantage. Despite the awful weather conditions I didn’t make any mistakes. I’m particularly pleased for the many Polish fans who came so far this weekend to support us. Thank you all very much.”

Jeroen Bleekemolen (second):

“What a great race. I started from seventh, struggled with grip at the start and lost two places. But I crawled my way up lap by lap with a couple of good overtaking manoeuvres – huge fun! I tried to be cautious with my tyres over the whole distance, even during the formation lap, and it proved very helpful at the end when the track dried up, particularly for overtaking Sean.”

Sean Edwards (third):

“Now that was one crazy race. I had a lot of fun. The grip wasn’t really great over the distance and I had to fight hard to defend my position. But there was nothing I could do about Jeroen. Still, I’m totally happy. Both cars from Abu Dhabi by tolimit on the podium, the first time this season – that’s a great result. I’m hoping we can continue like this at the next race in Spa. The championship is really exciting now.”

Race result
1. Kuba Giermaziak (PL) VERVA Racing Team, 30:12.507 minutes
2. Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL), Team Abu Dhabi by tolimit, + 18.783 seconds
3. Sean Edwards (GB), Team Abu Dhabi by tolimit, + 19.449
4. Norbert Siedler (A), VELTINS Lechner Racing, + 21.931
5. Kévin Estre (F), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 23.112
6. Robert Lukas (PL), Hermes Attempto Racing, + 24.539

Drivers’ classification after 7 of 11 races
1. Sean Edwards (GB), 106 points
2. René Rast (D), 105
3. Norbert Siedler (A), 97
4. Kuba Giermaziak (PL), 90
5. Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL), 86
6. Nick Tandy (GB), 79

Round 8 of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup takes place on 28 August as support to the Formula 1 race in Spa-Francorchamps/Belgium.

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database
Public Relations and Media
Motor and Sports Press

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Go-ahead for the extension of the new R & D Porsche site in Weissach

Weissach R&D – Picture of site – (l.-r.): Walter Uhl, Chairman of Works Council of Porsche Weissach, Thomas Fritsch, Mayor of Mönsheim, Ursula Kreutel, Mayor of Weissach, Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG, Wolfgang Hatz, Board member in charge of Research and Development of Porsche AG and Uwe Hück, Chairman of the Group Works Council of Porsche AG.

First cut of the spade in Weissach: start of extensive building work at the Development Centre

Stuttgart. With the symbolic first cut of the spade, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, today heralded the start of the extension of its Research and Development Centre in Weissach (Baden-Württemberg).

Research and Development Centre in Weissach (Baden-Württemberg)

The site is being enlarged through the addition of a highly modern design studio, a high-tech wind tunnel and an electronics integration centre. Porsche is investing around 150 million euro in this respect. Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Board of Management, welcomed Ursula Kreutel, Mayor of Weissach, Thomas Fritsch, Mayor of Mönsheim, Roland Bernhard, Chief Executive of the Böblingen District, and Karl Röckinger, Chief Executive of the Enz District, at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Research and Development Centre in Weissach (Baden-Württemberg)

“The extension of our Development Centre is a good, far-sighted investment in the future of Porsche”, said Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG. “The expansion being made by Porsche in Weissach also represents a clear commitment to Baden-Württemberg as an industrial location.

” Uwe Hück, Chairman of the Group Works Council, added: “These investments which we agreed in July 2010 to safeguard the site – ‘Independence through competitive advantage’ – will not only protect the jobs of our permanent staff, but will actually increase the number of permanent jobs. This will strengthen the independence of Porsche.”

Research and Development Centre in Weissach (Baden-Württemberg)

The new wind tunnel will also enable the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer to cope with technological challenges in vehicle development in future.

“Good aerodynamics make a major contribution towards low fuel consumption and high performance – both of which are important aspects in implementing Porsche Intelligent Performance”, said Wolfgang Hatz, Board member in charge of Research and Development of Porsche AG.

The new electronics integration centre will combine segments which were previously spread over several buildings.

“Our objective is also to continue developing electric and hybrid technology. We are creating the ideal conditions for attaining this objective with our new electronics integration centre”, added Hatz.

“Thanks to Porsche, we have the highest per capita trade tax revenue in the whole of Germany. The town will also profit from the extension of the Development Centre”, said Ursula Kreutel, Mayor of Weissach with confidence. Thomas Fritsch, Mayor of Mönsheim, agreed with his fellow Mayor: “Porsche is a great addition for the surrounding towns. We are therefore now all the more delighted with the extension of the Research Centre.”

Research and Development Centre in Weissach (Baden-Württemberg)

In addition to the extension of the site, Porsche is starting a wide-ranging human resources campaign. In the first six months of 2011, the company recruited well over 100 new engineers. Over 100 new employees will also be appointed by the end of 2011 in order to support the around 3,400 staff currently working in Weissach.

The new offices and the design studio will probably be ready for occupation in summer 2013. The wind tunnel will be completed in the first six months of 2014.

SOURCE: Porsche AG Media Database

Public Relations and Media
Corporate Press
Dirk Erat

 

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